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Hyper-trabeculation or non-compaction in the left ventricle of the myocardium (LVNC) is a recently classified form of cardiomyopathy. Several methods have been proposed to quantify the trabeculae accurately in the left ventricle, but there is no general agreement in the medical community to use a particular approach. In the previous work, we proposed DL-LVTQ, a deep-learning approach for left ventricular trabecular quantification based on a U-Net CNN architecture. In this work, we have extended and adapted DL-LVTQ to cope with patients with different particularities and cardiomyopathies. Patient images were taken from different scanners and hospitals. We have modified and adapted the U-Net convolutional neural network to account for the different particularities of a heterogeneous group of patients with multiple cardiomyopathies and inherited cardiomyopathies. The inclusion of new groups of patients has increased the accuracy, specificity and Kappa values while maintaining the sensitivity of the proposed method. Therefore, a better-prepared diagnosis tool is ready for various cardiomyopathies with different characteristics. Cardiologists have considered that 98.9% of the evaluated outputs are verified clinically for diagnosis. Therefore, the high precision to segment the different cardiac structures allows us to make a robust diagnostic system objective and faster, decreasing human error and time spent.

Abstract Aims Hypertonic saline solution (HSS) plus intravenous (IV) loop diuretic appears to enhance the diuretic response in patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF). The efficacy and safety of this therapy in the ambulatory setting have not been evaluated. We aimed to describe the design and baseline characteristics of the SALT‐HF trial participants. Methods and results ‘Efficacy of Saline Hypertonic Therapy in Ambulatory Patients with HF’ (SALT‐HF) trial was a multicenter, double‐blinded, and randomized study involving ambulatory patients who experienced worsening heart failure (WHF) without criteria for hospitalization. Enrolled patients had to present at least two signs of volume overload, use ≥ 80 mg of oral furosemide daily, and have elevated natriuretic peptides. Patients were randomized 1:1 to treatment with a 1‐h infusion of IV furosemide plus HSS (2.6–3.4% NaCl depending on plasmatic sodium levels) versus a 1‐h infusion of IV furosemide at the same dose (125–250 mg, depending on basal loop diuretic dose). Clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters were collected at baseline and after 7 days, and a telephone visit was planned after 30 days. The primary endpoint was 3‐h diuresis after treatment started. Secondary endpoints included (a) 7‐day changes in congestion data, (b) 7‐day changes in kidney function and electrolytes, (c) 30‐day clinical events (need of IV diuretic, HF hospitalization, cardiovascular mortality, all‐cause mortality or HF‐hospitalization). Results A total of 167 participants [median age, 81 years; interquartile range (IQR), 73–87, 30.5% females] were randomized across 13 sites between December 2020 and March 2023. Half of the participants (n = 82) had an ejection fraction >50%. Most patients showed a high burden of comorbidities, with a median Charlson index of 3 (IQR: 2–4). Common co‐morbidities included diabetes mellitus (41%, n = 69), atrial fibrillation (80%, n = 134), and chronic kidney disease (64%, n = 107). Patients exhibited a poor functional NYHA class (69% presenting NYHA III) and several signs of congestion. The mean composite congestion score was 4.3 (standard deviation: 1.7). Ninety per cent of the patients (n = 151) presented oedema and jugular engorgement, and 71% (n = 118) showed lung B lines assessed by ultrasound. Median inferior vena cava diameter was 23 mm, (IQR: 21–25), and plasmatic levels of N‐terminal‐pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) and antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) were increased (median NT‐proBNP 4969 pg/mL, IQR: 2508–9328; median CA125 46 U/L, IQR: 20–114). Conclusions SALT‐HF trial randomized 167 ambulatory patients with WHF and will determine whether an infusion of hypertonic saline therapy plus furosemide increases diuresis and improves decongestion compared to equivalent furosemide administration alone.

The development of reduced models provide efficient methods that can be used to perform short term experimental data analysis or narrow down the parametric range of more sophisticated numerical approaches. Reduced models are derived by simplifying the physics description with the goal of retaining only the essential ingredients required to reproduce the phenomena under study. This is the role of the gyro-fluid code FAR3d, dedicated to analyze the linear and nonlinear stability of Alfvén Eigenmodes (AE), Energetic Particle Modes (EPM) and magnetic-hydrodynamic modes as pressure gradient driven mode (PGDM) and current driven modes (CDM) in nuclear fusion devices. Such analysis is valuable for improving the plasma heating efficiency and confinement; this can enhance the overall device performance. The present review is dedicated to a description of the most important contributions of the FAR3d code in the field of energetic particles (EP) and AE/EPM stability. FAR3d is used to model and characterize the AE/EPM activity measured in fusion devices as LHD, JET, DIII-D, EAST, TJ-II and Heliotron J. In addition, the computational efficiency of FAR3d facilitates performing massive parametric studies leading to the identification of optimization trends with respect to the AE/EPM stability. This can aid in identifying operational regimes where AE/EPM activity is avoided or minimized. This technique is applied to the analysis of optimized configurations with respect to the thermal plasma parameters, magnetic field configuration, external actuators and the effect of multiple EP populations. In addition, the AE/EPM saturation phase is analyzed, taking into account both steady-state phases and bursting activity observed in LHD and DIII-D devices. The nonlinear calculations provide: the induced EP transport, the generation of zonal structures as well as the energy transfer towards the thermal plasma and between different toroidal/helical families. Finally, FAR3d is used to forecast the AE/EPM stability in operational scenarios of future devices as ITER, CFETR, JT60SA and CFQS as well as possible approaches to optimization with respect to variations in the most important plasma parameters.

Abstract Haloscopes, microwave resonant cavities utilized in detecting dark matter axions within powerful static magnetic fields, are pivotal in modern astrophysical research. This paper delves into the realm of cylindrical geometries, investigating techniques to augment volume and enhance compatibility with dipole or solenoid magnets. The study explores volume constraints in two categories of haloscope designs: those reliant on single cavities and those employing multicavities. In both categories, strategies to increase the expanse of elongated structures are elucidated. For multicavities, the optimization of space within magnets is explored through 1D configurations. Three subcavity stacking approaches are investigated, while the foray into 2D and 3D geometries lays the groundwork for future topological developments. The results underscore the efficacy of these methods, revealing substantial room for progress in cylindrical haloscope design. Notably, an elongated single cavity design attains a three-order magnitude increase in volume compared to a WC-109 standard waveguide-based single cavity. Diverse prototypes featuring single cavities, 1D, 2D, and 3D multicavities highlight the feasibility of leveraging these geometries to magnify the volume of tangible haloscope implementations.

Abstract Haloscopes are resonant cavities that serve as detectors of dark matter axions when they are immersed in a strong static magnetic field. In order to increase the volume and improve space compatibility with dipole or solenoid magnets for axion searches, various haloscope design techniques for rectangular geometries are discussed in this study. The volume limits of two types of haloscopes are explored: those based on single cavities and those based on multicavities. In both cases, possibilities for increasing the volume of long and/or tall structures are presented. For multicavities, 1D geometries are explored to optimise the space in the magnets. Also, 2D and 3D geometries are introduced as a first step in laying the foundations for the development of these kinds of topologies. The results prove the usefulness of the developed methods, evidencing the ample room for improvement in rectangular haloscope designs nowadays. A factor of three orders of magnitude improvement in volume compared with a single cavity based on the WR-90 standard waveguide is obtained with the design of a long and tall single cavity. Similar procedures have been applied for long and tall multicavities. Experimental measurements are shown for prototypes based on tall multicavities and 2D structures, demonstrating the feasibility of using these types of geometries to increase the volume of real haloscopes.

Abstract Iberian pigs and its crosses are produced to obtain high-quality meat products. The objective of this work was to evaluate a wide panel of DNA markers, selected by biological and functional criteria, for association with traits related to muscle growth, fatness, meat quality and metabolism. We used 18 crossbred Iberian pigs with divergent postnatal growth patterns for whole genome sequencing and SNP discovery, with over 13 million variants being detected. We selected 1023 missense SNPs located on annotated genes and showing different allele frequencies between pigs with makerdly different growth patterns. We complemented this panel with 192 candidate SNPs obtained from literature mining and from muscle RNAseq data. The selected markers were genotyped in 480 Iberian × Duroc pigs from a commercial population, in which phenotypes were obtained, and an association study was performed for the 1005 successfully genotyped SNPs showing segregation. The results confirmed the effects of several known SNPs in candidate genes (such as LEPR, ACACA, FTO, LIPE or SCD on fatness, growth and fatty acid composition) and also disclosed interesting effects of new SNPs in less known genes such as LRIG3, DENND1B, SOWAHB, EPHX1 or NFE2L2 affecting body weight, average daily gain and adiposity at different ages, or KRT10, NLE1, KCNH2 or AHNAK affecting fatness and FA composition. The results provide a valuable basis for future implementation of marker-assisted selection strategies in swine and contribute to a better understanding of the genetic architecture of relevant traits.

In reactor-relevant plasmas, neoclassical transport drives an outward particle flux in the core of large stellarators and predicts strongly hollow density profiles. However, this theoretical prediction is contradicted by experiments. In particular, in Wendelstein 7-X, the first large optimized stellarator, flat or weakly peaked density profiles are generally measured, indicating that neoclassical theory is not sufficient and that an inward contribution to the particle flux is missing in the core. In this Research Letter, it is shown that the turbulent contribution to the particle flux can explain the difference between experimental measurements and neoclassical predictions. The results of this Research Letter also prove that theoretical and numerical tools are approaching the level of maturity needed for the prediction of equilibrium density profiles in stellarator plasmas, which is a fundamental requirement for the design of operation scenarios of present devices and future reactors.

Abstract We present results of the Relic Axion Dark-Matter Exploratory Setup (RADES), a detector which is part of the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST), searching for axion dark matter in the 34.67 μeV mass range. A radio frequency cavity consisting of 5 sub-cavities coupled by inductive irises took physics data inside the CAST dipole magnet for the first time using this filter-like haloscope geometry. An exclusion limit with a 95% credibility level on the axion-photon coupling constant of g aγ ≳ 4 × 10 −13 GeV −1 over a mass range of 34.6738 μeV < m a < 34.6771 μeV is set. This constitutes a significant improvement over the current strongest limit set by CAST at this mass and is at the same time one of the most sensitive direct searches for an axion dark matter candidate above the mass of 25 μeV. The results also demonstrate the feasibility of exploring a wider mass range around the value probed by CAST-RADES in this work using similar coherent resonant cavities.

Mountain glaciers have generally experienced an accelerated retreat over the last 3 decades as a rapid response to current global warming. However, the response to previous warm periods in the Holocene is not well-described for glaciers of the southern Europe mountain ranges, such as the Pyrenees. The situation during the Medieval Climate Anomaly (900–1300 CE) is particularly relevant since it is not certain whether the southern European glaciers just experienced significant ice loss or whether they actually disappeared. We present here the first chronological study of a glacier located in the Central Pyrenees (NE Spain), Monte Perdido Glacier (MPG), carried out by different radiochronological techniques and a comparison with geochemical proxies from neighbouring palaeoclimate records. The chronological model evidences that the glacier persisted during the Roman period and the Medieval Climate Anomaly. The apparent absence of ice in the past ∼ 600 years suggests that any ice accumulated during the Little Ice Age has since ablated. This interpretation is supported by measured concentrations of anthropogenic metals, including Zn, Se, Cd, Hg and Pb, which have concentrations well below those typical of industrial-age ice measured at other glaciers in Europe. This study strengthens the general understanding that warming of the past few decades has been exceptional for the past 2 millennia.

Abstract RADES (Relic Axion Detector Exploratory Setup) is a project with the goal of directly searching for axion dark matter above the 30μeV scale employing custom-made microwave filters in magnetic dipole fields. Currently RADES is taking data at the LHC dipole of the CAST experiment. In the long term, the RADES cavities are envisioned to take data in the BabyIAXO magnet. In this article we report on the modelling, building and characterisation of an optimised microwave-filter design with alternating irises that exploits maximal coupling to axions while being scalable in length without suffering from mode-mixing. We develop the mathematical formalism and theoretical study which justifies the performance of the chosen design. We also point towards the applicability of this formalism to optimise the MADMAX dielectric haloscopes.

En este artículo se estudia el efecto que produce el sistema de suspensión sobre la estabilidad al vuelco y la capacidad de direccionamiento en un robot móvil Skid Steer, cuando este se enfrenta a distintas discontinuidades del terreno: descenso (frontal y lateral) y ascenso sobre escalones, además del desplazamiento sobre zanjas. Específicamente, se estudió el instante cuando se generan cargas de impacto producto del movimiento del robot sobre la irregularidad del terreno. En cada caso se hizo un análisis correlacional del efecto sobre la estabilidad al vuelco y el direccionamiento (cuantificadas con métricas fundamentadas en las fuerzas de reacción de las ruedas con el suelo), al variar cuatro parámetros que definen el sistema de suspensión: constante de rigidez en los resortes, constante de amortiguamiento en los amortiguadores y las constantes de rigidez y amortiguamiento en las ruedas. Por último se estimó para cada caso, qué magnitudes deberían adquirir estos parámetros para garantizar una mejor estabilidad y direccionamiento del robot.

Abstract PRIMAGE is one of the largest and more ambitious research projects dealing with medical imaging, artificial intelligence and cancer treatment in children. It is a 4-year European Commission-financed project that has 16 European partners in the consortium, including the European Society for Paediatric Oncology, two imaging biobanks, and three prominent European paediatric oncology units. The project is constructed as an observational in silico study involving high-quality anonymised datasets (imaging, clinical, molecular, and genetics) for the training and validation of machine learning and multiscale algorithms. The open cloud-based platform will offer precise clinical assistance for phenotyping (diagnosis), treatment allocation (prediction), and patient endpoints (prognosis), based on the use of imaging biomarkers, tumour growth simulation, advanced visualisation of confidence scores, and machine-learning approaches. The decision support prototype will be constructed and validated on two paediatric cancers: neuroblastoma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. External validation will be performed on data recruited from independent collaborative centres. Final results will be available for the scientific community at the end of the project, and ready for translation to other malignant solid tumours.

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second cause of tumour mortality in Spain and Europe. To date, no studies have been conducted in Spain to evaluate the spatial and temporal distribution of the excess risk of death during hospitalisation for CRC. Methods A cohort was constructed of all episodes of hospitalisation in Spain due to CRC (codes 153 and 154 of the International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition, Clinical Modification) during the period 2008–2014, based on the minimum basic data set published by the Ministry of Health. Mortality ratios were calculated per region for each of the years analyzed (spatial or cross-sectional analysis) and during the overall study period, for each region independently (temporal or longitudinal analysis). In the first of these analyses, particular note was taken of the regions and years in which the limits of two and three standard deviations were exceeded. Results Two hundred and fifty eight thousand, nine hundred and twenty seven episodes of CRC were analysed. The patients were predominantly male (60.6%), with an average hospital stay of 13.16 days. Half underwent surgery during admission and on average presented more than six diagnoses at discharge. The spatial analysis revealed mortality ratios that deviated by at least three standard deviations in the following regions: Islas Canarias, Asturias, Valencia, Extremadura, País Vasco and Andalucía. The longitudinal analysis showed that most regions presented one or more years when CRC mortality was at least 15% higher than expected during the period; outstanding in this respect were Asturias, Navarra and La Rioja, where this excess risk was detected in at least 2 years. Conclusions Geographic and temporal patterns of the distribution of the excess risk of mortality from CRC in Spain are described using SMRs. We conclude that during the study period, the geographic pattern of mortality in Spain did not coincide with the excess risk of mortality calculated using the SMR method described by Jarman and Foster. This method of risk estimation can be a useful tool for the study of mortality risk and its spatial variations.

Introduction. In a degenerative disorder such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), it is important to establish clinical stages that allow to know the course of the disease. Our aim was to analyze whether a scale combining Hoehn and Yahr’s motor stage (H&Y) and the nonmotor symptoms burden (NMSB) (assessed by the nonmotor symptoms scale (NMSS)) provides information about the disability and the patient’s quality of life (QoL) with regard to a defined clinical stage. Materials and Methods. Cross-sectional study in which 603 PD patients from the COPPADIS cohort were classified according to H&Y (1, stage I; 2, stage II; 3, stage III; 4, stage IV/V) and NMSB (A: NMSS = 0–20; B: NMSS = 21–40; C: NMSS = 41–70; D: NMSS ≥ 71) in 16 stages (HY.NMSB, from 1A to 4D). QoL was assessed with the PDQ-39SI, PQ-10, and EUROHIS-QOL8 and disability with the Schwab&England ADL (Activities of Daily Living) scale. Results. A worse QoL and greater disability were observed at a higher stage of H&Y and NMSB (p

A completed hedgerow of cv. Arbequina and a youth vase trained orchard of cv. Picual were fertilized with foliar applications of Phosphorus (P) or Potassium (K) throughout four seasons. The orchards were located near Valdepeñas in the dry area of La Mancha (Spain). Vegetative growth, yield and oil quality were evaluated. Foliar treatments did not increase P or K leaf concentration. Most of the evaluated parameters were not significantly affected by treatments. It was observed that the P treatment increased olive growth and oil yield in both orchards and in certain seasons due to an increment in fruit number. P and K application significantly increased ‘Arbequina’ olive and oil yield in 2008 when spring was wetter than the other years. Oil quality was not modified by fertilizer treatments in the ‘Arbequina’orchard. However, oxidative stability was negatively affected by P and K treatments in ‘Picual’. Oil extraction could be negatively affected by treatments because of the increase in the water content in the fruit obtained from both orchards.

Abstract Cancer cells have the ability to migrate from the primary (original) site to other places in the body. The extracellular matrix affects cancer cell migratory capacity and has been correlated with tissue-specific spreading patterns. However, how the matrix orchestrates these behaviors remains unclear. Here, we investigated how both higher collagen concentrations and TGF-β regulate the formation of H1299 cell (a non-small cell lung cancer cell line) spheroids within 3D collagen-based matrices and promote cancer cell invasive capacity. We show that at low collagen concentrations, tumor cells move individually and have moderate invasive capacity, whereas when the collagen concentration is increased, the formation of cell clusters is promoted. In addition, when the concentration of TGF-β in the microenvironment is lower, most of the clusters are aggregates of cancer cells with a spheroid-like morphology and poor migratory capacity. In contrast, higher concentrations of TGF-β induced the formation of clusters with a notably higher invasive capacity, resulting in clear strand-like collective cell migration. Our results show that the concentration of the extracellular matrix is a key regulator of the formation of tumor clusters that affects their development and growth. In addition, chemical factors create a microenvironment that promotes the transformation of idle tumor clusters into very active, invasive tumor structures. These results collectively demonstrate the relevant regulatory role of the mechano-chemical microenvironment in leading the preferential metastasis of tumor cells to specific tissues with high collagen concentrations and TFG-β activity.

Silica biomorphs have similar structural features found in natural biominerals, but consist of inorganic components that self-assemble spontaneously. Here the authors show that pH oscillates in the local environment during the growth of self-organized silica-carbonates nanostructures.

Large rainfed, dryland areas were transformed into irrigated land in northeast Spain, where rivers from the Pyrenees Range ensure the availability of abundant water resources. The transformation of the Riegos del Alto Aragón area (RAA), mainly during the second half of the 20th century, was subject to major problems during the 1960s and 1970s, including monoculture of poorly productive winter cereals, water wastage, and soil degradation. Since the 1990s the RAA has been affected by modernization involving: (i) a change in the mode of irrigation, from gravity to sprinkler systems; (ii) the concentration of plots to enlarge the size of irrigated fields; and (iii) the introduction of more productive and highly water-consuming crops (corn, lucerne, vegetables). These changes coincided with enlargement of the irrigated area, increasing water demand at a time of increasing water scarcity because of restriction on the construction of new large reservoirs and declining water resources, because of climate and land use changes. Addressing this major problem has required new strategies, specifically the construction of small reservoirs and water ponds within the irrigated area. The ponds increase water reserves and facilitate sprinkling irrigation by adding pressure to the system. However, this has involved a huge rise in electricity consumption, which has increased the cost of production.

This paper analyzes the evolution of the Monte Perdido Glacier, the third largest glacier in the Pyrenees, from 1981 to the present. We assessed the evolution of the glacier's surface area by analysis of aerial photographs from 1981, 1999, and 2006, and changes in ice volume by geodetic methods with digital elevation models (DEMs) generated from topographic maps (1981 and 1999), airborne lidar (2010) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014) data. We interpreted the changes in the glacier based on climate data from nearby meteorological stations. The results indicate that the degradation of this glacier accelerated after 1999. The rate of ice surface loss was almost three times greater during 1999–2006 than during earlier periods. Moreover, the rate of glacier thinning was 1.85 times faster during 1999–2010 (rate of surface elevation change = −8.98 ± 1.80 m, glacier-wide mass balance = −0.73 ± 0.14 m w.e. yr−1) than during 1981–1999 (rate of surface elevation change = −8.35 ± 2.12 m, glacier-wide mass balance = −0.42 ± 0.10 m w.e. yr−1). From 2011 to 2014, ice thinning continued at a slower rate (rate of surface elevation change = −1.93 ± 0.4 m yr−1, glacier-wide mass balance = −0.58 ± 0.36 m w.e. yr−1). This deceleration in ice thinning compared to the previous 17 years can be attributed, at least in part, to two consecutive anomalously wet winters and cool summers (2012–2013 and 2013–2014), counteracted to some degree by the intense thinning that occurred during the dry and warm 2011–2012 period. However, local climatic changes observed during the study period do not seem sufficient to explain the acceleration of ice thinning of this glacier, because precipitation and air temperature did not exhibit statistically significant trends during the study period. Rather, the accelerated degradation of this glacier in recent years can be explained by a strong disequilibrium between the glacier and the current climate, and likely by other factors affecting the energy balance (e.g., increased albedo in spring) and feedback mechanisms (e.g., heat emitted from recently exposed bedrock and debris covered areas).

Durante la temporada, el papel principal del entrenador es el de diseñar y plantear las tareas que ayuden a conseguir los objetivos planteados de manera secuencial. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir si existen diferencias entre las tareas que son diseñadas en función de la fase de juego. Para ello, se recogieron 388 tareas durante una temporada de un equipo de baloncesto. Esta comparativa se debe a que el entrenador, realiza los entrenamientos bajo enfoque comprensivo y elige un modelo ondulatorio del trabajo en el que se alternan tareas con finalidad de ataque y defensa. Finalmente, este trabajo presenta un análisis crítico y fiable sobre el diseño y el planteamiento de los entrenamientos con una visión global que recoge las diferencias encontradas en las tareas en función de la fase de juego.

Two experiments were carried out in olive orchards in the center of Spain over a three-year period. In this cold and dry area, growers traditionally apply large amounts of N with no experimental knowledge. An ‘Arbequina’ hedgerow and ‘Picual’ vase orchards were fertilized with two N-doses applied to the soil in spring with or without the nitrification inhibitor (DMPP). Vegetative growth, fruit and oil characteristics were evaluated. These variables were affected by the N-treatment during the 3rd year. The lowest N-application increased vegetative growth, while when N-leaf composition was higher than 2%, fruit dry weight, oil content and oil phenol content were reduced. ‘Picual’ did not respond to N-applications. The effect of DMPP on growth or production was not consistent and a lower phenolic content was obtained for ‘Arbequina’. Our results demonstrated that in this dry land, N-fertilization is not always necessary and oil quality can be negatively affected with high doses.

The increase in olive fruit production (Olea europaea L. cv. ‘Arbequina’), due to the increasing use of super-intensive cultivation and the need for a rapid fruit processing will force the industry to make a considerable investment in machinery for processing in order to maintain the level of quality of virgin olive oil (VOO). This work aims to study how the storage temperature affects the physiology of the olive and the quality of the oil, in order to use fruit storage as a cheaper and more versatile alternative to the increase in processing capacity. ‘Arbequina’ fruit did not present symptoms of chilling injury during 15 days of cold-storage. Postharvest decay, de-greening, softening, respiration and ethylene production of the olive fruit increased in direct relationship as the storage temperature increased. These facts determined a proportional deterioration of the free acidity and the sensory quality of the VOOs. Furthermore, the contents of tocopherols and of the main phenolic compounds in the VOO exhibited a reduction during fruit storage according to the increase in the temperature used. Storage at 2 °C preserved the integrity of the olive to maintain the best “Extra” level of VOO quality for a period of 12 days.

En este capítulo revisamos el papel y los posibles riesgos/ beneficios de los edulcorantes como parte de la alimentación. Tras su aparición e interés por los efectos beneficiosos atribuidos a los mismos, frente a diferentes situaciones y patologías (obesidad, diabetes, caries, etc.), cada vez son más numerosos, sin embargo, los estudios que parecen constatar la ineficacia de su uso. Por tanto, se requieren más investigaciones que aporten datos convincentes de su efectividad a largo plazo, así como de la ausencia de efectos negativos, derivados de su uso. El interés del capítulo reside en examinar los aspectos distintivos de los edulcorantes frente al azúcar, considerándose ésta como patrón de comparación. Nos centraremos pues, en las otras sustancias que habitualmente se utilizan para edulcorar los alimentos en lugar del azúcar.

This study was carried out in order to determine the relationship between the content of a branched hydrocarbon (neophytadiene) in the subcutaneous fat and the feeding system of Iberian pigs during the fattening period previous to slaughter. Thirty-six batches of Iberian pigs, belonging to the four categories of feeding systems described in the Spanish legislation (Bellota, Recebo, Campo and Cebo) were studied. These categories differ in their degree of utilization of the natural resources (acorn and pasture) of the extensive rearing system or in their level of replacement by concentrated feed. SPE combined with GC-MS techniques were carried out to isolate and to identify hydrocarbons. Recebo and Bellota batches showed the highest levels of neophytadiene content, followed by Campo batches, and finally, batches of the Cebo category. The results showed a great variability between batches from the same feeding category, mainly from Bellota, Recebo and Campo categories, which makes the classification of the animals in these three categories difficult. However, the animals from the Cebo category were correctly classified when reared in intensive conditions.

The classification of Iberian pig carcasses into different commercial categories according to feeding regime was evaluated by means of a non-destructive analysis of the subcutaneous adipose tissue using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). A quantitative approach was used to predict the Acorn-Grass Weight Gain Index (AGWGI), and a set of criteria was established for commercial classification purposes. A total of 719 animals belonging to various batches, reflecting a wide range of feeding regimes, production systems and years, were analyzed with a view to developing and evaluating quantitative NIRS models. Results for the external validation of these models indicate that NIRS made clear differentiation of batches as a function of three feeding regimes possible with high accuracy (Acorn, Recebo and Feed), on the basis of the mean representative spectra of each batch. Moreover, individual analysis of the animals showed a broad consensus between field inspection information and the classification based on the AGWGI NIRS prediction, especially for extreme categories (Acorn and Feed).

In the present work we have analyzed a total of 734 subcutaneous fat samples from Iberian pigs with different feeding systems for fattening (“Bellota”, “Recebo”, “Campo” and “Cebo”) over three consecutive years, 2009-2011. Lipids were extracted from the subcutaneous fat on the rump, and after esterification, they were analyzed by Gas Chromatography (GC-FID) and Gas Chromatography- Combustion-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS). Mean fatty acids and isotope ratios show that there are differences according to the year and feeding systems, two factors that should be taken into account when classifying the animals. The application of different prediction models based on Discriminant analysis has allowed us to establish a method for the classification of animals according to the feeding system type, with a correct percentage of 85% using three or four classification categories (Bellota, Recebo, Campo and/or Cebo) and 91% using only two categories, Cebo and Bellota. This model could provide the basis for appropriate classification of Iberian pigs according to their feeding regime.

En el siglo pasado se produjo una importante regulación de los recursos hídricos en España con la construcción de numerosos embalses. En 1959, el río Aragón fue represado en Yesa (Depresión Interior del Pirineo Central) y desde entonces los sedimentos se han ido acumulando en su vaso, reduciendo así su capacidad inicial de almacenamiento de agua. En este trabajo se analiza el transporte de sedimentos en la red hidrológica del río Aragón desde la cabecera hasta el embalse de Yesa. Para ello se ha realizado el muestreo de aguas superficiales en 44 puntos distribuidos en las principales subcuencas del río Aragón. Se realizaron tres campañas de muestreo en invierno y dos en verano. Las concentraciones de sedimentos en suspensión, la conductividad eléctrica como una expresión del contenido en sólidos disueltos y el pH fueron analizados en las muestras de agua. Las mayores concentraciones de sedimento se registran en el muestreo de invierno en el río Esca (54.4 mg l -1) y tras las tormentas del muestreo de verano en la cabecera del río Aragón (21.7 mg l-1). El transporte de material disuelto es considerablemente inferior, entre 0.08 y 0.25 mg l -1. Las pautas de transporte de los materiales en suspensión se relacionan con factores como la litología, la cobertera vegetal y el uso del suelo en las subcuencas del río Aragón en Yesa. Los resultados de esta investigación son de interés para conocer los procesos de transporte de sedimentos en las cabeceras de cuenca de montaña, que son las principales fuentes de agua, e incrementar la información de utilidad para el manejo de embalses con el objetivo de reducir las tasas de acumulación de sedimentos.

Time compression was studied at the Aísa Valley Experimental Station to assess the effect of large rainfall events on suspended sediment load. The study was focused on the response of land under traditional and current land uses/land covers in Mediterranean mountain areas, including dense shrub cover, grazing meadow, abandoned field, cereal cultivation, fallow land and both active and abandoned shifting agriculture. The results confirm the importance of the largest rainfall events in explaining the geomorphological effects that occur during a small number of such events. Three groups of land uses were distinguished: (i) dense shrub cover and grazing meadow, which showed relatively little time compression; (ii) cereal cultivation, fallow land, and both active and abandoned shifting agriculture, which were characterized by a high degree of time compression and a major impact of the largest events; and (iii) the abandoned field, which was intermediate in response between the other two groups. The greater geomorpho-logical effects of the largest events in the plots at the Aísa Valley Experimental Station relative to those reported in studies in the USA, is a consequence of the Mediterranean climate charac-teristics, and in part because of scale effects. The contribution of the three largest events to total accumulated suspended sediment load ranged from 25.4 to 71.2% whereas for the five largest events it ranged from 35.4 to 76.9%. For each of the land uses the 25 largest events represented more than 80% (in some cases more than 90%) of the total suspended sediment load recorded since 1991.

Un nuevo yacimiento de micromamíferos en Alhaurín el Grande (Málaga, Sur de España) situado sobre depósitos marinos del Plioceno inferior permite una aproximación a la correlación marino-continental para esa época. El relleno sedimentario marino del Plioceno inferior en el conjunto de la cuenca de Málaga comprende tres secuencias transgresivas-regresivas (unidades Pl-1, Pl-2 y Pl-3) limitadas por discordancias. A techo de la secuencia intermedia Pl-2, sedimentos turbosos han liberado restos de Rodentia, Lagomorpha, Insectivora y Crocodylia. La presencia de Cricetus barrieri Mein & Michaux, 1970 en asociación con dos múridos, uno con morfología primitiva (Apodemus gudrunae Van de Weerd, 1976) y otros más evolucionados próximo a Occitanomys brailloni Michaux, 1969 y Stephanomys donnezani cordii Ruiz Bustos, 1986, permiten inferir una edad Rusciniense inferior (biozona MN14). En función de los foraminíferos planctónicos, los datos bioestratigráficos indican que los sedimentos marinos justo por debajo del nivel de micromamíferos pertenecen a la biozona MPL-2 del Zancliense inferior. Los datos paleomagnéticos disponibles muestran que el nivel de micromamíferos se localiza entre el subcron geomagnético normal C3n3n (4.89-4.80 Ma) y el subcron C3n2n (4.63-4.49 Ma), limitando la edad del yacimiento a la parte superior del Zancliense inferior.

Iberian pig fat characteristics depend on the type of feeding at the end of its finish-fattening period. The routine analysis to differentiate among the qualities of the feeding types given to the pigs in the fattening stage has been the use of fatty acid profiles by gas chromatography. Due to de doubts about the effectiveness of this analysis in the montanera period, the aim of this global study was to test the validity of various analytical methods to determine the feeding type of Iberian pigs, focusing on the fatty acid profile. Three montanera periods with a total of 749 samples from 38 batches have been studied; using a total of 144 dry-cured shoulder shanks, 99 of which are of known pig origin. Results showed that the determination of the fatty acid profile using gas chromatography is not a consistent method to classify the animals according to diet in the recebo category, although it provided good percentages of success for classifying the bellota and cebo categories.

The reliability of several analytical methods proposed to predict the feeding system received by Iberian pigs during the fattening period has been contrasted. Samples of subcutaneous adipose tissue were analyzed from 38 batches of pigs fattened in three seasons of montanera (acorn and pastures feeding). They corresponded to the four categories described in the Quality Standard for Iberian pig products: 251 samples of bellota, 164 of recebo, 197 of cebo de campo and 137 of cebo. To perform the study, the following analytical methods were used: fatty acid quantification, NIR, alpha and gamma tocopherol, chemical sensor, triacilglycerides, stable isotopes and neophytadiene. The laboratories received the samples without any information about the fattening system to which they belonged and remitted their predictions with respect to the above categories. The results showed a high percentage of accurate predictions of the methods when the fattening type corresponds to the extreme categories (bellota and cebo), however, the methods had difficulty in discerning between samples from a mixed feeding regime with acorn and feed (recebo) and problems when pigs are fattened with compound feeds including vegetable fats with high levels of oleic acid. Although a simplification into only two categories (cebo/campo and recebo/bellota) results in a success rate higher than 90% for some methods, the combination of two or three techniques with problematic samples allows for differentiating among the four categories with the same accuracy.

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Se revisan los estudios que hacen referencia al desarrollo de procesos de sufosión o piping en España. La mayor parte de los trabajos se centran en ambientes semiáridos de la Depresión del Ebro y del Sureste de España, donde llegan a formarse redes subsuperficiales de drenaje muy complejas, dando lugar ocasionalmente a grandes colapsos que a su vez favorecen la evolución de cárcavas. En muchos casos el piping se asocia a la presencia de badlands. La sufosión tiene especial relevancia en suelos y materiales poco consolidados sobre afloramientos de rocas blandas (margas y lutitas), con abundantes arcillas expansivas y sodio, lo que reduce la coherencia de los materiales. La existencia de fuertes gradientes hidráulicos (asociados al aterrazamiento de campos de cultivo o a la incisión por parte de cárcavas) es un factor imprescindible. Muchos de los problemas relacionados con la sufosión se originan en antiguos campos de cultivo y, a veces, en campos regados. En áreas de montaña se ha citado la presencia de redes de drenaje subsuperficiales relacionadas con madrigueras y raíces muertas, aunque no conducen al desarrollo de cárcavas.

Runoff and sediment transport during the snowmelt period (May June, 2004) in the Izas catchment (Central Pyrenees) were studied to obtain a sediment balance and to assess the relative importance of sediment transport during that period. The results demonstrated the importance of the snowmelt period and showed that most sediment was exported in the form of solutes (76% of the total for the May-June time span); 24% was exported as suspended sediment and no bedload was recorded. Suspended sediment mostly occurred during the second phase of the snowmelt period, when an expanding area of the catchment was free of snow. Sediment transport during the snowmelt period represented 43% of the annual sediment yield.

Se estudia el régimen del embalse de Yesa, en la cuenca alta del río Aragón. El embalse se destina predominantemente a abastecer las áreas de regadío de las Bardenas, entre Navarra y Zaragoza, por lo que la gestión del embalse tiende a conseguir el máximo volumen de agua almacenada durante el mes de mayo, para liberar caudales durante todo el verano. El embalsado se produce desde el mes de octubre, aprovechando sobre todo las aguas altas de otoño y primavera. Se han identificado tres patrones de gestión del embalse. Tales patrones no se distribuyen al azar en el tiempo, sino que han predominado en diferentes periodos desde la construcción del embalse, reflejando la existencia de cambios en el régimen fluvial.

Los diferentes usos del suelo y cubiertas vegetales proporcionan una amplia gama de valores de escorrentía superficial y de concentración de sedimentos. En la Estación Experimenal "Valle de Aísa", localizada en el Pirineo Central español, se ha obtenido información sobre el funcionamiento hidromorfológico de los usos del suelo tradicionales y actuales, confirmando que el abandono de tierras de cultivo en laderas pendientes y la expansión de los prados y del matorral representan un descenso en la producción de sedimento y en la disponibilidad de agua a escala de cuenca. Con esta perspectiva se discuten posibles cambios de uso del suelo que contribuyan a mejorar la calidad de los recursos hídricos. ABSTRACT: Different land-uses

Factors explaining the temporal variability of peak flows in an experimental catchment of the Central Pyrenees have been studied. This catchment (Arnás, Borau Valley) was cultivated until 50 years ago and is now abandoned; it is characterized by a quick hydrological response against any intensity and volume of precipitation. The total volume of precipitation during each rainfall event hardly explains the intensity of peak flows, which show a high variability. Relationships between precipitation and discharge very much improve if cold and hot season, floods are considered separately. Rainfall recorded during 3 and 7 days before each flood has a relatively important role in winter. During summer and the beginning of autumn the intensity of peak flows are not related to any pluviometric variable, due to evapotranspiration and the separation between rainstorm events.

This paper deals with the effects of the Yesa reservoir on the intensity and temporal distribution of floods in the Aragón River. The results confirm that the frequency of floods downstream the dam clearly decreased. The reduction mainly depended on two factors: i) the water storage level, and ii) the season of the year. Floods were very well controlled when the reservoir level was lower than 50%.

The Central Spanish Pyrenees show a great diversity of geomorphic processes in relation with topographic and climatic heterogeneity and according to the strong altitudinal gradient. Human activity in the last millenniums has contributed to disturb the original landscape and its hydromorphological dynamics: the upper forest belt was eliminated by means of Jire during the Middle Age, in order to enlarge the extent of summer pastures; and the hillslopes located under 1600 m were cultivated in heavy topographic conditions, being frequently burnt in order to improve the quality of pastures. At present, evidences of this human activity are visible everywhere; in the subalpine belt mass movements and dense rill networks caused the loss of many soils and the expansion of gelifluxion terracettes; in middle mountain, overland flow has much increased the soil surface stoniness, and debris flows of different size have developed on the hillslopes and on the river channels. Rivers show a strong torrentiality, prevailing unstable channels and coarse sediment transport. The authors apport information on some historical geomorphic processes, related with human activity.

Las cuencas experimentales de Arnás y San Salvador, localizadas en la cuenca alta del río Aragón, han sido equipadas con estación meteorológica completa, flume e instrumentos para la medición continua del caudal y del sedimentos transportado (en solución y en suspensión). Una trampa de sedimento a la entrada del flume permite controlar periódicamente la carga de fondo. Los resultados obtenidos confirman la existencia de grandes diferencias en la respuesta hidrológica y el transporte de sedimento entre la cuenca forestal (San Salvador) y la cuenca de campos abandonados (Arnás). La primera muestra una respuesta mucho más moderada debido básicamente a los procesos de interceptación y a la mayor profundidad de los suelos. Las relaciones entre precipitación y pico de caudal, así como entre este último y la concentración de sedimento en suspensión son muy bajas, aumentando notablemente si se contemplan por separado las crecidas de estación fría. La escorrentía se genera sobre todo por procesos de saturación. Las fuentes de sedimento se localizan en el cauce y sus proximidades.

Se estudia el cambio de régimen fluvial aguas abajo de los embalses o sistemas de embalses situados en los ríos del Pirineo Central, entre las cuencas de los ríos Aragón y Noguera Pallaresa. La gestión de los embalses pretende almacenar agua durante una parte del año para liberar caudales más elevados durante los meses que lo requiere la demanda (agrícola, producción hidroeléctrica). Se ha observado que los cambios en el régimen fluvial son muy variables tanto en intensidad como en la estacionalidad en que los caudales son redistribuidos. El ratio de retención de cada embalse o sistema de embalses, el uso que desempeñan y la ubicación de cada embalse dentro del sistema en el que están integrados, explican la mayor parte de la varianza del cambio observado en la zona de estudio.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are envisioned as flexible and fast-deploying communication network for disaster scenarios, where the typical communication infrastructure is likely to be malfunctioning. A few works propose UAVs for building communication links autonomously between rescue team's members in disaster scenarios. The techniques used are usually based on navigation, positioning, and signal strength processing. However, these techniques may not be enough if the objective is to provide communication services to the maximum number of victims and rescuers and not only to a few rescuers. In this situation, dissimilarity metrics, like the Jaccard distance, can provide information about whether the communication service provided to victims is efficient or not (e.g., providing a better distribution of the victims assigned to each UAV acting as service provider). We propose an intelligent strategy that allows UAVs to perform tactical movements in a disaster scenario, combining the Jaccard distance and artificial intelligence algorithms like hill climbing and simulated annealing. Our strategy maximizes the number of victims that are serviced by the UAVs while avoiding network disconnections. Also, a mobility model specifically developed for modelling the victims' movements within the incident site of a disaster scenario is proposed.

Objective: Assess the hepatoprotective effect of Taurine (Tau) in cases of hepatic cholestasis induced by Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). Methods: We describe a retrospective series of 54 patients who received TPN, in which cholestasis was detected at an (Intermediate) point that separates the duration of TPN into 2 Phases. From this moment -Phase 2- on, and according to clinical criteria, some patients (Group A, n = 27) received amino acids with Tau (22.41 ± 3.57 mg/kg/day)(Tauramin®), while the rest (Group B, n = 27) received the standard solution without Tau. The mean TPN durations were 39.2 ± 17.1 and 36.4 ± 18.1 days respectively, with the Intermediate points on days 19.56 ± 10.51 and 17.89 ± 11.14. They all received diets that were homogeneous in terms of kcal and macronutrients. In Phase 2, 21 patients from Group A received structured lipids (SMOFlipid®); while 20 from Group B received soy MCT/LCT [ Medium Chain Triglycerides/Long Chain Triglycerides ] (physical or structured mixture). In a retrospective study, differences could not be avoided. The analytical parameters from three periods (Initial, Intermediate, and Final) were obtained from Nutridata® and Servolab®. We compared interperiod values using the Wilcoxon test SPSS® (p < 0.05). Results: After introducing Taurine AST, ALT, and GGT were significantly reduced; Bilirubin was also reduced, but not significantly. The values obtained for GGT in Group A were (Mean(σ)/median): Initial 48.6 (23.1)/46; Intermediate 473.7 (276.2)/438, and Final 328.9 (190.4)/305. We stress that the mean GGT value is reduced by 30.56% after adding Taurine, while in its absence all parameters are elevated, and mean GGT increases 45.36%. Conclusion: These results show Taurine's hepatoprotective effect and support its use in cases of TPN-induced cholestasis. We acknowledge the possibility that the differences between SMOF and the MCT/LCT mixtures also may have influenced the results in a combined effect with taurine.Objetivo: Evaluar el papel hepatoprotector de Taurina (Tau) en situación de colestasis hepática inducida por Nutrición Parenteral Total (NPT). Métodos: Se describe una serie retrospectiva de 54 pacientes, que recibieron NPT, detectándose colestasis en un momento (Intermedio) que separa en 2 Fases la duración de la NPT. A partir de este momento - Fase 2- y según criterios clínicos, unos -grupo A, n = 27- recibieron aminoácidos con Tau -22,41 ± 3,57 mg/kg/día (Tauramin®), mientras otros -grupo B, n = 27- recibieron solución estándar sin Tau. La duración media de NPT fue de 39,2 ± 17,1 y 36,4 ± 18,1 días respectivamente; con el punto Intermedio en día 19,56 ± 10,51 y 17,89 ± 11,14. Todos recibieron dietas homogéneas en kcal y macronutrientes. En la Fase 2, 21 pacientes del grupo A recibieron lípidos estructurados (SMOFlipid®); mientras que 20 del grupo B recibieron MCT/LCT soja (mezcla física o estructurada). Las diferencias no se han podido obviar en un estudio retrospectivo. Se rescataron de Nutridata® y Servolab® los parámetros analíticos en tres momentos (Inicio, Intermedio y Final). Utilizando SPSS® se compararon según Test de Wilcoxon para valores intermomentos (p < 0,05). Resultados: Hubo disminución significativa de AST, ALT y GGT tras la introducción de Taurina; Bilirrubina desciende sin significación. Los valores obtenidos para GGT en el Grupo A fueron (Media(σ)/mediana): Inicio 48,6 (23,1)/46; Intermedio 473,7 (276,2)/438 y Final 328,9 (190,4)/305. Destacamos que el valor medio de GGT disminuye un 30,56% tras adición de Taurina; mientras en su ausencia se elevan de todos los parámetros, aumentando un 45,36% la media de GGT. Conclusión: Estos resultados abundan en el papel hepatoprotector de la Taurina, y apoyan su utilización en situación de colestasis inducida por NPT. Asumimos la posibilidad de que la diferencia de perfil entre SMOF y las mezclas MCT/LCT haya influido como efecto combinado utilizado junto a taurina.

Background & aims: By means of this update, the GARIN working group aims to define its position regarding the treatment of patients with diabetes or stress hyperglycaemia and artificial nutrition. In this area there are many aspects of uncertainty, especially in non-critically ill patients. Methods: Bibliographical review, and specific questions in advance were discussed and answered at a meeting in the form of conclusions. Results: We propose a definition of stress hyperglycaemia. The indications and access routes for artificial nutrition are no different in patients with diabetes/stress hyperglycaemia than in non-diabetics. The objective must be to keep pre-prandial blood glucose levels between 100 and 140 mg/dl and post-prandial levels between 140 and 180 mg/dl. Hyperglycemia can be prevented through systematic monitoring of capillary glycaemias and adequately calculate energy-protein needs. We recommend using enteral formulas designed for patients with diabetes (high monounsaturated fat) to facilitate metabolic control. The best drug treatment for treating hyperglycaemia/diabetes in hospitalised patients is insulin and we make recommendations for adapt the theoretical insulin action to the nutrition infusion regimen. We also addressed recommendations for future investigation. Conclusions: This recommendations about artificial nutrition in patients with diabetes or stress hyperglycaemia can add value to clinical work.Introducción y objetivos: En el tratamiento de los pacientes con diabetes o hiperglucemia de estrés y la nutrición artificial existen muchas áreas de incertidumbre, sobre todo en pacientes no críticos. El grupo de trabajo GARIN tiene como objetivo definir su posición en este campo. Material y métodos: Revisión bibliográfica previa y reunión presencial en la que se discutieron y contestaron preguntas específicas sobre el tema. Resultados: Proponemos una definición de hiperglucemia de estrés. Las indicaciones y las rutas de acceso a la nutrición artificial no difieren en los pacientes con hiperglucemia de estrés o diabetes respecto a los no diabéticos. El objetivo debe ser mantener los niveles de glucemia preprandial entre 100 y 140 mg/dl y postprandial entre 140 y 180 mg/dl. La hiperglucemia puede prevenirse a través de una monitorización sistemática de las glucemias capilares y un cálculo adecuado de las necesidades energético-proteicas. Recomendamos el uso de fórmulas enterales diseñadas para pacientes con diabetes (alto contenido en grasas monoinsaturadas) para facilitar el control metabólico. El mejor tratamiento farmacológico para tratar la hiperglucemia/diabetes en pacientes hospitalizados es la insulina, aconsejando adaptar la acción teórica de la insulina al régimen de infusión de la nutrición. También realizamos recomendaciones para investigaciones futuras. Conclusiones: Estas recomendaciones aportan respuestas concretas sobre cuestiones comunes en la asistencia a pacientes con diabetes o hiperglucemia de estrés y nutrición artificial.

Se hace una breve presentación de la obra de Jack D. Ives, uno de los grandes protagonistas del desarrollo de los estudios de Geoecología en las áreas de montaña. Con sus trabajos en ambientes fríos y de montaña (Montañas Rocosas e Himalaya, especialmente), Jack D. Ives ha proporcionado una nueva perspectiva global en la que la forma en que se organizan los grupos humanos y sus actividades son factores decisivos para explicar la complejidad de los ambientes de montaña.

Soil erosion and sediment yield are strongly affected by land use/land cover (LULC). Spatially distributed erosion models are of great interest to assess the expected effect of LULC changes on soil erosion and sediment yield. However, they can only be applied if spatially distributed data is available for their calibration. In this study the soil erosion and sediment delivery model WATEM/SEDEM was applied to a small (2.84 km2) experimental catchment in the Central Spanish Pyrenees. Model calibration was performed based on a dataset of soil redistribution rates derived from point 137Cs inventories, allowing capture differences per land use in the main model parameters. Model calibration showed a good convergence to a global optimum in the parameter space, which was not possible to attain if only external (not spatially distributed) sediment yield data were available. Validation of the model results against seven years of recorded sediment yield at the catchment outlet was satisfactory. Two LULC scenarios were then modeled to reproduce land use at the beginning of the twentieth century and a hypothetic future scenario, and to compare the simulation results to the current LULC situation. The results show a reduction of about one order of magnitude in gross erosion (3180 to 350 Mg yr−1) and sediment delivery (11.2 to 1.2 Mg yr−1 ha−1) during the last decades as a result of the abandonment of traditional land uses (mostly agriculture) and subsequent vegetation recolonization. The simulation also allowed assessing differences in the sediment sources and sinks within the catchment.

Introduction: several studies have pointed out the effectiveness of the PillCam© colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) compared with the colonoscopy in the study of the colonic pathology. Aims and methods: the objective of our study was to assess the agreement in the diagnosis of CCE with conventional colonoscopy as well as its sensitivity and specificity, and to describe the findings of the CCE in our clinical practice. Consecutive patients with abdominal symptoms were included in the study. The CCE was performed as previously reported (with PEG and sodium phosphate as laxative agents). The nature and location of the findings, colonic transit time, complications, cleanliness degree and consistency with diagnostic colonoscopy, when performed, were analyzed. Results: a total of 144 subjects (67 women and 77 men); (52.17±16.71 years) with the following indications were included: screening of Colorectal cancer (88 patients), control after polipectomy (24), incomplete colonoscopy (7), rectal bleeding (10), anemia (8), diarrhea (7). The CCE exploration was complete in 134/144 cases (93%), with no case of retention. The preparation was good-very good in 88/134 (65,6%), fair in 26/134 (19,4%) and poor in 20/134 (15%) of the cases. The average colonic transit was of 140.76 min (9-603). Any adverse effect was notified. In 44 cases a colonoscopy was carried out after CCE (results were hidden from another endoscopist). Compared to colonoscopy, the rate of agreement was 75,6%, the sensitivity was 84% and the specificity 62,5%, PPV was 77,7% and NPV was 71,4 %. The colonic findings in 134 CCE were: in 34 cases CCE it did not show lesions, diverticulosis in 63 explorations, polyps in 43, angiodysplasias in 15, Crohn's Disease in 9 and ulcerative colitis in other 8 cases. Conclusions: the CCE is an effective and reliable technique for the detection of lesions in colon, and because of its high agree-ment with the colonoscopy, it could be useful in clinical practice. Further studies with large seria and cost-effectiveness analysis are needed to confirm these data.

In this study the climatic and hydrological trends across 88 sub-basins of the Ebro River basin were analyzed for the period 1950–2006. A new database of climate information and river flows for the entire basin facilitated a spatially distributed assessment of climate-runoff relationships. It constitutes the first assessment of water yield evolution across the whole Ebro basin, a very representative example of large Mediterranean rivers. The results revealed a marked decrease in river discharges in most of the sub-basins. Moreover, a number of changes in the seasonality of the river regime was found, resulting from dam regulation and a decrease in snowpack in the headwaters. Significant and positive trends in temperature were observed across most of the basin, whereas most of the precipitation series showed negative coefficients, although the decrease in magnitude was low. The time evolution of the residuals from empirical models that relate climate and runoff in each sub-basin provided evidence that climate alone does not explain the observed decrease in river discharge. Thus, changes in water yield are associated with an increase in evapotranspiration rates in natural vegetation, growth of which has expanded as a consequence of land abandonment in areas where agricultural activities and livestock pressure have decreased. In the lowlands of the basin the decrease in water yield has been exacerbated by increased water consumption for domestic, industrial and agricultural uses. Climate projections for the end of the 21st century suggest a reduced capacity for runoff generation because of increasing temperature and less precipitation. Thus, the maintenance of water supply under conditions of increasing demand presents a challenging issue requiring appropriate coordination amongst politicians and managers.

Se presenta una síntesis de la investigación realizada en una pequeña cuenca experimental afectada por una intensa actividad agraria en el pasado y sujeta a un proceso de revegetación natural en la actualidad en el Pirineo Central. Los principales resultados obtenidos demuestran su complejo comportamiento hidrogeomorfológico. El análisis de la información hidrológica sugiere que diferentes procesos dominantes de generación de escorrentía pueden ocurrir de manera simultánea en diferentes áreas de la cuenca, en función del estado de humedad de la misma y de las características de la precipitación. La respuesta sedimentológica está principalmente controlada por la dinámica espacio-temporal de las áreas fuente de escorrentía y de sedimento. La exportación de sedimento ilustra la complejidad de la respuesta geomorfológica en los ambientes de montaña afectados por actividades agrarias en el pasado.