Northwestern Spain Research Articles

London Plane Tree Pollen and Pla A 1 Allergen Concentrations Assessment in Urban Environments

The London plane tree is frequently used in gardens, parks, and avenues in European urban areas for ornamental purposes with the aim to provide shade, and given its tolerance to atmospheric pollution. Nevertheless, unfortunately, over recent decades, bioaerosols such as Platanus pollen grains cause increasing human health problems such as allergies or respiratory tract infections. An aerobiological sampling of airborne Platanus pollen and Pla a 1 allergen was performed using two volumetric traps placed on the roof of the Science Faculty building of the city of Ourense from 2009 to 2020. A volumetric sampler Hirst–type Lanzoni VPPS 2000 (Lanzoni s.r.l. Bologna, Italy) was used for pollen sampling. Pla a 1 aeroallergen was sampled by using a Burkard Multi-Vial Cyclone Sampler (Burkard Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Hertfordshire, UK) and by means of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Data mining algorithms, C5.0 decision trees, and rule-based models were assessed to evaluate the effects of the main meteorological factors in the pollen or allergen concentrations. Plane trees bloom in late winter and spring months in the Northwestern Spain area. Regarding the trends of the parameters that define the Platanus pollen season, the allergen values fitted the concentrations of pollen in the air in most cases. In addition, it was observed that a decrease in maximum temperatures causes a descent in both pollen and allergen concentrations. However, the presence of precipitations only increases the level of allergens. When the risk of allergy symptomatology was jointly assessed for both the concentration of pollen and allergens in the study area, the number of days with moderate and high risk for pollen allergy in sensitive people increased with respect to traditional alerts considering only the pollen values.

A clustering approach to analyse the environmental and energetic impacts of Atlantic recipes - A Galician gastronomy case study

The definition of the term gastronomy encompasses both the knowledge of food and its handling, preparation and consumption. Beyond a sense of cultural identity and tradition, gastronomy also represents a pole of tourist attraction. This is the case of Galicia, a region in north-western Spain. Within this framework, local dishes, which include distinctive elements of the Atlantic diet, have gained popularity. This research delves into the sustainability of 60 Galician recipes by performing a hierarchical cluster analysis to study their carbon footprint, the energy return on investment ratio and cost.The life cycle assessment methodology was followed to account for the carbon footprint and the energy return on investment ratio of the recipes. The scope was bounded to the cradle-to-fork phases through the life cycle: production of the ingredients, transport, and meal preparation. The functional unit selected was one serving of a Galician meal.The results suggest that the recipes could be classified into three main groups according to the presence of a greater or lesser amount of animal-based products. Cluster 1 comprises 10 meat recipes. Cluster 2 encompasses 31 recipes rich in fish with some vegetables and moderate consumption of red meat and dairy products. Cluster 3 includes 22 vegetable-based recipes. The higher the portion of animal products in the recipes (mainly red meat), the higher the costs and carbon footprint and the lower the energy return on investment ratio. Conversely, plant-based recipes tend to reduce greenhouse gases emissions and increase cost competitiveness and energy efficiency indicators.Based on this study, the food service could promote eco-labelling that support and certify restaurant menus. This research could also provide transformative climate education for sustainable food for consumers, giving advice to improve food-based dietary guidelines in Spain.

Diet and grit characteristics in young Eurasian Bullfinches (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) inhabiting Iberian hedgerows

For the first time, the diet of young Iberian Bullfinches (Pyrrhula pyrrhula iberiae) is studied, specifically in a hedgerow habitat in northwestern Spain, through stomach (younger nestlings up to 8 d of age, which died without researcher intervention) and faecal sac (older nestlings) analysis, and secondarily direct observation (nestlings and dependent juveniles). Also, for the first time, grit use by bullfinch nestlings is described in some detail. Bullfinches fed their young with a mixture of seeds and invertebrates, with greater quantitative importance of the former. The identity of the seeds varied considerably between spring and summer, and animal fraction gradually decreased from May to July for older nestlings, in both cases presumably because of the seasonal changes in food availability. Caterpillars and spiders were the most important arthropod prey in the diet. Apparently, the young were not fed non-arthropod invertebrates. The relative importance of invertebrates, which are very rich in proteins, was greater for younger nestlings than for older ones. Difficult to digest hard-bodied prey, such as beetles, were not present in the stomachs of the youngest nestlings. The frequency of occurrence and amount of grit in stomachs increased with nestling age, along with the need to grind food. There were no remarkable differences in number of units, size, or number of colour types of gastroliths between months. The high floristic diversity in the study area, which has great overall conservation value, provides a wide range of resources for bullfinches, including plenty of food for their young.

Jurassic Palynology from "The Dinosaur Coast" of Asturias (Lastres Fm., Northwestern Spain): Palynostratigraphical and Palaeoecological Insights.

Abundant fossils of vertebrates (mainly footprints and bones of dinosaurs) and numerous invertebrates occur in the Upper Jurassic deposits of the Lastres Formation in the Asturias region, North of Spain. However, no palynological study has been published from this geological formation; therefore, much palaeoenvironmental and palaeoecological information is still unknown. In this study, a total of 62 morphospecies, belonging to 49 different morphogenera were identified, including pollen, spores, algae remains, fungi spores, dinoflagellates, foraminifera, and scolecodonts from four different locations on the Asturian coast. Spores are the dominant group of palynomorphs, both in diversity and abundance, contrasting with the minor diversity of pollen grains. The age of some key taxa indicates that the palynological assemblage cannot be older than the Kimmeridgian, suggesting a Kimmeridgian-Tithonian age. The botanical and environmental affinities of the pollen and spores indicate the presence of different plant assemblages, including plant communities from humid areas such as the margin of rivers and small freshwater ponds that were dominated by bryophytes and ferns, and a coastal plant community that would inhabit arid areas and would be dominated by gymnosperms and some pteridophytes. The SEM analyses of wood remains show the abundance of charcoalified remains suggesting that wildfires were usual in "The Dinosaur Coast" of Asturias during the Kimmeridgian.

Factors in the Responsible Management of the Luna Valley Complex Geosite (NW Spain)—A Case Study

The Luna Valley complex geosite (northwestern Spain) is a region of geoheritage significance located in an area with high environmental value. Geological studies began in the mid-20th century and continue to provide scientific data of significant relevance to the knowledge regarding the Palaeozoic stratigraphy of northern Gondwana and the tectonics of the Variscan orogen. This region also has high value for geoeducation, being visited regularly by both students and the general public. Educational use of the area has promoted the creation of several publicly available materials and activities that include trails, guides, displays and brochures, as well as the development of a small museum. However, over time, weathering; the abandonment of rural life; and the intensive, uncontrolled, and careless use of this region as a geosite for scientific and educational purposes has led to significant degradation and the consequent loss of its geoheritage value. This paper describes the geology of five key geosites in the Luna Valley. This is followed by a review of the promotional initiatives carried out in the area. These data, along with our knowledge of the area, allow us to develop a heritage analysis that includes the main geological interests, conservation status and some key management issues for each of these five individual sites. Several recommendations aim to control the physical degradation of the geosites, encourage their regular monitoring and the updating of the outreach materials using virtual tools, and promote the involvement of the local population in the conservation of this unique site.

The Influence of the Socioeconomic Status and the Density of the Population on the Outcome After Peripheral Artery Disease

Low socioeconomic status (SES) and living in a rural environment are associated with poorer health and a higher number of amputations among the population at large. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of low SES and of the degree of urbanization on the short-term and long-term results of patients after revascularization for peripheral artery disease. An observational retrospective follow-up study of 770 patients operated on for peripheral artery disease at three university centers in north-western Spain from January 2015 to December 2016. The events studied were Rutherford classification of severity upon admission, direct amputation, amputations in the follow-up period, new revascularization procedures, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and overall mortality. Mean personal income and income of the household associated with the street in which each patient lived and the degree of urbanization in three areas as per Eurostat criteria:densely populated areas, intermediate density areas, and thinly populated areas. Comorbidity, surgical, and follow-up variables were also collected. Descriptive analysis and Cox regression were used. Approval was obtained from the regional ethics committee. Median follow-up was 47.5months. MACE occurred in 21.5% of the series and overall mortality was 47.0%. Living in a thinly populated area is associated with a lower risk of MACE (adjusted subhazard ratio=0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39-0.91). Overall survival is lower in intermediate density area patients (adjusted Hazard Ratio=1.46; 95% CI: 1.07-2.00). The third quartile of mean personal and household income is associated with a higher risk of major amputation at follow-up (adjusted Odds Ratio 1.92, 95% CI: 1.05-3.52 and adjusted Odds Ratio 1.93, 95% CI: 1.0.3-3.61, respectively). Patients who live in a densely populated area run a higher risk of MACE. SESis neither associated with worse outcomes after surgery nor with MACE in long-term follow-up.

The Southern European Atlantic Diet and depression incidence: a multicohort study

Abstract Background The Southern European Atlantic Diet (SEAD) is the traditional diet of Northern Portugal and North-Western Spain, but it may resemble that of other European countries. Higher adherence to SEAD has been associated with lower risk for myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality, but its relationship with mental health is uncertain. We examined the association between SEAD and depression incidence in Southern, Central, and Eastern Europe. Methods We used data from participants ≥45 years from the Seniors-ENRICA-2 and HAPIEE cohorts, who were followed for a median time of 3.6 years. SEAD comprised fresh fish, cod, red meat and pork products, dairy, legumes and vegetables, vegetable soup, potatoes, whole-grain bread, and wine. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the GDS 10 and the CES-D 10 (participants with scores ≥4 were considered depression cases). Statistical analyses were performed among the 14675 participants who were depression-free at baseline. Results Higher adherence to SEAD was preliminarily associated with lower depression incidence in the pooled sample (fully adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] per 1-SD increment in the SEAD = 0.93 [0.89,0.98]). Results were consistent in Spain (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 0.86 [0.68,1.08]), Czechia (0.92 [0.82,1.04]), Poland (0.94 [0.88,1.01]), and Russia (0.93 [0.87,1.00]). The association of SEAD with depression in the pooled sample was similar to that found for the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] per 1-SD increment = 0.94 [0.89,0.99]) and the Mediterranean Dietary Score (0.94 [0.90,0.98]). Conclusions Adherence to SEAD was preliminarily associated with lower depression incidence in Spain, Czechia, Poland, and Russia. These findings may support the development of mental health guidelines for Southern European Atlantic populations based on their traditional diet, and for Central and Eastern European countries based on the food components of SEAD. Key messages • Adherence to the Southern European Atlantic Diet (traditional diet of Northern Portugal and North-Western Spain) was associated with lower depression incidence in Spain, Czechia, Poland, and Russia. • Mental health guidelines for Southern European Atlantic populations may reference their traditional diet, while those for Central and Eastern Europe could benefit from including its food components.

Identification of Hypoderma actaeon (Diptera: Oestridae) in red deer (Cervus elaphus) from northern Spain: Microscopy study and molecular analysis.

Hypoderma spp. larvae were observed subcutaneously in the dorsal and lumbar regions of red deer (Cervus elaphus) hunted in the province of León (northwestern Spain) causing a myiasis. They were removed and initially classified by their size, shape, color, and location under the skin into the three larval stages that parasitize these animals. The morphological characteristics of the first and second-instar are described and from the features of the third-instar the species was identified as Hypoderma actaeon. To accurately identify this species, five isolates of genomic DNA from the third-instar, two from the second-instar and two from first-instar of H. actaeon were analyzed by PCR analysis of the COI region of mt-DNA. The results confirmed that the examined samples exactly matched with H. actaeon. This study has shown the morphological identification of the three larval stages of H. actaeon and, for the first time, the first and second-instar larvae have been molecularly characterized. Finally, identification of only H. actaeon suggests that this species is the only affecting red deer in the Iberian Peninsula.

Individual-Tree and Stand-Level Models for Estimating Ladder Fuel Biomass Fractions in Unpruned Pinus radiata Plantations

The mild climate and, in recent decades, the increased demand for timber have favoured the establishment of extensive plantations of fast-growing species such as Pinus radiata in Galicia (a fire-prone region in northwestern Spain). This species is characterised by very poor self-pruning; unmanaged pine stands have a worrying vertical continuity of fuels after crown closure because the dead lower branches accumulate large amounts of fine dead biomass including twigs and suspended needles. Despite the important contribution of these dead ladder fuels to the overall canopy biomass and to crown-fire hazards, equations for estimating these fuels have not yet been developed. In this study, two systems of equations for estimating dead ladder fuel according to size class and the vertical distribution in the first 6 m of the crown were fitted: a tree-level system based on individual tree and stand variables and a stand-level system based only on stand variables. The goodness-of-fit statistics for both model systems indicated that the estimates were robust and accurate. At the tree level, fuel biomass models explained between 35% and 59% of the observed variability, whereas cumulative fuel biomass models explained between 62% and 81% of the observed variability. On the other hand, at the stand level, fuel-load models explained between 88% and 98% of the observed variability, whereas cumulative fuel-load models explained more than 98% of the total observed variability. These systems will therefore allow managers to adequately quantify the dead ladder fuels in pure Pinus radiata stands and to identify the treatments required to reduce crown-fire hazard.

Forest Management Communities’ Participation in Bioenergy Production Initiatives: A Case Study for Galicia (Spain)

Bioenergy is the form of clean energy with the greatest potential for growth in Spain, especially in those regions with a large forest area and a high potential for the utilization of forest resources for energy purposes. This is the case in Galicia (a region located in northwestern Spain), where the communal management of forest resources is widespread. Within this type of management, there is a pioneering case study in which biomass energy use activities have been initiated through an international project. The possible success of this project is of great importance since it could represent an alternative to the main energy activity in the common management of forests: the production of wind energy. In recent years, and with a special increase in 2022, Galician public opinion has expressed its opposition to the implementation of new wind farms in its forests. The aim of this article is to analyze whether or not it is profitable for forest management communities to participate in bioenergy initiatives, which is a novel analysis of the Galician geographical area. For this purpose, the main economic and financial variables of the Galician forest management communities participating in the bioenergy project, SilvaPlus Project, have been analyzed, before and during their participation in the project. In addition, a financial comparison is also made with a group of Galician forest management communities without the energy use of their resources. The evolution of the relevant variables, analyzed between 2011 and 2020, shows a generally positive trend in the values of the forest communities participating in the bioenergy generation project, resulting in a positive experience, both environmentally and financially, for the forest community.

Habitat alteration assessment for the management of environmental flows in regulated basins.

The management of environmental flows is of paramount importance in regulated water resources systems to preserve river ecosystems. This work proposes a methodology to assess habitat alteration in river basins altered by management activities. The methodology is based on the joint application of a basin management model (SIMGES, AQUATOOL) and a model to estimate habitat time series (CAUDECO). CAUDECO is based on the weighted useable areas of the species in their different vital stages that, in turn, depend on the flows in each river stretch and the biological periods of the species. The final output is an indicator of habitat alteration, which is defined ad hoc for this work to relate the habitat suitability under regulated and natural regimes. The methodology was applied to a case study in north-western Spain: the Órbigo River basin. The results in the current management scenario highlight that the ecological flows improve the habitat suitability of several species with respect to natural regime conditions. For instance, the mean values of the habitat time series in the Órbigo River for the brown trout and bermejuela under regulated conditions are 69.6% and 88%; whereas in natural regime they are equal to 55.1% and 72.9%, respectively. Based on these results, eight additional scenarios of ecological flows were tested and their effects on both habitat alteration and water demand reliability were quantified and discussed. It was found that increases in the ecological flows up to 30% do not affect the reliability of water demands and reduce habitat alteration (i.e., lead to values of the habitat alteration indicator closer to 1) for all species present in the river basin. These results highlight that the methodology and indicator of habitat alteration proposed in this paper are useful to support the management of regulated river basins, since they allow assessing the implications of ecological flows on both habitat suitability and reliability of water demands.

Interactions of the invasive Lasius neglectus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) with aphids (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae)

Summary Since the invasive garden ant Lasius neglectus Van Loon, Boomsma & Andrásfalvy, 1990 was first detected in 1998 in Seva (Barcelona), and despite the number of amateurs and professionals dedicated to the study of ants in Spain, this species had only been located outside Catalonia in Tenerife, Vizcaya and Valencia. Here we present a detailed study of its presence in the city of León (north-western Spain) and its trophic relationships with aphids. In the city we found two clearly separated supercolonies of L. neglectus attending 32 species of aphids living on 31 plant taxa. Lasius neglectus seems to avoid landscaped areas with high humidity and mainly attends aphids that live on shrubs and trees. The study is complemented with all the aphid–ant interactions known for this species.

Preliminary Evidence about the Colonisation Process of Kyphosus Species (Perciformes: Kyphosidae) in the Subtropical–Temperate Northeast Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea

A review of the non-native Kyphosus species historically recorded in Galician waters (north-western Spain) based on morphological and molecular characteristics is carried out. The list is composed of 15 specimens recorded from 2002 to 2022, showing a clearly unbalanced ratio in favour of K. vaigiensis with respect to K. sectatrix (6.5:1). A similar analysis was performed by consulting ichthyological literature on the Kyphosus species reported in the subtropical–temperate Northeast Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The results seem to reflect a more recent and conspicuous appearance of K. vaigiensis in the Northeast Atlantic–Mediterranean area, suggesting a higher invasive capacity than that of its congener K. sectatrix, perhaps related to its greater mobility. DNA barcoding supports the morphological identification of K. vaigiensis from Galicia and confirms the Atlantic–Mediterranean and Indo–Pacific distribution of the species. In addition, the main distinctive morphological characters found in the ichthyological literature have been revised and the taxonomic status of one published record has been changed. The results indicate the need to monitor non-indigenous marine species in the current global warming scenario of the Anthropocene era.

Weasel exposure to the anticoagulant rodenticide bromadiolone in agrarian landscapes of southwestern Europe.

Bromadiolone is an anticoagulant rodenticide (AR) commonly used as a plant protection product (PPP) against rodent pests in agricultural lands. ARs can be transferred trophically to predators/scavengers when they consume intoxicated live or dead rodents. ARs exposure in weasels Mustela nivalis, small mustelids specialized on rodent predation, is poorly known in southern Europe. Moreover, in this species there is no information on bioaccumulation of AR diastereomers e.g., cis- and trans-bromadiolone. Trans-bromadiolone is more persistent in the rodent liver and thus, is expected to have a greater probability of trophic transfer to predators. Here, we report on bromadiolone occurrence, total concentrations and diastereomers proportions (trans- and cis-bromadiolone) in weasels from Castilla y León (north-western Spain) collected in 2010-2017, where bromadiolone was irregularly applied to control outbreaks of common voles Microtus arvalis mainly with cereal grain bait distributed by the regional government. We also tested variables possibly associated with bromadiolone occurrence and concentration, such as individual features (e.g., sex), spatio-temporal variables (e.g., year), and exposure risk (e.g., vole outbreaks). Overall bromadiolone occurrence in weasels was 22% (n = 32, arithmetic mean of concentration of bromadiolone positives = 0.072 mg/kg). An individual showed signs of bromadiolone intoxication (i.e., evidence of macroscopic hemorrhages or hyperaemia and hepatic bromadiolone concentration > 0.1 mg/kg). All the exposed weasels (n = 7) showed only trans-bromadiolone diastereomer in liver, whilst a single analyzed bait from those applied in Castilla y León contained trans- and cis-bromadiolone at 65/35%. Bromadiolone occurrence and concentration in weasels varied yearly. Occurrence was higher in 2012 (100% of weasels), when bromadiolone was widely distributed, compared to 2016-2017 (2016: 20%; 2017: 8.33%) when bromadiolone was exceptionally permitted. The highest concentrations happened in 2014 and 2017, both years with vole outbreaks. Our findings indicate that specialist rodent predators could be exposed to bromadiolone in areas and periods with bromadiolone treatments against vole outbreaks.

Emerging Tools for the Interpretation of Glacial and Periglacial Landscapes with Geomorphological Interest—A Case Study Using Augmented Reality in the Mountain Pass of San Isidro (Cantabrian Range, Northwestern Spain)

The application of Augmented Reality (AR), a technology that complements and enriches the live view of a place with virtual elements, is a relatively new approach that has been demonstrated to be useful as an educational tool for the interpretation of geological and geographic features. In addition, it is a technology consistent with challenges related to enhancing the geotourism experience in geologically diverse terrains, and consistent with the sustainable use of resources in rural and natural areas. The focus of AR in this contribution is primarily for academic use. Here, we developed a pioneering AR project, at the San Isidro Pass, located in the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula, more specifically, in the central-eastern sector of the Cantabrian Mountain range (the Asturian Massif) and the northern slope of the Sierra de Sentiles. This is a high mountain area where the low incidence of Pliocene and Quaternary fluvial erosion has favored the preservation of a great geodiversity. In this case study, the approaches of geology and physical geography as subjects in official university studies have been used as a reference framework. Fieldwork was carried out to design an itinerary, or geotrail, of Points of Interest (POIs), that highlight the geological values of this montane region by visualising and interpreting nine glacial and periglacial landscapes using dynamic graphic resources (animated videos, panoramic and spherical tours and rotating and expandable 3D models combining conventional terrestrial photography and 360° photography, aerial photography, thematic cartography, etc.) composed by graphic processing software. The result is the design of AR tools which could be used by public and private entities as a product suitable for university teaching but also a work that could guide other geoeducational actions or institutional action for official heritage recognition. In isolation, these POIs function as ‘geosites’; when combined in sequence (POI 1 to POI 9), these POIs function as a ‘geotrail’ to highlight the diversity of glacial and periglacial landscapes and their sedimentary deposits; when viewed as an ensemble, POIs combine to be similar to a ‘geopark’ that emphasises glacial and periglacial landscapes and sedimentary deposits.

Cardiorespiratory nematodes and co-infections with gastrointestinal parasites in new arrivals at dog and cat shelters in north-western Spain.

Metastrongyloid and trichuroid cardiorespiratory nematodes of dogs and cats are considered emergent in several European countries, and an increase in the number and extent of endemic foci has been described. Since data on their prevalence are limited in this continent, faecal samples from new arrivals (365 dogs and 65 cats) at two animal shelters in North-western Spain were analysed using both floatation and Baermann techniques. In order to confirm the microscopic identification of Metastrongylidae first stage larvae, molecular characterization based on the sequence of the ITS-2 was performed. The possible influence of some variables such as the species, sex and age of the animals and the co-infection with other gastrointestinal parasites on the prevalence of cardiorespiratory nematodes was analysed. The most prevalent metastrongylid was Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (15.4%) followed by Angiostrongylus vasorum (4.1%) and Crenosoma vulpis (1.1%). Regarding trichuroids, Eucoleus aerophilus and/or Eucoleus boehmi eggs were detected in 28 dogs (7.7%) and four cats (6.2%). Almost all animals positive to cardiorespiratory nematodes (86.8%) were co-infected with gastrointestinal parasites. The prevalence of Metastrongylidae and respiratory trichuroids was significantly higher in dogs co-infected with Taenia spp. and Toxocara canis or Giardia duodenalis and Sarcocystis spp., respectively. In cats, a significant higher prevalence of Metastrongylidae nematodes was found in animals co-infected with Toxocara cati. Our results reveal that cardiorespiratory nematodes are common in companion animals from north-western Spain, showing higher prevalences than those previously reported from this country. This investigation represents the first report of C. vulpis, E. aerophilus and E. boehmi in dogs from Spain. The identification of a number of zoonotic parasites is of public health concern. Our results indicate that these nematodes should be included in the differential diagnosis of dogs and cats from north-western Spain showing respiratory or cardiac clinical signs.

Critical patients COVID-19 has changed the management and outcomes in the ICU after 1 year of the pandemic? A multicenter, prospective, observational study

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical characteristics, treatments, and evolution of critical patients with COVID-19 pneumonia treated in Intensive Care Units (ICU) after one year of pandemic. MethodologyMulticenter, prospective study, which included critical COVID-19 patients in 9 ICUs in northwestern Spain. The clinical characteristics, treatments, and evolution of patients admitted to the ICU during the months of March-April 2020 (period 1) were compared with patients admitted in January-February 2021 (period 2). Results337 patients were included (98 in period 1 and 239 in period 2). In period 2, fewer patients required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (65% vs 84%, p < 0.001), using high-flow nasal cannulas (CNAF) more frequently (70% vs 7%, p < 0.001), ventilation non-invasive mechanical (NIMV) (40% vs 14%, p < 0.001), corticosteroids (100% vs 96%, p = 0.007) and prone position in both awake (42% vs 28%, p = 0.012), and intubated patients (67% vs 54%, p = 0.034). The days of IMV, ICU stay and hospital stay were lower in period 2. Mortality was similar in the two periods studied (16% vs 17%). ConclusionsAfter 1 year of pandemic, we observed that in patients admitted to the ICU, CNAF, NIMV, use of the prone position, and corticosteroids have been used more frequently, reducing the number of patients in IMV, and the length of stay in the ICU and hospital stay. Mortality was similar in the two study periods.

Resource communication: New forestry tools for natural beech forests in northwestern Spain

Aim of study: Although beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests in north-western Spain constitute c.a. 40% of the total area occupied by the species in the whole country, no growth or yield studies have been carried out regarding these forests. The specific objective of this study was to elaborate yield tables and stand density management diagrams for the beech forests.&#x0D; Area of study: Asturias and León provinces (NW Spain).&#x0D; Material and methods: Sample plots (n=112) were established in natural beech forests, and 60 dominant trees were felled for sampling. The Asturias Government Forest Service provided data on another 351 felled trees. Yield tables and stand density management diagrams (SDMDs) were elaborated to estimate tree volume and biomass in the study area for the first time.&#x0D; Main results: These forests are more productive than expected. Although they are currently not managed for forestry purposes, they could be managed again in the future and the tools are now available for this purpose.&#x0D; Research highlights: The study generates new user-friendly tools to manage beech forests in northwestern Spain. These tools will also enable simulations to be conducted to determine the potential carbon storage or the capacity of the stands to sequester atmospheric carbon.

Seasonal feeding habits of the Iberian bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula iberiae in northwestern Spain

Seasonal feeding habits of the Iberian bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula iberiae in northwestern Spain

Advanced Maternal Age as an Obstetric Risk Factor: Current Experience in a Hospital from Northwestern Spain

Studies updating the evidence in advanced maternal age as an independent factor of obstetric risk are needed. The aimof this study was to determine the prevalence of ≥ 35-years-old pregnant women who give birth in a Spanish hospital in NorthwesternSpain, and to describe the incidence of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Retrospective follow-up observational study including women ≥ 20 years-old who gave birth over one year (n= 1378). Data were collected from medical records, including socio-demographic characteristics, comorbidities, gestational conditions,variables related with the delivery and perinatal outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine theassociation of advanced maternal age with obstetric and perinatal outcomes. Forty-two percent of pregnant women were ≥ 35 years old. In the multivariable analysis, advanced maternal age was associatedwith the likelihood of gestational diabetes (OR = 1.84; 95% CI = 1.10 - 3.07), hypothyroidism (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.17 - 3.80),lower probability of an eutocic delivery (OR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.56 - 0.98), and a hospital admission > four days (OR = 2.91; 95% CI =1.95 - 4.35). An association with the rate of C-sections was not found (OR = 1.24; 95% CI = 0.89 - 1.72). A high prevalence of pregnant women of advanced maternal age was confirmed. There was a higher rate of comorbiditiesand longer hospital admissions in older women but not a higher rate of higher C-sections and other complications.