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ABSTRACT: Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) poses significant challenges on beef and dairy farms, affecting mortality rates, animal welfare, and production efficiency. Although pulmonary ultrasonography is highly sensitive and specific for monitoring lung lesions and diagnosing BRD, its practical application could be optimized by focusing on the most commonly affected lung lobes. This study first evaluated the efficacy of focused lung ultrasonography for diagnosing BRD in calves, examining individual lung lobes and their associations versus the extensive lung scanning under various disease prevalence scenarios. Then, the relationship between individual and combined clinical respiratory signs versus lung consolidation was analyzed. In a combined analysis, 193 Holstein calves from a longitudinal study and 112 Angus calves from a cross-sectional study underwent a total of 1,265 complete bilateral thoracic ultrasonographic evaluations from 1 to 6 mo of age. Then, the agreement and sensitivity (Se) of specific lung lobe combinations compared with the findings from total lung ultrasonography was assessed. The classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm was used to suggest an optimal examination sequence, and logistic regression was applied to associate specific clinical signs with the presence of lung consolidation, adjusting for breed and calf age. Findings revealed that the most sensitive areas are the cranial (kappa value [κ] = 0.867; Se = 84.7%) and caudal portion of the right cranial lobe (κ = 0.433; Se = 40.3%), the caudal portion (κ = 0.235; Se = 20.6%) of the left cranial lobe, and the middle lobe (κ = 0.25; Se = 22%). The optimal lobe combinations for focused lung ultrasonography were identified as the right cranial lobe paired with either the left cranial lobe or the middle lobe. Focused techniques achieved Se greater than 94% and maintained good agreement. These focused techniques were relatively robust to various true lung consolidation scenarios. The CART analysis recommended initiating examinations with the right cranial lobe, proceeding to the left cranial lobe, and concluding with the middle lobe. Although spontaneous cough was linked to pneumonia presence, reliance on a single clinical sign is not advised due to low Se (26.8%) and high specificity (85.4%); it should merely prompt further ultrasound assessment. In conclusion, focused lung ultrasonography, especially utilizing the right cranial lobe in conjunction with the left cranial lobe or the middle lobe, emerged as an effective strategy for focused pulmonary ultrasonography, preserving the accuracy of the results.

On 22 October 2019, the Francolí River basin in Catalonia, north-eastern Spain, experienced a heavy precipitation event that resulted in a catastrophic flash flood, causing six fatalities. Few studies comprehensively address both the physical and human dimensions and their interrelations during extreme flash flooding. This research takes a step forward towards filling this gap in knowledge by examining the alignment among all these factors. The hydrometeorological factors are investigated using the new Triangle-based Regional Atmospheric Model, radar-derived precipitation estimates, post-flood field and gauge observations, and the Kinematic Local Excess Model. The social dimension is assessed by examining the relationship between catchment dynamics and warning response times and by quantifying human behaviour during the course of the flash flood through a post-event citizen science campaign. Results reveal that a persistent south-easterly airflow brought low-level moisture and established convective instability in the region, while local orography was instrumental to triggering deep moist convection. A convective train promoted intense, copious, and prolonged precipitation over the north-western catchment headwaters. Basin response was significantly modulated by the very dry initial soil moisture conditions. After the long-lasting rainfall, an acute burst of precipitation resulted in extreme flash flooding. Fast and abrupt increases in streamflow affect small spatial scales and leave limited time for the effective implementation of protective measures. The institutional organization–protection–prevention cycle unfolded at the spatial and temporal scales typically dominated by the meteorological rather than hydrological scales. Although the citizen science campaign reveals the effectiveness of the warnings in reaching the population living in the most affected areas, a significant proportion of the respondents expressed a lack of adequate information or were unfamiliar with the intended meaning. In addition, a majority of the interviewees did not perceive any significant threat to life or property. In view of these results, this study identifies potential areas for improving social preparedness for similar natural hazards in the future.

Abstract Iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) deposits are a vital source of copper and critical elements for emerging clean technologies. Andean-type IOCG deposits form in continental arcs undergoing extension, and they have a temporal relationship with magmatism although they do not exhibit a close spatial relation with the causative intrusions. The processes required to form IOCG deposits and their potential connections to iron oxide–apatite (IOA)-type mineralization remain poorly constrained, as well as the characteristics of magmatism linked to both deposit types. Here we combine zircon U–Pb geochronology with zircon trace element geochemistry of intrusive rocks associated with the Candelaria deposit, one of the world’s largest IOCG deposits, to unravel distinctive signatures diagnostic of magmatic fertility. Our results reveal a marked transition in the geochemistry of intrusions in the Candelaria district, characterized by changes in the redox state, water content and temperature of magmas over time. The oldest magmatic stage (~ 128–125 Ma), prior to the formation of the Candelaria deposit, was characterized by zircon Eu/Eu* ratios of 0.20–0.42, and redox conditions of ΔFMQ − 0.4 to + 1.0. The earliest magmatic stage related to the formation of Fe-rich mineralization at Candelaria (118–115 Ma) exhibits low zircon Eu/Eu* ratios (0.09–0.18), low oxygen fugacity values (ΔFMQ ~− 1.8 to + 0.2) and relatively high crystallization temperatures. In contrast, the youngest stage at ~ 111–108 Ma shows higher zircon Eu/Eu* (~ 0.37–0.69), higher oxygen fugacity values (ΔFMQ ~ + 0.4 to + 1.3) and a decrease in crystallization temperatures, conditions that are favorable for the transport and precipitation of sulfur and chalcophile elements. We conclude that Candelaria was formed through two distinct ore-forming stages: the first associated with a reduced, high temperature, water-poor magma developed under a low tectonic stress, followed by a more oxidized, water-rich, and low temperature magmatic event related to a compressional regime. The first event led to Fe-rich and S-poor IOA-type mineralization, while the second event with geochemical signatures similar to those of porphyry copper systems, generated the Cu- and S-rich mineralization. This late stage overprinted preexisting IOA mineralization resulting in the formation of the giant Candelaria IOCG deposit.

Abstract Background Having a job has been associated with better Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) in cancer survivors. However, the sociodemographic and disease-related profiles characterizing the survivors being employed and those having better HRQOL largely overlap. The present study aims to discern the degree to which employment status is independently associated with cancer survivors’ HRQOL or if it mainly reflects the impact of other sociodemographic and cancer-related variables. Methods Cross-sectional study on a heterogeneous sample of 772 working-age survivors of adult-onset cancer. An instrument specifically designed to assess HRQOL in cancer survivors and Multivariate Variance Analysis (MANOVA) were used. Results Survival phase, cancer type, and employment status showed the main effects on cancer survivors’ HRQOL. In particular, being employed (vs unemployed) had the greatest positive association with HRQOL, affecting ten of the twelve HRQOL domains considered. Also, interaction effects highlighted the role of age (younger) and marital status (single) as risk factors for a greater negative impact of variables affecting the survivor’s HRQOL. Conclusions The application of a multivariate methodology sheds new light on two relevant issues for the cancer survivor’s HRQOL: (i) the existence of differences between diagnostic groups that are not attributed to other variables such as sex, and (ii) the important and independent role that employment status plays. Comprehensive cancer survivorship care should focus more on high-risk groups and include having a job as an essential aspect to consider and prompt. The fact that the employment status is susceptible to change represents a valuable opportunity to care for the wellbeing of this population.

The characterization of wind speed and its variability at a site is important for wind resource assessment. The most readily available wind measurements are at 10 m above ground level. These measurements can then be extrapolated vertically to estimate wind power production. In this work, the Monin–Obukhov similarity method was implemented to estimate the wind speed vertical profile within the surface boundary layer for a southeast Mexican site, considering seasonal and diurnal variations of the surface boundary layer stability parameters. Additionally, a power-law method was implemented where the wind shear exponent was set following the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard and using a variable wind shear exponent. The results showed that the log-law and the variable wind shear method produce better estimates than the IEC standard. The mean power production was estimated at hub height (80 m above surface level) using anemometric data from the Mexican Wind Atlas and then compared with that calculated using the equivalent wind speed estimated from variable wind shear exponent and log-law model. No influence of the vertical wind speed variation within and on top (up to 117.5 m) of the surface boundary layer was found on the mean power production for a wind turbine with a diameter of 90 m and a hub height of 80 m.

José María Vargas (1786–1854) was a multifaceted personality: Venezuelan politician, medical doctor and scientist. In 1827 he became the first dean of the Central University of Caracas. As a professional doctor, he made significant contribution to the teaching of medicine, his educational work encompassed many fields such as human anatomy, surgery, chemistry, etc. In 1827 he founded the Medical Society of Caracas. He served as president of Venezuela from 1835 to 1836. From 1839 to 1852 he was the president of the Directorate General of Education and created its first Code of Public Instruction for Universities and Academies. He carried out plenty of different medical researches and wrote many important books and papers.

Correct and reliable identification and classification of different structures and infrastructures that make up a city (e.g. residential buildings, school buildings, hospitals, power stations, routes of communication, etc.) are of great importance for the AEC/FM (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Facilities Management) domain and for seismic risk assessments, among others. For decades, the method of collecting buildings information has been through field campaigns. This practice requires significant resources in terms of qualified engineers or architects to identify the geometry of the different elements that constitute the structure, building materials and construction processes. Nowadays, there are different geospatial techniques that allow data acquisition on a massive scale in a short period of time. In particular, by means of laser measurements, it is possible to have clouds of millions of points with geometric and radiometric information in a matter of seconds. In this article, we present ABM-indoor, a LIDAR-based approach that automatically provides a three-dimensional models of buildings in vector format. Models include floors, ceilings, walls (up to five dominant directions), columns, elements located on floors and elements hanging from ceilings. Efforts are underway to transfer this model to a Building Information Model (BIM).

Abstract Despite the improved accuracy of next-generation sequencing (NGS), it is widely accepted that variants need to be validated using Sanger sequencing before reporting. Validation of all NGS variants considerably increases the turnaround time and costs of clinical diagnosis. We comprehensively assessed this need in 1109 variants from 825 clinical exomes, the largest sample set to date assessed using Illumina chemistry reported. With a concordance of 100%, we conclude that Sanger sequencing can be very useful as an internal quality control, but not so much as a verification method for high-quality single-nucleotide and small insertion/deletions variants. Laboratories might validate and establish their own thresholds before discontinuing Sanger confirmation studies. We also expand and validate 23 copy number variations detected by exome sequencing in 20 samples, observing a concordance of 95.65% (22/23).

Abstract Despite extensive research on molecular pathways controlling the process of regeneration in model organisms, little is known about the actual initiation signals necessary to induce regeneration. Recently, the activation of ERK signaling has been shown to be required to initiate regeneration in planarians. However, how ERK signaling is activated remains unknown. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are well-known early signals necessary for regeneration in several models, including planarians. Still, the probable interplay between ROS and MAPK/ERK has not yet been described. Here, by interfering with major mediators (ROS, EGFR and MAPK/ERK), we were able to identify wound-induced ROS, and specifically H2O2, as upstream cues in the activation of regeneration. Our data demonstrate new relationships between regeneration-related ROS production and MAPK/ERK activation at the earliest regeneration stages, as well as the involvement of the EGFR-signaling pathway. Our results suggest that (1) ROS and/or H2O2 have the potential to rescue regeneration after MEK-inhibition, either by H2O2-treatment or light therapy, (2) ROS and/or H2O2 are required for the activation of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, (3) the EGFR pathway can mediate ROS production and the activation of MAPK/ERK during planarian regeneration.

Resumen: Los pacientes en diálisis son un grupo de riesgo de sufrir la infección por el SARS-CoV-2 y posiblemente de tener más complicaciones, pero la información con la que contamos es escasa. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la experiencia del primer mes de pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en una unidad hospitalaria de hemodiálisis (HD) que atiende al 2.o distrito madrileño con más en incidencia de COVID-19 (casi 1.000 pacientes en 100.000 habitantes). Se presenta mediante un diario las acciones llevadas a cabo, la incidencia de COVID-19 en pacientes y en el personal sanitario, algunas características clínicas y el resultado de un cribado entre todos los pacientes de la unidad.Al inicio, teníamos 90 pacientes en HD: 37(41,1%) han tenido COVID-19, de los que 17 (45,9%) fueron diagnosticados por síntomas detectados en el triaje o durante la sesión y 15 (40,5%) en un cribado realizado a posteriori en los que no se había hecho test diagnóstico por PCR-SARS-CoV-2 hasta ese momento. El síntoma más frecuente fue la fiebre, el 50% presentó linfopenia y el 18,4% saturación de O2

This study aims at evaluating the performances of flash-flood forecasts issued from deterministic and ensemble meteorological prognostic systems. The hydrometeorological modeling chain includes the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) forcing the rainfall-runoff model MARINE dedicated to flash floods. Two distinct ensemble prediction systems accounting for (i) perturbed initial and lateral boundary conditions of the meteorological state and (ii) mesoscale model physical parameterizations have been implemented on the Agly catchment of the eastern Pyrenees with three subcatchments exhibiting different rainfall regimes. Different evaluations of the performance of the hydrometeorological strategies have been performed: (i) verification of short-range ensemble prediction systems and corresponding streamflow forecasts, for a better understanding of how forecasts behave; (ii) usual measures derived from a contingency table approach, to test an alert threshold exceedance; and (iii) overall evaluation of the hydrometeorological chain using the continuous rank probability score, for a general quantification of the ensemble performances. Results show that the overall discharge forecast is improved by both ensemble strategies with respect to the deterministic forecast. Threshold exceedance detections for flood warning also benefit from large hydrometeorological ensemble spread. There are no substantial differences between both ensemble strategies on these test cases in terms of both the issuance of flood warnings and the overall performances, suggesting that both sources of external-scale uncertainty are important to take into account.

An extraordinary convective rainfall event, unforeseen by most numerical weather prediction models, generated a devastating flash flood (305 m3 s−1) in the town of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, Mallorca, on 9 October 2018. Four people died inside this village, while casualties were up to 13 over the entire affected area. This extreme event has been reconstructed by implementing an integrated flash flood modelling approach in the Ses Planes catchment up to Sant Llorenç (23.4 km2), based on three components: (i) generation of radar-derived precipitation estimates, (ii) modelling of accurate discharge hydrographs yielded by the catchment (using FEST and KLEM models), and (iii) hydraulic simulation of the event and mapping of affected areas (using HEC-RAS). Radar-derived rainfall estimates show very high agreement with rain gauge data (R2=0.98). Modelled flooding extent is in close agreement with the observed extension by the Copernicus Emergency Management Service, based on Sentinel-1 imagery, and both far exceed the extension for a 500-year return period flood. Hydraulic simulation revealed that water reached a depth of 3 m at some points, and modelled water depths highly correlate (R2=0.91) with in situ after-event measurements. The 9 October flash flood eroded and transported woody and abundant sediment debris, changing channel geomorphology. Water velocity greatly increased at bridge locations crossing the river channel, especially at those closer to the Sant Llorenç town centre. This study highlights how the very low predictability of this type of extreme convective rainfall events and the very short hydrological response times typical of small Mediterranean catchments continue to challenge the implementation of early warning systems, which effectively reduce people's exposure to flash flood risk in the region.

Floristic diversity changes substantially depending on the type of land management. We evaluated the impact of a continuous (CG) and rotational (RG) grazing system on the dynamics of plant diversity and community composition in a heather-gorse understory after a two and six-year pause from horse grazing. Previously grazed sites had higher total and rare species richness and diversity than ungrazed (UN), regardless the type of grazing system. The positive impact of previous grazing on species richness was higher in CG and continued after six years in both grazing systems. Seven species of high conservation interest in heathlands were present in the studied areas. Most of them were associated to CG management and none was exclusively in RG. The reduction of the shrub component by previous horse grazing led to a decrease of gorse dominance, thus potentially reducing fire risk and increasing plant diversity. The extent of the positive effect of horse grazing controlling excessive accumulation of combustible material and favoring species richness differed when relative abundance of species, and not solely the number of species, was taken into account (Simpson’s dominance increased and Pielou’s evenness decreased after six years). Overall, the effects of previous rotational and continuous grazing on plant diversity in an Atlantic heather-gorse dominated plant community were still apparent 2 or 6 years after grazing interruption, although declined after the six-year grazing interlude. Rotational management revealed a slight advantage upon the control of gorse biomass long term, and assisted to maintain the relative abundance of species more evenly over time. The alpha and beta diversity indices confirmed that plant diversity similarity between rotational and continuous management increased after six years.

Multicenter collaborative networks are essential for advancing research and improving clinical care for a variety of conditions. Research networks are particularly important for central nervous system infections, which remain difficult to study due to their sporadic occurrence and requirement for collection and testing of cerebrospinal fluid. Establishment of long-term research networks in resource-limited areas also facilitates diagnostic capacity building, surveillance for emerging pathogens, and provision of appropriate treatment where needed. We review our experience developing a research network for encephalitis among twelve hospitals in five Peruvian cities since 2009. We provide practical suggestions to aid other groups interested in advancing research on central nervous system infections in resource-limited areas. Keywords: Central nervous system infections, Encephalitis, Epidemiology, Herpes simplex virus, Virology

Zinc nitrate (ZnON) and zinc acetate (ZnOA) were used as precursors for the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles by the sol–gel method. The ZnO powder was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (UV–Vis DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), physisorption of nitrogen, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). On the other hand, the photocatalytic activity of the samples was tested in the degradation of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) under UV-light irradiation. The ZnON and ZnOA showed polycrystalline irregular structures and rod-like morphology with mean sizes of 40 and 99 nm, respectively. The precursor type influenced the bandgap, crystallite size, surface area, total pore volume, and pore diameter. The XPS results showed high contents of C and N in the ZnO samples, and as a consequence, the solids present remarkable differences in the C/N, O/C, and O/Zn atomic ratios, which significantly influenced the physicochemical characteristics. The ZnON and ZnOA exhibit photocatalytic properties against 2,4-D (74.7 and 90.9%, respectively) and 2,4-DCP (78.4 and 86.7%, respectively) and better performance of ZnOA. These results are promising and indicate the potential to use this material as a photocatalyst to degrade organic pesticides.

During the hydrological year 2015–2016 (September to August) a severe drought affected the Balearic Islands, with substantial consequences (alleviated partially by desalination plants) on water availability for consumption from reservoirs and aquifers and also on the vegetation cover. In particular, a plague of Xylella fastidiosa reached an alarming level for almond and olive trees. The expansion of this infestation could be attributed to, or at least favored by, the extreme drought. In this paper we analyze this anomalous episode in terms of the corresponding water balance in comparison with the balance obtained from long-term climatological data. It is shown that the drought was the result of a lack of winter precipitation, the lowest in 43 years, which led to a shortage of water storage in the soil. In several meteorological stations analyzed, evaporation was greater than precipitation during all the months of the year. In terms of attribution, it is found that during the 2015–2016 winter the atmospheric circulation over the North Atlantic was largely westerly and intense, with high values of the NAO index that were reflected in high pressures over the Iberian Peninsula and the western Mediterranean.

Hypertension (HBP) is a chronic disease characterized by increased blood pressure, which despite several treatments maintains a high morbi-mortality, which suggests that there are other mechanisms involved in this pathology, within which the orphan receptors could be candidates for the treatment of the HBP; these receptors are called orphan receptors because their ligand is unknown. These receptors have been suggested to participate in some pathologies because they are associated with various systems such as GPR88, which has been linked to the dopaminergic system, and GPR124 with angiogenesis, suggesting that these receptors could take part in HBP. Hence, the aim of this work was to study the expression of orphan receptors GPR88 and GPR124 in various tissues of normotensive and hypertensive rats. We used Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) of 6–8 and 10–12 weeks of age and we determined systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate, as well as mRNA of GPR88 and GPR124 receptors by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the aorta, heart, kidney, and brain. Our results showed that GPR88 and GPR124 were expressed in all analyzed tissues, but their expression is dependent on the age and development of HBP because their expression tends to be modified as HBP is established. Therefore, we conclude that GPR88 and GPR124 receptors may be involved in the development or maintenance of high blood pressure.

The continuous flow of new research articles on MDR-TB diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation requires frequent update of existing guidelines. This review is aimed at providing clinicians and public health staff with an updated and easy-to-consult document arising from consensus of Global Tuberculosis Network (GTN) experts.The core published documents and guidelines have been reviewed, including the recently published MDR-TB WHO rapid advice and ATS/CDC/ERS/IDSA guidelines.After a rapid review of epidemiology and risk factors, the clinical priorities on MDR-TB diagnosis (including whole genome sequencing and drug-susceptibility testing interpretations) and treatment (treatment design and management, TB in children) are discussed. Furthermore, the review comprehensively describes the latest information on contact tracing and LTBI management in MDR-TB contacts, while providing guidance on post-treatment functional evaluation and rehabilitation of TB sequelae, infection control and other public health priorities. Keywords: MDR-TB, XDR-TB, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Rehabilitation of sequelae

The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of cutting age on chemical chemistry, rumen degradation kinetics and in vitro digestibility of hydroponic green forage of Avena sativa. The treatments were: T1: 8 days, T2: 11 days, T3: 14 days and T4: 17 days after germination. The DM showed a linear increase (P = 0.0034) at the harvest days. The NDF was higher in treatments T3 and T4 (457.2 and 479.1 g/kg DM respectively). The OM, AFD, GE and the digestibility of the DM and OM showed no differences (P> 0.05) between treatments. The ruminal degradation of DM fractions A, B and A + B showed no differences (P> 0.05). The degradation rate (c% h1) was higher in T2. The effective degradation showed a linear reduction (P 0.05) between treatments and the degradation rate (c% h1) was higher (P = 0.0009) in T2. The effective degradation decreased linearly (P = 0.0001) as the days to cut increased. The CP fraction A was higher (P = 0.0001) in T3 (888.0 g / kg DM). Fraction B and degradation rate (c% h1) was higher in T1 and T4. The effective degradation (0.02% k) showed no differences (P> 0.05), at 0.05% k it was higher in T1, T2 and T3. And at 0.08% k was higher in T2 and T3. The degradation of the FDN fraction A was higher in T1, T3 and T4. Fraction B and A + B showed no differences (P> 0.05) between treatments. The degradation rate (c% h1) was higher in T1 and T2. And the effective degradation showed no differences (P> 0.05) between treatments. It´s concluded that the optimum harvest time to achieve a better chemical composition and greater ruminal digestion is between the 11 days of harvest of the hydroponic green forage of A. sativa.

Sex-related differences in brain and behavior are apparent across the life course, but the exact set of processes that guide their emergence in utero remains a topic of vigorous scientific inquiry. Here, we evaluate sex and gestational age (GA)-related change in functional connectivity (FC) within and between brain wide networks. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging we examined FC in 118 human fetuses between 25.9 and 39.6 weeks GA (70 male; 48 female). Infomap was applied to the functional connectome to identify discrete prenatal brain networks in utero. A consensus procedure produced an optimal model comprised of 16 distinct fetal neural networks distributed throughout the cortex and subcortical regions. We used enrichment analysis to assess network-level clustering of strong FC-GA correlations separately in each sex group, and to identify network pairs exhibiting distinct patterns of GA-related change in FC between males and females. We discovered both within and between network FC-GA associations that varied with sex. Specifically, associations between GA and posterior cingulate-temporal pole and fronto-cerebellar FC were observed in females only, whereas the association between GA and increased intracerebellar FC was stronger in males. These observations confirm that sexual dimorphism in functional brain systems emerges during human gestation. Keywords: Connectivity, Gestational age, MRI, Prenatal, Resting-state, Sex

Introduction: Evidence supports that admitting patients with stroke during different hospital work periods is related to distinct outcomes. We aimed to analyse outcomes in patients according to the period and time of admission to the stroke unit. Methods: Retrospective study. For purposes of data analysis, patients were grouped according to the following time periods: (a) day of the week, (b) period of the year, (c) shift. We analysed demographic characteristics, stroke type and severity, and the percentage undergoing thrombolysis in each group. The measures used to evaluate early outcomes were the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), neurological complications (NC), and in-hospital mortality. Functional outcome at 3 months was determined using the modified Rankin scale. Results: The stroke unit admitted 1250 patients. We found NC to be slightly more frequent for weekend admissions than for weekday admissions, but this trend does not seem to have influenced in-hospital mortality. Regarding functional outcome at 3 months, 67.0% of weekday vs 60.7% of weekend admissions were independent (P = .096), as were 65.5% of patients admitted during the academic months vs 63.5% of those admitted during summer holidays (P = .803). We identified no significant differences in 3-month mortality linked to the day or period of admission; however, for the variable ‘shift’, 13.2% of the patients died during the morning shift, 11.5% during the afternoon shift, and 6.0% during the night shift (P = .017). We identified a trend towards higher rates of thrombolysis administration on weekdays, during the morning shift, and during the academic months. Conclusions: Time of admission to the stroke unit did not affect early outcomes or functional independence at 3 months. Resumen: Introducción: Existe evidencia de que el ingreso de pacientes con ictus en diferentes periodos laborales influye en su evolución. Analizamos la evolución de los pacientes con relación al momento del ingreso en una unidad de ictus. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo. Se agrupó a los pacientes considerando los siguientes periodos: a) día de la semana, b) periodo del año y c) turno de trabajo. Analizamos características demográficas, tipo y gravedad del ictus y porcentaje de trombólisis. Determinamos la evolución precoz considerando: la National Institute of Heath Stroke Scale (NIHSS), complicaciones neurológicas (CN) y mortalidad hospitalaria, y situación funcional (SF) a 3 meses mediante la escala modificada de Rankin. Resultados: Se incluyó a 1.250 pacientes. Las CN fueron más frecuentes durante el fin de semana que en los días laborales, sin influir en la mortalidad hospitalaria. Respecto a la SF a 3 meses, el 67,0% de pacientes ingresados en días laborales vs. 60,7% durante el fin de semana (p = 0,096), el 65,5% de los pacientes ingresados durante los meses académicos vs. 63,5% durante las vacaciones de verano (p = 0,803) eran independientes. No identificamos diferencias significativas en la mortalidad a 3 meses según el día o periodo del año; sin embargo, para la variable turno de trabajo, el 13,2% de los pacientes ingresados durante la mañana, el 11,5% por la tarde y el 6,0% durante el turno de noche fallecieron (p = 0,017). Observamos una tendencia a realizar más fibrinólisis en días laborables, turno de la mañana y meses académicos. Conclusiones: El momento del ingreso en la unidad de ictus no influyó en la evolución precoz ni en la situación de independencia a 3 meses. Keywords: Outcome, Weekend, Stroke unit, Thrombolysis, Admission, Acute stroke, Palabras clave: Pronóstico, Fin de semana, Unidad de ictus, Trombólisis, Ingreso, Ictus agudo

Resumen: Introducción: Existe evidencia de que el ingreso de pacientes con ictus en diferentes periodos laborales influye en su evolución. Analizamos la evolución de los pacientes con relación al momento del ingreso en una unidad de ictus. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo. Se agrupó a los pacientes considerando los siguientes periodos: a) día de la semana, b) periodo del año y c) turno de trabajo. Analizamos características demográficas, tipo y gravedad del ictus y porcentaje de trombólisis. Determinamos la evolución precoz considerando: la National Institute of Heath Stroke Scale (NIHSS), complicaciones neurológicas (CN) y mortalidad hospitalaria, y situación funcional (SF) a 3 meses mediante la escala modificada de Rankin. Resultados: Se incluyó a 1.250 pacientes. Las CN fueron más frecuentes durante el fin de semana que en los días laborales, sin influir en la mortalidad hospitalaria. Respecto a la SF a 3 meses, el 67,0% de pacientes ingresados en días laborales vs. 60,7% durante el fin de semana (p = 0,096), el 65,5% de los pacientes ingresados durante los meses académicos vs. 63,5% durante las vacaciones de verano (p = 0,803) eran independientes. No identificamos diferencias significativas en la mortalidad a 3 meses según el día o periodo del año; sin embargo, para la variable turno de trabajo, el 13,2% de los pacientes ingresados durante la mañana, el 11,5% por la tarde y el 6,0% durante el turno de noche fallecieron (p = 0,017). Observamos una tendencia a realizar más fibrinólisis en días laborables, turno de la mañana y meses académicos. Conclusiones: El momento del ingreso en la unidad de ictus no influyó en la evolución precoz ni en la situación de independencia a 3 meses. Abstract: Introduction: Evidence supports that admitting patients with stroke during different hospital work periods is related to distinct outcomes. We aimed to analyse outcomes in patients according to the period and time of admission to the stroke unit. Methods: Retrospective study. For purposes of data analysis, patients were grouped according to the following time periods: a) day of the week, b) period of the year, c) shift. We analysed demographic characteristics, stroke type and severity, and the percentage undergoing thrombolysis in each group. The measures used to evaluate early outcomes were the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), neurological complications (NC), and in-hospital mortality. Functional outcome at 3 months was determined using the modified Rankin scale. Results: The stroke unit admitted 1250 patients. We found NC to be slightly more frequent for weekend admissions than for weekday admissions, but this trend does not seem to have influenced in-hospital mortality. Regarding functional outcome at 3 months, 67.0% of weekday vs. 60.7% of weekend admissions were independent (P=.096), as were 65.5% of patients admitted during the academic months vs. 63.5% of those admitted during summer holidays (P=.803). We identified no significant differences in 3-month mortality linked to the day or period of admission; however, for the variable ‘shift’, 13.2% of the patients died during the morning shift, 11.5% during the afternoon shift, and 6.0% during the night shift (P=.017). We identified a trend toward higher rates of thrombolysis administration on weekdays, during the morning shift, and during the academic months. Conclusions: Time of admission to the stroke unit did not affect early outcomes or functional independence at 3 months. Palabras clave: Pronóstico, Fin de semana, Unidad de ictus, Trombólisis, Ingreso, Ictus agudo, Keywords: Outcome, Weekend, Stroke unit, Thrombolysis, Admission, Acute stroke

In this paper a method of classifying biomedical text documents based on Hidden Markov Model is proposed and evaluated. The method is integrated into a framework named BioClass. Bioclass is composed of intelligent text classification tools and facilitates the comparison between them because it has several views of the results. The main goal is to propose a more effective based-on content classifier than current methods in this environment To test the effectiveness of the classifier presented, a set of experiments performed on the OSHUMED corpus are preseted. Our model is tested adding it learning capacity and without it, and it is compared with other classification techniques. The results suggest that the adaptive HMM model is indeed more suitable for document classification.

This work focuses on modeling and simulating the absorption and scattering of radiation in a photocatalytic annular reactor. To achieve so, a model based on four fluxes (FFM) of radiation in cylindrical coordinates to describe the radiant field is assessed. This model allows calculating the local volumetric rate energy absorption (LVREA) profiles when the reaction space of the reactors is not a thin film. The obtained results were compared to radiation experimental data from other authors and with the results obtained by discrete ordinate method (DOM) carried out with the Heat Transfer Module of Comsol Multiphysics® 4.4. The FFM showed a good agreement with the results of Monte Carlo method (MC) and the six-flux model (SFM). Through this model, the LVREA is obtained, which is an important parameter to establish the reaction rate equation. In this study, the photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde was carried out, and the kinetic equation for this process was obtained. To perform the simulation, the commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics v. 4.4 was employed.

Patient security is one of the key aspects of the Health-System. Parenteral Nutrition is included in the ISMP’s list of high-alert medication, being its appropiate use an essential element in maximizing effectiviness while minimizing the potential risk of errors associated with its use. Multi-chamber bags offer several advantages versus pharmacy bespoke bags. However, their apparent simplicity may induce to misuse, asuming their use requires limited consideration, thus increasing the risk of potential errors. For this reason, the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacist’s Clinical Nutrition Group considered it essential to develop a list of safety practices regarding the use of parenteral nutrition multi-chamber bags. These recommendations are based on practices globally accepted to diminish errors in PN therapy

The general objective of the international MEDiterranean EXperiment (MEDEX) was the better understanding and forecasting of cyclones that produce high impact weather in the Mediterranean. This paper reviews the motivation and foundation of MEDEX, the gestation, history and organisation of the project, as well as the main products and scientific achievements obtained from it. MEDEX obtained the approval of World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and can be considered as framed within other WMO actions, such as the ALPine EXperiment (ALPEX), the Mediterranean Cyclones Study Project (MCP) and, to a certain extent, THe Observing System Research and Predictability EXperiment (THORPEX) and the HYdrological cycle in Mediterranean EXperiment (HyMeX). Through two phases (2000–2005 and 2006–2010), MEDEX has produced a specific database, with information about cyclones and severe or high impact weather events, several main reports and a specific data targeting system field campaign (DTS-MEDEX-2009). The scientific achievements are significant in fields like climatology, dynamical understanding of the physical processes and social impact of cyclones, as well as in aspects related to the location of sensitive zones for individual cases, the climatology of sensitivity zones and the improvement of the forecasts through innovative methods like mesoscale ensemble prediction systems.

A pilot system for treating municipal waste was evaluated to verify its ability to remove viral pathogens. The presence of Adeno vi rus, Calicivirus, Enterovirus and Hepatitis A and E was determined using RT-PCR. The efficiency of coliphages as indicators and the presence of classic bacterial indicators were also investigated. A 100% positivity was obtained for the presence of all viruses at the entrance and exit of the system; therefore, the system was not able to remove them. Coliphages weren’t removed by the system, but they were effective as indicators of enteric viral presence in it. Bacterial indicators reduced their number going through the system, but even at the end of the system, coliforms had numbers above the limits dictated by Venezuelan law. There fore, it would be necessary to add additional steps to the system in order to obtain an effluent that meets the laws and to ensure the absence of enteric viruses.

Understanding the spatial distribution of extreme precipitations is of major interest in order to improve our knowledge of the climate of a region and its relationship with society. These analyses inevitably require the use of directly observed values to account for the actual extreme amounts rather than analyzed gridded values. A study of daily rainfall extremes observed over mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands is performed by using records from 8135 rain gauge stations from the Spanish Weather Agency (AEMET). Results show that the heaviest daily precipitations have been observed mainly on the coastal Mediterranean zone from Gibraltar to the Pyrenees. In particular, a record value of 817 mm was recorded in the Valencia region in 1987. The current map of daily records in Spain, which updates the pioneering work of the Spanish meteorologist Font, shows similar distribution of extreme events but with notably higher amounts. Generalized extreme values distributions fit the Mediterranean and Atlantic rain gauge measurements and shows the different characteristics of the extreme daily precipitations in both regions. We identify the most extreme events (above 500 mm per day) and provide a brief description of a typical meteorological situation in which these damaging events occur. An analysis of the low-level circulation patterns producing such extremes – by means of simple indices such as NAO, WeMOi and IBEI – confirms the relevance of local flows in the generation of either Mediterranean or Atlantic episodes. WeMOi, and even more IBEI, are good discriminants of the region affected by the record precipitation event.

Lightning activity detected by the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) over oceanic regions adjacent to Mexico is often as high as that observed over the continent. In order to explore the possible causes of the observed high flash density over those regions, the relationships between lightning, rainfall, vertical hydrometeor profiles, latent heating, wind variability and aerosol optical depth are analyzed. The characteristics of lightning and precipitation over four oceanic zones adjacent to Mexican coastlines are contrasted against those over the continent. The number of flashes per rainfall over some coastal maritime regions is found to be higher than over the continent. The largest number of flashes per rainfall is observed during the biomass burning season. In addition, we compare two smaller areas of the Tropical Pacific Ocean: one located within the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone and characterized by high rainfall and weak lightning activity and the other one influenced by a continental wind jet and characterized by high rainfall and strong lightning activity. During the rainy season, the monthly distribution of lightning within the region influenced by the continental wind jet is contrary to that of rainfall. Moreover, the monthly variability of lightning is very similar to the variability of the meridional wind component and it is also related to the variability of aerosol optical depth. The analysis suggests that the high lightning activity observed over coastal Pacific region is linked to the continental cloud condensation nuclei advected over the ocean. Analysis of daily observations indicates that the greatest lightning density is observed for moderate values of the aerosol optical depth, between 0.2 and 0.35.

Introduction: The prevalence of dementia is growing in Spain, and so is the number of caregivers who are considering the institutionalization of their relatives. The purpose of this study is to identify which variables are associated with caregivers’ desire for institutionalization of their dementia relatives. Patients and methods: Informal caregivers of 243 individuals suffering from dementia were interviewed. Predisposing variables (sociodemographic and contextual variables), stressors (dementia-related and caregiving-related aspects), appraisals (of circumstances and caregivers’ role), resources (personal and community-based resources) and the desire to institutionalize were evaluated. Results: Over half of the caregivers (52.6%) indicated that they had some desire to institutionalize their relatives with dementia. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that caregivers’ consideration to institutionalize was associated with being a male caregiver, not being the spouse of the dementia patient, and with a higher consideration and higher use of community-based formal resources (short-term nursing home use, adult day care centres and psycho-stimulation). Conclusions: Assessing and using formal resources outside their homes help caregivers overcome barriers that keep them from considering the institutionalization of their relatives. The difficulty in considering institutionalizing their relatives is more evident among spouses, who have stronger attachments with the dementia patients, especially among females, who probably feel obliged to continue developing caregiver roles because of their gender. Resumen: Introducción: El número de personas con demencia en España es cada vez mayor y también aumenta la cantidad de cuidadores que consideran la institucionalización de sus familiares. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las variables asociadas al deseo por parte del cuidador de institucionalizar a su familiar mayor con demencia. Pacientes y métodos: Se entrevistó a 243 cuidadores familiares de personas con demencia. Fueron evaluadas variables predisponentes (sociodemográficas y contextuales), estresores (relacionados con la demencia y el cuidado), valoración (de la situación y del rol de cuidador), recursos (personales y comunitarios) y el deseo de institucionalización. Resultados: Más de la mitad de los cuidadores (52,6%) manifestó en alguna medida estar considerando la institucionalización del familiar con demencia. Un análisis de regresión múltiple por pasos muestra que ser varón, tener un parentesco con el enfermo distinto del de cónyuge, así como haber valorado y utilizado en mayor grado los recursos formales comunitarios (residencia esporádica, centro de día y psicoestimulación) se asocian a una mayor consideración de institucionalización en los cuidadores. Conclusiones: La valoración y posterior utilización de recursos formales fuera del hogar parece servir para romper las barreras que impiden que los cuidadores valoren ingresar a su familiar en una residencia. La dificultad para plantearse la institucionalización es más evidente en los cónyuges, que tienen unos vínculos más fuertes con la persona con demencia, y especialmente en las cuidadoras, quienes probablemente se sienten más obligadas a continuar con el cuidado por su condición de mujeres. Keywords: Caregiver, Desire for institutionalization, Dementia, Stress, Family, Nursing home, Palabras clave: Cuidador, Deseo de institucionalización, Demencia, Estrés, Familia, Residencia

Resumen: Introducción: El número de personas con demencia en España es cada vez mayor y también aumenta la cantidad de cuidadores que consideran la institucionalización de sus familiares. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las variables asociadas al deseo por parte del cuidador de institucionalizar a su familiar mayor con demencia. Pacientes y métodos: Se entrevistó a 243 cuidadores familiares de personas con demencia. Fueron evaluadas variables predisponentes (sociodemográficas y contextuales), estresores (relacionados con la demencia y el cuidado), valoración (de la situación y del rol de cuidador), recursos (personales y comunitarios) y el deseo de institucionalización. Resultados: Más de la mitad de los cuidadores (52,6%) manifestó en alguna medida estar considerando la institucionalización del familiar con demencia. Un análisis de regresión múltiple por pasos muestra que ser varón, tener un parentesco con el enfermo distinto del de cónyuge, así como haber valorado y utilizado en mayor grado los recursos formales comunitarios (residencia esporádica, centro de día y psicoestimulación) se asocian a una mayor consideración de institucionalización en los cuidadores. Conclusiones: La valoración y posterior utilización de recursos formales fuera del hogar parece servir para romper las barreras que impiden que los cuidadores valoren ingresar a su familiar en una residencia. La dificultad para plantearse la institucionalización es más evidente en los cónyuges, que tienen unos vínculos más fuertes con la persona con demencia, y especialmente en las cuidadoras, quienes probablemente se sienten más obligadas a continuar con el cuidado por su condición de mujeres. Abstract: Introduction: The prevalence of dementia is growing in Spain, and so is the number of caregivers who are considering the institutionalization of their relatives. The purpose of this study is to identify which variables are associated with caregivers’ desire for institutionalization their dementia relatives. Patients and methods: Informal caregivers of 243 individuals suffering from dementia were interviewed. Predisposing variables (sociodemographic and contextual variables), stressors (dementia-related and caregiving-related aspects), appraisals (of circumstances and caregivers’ role), resources (personal and community-based resources) and the desire to institutionalize were evaluated. Results: Over half of the caregivers (52.6%) indicated that they had some desire to institutionalize their relatives with dementia. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that caregivers’ consideration to institutionalize was associated with being a male caregiver, not being the spouse of the dementia patient, and with a higher consideration and higher use of community-based formal resources (short-term nursing home use, adult day care centres and psycho-stimulation). Conclusions: Assessing and using formal resources outside their homes help caregivers overcome barriers that keep them from considering the institutionalization of their relatives. The difficulty in considering institutionalizing their relatives is more evident among spouses, who have stronger attachments with the dementia patients, especially among females, who probably feel obliged to continue developing caregiver roles because of their gender. Palabras clave: Cuidador, Deseo de institucionalización, Demencia, Estrés, Familia, Residencia, Keywords: Caregiver, Desire for institutionalization, Dementia, Stress, Family, Nursing home

Sin resumen

The high-impact precipitation events that regularly affect the western Mediterranean coastal regions are still difficult to predict with the current prediction systems. Bearing this in mind, this paper focuses on the superensemble technique applied to the precipitation field. Encouraged by the skill shown by a previous multiphysics ensemble prediction system applied to western Mediterranean precipitation events, the superensemble is fed with this ensemble. The training phase of the superensemble contributes to the actual forecast with weights obtained by comparing the past performance of the ensemble members and the corresponding observed states. The non-hydrostatic MM5 mesoscale model is used to run the multiphysics ensemble. Simulations are performed with a 22.5 km resolution domain (Domain 1 in http://mm5forecasts.uib.es) nested in the ECMWF forecast fields. The period between September and December 2001 is used to train the superensemble and a collection of 19~MEDEX cyclones is used to test it. The verification procedure involves testing the superensemble performance and comparing it with that of the poor-man and bias-corrected ensemble mean and the multiphysic EPS control member. The results emphasize the need of a well-behaved training phase to obtain good results with the superensemble technique. A strategy to obtain this improved training phase is already outlined.

Objective: to evaluate the type, frequency, and severity of macroscopic small bowel mucosal injury after chronic NSAID intake as assessed by capsule endoscopy (CE), as well as to correlate the severity of gastroduodenal and intestinal damage in these patients. Material and methods:a prospective, endoscopist-blind, controlled trial. Sixteen patients (14F/2M; age: 57.06 ± 10.16 yrs) with osteoarthritis (OA) on chronic therapy with NSAIDs underwent CE and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE). Seventeen patients with OA (9F/2M; age: 57.47 ± 9.82 yrs) who did not take NSAIDs were included as a control group. A scale ranging from 0 to 2 (0 = no lesions, 1-minor = red spots or petechiae, denuded areas and/or 1-5 mucosal breaks; 2-major = > 5 mucosal breaks and/or strictures, or hemorrhage) was designed to assess the severity of small bowel mucosal injuries. Results: CE found intestinal lesions in 75% (12/16) of patients in the study group and in 11.76% (2/17) of controls (p < 0.01). Seven out of 16 NSAID consumers (43.75%) and none in the control group (0%) had a major small bowel mucosal injury (p < 0.01). The percentages of patients with grade 1 and 2 gastroduodenopathy in the study group, as assessed by UGE, were 37.14 and 23.81%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the rate of major enteropathy between patients with none or minor gastroduodenal injury, and those with major gastroduodenopathy (43.75 vs. 40%; p = N.S.). Conclusions: chronic NSAID intake is associated with a high rate of small bowel mucosal injuries. Our data have failed to demonstrate a relationship between the severity of gastroduodenal and intestinal injury.

Se analizan k>s posibles refinamientos de los modelos de pares aplicados a soluciones metálicas liquidas. Como una extensión de los mismos se discute el tratamiento estadístico de Takeuchi y se presenta su aplicación a los sistemas Ag-Ge, Ag-Sn, Cu-ln y Cd-Cu. Cd-Sb, St>- Zn, El comportamiento de mini- estructuras en estos sistemas es también bien presentado y discutido.

During the afternoon of 4 October 2007, a thunderstorm swept across the Island of Mallorca from southwest to northeast. Strong straight-line winds (up to 30 m/s) and heavy rain (rates up to 100 mm/h) were registered accompanying the storm. Tornadoes with an estimated intensity of F2–F3 developed nearby the city of Palma, severely affecting industrial installations. One person was killed by the impact of heavy debris while more than 10 million € in damages were attributed to the event in the industrial area only. The observed evolution of temperature, humidity, wind and pressure, as well as the sequence of radar images, reveal that a squall line was initially organized over the sea and then moved north-eastwards at an estimated speed of around 80 km/h. This paper presents an analysis of the event from an observational point of view. The aim of the study is to contribute to the characterization of these rare events in the Western Mediterranean by analyzing the observational information available for this particular extreme event. The diagnosis is aimed at helping forecasters to identify this kind of organized deep convective events and being able to issue timely warnings. The synoptic scenario shows warm and moist advection at low levels over Balearics and an upper-level trough over mainland Spain. This situation is known to be prone to deep convection in Mediterranean Spain in autumn. Radiosonde ascents from Murcia and Palma show convective instability at mid levels that can conduce to develop convection if appropriate ascents occur. A plausible lifting mechanism to trigger convection is attributed to large amplitude gravity waves, registered as short-period pressure oscillations by surface barographs.

En los procesos pirometalúrgicos, parte del cobre se pierde en la escoria que se genera como residuo del proceso, pudiendo estar presente en ella, en concentraciones muy superiores a las de muchas menas. El cobre se encuentra formando parte de pequeñas partículas de mata, metal blanco y blister, ocluidas en fase de fayalita. En este trabajo se ha probado la viabilidad técnica del proceso BRISA, que está basado en la biolixiviación indirecta, para el tratamiento de este residuo. Se ha caracterizado una escoria con un 2 % en cobre, desde los planos químico, granulométrico y metalográfico. Este material se ha lixiviado con disoluciones de sulfato férrico en reactores agitados, estudiándose el efecto de diversas variables. A partir de los resultados obtenidos, e incluyendo un estudio económico, con resultados muy atractivos, se han seleccionado las mejores condiciones de operación y se ha diseñado la etapa de lixiviación para una planta de 30 t/h de capacidad. En esta planta sería posible alcanzar extracciones de cobre superiores al 70 % con un tiempo de residencia de sólo 5 h. La etapa de biooxidación suministraría el férrico necesario pese a haber presente Cu(II) en el circuito en concentraciones de hasta 30 g/l.

The improvement of the short- and mid-range numerical runoff forecasts over the flood-prone Spanish Mediterranean area is a challenging issue. This work analyses four intense precipitation events which produced floods of different magnitude over the Llobregat river basin, a medium size catchment located in Catalonia, north-eastern Spain. One of them was a devasting flash flood – known as the "Montserrat" event – which produced 5 fatalities and material losses estimated at about 65 million euros. The characterization of the Llobregat basin's hydrological response to these floods is first assessed by using rain-gauge data and the Hydrologic Engineering Center's Hydrological Modeling System (HEC-HMS) runoff model. In second place, the non-hydrostatic fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University/NCAR mesoscale model (MM5) is nested within the ECMWF large-scale forecast fields in a set of 54 h period simulations to provide quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) for each hydrometeorological episode. The hydrological model is forced with these QPFs to evaluate the reliability of the resulting discharge forecasts, while an ensemble prediction system (EPS) based on perturbed atmospheric initial and boundary conditions has been designed to test the value of a probabilistic strategy versus the previous deterministic approach. Specifically, a Potential Vorticity (PV) Inversion technique has been used to perturb the MM5 model initial and boundary states (i.e. ECMWF forecast fields). For that purpose, a PV error climatology has been previously derived in order to introduce realistic PV perturbations in the EPS. Results show the benefits of using a probabilistic approach in those cases where the deterministic QPF presents significant deficiencies over the Llobregat river basin in terms of the rainfall amounts, timing and localization. These deficiences in precipitation fields have a major impact on flood forecasts. Our ensemble strategy has been found useful to reduce the biases at different hydrometric sections along the watershed. Therefore, in an operational context, the devised methodology could be useful to expand the lead times associated with the prediction of similar future floods, helping to alleviate their possible hazardous consequences.

In the framework of AMPHORE, an INTERREG III B EU project devoted to the hydrometeorological modeling study of heavy precipitation episodes resulting in flood events and the improvement of the operational hydrometeorological forecasts for the prediction and prevention of flood risks in the Western Mediterranean area, a hydrometeorological model intercomparison has been carried out, in order to estimate the uncertainties associated with the discharge predictions. The analysis is performed for an intense precipitation event selected as a case study within the project, which affected northern Italy and caused a flood event in the upper Reno river basin, a medium size catchment in the Emilia-Romagna Region. Two different hydrological models have been implemented over the basin: HEC-HMS and TOPKAPI which are driven in two ways. Firstly, stream-flow simulations obtained by using precipitation observations as input data are evaluated, in order to be aware of the performance of the two hydrological models. Secondly, the rainfall-runoff models have been forced with rainfall forecast fields provided by mesoscale atmospheric model simulations in order to evaluate the reliability of the discharge forecasts resulting by the one-way coupling. The quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) are provided by the numerical mesoscale models COSMO and MM5. Furthermore, different configurations of COSMO and MM5 have been adopted, trying to improve the description of the phenomena determining the precipitation amounts. In particular, the impacts of using different initial and boundary conditions, different mesoscale models and of increasing the horizontal model resolutions are investigated. The accuracy of QPFs is assessed in a threefold procedure. First, these are checked against the observed spatial rainfall accumulations over northern Italy. Second, the spatial and temporal simulated distributions are also examined over the catchment of interest. And finally, the discharge simulations resulting from the one-way coupling with HEC-HMS and TOPKAPI are evaluated against the rain-gauge driven simulated flows, thus employing the hydrological models as a validation tool. The different scenarios of the simulated river flows – provided by an independent implementation of the two hydrological models each one forced with both COSMO and MM5 – enable a quantification of the uncertainties of the precipitation outputs, and therefore, of the discharge simulations. Results permit to highlight some hydrological and meteorological modeling factors which could help to enhance the hydrometeorological modeling of such hazardous events. Main conclusions are: (1) deficiencies in precipitation forecasts have a major impact on flood forecasts; (2) large-scale shift errors in precipitation patterns are not improved by only enhancing the mesoscale model resolution; and (3) weak differences in flood forecasting performance are found by using either a distributed continuous or a semi-distributed event-based hydrological model for this catchment.

Basándonos en las nuevas poblaciones descubiertas del tríclado Pentacoelum hispaniense aportamos nuevos datos ecológicos, reproductivos, cariológicos y anatómicos de la especie, incluyendo la primera descripción de la anatomía externa. Estos animales presentan tres manchas dorsales refringentes de naturaleza y función desconocidas. El complemento cromosómico diploide consta de 14 cromosomas. La especie parece restringida a masas de agua relativamente cálidas de tierras bajas, donde puede ser encontrada en hábitats heterogéneos. Su reproducción es exclusivamente sexual mediante la producción de capullos. El presente estudio recoge la primera cita de un digenio parasitando un tríclado del grupo de las marícolas, en el estadio de metacercaria.

La construcción del EEES nos propone una transformación radical; en esta nueva situación, no debe caber duda que las TICs, y especialmente las telemáticas, jugarán un papel muy significativo, por las posibilidades que ofrecen para incorporar diferentes tipos de materiales. Ello llevará a que las Universidad tenga que crear centros de ayuda a la producción audiovisual, multimedia y telemática para sus profesores, prever las necesidades de infraestructuras que se van a necesitar y redefinir los servicios actualmente creados. Ante esta realidad, hemos procedido a la identificación y análisis de los servicios de medios en las diferentes universidades españolas y sus actividades de apoyo al profesorado y para la adaptación de los estudios al EEES. Hemos diseñado una Guía para su evaluación, de indudable referente para la creación y desarrollo de estos servicios en las universidades como respuesta a los nuevos tiempos. Esto ha sido posible gracias a las aportaciones de un amplio número de investigadores y gracias a una combinación metodológica (análisis documental, análisis de web, entrevistas, cuestionario...).

PV inversion techniques have been widely used in numerical studies of severe weather cases. These techniques can be applied as a way to study the sensitivity of the responsible meteorological system to changes in the initial conditions of the simulations. Dynamical effects of a collection of atmospheric features involved in the evolution of the system can be isolated. However, aspects, such as the definition of the atmospheric features or the amount of change in the initial conditions, are largely case-dependent and/or subjectively defined. An objective way to calculate the modification of the initial fields is proposed to alleviate this problem. The perturbations are quantified as the mean absolute variations of the total energy between the original and modified fields, and an unique energy variation value is fixed for all the perturbations derived from different PV anomalies. Thus, PV features of different dimensions and characteristics introduce the same net modification of the initial conditions from an energetic point of view. The devised quantification method is applied to study the high impact weather case of 9–11 November 2001 in the Western Mediterranean basin, when a deep and strong cyclone was formed. On the Balearic Islands 4 people died, and sustained winds of 30 ms−1 and precipitation higher than 200 mm/24 h were recorded. Moreover, 700 people died in Algiers during the first phase of the event. The sensitivities to perturbations in the initial conditions of a deep upper level trough, the anticyclonic system related to the North Atlantic high and the surface thermal anomaly related to the baroclinicity of the environment are determined. Results reveal a high influence of the upper level trough and the surface thermal anomaly and a minor role of the North Atlantic high during the genesis of the cyclone.

Tropical-like storms on the Mediterranean Sea are occasionally observed on satellite images, often with a clear eye surrounded by an axysimmetric cloud structure. These storms sometimes attain hurricane intensity and can severely affect coastal lands. A deep, cut-off, cold-core low is usually observed at mid-upper tropospheric levels in association with the development of these tropical-like systems. In this study we attempt to apply some tools previously used in studies of tropical hurricanes to characterise the environments in which seven known Mediterranean events developed. In particular, an axisymmetric, nonhydrostatic, cloud resolving model is applied to simulate the tropical-like storm genesis and evolution. Results are compared to surface observations when landfall occurred and with satellite microwave derived wind speed measurements over the sea. Finally, sensitivities of the numerical simulations to different factors (e.g. sea surface temperature, vertical humidity profile and size of the initial precursor of the storm) are examined.

Background and objectives: the diagnostic yield of push enteroscopy (PE) varies widely from 13 to 78% of cases, according to the various series. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the endoscopic and histological yield of PE in our health area. Patients and methods: a total of 355 consecutive patients (190 males/165 females; mean age 45 years, range 15-89) underwent PE over a 6-year period, from 1997 to 2003. PE was performed under sedation and without overtube. Small-bowel mucosa biopsies were taken in 199 explorations (56%). Clinical indications for PE included: chronic diarrhea (35%), occult digestive bleeding (ODB) or iron-deficiency anemia (28%), suspected small-bowel malignancy (16%), chronic abdominal pain (28/355; 8%), follow-up of polyposis or malabsorption syndromes (7%), and abnormal radiographic findings (6%). Results: PE detected lesions in 122 cases (34%); in 6 cases (6%) lesions were within the reach of esophagogastroduodenoscopy. A normal macroscopic appearance of the small intestinal mucosa with an abnormal histological study was seen in 16 patients (6%). Major findings included: malabsorptive diseases (14%), nonspecific enteropathy (5%), angiodysplasia (3,5%), lymphangiectasia (3%); jejunal polyps (2%), Crohn's disease (2%), intestinal tumors (2%), extrinsic jejunal strictures (0.5%), and other (10/355; 3%). Abnormal radiographic findings (62%), chronic diarrhea (37%) and ODB (31%) were the indications with a higher diagnostic yield. No major complications were seen. Conclusions: according to our experience, PE is a safe and useful tool for the evaluation of small-bowel disease, especially in some indications (abnormal radiographic findings, chronic diarrhea, and ODB). Small-bowel biopsy increases PE's diagnostic yield in patients with chronic diarrhea.Introducción y objetivos: el rendimiento diagnóstico de la enteroscopia por pulsión (EP) varía ampliamente (13-78%) según las series. El objetivo de este estudio retrospectivo fue determinar el rendimiento endoscópico e histológico de la EP en nuestra área sanitaria. Pacientes y métodos: un total de 355 pacientes consecutivos (190 hombres/165 mujeres; media de edad 45 años, rango 15-89), fueron sometidos a EP en un periodo de 6 años, entre 1997 y 2003. Las EP fueron realizadas bajo sedación y sin sobretubo, tomándose biopsias de la mucosa de intestino delgado en 199 exploraciones (56%). Las indicaciones clínicas fueron: diarrea crónica (126/355; 35%), hemorragia digestiva de origen oscuro o anemia ferropénica (99/355; 28%), sospecha de tumor intestinal (56/355; 16%), dolor abdominal crónico (28/355; 8%), seguimiento de síndromes de poliposis o cuadros malabsortivos (25/355; 7%), y confirmación de anormalidades radiográficas (21/355; 6%). Resultados: la EP identificó lesiones en 122 pacientes (34%), observándose lesiones al alcance del gastroscopio convencional en 6 casos (6%). En 16 pacientes (6%) el aspecto macroscópico de la mucosa intestinal fue normal, objetivándose hallazgos diagnósticos en el estudio histológico. Los principales hallazgos encontrados fueron: proceso malabsortivo (50/355; 14%), enteropatía inespecífica (19/355, 5%), angiodisplasia (13/355; 3,5%), linfangiectasia (10/355; 3%), pólipos yeyunales (6/355; 2%), enfermedad de Crohn (6/355; 2%), tumor intestinal (6/355; 2%), estenosis intestinal extrínseca (2/355; 0,5%), y otros (10/355; 3%). Las indicaciones con mayor rendimiento diagnóstico fueron: confirmación de anormalidades radiográficas (13/21; 62%), diarrea crónica (46/126; 37%), y hemorragia digestiva de origen oscuro (31/99; 31%). No se objetivaron complicaciones graves. Conclusiones: según nuestra experiencia, la EP es una técnica segura y útil para la evaluación de las patologías del intestino delgado, especialmente en ciertas indicaciones (anormalidades radiográficas, diarrea crónica, y hemorragia digestiva de origen oscuro). La biopsia intestinal aumenta el rendimiento diagnóstico de la EP en pacientes con diarrea crónica.

The HYDROPTIMET case studies 9-10/06/2000 Catalogne, 8-9/09/2002 Cévennes and 24-26/11/2002 Piémont encompass prototype flash-flood situations in the western Mediterranean, attending to the relevant synoptic and mesoscale signatures identified on the meteorological charts. A prominent mid-tropospheric trough or cut-off low can be identified in all events prior and during the period of heavy rains, which clearly served as the precursor agent for the onset of the flash-flood conditions and the cyclogenesis at low levels. Being aware of the uncertainty in the representation of the upper-level disturbance and the necessity to cope with it within the operational context when attempting to issue short to mid-range numerical weather predictions of these high impact weather events, a systematic exploration of the predictability of the three selected case studies, subject to uncertainties in the representation of the upper-level precursor disturbance, is carried out in this paper by means of numerical simulations.

A large number of high impact cyclones all over the Mediterranean basin have been reported on the data base of the MEDEX project (http://medex.inm.uib.es). A numerical study on the impacts and interactions of baroclinic and diabatic factors is carried out through a PV-based system of prognostic equations for 11 intense MEDEX cyclone episodes occurred in different zones of the basin (Western, Central and Eastern Mediterranean). The main aim of the study is to investigate the possible similarities and differences among the selected cases of the relative weight of the considered cyclogenetic factors on the cyclone evolutions as function of cyclone type and geographical area. A crucial role of the baroclinicity over the Mediterranean zone is obtained in most of the cases. A certain distinction can be also established in terms of the cyclogenesis areas (Africa, Mediterranean Sea, and Alpine region), and between west-central and eastern Mediterranean basins. It is generally observed that the considered baroclinic and diabatic factors cooperate most strongly for the cyclone deepening process when the disturbance reaches the Mediterranean sea.

The initiation of a deep and severe impact Mediterranean cyclone in the lee of Atlas Mountains is investigated by a series of numerical experiments using the MM5 forecast model. Roles of orography, surface sensible heat flux and an upper-level potential vorticity anomaly are identified using factor separation method. Results of model simulations show that orography blocking is responsible for generation of the low-level shallow vortex in the first phase of lee development. Upper-level potential vorticity is a principal ingredient of this event, responsible for a dominant deepening effect in the later stage of lee formation. Analysis of cyclone paths shows that orography tends to keep the cyclone stationary, while upper-level dynamical factors are crucial for advection of the system to the Mediterranean Sea. The most noteworthy influence of surface sensible heat flux is identified as an afternoon destruction of a surface baroclinic zone and associated weaker cyclogenesis.

The HYDROPTIMET case studies (9–10 June 2000 Catalogne, 8–9 September 2002 Cévennes and 24–26 November 2002 Piémont) appear to encompass a sort of prototype flash-flood situations in the western Mediterranean attending to the relevant synoptic and mesoscale signatures identified on the meteorological charts. In Catalogne, the convective event was driven by a low-pressure system of relatively small dimensions developed over the mediterranean coast of Spain that moved into southern France. For Cévennes, the main circulation pattern was a synoptic-scale Atlantic low which induced a persistent southerly low-level jet (LLJ) over the western Mediterranean, strengthened by the Alps along its western flank, which guaranteed continuous moisture supply towards southern France where the long-lived, quasistationary convective system developed. The long Piémont episode, very representative of the most severe alpine flash flood events, shares some similarities with the Cévennes situation during its first stage in that it was controlled by a southerly moist LLJ associated with a large-scale disturbance located to the west. However, these circulation features were transient aspects and during the second half of the episode the situation was dominated by a cyclogenesis process over the Mediterranean which gave place to a mesoscale-size depression at surface that acted to force new heavy rain over the slopes of the Alps and maritime areas. That is, the Piémont episode can be catalogued as of mixed type with regard to the responsible surface disturbance, evolving from a large-scale pattern with remote action (like Cévennes) to a mesoscale pattern with local action (like Catalogne). A prominent mid-tropospheric trough or cut-off low can be identified in all events prior and during the period of heavy rain, which clearly served as the precursor agent for the onset of the flash-flood conditions and the cyclogenesis at low-levels. Being aware of the uncertainty in the representation of the upper-level disturbance and the necessity to cope with it within the operational context when attempting to issue short to mid-range numerical weather predictions of these high impact weather events, a systematic exploration of the predictability of the three selected case studies subject to uncertainties in the representation of the upper-level precursor disturbance is carried out in this paper. The study is based on an ensemble of mesoscale numerical simulations of each event with the MM5 non-hydrostatic model after perturbing in a systematic way the upper-level disturbance, in the sense of displacing slightly this disturbance upstream/downstream along the zonal direction and intensifying/weakening its amplitude. These perturbations are guided by a previous application of the MM5-adjoint model, which consistently shows high sensitivities of the dynamical control of the heavy rain to the flow configuration about the upper-level disturbance on the day before, thus confirming the precursor characteristics of this agent. The perturbations are introduced to the initial conditions by applying a potential vorticity (PV) inversion procedure to the positive PV anomaly associated with the upper-level disturbance, and then using the inverted fields (wind, temperature and geopotential) to modify under a physically consistent balance the model initial fields. The results generally show that the events dominated by mesoscale low-level disturbances (Catalogne and last stage of the Piémont episode) are very sensitive to the initial uncertainties, such that the heavy rain location and magnitude are in some of the experiments strongly changed in response to the 'forecast errors' of the cyclone trajectory, intensity, shape and translational speed. In contrast, the other situations (Cévennes and initial stage of the Piémont episode), dominated by a larger scale system wich basically acts to guarantee the establishment and persistence of the southerly LLJ towards the southern France-north Italy orography, exhibit much higher predictability. That is, the slight modifications in the LLJ direction and intensity encompassed by the ensemble of perturbed forecasts are less critical with respect to the heavy precipitation potential and affected area.