Analysis of the 2020 Taal Volcano tephra fall deposits from crowdsourced information and field data.

After 43 years of dormancy, Taal Volcano violently erupted in January 2020 forming a towering eruption plume. The fall deposits covered an area of 8605 km2, which includes Metro Manila of the National Capital Region of the Philippines. The tephra fall caused damage to crops, traffic congestion, roof collapse, and changes in air quality in the affected areas. In a tropical region where heavy rains are frequent, immediate collection of data is crucial in order to preserve the tephra fall deposit record, which is readily washed away by surface water runoff and prevailing winds. Crowdsourcing, field surveys, and laboratory analysis of the tephra fall deposits were conducted to document and characterize the tephra fall deposits of the 2020 Taal Volcano eruption and their impacts. Results show that the tephra fall deposit thins downwind exponentially with a thickness half distance of about 1.40 km and 9.49 km for the proximal and distal exponential segments, respectively. The total calculated volume of erupted fallout deposit is 0.057 km3, 0.042 km3, or 0.090 km3 using the exponential, power-law, and Weibull models, respectively, and all translate to a VEI of 3. However, using a probabilistic approach (Weibull method) with 90% confidence interval, the volume estimate is as high as 0.097 km3. With the addition of the base surge deposits amounting to 0.019 km3, the volume translates to a VEI of 4, consistent with the classification for the observed height and umbrella radius of the 2020 main eruption plume. VEI 4 is also consistent with the calculated median eruption plume height of 17.8 km and sub-plinian classification based on combined analysis of isopleth and isopach data. Phreatomagmatic activity originated from a vent located in Taal Volcano's Main Crater Lake (MCL), which contained 42 million m3 of water. This eruptive style is further supported by the characteristics of the ash grain components of the distal 12 January 2020 tephra fall deposits, consisting dominantly of andesitic vitric fragments (83-90%). Other components of the fall deposits are lithic (7-11%) and crystal (less than 6%) grains. Further textural and geochemical analysis of these tephra fall deposits contributes to better understand the volcanic processes that occurred at Taal Volcano, one of the 16 Decade Volcanoes identified by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI) because of its destructive nature and proximity to densely populated areas. The crowdsourcing initiative provided a significant portion of the data used for this study while at the same time educating and empowering the community to build resilience. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00445-022-01534-y.

A different approach for the analysis of grapes: Using the skin as sensing element.

In this work, an alternative method to monitor the phenolic maturity of grapes was developed. In this approach, the skins of grapes were used to cover the surface of carbon paste electrodes and the voltammetric signals obtained with the skin-modified sensors were used to obtain information about the phenolic content of the skins. These sensors could easily detect differences in the phenolic composition of different Spanish varieties of grapes (Mencía, Prieto Picudo and Juan García). Moreover, sensors were able to monitor changes in the phenolic content throughout the ripening process from véraison until harvest. Using PLS-1 (Partial Least Squares), correlations were established between the voltammetric signals registered with the skin-modified sensors and the phenolic content measured by classical methods (Glories or Total Polyphenol Index). PLS-1 models provided additional information about Brix degree, density or sugar content, which usually used to establish the harvesting date. The quality of the correlations was influenced by the maturation process and the structural and mechanical skin properties. Thus the skin sensors fabricated with Juan García and Prieto Picudo grapes (that showed faster polyphenolic maturation and a higher amount of extractable polyphenols than Mencía), showed good correlations and therefore could be used to monitor the ripening.

Array of biosensors for discrimination of grapes according to grape variety, vintage and ripeness.

A bioelectronic tongue based on nanostructured biosensors specific for the simultaneous detection of sugars and phenols has been developed. The array combined oxidases and dehydrogenases immobilized on a lipidic layer prepared using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique where Glucose oxidase, d-Fructose dehydrogenase, Tyrosinase or Laccase were imbibed. A phthalocyanine was co-immobilized in the sensing layer and used as electron mediator. The array thus formed has been used to analyze grapes and provides global information about the samples while providing specific information about their phenolic and their sugar content. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) the array of voltammetric biosensors has been successfully used to discriminate musts prepared from different varieties of grapes (Tempranillo, Garnacha, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Prieto Picudo and Mencía). Differences could be also detected between grapes of the same variety and cultivar harvested in two successive vintages (2012 and 2013). Moreover, the ripening of grapes could be monitored from veraison to maturity due to the changes in their phenolic and sugar content. Using Partial Least Squares (PLS-1) analysis, excellent correlations have been found between the responses provided by the array of biosensors and classical parameters directly related to phenols (total polyphenol index, TPI) and sugar concentration (degree Brix) measured by chemical methods with correlation coefficients close to 1 and errors close to 0. It is also worthy to notice the good correlations found with parameters associated with the pH and acidity that can be explained by taking into account the influence of the pH in the oxidation potentials of the phenols and in the enzymatic activity. This bioelectronic tongue can assess simultaneously the sugar and the phenolic content of grapes and could be used to monitor the maturity of the fruit and could be adapted easily to field analysis.

Chronic heart failure: a review for the primary care physician

Heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome. The pharmacological therapy for chronic heart failure has been changing in the past decade with acquired knowledge of the pathophysiology of this medical condition. Primary care physicians currently treat a significant number of patients. This article summarizes core topics of heart failure including epidemiological information, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical features and diagnostic tools. Also, we review some of the most relevant research studies that have led to the current recommendations for the pharmacological therapeutic strategies in the management of chronic heart failure. We make reference to the latest guidelines in the management of chronic heart failure submitted by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA). New technological advances, such as the biventricular-pacing devices, are an important adjuvant to the established pharmacological therapies for chronic heart failure

[Priapism secondary to testosterone administration in the treatment of delayed puberty]. / Priapismo secundario a la administración de testosterona en el tratamiento del retraso puberal.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of priapism following testosterone administration. METHODS/RESULTS: A 14-year-old boy treated with testosterone for delayed puberty presented with priapism after the administration of a single depot dose of 100 mg testosterone. Punction-aspiration of the corpora cavernosa was required to resolve the priapism. CONCLUSION: Administration of testosterone for delayed male puberty is safe but may occasionally cause priapism.

[Vaginal wall sling in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. Analysis of 27 cases]. / Cabestrillo con pared vaginal en el tratamiento de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo femenina. Análisis de 27 casos.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of the vaginal wall sling procedure in the treatment of stress incontinence. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the clinical outcome of the vaginal wall sling procedure in the treatment of genuine stress incontinence. The study comprised 27 women with a mean follow-up of 15 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Of the 27 patients who underwent this surgical procedure, 12 (44%) are continent and 9 (33%) have improved, accounting for 77% overall cure and improvement rate. Six patients (22%) remained incontinent. Mean operating time was 90 minutes and mean length of hospital stay was 8 days. CONCLUSION: In our experience, the vaginal wall sling procedure for genuine stress incontinence did not achieve the good results obtained in other series.

[Renal infarct in the adult: apropos of a case]. / Infarto renal en el adulto: a propósito de un caso.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of renal infarction in a patient on anticoagulant therapy for aortic and tricuspid valvulopathy, with special reference to the diagnostic difficulty. METHODS: The most common causes of this condition, its forms of presentation, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic approaches are discussed. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Renal infarction should be suspected in the presence of abdominal pain of sudden onset that is refractory to treatment with analgesics, especially in patients with a history of embolism, recent surgery or trauma. It is frequent to find increased levels of SGOT, SGPT, LDH, alkaline phosphatase and micro or gross hematuria and proteinuria. Arteriography or isotopic renogram is utilized to confirm the diagnosis, although IVP or CT is useful if the foregoing are not available. Early treatment is important for achieving recovery of the compromised renal parenchyma. In recent years, surgery has been displaced by the good results obtained with intraarterial infusion of fibrinolytics.

[Solitary pulmonary nodule in a patient with treated carcinoma of the renal pelvis: metastatic disease?]. / Nódulo pulmonar solitario en paciente con carcinoma de pelvis renal tratado: enfermedad metastásica?

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of a solitary pulmonary nodule in a patient that had been treated for carcinoma of the renal pelvis. METHODS: A solitary pulmonary nodule was detected on the chest film of a patient that had been treated for carcinoma of the renal pelvis. The characteristics of the nodule are described and its diagnosis, with special reference to metastasis and primary pulmonary carcinoma, is discussed. RESULTS: The anatomopathological study demonstrated a chondroid hamartoma. CONCLUSIONS: A metastatic or a primary tumor is suspected when a solitary pulmonary nodule is detected in a patient that has been previously treated for urothelial carcinoma. However, other types of lesions with a more favourable outcome cannot be discarded, such as chondroid hamartoma as in the case described herein.

[Extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma. Report of a case]. / Feocromocitoma extraadrenal. Descripción de un caso.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of extraadrenal pheochromocytoma with special reference to the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. METHODS: A case of extraadrenal pheochromocytoma in a 20-year-old female with severe hypertension is presented. The clinical and biochemical aspects are reviewed with special reference to the diagnostic imaging methods. RESULTS: Plasma noradrenaline and urinary normetanephrine levels were elevated. CT and MRI showed a well-defined mass, 6 cm in diameter, adjacent to the left kidney, abdominal aorta and psoas muscle. Angiography demonstrated a high vascularization in the area of the tumor. MIBG scintigraphy revealed a well-defined mass, but no other distant lesions. Surgical treatment was performed with preoperative alpha and beta adrenergic blockade. Currently the patient has a normal blood pressure and catecholamine levels, with no evidence of lesions on the MIBG scintiscan. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma catecholamine and urinary normetanephrine levels levels confirmed the presumptive diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. MIBG is the technique of choice for the localization of the mass and suspected metastases. CT, MRI and angiography demonstrated the anatomic relationships of the tumor. The best results are achieved with complete resection and preoperative adrenergic blockade.

[Suprarenal cysts]. / La suprarrenal quística.

OBJECTIVE: To emphasize that adrenal cysts are an uncommon finding and in most cases incidentally discovered during evaluation for nonspecific abdominal pain or even at outopsy. METHODS: We report a case of a non-hypers-creting right adrenal cyst in a middle-aged woman. RESULTS: A complete hormone, radiological and sometimes isotopic evaluation are required to make an accurate diagnosis and to determine the adequate treatment. CONCLUSION: Surgical resection is usually prompted by an inaccurate diagnosis and failed conservative treatments.

[Multilocational cystic nephroma. Review of a case with reference to echographically observed changes]. / Nefroma quístico multilocular. Aportación de un caso con referencia a los cambios ecográficos observados.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an additional case of multilocular cystic nephroma, with special reference to the sonographic features of a renal cystic lesion. METHODS: The clinical and radiological features of a kidney tumor in a 61-year-old female patient were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The preoperative diagnosis was that of a complex multicystic renal mass suggestive of a renal carcinoma. Radical nephrectomy was performed; histopathological analysis of the surgical specimen disclosed a multilocular cystic nephroma. An ultrasound scan 18 months earlier had demonstrated a simple renal cyst in the same site. CONCLUSIONS: Multilocular cystic nephroma is a tumor that is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Making an accurate differential diagnosis is of interest, since it will permit conservative treatment. The case described herein supports the hypothesis with regard to the pathogenesis of this lesion, since it had previously showed sonographic features of a simple renal cyst.

[Mumps orchitis; review of 8 cases]. / Orquitis urliana; revisión de 8 casos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of mumps orchitis in young males in the area of El Bierzo (Ponferrada, Spain) and the complications arising from this condition. METHODS: The cases of mumps orchitis referred by the primary care services to the emergency services of Hospital del Bierzo referral center were reviewed. We analyzed patient age, unilateral or bilateral testicular involvement, whether the patients had been vaccinated against mumps and the changes observed in the semen analysis. RESULTS: The diagnosis of mumps orchitis was confirmed in 8 patients, aged 15 to 19 years. Two patients had bilateral testicular involvement. Seven patients had not been vaccinated against parotiditis. Three patients had oligoasthenospermia and are currently being followed at the Urology services. CONCLUSIONS: The utility of large scale vaccination against mumps is emphasized. Long-term follow-up is recommended for all patients with abnormal semen analysis, particularly those with bilateral testicular involvement, since they may develop oligoasthernospermia several years after the infection or improve with item. A high incidence of mumps orchitis was found for this 12-month study period.

[Transitional cell bladder carcinoma in patients younger than 40 years of age]. / Carcinoma vesical de células transicionales en pacientes menores de 40 años.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical and pathological characteristics of bladder cancer in young patients were analyzed to determine if patients with bladder cancer under the age of 30 have a better prognosis than older adults and if transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in patients aged 30 to 40 years has a similar behaviour to that observed in the higher risk population. METHODS: A retrospective review of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in patients less than 40 years old that had been treated between January, 1993 to August, 1997 was undertaken. RESULTS: We found 8 patients (5 men and 3 women) with urothelial tumor, accounting for an incidence of 4%. Four cases were diagnosed and staged TaG1, 2 T1G1 and 2 T1G2. Recurrence was observed in one case (12.5%) and progression in none. CONCLUSIONS: Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in patients under the age of 40 is usually associated with low grade and low stage tumors. The foregoing finding is certainly observed in those aged less than 30 years old. Bladder cancer is relatively rare in this age group, although we have found a higher incidence than that reported elsewhere. Treatment and follow-up depend on tumor grade and stage, regardless of age.

[Perineal tuberculous abscess. Presentation of a clinical case]. / Absceso tuberculoso perineal. Presentación de un caso clínico.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of perineal abscess caused by Koch's bacillus in a patient with a history of bladder tumor. METHODS/RESULTS: The patient described herein had consulted at the emergency services for perineal abscess. He had previously undergone transurethral resection of a bladder tumor and had received prophylactic intravesical BCG instillation thereafter. A culture of the exudate led to the diagnosis of tuberculosis, with no microbiological relation to BCG therapy. During the course of the disease, the patient developed a urethrocutaneous fistula which resolved after specific medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In a patient with clinical features of tuberculosis and a recent history of exposure to BCG, it does not necessarily follow that this bacillus is the cause of the tuberculosis. Furthermore, not all tuberculous fistulas progress to chronicity or require surgical treatment.

[Tuberculous prostatic abscess in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome]. / Absceso prostático tuberculoso en síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida.

OBJECTIVE: To review the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of prostatic abscess in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. METHODS/RESULTS: Herein we report on a patient with AIDS and prostatic abscess due to tuberculosis. The clinical features and a less invasive therapeutic approach are described. CONCLUSION: Appropriate treatment must be based on cultures, as patients with AIDS are increasingly frequently affected by uncommon organisms originating prostatic abscess. Treatment is by drainage, although spontaneous urethral drainage has been described, as in the present case. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided drainage appears to be a less invasive and effective procedure.

[Impact of a program of rational use of medicines on pharmaceutical prescription in a health area]. / Impacto de un programa de uso racional del medicamento sobre la prescripción farmacéutica en un área de salud.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of the introduction of a programme for rational use of medicines (PRUM) on the pharmacotherapeutic prescription profile of the primary care teams in the Ciudad Real health area. DESIGN: A longitudinal and prospective intervention study. The Area's total general medical prescription (January, May and August, 1994 and 1995) was used. SETTING: Ciudad Real Primary Care Area of INSALUD. PARTICIPANTS: 166 general practitioners, all the prescribing doctors in the area. INTERVENTION: Introduction of a programme of rational use of medicines. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Expenditure/inhabitant, prescriptions/inhabitant, expenditure/prescription, units of drugs of low therapeutic value (LTV), cost of calcitonins/pensioner and units of hypolipaemiants/100 pensioners were measured, in function of seven variables of the prescriber and six variables of the population group. Breaking down the prescriber's variables, least expenditure/inhabitant per month corresponded to doctors over 50, followed by temporary doctors, those not in paediatrics and those with their post in an urban centre. There was a positive correlation between expenditure/inhabitant per month and the number of prescriptions issued. CONCLUSIONS: 1. After the initial phase of PRUM, an increase in expenditure and improvement in the qualitative profile of prescription were noted. 2. Information taken from the study has proved to be an adequate planning and management tool.

[Adenomatoid tumor of the epididymis. Report of a new case]. / Tumor adenomatoide de epididimo aportación de un nuevo caso.

OBJECTIVES: To report on an additional case of adenomatoid tumor of the right epididymis, a rare benign intrascrotal mass. METHODS/RESULTS: A 41-year-old man consulted for severe scrotal pain. Physical examination disclosed a mass in the right epididymis which was confirmed by scrotal ultrasound. A right orchidectomy was performed. Histological analysis of the surgical specimen disclosed a benign adenomatoid tumor of the epididymis. CONCLUSIONS: Although most scrotal solid masses are malignant tumors, those arising in the epididymis are frequently benign; therefore a conservative approach is recommended.