Physical and CFD model used in the analysis of particles dispersion.

Air pollution, representing one of the major environmental crises affecting us all, is responsible for half a million deaths each year in Europe. This research shows a numerical model based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and a methodology for its validation allowing to know the evolution of particles in open urban environments. In this case, the model represents an area of Gijón (Asturias), specifically chosen as it serves to highlight a location at which the daily limit values of PM10 set by the regulations are most frequently exceeded. A numerical model has been developed at a scale of 1:10,000 to simulate the dispersion of pollutants, including particulate emissions. A physical model at the same scale was built using 3D printing. This model was tested in a wind tunnel and analysed in the four main wind directions. To carry out the tests, a particle generation system was designed and manufactured, and the necessary infrastructure was built to take measurements using an optical particle meter. Results show that the numerical model meets the expected objectives and is capable of predicting the behaviour of particle dispersion in the air. The numerical model produces results in the same order of magnitude as the physical model, although there is a tendency to underestimate the maximum values with respect to the measured ones.

Predicting particle deposition using a simplified 8-path in silico human lung prototype.

Understanding particle deposition in the human lung is crucial for the assessment of environmental pollutants and the design of new drug delivery systems. Traditionally, research has been carried out by experimental analysis, but this generally requires expensive equipment and exposure of volunteers to radiation, resulting in limited data. To overcome these drawbacks, there is an emphasis on the development of numerical models capable of accurate predictive analysis. The most advanced of these computer simulations are based on three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics. Solving the flow equations in a complete, fully resolved lung airway model is currently not feasible due to the computational resources required. In the present work, a simplified lung model is presented and validated for accurate prediction of particle deposition. Simulations are performed for an 8-path approximation to a full lung airway model. A novel boundary condition method is used to ensure accurate results in truncated flow branches. Simulations are performed at a steady inhalation flow rate of 18 l min-1, corresponding to a low activity breathing rate, while the effects of particle size and density are investigated. Comparison of the simulation results with available experimental data shows that reasonably accurate results can be obtained at a small fraction of the cost of a full airway model. The simulations clearly evaluate the effect of both particle size and particle density. Most importantly, the results show an improvement over a previously documented single-path model, both in terms of accuracy and the ability to obtain regional deposition rates. The present model represents an improvement over previously used simplified models, including single-path models. The multi-path reduced airway approach described can be used by researchers for general and patient-specific analyses of particle deposition and for the design of effective drug delivery systems.

Analysis of the characteristics of the smash in padel: validation of the OASP instrument / Análisis de las características del remate en pádel: validación del instrumento OASP

The purpose of this study was to design and validate an observation instrument for the analysis of the performance parameters related to the smash in padel. Eleven experts, who had to meet four of the five inclusion criteria, participated in the process. Aiken's V coefficient and confidence intervals were used to calculate content validity and Cronbach's α coefficient to analyze reliability. The adequacy and writing of the eighteen items initially designed were evaluated. Four variables were eliminated due to obtaining values ​​<.87 in Aiken's V coefficient for adequacy. The rest of the variables were modified in their wording, according to the qualitative evaluations of the experts, or were considered correct. The reliability of the instrument was acceptable, (α=.82). The OASP instrument is very new, as it is of interest for analyzing the use and effectiveness of the padel smash. (AU)

El propósito de este estudio fue diseñar y validar un instrumento de observación para el análisis de las características del remate relacionadas con el rendimiento en pádel. En el proceso participaron once expertos, los cuales debían cumplir cuatro de los cinco criterios de inclusión. El coeficiente V de Aikene intervalos de confianza se utilizaron para calcular la validez de contenido y el coeficiente 𝛼de Cronbach para analizar la fiabilidad. Se evaluó la adecuación y redacción de los dieciocho ítems diseñados inicialmente. Se eliminaron cuatro variables por obtener valores <.87 en el coeficiente V de Aikenen la adecuación. El resto de las variables fueron modificadas en su redacción, según las valoraciones cualitativas de los expertos, o se consideraron correctas. La fiabilidad del instrumento fue aceptable, (𝛼=.82). El instrumento OASP es muy novedoso, pues resulta de interés para analizar el uso y la eficacia del remate en pádel. (AU)

Indicadores de calidad en la atención dermatológica a pacientes con dermatitis atópica. Documento de consenso de la Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología / Quality Indicators in Care of Patients With Atopic Dermatitis: Consensus Document of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology

El grado de conocimiento y aplicación de las guías de práctica clínica sobre el manejo de la dermatitis atópica son desconocidos en nuestro entorno. El objetivo de este estudio es elaborar indicadores de calidad basados en las guías de práctica clínica existentes, para mejorar la atención de los pacientes. Tras una búsqueda bibliográfica de guías de práctica clínica, un grupo de 11 panelistas seleccionó las de mayor calidad mediante el instrumento AGREE II. Posteriormente se extrajeron recomendaciones con alto nivel de evidencia y propusieron un indicador de calidad asistencial asociado a un estándar para medir el grado de cumplimiento de cada recomendación. De los 150 indicadores propuestos, se obtuvo consenso en 21 de ellos tras la realización del método Delphi modificado. La implementación de los indicadores consensuados en este estudio pretende estandarizar las actuaciones de los profesionales sanitarios para mejorar la calidad asistencial de los pacientes con dermatitis atópica

No information is currently available on whether the available clinical practice guidelines on the management of atopic dermatitis are known or being applied in Spain. The aim of this study was to improve the care of patients with atopic dermatitis by developing a set of quality indicators based on existing clinical practice guidelines. Relevant clinical practice guidelines identified through a literature search were submitted to a panel of 11 specialists, who selected the highest quality guidelines using the AGREE (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation) II instrument. The panel then defined a subset of the recommendations supported by a high level of evidence and proposed a health care quality indicator for each one together with a standard for measuring degree of adherence. Consensus was achieved on 21 of the 150 proposed indicators using the modified Delphi method. The aim of implementing the indicators that achieved consensus in this study is to standardize the actions of health professionals providing care for patients with atopic dermatitis and ultimately to improve the quality of the care delivered

Construction of a hybrid lung model by combining a real geometry of the upper airways and an idealized geometry of the lower airways.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Health care costs represent a substantial an increasing percentage of global expenditures. One key component is treatment of respiratory diseases, which account for one in twelve deaths in Europe. Computational simulations of lung airflow have potential to provide considerable cost reduction and improved outcomes. Such simulations require accurate in silico modeling of the lung airway. The geometry of the lung is extremely complex and for this reason very simple morphologies have primarily been used to date. The objective of this work is to develop an effective methodology for the creation of hybrid pulmonary geometries combining patient-specific models obtained from CT images and idealized pulmonary models, for the purpose of carrying out experimental and numerical studies on aerosol/particle transport and deposition in inhaled drug delivery. METHODS: For the construction of the hybrid numerical model, lung images obtained from computed tomography were exported to the DICOM format to be treated with a commercial software to build the patient-specific part of the model. At the distal terminus of each airway of this portion of the model, an idealization of a single airway path is connected, extending to the sixteenth generation. Because these two parts have different endings, it is necessary to create an intermediate solid to link them together. Physically realistic treatment of truncated airway boundaries in the model was accomplished by mapping of the flow velocity distribution from corresponding conducting airway segments. RESULTS: The model was verified using two sets of simulations, steady inspiration/expiration and transient simulation of forced spirometry. The results showed that the hybrid model is capable of providing a realistic description of air flow dynamics in the lung while substantially reducing computational costs relative to models of the full airway tree. CONCLUSIONS: The model development outlined here represents an important step toward computational simulation of lung dynamics for patient-specific applications. Further research work may consist of investigating specific diseases, such as chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema, as well as the study of the deposition of pollutants or drugs in the airways.

Quality Indicators in Care of Patients With Atopic Dermatitis: Consensus Document of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. / Indicadores de calidad en la atención dermatológica a pacientes con dermatitis atópica. Documento de consenso de la Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología.

No information is currently available on whether the available clinical practice guidelines on the management of atopic dermatitis are known or being applied in Spain. The aim of this study was to improve the care of patients with atopic dermatitis by developing a set of quality indicators based on existing clinical practice guidelines. Relevant clinical practice guidelines identified through a literature search were submitted to a panel of 11 specialists, who selected the highest quality guidelines using the AGREE (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation) II instrument. The panel then defined a subset of the recommendations supported by a high level of evidence and proposed a health care quality indicator for each one together with a standard for measuring degree of adherence. Consensus was achieved on 21 of the 150 proposed indicators using the modified Delphi method. The aim of implementing the indicators that achieved consensus in this study is to standardize the actions of health professionals providing care for patients with atopic dermatitis and ultimately to improve the quality of the care delivered.

Classical biological control of the African citrus psyllid Trioza erytreae, a major threat to the European citrus industry.

Citrus greening or huanglongbing (HLB) is the main threat to the European citrus industry since one of its vectors, the African citrus psyllid, Trioza erytreae, has recently become established in mainland Europe. In this context, classical biological control programmes should be implemented to reduce the spread of the psyllid. The aims of this study were to: i) disentangle the parasitoid complex of T. erytreae combining morphological and molecular characterization; and ii) to study the biology of its main parasitoids in its area of origin in South Africa for their future importation into Europe. The main citrus producing areas of South Africa were surveyed during 2017. In contrast to previous studies, the parasitoid complex of T. erytreae included three species of primary parasitoids: Tamarixia dryi, Psyllaephagus pulvinatus and another parasitoid of the genus Tamarixia. Molecular analysis showed that it is a new species closely related to T. dryi. Tamarixia dryi was the most abundant parasitoid but its relative abundance varied among sampling sites. The sex ratio (males/females) of T. dryi and Tamarixia sp. decreased with T. erytreae size and became female biased when psyllid nymphs were larger than 0.6 and 1.2 mm2, respectively. These parasitoids were attacked by three species of hyperparasitoids, Aphidencyrtus cassatus, Marietta javensis and a species of the genus Aphanogmus. Aphidencyrtus cassatus, the most abundant hyperparasitoid, tended to emerge from large nymphs, and adult females lived as long as those of T. dryi. The implications of these results are discussed within the framework of the introduction of T. dryi into Europe.

Implementation of a specific boundary condition for a simplified symmetric single-path CFD lung model with OpenFOAM.

CFD modeling research about the lung airflow with a complete resolution and an adequate accuracy at all scales requires a great amount of computational resources due to the vast number of necessary grid elements. As a result, a common practice is to conduct simplifications that allows to manage it with ordinary computational power. In this study, the implementation of a special boundary condition in order to develop a simplified single conductive lung airway model, which exactly represents the effect of the removed airways, is presented. The boundary condition is programmed in the open-source software OpenFOAM®, and the developed source code is presented in the proper syntax. After this description, modeling accuracy is evaluated under different flow rate conditions typical of human breathing processes, including both inspiration and expiration movements. Afterward, a validation process is conducted using results of a Weibel's model (0-4 generations) simulation for a medium flow rate of 50 L/min. Finally, a comparison against the proposed boundary condition implemented in the commercial code ANSYS Fluent is made, which highlights the benefits of using the free code toolbox. The specific contribution of this paper will be to show that OpenFOAM® developed model can perform even better than other commercial codes due to a precise implementation and coupling of the default solver with the in-house functions by virtue of the open-source nature of the code.

Simulation of the human airways using virtual topology tools and meshing optimization.

A method is proposed to improve the quality of the three-dimensional airway geometric models using a commercial software, checking the number of elements, meshing time, and aspect ratio and skewness parameters. The use of real and virtual topologies combined with patch-conforming and patch-independent meshing algorithms results in four different models being the best solution the combination of virtual topology and patch-independent algorithm, due to an excellent aspect ratio and skewness of the elements, and minimum meshing time. The result is a reduction in the computational time required for both meshing and simulation due to a smaller number of cells. The use of virtual topologies combined with patch-independent meshing algorithms could be extended in bioengineering because the geometries handling is similar to this case. The method is applied to a healthy person using their computed tomography images. The resulting numerical models are able to simulate correctly a forced spirometry.

Aggregation Patterns, Sampling Plan, and Economic Injury Levels for the New Citrus Pest Delottococcus aberiae (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).

Delottococcus aberiae De Lotto (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is the latest exotic mealybug species introduced in citrus in the Mediterranean basin. It causes severe distortion and size reduction on developing fruits. Due to its first interaction with citrus, D. aberiae economic thresholds are still unknown for this crop and the current Integrated Pest Management programs have been disrupted. The objectives of this study were to determine the aggregation patterns of D. aberiae in citrus, develop an efficient sampling plan to assess its population density, and calculate its Economic and Economic Environmental Injury Levels (EIL and EEIL, respectively). Twelve and 19 orchards were sampled in 2014 and 2015, respectively. At each orchard, population densities were monitored fortnightly in leaves, twigs, and fruit, and fruit damage was determined at harvest. Our results showed a clumped aggregation of D. aberiae in all organs with no significant differences between generations on fruit. Fruit damage at harvest was strongly correlated with fruit occupation in spring. Based on these results and using chlorpyrifos as the insecticide of reference, the EIL and EEIL were calculated as 7.1 and 12.1% of occupied fruit in spring, respectively. With all this, we recommend sampling 275 fruits using a binomial sampling method or alternatively, 140 fruits with an enumerative method bimonthly between petal fall and July.

Spatial and temporal dynamics of macrophyte cover in a large regulated river.

The River Ebro basin is extensively dammed. Dams alter the geomorphological functioning of the river by altering its flow regime (e.g. reducing mean and maximum discharges), increasing bed stability (armouring) and decreasing turbidity (water clarity). These effects, together with an increase in nutrient concentrations and water temperature, have generated optimal conditions for the proliferation of aquatic macrophytes. In this paper, we analyse the temporal and spatial changes of macrophyte cover in the lowermost Ebro through a series of field campaigns carried out between 2009 and 2010. Special attention was paid to the spatial distribution of macrophytes in relation to flow hydraulics, channel geometry and bed sedimentology. Temporal changes in macrophyte cover were analysed in relation to the frequency and magnitude of both natural floods and flushing flows (artificial flow releases from dams with generally a magnitude that equates around a2-year flood in the river). Spatially, the proportion of macrophytes along the reaches showed a variable pattern, with a succession of areas with both high and low plant density, coinciding with the alternation of riffles and pools in the channel. The highest values of plant cover (>65%) occurred in riffles and in transition to riffle areas, while the lowest densities (1% or almost negligible) were observed in pools and transition to pool areas. Water depth and the grain-size distribution of the riverbed materials (i.e. D84), are found to be the main factors controlling the degree of plant cover in the lower Ebro. Temporally, the macrophyte proportion varied during the hydrological year, with a clear increment from late spring to early autumn (i.e. vegetation cover reached 40%, on average, of the channel surface). Macrophyte coverage decreases immediately following a flushing flow but in the long term, vegetation re-occupied the area again, even slightly increasing in some sections; overall, the mean percentage of macrophyte cover was 19% higher at the end of the study period, despite the numerous flow events occurred on the meantime. This increase enhanced riverbed stability, which in turn reduced the possibility for bed-material entrainment. This study empirically confirms the necessity of improving the management options applied in the lower Ebro with complementary measures to help maximise the efficiency of flow releases (for instance, subject the macrophytes to a severe hydrological stress by decreasing discharge before a given flushing flow, undertake localise mechanical removal of plants in areas where density is high, and increase the frequency of floods in winter time when macrophyte stands are weaker).

Persistence of Indirect but Not Direct T Cell Xenoresponses in Baboon Recipients of Pig Cell and Organ Transplants.

We investigated the contributions of direct and indirect T cell antigen recognition pathways to the immune response to porcine antigens in naïve baboons and baboon recipients of pig xenografts. In naïve baboons, in vitro culture of peripheral blood T cells with intact pig cells (direct xenorecognition pathway) or pig cell sonicates and baboon antigen-presenting cells (indirect xenorecognition pathway) induced the activation and expansion of xenoreactive T cells producing proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin-2 and interferon-γ. Primary indirect xenoresponses were mediated by preexisting memory T cells, whose presence is not typically observed in primary alloresponses. Next, baboons were conditioned with a nonmyeloablative regimen before short-term immunosuppression and transplantation of xenogeneic peripheral blood progenitor cells and a kidney, heart, or pancreatic islets from a miniature swine. All transplants were rejected acutely within 30 days after their placement. Posttransplantation, we observed an inhibition of the direct xenoresponse but a significant expansion of indirectly activated proinflammatory T cells. These results suggest that additional treatment to suppress indirect T cell immunity in primates may be required to achieve tolerance of pig xenografts through hematopoietic chimerism.

Sediment transport in two mediterranean regulated rivers.

Mediterranean climate is characterized by highly irregular rainfall patterns with marked differences between wet and dry seasons which lead to highly variable hydrological fluvial regimes. As a result, and in order to ensure water availability and reduce its temporal variability, a high number of large dams were built during the 20th century (more than 3500 located in Mediterranean rivers). Dams modify the flow regime but also interrupt the continuity of sediment transfer along the river network, thereby changing its functioning as an ecosystem. Within this context, the present paper aims to assess the suspended sediment loads and dynamics of two climatically contrasting Mediterranean regulated rivers (i.e. the Ésera and Siurana) during a 2-yr period. Key findings indicate that floods were responsible for 92% of the total suspended sediment load in the River Siurana, while this percentage falls to 70% for the Ésera, indicating the importance of baseflows on sediment transport in this river. This fact is related to the high sediment availability, with the Ésera acting as a non-supply-limited catchment due to the high productivity of the sources (i.e. badlands). In contrast, the Siurana can be considered a supply-limited system due to its low geomorphic activity and reduced sediment availability, with suspended sediment concentration remaining low even for high magnitude flood events. Reservoirs in both rivers reduce sediment load up to 90%, although total runoff is only reduced in the case of the River Ésera. A remarkable fact is the change of the hydrological character of the River Ésera downstream for the dam, shifting from a humid mountainous river regime to a quasi-invariable pattern, whereas the Siurana experiences the opposite effect, changing from a flashy Mediterranean river to a more constant flow regime below the dam.

Factores relacionados con el cumplimiento de la posición semiincorporada en el paciente con ventilación mecánica según los profesionales: cuestionario CAPCRI-Q / Factors associated with compliance to the semi-recumbent position in the patient on mechanical ventilation: CAPCRI-Q questionnaire

Objetivo: Elaborar un cuestionario (CAPCRI-Q) para determinar los factores relacionados con el cumplimiento de la posición semiincorporada en pacientes con ventilación mecánica. Metodología: Se creó un cuestionario cerrado a través de la revisión de la literatura y la práctica clínica. La versión inicial constó de 61 ítems englobados en 5 categorías: variables del paciente, factores de equipo y profesionales, de actividad, de formación y entrenamiento, y equipamiento y recursos. Para elaborar el cuestionario se usó el método Delphi. En cada ítem se evaluó la comprensión, la pertinencia y la importancia, así como las recomendaciones de los expertos. Se realizó una prueba piloto cualitativa con 9 profesionales y, posteriormente, una prueba piloto cuantitativa con 67 enfermeras de 6 unidades de cuidados intensivos para analizar la consistencia interna del instrumento. Resultados: Se requirieron 3 rondas con 15 expertos para llegar al consenso. La versión final del cuestionario constó de 36 ítems englobados dentro de las mismas categorías que la versión inicial. El análisis de consistencia interna mostró valores superiores a 0,800 para cada ítem, cada categoría y el cuestionario global (0,873; IC 95%: 0,825-0,913). El análisis de las respuestas destacó los factores individuales del paciente, así como los organizativos e infraestructurales, como factores relevantes en el cumplimiento de la recomendación. Conclusiones: El cuestionario creado es fiable y tiene validez aparente y de contenido. Los factores más influyentes en el cumplimiento son los relacionados con el paciente y organizativos. Los resultados pueden usarse para evaluar los factores influyentes en el cumplimiento y establecer estrategias de mejora

Aim: To create a questionnaire (CAPCRI-Q) to determine the factors associated with the compliance of the semi-recumbent position in patients under mechanical ventilation Methods: A closed questionnaire was created using a literature review and clinical practice. The initial version consisted of 61 items placed into 5 categories: patient factors, team and professionals factors, activity, educational and training factors, and equipment and resources. A Delphi method was used to prepare the questionnaire. Comprehension, relevance and importance of each item were evaluated, as well as the recommendations of experts. A qualitative pilot test with 9 healthcare professionals was performed, followed by a quantitative pilot test with 67 nurses from 6 intensive care units to test the internal consistency of the instrument. Results: Three rounds with 15 experts were required to reach a consensus. The final version of the questionnaire consisted of 36 items enclosed in the same categories as the initial version. The internal consistency analysis showed values greater than 0.800 for each independent item, each category, and for the global questionnaire (0.873; 95% CI: 0.825-0.913). The analysis of the nurses’ responses emphasised the importance of the patient factors, as well as organisational and infra-structural factors, for the compliance of the recommendation. Conclusions: The questionnaire created is reliable and appears to have content validity. The most influential factors for compliance are those related to the patient and the internal organisation. The results of the questionnaire can be used to evaluate the factors influencing the compliance and to establish improvement strategies

[Factors associated with compliance to the semi-recumbent position in the patient on mechanical ventilation: CAPCRI-Q questionnaire]. / Factores relacionados con el cumplimiento de la posición semiincorporada en el paciente con ventilación mecánica según los profesionales: cuestionario CAPCRI-Q.

AIM: To create a questionnaire (CAPCRI-Q) to determine the factors associated with the compliance of the semi-recumbent position in patients under mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A closed questionnaire was created using a literature review and clinical practice. The initial version consisted of 61 items placed into 5 categories: patient factors, team and professionals factors, activity, educational and training factors, and equipment and resources. A Delphi method was used to prepare the questionnaire. Comprehension, relevance and importance of each item were evaluated, as well as the recommendations of experts. A qualitative pilot test with 9 healthcare professionals was performed, followed by a quantitative pilot test with 67 nurses from 6 intensive care units to test the internal consistency of the instrument. RESULTS: Three rounds with 15 experts were required to reach a consensus. The final version of the questionnaire consisted of 36 items enclosed in the same categories as the initial version. The internal consistency analysis showed values greater than 0.800 for each independent item, each category, and for the global questionnaire (0.873; 95%CI: 0.825-0.913). The analysis of the nurses' responses emphasised the importance of the patient factors, as well as organisational and infra-structural factors, for the compliance of the recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: The questionnaire created is reliable and appears to have content validity. The most influential factors for compliance are those related to the patient and the internal organisation. The results of the questionnaire can be used to evaluate the factors influencing the compliance and to establish improvement strategies.

High incidence of xenogenic bone marrow engraftment in pig-to-baboon intra-bone bone marrow transplantation.

Previous attempts of α-1,3-galactocyltransferase knockout (GalTKO) pig bone marrow (BM) transplantation (Tx) into baboons have demonstrated a loss of macro-chimerism within 24 h in most cases. In order to achieve improved engraftment with persistence of peripheral chimerism, we have developed a new strategy of intra-bone BM (IBBM) Tx. Six baboons received GalTKO BM cells, with one-half of the cells transplanted into the bilateral tibiae directly and the remaining cells injected intravenously (IBBM/BM-Tx) with a conditioning immunosuppressive regimen. In order to assess immune responses induced by the combined IBBM/BM-Tx, three recipients received donor SLA-matched GalTKO kidneys in the peri-operative period of IBBM/BM-Tx (Group 1), and the others received kidneys 2 months after IBBM/BM-Tx (Group 2). Peripheral macro-chimerism was continuously detectable for up to 13 days (mean 7.7 days; range 3-13) post-IBBM/BM-Tx and in three animals, macro-chimerism reappeared at days 10, 14 and 21. Pig CFUs, indicating porcine progenitor cell engraftment, were detected in the host BM in four of six recipients on days 14, 15, 19 and 28. In addition, anti-pig unresponsiveness was observed by in vitro assays. GalTKO/pCMV-kidneys survived for extended periods (47 and 60 days). This strategy may provide a potent adjunct for inducing xenogeneic tolerance through BM-Tx.

Geomorphic status of regulated rivers in the Iberian Peninsula.

River regulation by dams modifies flow regimes, interrupts the transfer of sediment through channel networks, and alters downstream bed dynamics, altogether affecting channel form and processes. So far, most studies on the geomorphic impacts of dams are restricted to single rivers, or even single river stretches. In this paper we analyse the geomorphic status of 74 river sites distributed across four large basins in the Iberian Peninsula (i.e. 47 sites located downstream of dams). For this purpose, we combine field data with hydrological data available from water agencies, and analyse historical (1970) and current aerial photographs. In particular, we have developed a Geomorphic Status (GS) index that allows us to assess the physical structure of a given channel reach and its change through time. The GS encompasses a determination of changes in sedimentary units, sediment availability, bar stability and channel flow capacity. Sites are statistically grouped in four clusters based on contrasted physical and climate characteristics. Results emphasise that regulation changes river's flow regime with a generalized reduction of the magnitude and frequency of floods (thus flow competence). This, in addition to the decrease downstream sediment supply, results in the loss of active bars as they are encroached by vegetation, to the point that only reaches with little or no regulation maintain exposed sedimentary deposits. The GS of regulated river reaches is negatively correlated with magnitude of the impoundment (regulation). Heavily impacted reaches present channel stabilization and, in contrast to the hydrological response, the distance and number of tributaries do not reverse the geomorphic impact of the dams. Stabilization limits river dynamics and may contribute to the environmental degradation of the fluvial ecosystem. Overall, results describe the degree of geomorphological alteration experienced by representative Iberian rivers mostly because of regulation, challenging the successful long-term implementation of river basin management programmes.

Transgenic expression of human CD47 markedly increases engraftment in a murine model of pig-to-human hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Mixed chimerism approaches for induction of tolerance of solid organ transplants have been applied successfully in animal models and in the clinic. However, in xenogeneic models (pig-to-primate), host macrophages participate in the rapid clearance of porcine hematopoietic progenitor cells, hindering the ability to achieve mixed chimerism. CD47 is a cell-surface molecule that interacts in a species-specific manner with SIRPα receptors on macrophages to inhibit phagocytosis and expression of human CD47 (hCD47) on porcine cells has been shown to inhibit phagocytosis by primate macrophages. We report here the generation of hCD47 transgenic GalT-KO miniature swine that express hCD47 in all blood cell lineages. The effect of hCD47 expression on xenogeneic hematopoietic engraftment was tested in an in vivo mouse model of human hematopoietic cell engraftment. High-level porcine chimerism was observed in the bone marrow of hCD47 progenitor cell recipients and smaller but readily measurable chimerism levels were observed in the peripheral blood of these recipients. In contrast, transplantation of WT progenitor cells resulted in little or no bone marrow engraftment and no detectable peripheral chimerism. These results demonstrate a substantial protective effect of hCD47 expression on engraftment and persistence of porcine cells in this model, presumably by modulation of macrophage phagocytosis.

Escara necrótica y linfadenopatías cervicales tras una picadura de garrapata: TIBOLA / Necrotic eschar and neck lymphadenopathy after tick bite: TIBOLA

La linfadenopatía por picadura de garrapata (TIBOLA, por sus siglas en inglés: tick-borne lymphadenopathy) es una enfermedad emergente causada por Rickettsia slovaca. Es una zoonosis transmitida por la picadura de la garrapata Dermacentor marginatus. Los pacientes afectados presentan una escara necrótica rodeada de un halo eritematoso en el cuero cabelludo, así como adenopatías regionales dolorosas. Presentamos el caso de una niña de 4 años de edad con escara necrótica y linfadenopatías cervicales dolorosas tras una picadura de garrapata (AU)

Tick-borne lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA) is an emerging dise­ase caused by Rickettsia slovaca. It is a zoonoses transmitted to humans by Dermacentor marginatus tick-bite. Patients presents with a necrotic eschar surrounded by a perilesional erythematous halo on the scalp and painful regional lymphadenopathies. We present a case of a 4-years old girl with necrotic eschar on the scalp and painful cervical lymphadenopathy after tick bite (AU)

Dynamics of suspended sediment borne persistent organic pollutants in a large regulated Mediterranean river (Ebro, NE Spain).

Mediterranean rivers are characterized by highly variable hydrological regimes that are strongly dependent on the seasonal rainfall. Sediment transport is closely related to the occurrence of flash-floods capable to deliver enough kinetic energy to mobilize the bed and channel sediments. Contaminants accumulated in the sediments are likely to be mobilized as well during such events. However, whereas there are many studies characterizing contaminants in steady sediments, those devoted to the transport dynamics of suspended-sediment borne pollution are lacking. Here we examined the occurrence and transport of persistent organic microcontaminants present in the circulating suspended sediments during a controlled flushing flow in the low part of the River Ebro (NE Spain) 12 km downstream of a well-known contaminated hot-spot associated to a nearby chloro-alkali industry. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and semi-volatile organochlorine pollutants (DDT and related compounds, DDX; polychlorinated byphenils, PCBs; and other organochlorine compound, OCs) were measured in the particulate material by GC-MS and GC-MS/MS, using previously developed analytical methods. The concentration levels observed were compared to previously reported values in steady sediments in the same river and discussed on a regulatory perspective. Hydrographs and sedigraphs recorded showed a peak-flow of 1,300 m(3)s(-1) and a corresponding peak of suspended sediments of 315 mg L(-1). Combination of flow discharge, suspended sediments and pollutants' concentrations data allowed for quantifying the mass flows (mass per unit of time) and setting the load budgets (weight amount) of the different pollutants transported by the river during the monitored event. Mean mass-flows and total load values found were 20.2 mg s(-1) (400 g) for PAHs, 38 mg s(-1) (940 g) for DDX, 44 mg s(-1) (1,038 g) for PCBs and 8 mg s(-1) (200 g) for OCs. The dynamic pattern behavior of PAHs differs substantially to that of organochlorine pollutants, thus reflecting different pollution origins.