Anthropogenic land-use change decreases pollination and male and female fitness in terrestrial flowering plants.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The majority of the earth's land area is currently occupied by humans. Measuring how terrestrial plants reproduce in these pervasive environments is essential for understanding their long-term viability and their ability to adapt to changing environments. METHODS: We conducted hierarchical and phylogenetically-independent meta-analyses to assess the overall effects of anthropogenic land-use changes on pollination, and male and female fitness in terrestrial plants. KEY RESULTS: We found negative global effects of land use change (i.e., mainly habitat loss and fragmentation) on pollination and on female and male fitness of terrestrial flowering plants. Negative effects were stronger in plants with self-incompatibility (SI) systems and pollinated by invertebrates, regardless of life form and sexual expression. Pollination and female fitness of pollination generalist and specialist plants were similarly negatively affected by land-use change, whereas male fitness of specialist plants showed no effects. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that angiosperm populations remaining in fragmented habitats negatively affect pollination, and female and male fitness, which will likely decrease the recruitment, survival, and long-term viability of plant populations remaining in fragmented landscapes. We underline the main current gaps of knowledge for future research agendas and call out not only for a decrease in the current rates of land-use changes across the world but also to embark on active restoration efforts to increase the area and connectivity of remaining natural habitats.

Fire effects on pollination and plant reproduction: a quantitative review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Fire may favour plant flowering by opening the vegetation and increasing abiotic resource availability. Increased floral display size can attract more pollinators and increase the absolute fruit and seed production immediately after the fire. However, anthropogenic increases in fire frequency may alter these responses. We aim to assess the effects of fire on pollination and reproductive success of plants at the global scale. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analyses to examine overall fire effects as well as different fire parameters on pollination and on plant reproduction. We also explored to what extent the responses vary among pollinators, pollination vectors, plant regeneration strategies, compatibility systems, vegetation types and biomes. KEY RESULTS: Most studies were conducted in fire-prone ecosystems. Overall, single fires increased pollination and plant reproduction but this effect was overridden by recurrent fires. Floral visitation rates of pollinators were enhanced immediately following a wildfire, and especially in bee-pollinated plants. Fire increased the absolute production of fruits or seeds but not the fruit or seed set. The reproductive benefits were mostly observed in wind-pollinated (graminoids), herbaceous and resprouter species. Finally, fire effects on pollination were positively correlated with fire effects on plant reproductive success. CONCLUSIONS: Fire has a central role in pollination and plant sexual reproduction in fire-prone ecosystems. The increase in the absolute production of fruits and seeds suggests that fire benefits on plant reproduction are likely driven by increased abiotic resources and the consequent floral display size. However, reproduction efficiency, as measured by fruit or seed set, does not increase with fire. In contrast, when assessed on the same plant simultaneously, fire effects on pollination are translated into reproduction. Increased fire frequency due to anthropogenic changes can alter the nature of the response to fire.

Ecological interactions affect the bioactivity of medicinal plants.

Essential oils produced by medicinal plants possess important bioactive properties (antibacterial, antioxidant) of high value for human society. Pollination and herbivory can modify the chemical defences of plants and therefore they may influence the bioactivity of essential oils. However, the effect of ecological interactions on plant bioactivity has not yet been evaluated. We tested the hypothesis that cross-pollination and simulated herbivory modify the chemical composition of essential oils, improving the bioactive properties of the medicinal plant Lepechinia floribunda (Lamiaceae). Through controlled experiments, we showed that essential oils from the outcrossed plant progeny had a higher relative abundance of oxygenated terpenes and it almost doubled the bacteriostatic effect on Staphylococcus aureus, compared to inbred progeny (i.e., progeny produced in absence of pollinators). Herbivory affected negatively and positively the production of rare compounds in inbred and outcrossed plants, respectively, but its effects on bioactivity still remain unknown. We show for the first time that by mediating cross-pollination (indirect ecosystem service), pollinators can improve ecosystem services linked to the biological activity of plant's essential oils. We stress the importance of the qualitative component of pollination (self, cross); an aspect usually neglected in studies of pollination services.

The effect of social network sites usage in climate change awareness in Latin America.

Using data from the Latinobarómetro (Latin Barometer) survey of 2017 to analyze the effect of social network site usage on climate change awareness in 18 Latin American countries, this article makes three contributions. First, it offers results on the socioeconomic determinants of climate awareness in a region of the world where there is scant published evidence in this regard. Second, it shows the effect of social media consumption on climate change awareness by assessing the role of each of the most popular sites: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Tumblr. Third, it assesses the effects of multi-platform consumption. The results show that YouTube has the strongest and most robust positive and statistically significant effect on climate change awareness, followed by Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp, while being a multi-platform user also has a positive and statistically significant effect on climate change awareness. The implications of these findings for understanding the role of social media in the development of environmental awareness are discussed. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11111-023-00417-4.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Patients with Cancer: Retrospective and Transversal Studies in Spanish Population.

BACKGROUND: Studies of patients with cancer affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are needed to assess the impact of the disease in this sensitive population, and the influence of different cancer treatments on the COVID-19 infection and seroconversion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients hospitalized with RT-PCR positive for COVID-19 in our region to assess the prevalence of cancer patients and describe their characteristics and evolution (Cohort 1). Concurrently, a transversal study was carried out in patients on active systemic cancer treatment for symptomatology and seroprevalence (IgG/IgM by ELISA-method) against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Cohort 2). RESULTS: A total of 215 patients (Cohort 1) were admitted to hospital with a confirmed COVID-19 infection between February 28 and April 30, 2020, and 17 died (7.9%). A medical record of cancer was noted in 43 cases (20%), 6 of them required Intensive care unit ICU attention (14%), and 7 died (16%). There were thirty-six patients (83%) who tested IgG/IgM positive for SARS-CoV-2. Patients on immunosuppressive therapies presented a lower ratio of seroconversion (40% vs. 8%; p = 0.02). In Cohort 2, 166 patients were included in a symptoms-survey and tested for SARS-CoV-2. Any type of potential COVID-19-related symptom was referred up to 67.4% of patients (85.9% vs. 48.2% vs. 73.9%, for patients on chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies respectively, p < 0.05). The seroprevalence ratio was 1.8% for the whole cohort with no significant differences by patient or treatment characteristics. CONCLUSION: Patients with cancer present higher risks for hospital needs for COVID-19 infection. The lack of SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion may be a concern for patients on immunosuppressive therapies. Patients receiving systematic therapies relayed a high rate of potentially COVID-19-related symptoms, particularly those receiving chemotherapy. However, the seroconversion rate remains low and in the range of general population.

Infección corneal grave por Colletotrichum gloeosporioides en un trabajador agrícola / Severe corneal infection by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in a farmer

No disponible

[Impact of Integrated Model for Rational Use of Antibiotics in a health area (project MIURA)]. / Impacto de un modelo integrado para el uso racional de antimicrobianos (Proyecto Miura) en un área de salud.

BACKGROUND: MIURA (Integrated Model for the Rational Use of Antimicrobials) is a project that began in January 2004 and ended in December 2006. Through quarterly and training interventions intented for physicians, pharmacists and patients, pretends to improve antibiotic use in a health area. The goal was to analyze the evolution of antibiotic consumption and assess the impact of implementing this project in a health area. METHOD: A comparative study on the evolution of antibiotic dispensed during the periods 2000-03 (pre-MIURA), 2004-06 (MIURA) and 2007-08 (post-MIURA) in the Department of Health 11 of Valencia was conduced. Antibiotics information was obtained through the GAIA application (Generalitat Valenciana) that collects information about the drugs billed by the pharmacy through the official prescriptions. Technical unit of measurement was used DHD (daily dose defined/1.000 inhabitants/day). RESULTS: During the implementation of the project (2004-2006), antibiotic consumption was reduced in 4.02 DHD. It represents a statistically significant overall reduction from 15% (p= <0.05). Since interventions started, a statistically significant decrease in DHD values was observed for macrolides (especially clarithromycin) and cephalosporines. It also exist an average decrease, not significant, for the group of quinolones, whereas penicillins and other antibiotics haven't showed variability in the consumption data. In the post-MIURA period was detected a further increase in the dispensing of antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: MIURA program has positively influenced on decreasing antibiotic prescription in our health area, as shows the decrease in DHD during the interventions.

Impacto de un modelo integrado para el uso racional de antimicrobianos (proyecto Miura) en una área de salud / Impact of integrated model for rational use of antibiotics in a health area (project MIURA)

Fundamento: MIURA (Modelo Integrado para el Uso Racional de Antimicrobianos) es un proyecto que se inicio en enero de 2004 y finalizó en diciembre de 2006. Mediante intervenciones trimestrales y formativas dirigidas a médicos, farmacéuticos y pacientes, pretendió mejorar el uso de antibióticos en un área de salud. El objetivo ha sido analizar la evolución en el consumo de antibióticos y evaluar la repercusión de la implantación de este proyecto en un área de salud. Método: Se realizó un estudio comparativo sobre la evolución de la dispensación de antibióticos con receta durante los periodos 2000-03 (pre-MIURA), 2004-06 (MIURA) y 2007-08 (post-MIURA) en el Departamento de Salud 11 de la Comunidad Valenciana. La información se obtuvo a través de la aplicación informática GAIA (Generalitat Valenciana) que recoge información sobre los medicamentos facturados por las oficinas de farmacia a través de las recetas oficiales. Como unidad técnica de medida se empleó la DHD (Dosis diaria definida/1.000 Habitantes/Día). Resultados: Durante el periodo de implantación del proyecto (2004 a 2006), se detectó un descenso global de 4,02 DHD en el consumo de antibióticos, lo que representa una reducción global y significativa del 15% (p<0.05). Durante el periodo del MIURA se observó una disminución estadísticamente significativa en los valores de DHD para los grupos terapéuticos de macrólidos (especialmente claritromicina) y de cefalosporinas; también se detectó una disminución, aunque no significativa, para el grupo de las quinolonas, mientras que los grupos correspondientes a las penicilinas y a otros antibióticos no presentaron cambios. En el periodo post-MIURA se detectó un nuevo incremento en la dispensación de los antibióticos. Conclusiones: El programa MIURA ha influido positivamente en la disminución de la prescripción de antibióticos en nuestra área de salud, como demuestra el descenso en DHD durante el periodo de intervenciones(AU)

Background: MIURA (Integrated Model for the Rational Use of Antimicrobials) is a project that began in January 2004 and ended in December 2006. Through quarterly and training interventions intented for physicians, pharmacists and patients, pretends to improve antibiotic use in a health area. The goal was to analyze the evolution of antibiotic consumption and assess the impact of implementing this project in a health area. Method: A comparative study on the evolution of antibiotic dispensed during the periods 2000-03 (pre-MIURA), 2004-06 (MIURA) and 2007-08 (post-MIURA) in the Department of Health 11 of Valencia was conduced. Antibiotics information was obtained through the GAIA application (Generalitat Valenciana) that collects information about the drugs billed by the pharmacy through the official prescriptions. Technical unit of measurement was used DHD (daily dose defined/1.000 inhabitants / day). Results: During the implementation of the project (2004-2006), antibiotic consumption was reduced in 4.02 DHD. It represents a statistically significant overall reduction from 15% (p= <0.05). Since interventions started, a statistically significant decrease in DHD values was observed for macrolides (especially clarithromycin) and cephalosporines. It also exist an average decrease, not significant, for the group of quinolones, whereas penicillins and other antibiotics haven’t showed variability in the consumption data. In the post-MIURA period was detected a further increase in the dispensing of antibiotics. Conclusions: MIURA program has positively influenced on decreasing antibiotic prescription in our health area, as shows the decrease in DHD during the interventions(AU)

[Epidemiological surveillance of vertically-transmitted Chagas disease at three maternity hospitals in the Valencian Community]. / Vigilancia epidemiológica de la transmisión vertical de la enfermedad de Chagas en tres maternidades de la Comunidad Valenciana.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Immigration to Spain of Latin Americans with Chagas disease in its indeterminate phase could result in vertical transmission of the disease or transmission by transfusion or organ transplantation. To ascertain the magnitude of this problem, we investigated the prevalence of bearers among women who gave birth in 3 state maternity hospitals in the Valencian Community and the incidence of vertical transmission. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An immunoprecipitation test to detect anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies was carried out on 624 pregnant Latin American women. In positive cases, indirect immunofluorescence and PCR analysis were performed on mothers. In addition, a microhematocrit and PCR analysis were performed on the newborns of these mothers, and immune precipitation was carried out from age 7 months. Chagas-positive mothers were referred for outpatient care at the hospital internal medicine departments. Percentage of positive serology was calculated for the total number of patients and by country of origin. RESULTS: A total of 29 women (4.8%; 95% CI, 3.1-6.3) were Chagas-positive; all were asymptomatic and PCR-negative. None of their children were positive to the tests performed. Bolivian women were the most frequently affected: 24 out of 137 (17.5%; 95% CI, 11.2-23.9) DISCUSSION: The high prevalence of Chagas disease in the Latin American immigrant population has raised awareness of this disease among professionals involved in the study and treatment of this illness. Further epidemiological studies are needed to establish the feasibility of universal detection programs in this population.

Vigilancia epidemiológica de la transmisión vertical de la enfermedad de Chagas en tres maternidades de la Comunidad Valenciana / Epidemiological surveillance of vertically-transmitted Chagas disease at three maternity hospitals in the Valencian Community

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO. La inmigración a nuestro país de poblaciones latinoamericanas afectadas de enfermedad de Chagas en fase indeterminada abre la posibilidad de transmisión vertical y por transfusión o trasplante de órganos afectados por esta enfermedad. Para averiguar la magnitud del problema, hemos investigado la prevalencia de portadoras entre las mujeres que dan a luz en tres maternidades públicas de la Comunidad Valenciana y la tasa de transmisión vertical. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS. A un total de 624 mujeres latinoamericanas embarazadas se les practicó una prueba de inmunoprecipitación para detectar anticuerposanti-Trypanosoma cruzi. A las madres positivas se les realizó inmunofluorescencia indirecta y reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR), y a sus hijos, microhematocrito yPCR en el período neonatal e inmunoprecipitación a partir de los 7 meses de vida. Se remitieron las madres seropositivas a la consulta de medicina interna. Se calculó el porcentaje de serología positiva total y por países. RESULTADOS. Un total de 29 mujeres (4,8 %; intervalo dec onfianza [IC] del 95 %: 3,1-6,3) eran seropositivas, todas asintomáticas y con PCR negativa. Ninguno de sus hijosresultó positivo en las pruebas realizadas. Las mujeres bolivianas fueron las más frecuentemente afectadas:24 de 137 (17,5 %; IC 95 %: 11,2 a 23,9).DISCUSIÓN. La elevada prevalencia de enfermedad de Chagas en la población inmigrante latinoamericana obliga a sensibilizar a los profesionales implicados en el conocimiento de esta enfermedad. Se necesitan más estudios epidemiológicos para poder establecer la conveniencia de programas de detección universal para este colectivo (AU)

INTRODUCTION AND AIM. Immigration to Spain of Latin Americans with Chagas disease in its indeterminate phase could result in vertical transmission of the disease or transmission by transfusion or organ transplantation. To ascertain the magnitude of this problem, we investigated the prevalence of bearers among women who gave birth in 3 state maternity hospitals in the Valencian Communityand the incidence of vertical transmission. PATIENTS AND METHODS. An immunoprecipitation test to detect anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies was carried out on 624 pregnant Latin American women. In positive cases, indirect immunofluorescence and PCR analysis were performed on mothers. In addition, a microhematocrit and PCR analysis were performed on the new-borns of these mothers, and immune precipitation was carried out from age 7 months. Chagas-positive mothers were referred for outpatient care at the hospital internal medicine departments. Percentage of positive serology was calculated for the total number of patients and by country of origin. RESULTS. A total of 29 women (4.8 %; 95 % CI, 3.1-6.3)were Chagas-positive; all were asymptomatic and PCR-negative. None of their children were positive to the tests performed. Bolivian women were the most frequently affected: 24 out of 137 (17.5 %;95 % CI, 11.2-23.9)DISCUSSION. The high prevalence of Chagas disease in the Latin American immigrant population has raised awareness of this disease among professionals involved in the study and treatment of this illness. Further epidemiological studies are needed to establish the feasibility of universal detection programs in this population (AU)

Estrongiloidiasis: epidemiología, manifestaciones clínicas y diagnóstico. Experiencia en una zona endémica: la comarca de La Safor (Valencia) / Strongyloidiasis: epidemiology, clinical manifestations and diagnosis. Experience in an endemic area: the region of La Safor (Valencia, Spain)

Strongyloides stercoralis es un nematodo intestinal con un ciclo vital único, capaz de hacer persistir la parasitación durante décadas gracias a procesos de autoinfección. En el Servicio de Microbiología del Hospital Francesc de Borja de Gandía (Valencia) se han diagnosticado más de mil casos autóctonos en los últimos 15 años, confirmando que se trata de una zona endémica. Las estrongiloidiasis aguda y crónica suelen cursar asintomáticas, o se asocian con leves procesos gastrointestinales, cutáneos y respiratorios, pero si se producen deficiencias en el sistema inmunitario del portador, especialmente en la respuesta de tipo celular, se pueden desencadenar fenómenos acelerados de autoinfección y desembocar en un síndrome de hiperinfestación, con gravísimas complicaciones que suelen resultar fatales. El diagnóstico etiológico directo, basado en el cultivo de heces en placa de agar, ha conseguido, en nuestro laboratorio, una eficacia diagnóstica semejante al método de concentración de Baermann, considerado como referente, si bien en población autóctona la serología podría utilizarse como método de cribado, ya que no se conocen interferencias con otras parasitosis propias de nuestro medio. La mejor opción terapéutica para el tratamiento de S. stercoralis es la ivermectina, aunque los problemas de disponibilidad propician que se sustituya por el albendazol con demasiada frecuencia. Recomendamos que, en todas las personas procedentes de zonas endémicas o con antecedentes epidemiológicos de riesgo, se descarte la estrongiloidiasis antes de iniciar cualquier terapia inmunosupresora

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode with a singular life cycle, capable of producing persistent parasitization for decades because of an autoinfestation process. In the last 15 years, more than a thousand autochthonous cases have been diagnosed at the Hospital Francesc de Borja, Gandía (Valencia), thus confirming the endemicity of the area served by this hospital. Acute and chronic strongyloidiasis usually cause asymptomatic or mild infestations, characterized by moderate gastrointestinal, cutaneous and respiratory disturbances. However, in cases of impaired host immunity, especially cell-related immunity, accelerated autoinfection can develop that can eventually lead to a “hyperinfection syndrome”, a serious and life-threatening complication. In our laboratory, direct etiologic diagnosis based on the agar plate culture method has achieved a diagnostic efficacy similar to that of the Baermann technique, considered as the gold standard diagnostic method. However, in the autochthonous population, serologic tests might be useful for screening patients with risk factors, since crossreactions with other parasites specific to our environment have not been observed. The drug of choice for strongyloidosis is ivermectin, but because this drug is not always available, albenzole is frequently used as an alternative. We strongly recommend that all individuals from endemic areas or with epidemiological risk for strongyloidiasis be carefully screened before initiating any immunosuppressive therapy