Ecological typologies of large areas. An application in the Mediterranean Sea.

One approach to identifying and mapping the state of marine biophysical conditions is the identification of large-scale ecological units for which conditions are similar and the strategies of management may also be similar. Because biological processes are difficult to directly record over large areas, abiotic characteristics are used as surrogate parameters. In this work, the Mediterranean Sea was classified into homogeneous spatial areas based on abiotic variables. Eight parameters were selected based on salinity, sea surface temperature, photosynthetically active radiation, sea-wave heights and depth variables. The parameters were gathered in grid points of 0.5° spatial resolution in the open sea and 0.125° in coastal areas. The typologies were obtained by data mining the eight parameters throughout the Mediterranean and combining two clustering techniques: self-organizing maps and the k-means algorithm. The result is a division of the Mediterranean Sea into seven typologies. For these typologies, the classification recognizes differences in temperature, salinity and radiation. In addition, it separates coastal from deep areas. The influence of river discharges and the entrance of water from other seas are also reflected. These results are consistent with the ecological requirements of the five studied seagrasses (Posidonia oceanica, Zostera marina, Zostera noltei, Cymodocea nodosa, Halophila stipulacea), supporting the suitability of the resulting classification and the proposed methodology. The approach thus provides a tool for the sustainable management of large marine areas and the ability to address not only present threats but also future conditions, such as climate change.

Study on some risk factors and effects of bovine ketosis on dairy cows from the Galicia region (Spain).

The study was designed to determine the relation between ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations in milk from dairy cows after calving and the length of the previous lactation, the dry period and the 305-day normalized production, and to assess the influence of BHB concentrations on culling and test-day milk productions and somatic cell counts (SCC) throughout the lactation that followed the BHB measurement. The data used in the study were obtained from 59 187 cows in the Galicia region (Spain). BHB determination was performed using Fourier-transformed infrared spectrometry from the milk samples collected from each cow on the first post-partum test day. For statistical analysis, the following methods were applied: (i) ordinal regression to assess the effect of the length of the previous lactation, the dry period and the 305-day normalized milk production on milk BHB, (ii) a Cox model to estimate the influence of the BHB concentration on risk of culling (overall and for a variety of reasons) and (iii) linear regression to assess the link between BHB and the milk yield and SCC obtained from each of the tests day performed throughout lactation. The probability of having higher BHB concentrations increased when the length of the previous lactation (p = 0.006), the dry period (p = 0.003) and the 305-day normalized milk yield (p = 0.005) increased. However, the slight increase observed (especially for the case of the dry period and the 305-day milk yield) would not justify that measures be implemented to reduce these traits. Higher concentrations of BHB led to an increased risk of culling due to 'death' (p ≤ 0.001) and 'urgent slaughter' (p ≤ 0.002) (both causes of involuntary culling). It also led to a reduction in milk production (p < 0.001) and an increase in SCC (p < 0.001) in the post-partum; from that moment onward (including peak lactation), there were no differences in those two parameters depending on the BHB levels.

Bovine herpesvirus 1: within-herd seroprevalence and antibody levels in bulk-tank milk.

The aim of the present study was to establish a relationship between the results obtained with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique for antibodies (against bovine herpesvirus 1) in serum and those in milk at the herd level. For this purpose, 275 samples of bulk-tank milk were analysed with glycoprotein E (gE) antibody ELISA and 207 more were analysed with glycoprotein B (gB) antibody ELISA (482 in total). All of these samples came from dairy herds whose seroprevalence was also evaluated. The results of this study were then used to analyse the sensitivity of the bulk-tankmilk test in detecting herds with a high risk of active infection (>60% seroprevalence) and its specificity in detecting those with few (<20%) or no seropositive animals. In regard to the reference test (results in blood serum), the sensitivity of the bulk-tankmilk test in detecting herds with >60% seropositive animals was 100% for both gE and gB ELISAs. The specificity figures, for gE and gB ELISAs, respectively, were 88.4% and 99.1% for infection-free herds and 72.6% and 96% for herds with <20% seroprevalence. In a quantitative approach, Pearson's correlation coefficients, reported as a measure of linear association between herd seroprevalences and transformed optical density values recorded in bulk-tank milk, were -0.63 for gE ELISA and 0.67 for gB ELISA.

Les auteurs présentent une étude visant à faire ressortir la corrélation entre les résultats obtenus à l'échelle du troupeau au moyen d'une épreuve immunoenzymatique (ELISA) pour la détection d'anticorps dirigés contre l'herpèsvirus bovin de type 1 dans des échantillons de sérum et ceux obtenus dans le lait. À cet effet, 275 échantillons de lait de citerne ont été soumis à un test ELISA visant à déceler la présence d'anticorps dirigés contre la glycoprotéine E (gE) du virus, et 207 autres ont été analysés au moyen d'un test ELISA visant à déceler la présence d'anticorps dirigés contre la glycoprotéine B (gB) (482 échantillons analysés au total). La totalité des échantillons provenait d'élevages laitiers dans lesquels la séroprévalence a également été evaluée. Les résultats de l'étude ont ensuite permis d'analyser la sensibilité du test sur le lait de citerne, c'est-àdire la capacité de ce test à détecter les troupeaux présentant un risque élevé d'infection active (séroprévalence > 60 %), ainsi que sa spécificité, c'est-à-dire sa capacité à détecter les troupeaux dans lesquels le pourcentage d'animaux séropositifs était faible (moins de 20 %) ou nul (0 %). Comparativement au test de référence (analyse des échantillons de sérum), la sensibilité des tests ELISA sur le lait de citerne était de 100 % (détection de tous les troupeaux dotés d'au moins 60 % d'animaux possédant des anticorps dirigés contre la glycoprotéine E ou B). En termes de spécificité des tests ELISA anti-gE et anti-gB, les valeurs étaient, respectivement, de 88,4 % et 99,1 % dans les troupeaux indemnes et de 72,6 % et 96 % dans les troupeaux accusant une séroprévalence inférieure à 20 %. Les coefficients de corrélation de Pearson obtenus par une méthode quantitative pour exprimer la relation linéaire entre les prévalences sérologiques et les valeurs de densité optique modifiées dans le lait de citerne étaient respectivement de ­0,63 pour l'ELISA gE et de 0,67 pour l'ELISA gB.

Los autores describen un estudio encaminado a determinar si existe una relación, y de ser así cuál, entre los resultados del ensayo inmunoenzimático (ELISA) de detección de anticuerpos (contra el herpesvirus bovino 1) en suero y los resultados obtenidos al analizar la leche de rebaños enteros. Para ello se sometieron 275 muestras de leche de tanque a la prueba ELISA de detección de anticuerpos contra la glicoproteína E (gE) y otras 207 muestras a la prueba ELISA de detección de anticuerpos contra la glicoproteína B (gB) (esto es, un total de 482 muestras). Todas esas muestras procedían de rebaños lecheros cuya prevalencia serológica también se calculó. A partir de los resultados del estudio se determinó la sensibilidad de la prueba practicada en la leche de tanque para detectar rebaños con un elevado riesgo de infección activa (más del 60% de animales seropositivos) y su especificidad para detectar aquellos rebaños con pocos (menos del 20%) animales seropositivos o ninguno (0%). En comparación con la prueba de referencia (resultados del análisis sérico), la sensibilidad del análisis de la leche de tanque para detectar rebaños con más de un 60% de animales seropositivos fue del 100% en el caso de ambas pruebas ELISA (gE y gB). En cuanto a la especificidad, las técnicas ELISA para la gE y la gB permitieron detectar respectivamente un 88,4% y un 99,1% de los rebaños libres de infección y un 72,6% y un 96% de los rebaños con menos de un 20% de animales seropositivos. El análisis cuantitativo de los resultados deparó coeficientes de correlación de Pearson, utilizados como medida de la relación lineal entre las seroprevalencias de rebaño y los valores transformados de densidad óptica obtenidos en la leche de tanque, de ­0,63 para el ELISA gE y de 0,67 para el ELISA gB.

Monitoring the bulk milk antibody response to bovine viral diarrhea in dairy herds vaccinated with inactivated vaccines.

This study was designed to determine long-term responses in dairy herds after vaccination with 1 of 3 inactivated bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) vaccines with regard to antibodies against p80 protein in bulk tank milk samples, as detected by ELISA. In the present study, 29 dairy herds were vaccinated with Bovilis BVD (MSD Animal Health, Milton Keynes, UK), 11 with Hiprabovis Balance (Laboratorios Hipra, Amer, Spain), and 9 with Pregsure BVD (Zoetis, Florham Park, NJ). In these herds, bulk tank milk samples were collected and examined at the time of the first vaccination and every 6 mo during a 3-yr period. Samples were analyzed with a commercial ELISA test for the p80 protein of BVDV. The results demonstrated that vaccination affected the level of antibodies against p80. Hence, vaccination status should be taken into consideration when interpreting bulk tank milk antibody tests.

Changes in the distribution of intertidal macroalgae along a longitudinal gradient in the northern coast of Spain.

The distribution of macroalgal species along the north and northwest coast of the Iberian Peninsula is in a period of change, during which mostly cold-temperate species have decreased in cover and others have disappeared. On the other hand, other species have increased in abundance. These shifts could be related with the modification of environmental factors that determine species distribution caused by climate change. A standardised sampling methodology was applied at 18 sites along the north coast of Spain in 2011 and 2017. The relationship between the coverage of intertidal macroalgal species and abiotic variables (sea surface temperature, air temperature and significant wave height) was analysed in order to detect possible changes in the historical data. Results suggest a modification in the communities in the inner part of the Bay of Biscay, mostly related to an increase in water and air temperature. Each seaweed group (warm-temperate, cold-temperate, opportunistic and exotic species) showed a different pattern of modification. Coralline algae, Bifurcaria bifurcata and Cystoseira baccata have increased, which may be related to the warming trend. The exotic species Asparagopsis armata has also increased, particularly in the Lower Rias. On the other hand, there was a drastic decrease of the cold-temperate species Himanthalia elongata. Data obtained support the relationship of macroalgae species communities and environment in the context of climate change in this particular area.

The fabrication of carbon nanotube field-effect transistors with semiconductors as the source and drain contact materials.

Sb(2)Te(3) and Bi(2)Te(2)Se semiconductor materials were used as the source and drain contact materials in the fabrication of carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNTFETs). Ultra-purified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were ultrasonically dispersed in N-methyl pyrrolidone solvent. Dielectrophoresis was used to deposit and align SWCNTs for fabrication of CNTFETs. The Sb(2)Te(3)- and Bi(2)Te(2)Se-based CNTFETs demonstrate p-type metal-oxide-silicon-like I-V curves with high on/off drain-source current ratio at large drain-source voltages and good saturation of drain-source current with increasing drain-source voltage. The fabrication process developed is novel and has general meaning, and could be used for the fabrication of SWCNT-based integrated devices and systems with semiconductor contact materials.

Robot milking and relationship with culling rate in dairy cows.

Cow routines and behavioral responses are altered substantially following the installation of robot milking. The present study was designed to analyze the effect that switching from milking parlor to automatic milking system (AMS) had on the culling rate (due to various causes) of dairy cattle. For this purpose, culling records and causes for culling were tracked in 23 dairy farms in the Galicia region (NW Spain). The animals in these farms were monitored for 5 years. For the present study, that length of time was divided into three different stages, as follows: 2 years before switching from a milking parlor to AMS (stage 1), the 1st year following the implementation of AMS (stage 2) and the 2nd and 3rd years succeeding the implementation of AMS (stage 3). Cox models for survival analysis were used to estimate the time to culling due to different reasons during stage 1 in relation to stages 2 and 3. The data indicated that the risk of loss due to death or emergency slaughter decreased significantly following the installation of AMS. In contrast, the risk of culling due to low production, udder problems, infertility or lameness increased significantly. Low-production cows (such as cows in advanced lactation due to infertility) or sick cows (such as mastitic or lame cows) allegedly have a noticeable effect both on the performance and the amortization of the cost of AMS, which in turn would lead to a higher probability of elimination than in conventional systems.

[Complete transitory atrioventricular block in Lyme disease]. / Bloqueo auriculoventricular completo transitorio en la enfermedad de Lyme.

Cardiac manifestations in Lyme disease are uncommon and could generate myocarditis and/or pericarditis, but the most frequent and typical cardiac manifestation is in the form of conduction system disorders, causing blocks, which, according to their location and degree, could be intraventricular, intraatrial or atrioventricular of first, second or third degree. We report a case of transient atrioventricular block in a patient with frequent tick bites and with a positive serologic test for Borrelia burgdorferi.

[Pleurodesis with the patient's own blood: the initial results in 14 cases]. / Pleurodesis con sangre del propio paciente: resultados iniciales en 14 casos.

Fourteen adults with spontaneous pneumothorax (SP), 9 of whom had primary SP (PSP) and 5 of whom had secondary forms (SSP), were given intrapleural infusions of self-donated blood for pleurodesis. Instillations of 50 ml were given to all except 1, who required a total volume of 120 ml. The procedure was performed in each patient's bed in all cases. With apical chest tube placement in most cases and the lung expanded, the outer tip of the tube was elevated and the patient's own blood was taken from a superficial forearm vein and instilled. Them, with the tube occluded, the patient's were rotated un bed for a period of 2 hours to distribute the blood evenly throughout the pleural cavity. Tolerance was excellent, with no pain reported by any patient. The only noteworthy complication was 1 case of infectious pleural effusion of unknown etiology which was treated by evacuation and antibiotics. In 13 (92%) patients closure of the fistula was achieved, in under 12 h in 7 (53%), in under 24 h in 3 (23%), in under 48 h in 2 (15%), and in under 72 h in the remaining 2 (15%). In 4 (28.5%) there was recurrence (2 SSP and 2 PSP patients). Over a 10 to 32 month follow-up period (mean 16 months), 10 (71.4%) patients experienced no recurrences or complications. These results allow us to speculate that blood instilled in the pleural cavity may act in 2 ways: in the short term as a blood patch that adheres to and closes the fistula in the visceral pleura, and over the longer term by creating pleural symphysis by adhesions and fibrous tissue. Our limited experience indicates that pleurodesis with self-donated blood is an easy-to-perform, painless, convenient, rapid and inexpensive procedure that is moderately effective in the short and medium term. Its main drawbacks are the lack of consensus on certain technical considerations, such as the optimum amount of blood to be instilled, the number of instillations to perform and, if multiple instillations are carried out, what the interval between them should be. Further study is needed to confirm or discount our results and to determine the place this technique may have in the clinical management of pneumothorax.

Dismenorrea por syndrome de Herlyn-Werner-Wunderich syndrome / Dismenorrea por syndrome de Herlyn-Werner-Wunderich Syndrome

El síndrome de Herlyn-Werner-Wünderlich (HWW) constituye una rara anomalía congénita mülleriana caracterizada por la aso-ciación de útero didelfo, septum vaginal y agenesia renal homolateral. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 48 años de edadremitida por dismenorrea y que finalmente es diagnosticada de éste síndrome. Durante el examen físico se visualiza fondo de sacoen cara lateral izquierda de la vagina, lo que sería compatible con una vagina rudimentaria. La resonancia magnética confirmaeste hallazgo y muestra un útero didelfo bicollix así como agenesia renal izquierda. Debido a la edad de la paciente y a la ausenciade deseo genésico se realiza histerectomía total con doble anexectomía

Herlyn-Werner-Wünderlich syndrome (HWW) is a rare Mullerian congenital abnormality. This syndrome is characterized by the association between didelphis uterus, obstructive vaginal septum, and homolateral renal agenesis. We report the case of a 48-year old female who was diagnosed with this syndrome in the context of dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain. During physical examination, an orifice on the left lateral aspect of the vagina was visualized and it was compatible with a rudimentary vagina. Magnetic resonance confirmed this finding and showed a didelphis uterus and left renal agenesis. Due to the age of the patient and the absence of gestational desire, a total hysterectomy with double-annexectomy was performed

Síndrome de Bartter como causa de polihidramnios severo. A propósito de un caso / Bartter syndrome as a cause of severe polyhydramnios. Apropos of a case

El síndrome de Bartter es una rara enfermedad congénita que afecta a los túbulos renales. Se presenta el caso de una paciente que debutó en la semana 32 con polihidramnios severo de aparición brusca, como única manifestación de esta enfermedad, diagnosticada posnatalmente

Bartter syndrome is a rare congenital disease that affects the renal tubules. We describe the case of a patient with onset of severe polyhydramnios at 32 weeks of gestation, as the only clinic manifestation of this disease, which was diagnosed postnatally

Síndrome de Bartter como causa de polihidramnios severo. A propósito de un caso / Bartter syndrome as a cause of severe polyhydramnios. Apropos of a case

El síndrome de Bartter es una rara enfermedad congénita que afecta a los túbulos renales. Se presenta el caso de una paciente que comenzó en la semana 32 con polihidramnios severo de aparición brusca, como única manifestación de esta enfermedad, diagnosticada posnatalmente

Bartter syndrome is a rare congenital disease that affects the renal tubules. We describe the case of a patient with abrupt onset of severe polyhydramnios at 32 weeks of gestation as the only clinic manifestation of this disease, which was diagnosed postnatally

Malformación adenomatoide quística pulmonar. Diagnóstico prenatal / Cystic adenomatoid malformations of the lung. Prenatal diagnosis

La malformación adenoidea quística (MAQ) es una infrecuente alteración del desarrollo pulmonar, que puede ser diagnosticada por ecografía a lo largo de la gestación. Se presenta el caso de una MAQ aislada que se resolvió de manera espontánea intraútero

Cystic adenomatoid malformations (CAM) are relatively rare developmental abnormalities of the lung, which can be diagnosed by ultrasound during pregnancy. We report a case of CAM with no other associated abnormalities that resolved naturally in-utero