Fourteen years of continuous soil moisture records from plant and biocrust-dominated microsites.

Drylands cover ~41% of the terrestrial surface. In these water-limited ecosystems, soil moisture contributes to multiple hydrological processes and is a crucial determinant of the activity and performance of above- and belowground organisms and of the ecosystem processes that rely on them. Thus, an accurate characterisation of the temporal dynamics of soil moisture is critical to improve our understanding of how dryland ecosystems function and are responding to ongoing climate change. Furthermore, it may help improve climatic forecasts and drought monitoring. Here we present the MOISCRUST dataset, a long-term (2006-2020) soil moisture dataset at a sub-daily resolution from five different microsites (vascular plants and biocrusts) in a Mediterranean semiarid dryland located in Central Spain. MOISCRUST is a unique dataset for improving our understanding on how both vascular plants and biocrusts determine soil water dynamics in drylands, and thus to better assess their hydrological impacts and responses to ongoing climate change.

Oral involvement in mucormycosis. A retrospective study of 55 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Mucormycosis with oral involvement (OIM) is a rare opportunistic and lethal mycosis, which has increased in the last decade and is generally associated with uncontrolled diabetes and neutropenia. METHODS: A retrospective study of cases with OIM was carried out in a tertiary-care center. Mycological and histological examinations were performed, and the isolated organisms were identified by morphology and molecular biology. RESULTS: Fifty-five OIM patients were included, with a median age of 38 years (61.8% males). The most frequent associated disease was type-2 diabetes mellitus (61%), followed by neutropenia due to acute lymphocytic leukemia (27%). The main presentation was palatal and mandibular ulcers (92.7%) and, to a lesser extent, gingival and lingual necrosis. The diagnosis was established by mycological and histopathological studies. The most frequent fungi isolated was Rhizopus arrhizus (67.2%). CONCLUSION: OIM is a rapidly progressing disease, therefore, an early diagnosis and the proper control of predisposing factors is necessary, and consequently, contributing to improve the outcome of mucormycosis.

Oral involvement in mucormycosis. A retrospective study of 55 cases / Mucormicosis con compromiso oral. Estudio retrospectivo de 55 casos

Introduction: Mucormycosis with oral involvement (OIM) is a rare opportunistic and lethal mycosis, which has increased in the last decade and is generally associated with uncontrolled diabetes and neutropenia. Methods: A retrospective study of cases with OIM was carried out in a tertiary-care center. Mycological and histological examinations were performed, and the isolated organisms were identified by morphology and molecular biology. Results: Fifty-five OIM patients were included, with a median age of 38 years (61.8% males). The most frequent associated disease was type-2 diabetes mellitus (61%), followed by neutropenia due to acute lymphocytic leukemia (27%). The main presentation was palatal and mandibular ulcers (92.7%) and, to a lesser extent, gingival and lingual necrosis. The diagnosis was established by mycological and histopathological studies. The most frequent fungi isolated was Rhizopus arrhizus (67.2%). Conclusion: OIM is a rapidly progressing disease, therefore, an early diagnosis and the proper control of predisposing factors is necessary, and consequently, contributing to improve the outcome of mucormycosis.(AU)

Introducción: La mucormicosis con afectación oral (MAO) es una micosis oportunista, letal y poco frecuente, pero que ha aumentado en la última década y que generalmente se asocia a diabetes descontrolada y neutropenia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de casos con MAO en un centro de tercer nivel. Se realizaron examen micológico e histológico, y los organismos aislados se identificaron por morfología y biología molecular. Resultados: Se incluyeron 55 pacientes con MAO, con una mediana de edad de 38 años (61,8% varones). La enfermedad asociada más frecuente fue la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (61%), seguida de la neutropenia por leucemia linfocítica aguda (27%). La presentación principal fueron úlceras palatinas y mandibulares (92,7%) y, en menor medida, necrosis gingival y lingual. El diagnóstico se estableció con estudios micológicos e histopatológicos. El hongo más frecuentemente aislado fue Rhizopus arrhizus (67,2%). Conclusión: La MAO es una enfermedad de rápida evolución, por lo que es necesario un diagnóstico precoz y un adecuado control de los factores predisponentes y, en consecuencia, contribuir a mejorar la evolución de la mucormicosis.(AU)

Three years prospective clinical and radiologic follow-up of laparoscopic sacrocolpoperineopexy.

BACKGROUND: When Rectocele is part of a complex pelvic organ prolapse, a full repair is recommended. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results after laparoscopic surgery in patients with symptomatic rectocele and III/IV stage vaginal vault prolapse METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of women with symptomatic rectoceles and middle compartment prolapse operated on between 2013 and 2015, who underwent a laparoscopic sacrocolpoperineopexy with synthetic Y mesh attached to puborectalis muscles, the anterior and posterior vagina wall and the sacrum. The clinical outcomes measured were symptoms of prolapse, obstructive defecation syndrome and quality of life. Radiological outcomes were distance of the vaginal vault below pubococcigeal line and depth of rectovaginal wall protrusion in dynamic pelvic resonance. RESULTS: 33 patients were included. 32 of them remained asymptomatic after a three years follow-up. Significant differences were shown in the obstructed defecation score and quality of life after 6, 12 and 36 months compared to preoperatively. No differences were identified when the postoperative results were compared. Significant differences were shown in preoperative vaginal vault prolapse (3.2 cms ± 0.8 SD below the pubococcigeal Line) and rectocele size, compared with 1 and 3 years after surgery. There were no significant differences in vaginal vault prolapse when compared after 1 and 3 years. When rectocele size after 1 and 3 years was compared, significant differences were shown, but only one clinical recurrence (3%) was identified after a mean follow-up of 47 months. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic sacrocolpoperineopexy in patients with symptomatic rectocele and III/IV vaginal vault prolapse solves the constipation and obstructed defecation with an excellent quality of life and low clinical recurrences. Radiological deterioration, especially in rectocele size, was identified in the mid-term follow-up without clinical significance.

Microbial communities of the olive mill wastewater sludge stored in evaporation ponds: The resource for sustainable bioremediation.

Olive Mill Wastewater (OMW) is a polluting residue from the olive oil industry. It is usually stored in open-air unprotected evaporation ponds where their sediments accumulate. This study compares the characteristics of OMW sludges stored for long-time in evaporation ponds and assesses their impact on the underlying soil layer. Physicochemical parameters, toxicity bioassays, and full characterization of the microbial community were analyzed. The extension of the polluting effects was assessed by analysis of toxicity, microbial biomass carbon, and respiration. Geostatistics was used to predict their spatial distribution. Organic matter and polyphenol content besides toxicity levels determine variations between OMW sludges and have a high impact on the microbiota they contain. The microbial community was abundant, diverse, and functionally active. However, the biodegradability of the sludges was hindered by the toxicity levels. Toxicity and biomass carbon were higher on the surface of the ponds than in the soil layer revealing a reduced leach flow and depletion of contaminants. The natural microbiota might be biostimulated by means of applying sustainable and feasible biological treatments in order to favor the OMW sludges bioremediation. These results open up the possibility of solving the environmental concern caused by its storage in similar scenarios, which are common in olive oil-producing countries.

Oral involvement in mucormycosis. A retrospective study of 55 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Mucormycosis with oral involvement (OIM) is a rare opportunistic and lethal mycosis, which has increased in the last decade and is generally associated with uncontrolled diabetes and neutropenia. METHODS: A retrospective study of cases with OIM was carried out in a tertiary-care center. Mycological and histological examinations were performed, and the isolated organisms were identified by morphology and molecular biology. RESULTS: Fifty-five OIM patients were included, with a median age of 38 years (61.8% males). The most frequent associated disease was type-2 diabetes mellitus (61%), followed by neutropenia due to acute lymphocytic leukemia (27%). The main presentation was palatal and mandibular ulcers (92.7%) and, to a lesser extent, gingival and lingual necrosis. The diagnosis was established by mycological and histopathological studies. The most frequent fungi isolated was Rhizopus arrhizus (67.2%). CONCLUSION: OIM is a rapidly progressing disease, therefore, an early diagnosis and the proper control of predisposing factors is necessary, and consequently, contributing to improve the outcome of mucormycosis.

Increased vulnerability to impulsive behavior after streptococcal antigen exposure and antibiotic treatment in rats.

RATIONALE: The inflammation induced by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection has been viewed as a vulnerability factor in mental disorders characterized by inhibitory control deficits, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Antibiotic treatment reduces GAS symptoms; however, its effects on impulsivity have not been fully assessed. OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether GAS exposure during early adolescence might be a vulnerability factor for adult impulsivity, if antibiotic treatment acts as a protective factor, and whether these differences are accompanied by changes in the inflammatory cytokine frontostriatal regions. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were exposed to the GAS antigen or to vehicle plus adjuvants at postnatal day (PND) 35 (with two boosts), and they received either ampicillin (supplemented in the drinking water) or water alone from PND35 to PND70. Adult impulsivity was assessed using two different models, the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRT task) and the delay discounting task (DDT). The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-17 were measured in the prefrontal cortex (PFc), and the tumor necrosis factor α levels (TNFα) were measured in the PFc and nucleus accumbens (NAcc). RESULTS: GAS exposure and ampicillin treatment increased the waiting impulsivity by a higher number of premature responses when the animals were challenged by a long intertrial interval during the 5-CSRT task. The GAS exposure revealed higher impulsive choices at the highest delay (40 s) when tested by DDT, while coadministration with ampicillin prevented the impulsive choice. GAS exposure and ampicillin reduced the IL-6 and IL-17 levels in the PFc, and ampicillin treatment increased the TNFα levels in the NAcc. A regression analysis revealed a significant contribution of GAS exposure and TNFα levels to the observed effects. CONCLUSIONS: GAS exposure and ampicillin treatment induced an inhibitory control deficit in a different manner depending on the form of impulsivity measured here, with inflammatory long-term changes in the PFc and NAcc that might increase the vulnerability to impulsivity-related neuropsychiatric disorders.

Industrial composting of low carbon/nitrogen ratio mixtures of agri-food waste and impact on compost quality.

The agri-food waste (AW) require amendments for composting to adjust nutritional and physicochemical deficiencies. The theoretical mixtures formulation is difficult to reach on an industrial scale. The main objective of this work was to evaluate to what extent the composition of AW-based mixtures determines the quality of the final compost produced at the industrial scale. Raw materials having the same AW share characteristics, irrespectively of the amendments added, but their compost were different. All the materials were biological stable at the cooling phase, and mature enough at the end, although the degree of humification did not match with the absence of phytotoxicity. The final compost had sufficient quality even though the AW-based raw materials have a low C/N ratio (<20) and other characteristics such as high electrical conductivity (13 mS·cm-1) and pH (<8.5) that are unfavorable for composting. The management operations during industrial composting correct the deficiencies of raw materials.

Integral approach using bacterial microbiome to stabilize municipal solid waste.

Biological transformation of municipal solid waste is an environment-friendly management strategy against recalcitrant residues. The bacterial biome that inhabit said residues are responsible of decomposing both simple and complex materials. For this reason, processes such as composting, which favor the acceleration of the transformation of organic matter, can contribute to the degradation of municipal solid waste. Not only as mere fertilizer for crops, but also as methods for the recovery of solid waste. However, the control of the conditions necessary to achieve an optimal process on an industrial scale is a great concern. Thus, the aim of this work focuses on the characterization of the bacterial microbiome on three municipal solid waste facilities in order to deepen the role of microorganisms in the state of the final product obtained. For it, an intensive metagenomic analysis as well as a battery of physicochemical determinations were carried out. The lack of adequate thermophilic phases was decisive in finding certain bacterial genera, such as Lactobacillus, which was significant through these processes. Biodiversity did not follow a common pattern in the three processes, neither in abundance nor in richness but, in general, it was greater during the bio-oxidative stage. Despite the different trend in terms of the degradation of carbon fractions in these wastes, at the end of the biodegradation treatments, a sufficient degree of bioestabilization of the organic matter was reached. The results offer the opportunity to obtain a level of detail unprecedented of the structure, dynamics and function of the bacterial community in real conditions, without the control offered by laboratory conditions or pilot plants.

Social vulnerability to natural hazards in tourist destinations of developed regions.

Tourist destinations in developed regions constitute a complex production model of social vulnerability to natural hazards. On the one hand, the high geographical exposure of tourist areas, the volatility of demand or the tourists' lack of knowledge of the local culture of risk/disaster generate sensitivity. On the other hand, the socio-economic dynamism of the tourism industry, the quality of the urban infrastructure or the protection of the institutional framework generate adaptive capacity. The interaction of these two opposing forces gives rise to highly complex adaptive situations that require far-reaching conceptual frameworks. Several researchers have indicated that the mainstream approach to social vulnerability to natural hazards does not have this quality due to its descriptive, quantitative and synchronous nature. The objective of this study is to propose and apply a methodological approach directed at deciphering the complexity of the processes that generate social vulnerability of tourist destinations in developed regions. We select seismic risk of the coastal area of the province of Alicante (SE Spain) as case study. In order to construct and apply the methodological approach, we carried out desk research on the region of study and consulted local experts. This approach articulates a causal structure able to systematise the deep origin and driving forces of the sensitivity and adaptive capacity of the region. Key factors of sensitivity include: occupation of hazardous areas by tourists, low economic diversification, large residential area without earthquake-resistant regulations, lack of seismic culture or non-compliance of seismic risk management plans. Key factors of adaptive capacity include: cooperative relationships between long-stay tourists, multiplying effect of tourism activities, transport infrastructure, welfare state policies or rapid response mechanisms in emergencies. Findings offer an in-depth and holistic view of the generative process of social vulnerability, which is particularly useful for enhancing risk management tools.

Bioremediation of Olive Mill Wastewater sediments in evaporation ponds through in situ composting assisted by bioaugmentation.

The common method for the disposal of olive oil mill wastewater (OMW) has been its accumulation in evaporation ponds where OMW sediments concentrate. Due to the phytotoxic and antimicrobial effect of OMW, leaks from ponds can pollute soils and water bodies. This work focuses on the search for microorganisms that can be used as inocula for bioremediation of polluted matrices in OMW ponds by means of in situ composting. Two fungi isolated from OMW sediments, Aspergillus ochraceus H2 and Scedosporium apiospermum H16, presented suitable capabilities for this use as a consortium. Composting eliminated the phyto- and ecotoxicity of OMW sediments by depleting their main toxic components. Inoculation with the fungal consortium improved the bioremediation efficacy of the technique by hastening the decrease of phytotoxicity and ecotoxicity and enhancing phytostimulant property of compost produced. This procedure constitutes a promising strategy for bioremediation of OMW polluted sites.

Targeted axillary dissection in breast cancer by marking lymph node metastasis with a magnetic seed before starting neoadjuvant treatment.

We report the first documented clinical case of the use of magnetic seeds to mark axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer before neoadjuvant chemotherapy. After chemotherapy, the patient showed a complete radiological response. One single sentinel lymph node was detected using a radiotracer, while the marked node was intraoperative magnetometer-guided identified. The analysis of the nodes showed negative sentinel lymph node and positive marked node, and the subsequent targeted axillary dissection was performed. Marking axillary positive lymph nodes with a magnetic seed is a simple and effective procedure for the intraoperative localisation of the node after neoadjuvant treatment.

Utilidad del verde de indocianina para la localización del uréter de forma intra-operatoria en cirugía colorrectal compleja / Utility of indocyanine green for intra-operative localization of ureter in complex colo-rectal surgery

No disponible

Investigation of reverse ionic diffusion in forward-osmosis-aided dewatering of microalgae: A molecular dynamics study.

This study aimed to investigate the transport mechanisms of ions during forward-osmosis-driven (FO-driven) dewatering of microalgae using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The dynamical and structural properties of ions in FO systems of varying NaCl or MgCl2 draw solution (DS) concentrations were calculated and correlated. Results indicate that FO systems with higher DS concentration caused ions to have lower hydration numbers and higher coordination numbers leading to lower diffusion coefficients. The higher hydration number of Mg2+ ions resulted in significantly lower ionic permeability as compared to Na+ ions at all concentrations (p = 0.002). The simulations also revealed that higher DS concentrations led to higher accumulation of ions in the membrane. This study provides insights on the proper selection of DS for FO systems.

Water distribution management in South-East Spain: A guaranteed system in a context of scarce resources.

Growing global scarcity of water is forcing a change in their management models and the need to implement good governance schemes, understood as the implementation of legal, institutional and economic mechanisms that enable the efficient organisation of the activity developed by all of the agents involved in water management. In this sense, one of the greatest achievements in Spanish hydraulic history is the organisation called Mancomunidad de los Canales del Taibilla (MCT), whose existence usually goes unnoticed in one of the most arid regions of Europe: the South-East of Spain. Therefore, this study will analyse the MCT management model, based on the good governance of water, as well as their positive socio-economic impacts on population and areas supplied as a consequence of the quality and continuity of the urban supply, which has been extraordinarily beneficial for resolving health and hygiene and comfort problems. This is all thanks to the continual search for new sources of supply, in addition to efforts to improve leakage control, modernisation of management, educational campaigns implemented and the efficient and sustainable use of resources without financial unbalances.

Dissecting the individual contribution of conserved cysteines to the redox regulation of RubisCO.

Oxidation of the cysteines from ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) leads to inactivation and promotes structural changes that increase the proteolytic sensitivity and membrane association propensity related to its catabolism. To uncover the individual role of the different cysteines, the sequential order of modification under increasing oxidative conditions was determined using chemical labeling and mass spectrometry. Besides, site-directed RubisCO mutants were obtained in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii replacing single conserved cysteines (Cys84, Cys172, Cys192, Cys247, Cys284, Cys427, Cys459 from the large and sCys41, sCys83 from the small subunit) and the redox properties of the mutant enzymes were determined. All mutants retained significant carboxylase activity and grew photoautotrophically, indicating that these conserved cysteines are not essential for catalysis. Cys84 played a noticeable structural role, its replacement producing a structurally altered enzyme. While Cys247, Cys284, and sCys83 were not affected by the redox environment, all other residues were oxidized using a disulfide/thiol ratio of around two, except for Cys172 whose oxidation was distinctly delayed. Remarkably, Cys192 and Cys427 were apparently protective, their absence leading to a premature oxidation of critical residues (Cys172 and Cys459). These cysteines integrate a regulatory network that modulates RubisCO activity and conformation in response to oxidative conditions.

Laparoscopic intracorporeal rectus aponeuroplasty (LIRA technique): a step forward in minimally invasive abdominal wall reconstruction for ventral hernia repair (LVHR).

BACKGROUND: Closing the defect (CD) during laparoscopic ventral hernia repair began to be performed in order to decrease seroma, to improve the functionality of the abdominal wall, and to decrease the bulging effect. However, tension at the incision after CD in large defects is related to an increased rate of pain and recurrence. We present the preliminary results of a new technique for medium midline hernias as an alternative to conventional CD. METHODS: A prospective controlled study was conducted from January 2015 to January 2017 to evaluate an elective new procedure (LIRA) performed on patients with midline ventral hernias (4-10 cm width). The posterior rectus aponeurosis was opened lengthwise around the hernia defect using a laparoscopic approach to create two flaps and was then sutured. The size of the flaps was estimated using a mathematical formula. An on-lay mesh was placed intraperitoneal overlapping the fascia defect. The data analyzed included patient demographics, operative parameters, and complications. A computerized tomography was performed preoperatively and postoperatively (1 month and 1 year) to evaluate recurrence, distance between rectus and seroma. RESULTS: Twelve patients were included. Mean width of the defect was 5.5 cm. Average VAS (24 h) was 3.9, 1.1 (1 month), and 0 (1 year). Mean preoperative distance between rectus was 5.5 cm; postoperative was 2.2 cm (1 year). Radiological seroma at first month was detected in 50%. Mean follow-up was 15 months. CONCLUSION: The LIRA technique could be considered as an alternative to conventional CD or endoscopic component separation for medium defects under 10 cm in width. This technique obtained a "no tension" effect that could be related to a lower rate of postoperative pain with no recurrence or bulging, being a safe, feasible, and reproducible technique.

Correction to: Safety and effectiveness of self-adhesive mesh in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using transabdominal preperitoneal route.

The metadata listed the wrong given names and family names.

Safety and effectiveness of self-adhesive mesh in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using transabdominal preperitoneal route.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic ventral or incisional hernia repair requires intraperitoneal mesh placement. This is associated with an increase in adhesions, bowel obstruction and enterocutaneous fistula. Intraabdominal meshes are laparoscopically fixed using traumatic fixation methods that increase acute, chronic pain and adhesions to bowel loops. The aim was to check the safety and effectiveness of the laparoscopic approach in ventral or incisional hernia, using a self-adhesive mesh in the preperitoneal space without tacks or transfascial sutures, and to objectively assess its benefits and complications. METHODS: Patients aged between 18 and 67 years old with medial, lateral ventral and incisional hernias between 3 and 8 cm in size were included in this study. Fifty patients were included in the study, which was conducted between January 2013 and March 2015. RESULTS: The average length of surgery was 57.3 ± 18 min. The average hospital stay was 1.1 ± 0.3 days. The average time taken to return to work was 9.2 ± 2.4 days. The most common post-operative complication was seroma, which was observed in 13 patients (26 %). The average follow-up was 15.4 ± 5.5 months. Three patients were lost to follow-up during this period. There was no hernia recurrence during examination nor on CT scan during the follow-up period. The average score on the visual analogue scale before surgery was 4 ± 1. After surgery, the score was as follows: 3 ± 0.8 on the first day after surgery, 0.9 ± 0.5 after the first week, 0.4 ± 0.4 after the first month and 0 after 90 days. No patient showed chronic pain. Overall satisfaction (VAS for surgery) was 8.3 ± 0.6. CONCLUSIONS: The use of self-adhesive meshes during the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal approach in small- and medium-sized ventral or incisional hernias is safe and effective, with low post-operative pain, quick functional recovery and high overall satisfaction after surgery with no increase in recurrence in the short term.