Comparative assessment of satellite- and drone-based vegetation indices to predict arthropod biomass in shrub-steppes.

Arthropod biomass is a key element in ecosystem functionality and a basic food item for many species. It must be estimated through traditional costly field sampling, normally at just a few sampling points. Arthropod biomass and plant productivity should be narrowly related because a large majority of arthropods are herbivorous, and others depend on these. Quantifying plant productivity with satellite or aerial vehicle imagery is an easy and fast procedure already tested and implemented in agriculture and field ecology. However, the capability of satellite or aerial vehicle imagery for quantifying arthropod biomass and its relationship with plant productivity has been scarcely addressed. Here, we used unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and satellite Sentinel-2 (S2) imagery to establish a relationship between plant productivity and arthropod biomass estimated through ground-truth field sampling in shrub steppes. We UAV-sampled seven plots of 47.6-72.3 ha at a 4-cm pixel resolution, subsequently downscaling spatial resolution to 50 cm resolution. In parallel, we used S2 imagery from the same and other dates and locations at 10-m spatial resolution. We related several vegetation indices (VIs) with arthropod biomass (epigeous, coprophagous, and four functional consumer groups: predatory, detritivore, phytophagous, and diverse) estimated at 41-48 sampling stations for UAV flying plots and in 67-79 sampling stations for S2. VIs derived from UAV were consistently and positively related to all arthropod biomass groups. Three out of seven and six out of seven S2-derived VIs were positively related to epigeous and coprophagous arthropod biomass, respectively. The blue normalized difference VI (BNDVI) and enhanced normalized difference VI (ENDVI) showed consistent and positive relationships with arthropod biomass, regardless of the arthropod group or spatial resolution. Our results showed that UAV and S2-VI imagery data may be viable and cost-efficient alternatives for quantifying arthropod biomass at large scales in shrub steppes. The relationship between VI and arthropod biomass is probably habitat-dependent, so future research should address this relationship and include several habitats to validate VIs as proxies of arthropod biomass.

A Tool to Quickly Detect Short Hamstring Syndrome in Boys who Play Soccer.

UNLABELLED: There is a lack of studies of alternative techniques differing from the straight leg raise test (SLR) and the passive knee extension test (PKE) to diagnose short hamstring syndrome (SHS). We built a predictive model with simple parameters to diagnose SHS and implemented it in a mobile app. This cross-sectional study analyzed 85 Spanish boys aged 10-16 years who played soccer in 2012. OUTCOMES: SHS (SLR<70° and/or PKE>15°), and grade II SHS (SLR<60° and/or PKE≥35°). Secondary variables: toe-touch test (TT), body mass index (BMI), age, laterality and number of years registered as part of a federation. A risk table implemented in a mobile app was built to estimate the probability of SHS and grade II SHS according to secondary variables. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated and we constructed risk groups. Scoring factors for SHS: low TT, younger age and lower BMI. AUC: 0.89 (95% CI: 0.82-0.96, p<0.001). Scoring factors for grade II SHS: younger age, higher BMI, left footed and lower TT. AUC: 0.78 (95% CI: 0.68-0.88, p<0.001). We provide a tool with minimum material but with a high discriminatory power to quickly calculate whether a boy who plays soccer has SHS. The models need validation studies.

Predictive models for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in type 2 diabetic inpatients. A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Many authors have analysed premature mortality in cohorts of type 2 diabetic patients, but no analyses have assessed mortality in hospitalised diabetic patients. AIM: To construct predictive models to estimate the likelihood of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in type 2 diabetic inpatients. DESIGN: Cohort study with follow-up from 2010 to 2014. METHODS: We evaluated mortality in a randomly selected cohort of 112 type 2 diabetic inpatients at the Hospital of Elda (Spain) in 2010-2012. OUTCOMES: all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality during the follow-up. Other variables: gender, age, depression, asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin, pills, smoking, walking, baseline blood glucose and creatinine. Predictive tables with risk groups were constructed to estimate the likelihood of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Calculations were made of the area under the ROC curve (AUC). RESULTS: During the follow-up, 52 inpatients died (46.4%, 95% CI, confidence interval: 37.2-55.7%), 22 because of cardiovascular causes (19.6%, 95% CI: 12.3-27.0%). The mean follow-up time was 2.7 ± 1.5 years. The AUC for the all-cause mortality model was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77-0.92, p < 0.001). Associated parameters: pills, smoking, walking, gender, insulin and age. The AUC for the cardiovascular mortality model was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.67-0.91, p < 0.001). Associated parameters: age, pills, walking, smoking, depression and insulin. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides tools to predict premature mortality in type 2 diabetic inpatients. However, before their general application they require joint validation by the internal medicine unit, emergency department, primary healthcare unit and endocrinology service to enable better prediction of the prognosis and more adequate decision-taking.

Reliability of blood eosinophil count in steady-state bronchiectasis.

RATIONALE: The baseline value of eosinophils in peripheral blood (BEC) has been associated with different degrees of severity, prognosis and response to treatment in patients with bronchiectasis. It is not known, however, if this basal value remains constant over time. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess whether the BEC remains stable in the long term in patients with bronchiectasis. METHODS AND MEASUREMENTS: Patients from the RIBRON registry of bronchiectasis diagnosed by computed tomography with at least 2 BEC measurements one year apart were included in the study. Patients with asthma and those taking anti-eosinophilic drugs were excluded. Reliability was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). A patient with a BEC of at least 300 cells/uL or less than 100 cells/uL was considered eosinophilic or eosinopenic, respectively. Group changes over time were also calculated. MAIN RESULTS: Seven hundred and thirteen patients were finally included, with a mean age of 66.5 (13.2) years (65.8 % women). A total of 2701 BEC measurements were performed, with a median number of measurements per patient of 4 (IQR: 2-5) separated by a median of 12.1 (IQR: 10.5-14.3) months between two consecutive measurements. The ICC was good (>0.75) when calculated between two consecutive measurements (approximately one year apart) but had dropped significantly by the time of the next annual measurements. Similarly, the change from an eosinophilic or eosinopenic patient to a non-eosinophilic or non-eosinopenic patient, respectively, was less than 30 % during the first year with respect to the baseline value but was close to 50 % in later measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Given the significant changes observed in the baseline value of the BEC over time, its monitoring is necessary in patients with bronchiectasis in order to more reliably assess its usefulness.

Post-TB bronchiectasis: from pathogenesis to rehabilitation.

The destruction of lung parenchyma caused by TB can result in pulmonary sequelae that are classified as bronchiectasis due to traction (radiological sequelae), and bronchiectasis persisting with an inflammatory bronchial component and opportunistic bronchial infection. There is a lack of studies that comprehensively analyse whether post-TB bronchiectasis differs in clinical, prognostic or therapeutic aspects from bronchiectasis arising from other aetiologies. However, it has been noted that post-TB bronchiectasis tends to appear more frequently in the upper lung lobes. In many countries, TB is the most frequent known cause of bronchiectasis, but there is currently no targeted management of bronchiectasis due to TB as opposed to other aetiologies. It is imperative to first prevent TB, and when that fails to provide early diagnosis and adequate treatment for TB disease. In addition, efforts should be made to limit additional lung insults such as tobacco use and provide management of post TB bronchiectasis to minimise further pulmonary sequelae. The objective of this minireview was to provide an update on post-TB bronchiectasis, its definition, epidemiological data, pathophysiology, and clinical, diagnosis and therapeutic aspects.

[Profile of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders in an institution in Bogota, Colombia]. / Caracterización de niños y adolescentes con trastornos del espectro autista en una institución de Bogotá, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the profile of children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a comprehensive care centre in Bogota, Colombia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive-correlational study with a sample of patients who had attended the institution from 2003 to 2009. Demographic and clinical aspects were evaluated and a correlation between the diagnosis and severity being analysed in search for risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 138 patients were studied. The average age of onset was 21 months, and diagnosis had been made at 45 months. There was a male predominance (6.15:1). The predominant diagnosis was autistic syndrome (83%), followed by pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (17%). There was no pathological background in the family history, during pregnancy or during the neonatal period. Motor development during the first year was normal but acquisition of language skills was compromised. The specific signs of ASD as regards the disorder in itself, communication skills, spontaneous speech, verbal comprehension, attention, imitation, use of objects, self-care and symbolic play were significantly related to the severity of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of ASD is still delayed in our population and usually after referral from someone other than a health professional. The most important problems were found in communication skills and relationships with peers. The study did not show significant associated risk factors.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and lung function decline in patients with bronchiectasis.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to analyse lung function decline over time in bronchiectasis, along with the factors associated with it. METHODS: Spirometry was measured every year in this observational, prospective study in 849 patients from the Spanish Bronchiectasis Registry (RIBRON). The main outcome was the decline in the rate of forced expiratory volume during the first second (FEV1). To be included in this study, patients needed a baseline assessment and at least one subsequent assessment. FEV1 decline was analysed using a mixed-effects linear regression model adjusted for clinically significant variables. RESULTS: We recruited 849 bronchiectasis patients with at least two annual lung function measurements (follow-up range 1-4 years). A total of 2262 lung function tests were performed (mean 2.66 per patient, range 2-5). Mean baseline FEV1 was 1.78 L (standard deviation (SD) 0.76; 71.3% predicted). Mean age was 69.1 (SD 15.4) years; 543 (64% women. The adjusted rates of FEV1 decline were -0.98% predicted/year (95% confidence interval (CI) -2.41 to -0.69) and -31.6 (95% CI -44.4 to -18.8) mL. The annual FEV1 decline was faster in those patients with chronic bronchial infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (-1.37% (52.1 mL) vs -0.37% (-24.6 mL); p < 0.001), greater age, increased number of severe exacerbations in the previous year and higher baseline FEV1 value. DISCUSSION: In patients with bronchiectasis, the annual rate of FEV1 decline was -31.6 mL/year and it was faster in older patients and those with chronic bronchial infection by P. aeruginosa, increased number of previous severe exacerbations and higher baseline FEV1 value.

Assessment of total mercury levels in Clarias gariepinus from the Sagua la Grande River, Cuba.

Total mercury levels (Thg) were quantified in Clarias gariepinus captured from the Sagua la Grande River (Cuba) in the vicinity of an active chlor-alkali plant, and relationships among place of capture; fish size, weight, and sex; and THg levels were assessed. THg levels ranged from 67 to 375 ng/g ww in collected fish, never exceeding the Cuban recommended maximum limit for fish consumption of 500 ng/g ww. No significant correlation was observed between mercury levels and fish allometric characteristics (p < 0.05); however, levels were significantly higher in fish captured below the chlor-alkali facility, suggesting a connection between mercury bioaccumulation and plant discharges.

Bronchoscopic balloon dilatation in the management of bronchial stenosis following lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial stenosis (BS) is currently found in 7-15% of lung transplantation (LT) recipients. Current treatment strategies have included Nd:Yag laser, cryotherapy, bougie dilatation and stent placement. Bronchoscopic balloon dilatation has been used as alternative treatment in a few cases with controversial results. This is a study to prospectively assess the efficacy of bronchoscopic balloon dilatation as a first step in the management of post-LT BS. METHODS: From January 1995 to December 2002, bronchoscopic balloon dilatation was evaluated as first therapeutic option in all consecutive LT patients with BS. Symptoms, pulmonary function tests, airway diameter and use of other therapeutic techniques were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 10 out of 284 anastomed airways (3.5%) in 9 out of 152 LT patients were included in the study and follow-up lasted from 6 to 81 months. Dilatation of all but one BS met with initial success: increase of both luminal dimensions and forced vital capacity (P=0.01), and relief of symptoms. Bronchoscopic balloon dilatation long-term follow-up showed effective results in 5 out of 10 (50%) bronchial stenoses, after an average of 4 bronchoscopic balloon dilatation procedures (range 1-8). No severe complications were observed. Stent placement was required in the other 5 bronchial stenoses. CONCLUSIONS: Bronchoscopic balloon dilatation is a safe method that should be considered as first therapeutic treatment of post-LT BS. Its use avoids the need for stent placement in up to 50% of cases.

Draft Genome Sequence of Enterococcus casseliflavus PAVET15 Obtained from the Oviduct Infection of the Cattle Tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) in Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico.

Enterococcus spp. are Gram-positive lactic acid-producing bacteria found in the intestinal tracts of animals, like mammals, birds, and arthropods. Enterococcus spp. may cause oportunistic infections in vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. We report here the draft genome sequence of Enterococcus casseliflavus PAVET15 containing 3,722,480 bp, with 80 contigs, an N50 of 179,476 bp, and 41.93% G+C content.

Predicting high risk of exacerbations in bronchiectasis: the E-FACED score.

BACKGROUND: Although the FACED score has demonstrated a great prognostic capacity in bronchiectasis, it does not include the number or severity of exacerbations as a separate variable, which is important in the natural history of these patients. OBJECTIVE: Construction and external validation of a new index, the E-FACED, to evaluate the predictive capacity of exacerbations and mortality. METHODS: The new score was constructed on the basis of the complete cohort for the construction of the original FACED score, while the external validation was undertaken with six cohorts from three countries (Brazil, Argentina, and Chile). The main outcome was the number of annual exacerbations/hospitalizations, with all-cause and respiratory-related deaths as the secondary outcomes. A statistical evaluation comprised the relative weight and ideal cut-off point for the number or severity of the exacerbations and was incorporated into the FACED score (E-FACED). The results obtained after the application of FACED and E-FACED were compared in both the cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 1,470 patients with bronchiectasis (819 from the construction cohorts and 651 from the external validation cohorts) were followed up for 5 years after diagnosis. The best cut-off point was at least two exacerbations in the previous year (two additional points), meaning that the E-FACED has nine points of growing severity. E-FACED presented an excellent prognostic capacity for exacerbations (areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.82 for at least two exacerbations in 1 year and 0.87 for at least one hospitalization in 1 year) that was statistically better than that of the FACED score (0.72 and 0.78, P<0.05, respectively). The predictive capacities for all-cause and respiratory mortality were 0.87 and 0.86, respectively, with both being similar to those of the FACED. CONCLUSION: E-FACED score significantly increases the FACED capacity to predict future yearly exacerbations while maintaining the score's simplicity and prognostic capacity for death.

Complete Genome Sequence of Paenibacillus larvae MEX14, Isolated from Honey Bee Larvae from the Xochimilco Quarter in Mexico City.

Paenibacillus larvae strain MEX14 is a facultative anaerobic endospore-forming bacterium that infects Apis mellifera larvae. Strain MEX14 was isolated from domestic bee larvae collected in a backyard in Mexico City. The estimated genome size was determined to be 4.18 Mb, and it harbors 4,806 protein coding genes (CDSs).

Structure and expression of the human Na,K-ATPase beta 2-subunit gene.

We cloned and characterized the human Na,K-ATPase beta 2-subunit gene. The gene encompasses over 8 kb at chromosome 17 in the human genome and is composed of seven exons. Primer extension analysis identified a major transcription initiation site 529 bases upstream of the translation start site. The 5'-flanking region of the gene harbors a potential TATA sequence, located 94 bases upstream of the transcription initiation site and a number of potential promoter and regulatory elements, among them a Sp1 site, at position -120. A functional Sp1 site has also been found in the rat Na,K-ATPase beta 2-subunit gene (Kawakami, K., Watanabe, Y., Araki, M., Nagano, K., 1993). Sp1 binds to the adhesion molecule on glia regulatory element that functions as a positive transcription regulatory element in astrocytes. (J. Neurosci. Res. 35, 138-146). Putative AATAAA and TG sequences were found at positions 7018 and 7068, respectively. These signals delimit the origin of the the poly(A) tail and mark the end of the sequence that completes the 3'-UT downstream sequence of the human cDNA. An Alu repetitive sequence is located between positions 5961 and 6274. The gene is expressed as a single mRNA species, of 3.36 kb, which is present in cerebrum, cerebellum, kidney and heart, being more abundant in neural tissues. Structural analyses of this and other of the P-type ATPase beta subunit genes reveal that they evolved from a common ancestor.

Sodium transport systems in human chondrocytes. I. Morphological and functional expression of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha and beta subunit isoforms in healthy and arthritic chondrocytes.

The chondrocyte is the cell responsible for the maintenance of the articular cartilage matrix. The negative charges of proteoglycans of the matrix draw cations, principally Na+, into the matrix to balance the negative charge distribution. The Na+,K(+)-ATPase is the plasma membrane enzyme that maintains the intracellular Na+ and K+ concentrations. The enzyme is composed of an alpha and a beta subunit, so far, 4 alpha and 3 beta isoforms have been identified in mammals. Chondrocytes are sensitive to their ionic and osmotic environment and are capable of adaptive responses to ionic environmental perturbations particularly changes to extracellular [Na+]. In this article we show that human fetal and adult chondrocytes express three alpha (alpha 1, alpha 2 and the neural form of alpha 3) and the three beta isoforms (beta 1, beta 2 and beta 3) of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase. The presence of multiple Na+,K(+)-ATPase isoforms in the plasma membrane of chondrocytes suggests a variety of kinetic properties that reflects a cartilage specific and very fine specialization in order to maintain the Na+/K+ gradients. Changes in the ionic and osmotic environment of chondrocytes occur in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis as result of tissue hydration and proteoglycan loss leading to a fall in tissue Na+ and K+ content. Although the expression levels and cellular distribution of the proteins tested do not vary, we detect changes in p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity "in situ" between control and pathological samples. This change in the sodium pump enzymatic activity suggests that the chondrocyte responds to these cationic environmental changes with a variation of the active isozyme types present in the plasma membrane.

Sodium transport systems in human chondrocytes. II. Expression of ENaC, Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter and Na+/H+ exchangers in healthy and arthritic chondrocytes.

In this article, the second of two, we continue our studies of sodium-dependent transport systems in human cartilage from healthy individuals and with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We demonstrate the presence of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), previously undescribed in chondrocytes. This system is composed of three subunits, alpha, beta and gamma. We have shown that the human chondrocytes express at least the alpha and the beta subunit of ENaC. The expression of these subunits is altered in arthritic chondrocytes. In RA samples the quantity of alpha and beta is significantly higher than in control samples. On the other hand, ENaC alpha and beta subunits are absent in the chondrocytes of OA cartilage. Human chondrocytes also possess three isoforms of the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE), NHE1, NHE2 and NHE3. The NHE system is composed of a single protein and is believed to participate in intracellular pH regulation. Furthermore, our studies indicate that at least one isoform of the electroneutral Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC) is present in human chondrocytes. There are no obvious variations in the relative expression of NHE isoforms or NKCC between healthy and arthritic cartilage. Our data suggests that chondrocytes from arthritic cartilage may adapt to changes in their environmental sodium concentration through variations in ENaC protein levels. ENaC is also likely to serve as a major sodium entry mechanism, a process that, along with cytoskeletal proteins, may be part of mechanotransduction in cartilage.

Ion transport in chondrocytes: membrane transporters involved in intracellular ion homeostasis and the regulation of cell volume, free [Ca2+] and pH.

Chondrocytes exist in an unusual and variable ionic and osmotic environment in the extracellular matrix of cartilage and are responsible for maintaining the delicate equilibrium between extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation. The mechanical performance of cartilage relies on the biochemical properties of the matrix. Alterations to the ionic and osmotic extracellular environment of chondrocytes have been shown to influence the volume, intracellular pH and ionic content of the cells, which in turn modify the synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix macromolecules. Physiological ion homeostasis is fundamental to the routine functioning of cartilage and the factors that control the integrity of this highly evolved and specialized tissue. Ion transport in cartilage is relatively unexplored and the biochemical properties and molecular identity of membrane transport mechanisms employed by chondrocytes in the control of intracellular ion concentrations and pH is not fully defined and this review focuses on these processes. Chondrocytes have been shown to express voltage and stretch activated ion channels, passive exchangers and ATP dependent ion pumps. In addition, recent studies of transport systems in chondrocytes have demonstrated the presence of isozyme diversity that includes Na+/H+ exchange (NHE1, NHE3), Na+, K(+)-ATPase (several isoforms) and others each of which possess considerably different kinetic properties and modes of regulation. This multitude of isozyme diversity indicates the highly specialized handling of ions and protons in order to accomplish a fine regulation of their transmembrane fluxes. The complexities of these transport systems and their patterns of isoform expression underscore the subtlety of ion homeostasis and pH regulation in normal cartilage. Perturbations in these mechanisms may affect the physiological turnover of cartilage and thus increase the susceptibility to degenerative joint disease.

Nitrogen removal from wastewaters at low C/N ratios with ammonium and acetate as electron donors.

A denitrifying upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was operated at different nitrate loading rates at a C/N ratio of 1.2, with acetate as an electron donor. This resulted in an increase in the accumulation of nitrite. After this, the UASB reactor was supplemented with 100 mg NH4+-Nl(-1) d(-1), while acetate was gradually limited in the medium. This prevented nitrite accumulation at a C/N ratio of 0.6 due to an enhanced nitrite reduction rate achieved in the reactor. An increasing amount of ammonium was consumed when the C/N ratio was lowered in the medium. This suggested that ammonium was used as an alternative electron donor during denitrification, which is supported by nitrogen balances. Nitrite was shown to be toxic for the nitrogen removal process at 200-400 mg NO2--N(l(-1) when the C/N ratio was decreased to 0.4 leading to formation of ammonium. The present study showed that addition of ammonium as an alternative electron donor for denitrification achieved a nitrogen removal process with negligible accumulation of undesirable intermediates.

Bioavailable copper complexes offer a physiologic approach to treatment of chronic diseases.

Copper (II)2(3,5-Diisopropylsalicylate)4(H2O)2 has been found to have antiinflammatory, antiulcer, anticonvulsant, anticancer, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, and radiation recovery activities and it prevents reperfusion injury. To study pharmacokinetic parameters accounting for these pharmacological effects the double labeled 67Cu(II)2(carboxy-14C-3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)4 complex was synthesized and used to obtain these parameters. Treatment of mice with 1 mumol of this complex revealed that 67Cu was distributed to blood, liver, kidney, intestine, lung, thymus, femur, muscle, spleen, brain, urine, and feces within 0.5 hr and patterned changes in 67Cu content of these tissues and excreta were found throughout the 96 hr term of this study.