Reduced precipitation can induce ecosystem regime shifts in lakes by increasing internal nutrient recycling.

Eutrophication is a main threat to continental aquatic ecosystems. Prevention and amelioration actions have been taken under the assumption of a stable climate, which needs reconsideration. Here, we show that reduced precipitation can bring a lake ecosystem to a more productive regime even with a decline in nutrient external load. By analyzing time series of several decades in the largest lake of the Iberian Peninsula, we found autocorrelated changes in the variance of state variables (i.e., chlorophyll and oxygen) indicative of a transient situation towards a new ecosystem regime. Indeed, exceptional planktonic diatom blooms have occurred during the last few years, and the sediment record shows a shift in phytoplankton composition and an increase in nutrient retention. Reduced precipitation almost doubled the water residence time in the lake, enhancing the relevance of internal processes. This study demonstrates that ecological quality targets for aquatic ecosystems must be tailored to the changing climatic conditions for appropriate stewardship.

Prevalencia, hábitos de consumo y complicaciones de los suplementos nutricionales proteicos en adolescentes / Protein supplement consumption prevalence, habits and complications in adolescents

Introducción: El consumo de suplementos nutricionales y proteicos por adolescentes puede tener importantes repercusiones para su salud. Material y método: Estudio prospectivo observacional, basado en una encuesta, dirigido a los adolescentes de seis colegios, seleccionados aleatoriamente, de la ciudad de Sevilla. Nuestro objetivo principal es conocer el consumo real de suplementos alimentarios entre la población adolescente, cuantificando su contenido proteico. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 263 respuestas válidas, objetivando una prevalencia de consumo de 19,01% para todos los suplementos nutricionales, de ellos 56,0% tomaban suplementos de proteínas (10,64% del total), con una ingesta media de estas últimas de 0,26±0,18 g/kg/día. El perfil del consumidor de cualquier tipo de suplementos se diferencia del de los que no los utilizan en la edad, el uso de medicación habitual y realizar dieta para perder peso o hiperproteica. Al comparar los adolescentes que ingerían productos proteicos con los no proteicos, la única variación significativa estuvo en el control del consumo. Aunque la mayoría no tiene control externo, en 25,92% de los que tomaban proteínas el seguimiento lo hacía un profesional, vs. 7,38% de los que ingerían suplementos no proteicos. De los consumidores de productos proteicos, 85,18% consiguió el objetivo buscado y 18,51% refirió algún efecto negativo. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de consumo de suplementos proteicos entre los adolescentes de nuestro medio es del 10,64%, en cantidades que suponen un 25% de las proteínas que deben ingerir diariamente. El perfil de consumidor de suplementos proteicos es muy similar al de aquel que toma productos no proteicos. (AU)

Introduction: The consumption of nutritional and protein supplements by adolescents may have important consequences for their health. Material and methods: Prospective observational study based on a survey of adolescents enrolled in six schools selected at random in the city of Seville. Our primary objective was to determine the actual consumption of dietary supplements in the adolescent population and quantifying their protein content. Results: We obtained a total of 263 valid responses that showed a prevalence of consumption of nutritional supplements of any kind of 19.01%, of which 56.0% (10.64% of the total) corresponded to adolescents that consumed protein supplements for a mean protein intake of 0.26 g/kg/day (SD, 0.18). The profile of consumers of any type of supplements differed from that of nonconsumers in age, use of long-term medication and weight loss or high-protein diets. The comparison of adolescents who consumed protein supplements versus nonprotein supplements only evinced a significant difference in the control of supplement consumption. Although most of these adolescents were not subject to external control, 25.92% of those who consumed protein supplements were monitored by a professional, compared to 7.38% of consumers of nonprotein supplements. In the group that consumed protein supplements, 85.18% of adolescents achieved the desired effect and 18.51% reported some form of negative effect. Conclusions: The prevalence of protein supplement consumption among adolescents in our area is 10.64%, with consumption of amounts corresponding to 25% of the recommended daily allowance of protein. The profile of protein supplement consumers is very similar to that of nonprotein supplement consumers. (AU)

Protein supplement consumption prevalence, habits and complications in adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: The consumption of nutritional and protein supplements by adolescents may have important consequences for their health. METHODS: Prospective observational study based on a survey of adolescents enrolled in 6 schools selected at random in the city of Seville. Our primary objective was to determine the actual consumption of dietary supplements in the adolescent population and quantifying their protein content. RESULTS: We obtained a total of 263 valid responses that showed a prevalence of consumption of nutritional supplements of any kind of 19.01%, of which 56.0% (10.64% of the total) corresponded to adolescents that consumed protein supplements for a mean protein intake of 0.26 g/kg/day (SD, 0.18). The profile of consumers of any type of supplements differed from that of nonconsumers in age, use of long-term medication and weight loss or high-protein diets. The comparison of adolescents who consumed protein supplements versus nonprotein supplements only evinced a significant difference in the control of supplement consumption. Although most of these adolescents were not subject to external control, 25.92% of those who consumed protein supplements were monitored by a professional, compared to 7.38% of consumers of nonprotein supplements. In the group that consumed protein supplements, 85.18% of adolescents achieved the desired effect and 18.51% reported some form of negative effect. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of protein supplement consumption among adolescents in our area is 10.64%, with consumption of amounts corresponding to 25% of the recommended daily allowance of protein. The profile of protein supplement consumers is very similar to that of nonprotein supplement consumers.

Point-of-care ultrasound by the pediatrician in the diagnosis and follow-up of community-acquired pneumonia

Abstract Objectives: To review, analyze, and present the available evidence on the usefulness of point-of-care pulmonary ultrasound in the diagnosis and monitoring of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), aiming to facilitate its potential inclusion into pediatric clinical reference guidelines. Source of data: A non-systematic research was carried out in the MEDLINE (PubMed), LILACS, and SciELO databases, from January 1985 to September 2019. The articles that were considered the most relevant were selected. Synthesis of data: CAP is a relevant cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatrics and its clinical management remains a major challenge. The systematic use of chest X-ray for its diagnosis is controversial because it exposes the child to ionizing radiation and there are interobserver differences in its interpretation. Recently, the use of point-of-care pulmonary ultrasound by the pediatrician has been presented as an alternative for the diagnosis and monitoring of CAP. A great deal of evidence has disclosed its high sensitivity and diagnostic specificity, with the advantages of no ionizing radiation, relatively low cost, immediate results, portability, and the possibility of repetition according to the requirements of disease evolution. Moreover, its use can help rule out possible bacterial etiology and thus prevent inappropriate antibiotic treatments that favor bacterial resistance. Conclusions: Point-of-care ultrasonography represents an opportunity to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of CAP. However, as an operator-dependent technique, training is required for adequate image acquisition, correct interpretation, and integration with clinical data for correct decision-making.

Point-of-care ultrasound by the pediatrician in the diagnosis and follow-up of community-acquired pneumonia.

OBJECTIVES: To review, analyze, and present the available evidence on the usefulness of point-of-care pulmonary ultrasound in the diagnosis and monitoring of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), aiming to facilitate its potential inclusion into pediatric clinical reference guidelines. SOURCE OF DATA: A non-systematic research was carried out in the MEDLINE (PubMed), LILACS, and SciELO databases, from January 1985 to September 2019. The articles that were considered the most relevant were selected. SYNTHESIS OF DATA: CAP is a relevant cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatrics and its clinical management remains a major challenge. The systematic use of chest X-ray for its diagnosis is controversial because it exposes the child to ionizing radiation and there are interobserver differences in its interpretation. Recently, the use of point-of-care pulmonary ultrasound by the pediatrician has been presented as an alternative for the diagnosis and monitoring of CAP. A great deal of evidence has disclosed its high sensitivity and diagnostic specificity, with the advantages of no ionizing radiation, relatively low cost, immediate results, portability, and the possibility of repetition according to the requirements of disease evolution. Moreover, its use can help rule out possible bacterial etiology and thus prevent inappropriate antibiotic treatments that favor bacterial resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Point-of-care ultrasonography represents an opportunity to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of CAP. However, as an operator-dependent technique, training is required for adequate image acquisition, correct interpretation, and integration with clinical data for correct decision-making.

Factors that Influence Treatment Delay for Patients with Breast Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis or treatment of breast cancer is sometimes delayed. A lengthy delay may have a negative psychological impact on patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the sociodemographic, clinical and pathological factors associated with delay in the provision of surgical treatment for localised breast cancer, in a prospective cohort of patients. METHODS: This observational, prospective, multicentre study was conducted in ten hospitals belonging to the Spanish national public health system, located in four Autonomous Communities (regions). The study included 1236 patients, diagnosed through a screening programme or found to be symptomatic, between April 2013 and May 2015. The study variables analysed included each patient's personal history, care situation, tumour history and data on the surgical intervention, pathological anatomy, hospital admission and follow-up. Treatment delay was defined as more than 30 days elapsed between biopsy and surgery. RESULTS: Over half of the study population experienced surgical treatment delay. This delay was greater for patients with no formal education and among widows, persons not requiring assistance for usual activities, those experiencing anxiety or depression, those who had a high BMI or an above-average number of comorbidities, those who were symptomatic, who did not receive NMR spectroscopy, who presented a histology other than infiltrating ductal carcinoma or who had poorly differentiated carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: Certain sociodemographic and clinical variables are associated with surgical treatment delay. This study identifies factors that influence surgical delays, highlighting the importance of preventing these factors and of raising awareness among the population at risk and among health personnel.

The timing and widespread effects of the largest Holocene volcanic eruption in Antarctica.

The caldera collapse of Deception Island Volcano, Antarctica, was comparable in scale to some of the largest eruptions on Earth over the last several millennia. Despite its magnitude and potential for far-reaching environmental effects, the age of this event has never been established, with estimates ranging from the late Pleistocene to 3370 years before present. Here we analyse nearby lake sediments in which we identify a singular event produced by Deception Island's caldera collapse that occurred 3980 ± 125 calibrated years before present. The erupted tephra record the distinct geochemical composition of ejecta from the caldera-forming eruption, whilst an extreme seismic episode is recorded by lake sediments immediately overlying the collapse tephra. The newly constrained caldera collapse is now the largest volcanic eruption confirmed in Antarctica during the Holocene. An examination of palaeorecords reveals evidence in marine and lacustrine sediments for contemporaneous seismicity around the Antarctic Peninsula; synchronous glaciochemical volcanic signatures also record the eruption in ice cores spread around Antarctica, reaching >4600 km from source. The widespread footprint suggests that this eruption would have had significant climatic and ecological effects across a vast area of the south polar region.

[Prevalence and associated factors of macrosomia in Peru, 2013]. / Prevalencia y factores asociados a macrosomía en Perú, 2013.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of macrosomia and factors associated with it in Peru and to describe the occurrence of complications peri- and postpartum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Birth weights of children under the age of 5 years were analyzed using data from the 2013 Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) carried out by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática. Children with a birth weight higher than 4000 g were considered macrosomic. A logistic regression analysis was used to establish the independent association of sociodemographic factors with macrosomia. RESULTS: The sample comprised 6121 children. The prevalence of macrosomia was 5.3% (95% interval confidence: 4.8-5.9%). Being male, a higher birth order, maternal obesity, and greater maternal height were independently linked with macrosomia. Caesarean births were more common in macrosomic children than unaffected ones (43.9% vs 26.9%). Complications during birth and postpartum were common but not statistically linked with macrosomia. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of macrosomia in Peru is relatively low compared to other low-to-middle income countries. The factors associated with macrosomia were mainly unmodifiable, with the exception of maternal obesity. Macrosomic children were more frequently born by caesarean. Weight reduction and the prevention of obesity in women of childbearing age in Peru could potentially reduce macrosomia and caesarean rates.

Prevalencia y factores asociados a macrosomía en Perú, 2013 / Prevalence and associated factors of macrosomia in Peru, 2013

RESUMEN Objetivos Determinar la prevalencia de macrosomía y factores asociados en Perú, y describir la ocurrencia de complicaciones durante el parto y posparto. Materiales y métodos Los pesos al nacer de los niños menores de cinco años fueron analizados usando datos de la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar (ENDES) 2013, llevada a cabo por el Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática. Los niños con un peso mayor a 4000 g al nacer fueron considerados como macrosómicos. Se empleó un análisis de regresión logística para establecer la asociación independiente de factores sociodemográficos con la macrosomía. Resultados La muestra estuvo constituida por 6121 niños. La prevalencia de macrosomía fue 5,3% (intervalo de confianza al 95%: 4,8 a 5,9). El sexo masculino, un orden de nacimiento mayor, la obesidad materna y una mayor estatura materna estuvieron independientemente asociados con la macrosomía. Los partos por cesárea fueron más frecuentes en niños macrosómicos (43,9% vs 26,9%). Las complicaciones durante el parto y posparto fueron frecuentes, pero no estadísticamente asociadas con la macrosomía. Conclusiones La prevalencia de macrosomía en Perú es relativamente baja comparada con otros países de ingresos bajos o medios. Los factores asociados con la macrosomía fueron principalmente no modificables, con excepción de la obesidad materna. Los niños macrosómicos nacieron más frecuentemente por cesárea. La reducción del peso y la prevención de la obesidad en mujeres en edad fértil en Perú podrían potencialmente reducir la macrosomía y las tasas de cesáreas.

ABSTRACT Objectives To determine the prevalence of macrosomia and factors associated with it in Peru and to describe the occurrence of complications peri- and postpartum. Materials and Methods Birth weights of children under the age of 5 years were analyzed using data from the 2013 Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) carried out by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática. Children with a birth weight higher than 4000 g were considered macrosomic. A logistic regression analysis was used to establish the independent association of sociodemographic factors with macrosomia. Results The sample comprised 6121 children. The prevalence of macrosomia was 5.3% (95% interval confidence: 4.8-5.9%). Being male, a higher birth order, maternal obesity, and greater maternal height were independently linked with macrosomia. Caesarean births were more common in macrosomic children than unaffected ones (43.9% vs 26.9%). Complications during birth and postpartum were common but not statistically linked with macrosomia. Conclusions The prevalence of macrosomia in Peru is relatively low compared to other low-to-middle income countries. The factors associated with macrosomia were mainly unmodifiable, with the exception of maternal obesity. Macrosomic children were more frequently born by caesarean. Weight reduction and the prevention of obesity in women of childbearing age in Peru could potentially reduce macrosomia and caesarean rates.

Validación de los métodos de laboratorio / Validation of the laboratory methods

Validar un método es una manera de probar si un procedimiento en particular es adecuado para el propósito requerido. La correcta estandarización de un ensayo analítico, seguida de su validación y la homogeneidad de los reactivos químicos y biológicos a lo largo de los diferentes pasos, son elementos imprescindibles para alcanzar óptimos resultados. Los métodos necesitan ser validados o revalidados antes usarlos rutinariamente, cuando cambian las condiciones en las cuales se han validado y cuando el cambio está fuera del alcance del proceso original. Los analistas se preguntan a menudo si una técnica publicada validada se debe revalidar en su propio laboratorio. Se considera inaceptable que el profesional la utilice sin demostrar dichas propiedades in situ. Esto no significa, sin embargo, que el analista debe repetir completamente el estudio original de normalización. Es por lo tanto importante que esté familiarizado con el proceso de validación del método para seleccionar así los parámetros apropiados para cada caso.

Method validation is a way of testing a particular process to see if it is suitable for its intended purpose. The appropriate standardization of analytical assay, followed by the validation of the method and the homogeneity of the chemical and biological reagents used during the different test are indispensable elements for obtaining optimal results. Method validation is the process to confirm that the analytical procedure employed for a specific test is suitable for its intended use. Methods need to be validated or revalidated before their introduction into routine use, whenever the conditions change for which the method has been validated and the change is outside the original scope of the method. Analyst often wonder if a published validated technique must be revalidated in their own laboratory. It is considered unacceptable for the analyst to use a published validated method without demonstrating their capability "in situ". This does not mean, however, that the analyst must repeat completely the original normalization study. It is therefore important for the analyst to be familiar with the method validation process to enable the selection of the validation approach that's appropriate for the situation.

[Hydro-cellular dressing and silver sulfadiazine. Evaluation of its combination in the treatment of infected skin ulcers]. / Apósito hidro celular sulfadiacina argéntica. Evaluación de su combinación en el tratamiento de úlceras cutáneas infectadas.

The authors carried out an observational, descriptive, prospective and multi-centric study on 49 infected lesions which had clinical signs of local infection as well as infection from a positive sprinkler method culture. These lesions were treated over a three week period with argentic sulfadiazine and a semi-permeable dressing; afterward, treatment continued for seven weeks more based on cures in a humid environment by means of a semi-permeable dressing. After three weeks of treatment, two-thirds of these lesions showed a negative exudative culture, the number of strains present in the rest of the cultures diminished to at least half of those present at the start of this study. 15 of these lesions completely closed over during the period of study (mean = 46.73 +/- 22.74 days) and the absolute cicatrisation surface area varied, on average, from 23.46 square cm at the start to 12.39 square cm at the end of this study. In relation to the relative cicatrisation an average reduction of 76.5% (IC 95= (66.85% - 86.2%)) occurred. Variance analysis (ANOVA) over repeated measurements established significant differences (p = 0.001) having a tendency toward a lineal decrease. The authors also found statistically significant differences regarding the mean relative cicatrisation in the subgroup having lesions which stopped being infected during the third week of treatment when compared to those lesions which continued being infected. In conclusion, the authors state the topical treatment using argentic sulfadiazine in combination with a semi-permeable dressing has been favorable in treating two of every three lesions which stopped being infected in the third week of treatment, furthermore, this treatment produced a reduction in the size of these lesions, both in terms of the absolute mean cicatrisation area as in the relative mean cicatrisation area cicatrisation area for the lesion group in this study.

Apósito hidrocelular y sulfadiacina argéntica / Hydrocellular dressing and argentic sulfadiazine

Estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo y multicéntrico, sobre 49 lesiones infectadas, con signos clínicos de infección local y cultivo por hisopo positivo, tratadas durante tres semanas con sulfadiacina argéntica y un apósito semipermeable, continuando posteriormente durante siete semanas más con curas en ambiente húmedo a través del apósito semipermeable. A las tres semanas de tratamiento, dos terceras partes de las lesiones presentaban cultivo de exudado negativo, disminuyendo el número de cepas presentes en el resto de cultivos a menos de la mitad de las que partíamos al inicio. Quince de las lesiones cicatrizaron completamente durante el periodo de estudio (media = 46,73 ñ 22,74 días) y la superficie de cicatrización absoluta varía, en términos medios, de 23,46 cm2 al inicio hasta 12,39 cm2 al final del estudio. Con relación a la cicatrización relativa se produce una reducción media del 76,5 por ciento (IC95 = [66,85 por ciento-86,2 por ciento]). El análisis de la varianza (ANOVA) de medidas repetidas estableció diferencias significativas (p = 0,001) con una tendencia lineal decreciente. También hemos encontrado diferencias estadísticamente significativas respecto a la cicatrización relativa media del subgrupo de lesiones que dejaron de estar infectadas en la tercera semana frente a las que continuaron con la infección. Como conclusión decir que el tratamiento tópico con sulfadiacina argéntica más un apósito semipermeable ha favorecido que dos de cada tres lesiones dejen de estar infectadas a las tres semanas y que se produzca una reducción en el tamaño de las lesiones, tanto en lo referente a la cicatrización absoluta media como a la cicatrización relativa media del grupo de lesiones en estudio (AU)