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In this study, we explored the predictive role of behavioral measures of Executive Functions (EFs) and a self-report measure of Effortful Control (EC) on the academic performance of early adolescents. We also analyzed the mediating role of self-reported empathy and social behavior rated by peers (i.e., prosocial behavior and social preference) and by the lead teacher (i.e., social competence). A sample of 244 adolescents aged between 12 and 13 years participated in the study. The resulting structural equation model indicated that EFs and EC predict academic performance in a complementary and independent way. Results also confirmed the mediating role of empathy and social behavior. The final model explained 64% of academic performance. We discuss the appropriateness of obtaining complementary measures of EFs and EC in predictions of academic performance as well as the importance of introducing activities involving self-regulation, empathy, and socioemotional skills in the school setting.

Coastal areas facing increasing erosion are resorting to sand displacement strategies to mitigate the erosive impact, which is exacerbated by climate change. In the face of climate change, coastal managers are more frequently resorting to sand displacement strategies to recover eroding coastlines. These vulnerable coastal zones require innovative approaches to minimize the need for frequent sand replenishment, extend their effectiveness and lower their maintenance expenses. This study undertakes a comparison of four primary nourishment strategies—a conventional uniform nourishment technique and the placement of a single sand dune evaluated at three different positions—in contrast to a scenario where no intervention is carried out. The investigation employs the XBeach numerical model to assess the outcomes of these diverse strategies under both low- and high-energetic storm conditions. The case study is a degraded coastal beach in the Ebro Delta (Spain). The results reveal a significant decrease in erosion when the dune is positioned closest to the shoreline. However, this erosion mitigation effect diminishes as the dune is situated further inland. Conversely, the sand nourishment measure exhibits minimal fluctuations in the volume of eroded sand when compared to the scenario with no intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of n = 67 untrained attendants at an outreach science festival, online because of the COVID‐19 pandemic but usually held at bars, used pictures of the brand logos to evaluate eight beers among the most commonly consumed in Spain. Projective mapping, acceptability and check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) were used, in all cases leading to a clear picture of the consumers' opinion. For projective mapping the panel provided four clear groups, the first dimension replicating the acceptability outcome and the second dimension separating the national beers from the foreign one. For CATA the panel differentiated beers on the basis of 8 of the 10 attributes considered. The best‐ and worst‐rated beers in acceptability were associated, respectively, with positive and negative emotions from CATA, the worst‐rated one being the only beer of type Pilsener and the one with the least alcohol. Practical Applications: Not many works combined the use of projective mapping, check‐all‐that‐apply, and acceptability. This study contributes to a better understanding of how those three techniques complement each other to shed light on the consumers' preference about commercial beers, based on images of their logos. The results obtained would be helpful for beer manufacturers in order to interpret the perception of commercial beers in a large market like Spain. Furthermore, this study shows the appropriateness of two‐way feedback between research and outreach activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Most of the pregnant women do not achieve the recommended dietary intake of vitamins A and E. These vitamins may counteract oxidative stress involved in some adverse perinatal outcomes. We aimed to assess the associations between maternal vitamin A and E at mid-pregnancy with both maternal and fetal outcomes and to identify possible early biomarkers during pregnancy to predict and prevent oxidative stress in the offspring. Methods: Data on dietary and serum levels of vitamins A and E were collected from 544 pregnant women from the Nutrition in Early Life and Asthma (NELA) study, a prospective mother-child cohort set up in Spain. Results: There were large discrepancies between low dietary vitamin E intake (78% of the mothers) and low serum vitamin E levels (3%) at 24 weeks of gestation. Maternal serum vitamins A and E at mid-pregnancy were associated with higher antioxidant status not only in the mother at this time point (lower hydroperoxides and higher total antioxidant activity [TAA]) but also with the newborn at birth (higher TAA). Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was negatively associated with maternal serum vitamin A (OR: 0.95 CI: 0.91–0.99, p = 0.009) at mid-pregnancy. Nevertheless, we could not detect any association between GDM and oxidative stress parameters. Conclusions: In conclusion, maternal vitamin A and E serum levels may be used as an early potential biomarker of antioxidant status of the neonate at birth. Control of these vitamins during pregnancy could help avoid morbid conditions in the newborn caused by oxidative stress in GDM pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to validate the Social Appeal Scale (SAS) among the Spanish general population, exploring the underlying dimensions of the construct assessed.Materials and Methods: The SAS test was applied to 555 participants between 16 and 75 years of age. The scale is divided into four dimensions: social competence (SC), intellectual ability (IA), psychologic adjustment (PA), and relationship satisfaction (RS).Results: The SAS (12 items) had a Cronbach alpha of .93, and SC had a Cronbach alpha of .83. For IA it was .85, for PA .87, and for RS .84.Conclusion: Bearing in mind the limitations of the present study, it may be concluded that the Social Appeal Scale is a valid and reliable instrument to assess social perceptions related to changes in tooth color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dilemas Contemporáneos: Educación, Política y Valores is the property of Dilemas Contemporaneos: Educacion, Politica y Valores and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: As Mariano Yela is one of the most eminent Spanish psychologists, the centenary of his birth is a good occasion to revisit his work. Despite being best known for his contributions to psychometrics, Yela has also made important contributions to theoretical psychology, with particular interest in the question of its unity-diversity. Method: Some of his most important theoretical works, presented in various contexts, were reviewed. Results: One conception of psychology and one concern are emphasized throughout his work. The conception of psychology is based on behavior as meaningful action. The concern is to see any possible unity in the diversity of psychology. Conclusions: The structure of behavior defined by subject, situation and action emerge as the basis on which the unity of psychology could be established. If anything, unity of diversity. Some implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: We compared (lognormal) universal kriging with the area-based approach for estimation of forest inventory variables using LiDAR data as auxiliary information and showed that universal kriging could be an accurate alternative when there is spatial autocorrelation. Context: Forest inventories supported by geospatial technologies are essential to achieve a spatially informed assessment of forest structure. LiDAR technology supplies comprehensive and spatially explicit data enabling the estimation of wide-scale forest variables. Aims: To compare the area-based approach with universal kriging for estimation of the stem density, basal area, and quadratic mean diameter using LiDAR data as auxiliary information. Methods: We used data from 202 inventory plots, distributed in four Forest Management Units with differences in structure and management, and a 6-points/m2 resolution LiDAR dataset from a Pinus sylvestris L. forest in Spain to test the accuracy of the (lognormal) universal kriging and the area-based approaches. Results: In those Forest Management Units where the analyzed variables showed spatial autocorrelation, kriging showed better results than the area-based approach in terms of RMSE and Pearson coefficient between observed and estimated values, although lognormal universal kriging provided slightly biased estimations (up to 2%). Conclusion: Universal kriging is an accurate method for estimation of forest inventory variables with LiDAR data as auxiliary information for those variable exhibiting spatial autocorrelation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Appropriate management of Thelazia callipaeda is being widely promoted in Europe. • Treatment of infected pets is key to reducing prevalence and public health impacts. • Monthly prophylactic treatment is essential to control T. callipaeda infection. This study examines the therapeutic and year-round prophylactic efficacy of different formulations used in dogs in three Spanish areas where canine thelaziosis is endemic. The study was conducted as a Good Clinical Practice, multicentre, randomised field study in privately owned outdoor dogs naturally infected with Thelazia callipaeda. The active pharmaceutical ingredients tested were: an oral formulation of milbemycin oxime 12.5 mg combined with praziquantel 125 mg (A), a subcutaneous sustained-release formulation of moxidectin 10 g (B), a moxidectin 2.5% weight/volume (w/v) spot-on formulation combined with imidacloprid 10% w/v (C), and an eye drop formulation (6 µg) of ivermectin 10 mg/ml diluted 10% in propylene glycol (D). Infected dogs were randomly allocated to treatment Groups A, B, C and D. Dogs testing negative for T. callipaeda inspection in two visits (Day 7/Day 14 and D30) were enrolled in the prophylaxis trial and reallocated to the corresponding study group (A, B, C or D). Treatment efficacy ranged from 70.4% recorded in Group A 1 week after treatment, to 100% recorded in Group C on Day 30 and in Group B on Day 60. Treatment was more efficacious in Group D (85.7% 1 week after treatment) than A, but was never 100% efficacious as in Groups B and C. Year-round prophylactic efficacy was 83.3% in Group A, 100% in Group B, 93.5% in Group C and 87.5% in Group D. In conclusion, products containing moxidectin were highly efficacious both in treating and preventing canine thelaziosis. Milbemycin also emerged as a good option. However, the off-label use of topical or subcutaneous ivermectin should be avoided due to possible adverse reactions such as pruritus, irritation or redness. In endemic areas, monthly prophylaxis to limit the spread of T. callipaeda to new areas across Europe and reduce zoonotic risks is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are ubiquitous intestinal protozoa that parasitize domestic and wild animals, as well as human beings. Due to their zoonotic potential, the objective of the present study was to determine the presence of these pathogens in the fox population (Vulpes vulpes) located in Northwest Spain. A total of 197 faecal samples from legally hunted foxes were collected in the autonomous region of Galicia. The presence of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. was investigated by PCR‐based methods amplifying the small subunit ribosomal RNA (ssu rRNA) gene of the parasites. Attempts to genotype obtained positive samples were subsequently conducted at the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) and β‐giardin (bg) genes of G. duodenalis, and the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene of Cryptosporidium. Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. were identified in 19 (9.6%) and 12 (6.1%) of the investigated samples, respectively. However, five Cryptosporidium species were detected at the ssu rRNA locus: C. hominis (33.4%, 4/12), C. canis (25.0%, 3/12), C. parvum (16.7%, 2/12), C. ubiquitum (8.3%, 1/12) and C. suis (8.3%, 1/12). An additional Cryptosporidium‐positive sample was identified at the genus level only. Typing and subtyping of Giardia‐ and Cryptosporidium‐positive samples were unsuccessful. The detection of C. hominis in wild foxes indicates the probable overlapping of sylvatic and domestic cycles of this parasite in rural settings. Besides, this finding raises the question of whether red foxes may act as natural reservoirs of C. hominis. The detection of C. parvum and C. suis is suggestive of active transmission events between farm and wild animals, opening up the possibility of transmission to human beings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is the most prevalent flea species detected on dogs and cats in Europe and other world regions. The status of flea infestation today is an evident public health concern because of their cosmopolitan distribution and the flea-borne diseases transmission. This study determines the spatial distribution of the cat flea C. felis infesting dogs in Spain. Using geospatial tools, models were constructed based on entomological data collected from dogs during the period 2013-2015. Bioclimatic zones, covering broad climate and vegetation ranges, were surveyed in relation to their size. Results: The models builded were obtained by negative binomial regression of several environmental variables to show impacts on C. felis infestation prevalence: land cover, bioclimatic zone, mean summer and autumn temperature, mean summer rainfall, distance to urban settlement and normalized difference vegetation index. In the face of climate change, we also simulated the future distributions of C. felis for the global climate model (GCM) "GFDL-CM3" and for the representative concentration pathway RCP45, which predicts their spread in the country. Conclusions: Predictive models for current climate conditions indicated the widespread distribution of C. felis throughout Spain, mainly across the central northernmost zone of the mainland. Under predicted conditions of climate change, the risk of spread was slightly greater, especially in the north and central peninsula, than for the current situation. The data provided will be useful for local veterinarians to design effective strategies against flea infestation and the pathogens transmitted by these arthropods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an analysis of periglacial and nivo-periglacial landforms, deposits and processes in the Sierra del Aramo area of Spain. Topics discussed include the periglacial processes in the Sierra del Aramo that have been reduced; the regularization of slopes through the erosion of rocks on the mountains; and activity of snow avalanches in the Sierra del Aramo.

Wildland fire spread and behaviour are complex phenomena owing to both the number of involved physico-chemical factors, and the non-linear relationship between variables. Spain is plagued by forest and brush fires every summer, when the extremely dry weather sets in along with high temperatures. The use of fire behaviour models requires the availability of high resolution environmental and fuel data; in the absence of real data, errors on the simulated fire spread can be compounded to affect the spatial and temporal accuracy of predicted data. The effect of input values on the accuracy of WRF-FIRE simulations was evaluated to assess the capabilities of the new system for wildland fire in accurately forecasting fire behaviour. The results confirm that the use of accurate meteorological data and a custom fuel moisture content model is crucial to obtain precise simulations of fire behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildland fire spread and behaviour are complex phenomena owing to both the number of involved physico-chemical factors, and the non-linear relationship between variables. Spain is plagued by forest and brush fires every summer, when the extremely dry weather sets in along with high temperatures. The use of fire behaviour models requires the availability of high resolution environmental and fuel data; in the absence of real data, errors on the simulated fire spread can be compounded to affect the spatial and temporal accuracy of predicted data. The effect of input values on the accuracy of WRF-FIRE simulations was evaluated to assess the capabilities of the new system for wildland fire in accurately forecasting fire behaviour. The results confirm that the use of accurate meteorological data and a custom fuel moisture content model is crucial to obtain precise simulations of fire behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spain is one of the Mediterranean countries most severely affected by wildfires during the last 30 years, despite enhanced fire suppression efforts. At present, forest area is increasing more in Spain than in any other European country, and also has one of the highest densities of fire ignitions. However, forest management plans have been developed for only 13% of Spanish forest areas. The objective of the present study was to assess the role of forest fuel management for wildfire prevention in Spain. Different fuel management techniques, including mechanical treatments, prescribed burning and controlle? grazing, were considered. A quantitative SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis was performed, based on a thorough documentation review and on the opinions of forest fire experts. Results enabled the identification of obstacles that hinder the implementation of effective fuel management, and suggested strategic recommendations to overcome them. New opportunities related to rural development activities (e.g. promotion of TIRESMART' products) would be highly relevant in fire-prone forest areas. These opportunities should provide additional funding for sustainable forest management and could foster fuel management activities that would directly involve and benefit rural populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines trade union responses to migration in the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. We explore how national regulatory structures and industrial relations traditions shape these responses, reflected in different ways of working with the state, employers, union members and the migrant worker community. We identify three main logics that inform trade union action: class, race/ethnicity and social rights; these are used implicitly or explicitly in building representative action. Our analysis shows how trade unions in each country tend to give priority to certain specific logics rather than others. Our findings also show how, in each country, trade union renewal in relation to migration implies engaging with new logics of actions which have not been part of the historical trade union approach. Hence the question of migration brings specific challenges for union identity and strategy. We argue for an approach that goes beyond assumptions of path dependency, and stress the complexity of representation and the challenge of balancing different interests and strategies in the process of social inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between childhood traumas, mindfulness, and dissociation (more specifically, absorption and depersonalization) in healthy subjects with and without hallucination proneness. A sample of 318 subjects was given the Launay-Slade Hallucination Scale–Revised (R. P. Bentall & P. Slade, 1985). From this sample, 2 groups were formed: one with high and the other with low hallucination proneness. Furthermore, all participants were given the Tellegen Absorption Scale (A. Tellegen & G. Atkinson, 1974), the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale (M. Sierra & G. E. Berrios, 2000), the Southampton Mindfulness Questionnaire (P. D. J. Chadwick et al., 2008), and the Trauma Questionnaire (J. R. E. Davidson, D. Hughes, & D. G. Blazer, 1990). The results showed that in the group with high hallucination proneness, there were significantly more subjects with traumatic experiences than in the group with low predisposition, although no significant difference in the mean number of traumatic experiences undergone in childhood was found between the 2 groups, although there was a trend toward significance. A correlation analysis showed a significant negative association between mindfulness on the one hand and absorption and depersonalization on the other. A positive relationship was also found between childhood traumas and absorption and depersonalization. Finally, multiple mediation analysis showed that the absorption and depersonalization variables acted as mediators between childhood traumas and hallucination proneness. We discuss the importance of the relationship between the variables studied and hallucination proneness and suggest some approaches for their treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article shows the influence of regulatory traditions and history in shaping trade union responses to temporary labour migration. The case study of Spain is presented to illustrate this. Drawing on qualitative research which is part of a three-country study of trade union, migration and social exclusion/inclusion, the article highlights the importance of understanding established regulatory practices, parallel forms of regulation and historical legacies of previous practices in framing current responses. This subsequently furthers understanding of the politics and tensions that arise in debating inclusionary versus exclusionary responses. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: We evaluated the changes in apolipoproteins, glycemic status, and body composition after 3 months using a culturally sensitive diabetes education program, En Balance, in diabetic Hispanics. Methods: Thirty-four (9 males, 25 females) Hispanic diabetics participated in the En Balance program over three months. Body composition was determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), A1c, and apolipoproteins (Apo) measured after 3 months participation. Differences were analyzed using paired t testing and relationships between changes in Apo, A1c, total cholesterol, body mass index and body composition by Spearman correlations. Results: Completion of En Balance resulted in a significant reduction in weight (80.31 ± 1.97 kg vs 81.25 ± 17.97 kg, P=.015), FPG (143.21 ± 57.8 mg/dL vs 166.41 ± 65.9 mg/dL P=.003), and A1c (7.08 ± 1.6% vs 7.87 ± 2.0%, P=<.001 ). DXA demonstrated reduction in total fat (29.54 ± 10.0 kg vs 30.24 ± 11.80 kg, P=<.001) and trunk fat (15.09 ± 5.6 kg vs 16.87 ± 5.4 kg, P=.001). High density lipoprotein significantly increased (48.85 ± 11.4 vs 44.65 ± 8.8, P=.002) and total serum cholesterol/high density lipoprotein ratio decreased (3.87 ± .98 vs 4.35 ± 1.0, P=.001 ). There were significant correlations at three months between changes in Apo A1 and A2 (r=.559, P<.001), Apo E and total cholesterol (r=.746, P<.001), between A1c and FPG (r=.563, P=.001) and BMI and body weight (r=.732, P<.001). Conclusions: The En Balance program improved body composition, A1c, FPG, total cholesterol/HDL ratio and HDL. If these trends can be sustained, En Balance may serve as a unique educational paradigm for improving type 2 diabetes in Hispanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The purpose of this work was to study the relationship of metacognition, absorption, and depersonalization in hallucinating patients. Design. A within-subjects correlational design was employed. Methods. We formed four groups from a clinical population (schizophrenic patients with hallucinations, schizophrenic patients with no hallucinations but with delusions, schizophrenic patients recovered from positive symptoms, and patients with a non-psychotic psychiatric disorder) and a non-clinical control group. All participants were given the Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ-30, ), the Tellegen Absorption Scale (TAS, ) and the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale (CDS, ). Results. Schizophrenic subjects with hallucinations scored significantly higher on the depersonalization scale than any other group, and significantly higher on the absorption scale than any group except for the clinical patient controls. Schizophrenic patients with hallucinations also had significantly more dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs than subjects with no psychiatric pathology. It was further found that the metacognition variable correlated positively with the absorption and depersonalization variables, and that these variables in turn correlated positively with each other. Finally, it should be stressed that the variables that best predict hallucination severity are depersonalization and the MCQ-30 subscale `Need to control thoughts'. Conclusions. We discuss the role of metacognitive and dissociative variables in understanding hallucinations and suggest some approaches to their treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work was to study the potentially mediating role of certain dissociative factors, such as depersonalization, between self-focused attention and auditory hallucinations. A total of 59 patients diagnosed with schizophrenic disorder completed a self-focused attention scale (M. F. Scheier & C. S. Carver, 1985), the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale (M. Sierra & G. E. Berrios, 2000), and the hallucination and delusion items on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (S. R. Kay, L. A. Opler, & J. P. Lindenmayer, 1988). The results showed that self-focused attention correlated positively with auditory hallucinations, with delusions, and with depersonalization. It was also demonstrated that depersonalization has a mediating role between self-focused attention and auditory hallucinations but not delusions. In the discussion, the importance of dissociative processes in understanding the formation and maintenance of auditory hallucinations is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acciones e Investigaciones Sociales is the property of Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y del Trabajo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. It is necessary to clarify the incidence of and risk factors for tuberculosis (TB) among solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients as well as changes in the chronology, clinical presentation, and prognosis of the disease. Methods. A total of 4388 SOT recipients were monitored prospectively at 16 transplant centers included in the Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI). TB episodes were studied, and the incidence rate was calculated. Certain variables were analyzed, by Cox regression analysis, as potential risk factors for TB. Results. Among the 4388 SOT recipients, 21 cases of TB were reported (0.48%). The median duration of follow-up was 360 days (range, 0-720 days). The global incidence of TB was 512 cases per 105 patients per year (95% confidence interval [CI], 317-783), which was higher than that in the general population in Spain (18.9 cases per 105 inhabitants per year; relative risk [RR], 26.6). The highest incidence (2072 cases per 105 patients per year; 95% CI, 565-5306) was observed among lung transplant recipients (RR, 73.3). Of the TB cases, 95% occurred within the first year after transplant, and 76% were pulmonary forms. Crude mortality was 19.0%, and attributable mortality was 9.5%. Multivariate analysis identified recipient age (RR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.0-1.1) and receipt of a lung transplant (RR, 5.6; 95%, 1.9-16.9) as independent risk factors. Conclusions. TB incidence is increased among SOT recipients. The risk factors identified were age and receipt of a lung transplant. TB-attributable mortality (9.5%) is still high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The life of Saint Teresa of Jesus, the most famous mystic of sixteenth-century Spain, was characterized by recurrent visions and states of ecstasy. In this paper, we examine social components related to Teresa's personal crises and the historical conditions of her times, factors that must be taken into account to understand these unusual forms of experience and behavior. Many of these factors (e.g., increasing individualism and reflexivity) are precursors of the condition of modern times. Indeed, certain parallels can be observed between Saint Teresa and certain present-day psychopathological disorders. The analogy should not, however, be carried too far. Religion played a particularly crucial role in Teresa's cultural context; as a result, it would be misleading to view her mystical experiences as resulting from a mental disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of lead and cadmium in chicken, pork, beef, lamb and turkey samples (both meat and meat products), collected in the island of Tenerife (Spain). Lead and cadmium were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Mean concentrations of lead and cadmium were 6.94 and 1.68&ThickSpace;µg&ThickSpace;kg -1 in chicken meat, 5.00 and 5.49&ThickSpace;µg&ThickSpace;kg -1 in pork meat, 1.91 and 1.90&ThickSpace;µg&ThickSpace;kg -1 in beef meat and 1.35 and 1.22&ThickSpace;µg&ThickSpace;kg -1 in lamb meat samples, respectively. Lead was below the detection limit in turkey samples and mean cadmium concentration was 5.49&ThickSpace;µg&ThickSpace;kg -1 . Mean concentrations of lead and cadmium in chicken meat product samples were 3.16 and 4.15&ThickSpace;µg&ThickSpace;kg -1 , 4.89 and 6.50&ThickSpace;µg&ThickSpace;kg -1 in pork meat product, 6.72 and 4.76&ThickSpace;µg&ThickSpace;kg -1 in beef meat product and 9.12 and 5.98&ThickSpace;µg&ThickSpace;kg -1 in turkey meat product samples, respectively. The percentage contribution of the two considered metals to provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) was calculated for meat and meat products. Statistically significant differences were found for lead content in meats between the chicken and pork groups and the turkey and beef groups, whereas for cadmium concentrations in meats, significant differences were observed between the turkey and chicken, beef and lamb groups. In meat products, no clear differences were observed for lead and cadmium between the various groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work shows an episode of foehn- and lee-wave activity over the sea-facing slopes of the Cantabrian Mountain Range, on the northern coast of Iberia, as detected by a wind profiler radar (WPR—LAP 3000 at 1290 MHz) at Punta Galea-Bilbao. Surface meteorological data from the regional network operated by the Basque Meteorological Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite images were also used to document the atmospheric dynamics. The period analyzed—17–18 January 1997—is included within the 1997 European Cooperation in the Field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST) Wind Initiative for a Network Demonstration in Europe (CWINDE-97) project, during which two well-defined severe wind episodes were registered over the Bilbao area as a result of consecutive frontal passages over the northern coast of Iberia. The results of a mesoscale model, running with nested grids down to a resolution of 3 km × 3 km, were used to understand the output of the profiler. Vertical winds at the WPR site showed a simultaneous pattern of upward and downward motion in the lower and upper layers, respectively, which was in accordance with the output of the model. The lee waves simulated by the high-resolution grid over the WPR site have been shown to be responsible for this pattern of vertical wind velocities. The vertical spatial distribution of dry and moist air, suggested by the signal-to-noise ratio of the radar, showed a “reversed” pattern of relative humidity distribution in the lower troposphere (higher values at upper levels) coincident with the foehn episode. The lee waves and the dry- and moist-air vertical distribution, which are associated with the strong southwesterly winds preceding the frontal systems over the coastal area, have been found to be responsible for range aliasing in the WPR lower-pulse mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A high prevalence of Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm infection exists in endemic areas. • Our data indicate the spread of thelaziosis in Spain and suggest underdiagnosed cases. • Animal and human thelaziosis should be included in the ocular differential diagnosis. • The role of health education under the umbrella of One Health is essential. Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) causes ocular infection in carnivorous animals and humans. While growing numbers of companion dogs and sometimes cats are being diagnosed with thelaziosis, little is known about its real spread. As it has been also diagnosed in wild animals and human beings, it is considered a potential emerging zoonotic disease. This study provides information about the spread of the parasite in dogs in Spain since its initial description in 2010 until 2018. The first detection of T. callipaeda in the Principality of Andorra in 2017 is also reported. Two different studies were conducted: a) a survey in which clinical cases from veterinary practices were collected and b) a prevalence study in two endemic areas in western and central Spain (Site 1 La Vera region, Cáceres, and Site 2 El Escorial municipality, Madrid). In total, 1114 cases of thelaziosis were detected in 121 municipalities of Spain and 6 municipalities of Andorra. In 92 out these 127 municipalities, reports were of autochthonous cases. Six hundred twenty-three out of 1114 presented data collection sheet and were included in the statistical analysis: 510 cases identified by veterinarians in Spain and Andorra in Study 1, and 113 cases detected among the 234 dogs (48.3 %) examined in the prevalence study (Study 2). Prevalences were 61.3 % (84/137) for Cáceres and 29.9 % (29/97) for Madrid, being Site 1 significantly more risky (P < 0.0001, odds ratio: 3.72, CI: 2.14–4.47 %) compared to Site 2. Our study updates data for canine thelaziosis reported in the last decade in Spain and Andorra. Results highlight the urgent need for prevention strategies to control the spread of this potential zoonotic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infections by multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) are an increasing healthcare problem worldwide. This study analyzes the incidence, burden, and risk factors associated with MDRB infections after liver transplant(ation) (LT). This retrospective, multicenter cohort study included adult patients who underwent LT between January 2017 and January 2020. Risk factors related to pre-LT disease, surgical procedure, and postoperative stay were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of MDRB infections within the first 90 days after LT. We included 1,045 LT procedures (960 patients) performed at nine centers across Spain. The mean age of our cohort was 56.8 ± 9.3 years; 75.4% (n = 782) were male. Alcohol-related liver disease was the most prevalent underlying etiology (43.2.%, n = 451). Bacterial infections occurred in 432 patients (41.3%) who presented with a total of 679 episodes of infection (respiratory infections, 19.3%; urinary tract infections, 18.5%; bacteremia, 13.2% and cholangitis 11%, among others). MDRB were isolated in 227 LT cases (21.7%) (348 episodes). Enterococcus faecium (22.1%), Escherichia coli (18.4%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.2%) were the most frequently isolated microorganisms. In multivariate analysis, previous intensive care unit admission (0-3 months before LT), previous MDRB infections (0-3 months before LT), and an increasing number of packed red blood cell units transfused during surgery were identified as independent predictors of MDRB infections. Mortality at 30, 90, 180, and 365 days was significantly higher in patients with MDRB isolates. MDRB infections are highly prevalent after LT and have a significant impact on prognosis. Enterococcus faecium is the most frequently isolated multi-resistant microorganism. New pharmacological and surveillance strategies aimed at preventing MDRB infections after LT should be considered for patients with risk factors. Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections have a deep impact on morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation. Strategies aimed at improving prophylaxis, early identification, and empirical treatment are paramount. Our study unveiled the prevalence and main risk factors associated with these infections, and demonstrated that gram-positive bacteria, particularly Enterococcus faecium , are frequent in this clinical scenario. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of prophylactic and empirical antibiotic treatment protocols after liver transplantation. [Display omitted] • MDRB infections are frequent in patients with cirrhosis after LT and are associated with increased mortality. • Urinary tract infections are the most common MDRB infections, followed by bacteremia and respiratory infections. • Gram-negative bacteria are the most frequently isolated, but infections caused by gram-positive enterococci are increasing. • Recent ICU admission or MDRB infection (0-3 months before LT) and RBC transfusions are risk factors for post-LT MDRB infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While in Europe Babesia canis has been traditionally held responsible for canine piroplasmosis, Babesia microti-like piroplasm (Bml) infection is being ever more observed in dogs, with the first clinical cases reported in northwestern Spain. This study examines the epidemiological role of healthy dogs living in endemic areas of Bml infection in Spain. The data obtained were used to describe the clinical status and map the geographical distribution of Bml infection in healthy dogs in northwestern Spain. Results: Blood samples and ticks were taken from 756 healthy dogs representatively across the whole Galicia region (northwestern Spain): stray (n = 211), hunting dogs (n = 333) and pets (n = 212). Blood samples were tested by microscopy parasite observation, nested PCR-RFLP and sequencing. Piroplasm infection prevalences in healthy dogs from northwestern Spain were 17.1% (129/756) by PCR and 3.4% (26/756) by microscopy observation. The species found by PCR were: 2.2% (17/756) for B. canis and 15.1% (114/756) for Bml. Co-infection with B. canis and Bml was noted in 2 dogs. The higher prevalences detected were Bml in hunting dogs (25.5%; 85/333) and B. canis in stray dogs (6.6%; 14/211). In fox-hunting dogs from any area and dogs from the A Coruña Province, significantly higher prevalences of Bml infection were detected (P < 0.001). Upon physical examination, tick infestation was observed: 130 ticks in 18 hunting and three pet dogs. These were subsequently identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus (s.l.) (49.2%), Ixodes hexagonus (38.5%), Ixodes ricinus (6.9%) and Dermacentor reticulatus (5.4%). Among the more prevalent ticks infesting healthy carrier dogs were I. hexagonus, followed by D. reticulatus and I. ricinus. Conclusions: Babesia canis and Bml were the only piroplasm species found infecting healthy dogs in Galicia, the prevalence of Bml being higher than of B. canis. Factors correlated with a higher Bml infection risk were being a hunting dog and living in the A Coruña Province. Healthy dogs travelling to other countries could act as carriers and probably contribute to the spread of Bml infection in dogs and wild carnivores throughout Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The repercussions of snow avalanches, land use changes, and atmospheric warming on landscape dynamics are very important in Atlantic mid-mountains but have received little research attention in comparison to other zones and types of ecological processes. Snow avalanche disturbance have been studied without being to other aspects such as the abandonment of traditional agrosilvopastoral activities and the amplification of snowfall due to climate change. The main objective is to analyse interactions between snow avalanches, land use change, climatic warming, and their effects on the mid-mountain landscape in the Asturian Central Massif (Cantabrian Range, NW Spain). The applied methodology has involved field work, photointerpretation, geomorphological and phytosociological transects, as well as the analysis of climatic variables. This interdisciplinary combination has been completed with statistical, historical and GIS analysis. The depopulation and abandonment of traditional productive activities in the Atlantic mid-mountain explains the reduction of grasslands and the spontaneous reforestation of the forest area. However, the effectiveness and intensity of snow avalanches currently prevent the growth and recovery of the forests. Specifically, they affect 173.15 km2 area of the Asturian Massif. In the Sierra del Aramo 370 ha are deforested by snow avalanches. There is a change in snowiness and in its behaviour (copious snowfall concentrated into storms lasting several days). The mid-mountain is affected by snow avalanches even in mid-latitudes and despite atmospheric warming. The disturbing effects of snow avalanches on the landscape dynamics prevent reforestation favoured by depopulation and changes in land use. • Climate change favours concentrated snowstorms and the triggering of snow avalanches. • Snow avalanches are very frequent and intense even in the mid-latitudes mid-mountains. • The depopulation and land use changes explain the spontaneous reforestation. • Reforestation does not always prevent the triggering of snow avalanches. • Snow avalanches role in the landscape dynamics in the mid-mountains is outstanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on the online hourly determination of 62 volatile organic compounds by an automatic gas chromatograph (AGC) in ambient air in Bilbao, Spain. Evaluation of the suitability of AGC; Comparison of AGC with another two analytic techniques.

Fuel management is commonly used to reduce fire risk in fire-prone shrubland, but information about the real efficacy of the different techniques is scarce. In this study, we assessed in the laboratory the effects of different treatment types on fire initiation risk in a mixed heathland. The effects of two mechanical treatments and of prescribed burning were compared with untreated vegetation. Flammability tests were performed in samples of the regenerated shrubs and fine ground fuels present 2 years after treatments. Results indicate that all treatments were effective in reducing fire initiation risk in regenerated shrubs, but not in fine ground fuels. Recovery of vegetation differed between treatments, and treatment type had a significant effect on flammability, mainly affecting fire sustainability. Wind speed had a minor effect on shrub fuel flammability, whereas fuel moisture had a significant effect. The flammability of fine ground fuels differed significantly depending on fuel moisture content, even at the low levels tested. Logistic models were fitted to predict successful fire sustainability, and the probability of initial propagation was obtained as a function of treatment type, fuel moisture content and fuel structural characteristics. This study provides new insights into wildfire prevention in shrubland, and compares the effectiveness of different fuel treatment techniques. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of different fuel treatments applied in a mixed heathland in NW Spain to reduce fire hazard, by assessing the flammability of the resulting vegetation in laboratory tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we analyze the geomorphological evolution and chronology of the eruptive phases of the Columba and Cuevas volcanoes (Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Field, Central Spain). These are two cinder cones located at the margins of the Jabalón River valley, between the localities of Granátula de Calatrava and Aldea del Rey (Ciudad Real). In order to generate geomorphological map, we conducted fieldwork and photointerpretation of aerial images, in addition to morphometric and volcanostratigraphic analyses aimed at correlating the volcanic deposits and fluvial terraces of the Jabalón River. Finally, we applied OSL (optically stimulated luminescence) dating to obtain the age of fluvial deposits affected by both volcanoes, plus radiocarbon dating to the organic matter of a paleosoil located between the Columba volcano deposits. The results provide a maximum age of 75.16 ± 4.9 ka for the formation of the Cuevas volcano. Moreover, the Columba volcano began its activity with a Strombolian phase around 33.9 ± 2.36 ka BP, followed by a long period of inactivity between 24.9 and 23.2 ka and 14–13.5 ka BP in which the aforementioned paleosoil formed. Subsequently, the eruptive activity resumed with a phreatomagmatic phase followed by another Strombolian phase, in which a lava flow was emplaced crossing and damming the Jabalón River, thus forcing the deposition of a 9 m thick fluvial terrace above it, at about 6.27 ± 4.28 ka. The Columba volcano is a good example of polycyclic eruptive behavior in a monogenetic volcanic field, whose last eruption occurred between 14 and 6.2 ka ago. The interaction between volcanic and fluvial processes was responsible for the morphological evolution of the area, the study of which has been crucial to determine the evolution of the eruptive activity, its morphological results, and the relative chronologies. • The volcanism of Calatrava is more recent than previously thought. • Columba is a clear example of polycyclic volcano in a monogenetic volcanic field. • The second eruption of the Columba volcano occurred between 14 and 6.2 ka ago. • The Jabalón River was dammed several times with the emplacement of lava flows. • The damming of the river caused the chronological inversion of the terraces upstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 20% of locally advanced rectal cancers treated with neoadjuvant therapy achieve a pathologic complete response, but approximately 10% of them present residual nodal metastases (ypT0N+). We aimed this research to compare the survival rates of ypT0/ypTisN+ and stage 3a rectal cancer patients. A large multicenter study recently investigated ypT0/ypTis rectal cancers treated between 2005 and 2015 in Italy and Spain. ypT0/ypTisN+ were selected and compared with stage 3a rectal cancers treated at the same institutions with upfront surgery (ySICO group). Additionally, the SEER database was searched for patients with stage 3a rectal cancers treated with surgery in the same years. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and random survival forest analysis (RSF). The ySICO study population consisted of 19 ypT0/2ypTisN+ (mean follow-up 41.8 months) and 72 Stage 3a patients (mean follow-up 56.9 months). These subgroups were comparable, but stage 3a patients were treated more frequently with adjuvant therapy (90.5% vs 61.9%, p 0.0001). No significant differences were reported between the ySICO subgroups for the OS, DFS, and DSS curves. When the 1213 SEER patients were added to Stage 3a, the RFS model failed to differentiate OS between groups that presented identical survival. Root analysis showed that adjuvant therapy was the only variable differentiating OS and DSS in the ySICO population. These findings suggest that ypT0/ypTisN+ and stage 3a rectal cancers could be ranked together based on their similar outcomes and pathologic assessment, and they stress the importance of adjuvant therapy in patients presenting with residual nodal metastases. [Display omitted] • We compared the survival of ypT0/ypTisN+ rectal cancers with that of patients with minimal rectal wall disease and nodal metastases (Stage 3a) to test the hypothesis that these subgroups could be ranked together. • Data were extracted from a large multicenter study, and from SEER database. • The analyses were conducted using a machine learning approach. These findings are consistent with the research hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lesser kestrel Falco naumanni and Eurasian kestrel Falco tinnunculus are two small raptor species commonly breeding in open agro-pastoral systems that have suffered a dramatic decline in their populations during the past few decades due to changes in land use. Direct intoxication by chemicals used in farming has been one of the causes proposed promoting population declines in both species. However, there have been no studies exploring the degree of kestrel intoxication at individual or population levels in the wild. We investigated the inter-population variation in blood levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in nestlings of Spanish Lesser and Eurasian kestrels. AChE was used as an estimator of the degree of organophosphorus (OP) and/or carbamate (CB) exposure or intoxication. In addition, we measured the albumin–globulin ratio (A/G) as an index of general health status. We found only extremely low AChE levels in lesser kestrels from one of the seven studied populations. In addition, we did not find differences in nestling AChE levels between pastoral and agricultural habitats. Furthermore, the present study revealed that two of the seven lesser kestrel populations are suffering from poor health conditions, in one case due to OP–CB poisoning, and the other possibly due to a pathogen infection as suggested by the low A/G ratio observed. Thus, our study suggests that, in general, OP and/or CB pesticide poisoning in traditional agro-pastoral systems in Spain is not currently an important conservation factor for either Lesser or Eurasian kestrels chicks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effect of tobacco and alcohol on the delta-amino levulinic dehydratase (ALA-D) activity and lead level in blood is studied in a population of workers with or without exposure to lead due to their work. The lead level in the blood of workers without exposure is about 15.9 +/- 1.7 micrograms/100 ml and is unaltered by sex. The ALA-D level for men and women is 289.7 +/- 15 U/100 ml and 255.9 +/- 10 U/100 ml respectively, the difference being due mainly to the smaller hematocrit for women. Without lead exposure smoking moderately does not change the ALA-D or the lead level, whereas alcoholic drink consumption increases the lead level but does not affect the ALA-D activity. When both factors concur the ALA-D activity decreases, while the lead level increases. With lead exposure, however, neither the ALA-D activity nor the lead level undergoes any change, with of without smoking and drinking, since the values have been completely altered by the exposure. A close relationship between ALA-D activity and lead level in blood has been found in each case.