Gran Canaria Island Research Articles

Malaria in Paradise: Characterization of Imported Cases in Gran Canaria Island (1993–2006)

Spain obtained the official certificate of malaria eradication in 1964. However, imported malaria cases have been increasing during the last few decades in this country. This study aims to describe the clinical and epidemiological features of patients diagnosed with malaria on Gran Canaria Island. A retrospective study was conducted based on case review of all patients diagnosed with malaria microbiologically confirmed from 1993 to 2006, at the three referral teaching hospitals on Gran Canaria Island. One hundred eighty-four episodes in 181 patients were diagnosed, 170 of them were analyzed. Most of them (82%) were travelers. Nearly 15% (14.7%) declared having had some chemoprophylaxis, but only half of them completed the treatment. Twenty cases (10.9%) were diagnosed who had just arrived as immigrants, mainly children. Malaria was acquired in Africa by 94.7% of the cases and Plasmodium falciparum was responsible for the majority of the cases (84.1%). Clinical and epidemiological differences were observed among different groups of patients formed by their origin and travel purposes. At least one indicator of severe malaria was established in 22.9% of the cases. However, global mortality was 3.8%. Malaria in Gran Canaria Island is imported from endemic areas, mainly from African countries, observed mostly among young adult males, but clinical and epidemiological features may change among different groups of patients. The number of immigrants diagnosed with malaria is increasing in this area nowadays.

Effects of Manidipine and its Combination with an ACE Inhibitor on Insulin Sensitivity and Metabolic, Inflammatory and Prothrombotic Markers in Hypertensive Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is common in patients with hypertension and increases the risk of developing diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study (the MARCADOR study) was to compare the effects of manidipine 20 mg with the extemporary combination of manidipine 10 mg/lisinopril 10 mg, amlodipine 10 mg and telmisartan 80 mg on insulin sensitivity, as well as metabolic, inflammatory and prothrombotic markers, in hypertensive non-diabetic patients with metabolic syndrome. This study had a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint (PROBE) design. A total of 120 patients aged 35-75 years with stage I-II essential hypertension (systolic blood pressure [BP] 140-179 mmHg, diastolic BP 90-109 mmHg) and metabolic syndrome were recruited from general practitioner clinics in Northern Gran Canaria Island, Spain and randomized to receive amlodipine 10 mg (n = 30), telmisartan 80 mg (n = 30), manidipine 20 mg (n = 30) or (low-dose) manidipine 10 mg/lisinopril 10 mg (n = 30), all administered once daily. At baseline and after 14 weeks of treatment, BP, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and albumin and metanephrin excretion as well as several other metabolic, inflammatory, prothrombotic and growth/adhesion markers were measured. The primary endpoint was the change in insulin sensitivity. A total of 115 patients completed the study. All treatments significantly lowered BP from baseline. Compared with amlodipine, manidipine had significantly superior effects (p < 0.05) on insulin resistance (-26.5% vs -3.0%), albumin/creatinine ratio (-28.2% vs -3.6%), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (-6.8% vs +1.7%), and several other metabolic, inflammatory and prothrombotic markers. Manidipine was associated with a slightly greater increase in insulin sensitivity than manidipine/lisinopril, but manidipine/lisinopril was significantly more effective than manidipine and telmisartan for improving a number of metabolic, inflammatory, prothrombotic and growth/adhesion markers. Amlodipine was associated with a significantly greater incidence of adverse effects compared with telmisartan, manidipine and manidipine/lisinopril (26.7% vs 3.3%, 3.3% and 13.3%, respectively). In patients with hypertension and metabolic syndrome, manidipine, both alone and in combination with the ACE inhibitor lisinopril, is significantly superior to amlodipine for improving insulin sensitivity as well as several metabolic, inflammatory and prothrombotic markers. Furthermore, the combination of manidipine and lisinopril appears to have greater efficacy than manidipine alone and telmisartan with respect to the improvement of metabolic, inflammatory and prothrombotic markers.

Intra- and interannual variability in the larval fish assemblage off Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) over 2005–2007

The present study provides the longest and most intensive plankton and larval fish seasonal variability analysis in the Canary Islands and forms a basis for understanding life cycle scheduling and interactions among species, as well as the potential variability in transport processes of early life stages. Larval fish assemblages were studied weekly at Gran Canaria Island, Canary Islands, from January 2005 to June 2007, which represented two contrasting hydrological and biological periods. The former year was characterized by lower temperature and salinity that increased through 2006 and 2007. In contrast, chlorophyll concentration and mesozooplankton biomass decreased through the same period, especially when only the late winter bloom period was evaluated. However, ichthyoplankton abundance did not exhibit any clear pattern, as larger values were observed during 2006. The larval fish community of this oceanic island, located near the NW African upwelling, was composed of both neritic and oceanic taxa. Two families accounted for almost half of the collected larvae: Clupeidae (21.9%) and Myctophidae (20.5%). Although total larval concentration did not exhibit any seasonal peak linked to changes in zooplankton, the ichthyoplankton composition gradually changed during the year due to the high diversity and extended spawning periods of the fish species represented in samples. “Winter” and “summer” larval assemblages were identified, corresponding to the mixing and stratification periods of the water column, respectively. These assemblages were characterized by changes in the contribution of the most abundant annual taxa (Sardinella aurita,Cyclothone braueri, Ceratoscopelus spp. and Gobids) and by the presence of larvae of winter (Pagellus bogaraveo, Pomacentridae sp1) or summer spawners (Pomacentridae sp2, Trachinus draco, Arnoglossus thori, Tetraodontidae sp1). Upwelling filaments shed from the NW African coast reached the sampling area three times during this study, but changes in the local larval community were only detected in August 2005.

Applicability of microwave-assisted extraction combined with LC–MS/MS in the evaluation of booster biocide levels in harbour sediments

A new sample treatment method for the determination of four common booster biocides (Diuron, TCMTB, Irgarol 1051 and Dichlofluanid) in harbour sediment samples has been developed that uses liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) after microwave-assisted extraction, followed by clean-up and a solid phase extraction preconcentration step (MAE–SPE). The effects of different variables on MAE–SPE were studied. The recoveries obtained were greater than 75%, and the relative standard deviation was less than 7%. The detection limits ranged between 0.1 and 0.3 ng g −1. The developed methodology was successfully applied to the evaluation of the presence of booster biocides in sediment samples from different harbours and marinas of Gran Canaria Island (Canary Islands, Spain).

Species identification and genetic structure of threatened seahorses in Gran Canaria Island (Spain) using mitochondrial and microsatellite markers

A non-invasive DNA analysis of seahorse populations was carried out after extensive underwater surveys in Gran Canaria Island (Spain). In this geographical area, the presence of two species, Hippocampus hippocampus and H. guttulatus, has been previously reported. Sequencing of 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) was used for specific identification of live seahorses sampled in situ, as a previous step to evaluate genetic structure based on ten microsatellite markers. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of a single species, H. hippocampus, in the seahorse communities found at Gran Canaria. No evidences of H. guttulatus or interspecific hybrids were found based on 16S rDNA and microsatellite data. The nuclear markers revealed low genetic diversity and lack of population structure across populations of Gran Canaria Island, with evidence of small population sizes. This study provides critical information to support conservation strategies of Gran Canaria seahorses.

Characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing isolates from the Mediterranean area

BackgroundThe Beijing lineage of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is causing concern due to its global distribution and its involvement in severe outbreaks. Studies focused on this lineage are mainly restricted to geographical settings where its prevalence is high, whereas those in other areas are scarce. In this study, we analyze Beijing isolates in the Mediterranean area, where this lineage is not prevalent and is mainly associated with immigrant cases.ResultsOnly 1% (N = 26) of the isolates from two population-based studies in Spain corresponded to Beijing strains, most of which were pan-susceptible and from Peruvian and Ecuadorian patients. Restriction fragment length polymorphism typing with the insertion sequence IS6110 identified three small clusters (2-3 cases). Mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number tandem repeat typing (MIRU-15) offered low discriminatory power, requiring the introduction of five additional loci. A selection of the Beijing isolates identified in the Spanish sample, together with a sample of Beijing strains from Italy, to broaden the analysis context in the Mediterranean area, were assayed in an infection model with THP-1 cells. A wide range of intracellular growth rates was observed with only two isolates showing an increased intracellular replication, in both cases associated with contained production of TNF-α. No correlation was observed between virulence and the Beijing phylogenetic group, clustered/orphan status, or resistance. The Beijing strain responsible for extensive spread on Gran Canaria Island was also identified in Madrid, but did not lead to secondary cases and did not show high infectivity in the infection model.ConclusionsThe Beijing lineage in our area is a non-homogeneous family, with only certain highly virulent representatives. The specific characterization of Beijing isolates in different settings could help us to accurately identify the virulent representatives before making general assumptions about this lineage.

Kinematic model for Tenerife Island (Canary Islands, Spain): Geodynamic interpretation in the Nubian plate context

Establishment of a geodetic network in Tenerife is the starting point for the use of GPS and other precise geodetic techniques in the support of the study of kinematics and their relation with island volcanic activity. This paper is focused on the characterization of volcanotectonic activity of Tenerife, to determine the geodynamic framework for volcanic surveillance. TEGETEIDE network, set up in 2005 and re-observed each year, is composed of seven GNSS–GPS stations scattered throughout the island. A horizontal deformation model is presented in order to explain the observed island displacement pattern in the geodynamic context of the Nubian plate. According to the models obtained, the most important geologic structures, such as the volcanic rifts and the caldera, determine the current deformation pattern of Tenerife. The geodynamics of the most stable areas of the island behave similarly to that observed from the permanent GNSS–GPS reference stations located in La Palma and Gran Canaria Islands. Anomalous geodynamic behaviour has been detected in two zones of Tenerife, which configure an NW–SE axis crossing the central sector of the island, related with the volcanotectonic activity of the island and its surroundings.

Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in domestic ruminants in Gran Canaria island, Spain

Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever, a zoonosis with worldwide occurrence. In the Canary Islands, the overall seroprevalence in humans has been estimated to be 21.5%. Gran Canaria island concentrates the highest ruminant population in the archipelago and the prevalence of the human infection is 23.5%. To evaluate the seroprevalence in livestock and the affected areas in Gran Canaria island, a total of 1249 ruminants were randomly selected for this study (733 goats, 369 sheep and 147 cattle). The samples were evaluated using an indirect ELISA Kit. The results showed seroprevalences of 60.4%, 31.7% and 12.2% in goats, sheep and cattle, respectively. Based on these results, Q fever could be considered as endemic in Gran Canaria island. Sanitary measures should be taken at the farm level to minimize the risk of exposure of C. burnetii to humans.

Mumps Orchitis in the Post-Vaccine Era (1967-2009)

Since the introduction of the mumps vaccine, the age of appearance of mumps infection has shifted from children to adolescents and young adults, groups with a higher incidence of disease complications and sequelae. During the years 2000-2001, the Gran Canaria Island was part of an epidemic of mumps. In that period, our institution attended 67 cases of serologically confirmed acute mumps orchitis, the most serious complication of mumps infection in young postpubertal males. We conducted a descriptive and prospective study of this cohort and extensively reviewed the literature from 1967 (the year the first mumps vaccine was introduced) to 2009. Fifty-six patients were admitted because of general impairment and were treated with alpha-interferon. Sixty-six patients presented parotitis previous to orchitis (interval from parotitis to orchitis, 4.9 d). Orchitis was unilateral in 89.5% and bilateral in 10.4% of cases. More than 98% of patients had orchitis-associated fever. Nine patients had clinical and biochemical data showing acute mumps meningitis, and 11 had subclinical pancreatitis. The mean duration of symptoms was 4.6 days (range, 1-9). During the acute phase, more than 41% of the evaluated testes had a volume >25 mL. Acute hormonal disturbances were highly prevalent. These included decreased levels of testosterone and inhibin B with low or normal levels of gonadotropins in 35% of subjects, and, to our knowledge not previously reported, an atypical hormonal pattern consisting of low levels of free testosterone and inhibin B, along with increased measures of luteinizing hormone but low or normal follicle-stimulating hormone levels (11% of cases). During the follow-up period (mean, 331 d) a high incidence of sperm disturbance was found.

Seasonal variability of the oceanic upper layer and its modulation of biological cycles in the Canary Island region

The Canary Island region is rich in mesoscale phenomena that affect cycles of physical and biological processes. A 1D version of the Regional Oceanic Modeling System (ROMS) is used south of the Gran Canaria Island to simulate seasonal climatologies of these cycles. The model is forced with monthly air–sea fluxes averaged from 1993 to 2002 and initialized with mean in situ profiles of temperature, salinity, oxygen and nitrate concentrations. The K-Profile Parameterization (KPP) mixed layer submodel is compared with other submodels using idealized numerical experiments. When forced with realistic air–sea fluxes, the model correctly reproduces the annual cycle of temperature (mixed layer depth), with minimum surface values of 18 °C (maximal depth > 105 m) in February during convective mixing resulting from a negative heat flux. Maximum temperatures above 23 °C (minimal depth < 20 m) are simulated from September to October after strong summer heating and a decrease in Trade Winds intensity. A simple ecosystem model is coupled to the physical model, which provides simulated biological cycles that are in agreement with regional observations. A phytoplankton bloom develops in late winter, driven by the injection of new nutrients into the euphotic layer. Simulated chlorophyll shows a deep maximum fluctuating around 100 m with concentrations around 1 mg Chl a m − 3 , while surface values are low (around 0.1 mg Chl a m − 3 ) during most of the year. The physical and biological model results are validated by comparisons with data from regional studies, climatological fields and time-series from the ESTOC station.

New quality criteria in wastewater reuse: The case of Gran Canaria

Wastewater reuse plays a key role in this vital cycle of water because it is able to reduce the wastewater spilled. Simultaneously, the supply of water for specific uses is increased. A new regulation (Royal Decree 1620/2007) came into force in Spain in December 2007 and regulates the basic conditions for the wastewater reuse and establishes the required criteria of quality to waters according to use. In the present paper, different kinds of tertiary treatments in reuse of wastewater are described. We focused on the applied tertiary treatments in most wastewater treatment plants of Gran Canaria Island. Particularly, we analysed Hoya del Pozo wastewater treatment plant due to its wide number of technologies and processes. Finally, we reviewed the quality criteria used in the regenerated waters, in agreement with the new regulations.

The ichthyoplankton assemblage of the Canaries–African Coastal Transition Zone: A review

In this paper we review information on the ichthyoplankton assemblage of the Canaries–African Coastal Transition Zone (C–ACTZ). This CTZ shows the singularity that the Canary Archipelago interrupts the main flow of the Canary Current and Trade Winds, introducing large mesoscale variability, in the form of island warm wakes and cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies downstream of the islands. Besides, upwelling filaments stretch towards the archipelago from the African coastal upwelling, transporting phytoplankton, zooplankton and fish larvae. They also interact with eddies shed from the islands to exchange water properties and biogenic material. All these mesoscale features influence the composition, structure, abundance and distribution of the larval fish community (LFC) of the region. The Canary Current (CC) and eddies shed from the islands drag larvae of island neritic fish species into the oceanic region and contribute, along warm wakes, to the horizontal distribution of fish larvae. Upwelling and upwelling filaments transport larvae of African neritic species into the oceanic region. These larvae dominate the LFC and account for the relatively high average larval fish abundance found in the C–ACTZ during the summer upwelling season. Filaments originated in the region of Cape Juby–Cape Bojador are entrained around a quasi-permanent cyclonic eddy, trapped between Gran Canaria Island and the African coast, forming a system through which most of the African neritic larvae may return to the African shelf. However, some larvae reach the eastern islands of the Canary archipelago and they may be spread all over the neritic region of the archipelago by eddies shed from the islands. Also in summer, the distribution of the LFC of the C–ACTZ is vertically stratified and fish larvae seem to carry out little or not diel vertical migration. Overall, this study highlights the strong relationship between mesoscale oceanographic processes and the LFC in the C–ACTZ.

Composition, distribution, and diversity of pelagic fishes around the Canary Islands, Eastern Central Atlantic

Oceanic islands of volcanic origin have a narrow shelf and a steep slope that should lead to considerable spatial overlap among coastal and oceanic fauna. During six pelagic surveys in the Canarian archipelago, Eastern Central Atlantic, over 65,000 fishes belonging to 211 species were collected at depths between 8 and 1035 m. The mesopelagic families of the lanternfishes (Myctophidae) and the bristlemouths (Gonostomatidae) accounted for about 50% of all specimens. By multivariate classification and ordination methods four different assemblages associated with mesopelagic, epipelagic–oceanic or coastal habitats could be identified. Two of these assemblages were coastal, differing in the proportion of meso- and epipelagic species. These data indicate intense horizontal migrations of mesopelagic fishes (mainly Myctophidae) into the neritic realm and increased interactions between coastal and oceanic habitats. Alpha diversity indices were higher and dominance was lower in oceanic habitats compared to the coastal realm. No marked differences among oceanographically similar areas of the entire archipelago were found. Beta diversity as a measure of similarity among sites or samples revealed variabilities between areas south of Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura islands. A considerable heterogeneity in species distribution was found off SE Fuerteventura in an area with high hydrographic variability. Therefore, both topography and hydrography are important factors influencing the distribution and abundance of pelagic fishes in this oceanic archipelago.

Sex identification and biomass reconstruction from the cuttlebone of Sepia officinalis

Significant differences were found between males and females in the fragmocone, external cone and widths of the cuttlebone in Sepia officinalis caught in the small-scale trap fishery off Gran Canaria Island (Spain). It is suggested that: (a) differences may depend on morphological adaptations of females for egg laying; (b) cuttlebones represent over 50% of the total cuttlefish caught (which is unrecorded in the fishery); and (c) the relationships between several morphometric measures of the cuttlebone and the mantle length and wet weight may allow more accurate biomass estimations of this species in the fishery.

Morphology of first seven larval stages of the striped soldier shrimp, Plesionika edwardsii (Brandt, 1851) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Pandalidae) from laboratory reared material

With the idea of starting a research program for the biological study of Plesionika edwardsii, eight ovigerous females were collected with artisanal bottom traps at 220 m depth in the Southwest of Gran Canaria island, north-western Africa (27º43.864´N 15º47.822´W), for laboratory larval cultures. The first seven zoeal stages of Plesionika edwardsii were obtained for 20 days after hatching at 23.4 ± 0.4ºC, 10ºC above adult habitat temperature. The zoeal stages are described and illustrated, constituting the first detailed larval description of the genus Plesionika. The larval morphology is compared with previous larval descriptions attributed to Plesionika spp. collected in plankton tows and with descriptions of the first stage of development of Plesionika acanthonotus reared in laboratory.

Morphology of first seven larval stages of the striped soldier shrimp, Plesionika edwardsii (Brandt, 1851) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Pandalidae) from laboratory reared material

With the idea of starting a research program for the biological study of Plesionika edwardsii, eight ovigerous females were collected with artisanal bottom traps at 220 m depth in the Southwest of Gran Canaria island, north-western Africa (27o43.864´N 15o47.822´W), for laboratory larval cultures. The first seven zoeal stages of Plesionika edwardsii were obtained for 20 days after hatching at 23.4 ± 0.4oC, 10oC above adult habitat temperature. The zoeal stages are described and illustrated, constituting the first detailed larval description of the genus Plesionika. The larval morphology is compared with previous larval descriptions attributed to Plesionika spp. collected in plankton tows and with descriptions of the first stage of development of Plesionika acanthonotus reared in laboratory.

Geomorphological reconstruction and morphometric modelling applied to past volcanism

Accurate and precise morphometric modelling can be extended to past eruptions after a careful palaeogeomorphological reconstruction of volcanic landforms in an oceanic island. This reconstruction was used to derive the pre-, post-eruption and present-day digital elevation models (DEM). The correct pixel size, interpolation method and quality of these DEMs are discussed. The process in a Geographical Information System framework of the geological information of cone, lava flow and tephra fall deposits together and the aforementioned DEMs allowed the determination of main morphological features of these volcanic landforms and their derivatives. The calibration and validation of morphometric modelling were performed on simulated volcanic landforms, and verified by a case study: a typical Holocene monogenetic basaltic eruption at Gran Canaria Island (Spain).

Larval fish abundance and distribution during the late winter bloom off Gran Canaria Island, Canary Islands

AbstractThe species composition, distribution and abundance of fish larvae off Gran Canaria (Canary Islands), an oceanic island in the NE Atlantic, were studied from January to August 2005. Weekly samplings were carried out at six stations in the eastern and southern flanks of the island, at the edge of the island shelf, in order to analyze the fluctuations of the planktonic community. The highest chlorophyll a values were recorded in March, coinciding with the lowest values of temperature in the mixed layer, which gave rise to the ‘late winter bloom’. Mesozooplankton biomass peaked with only a week‐lag to phytoplankton, and its average value (13.5 ± 10.9 SD mg dry weight m−3) was typical for the area. A clear windward‐leeward distribution pattern was found for small mesozooplankton and neritic larvae, showing higher values in two stagnation points, upstream and downstream of the island. A total of 128 taxa of fish larvae were identified. Neritic and oceanic larvae appeared in quite similar proportions. Only three families accounted for half of the total larval fish collected: Myctophidae (24.9%), Sparidae (12.7%) and Clupeidae (11.9%). Sardinella aurita (8% of total larvae collected) was the most abundant species, appearing during the whole period of study and at each of the six sampled stations. Sardina pilchardus larvae were rarely captured but were always encountered with the arrival of NW African upwelling filaments to the island coast, suggesting that these larvae were transported in those mesoscale structures.

A opinião sobre uma crise turística: a cultura mediática nos bastidores

No presente artigo examina-se o comportamento de 15 entrevistados pelo jornal La Província de Palmas de Gran Canarias (Espanha), através das suas opiniões sobre a crise no setor turístico. Utilizando a técnica de Análise do Discurso investiga-se o verdadeiro significado da crise nas viagens que se instalou naquela ilha do arquipélago canário. O resultado mostra que os entrevistados, com responsabilidade sobre a tomada de decisões, minimizam sua parte de culpa na crise turística e no excesso de hospedagens e tentam convencer aos leitores de que essa responsabilidade deve-se a outros setores e não às decisões internas e a fatores externos relacionados com a comercialização do “produto turístico” Las Palmas por parte de operadoras estrangeiras. Confirma-se, parcialmente, a hipótese de que muitas vezes “o que é transmitido produz a sensação de que algo é ocultado ou que não se diz toda a verdade”.

Differences in traditional and emerging cardiovascular risk factors of subjects discordantly classified by metabolic syndrome definitions of the International Diabetes Federation and the National Cholesterol Education Program

Background and aim Several working definitions of metabolic syndrome have been proposed for clinical use. However, individuals can be discordantly classified as having or not having metabolic syndrome depending on the choice of one or another definition. This study compared the cardiovascular risk profile of subjects concordantly and discordantly diagnosed by the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Methods and results Nine hundred and twenty-nine non-diabetic adult subjects belonging to a cross-sectional population-based study in Gran Canaria island (Spain) were assessed. Participants completed a questionnaire and underwent physical examination, fasting blood analyses, and a standardized oral glucose tolerance test. Two hundred and four subjects (22%) had metabolic syndrome according to both definitions, 31 (3.3%) only by the IDF criteria, and 5 (0.5%) only by the NCEP criteria. Participants fulfilling both proposals showed more adverse age and sex-adjusted measures of BMI, waist, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, post-load glucose, HOMA-IR and plasminogen inhibitor activator-1 (PAI-1) than individuals exclusively satisfying the IDF criteria. Moreover, in contrast to subjects meeting both criteria, those that fulfilled only the IDF criteria had levels of BMI, waist, total and HDL cholesterol, post-load glucose, glycated HbA1c, C-reactive protein, PAI-1 and fibrinogen not significantly different from those observed in subjects without metabolic syndrome. Conclusion The IDF definition identifies a surplus of individuals whose cardiovascular risk profile, particularly regarding to some non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors, is less adverse than that observed in subjects also diagnosed by the NCEP definition.