[Utility of topical vancomycin application in the prevention of surgical site infection of the lumbosacral spine]. / Utilidad de la aplicación de vancomicina tópica en la prevención de infección de sitio quirúrgico de la columna lumbosacra.

INTRODUCTION: surgical site infections (SSI) remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and one of the most representative causes of nosocomial infections. The use of intrawound vancomycin in lumbar spine surgery is a potential prophylactic measure against SSI; however, evidence regarding its efficacy is contradictory. Our study was designed to research if intrawound vancomycin significantly prevents SSI in lumbar spine surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: this is a randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial; 233 patients who underwent lumbar spine surgery, were randomly assigned to a group in which intrawound vancomycin was instilled in the incision before closure (109), or to a control group (114). The main outcome is the presence of SSI; we determined its prevalence and searched for difference between groups for association between SSI and independent variables. RESULTS: global SSI prevalence was 1.8%, in the experimental group was 0.9%, in the control group was 2.6%. There was no significant difference between these values, p = 0.622. The relative risk of SSI in the experimental group was 0.35 (95% CI 0.037-3.30), that of the control group was 2.87 (95% CI 0.30-27.16). The number needed to treat is 58.3. We did not find a significant association between the independent variables studied and the appearance of SSI. CONCLUSIONS: we did not find a significant difference in the prevalence of SSI between groups nor a significant association between SSI and independent variables.

INTRODUCCIÓN: las infecciones postoperatorias del sitio quirúrgico son una importante causa de morbimortalidad y una de las formas más comunes de infecciones nosocomiales. La aplicación de vancomicina al terminar una intervención de columna lumbar es una potencial práctica profiláctica de infecciones del sitio quirúrgico (ISQ). La evidencia que sostiene su uso es controversial. Nuestro estudio investiga si la aplicación de vancomicina disminuye en forma significativa la prevalencia de ISQ. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: ensayo clínico aleatorizado, controlado, cegado; 223 pacientes intervenidos de la columna lumbar fueron aleatoriamente asignados a un grupo experimental de 109 pacientes en quienes se colocó vancomicina y a un grupo control de 114 pacientes que no recibió vancomicina. El principal desenlace del estudio es la aparición de ISQ; se estudió la prevalencia de ISQ en ambos grupos y se buscó si existe diferencia significativa. Se analizó la existencia de factores predictores de ISQ. RESULTADOS: la prevalencia global de infección fue 1.8%; en el grupo experimenta 0.09% y en el grupo control 2.6%. No hubo diferencia significativa entre estas cifras, p = 0.622. El riesgo relativo de ISQ en el grupo experimental fue 0.35 (IC95% 0.037-3.30), el del grupo control fue 2.87 (IC95% 0.30-27.16). El número necesario para tratar es 58.3. No encontramos asociación significativa entre las variables independientes estudiadas y la aparición de ISQ. CONCLUSIONES: no encontramos evidencia suficiente de que la aplicación de vancomicina disminuya significativamente la prevalencia de ISQ ni asociación significativa de ISQ con las variables independientes estudiadas.

Water quality predictions through linear regression - A brute force algorithm approach.

Linear regression is one of the oldest statistical modeling approaches. Still, it is a valuable tool, particularly when it is necessary to create forecast models with low sample sizes. When researchers use this method and have numerous potential regressors, choosing the group of regressors for a model that fulfills all the required assumptions can be challenging. In this sense, the authors developed an open-source Python script that automatically tests all the combinations of regressors under a brute-force approach. The output displays the best linear regression models, regarding the thresholds set by users for the required assumptions: statistical significance of the estimations, multicollinearity, error normality, and homoscedasticity. Further, the script allows the selection of linear regressions with regression coefficients according to the user's expectations. This script was tested with an environmental dataset to predict surface water quality parameters based on landscape metrics and contaminant loads. Among millions of possible combinations, less than 0.1 % of the regressor combinations fulfilled the requirements. The resulting combinations were also tested in geographically weighted regression, with similar results to linear regression. The model's performance was higher for pH and total nitrate and lower for total alkalinity and electrical conductivity.•A Python script was developed to find the best linear regressions within a dataset.•Output regressions are automatically selected based on regression coefficient expectations set by the user and the linear regression assumptions.•The algorithm was successfully validated through an environmental dataset.

Indexing of Left Atrial Volume by Body Surface Area and Height in a Brazilian Population without Previous Heart Disease and with a Normal Heart on Echocardiography. Behavior in Obese and Overweight Patients.

Background: Left atrial (LA) volume indexing for body surface area (BSA) may underestimate LA size in obese and overweight people. Since LA volume is a risk marker for some cardiovascular events, it is suggested that indexing for height would be an alternative more appropriate method. The aims of this study were to find normal and the best cutoff values for LA volume indexed for height in our population. Methods: Echocardiograms from 2018 to 2021 were reviewed and patients without known cardiac disease and completely normal echocardiograms that had the left atrial volume (LAvol) measured by biplane Simpson's method were included. LAvol was indexed by BSA (ml/m2), by height (LAvol/m), by height raised to exponent 2.7 (ml/ m2.7) and by height squared (ml/h2). Results: A total of 545 patients, 50.5 ± 13.4 y., 335 females (61,5%) were analyzed. There were 145 normal weight (26.6%), 215 overweight (39.4%), 154 obese (28.3%) and 31 low weight (5.7%) patients. To establish normal values we included only the normal weight group and considered normal values from 2SD below to 2SD above the mean. Mean and normal values were: LAvol/h 26.0 ±4.5, 17 - 35 ml/m, LAvol/ht2 16 ± 2.8, 10.4 - 21.6 ml/ ht2 and LAvol/ht2.7 11.4 ± 2.2, 7.0 - 15.8 ml/m2.7. The normal LAvol/ht2.7 differed between male and female (11.4 ± 2.4 and 12.8 ± 2.6, p < 0.001). LA diameter, LAvol, LAvol/h, LAvol/h2 and LAvol/ht2.7 increased progressively from low-weight, normal weight, overweight and obese patients (p< 0.0001), but not LAvol/BSA. When indexing LAvol for height, for height2 and for height2.7 20.8%, 22.7% and 21.4% of the obese patients, respectively, were reclassified as enlarged LA, and 7.4%, 8.8% and 8.4% of the overweight patients as well. Using ROC curve analysis, LAvol/h2 had the highest AUC ant the best predictive value to identify LA enlargement and LAvol/BSA the worst one. Conclusions: Normal values for LAvol indexed for height by three different methods are described in normal individuals. We reinforce that LAvol indexation for BSA underestimates LA size in obese and overweight patients and in these groups, specially, indexing for height2 is probably the best method to evaluate LAvol.

Genome Announcement: The Draft Genome of the Carrot Cyst Nematode Heterodera Carotae.

Heterodera carotae, the carrot cyst nematode, is a significant pest affecting carrot globally. Here we present the draft genome of H. carotae, which was generated from short read libraries from Illumina HiSeq technology, and the corresponding genome annotation.

Late effects of Beauveria bassiana on larval stages of Aedes aegypti Linneo , 1762 (Diptera: Culicidae) / Efeitos tardios de Beauveria bassiana nos estágios larvais de Aedes aegypti Linneo, 1762 (Diptera: Culicidae)

Aedes aegypti is a culicide that has gained relevance over the years due to its ability to transmit various viruses that cause diseases in humans that all the years cause high mortality rates in the world population. The main problem is that Ae. aegypti has managed to establish and maintain a close relationship with humans and their habitat, which is why the search for alternatives to control vector populations becomes imperative. The objective of the present work was to study the effects of two Beauveria bassiana strains on Aedes aegypti. Third instar larvae of Ae. aegypti in 250 mL plastic containers were inoculated with the GHA and NB3 strains at different concentrations (1.5 × 104 , 1.5× 105 , 1.5 × 106 and 1.5 × 107 conidia/mL). The NB3 strain presented highest mortality values with 63% in the highest concentration i.e., 1.5 × 107 , while for the GHA strain the highest mortality value was 30.7% at the same concentration. The results showed significant difference in mortality with respect to the strain and days post treatment (P = 0.0001), but not with respect to the conidial concentration (P = 0.634). The average mortality of larvae per day for the NB3 for different concentrations ranged from 20 to 25 larvae per day, while for the GHA daily mortality ranged from 5 to 12 larvae. In post-treatment mortality, the highest mortality was recorded in the third stage larvae for the NB3, while for GHA the highest percentage mortality was observed in individuals who managed to reach the adult state. The findings of the current research depicted the noteworthy role of B. bassiana for the management of an important vector of human disease.

O Aedes aegypti é um culicida que vem ganhando relevância ao longo dos anos devido à sua capacidade de transmitir diversos vírus causadores de doenças em humanos que ao longo dos anos ocasionam altas taxas de mortalidade na população mundial. O principal problema é que Ae. aegypti tem conseguido estabelecer e manter uma relação próxima com o homem e seu habitat, por isso a busca por alternativas para o controle das populações de vetores torna-se imperativa. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar os efeitos de duas cepas de Beauveria bassiana sobre Ae. aegypti. Larvas de terceiro instar de Ae. aegypti em recipientes plásticos de 250 mL foram inoculados com as cepas GHA e NB3 em diferentes concentrações (1.5 × 104, 1.5 × 105, 1.5 × 106 e 1.5 × 107 conídios/mL). A cepa NB3 apresentou os maiores valores de mortalidade com 63% na concentração mais alta, ou seja, 1.5 × 107, enquanto para a cepa GHA o maior valor de mortalidade foi 30.7% na mesma concentração. Os resultados mostraram diferença significativa na mortalidade com relação à cepa e dias pós-tratamento (P = 0.0001), mas não com relação à concentração de conídios (P = 0.634). A mortalidade média de larvas por dia para o NB3 para diferentes concentrações variou de 20 a 25 larvas por dia, enquanto para o GHA a mortalidade diária variou de 5 a 12 larvas. Na mortalidade pós-tratamento, a maior mortalidade foi registrada nas larvas de terceiro estágio para o NB3, enquanto para o GHA o maior percentual de mortalidade foi observado em indivíduos que conseguiram atingir o estado adulto. Os resultados da pesquisa atual retratam o papel notável de B. bassiana no manejo de um importante vetor de doenças humanas.

Late effects of Beauveria bassiana on larval stages of Aedes aegypti Linneo, 1762 (Diptera: Culicidae) / Efeitos tardios de Beauveria bassiana nos estágios larvais de Aedes aegypti Linneo, 1762 (Diptera: Culicidae)

Aedes aegypti is a culicide that has gained relevance over the years due to its ability to transmit various viruses that cause diseases in humans that all the years cause high mortality rates in the world population. The main problem is that Ae. aegypti has managed to establish and maintain a close relationship with humans and their habitat, which is why the search for alternatives to control vector populations becomes imperative. The objective of the present work was to study the effects of two Beauveria bassiana strains on Aedes aegypti. Third instar larvae of Ae. aegypti in 250 mL plastic containers were inoculated with the GHA and NB3 strains at different concentrations (1.5 × 104, 1.5× 105, 1.5 × 106 and 1.5 × 107 conidia/mL). The NB3 strain presented highest mortality values with 63% in the highest concentration i.e., 1.5 × 107, while for the GHA strain the highest mortality value was 30.7% at the same concentration. The results showed significant difference in mortality with respect to the strain and days post treatment (P = 0.0001), but not with respect to the conidial concentration (P = 0.634). The average mortality of larvae per day for the NB3 for different concentrations ranged from 20 to 25 larvae per day, while for the GHA daily mortality ranged from 5 to 12 larvae. In post-treatment mortality, the highest mortality was recorded in the third stage larvae for the NB3, while for GHA the highest percentage mortality was observed in individuals who managed to reach the adult state. The findings of the current research depicted the noteworthy role of B. bassiana for the management of an important vector of human disease.

O Aedes aegypti é um culicida que vem ganhando relevância ao longo dos anos devido à sua capacidade de transmitir diversos vírus causadores de doenças em humanos que ao longo dos anos ocasionam altas taxas de mortalidade na população mundial. O principal problema é que Ae. aegypti tem conseguido estabelecer e manter uma relação próxima com o homem e seu habitat, por isso a busca por alternativas para o controle das populações de vetores torna-se imperativa. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar os efeitos de duas cepas de Beauveria bassiana sobre Ae. aegypti. Larvas de terceiro instar de Ae. aegypti em recipientes plásticos de 250 mL foram inoculados com as cepas GHA e NB3 em diferentes concentrações (1.5 × 104, 1.5 × 105, 1.5 × 106 e 1.5 × 107 conídios/mL). A cepa NB3 apresentou os maiores valores de mortalidade com 63% na concentração mais alta, ou seja, 1.5 × 107, enquanto para a cepa GHA o maior valor de mortalidade foi 30.7% na mesma concentração. Os resultados mostraram diferença significativa na mortalidade com relação à cepa e dias pós-tratamento (P = 0.0001), mas não com relação à concentração de conídios (P = 0.634). A mortalidade média de larvas por dia para o NB3 para diferentes concentrações variou de 20 a 25 larvas por dia, enquanto para o GHA a mortalidade diária variou de 5 a 12 larvas. Na mortalidade pós-tratamento, a maior mortalidade foi registrada nas larvas de terceiro estágio para o NB3, enquanto para o GHA o maior percentual de mortalidade foi observado em indivíduos que conseguiram atingir o estado adulto. Os resultados da pesquisa atual retratam o papel notável de B. bassiana no manejo de um importante vetor de doenças humanas.

Late effects of Beauveria bassiana on larval stages of Aedes aegypti Linneo, 1762 (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract Aedes aegypti is a culicide that has gained relevance over the years due to its ability to transmit various viruses that cause diseases in humans that all the years cause high mortality rates in the world population. The main problem is that Ae. aegypti has managed to establish and maintain a close relationship with humans and their habitat, which is why the search for alternatives to control vector populations becomes imperative. The objective of the present work was to study the effects of two Beauveria bassiana strains on Aedes aegypti. Third instar larvae of Ae. aegypti in 250 mL plastic containers were inoculated with the GHA and NB3 strains at different concentrations (1.5 × 104, 1.5× 105, 1.5 × 106 and 1.5 × 107 conidia/mL). The NB3 strain presented highest mortality values with 63% in the highest concentration i.e., 1.5 × 107, while for the GHA strain the highest mortality value was 30.7% at the same concentration. The results showed significant difference in mortality with respect to the strain and days post treatment (P = 0.0001), but not with respect to the conidial concentration (P = 0.634). The average mortality of larvae per day for the NB3 for different concentrations ranged from 20 to 25 larvae per day, while for the GHA daily mortality ranged from 5 to 12 larvae. In post-treatment mortality, the highest mortality was recorded in the third stage larvae for the NB3, while for GHA the highest percentage mortality was observed in individuals who managed to reach the adult state. The findings of the current research depicted the noteworthy role of B. bassiana for the management of an important vector of human disease.

Resumo O Aedes aegypti é um culicida que vem ganhando relevância ao longo dos anos devido à sua capacidade de transmitir diversos vírus causadores de doenças em humanos que ao longo dos anos ocasionam altas taxas de mortalidade na população mundial. O principal problema é que Ae. aegypti tem conseguido estabelecer e manter uma relação próxima com o homem e seu habitat, por isso a busca por alternativas para o controle das populações de vetores torna-se imperativa. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar os efeitos de duas cepas de Beauveria bassiana sobre Ae. aegypti. Larvas de terceiro instar de Ae. aegypti em recipientes plásticos de 250 mL foram inoculados com as cepas GHA e NB3 em diferentes concentrações (1.5 × 104, 1.5 × 105, 1.5 × 106 e 1.5 × 107 conídios/mL). A cepa NB3 apresentou os maiores valores de mortalidade com 63% na concentração mais alta, ou seja, 1.5 × 107, enquanto para a cepa GHA o maior valor de mortalidade foi 30.7% na mesma concentração. Os resultados mostraram diferença significativa na mortalidade com relação à cepa e dias pós-tratamento (P = 0.0001), mas não com relação à concentração de conídios (P = 0.634). A mortalidade média de larvas por dia para o NB3 para diferentes concentrações variou de 20 a 25 larvas por dia, enquanto para o GHA a mortalidade diária variou de 5 a 12 larvas. Na mortalidade pós-tratamento, a maior mortalidade foi registrada nas larvas de terceiro estágio para o NB3, enquanto para o GHA o maior percentual de mortalidade foi observado em indivíduos que conseguiram atingir o estado adulto. Os resultados da pesquisa atual retratam o papel notável de B. bassiana no manejo de um importante vetor de doenças humanas.

Opuntia ficus-indica Extract and Isorhamnetin-3-O-Glucosyl-Rhamnoside Diminish Tumor Growth of Colon Cancer Cells Xenografted in Immune-Suppressed Mice through the Activation of Apoptosis Intrinsic Pathway.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Opuntia ficus-indica extract (OFI-E) and its glycoside isorhamnetin-3-O-glucosyl-rhamnoside (IGR) on the growth of human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells and in a xenografted-immunosuppressed mice model. The IC50 values of OFI-E and IGR on colon cancer cells (HT-29 RFP) were determinate, as well as their effects on the cell cycle and apoptosis induction. OFI-E and IGR produced an increased in apoptosis induction, ROS production and a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. In xenografted-inmunosupressed mice, OFI-E and IGR reduced the tumor growth rate, myeloperoxidase activity and total cholesterol levels. OFI-E and IGR reduced the tumor growth through the overexpression of cleaved Caspase-9, Hdac11, and Bai1 proteins. OFI-E reduced the expression of bcl-2. Results demonstrated the chemopreventive effects of OFI-E, and its purified compound IGR, showing their potential as an alternative in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

A combined GIS-MCDA approach to prioritize stream water quality interventions, based on the contamination risk and intervention complexity.

Water management decisions are complex ever since they are dependent on adopted politics, social objectives, environmental impacts, and economic determinants. To adequately address hydric resources issues, it is crucial to rely on scientific data and models guiding decision-makers. The present study brings a new methodology, consisting of a combined GIS-MCDA, to prioritize catchments that require environmental interventions to improve surface water quality. A Portuguese catchment, Ave River Basin, was selected to test this methodology due to the low water quality. First, it was calculated the contamination risk of each catchment, based on a GIS-MCDA using point source pressures, landscape metrics, and diffuse emissions as criteria. This analysis was compared to local data of ecological and chemical status through ANOVA and the Tukey test. The results showed the efficiency of the method since the contamination risk was lower for catchments under a good status and higher in catchments with a lower classification. In a second task, it was calculated the intervention complexity using a different GIS-MCDA. For this approach, it was chosen five criteria that condition environmental interventions, population density, slope, percentage of burned areas, Strahler order, and the number of effluent discharge sites. Both multicriteria methods were combined in a graphical analysis to rank the catchments intervention priority, subdividing the prioritization into four categories from 1st to 4th, giving a higher preference for catchments with high contamination risk and low intervention complexity. As a result, catchments with a good status were dominantly placed under low intervention priority, and catchments with a lower ecological status were classified as a high priority, 1st and 2nd. In total, 248 catchments were spatially ranked, which is an essential finding for decision-makers, that are willing to safeguard the catchment water quality.

Integrating ecosystem services into sustainable landscape management: A collaborative approach.

The Paiva River is considered one of the least polluted rivers in Europe and its watershed has a high conservation value. However, the Paiva River basin suffers pressures related with recurrent disturbances in land use, such as forest fires, agricultural activities, urbanization and pressures that affect the natural hydromorphological conditions and the continuity of watercourses. Blue and Green Infrastructures (BGINs) emerge to improve biodiversity, sustainability and the supply of ecosystem services while improving socioeconomic aspects. Thus, this article aims to identify priority areas in the basin, for intervention with these infrastructures. For that, a spatial multicriteria decision analysis (MDCA) was carried out according to several data related to the Paiva River Basin. As local politicians and responsible entities for the natural resources management are the main experts on the problems and their possible solutions at the local level, they were involved in this decision-making model. Therefore, these specialized stakeholders did the weighting assignment according to the most or least importance of the same for the work. The map of priority locations to implement BGINs was obtained in the sequel. To the top 5 priority areas, stakeholders attributed the best solutions based on nature. The most recommended BGINs were recovery/maintenance of riparian vegetation and conservation and reforestation of the native forest, both presented in four of the five areas, and introduction of fuel management strips presented in three of the five areas. Thus, we concluded that it is extremely important to include the communities and the competent entities of nature and environment management in scientific projects related to conservation, forming a synergy that makes it possible to combine scientific knowledge with local experience acquired in the field. This project uses a very flexible methodology of local data and can be a great example to be implemented in other hydrographic basins anywhere in the world.

Late effects of Beauveria bassiana on larval stages of Aedes aegypti Linneo , 1762 (Diptera: Culicidae).

Aedes aegypti is a culicide that has gained relevance over the years due to its ability to transmit various viruses that cause diseases in humans that all the years cause high mortality rates in the world population. The main problem is that Ae. aegypti has managed to establish and maintain a close relationship with humans and their habitat, which is why the search for alternatives to control vector populations becomes imperative. The objective of the present work was to study the effects of two Beauveria bassiana strains on Aedes aegypti. Third instar larvae of Ae. aegypti in 250 mL plastic containers were inoculated with the GHA and NB3 strains at different concentrations (1.5 × 104, 1.5× 105, 1.5 × 106 and 1.5 × 107 conidia/mL). The NB3 strain presented highest mortality values ​​with 63% in the highest concentration i.e., 1.5 × 107, while for the GHA strain the highest mortality value was 30.7% at the same concentration. The results showed significant difference in mortality with respect to the strain and days post treatment (P = 0.0001), but not with respect to the conidial concentration (P = 0.634). The average mortality of larvae per day for the NB3 for different concentrations ranged from 20 to 25 larvae per day, while for the GHA daily mortality ranged from 5 to 12 larvae. In post-treatment mortality, the highest mortality was recorded in the third stage larvae for the NB3, while for GHA the highest percentage mortality was observed in individuals who managed to reach the adult state. The findings of the current research depicted the noteworthy role of B. bassiana for the management of an important vector of human disease.

Is it safe to remove a dam at the risk of a sprawl by exotic fish species?

The longitudinal dimension of river connectivity has been significantly disrupted by barriers to compensate for water demand in the long periods of water scarcity in the Iberian Peninsula. The scale of this modification is widespread in the Portuguese part of Douro River network where, side to side with agriculture water demand, there is a constant increase in hydropower production. Thus, native species in Iberian freshwater systems, performing reproductive migrations along the rivers, are strongly affected by the amplification of fragmentation caused by the tremendous density of transversal obstacles in this river basin. We aimed to prioritize dam removal in the Portuguese part of Douro River, mainly considering obsolete barriers (small dams, weirs) based on a spatial multicriteria decision analysis (GIS-MCDA) based on a prioritization procedure. A diversity of parameters were used to prioritize (rank) the dam's suitability for removal, considering the losses of connectivity and fish biodiversity, habitat degradation, negative effects on water quality and ecological conditions, and socio-economic factors. Different weights were assigned to the different attributes in each criterion according to their importance. The analysis also included a significant constraint: the potential spreading of exotic invasive fish species if connection was reestablished through dam removal. This procedure started with the georeferencing of 1201 transversal obstacles that were further characterized for their relative permeability to fish migration. In conclusion the model used allowed to identify 158 priority barriers, as well as the 5 most fragmented tributaries, which means the most impacted by river regulation. In 8 cases the barriers were big dams (> 15 m), whereas in the remaining 150 were weirs. From a final rank of 20 most impacting structures, the MCDA results also identified two cases where potential removal could trigger the additional impact to native fish species related to the sprawl of alien populations.

Neuroradiologic Phenotyping of Galactosemia: From the Neonatal Form to the Chronic Stage.

Galactosemia is a rare genetic condition caused by mutation of enzymes involved in galactose and glucose metabolism. The varying clinical spectrum reflects the genetic complexity of this entity manifesting as acute neonatal toxicity syndrome, requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment, to more insidious clinical scenarios as observed in the subacute and chronic presentations. The current literature predominantly focuses on the long-standing sequelae of this disease. The purpose of this multicenter clinical report comprising 17 patients with galactosemia is to highlight the MR imaging patterns encompassing the whole spectrum of galactosemia, emphasizing the 3 main clinical subtypes: 1) acute neonatal presentation, with predominant white matter edema; 2) subacute clinical onset with a new finding called the "double cap sign"; and 3) a chronic phase of the disease with heterogeneous imaging findings. The knowledge of these different patterns together with MR spectroscopy and the clinical presentation may help in prioritizing galactosemia over other neonatal metabolic diseases and prevent possible complications.

Seasonal effect of land use management on gill histopathology of Barbel and Douro Nase in a Portuguese watershed.

The Vilariça River (located in the northeast of Portugal) is inserted in an agricultural basin and it was chosen to replace the spawning grounds for fish, that was lost due to the construction of dams in the Sabor River. Thus, it is essential to study the effect of agricultural practices on water quality and in the health status of fish. The barbel (Luciobarbus bocagei) and Douro nase (Pseudochondrostoma duriense) were the selected species and the work was developed in two seasons (Summer 2016 and Winter 2017). For that, the histopathological changes of fish gill were used as biomarkers, through a semi-quantitative approach that considers the injuries severity. And the water quality assessment criteria followed the methodologies proposed for classifying the status of surface water bodies from Portugal. The current study showed severe histopathological changes in both species and both seasons, and the water was classified as polluted and extremely polluted in Summer and Winter respectively. The pollution in Summer was due to high temperatures, low dissolved oxygen and major concentration of As and Mn, and in Winter is due to the high concentration of Total Suspended Solids, nitrites and Cd. The increase of values of physico-chemical parameters on the water was caused by the less streamflow and excessive agricultural fertilization in Summer which arrive the river by irrigation, and by the erosion of soil particles with heavy metals associated in Winter. Also, the canonical analysis showed that physico-chemical parameters concentrations in Summer justify the major prevalence of aneurism in barbel and exudate in nase and Winter the major prevalence of hypertrophy in barbel. In conclusion, the study showed that the gill injuries of barbel and Douro nase was correlated with the water quality and it is influenced by seasonal agricultural practices and the flow regime.

Lesiones traumáticas más frecuentes producidas en 2 centros de detención penitenciario, un estudio observacional / Most frequent traumatic injury in 2 prison detention centers, an observational study

Resumen Introducción Las cárceles constituyen un foco de violencia inherente y un ambiente propicio de lesiones traumáticas. Objetivo Describir el perfil de ingreso y evolución de personas privadas de libertad hospitalizadas en nivel terciario por trauma acontecido en 2 complejos penitenciarios, que ingresan a nuestro Servicio. Materiales y Método Estudio descriptivo, incluyó la revisión de fichas clínicas en nuestro hospital (HUAP), durante el periodo entre agosto de 2009 y diciembre de 2016. Resultados 88 consultas de personas privadas de libertad, donde se obtuvieron 46 consultas por lesiones traumáticas. Se observó una distribución simétrica para las variables edad, presión arterial media, frecuencia cardíaca, hematocrito, hemoglobina y recuento de leucocitos. El sitio del trauma más frecuente fue el tórax y el abdomen (incluyendo cara anterior y posterior completa), cada uno con 18 pacientes (39,13% cada uno). El diagnóstico de ingreso más frecuente fue neumotórax en doce sujetos. Los principales tratamientos efectuados fueron 16 laparotomías exploradoras (34,78; IC 95%: 22,68 a 49,23) y 12 pleurostomías (26,09; IC 95%: 15,60 a 40,26). La duración de la hospitalización distribuyó en forma asimétrica, con mediana de 3 días. Tuvimos 6 reingresos (13,04%) en los primeros 30 días posteriores al alta y una mortalidad. Conclusiones Los hechos de violencia en estos 2 centros penitenciarios en Santiago, son un diagnóstico que se presenta en la urgencia de nuestro hospital, con lesiones de distinta gravedad y tratamiento. Resulta necesario adelantarse a estos escenarios, donde ahora sabemos que gran parte de ellos necesitará algún procedimiento o intervención.

Background Prisons are a source of inherent violence and an environment conducive to traumatic injuries. Aim The objective of this paper is to describe the income and evolution profile of hospitalized people deprived of liberty at the tertiary level due to trauma that occurred in two prison detention centers in Santiago, that enters our service. Materials and Method Descriptive study, included the review of clinical records in our hospital, during the period between August 2009 and December 2016. Results 88 consultations of people deprived of liberty, where 46 consultations for traumatic injuries were obtained. A symmetric distribution was observed for the variables age, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, hematocrit, hemoglobin and leukocyte count. The most frequent trauma site was the thorax and abdomen (including front face and full back), each with 18 patients (39.13% each). The most frequent diagnosis of admission was pneumothorax in twelve subjects. The main treatments were 16 exploratory laparotomies (34.78, 95% CI: 22.68 to 49.23) and 12 pleurostomies (26.09, 95% CI: 15.60 to 40.26). The duration of hospitalization distributed asymmetrically, with a median of 3 days. We had 6 readmissions (13.04%) in the first 30 days after discharge and one mortality. Conclusions The violence in this two prison detention centers, in Santiago, is a diagnosis that appears in the urgency of our hospital, with lesions of different severity and treatment. It is necessary to anticipate these scenarios, where we now know that a large part of them will need some procedure or intervention.

Flood risk attenuation in critical zones of continental Portugal using sustainable detention basins.

According to the Floods Directive (Directive 60/2007/EC), the management of floods represents an obligation of each EU member state to defend human lives as well as the economic well-being of societies, especially in areas defined as critical. The purpose of this study was to develop a flood attenuation model based on detention basins in the 23 critical flood risk zones of continental Portugal, capable to eliminate the high and very high flood risk areas instead of attempting to ensure full control of the flood in all potentially threatened areas. The model workflow comprised the sequential use of engineering formulae based on historical peak flows and a zoning algorithm embedded in a Geographic Information System. The formulas allowed to set up the volume of river water to retain in a detention basin during a flood, as well as the smallest catchment area (A) producing this volume. The results were divided into sustainable (h ≤ 8 m) or non-sustainable (h > 8 m) detention basins. Thus, these results indicated the possibility to install 27 sustainable and 75 non-sustainable detention basins in specific catchments within the critical zones contributing watersheds. The number of sustainable detention basins is reduced by about 30% when the full flood control model is used. Because the construction of non-sustainable (engineered) dams is extremely costly, the only possible way to mitigate flood risk in these critical zones would be to couple flood attenuation with hydroelectric use, or through the implementation of an extensive reforestation program in the catchment with the purpose to increase evapotranspiration and reduce runoff.

A new radon prediction approach for an assessment of radiological potential in drinking water.

Inhaled radon from groundwater used for domestic purposes is one of the sources of natural radioactivity into indoor air. Due to uranium-bearing minerals occurrences, hydrogeochemical conditions, tectonic structures, and hydraulic circuits, the radon pathway from rocks to groundwater is quite unpredictable. High radon potential from bedrocks is not always associated with high radon levels in groundwater. Besides, inhaled radon from domestic use may also increase the exposure toindoor radon levels. This innovative methodology using hydrogeochemical conditions and groundwater flow transport was used for radon predictions in the underground to ensure safe drinking water ingestion and inhalation. This innovative radon prediction methodology is based on classic hydrogeochemical analyses (Eh-pH, Piper, Schöeller and Gibb's diagrams) and multivariate statistical analyses (Principal Component Analysis and Pearson's correlation). High dissolution of major ions does not imply high radon mobilization from rocks to groundwater. The travel time was estimated to developed a flow transport of contaminated groundwater. Radiological results show that of the 25 sampled springs, five of them contained radon concentrations above the Portuguese imposed limit (222Rn = 500 Bq·L-1), and 16 of them with values above the WHO recommended limit (222Rn = 100 Bq·L-1). Overall, this new approach of radon prediction showed that uranium enrichment in rocks at ideal hydrochemical conditions and emanation coefficient, and shallow circuits, are responsible for radon increasing in drinking water. The proposed approach allow to predict the areas with high radon potential groundwaters, being a tool to be used by water planners and policy makers for corrective and preventive measures in shallow groundwater flows. To safeguard clean water within the predefined deadline of Sustainable Development Goals (2030) and to ensure human health in compliance with WHO guidelines for safe drinking water, should be established priority water protection policies to reduced radon in this contaminated springs (n = 16).