Analysing disease trajectories in a cohort of 71,849 Patients: A visual analytics and statistical approach.

BACKGROUND: Disease trajectories have become increasingly relevant within the context of an aging population and the rising prevalence of chronic illnesses. Understanding the temporal progression of diseases is crucial for enhancing patient care, preventive measures, and effective management. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to propose and validate a novel methodology for trajectory impact analysis and interactive visualization of disease trajectories over a cohort of 71,849 patients. METHODS: This article introduces an innovative comprehensive approach for analysis and interactive visualization of disease trajectories. First, Risk Increase (RI) index is defined that assesses the impact of the initial disease diagnosis on the development of subsequent illnesses. Secondly, visual graphics methods are used to represent cohort trajectories, ensuring a clear and semantically rich presentation that facilitates easy data interpretation. RESULTS: The proposed approach is demonstrated over the disease trajectories of a cohort comprising 71,849 patients from Tolosaldea, Spain. The study finds several clinically relevant trajectories in this cohort, such as that after suffering a cerebral ischemic stroke, the probability of suffering dementia increases 10.77 times. The clinical relevance of the study outcomes have been assessed by an in-depth analysis conducted by expert clinicians. The identified disease trajectories are in agreement with the latest advancements in the field. CONCLUSION: The proposed approach for trajectory impact analysis and interactive visualization offers valuable graphs for the comprehensive study of disease trajectories for improved clinical decision-making. The simplicity and interpretability of our methods make them valuable approach for healthcare professionals.

Use of a local anaesthetic and antiseptic wound formulation for the treatment of lambs naturally infected with Orf virus.

Contagious ecthyma (CE) is a worldwide highly contagious zoonotic viral skin disease of sheep and goats. Treatment for Orf virus (ORFV) infection usually involves topical and oral antibiotics. An anaesthetic and antiseptic topical gel (Multisolfen® or Tri-Solfen®; MS®, Medical Ethics, Australia) has been documented as an efficacious therapy for lesions from mucosal and epithelial viral infections in ruminants. The present study tested a new treatment protocol of MS® for CE therapy on-farm in 150 lambs naturally infected with ORFV. Lambs were divided into three cohorts of 50 lambs each (C, D and E). Cohort C was treated with MS® 3 times with an interval of 3 days between treatments, cohort D was treated daily with hypochlorous acid, whilst cohort E served as untreated controls. The lambs were examined clinically every two days, weight measured weekly, with whole blood and sterile swabs from ORFV lesions collected for haematological analysis and specific ORFV PCR. Cohort C presented fewer lambs displaying ORFV-associated lesions than other cohorts at different times of the experiment. Further, lesions treated with MS® were milder compared with other cohorts. However, following cessation of therapy, most of the lambs again developed ORFV-associated lesions. No differences between cohorts were observed in weight, haematological and PCR results. These findings suggest that topical treatment with MS® is effective for CE in field conditions, especially in the first stages of the clinical course, although treatment with MS® may need to be extended a minimum of 4 weeks.

Use of a Local Anaesthetic/Antiseptic Formulation for the Treatment of Lambs Experimentally Infected with Orf Virus.

Contagious ecthyma is a highly transmissible eruptive viral disease of the skin and mucosa of sheep and goats distributed worldwide. The treatment of orf lesions is usually based on the use of antiseptics and antibiotics for the management of presumptive secondary infections, increasing risks of antimicrobial resistance. The wound dressing formulation Tri-Solfen® (TS) containing two local anaesthetics (lignocaine and bupivacaine), adrenaline and an antiseptic (cetrimide) in a gel formulation has been demonstrated to reduce suffering and enhance recovery in cattle and buffalo with oral and skin lesions due to foot-and-mouth disease virus infection and reduced the orf viral load in lambs. In the present study, experimental infection with the orf virus was conducted in 50 newborn lambs and 25 animals were treated after the presence of the first lesions with TS and repeated three days later. Daily clinical examination, haematological, serological, biomolecular and post-mortem analyses were conducted during 34 days after treatment. Results indicated that treatment had no effect on weight gain and clinical progression of the lesions. It was determined that seroconversion after experimental infection occurs 34 days after infection and suggested that the deep basal epithelial location of the orf lesions may have prevented the therapy from having altered the clinical course.

DigiHEALTH: Suite of Digital Solutions for Long-Term Healthy and Active Aging.

The population in the world is aging dramatically, and therefore, the economic and social effort required to maintain the quality of life is being increased. Assistive technologies are progressively expanding and present great opportunities; however, given the sensitivity of health issues and the vulnerability of older adults, some considerations need to be considered. This paper presents DigiHEALTH, a suite of digital solutions for long-term healthy and active aging. It is the result of a fruitful trajectory of research in healthy aging where we have understood stakeholders' needs, defined the main suite properties (that would allow scalability and interoperability with health services), and codesigned a set of digital solutions by applying a continuous reflexive cycle. At the current stage of development, the digital suite presents eight digital solutions to carry out the following: (a) minimize digital barriers for older adults (authentication system based on face recognition and digital voice assistant), (b) facilitate active and healthy living (well-being assessment module, recommendation system, and personalized nutritional system), and (c) mitigate specific impairments (heart failure decompensation, mobility assessment and correction, and orofacial gesture trainer). The suite is available online and it includes specific details in terms of technology readiness level and specific conditions for usage and acquisition. This live website will be continually updated and enriched with more digital solutions and further experiences of collaboration.

The high climate vulnerability of western Mediterranean forests.

Understanding the effects of climate change is one of the most challenging goals for biodiversity conservation. The forests of Andalusia, in Southern Spain, are part of an important Mediterranean Basin biodiversity hotspot. However, great changes in climate are expected to occur in this region, and there is an increasing need to assess the vulnerability of its vegetation. We assess the vulnerability of twelve forest types in the region that are included in the European Directive 92/43/EEC as Habitats of Community Interest (HCI). HCI are natural habitat types which are in danger, have a small natural range, or present an outstanding example of a biogeographical regions in the European Union. We assessed vulnerability by analyzing the climate exposure level of each forest type under two global climate models (MRI-CGCM3, which predicts warmer and wetter conditions, and MIROC-ESM which predicts hotter and drier conditions), two emission scenarios (RCP4.5, a representative concentration pathway that predicts stable emissions of CO2, and RCP8.5, that predicts the highest CO2 emissions) by the mid- and end-century time periods. The vulnerability analysis also includes the sensitivity and adaptive capacity of the dominant tree species which compose each forest type. An overall vulnerability score was calculated for each forest type, model, scenario and time period. High-elevation forest types and those with high moisture requirements were more vulnerable to climate change, while forest types dominated by more thermophilic species were less vulnerable and more resilient. The worst climate impacts were predicted in the MIROC-ESM model and RCP8.5 scenario by the end of the century (2070-2100), while the least climatic stress was obtained in the MRI-CGCM3 model and RCP4.5 scenario by the mid-century (2040-2070), which still shows high potential stress for most forest types. By the end of the century, the climate exposure of the entire forest domain will range between 32 % in the least stressful situation (MRI-CGCM3 and RCP4.5), and 98 % in the most climatically stressful situation (MIROC-ESM and RCP8.5). However, the effects of climate change will be perceptible by the mid-century, with most of the HCI forest types suffering climate stress. The "Andalusian oak forest" and the "Corylus wet forest" types were the most vulnerable to climate change, while the "Mediterranean pine forest", the "Olea and Ceratonia forests" and the "oak forests" were the least vulnerable. This assessment identifies the vulnerable forest types to climate change in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, and provides context for natural resource managers in making decisions about how to adapt forests to the impacts of climate change.

Estudio retrospectivo sobre la efectividad y seguridad de la pauta antibiótica reducida a 5-7 días en la faringoamigdalitis aguda estreptocócica comparada con la pauta clásica de 10 días / Retrospective study on the effectiveness and safety of the shortened 5- to 7-day antibiotic regimen for acute streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis compared to the classic 10-day regimen

Introducción: El tratamiento antibiótico clásico de la faringoamigdalitis aguda estreptocócica es una pauta de 10 días; sin embargo, la aparición de resistencias antibióticas induce a explorar pautas más cortas. Material y métodos: Seleccionamos a aquellos pacientes diagnosticados de faringoamigdalitis aguda estreptocócica en 2 cupos de pediatría de un centro de salud entre junio de 2016 y abril de 2020. Se compararon los resultados de aquellos que recibieron tratamiento 8-10 días con el de aquellos que lo recibieron 5-7 días. Resultados: Se analizaron 350 episodios (252 pacientes). El 64% recibieron tratamiento durante 8-10 días (grupo 1) y el 36% durante 5-7 días (grupo 2). No se observaron diferencias significativas en la aparición de faringoamigdalitis aguda estreptocócica o escarlatina los 3 meses posteriores (OR 0,97; IC 95%: 0,46-2,03), con una proporción similar en ambos grupos (9,8 vs. 9,5%). Sin diferenciar el tipo de infección (faringoamigdalitis aguda estreptocócica, escarlatina u otro tipo de infección streptocócica), se observaron resultados similares (OR 0,81; IC 95%: 0,41-1,59) con el 13,4% en el grupo 1 y el 11,1% en el 2. Respecto a la aparición de reacciones adversas medicamentosas recogidas en la historia clínica, fue de 2,7% en el grupo 1 y 0,8% en el 2 (OR 0,29; IC 95%: 0,04-2,44). Conclusiones: Según nuestra experiencia, la pauta antibiótica corta (5-7 días) en faringoamigdalitis aguda estreptocócica no es menos efectiva ni más insegura que la clásica pauta de 10 días. (AU)

Introduction: Antibiotherapy regimens for management of acute streptococcal pharyngitis traditionally last 10 days, but the development of resistance to different antimicrobials has motivated the exploration of shorter courses. Material and methods: We selected patients given a diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis in 2 paediatric caseloads of one primary care centre between June 2016 and April 2020. We compared outcomes in patients treated with 8- to 10-day courses versus 5- to 7-day courses. Results: The analysis included 350 care episodes (252 patients). Sixty-four percent were managed with 8- to 10-day courses of antibiotherapy (group 1) and 36% with 5- to 7-day courses (group 2). There were no significant differences in the incidence of streptococcal pharyngitis or scarlet fever in the 3 months that followed (OR, 0.98; 95% CI: 0.46-2.03), with similar percentages in both groups (9.8 vs. 9.5%). Overall, without differentiating based on the type of infection (streptococcal pharyngitis, scarlet fever or other streptococcal infections), we found similar outcomes (OR, 0.81; 95% CI: 0.41-1.59): 13.4% in group 1 and 11.1% in group 2. We also found no differences in the frequency of adverse events documented in the health records (OR, 0.29; 95% CI: 0.04-2.44): 2.7% in group 1 and 0.8% in group 2. Conclusions: In our experience, a shorter antibiotic course (5-7 days) is not less effective or more unsafe for management of acute streptococcal pharyngitis than the traditional 10-day course. (AU)

Retrospective study on the effectiveness and safety of the shortened 5- to 7-day antibiotic regimen for acute streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis compared to the classic 10-day regimen.

INTRODUCTION: Antibiotherapy regimens for management of acute streptococcal pharyngitis traditionally last 10 days, but the development of resistance to different antimicrobials has motivated the exploration of shorter courses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected patients given a diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis in 2 paediatric caseloads of 1 primary care centre between June 2016 and April 2020. We compared outcomes in patients treated with 8- to 10-day courses versus 5- to 7-day courses. RESULTS: The analysis included 350 care episodes (252 patients). Sixty-four percent were managed with 8- to 10-day courses of antibiotherapy (group 1) and 36% with 5- to 7-day courses (group 2). There were no significant differences in the incidence of streptococcal pharyngitis or scarlet fever in the 3 months that followed (OR, 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-2.03), with similar percentages in both groups (9.8% vs 9.5%). Overall, without differentiating based on the type of infection (streptococcal pharyngitis, scarlet fever or other streptococcal infections), we found similar outcomes (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.41-1.59): 13.4% in group 1 and 11.1% in group 2. We also found no differences in the frequency of adverse events documented in the health records (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.04-2.44): 2.7% in group 1 and 0.8% in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, a shorter antibiotic course (5-7 days) is not less effective or more unsafe for management of acute streptococcal pharyngitis than the traditional 10-day course.

Copper Poisoning, a Deadly Hazard for Sheep.

Copper (Cu) is an essential microelement for animals. However, sheep are particularly susceptible to Cu intoxication, a deadly disease reported worldwide. The risk of developing this poisoning is higher in vulnerable breeds and in intensively managed lambs or milk sheep. Two types of Cu intoxication can occur depending on the chronic or acute exposure to Cu. In chronic Cu poisoning (CCP), the most common form, Cu is accumulated in the liver during a subclinical period. A low intake of Cu antagonists (molybdenum, sulphur, iron, or zinc) favours Cu accumulation. The sudden release of Cu into the blood causes acute haemolysis with anaemia, haemoglobinuria, jaundice and death within 1-2 days. Acute Cu poisoning is related to the accidental administration or ingestion of toxic amounts of Cu. Acute oral exposure to Cu causes severe gastroenteritis, shock and death. Collapse and death occur shortly after parenteral administration. The diagnosis is based on history, clinical, gross pathological, histological and toxicological findings. Treatment of sheep with severe clinical signs often has poor success but is very effective during the Cu accumulation phase. Different therapies, based on either chelating agents or Cu antagonists, have been used to treat and prevent CCP.

Visualization System for the Impact of Context Open Data in Clinical Settings.

The usage of context open data, such as environmental data, socio-economic resources, etc., in clinical settings has been limited till now. But in recent years the number of studies that consider these factors is increasing. However, for clinicians, researchers or other stakeholders to be able to use this information in clinical practice, appropriate visualizations tools must be developed. At the same time, the data are generally displayed in formats that are difficult to interpret. The use of geolocalized visualizing tools through maps provides a better understanding in most cases. The proposed tool aims to contribute to the development of systems that can help to the exploitation of clinical and context open data, making them more easily interpretable.

Mindfulness-Based Program for Anxiety and Depression Treatment in Healthcare Professionals: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

In primary health care, the work environment can cause high levels of anxiety and depression, triggering relevant expert and individual change. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs reduce signs of anxiety and depression. The purpose of this sub-analysis of the total project, was to equate the effectiveness of the standard MBSR curriculum with the abbreviated version in minimizing anxiety and depression. This randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled 112 mentors and resident specialists from Family and Community Medicine and Nurses (FCMN), distributed across six teaching units (TU) of the Spanish National Health System (SNHS). Experimental group participants received a MBRS training (abbreviated/standard). Depression and anxiety levels were measured with the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) at three different time periods during the analysis: before (pre-test) and after (post-test) participation, as well as 3 months after the completion of intervention. Taking into account the pre-test scores as the covariate, an adjusted analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed significant depletion in anxiety and depression in general (F (2.91) = 4.488; p = 0.014; η2 = 0.090) and depression in particular (F (2, 91) = 6.653; p = 0.002; η2 = 0.128 at the post-test visit, maintaining their effects for 3 months (F (2.79) = 3.031; p = 0.050; η2 = 0.071-F (2.79) = 2.874; p = 0.049; η2 = 0.068, respectively), which is associated with the use of a standard training program. The abbreviated training program did not have a significant effect on the level of anxiety and depression. The standard MBSR training program had a positive effect on anxiety and depression and promotes long-lasting effects in tutors and resident practitioners. New research is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of abbreviated versions of training programs.

De novo transcriptome sequencing, assembly, and gene expression profiling of a salt-stressed halophyte (Salsola drummondii) from a saline habitat.

Salsola drummondii is a perennial habitat-indifferent halophyte growing in saline and nonsaline habitats of the Arabian hyperarid deserts. It offers an invaluable opportunity to examine the molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance. The present study was conducted to elucidate these mechanisms through transcriptome profiling of seedlings grown from seeds collected in a saline habitat. The Illumina Hiseq 2500 platform was employed to sequence cDNA libraries prepared from shoots and roots of nonsaline-treated plants (controls) and plants treated with 1200 mM NaCl. Transcriptomic comparison between salt-treated and control samples resulted in 17,363 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 12,000 upregulated genes (7870 in roots, 4130 in shoots) and 5363 downregulated genes (4258 in roots and 1105 in shoots). The majority of identified DEGs are known to be involved in transcription regulation (79), signal transduction (82), defense metabolism (101), transportation (410), cell wall metabolism (27), regulatory processes (392), respiration (85), chaperoning (9), and ubiquitination (98) during salt tolerance. This study identified potential genes associated with the salt tolerance of S. drummondii and demonstrated that this tolerance may depend on the induction of certain genes in shoot and root tissues. These gene expressions were validated using reverse-transcription quantitative PCR, the results of which were consistent with transcriptomics results. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study providing genetic information on salt tolerance mechanisms in S. drummondii.

Variations in Leaf Traits Modulate Plant Vegetative and Reproductive Phenological Sequencing Across Arid Mediterranean Shrublands.

Structural and nutrient traits of a leaf are important for understanding plant ecological strategies (e.g., drought avoidance). We studied the specific leaf area (SLA), leaf carbon content (LCC), leaf nitrogen content (LNC), leaf phosphorous content (LPC), and the phenophase sequence index (PSI) in 126 Mediterranean perennial species from predesert (SMS) and semiarid (SaMS) to subalpine (SAS), alpine cushion (AcS), and oro-Mediterranean (AjS) shrublands, which represent eight functional groups (evergreen and deciduous trees, evergreen large and half shrubs, deciduous large and half shrubs, succulents and perennial herbs). We analyzed the variation and relationships between leaf traits and PSI among shrublands, functional groups, and within species with drought-avoidance mechanisms. SLA variation of 20-60% could be ascribed to differences between functional groups and only 38-48% to different shrublands increasing from the predesert to the alpine. Alpine species display low PSI and N:P and high SLA, LNC, LPC, LCC, and C:N. On the contrary, predesert and semiarid showed high PSI and low SLA. SLA mediates the vegetative and reproductive phenological plant sequencing, high SLA is often associated with the overlapping in growth and reproductive phenophases with a seasonal reduction of vegetative growth, whereas low SLA is associated with vegetative and reproductive sequencing and a seasonal extension of vegetative growth. Species with drought-avoidance mechanisms (e.g., semideciduous species) contribute to an increase in the mean values of the SLA and LNC because these species show similar leaf and phenological patterns as the deciduous (high SLA and LNC and low PSI). The N:P indicates that only the alpine shrublands could present P limitations. The positive correlations between SLA and LPC and LNC and LPC (leaf economic spectrum) and the negative correlation between SLA and C:N were consistently maintained in the studied arid Mediterranean shrublands.

Evolution of the Seroprevalence of Pestivirus and Respiratory Viral Infections in Spanish Feedlot Lambs.

The presence of respiratory viruses and pestiviruses in sheep has been widely demonstrated, and their ability to cause injury and predispose to respiratory processes have been proven experimentally. A longitudinal observational study was performed to determine the seroprevalence of bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV-3), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) and pestiviruses in 120 lambs at the beginning and the end of the fattening period. During this time, the animals were clinically monitored, their growth was recorded, and post-mortem examinations were performed in order to identify the presence of pneumonic lesions in the animals. Seroconversion to all viruses tested except BHV-1 was detected at the end of the period. Initially, BPIV-3 antibodies were the most frequently found, while the most common seroconversion through the analysed period occurred to BRSV. Only 10.8% of the lambs showed no detectable levels of antibodies against any of the tested viruses at the end of the survey. In addition, no statistical differences were found in the presentation of respiratory clinical signs, pneumonic lesions nor in the production performance between lambs that seroconverted and those which did not, except in the case of pestiviruses. The seroconversion to pestiviruses was associated with a reduction in the final weight of the lambs.

Impact of Stress on Health and Final Weight in Fattening Lambs.

In order to determine whether the stress level had any influence on the health and final weight of Rasa Aragonesa fattening lambs, stress markers were measured throughout the fattening period in 80 feedlot lambs (group F) and in 40 lambs finished on the farm of birth (group C). The highest values of the stress indicators-neutrophil-to-lymphocyte-ratio (N/L), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), serum cortisol and fecal cortisol metabolites (FCM)-were recorded after the road transportation of group F to the feedlot. No differences between the groups were identified at the end of the adaptation period, but at the end of the fattening, statistically significant higher values for NEFA and serum cortisol were determined in group F. However, statistically significant differences between the groups were not found in the percentage of lambs with clinical signs of illness and ovine respiratory complex (ORC) lesions or in the final weight of the lambs. Independent of the location at which the lambs were fattened, those with FCM values at the beginning of the study (at the time of weaning) in the highest quartile developed a higher percentage of clinical signs of illness (45.5% vs. 32.1%, p > 0.05) and ORC lesions (45.5% vs. 10.7%, p < 0.01), and their average final weight was lower (24.36 kg vs. 27.40 kg, p = 0.001) than those with values in the lowest quartile. Stress experienced by lambs prior to finishing seems to be relevant for their further development, and FCM concentration at the time of weaning could be used as an indicator of health and productive performance of the lambs during the fattening period, regardless of finishing location.

LONG-TERM EFFECT OF 177LU-DOTATATE ON SEVERE AND REFRACTORY HYPOGLYCEMIA ASSOCIATED WITH MALIGNANT INSULINOMA.

OBJECTIVE: Malignant insulinoma is an extremely uncommon tumor that is usually accompanied by severe hypoglycemia that is difficult to manage. At this time, the long-term effect of 177Lu-DOTATATE (lutetium [Lu-177]-DOTA-Tyr3-octreotate) on this tumor is not well known. METHODS: We report a case of severe, life-threatening, and refractory hypoglycemia associated with malignant insulinoma treated with 177Lu-DOTATATE. RESULTS: A 51-year-old woman was referred because of severe, life-threatening, and refractory hypoglycemia due to malignant insulinoma. The patient had been treated unsuccessfully with chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and symptomatic therapy with diazoxide, steroids, and somatostatin analogues without success. 177Lu-DOTATATE adequately controlled her hypoglycemia after the other conventional treatments failed. CONCLUSION: 177Lu-DOTATATE was effective in providing rapid and long-term symptomatic control of the hypoglycemia and significantly improved the quality of life of the patient.

Influence of dose and route of administration on the outcome of infection with the virulent Neospora caninum isolate Nc-Spain7 in pregnant sheep at mid-gestation.

Experimental infections in pregnant sheep have been focused on studying the effect of the time of challenge on the outcome of N. caninum infection, whereas the impact of the dose and route of challenge has not been studied in depth. Therefore, clinical outcome, immune responses, parasite detection and burden, and lesion severity in placental tissues and foetal brains were investigated in 90-day-pregnant sheep inoculated intravenously with 105 (G1), 104 (G2), 103 (G3), or 102 (G4) tachyzoites or subcutaneously with 104 (G5) tachyzoites of the virulent Nc-Spain7 isolate and an uninfected group (G6). Comparing challenge doses, G1 was the only group that had 100% abortion. Likewise, IFNγ levels in G1 increased earlier than those in other intravenously infected groups, and IgG levels on day 21 post-infection (pi) were higher in G1 than those in other intravenously infected groups. Concerning vertical transmission, G1 shows a higher parasite burden in the foetal brain than did G2 and G3. Comparing routes of administration, no differences in foetal survival rate or parasite load in the foetal brain were found. Although G2 had higher IFNγ levels than G5 on day 10 pi, no differences were found in humoral immune responses. Because the outcome after intravenous infection with 105 tachyzoites was similar to that observed after intravenous infection with 106 tachyzoites used in a previous work (100% abortion and vertical transmission), we conclude that it may be reasonable to use 105 tachyzoites administered by the intravenous route in further experiments when assessing drugs or vaccine candidates.

Correction to: Effect of maturation time on dormancy and germination of Citrullus colocynthis (Cucurbitaceae) seeds from the Arabian hyper-arid deserts.

Following publication of the original article [1] author Hatem Shabana wrote to say that one of her affiliations was missing. The affiliation is as follows: Departmento de Biología Vegetal, Universidad de Málaga, P. O. Box 59, 29080 Málaga, Spain.

Basic Pulse Sequences in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Magnetic resonance images are obtained by a combination of different radiofrequency pulses and gradient waveforms applied to the subject inside a magnetic field. There are multiple pulse sequences used in clinical and preclinical studies adjusted to whatever physician or researches want to analyze, from basic anatomic images to accurate diagnostic techniques as diffusion, perfusion, or functional imaging. In this chapter, we present the most used radiofrequency pulse combinations of the two groups of sequences available in magnetic resonance imaging: spin-echo and gradient-echo sequences.

Effect of maturation time on dormancy and germination of Citrullus colocynthis (Cucurbitaceae) seeds from the Arabian hyper-arid deserts.

BACKGROUND: Light and temperatures of germination greatly affect germination of several Cucurbitaceae species. Environmental conditions prevailing at seed maturation time can affect dormancy and germination requirements. Citrullus colocynthis seeds have a deep dormancy. This perennial prostrate shrub grows all over the year in the arid Arabian deserts. We explored if seed dormancy and germination requirements of C. colocynthis depend on time of fruit collection. Matured seeds were collected at five different times during 2014/2015 year from a population around Dubai city. Fresh seeds were germinated at three temperature regimes in both continuous darkness and alternating 12 h light/12 h darkness. Impacts of seed storage and other treatments on germination were applied on seeds collected in March and exhibited deep dormancy. RESULTS: March collected seeds almost did not germinate in both light and dark at the three temperatures, but those of the other collections responded differently to both light and temperatures. At the lowest temperatures, seeds of all collections did not germinate in light, but those of June, October and December collections germinated in dark. There were negative correlations between final germination and seed length, width, mass and coat thickness. Physical scarification, water soaking and seed storage did not break dormancy of March collection. CONCLUSIONS: Germination of C. colocynthis is very sensitive to light and incubation temperature as well as to the environmental conditions associated with the time of seed maturation. It is important to investigate the effects of environmental factors prevailing during seed maturation under controlled conditions to understand exact reasons for unusual seed dormancy and germination requirements of C. colocynthis, which seems to be very sensitive to maternal environment.