Dataset of physical features from natural water-bodies in a Mediterranean high-mountain context (Sierra Nevada, SE Spain).

This dataset was obtained over repeated field-trips to the Sierra Nevada Massif and contains the physical parameters of its recognised water-bodies. It therefore defines the general cartography of the area, with data on individual features regarding the geographical coordinates (x, y, z), dimensions (length, width, depth), flooded surface area, stored water volume, shoreline length, as well as the area of associated green fringes and the length of their borders. These data were basically obtained using straightforward techniques, such as GPS, tape measurements and photographic interpretation. The data were then previously used to define the role of these water-bodies in the hydrology of the massif: relationships between number of water-bodies and water volumes between 2700 and 3200 m a.s.l. regarding watersheds (Mediterranean, Atlantic and total massif), relationships with green fringes, moment of maximum snowmelt discharge and the estimation of different components of water volumes discharged during the main period of thaw. The formation patterns of each water-body were also identified in their situational context, and the role played by each formation process on the stored water volume: the water-bodies close to the peak line (2918 m mean altitude) are highly dependant on the glacial processes that created the hollows in which they are located. Slope instability created water-bodies mainly located at lower altitudes and are more fragile due intense slope dynamics. In any case, these hydrological data show a paradoxical behaviour because despite its higher xericity, the Mediterranean watershed generally has higher water contents than the Atlantic. The cause of this hydrological imbalance between watersheds seems to be unrelated to the formation processes of the existing water-bodies. Sierra Nevada is considered to be clearly representative of a high mountain Mediterranean environment, where the data collected are a starting point to define the different habitats or for investigation of the hydrological processes of the massif and their evolution. Lack of such data is often a problem that in the present case is solved with this contribution.

25-OH-vitamina D y reversión de comorbilidades metabólicas asociadas a la obesidad tras la cirugía bariátrica / 25-OH-vitamin D and reversal of obesity-associated metabolic comorbidities after bariatric surgery

Introducción: La obesidad es un problema de salud pública en el que se producen defectos en el sistema endocrino generando en consecuencia enfermedades metabólicas. La cirugía bariátrica (CB) ha demostrado mayor eficacia en la pérdida de peso y reversión de las comorbilidades (especialmente inflamatorio y metabólico). Los mecanismos subyacentes relacionados con la reversión de comorbilidades son aún poco conocidos. Los pacientes sometidos a CB reciben de forma rutinaria suplementos de vitamina D, por lo que su papel en la reversión de comorbilidades puede ser relevante.Objetivos: Determinar la relación entre los niveles de 25-OH-vitamina D, la prevalencia de comorbilidades metabólicas antes de la CB y 6 meses tras la misma.Resultados: Se evaluaron 328 pacientes, los cuales mostraron pérdida significativa de peso y masa magra a los 6 meses de la CB. Los niveles séricos de 25-OH-vitamina D se incrementaron de forma paralela a un aumento en la suplementación, sin embargo, no se observaron correlaciones con la presencia de comorbilidades metabólicas basales ni a los 6 meses de la CB. Los niveles séricos de 25-OH-vitamina D se correlacionaron con algunos parámetros de la composición corporal de forma independiente a la reversión de las comorbilidades.Conclusiones: La CB se asoció a mejoría significativa de comorbilidades metabólicas en los pacientes estudiados de forma independiente a los niveles séricos de 25-OH-vitamina D. (AU)

Primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy: a two-case report and literature review.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in pregnant women is an uncommon disease. It could be easily misdiagnosed because of physiologic changes during pregnancy; in some cases, patients could remain asymptomatic maintaining elevated calcium serum levels, and this situation represents a threat to the health of both mother and fetus. We present two cases of PHPT during pregnancy and their evolution after surgical treatment in the second trimester; there were no observed complications during pregnancy or delivery in our patients. Early diagnosis and medical/surgical treatment in PHPT are necessary for avoiding maternal and fetal complications which could not be predicted based on duration or severity of hypercalcemia. An appropriate management of PHPT during pregnancy is necessary for preserving the health of both the woman and the fetus.

Neutron cross-sections for next generation reactors: new data from n_TOF.

In 2002, an innovative neutron time-of-flight facility started operation at CERN: n_TOF. The main characteristics that make the new facility unique are the high instantaneous neutron flux, high resolution and wide energy range. Combined with state-of-the-art detectors and data acquisition system, these features have allowed to collect high accuracy neutron cross-section data on a variety of isotopes, many of which radioactive, of interest for Nuclear Astrophysics and for applications to advanced reactor technologies. A review of the most important results on capture and fission reactions obtained so far at n_TOF is presented, together with plans for new measurements related to nuclear industry.

Neutron capture cross section measurement of 151Sm at the CERN neutron time of flight facility (n_TOF).

The151Sm(n,gamma)152Sm cross section has been measured at the spallation neutron facility n_TOF at CERN in the energy range from 1 eV to 1 MeV. The new facility combines excellent resolution in neutron time-of-flight, low repetition rates, and an unsurpassed instantaneous luminosity, resulting in rather favorable signal/background ratios. The 151Sm cross section is of importance for characterizing neutron capture nucleosynthesis in asymptotic giant branch stars. At a thermal energy of kT=30 keV the Maxwellian averaged cross section of this unstable isotope (t(1/2)=93 yr) was determined to be 3100+/-160 mb, significantly larger than theoretical predictions.