Agricultural policies against invasive species generate contrasting outcomes for climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation.

Direct consequences of biological invasions on biodiversity and the environment have been largely documented. Yet collateral indirect effects mediated by changes in agri-environmental policies aimed at combating invasions remain little explored. Here we assessed the effects of recent changes in water management in rice farming, which are aimed at buffering the impact of the invasive apple snail (Pomacea maculata, Lamarck) on greenhouse gas emissions and diversity of waterbird communities. We used observational data from a 2-year field monitoring (2015-2016) performed at the Ebro Delta regional scale. We found that drying rice fields reduced methane emission rates by 82% (2015) and 51% (2016), thereby reflecting the contribution of rice farming to climate change. However, there was a marked reduction (75% in 2015 and 57% in 2016) in waterbird diversity in dry fields compared with flooded fields, thus suggesting that post-invasion policies might hinder biodiversity conservation. Our results highlight the need for accounting for potential collateral effects during the policy decision-making process to design efficient agricultural management plans that lessen undesirable agri-environmental outcomes.

Adiponectin diminishes platelet aggregation and sCD40L release. Potential role in the metabolic syndrome.

The proinflammatory and proatherogenic mediator, soluble CD40 ligand (CD40L), is increased in the metabolic syndrome (MS) and released from platelets. We hypothesized that adiponectin modulates platelet function, and we sought to evaluate the association of adiponectin and sCD40L levels with platelet aggregation in MS and the effects of adiponectin on platelet aggregation and activation. Platelet aggregation and circulating adiponectin, sCD40L and P-selectin were determined in 30 controls and 30 patients with MS. Also, in vitro studies were performed in platelet-rich plasma from nine healthy volunteers. Adiponectin receptors were demonstrated by Western blotting and flow cytometry. ADP and epinephrine platelet aggregation was measured after preincubation with adiponectin. sCD40L and P-selectin secretion was measured in the supernatants by ELISA. Patients with MS had higher sCD40L and P-selectin than controls (5.96 +/- 0.50 vs. 4.28 +/- 0.41 ng/ml, P < 0.05, and 151 +/- 8 vs. 122 +/- 9 ng/ml, P < 0.05). By contrast, adiponectin was lower in patients with MS than in controls (5.25 +/- 0.30 vs. 7.35 +/- 0.34 microg/ml, P < 0.001). Higher platelet aggregation was found in MS. Adiponectin inversely correlated with P-selectin (R = -0.35, P = 0.009), sCD40L (r = -0.24, P = 0.05) and epinephrine and collagen induced aggregation (r = -0.80, P = 0.005; r = -0.70, P = 0.011). Platelets express the receptors for adiponectin. Platelet aggregatory response to epinephrine and ADP significantly decreased following preincubation with adiponectin (96 +/- 4 vs. 23 +/- 3%, P < 0.001, and 102 +/- 9 vs. 85 +/- 9%, P = 0.004). Adiponectin prevented platelet sCD40L release (1.63 +/- 0.15 vs. 2.04 +/- 0.20 ng/ml, P < 0.001). Enhanced platelet aggregation and activation markers are found in MS associated with low adiponectin concentrations. Novel evidence is provided demonstrating that adiponectin has antithrombotic properties, since it inhibits platelet aggregation and platelet activation.

Population genetic structure in Myrtus communis L. in a chronically fragmented landscape in the Mediterranean: can gene flow counteract habitat perturbation?

Ancient managed landscapes provide ideal opportunities to assess the consequences of habitat fragmentation on the patterns of genetic diversity and gene flow in long-lived plant species. Using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and allozyme markers, we quantified seed-mediated gene flow and population genetic diversity and structure in 14 populations of Myrtus communis (myrtle), a common endozoochorous shrub species of forest patches in lowland agricultural Mediterranean areas. Overall, allozyme diversity for myrtle was low (P(95) = 25%; A = 1.411; H(e) = 0.085) compared to other known populations, and a significant portion of populations (57%) had lower levels of allelic diversity and/or heterozygosity than expected at random, as shown by simulated resampling of the whole diversity of the landscape. We found significant correlations between allozyme variability and population size and patch isolation, but no significant inbreeding in any population. Genetic differentiation among populations for both allozyme and AFLP markers was significant (Phi(ST) = 0.144 and Phi(ST) = 0.142, respectively) but an isolation-by-distance pattern was not detected. Assignment tests on AFLP data indicated a high immigration rate in the populations (ca. 20-22%), likely through effective seed dispersal across the landscape by birds and mammals. Our results suggest that genetic isolation is not the automatic outcome of habitat destruction since substantial levels of seed-mediated gene flow are currently detectable. However, even moderate rates of gene flow seem insufficient in this long-lived species to counteract the genetic erosion and differentiation imposed by chronic habitat destruction.

[Psychiatric reform in Navarre: 20 years on]. / La reforma psiquiátrica en Navarra: 20 años después.

This article provides a brief description and some reflections on the history of what is commonly called the psychiatric "reform" in Navarre. The aim is not to set out numerical data (and much less of an exhaustive character), but rather to emphasise the key events of that reform, and to perhaps offer an interpretation of the spirit that underlay the changes. Without doubt, there will be a degree of subjectivity in the choice of the aspects dealt with here and there are other dynamics and actions that are very influential. The choice has been motivated by consideration of what I have been closest to, what I have been most concerned with, and, of course, what has seemed most relevant. Nor does the cited bibliography attempt to be exhaustive, nor does it contain all the important works, only those that have served to support this text.

[Prostate cyst at the midline in a patient with a renal transplantation]. / Quiste prostático de línea media en paciente trasplantado renal.

Cystic lesions at the midline of the prostate are uncommon and they are considered as congenital disorders. Is generally accepted that active treatment should be instituted only in symptomatic patients and watchful waiting in asymptomatic ones. The most common active treatment is minimally invasive surgery by puncture-aspiration or endoscopic unroofing. We are attaching an inmunosupressed patient because of a renal transplantation in which we provided an active treatment by puncture-aspiration of the cystic lesion in spite of being asymptomatic.

Quiste prostático de línea media en paciente trasplantado renal / Prostate cyst at the midline in a patient with a renal transplantation

Las lesiones quísticas localizadas en la línea media de la próstata son poco frecuentes y se consideran alteraciones congénitas. Se acepta generalmente que el tratamiento activo se realiza sólo a los pacientes sintomáticos, haciendo observación a los asintomáticos. El tratamiento activo más común es la cirugía mínimamente invasiva por medio de punción-aspiración o la decorticación endoscópica. Aportamos un caso de un paciente inmunosuprimido por un trasplante renal, circunstancia que nos hizo optar por el tratamiento activo con punción aspiración del mismo, a pesar de ser asintomático

Cystic lesions at the midline of the prostate are uncommon and they are considered as congenital disorders. Is generally accepted that active treatment should be instituted only in symptomatic patients and watchful waiting in asymptomatic ones. The most common active treatment is minimally invasive surgery by puncture-aspiration or endoscopic unroofing. We are attaching an inmunosupressed patient because of a renal transplantation in which we provided an active treatment by puncture-aspiration of the cystic lesion in spite of being asymptomatic

The use of different vaccination schedules for sows to protect piglets against Aujeszky's disease.

Several Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV) vaccination protocols of sows were evaluated with regard to the passive protection conferred on piglets in a recently built commercial farm. Three different groups of sows were vaccinated using a Bartha K-61 strain. One group received an inactivated vaccine during pregnancy and the other two groups received attenuated vaccines, either during pregnancy (day 65) or on the seventh day of lactation. At farrowing, sows vaccinated during lactation had lower seroneutralization titres than those vaccinated during pregnancy either with inactivated or attenuated vaccines. Accordingly, their piglets were the ones with lower levels of maternally transferred neutralizing antibodies. At 4 weeks of age, five piglets born of each group of sows were challenged intranasally with a neurotropic strain of ADV. Piglets born of sows vaccinated during pregnancy with inactivated and attenuated vaccines gained 1.50 kg bodyweight and 2.50 kg bodyweight during 7 days, respectively, and did not show clinical signs, while piglets from sows vaccinated during the previous lactation lost 0.60 kg and presented moderate to severe clinical signs of ADV. Vaccination of sows during pregnancy provided more protection against ADV for piglets than sow vaccination before mating. Piglets born from sows vaccinated with attenuated or inactivated vaccines did not present remarkable differences on protection.

Uso de naltrexona en la deshabituación de pacientes con dependencia de alcohol en el estado español / Use of naltrexone in the rehabilitation of Spanish alcohol dependent patients

Objetivos: Describir el perfil del paciente alcohólico que más se beneficiaría del tratamiento con naltrexona y la utilidad del mismo para disminuir el deseo de beber, las recaidas y los episodios de consumo. Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, observacional, de diseño naturalístico. Se estudiaron 321 pacientes con dependencia de alcohol (DSM-IV), tratados con naltrexona y seguidos durante 9 meses. Resultados: El estudio del perfil de paciente respondedor/n respondedor sólo mostró diferencias respecto a nivel de estudios (p=0,039) y situación laboral (p=0,041). El análisis de resultados reveló los siguientes índices: abstinencia total ó ningún consumo de alcohol en el 45,4 por ciento; algún consumo en el 7,2 por ciento; y recaída en el 27,3 por ciento. Discusión: No ha sido posible describir el perfil de paciente alcohólico que más se beneficiaría del uso de naltrexona. Las limitaciones del estudio derivan de la heterogenicidad de la muestra y ausencia de grupo control con asignación aleatoria de casos. Se requieren más estudios capaces de identificar factores predictores de respuesta terapéutica. En cualquier caso, este estudio no sólo ha confirmado la utilidad de la naltrexona para disminuir la cantidad y los días de consumo de alcohol, sino que su largo seguimiento (9 meses) ha permitido comprobar también el beneficio adicional de un tratamiento prolongado. A los 9 meses, aumenta el porcentaje de pacientes que controlan el consumo sin cumplir criterios de recaída (AU)

Taking into account the levels of the stages of change in the Prochaska and DiClemente model, and assuming the influence of other variables present in patients when they demand treatment on said stages, we proposed studying the possible relationship between the appearance of the different stages of change, the presence of psychopathology and the variables of the patient’s toxicological history (years of use, years of abuse and previous treatments). 107 patients were studied, divided into three groups (alcohol-dependent group n=35, heroin-dependent group n=34 and cocaine-dependent group n=38). The information was obtained from an interview on admission and by applying the Stages of Change and the Brief Symptom Inventory. The results show that, independently of the diagnosis of the patients, more stages of cognitive change are used when the demand for treatment occurs and, to a lesser extent, behaviour type stages of change. Use psychopathology and the use variables influence the utilisation of certain processes of change. It could be argued that the presence of emotional distress and the symptomology have a greater influence on cognitivetype processes whereas the history of substance use and abuse would provoke greater difficulties in acquiring and developing behaviour change strategies. We suggest that intervention at the commencement of treatment should be centred on the education of patients in order for them to be able to handle the negative symptomology and emotional distress by the use of counselling techniques that would allow a greater psychological stability in patients and a greater adherence to treatment (AU)

[Obesity prevalence in Europe]. / Prevalencia de obesidad en Europa.

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in an alarming way, while that of other risk factors (hyperlipaemia, arterial hypertension.) are tending to diminish. Amongst all of the factors involved in its development, two are outstanding because of their potential for modification: an excessive calorie intake and a sedentary life style, in spite of the recommendations in favour of regularly practising physical exercise. The principal problem in studying the prevalence of obesity is the scarcity of studies that analyse it in a global form. In 1989 the first results of the MONICA project of the WHO were published, with the observation that the prevalence was higher for men than for women, and that it was greater in the Mediterranean countries and the east of Europe, in comparison with the north and centre-west. In 1997 a study was carried out by the Institute of European Food Studies (IEFS) in which 15,239 individuals participated proceeding from representative samples of the 15 Member States of the European Union. Its results showed that the higher prevalence of obesity was to be found in the United Kingdom (12%), followed by Spain (11%), while it was lower in Italy, France and Sweden (7%). By sex, the prevalence of obesity is somewhat greater amongst women, while overweightedness was greater amongst men. In Spain the distribution of overweightedness and obesity amongst the different socio-economic groups is similar to that of other regions, with the percentage of obesity being highest amongst the elderly, subjects of a lower socio-economic level and the inhabitants of the north and north-west of Spain.

[Analysis of comorbidity between alcohol dependence syndrome and pathological gambling in patients receiving treatment in mental health centres]. / Análisis de comorbilidad entre síndrome de dependencia del alcohol y ludopatía en pacientes en tratamiento en centros de salud mental.

BACKGROUND: A study is made of the comorbidity, observed in the clinical practice in public mental health centres, between the disorders caused by the use of alcohol and those caused by gaming. METHODS: A sample of 132 patients who showed a diagnosis of "Alcohol dependence syndrome", receiving treatment in the mental health centres of the Autonomous Community of Navarra was studied. Once the diagnosis of Alcohol Dependence Syndrome was confirmed, the "South Oaks Gambling Screen" was employed in Spanish validated version. RESULTS: 23.5% of the patients studied, with confirmed alcohol dependence, achieved scores within the range indicating "Probable problem player" (5.3%) and "Probable pathological player" (18.2%). The association was confirmed between problems of gambling and civil status. Separated and divorced persons and widows showed more problems with gaming. CONCLUSIONS: Almost a quarter of the patients who showed "Alcohol dependence syndrome" have, or have had problems with gaming. It is important to bear this reality in mind, as well as the possible presence of other associations, when dealing with the problem of alcohol (from prevention, through evaluation and up to treatment).

Prevalence of physical activity during leisure time in the European Union.

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of physical activity during leisure time in adults from the 15 member states of the European Union and the relationship with sociodemographic variables. METHODS: A representative sample, with approximately 1000 adults, aged 15 and upward, was selected from each member state to complete a questionnaire on attitudes to physical activity, body weight, and health by a face-to-face interview, summing a total of 15,239 subjects. The amount of leisure-time physical activity was quantified by assigning metabolic equivalents (METs) to each activity. Multiple linear regression models with MET-h.wk(-1) as the dependent variable were fitted. RESULTS: Northern European countries showed higher levels of physical activity than southern ones. The highest prevalence (91.9%) was found in Finland, and the lowest (40.7%) in Portugal. A higher percentage of men practiced any leisure-time physical activity and also showed higher mean of MET-h.wk(-1). In both genders, the multivariate models showed a significant trend to higher leisure time activity in participants with higher educational levels and in nonsmokers. Also, an inverse association between body mass index and leisure-time physical activity was found. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of any physical activity during leisure time in the adult European population was similar to the U.S. estimates. Nevertheless, the amount of activity is low, and a wide disparity between countries exists. To our knowledge, this is the first study determining the prevalence and amount of leisure-time physical activity, which is the first step to define strategies to persuade populations to increase their physical activity.

[Eating disorders]. / Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria. Revisión y actualización.

At the present time, research into Eating Disorders is being carried out in very different areas: clinical and diagnostic, epidemiological, comorbidity, aetiopathogeny, treatment and forms of care. This paper reviews this type of pathology, and aims to update the most important data in the different fields. The epidemiological studies of recent decades would indicate a considerable increase in the rates of incidence and prevalence of both Nervous Anorexia and Nervous Bulimia. On the other hand, there is increasing confirmation of an early appearance of these disorders. Similarly, the discovery of certain physiopathological appetite markers and/or regulators opens a new path for understanding this phenomenon. Research into these problems has reached a certain consensus in aspects such as: a multidimensional consideration of the ethiopathogeny, increasingly purified diagnostic criteria, care and therapeutic procedures and resources to be used in treatment.

Prevalence survey of movement disorders, epilepsy, hypertension and smoking habit in Vejer de la Frontera, Southern Spain-I. Methodology.

A prevalence survey of movement disorders, epilepsy, hypertension and smoking was undertaken in Vejer de la Frontera, Southern Spain in 1988. A validated screening instrument designed for door-to-door tracing of specific disorders was used. Neurological diagnoses were based on: (1) direct anamnesis and examination by a senior neurologist; (2) perusal of existing medical records; and (3) in a proportion of cases, a hospital-based complementary study. This experience suggests that, while door-to-door surveys of neurological disorders have focused on multiple major outcomes: (1) scientific and logistic reasons can exist for screening for specific neurological disorders, and (2) scientific and public health-related interventional objectives can be combined advantageously when such costly investigations are conducted.

[Influence of resting the digestive duct in gastric emptying. Comparison of 2 nutritional modalities: glucidic enteral and total parenteral nutrition]. / Influencia del reposo del tubo digestivo en el vaciado gástrico. Comparación de dos modalidades nutricionales: enteral y parenteral total glucídica.

Gastrointestinal motility is altered in several clinical situations in which Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is indicated. Nevertheless, the effects of TPN on motility are not well known. In this study, Wistar rats (250-280 g) were divided into two groups were defined according to the route of administration of the nutrients: Group A (with TPN: 100% of the total non-protein calories administered as glucose), and Group B (solid enteral nutrition, but with the infusion of normal saline under the same conditions as in the previous group). Each group was subjected to three different infusion times: 24 hours, 3 days, and 5 days post-intervention, after which the gastric emptying was measured by means of the phenol red test. TPN delayed emptying in all the times with respect to group B, although significant differences were only found after 3 days of infusion.

The effect of intravenous lipids on gastric emptying in rats subjected to total parenteral nutrition.

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is indicated in a number of clinical situations involving obstructive disorders of the gastrointestinal tract or when total bowel rest is required. However, little is known of its effects upon the physiology of gastric storage and emptying. A study of the effects of lipid nutrient content of TPN on the gastric emptying of a non-energy liquid test meal in male and female conscious rats (250-280 g) was undertaken. Five experimental groups were set up according to the percentage of total non-protein energy administered in the form of different lipids: A (lipid-free: 100% of non-protein energy as glucose); B (5% long-chain triglycerides (LCT), 95% glucose); C (40% LCT, 60% glucose); D (5% LCT and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) in 1:1 proportion, 95% glucose); and E (40% LCT and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) in 1:1 proportion, 60% glucose). Animals were maintained on TPN for 24 h and for 3 and 4 days, after which gastric emptying was measured by the phenol red method. 40% lipid TPN was found to accelerate gastric emptying as infusion was prolonged, although the type of lipid had no effect.

[Vestibular approach in urinary incontinence in women. Original technic. Experience. Results]. / La vía de abordaje vestibular en la incontinencia de orina en la mujer. Técnica original. Experiencia. Resultados.

Presentation of an original technique to treat S.U.I. in women. This technique contains in itself many others, both in terms of the conceptual anatomical base on which it is inspired, and in the possibilities of its surgical application. Lisfranc's approach, supra-meatic and infra-clitoridean, allows to section both the pubo-urethral ligament and Colles fascia thus reaching into the Retzius. It makes possible the use of solid anatomical elements (pelvian fascia, elevator, urethro-vaginal septum, etc...) thus allowing to suspend the pelvian base from fascia ligaments or from the abdominal wall muscles. Sixty patient who had simple S.U.I. received treatment, with a 95% efficacy index based on the evaluation of the urodynamic, bacteriological and clinical studies. We conclude with an evaluation on the validity of the results obtained by emphasizing the high efficacy index, simplicity, low morbidity and short hospital stay.

[Ureteral stenosis. Complication of the urinary tract in renal transplantation. Experience. Comments]. / La estenosis ureteral. Complicación de la vía urinaria en el trasplante renal. Experiencia. Comentarios.

Our experience in stenosis of the urinary tract after renal transplantation is described. We reviewed the records of 160 consecutive cases of renal transplantation. The data gleaned over a period of 10 years (1982-1992) show a stenosis rate of 4.37%. All the cases were successfully treated by surgery.