Impact of Study Design on Reported Incidences of Acute Mountain Sickness: A Systematic Review.

AIMS: Published incidences of acute mountain sickness (AMS) vary widely. Reasons for this variation, and predictive factors of AMS, are not well understood. We aimed to identify predictive factors that are associated with the occurrence of AMS, and to test the hypothesis that study design is an independent predictive factor of AMS incidence. We did a systematic search (Medline, bibliographies) for relevant articles in English or French, up to April 28, 2013. Studies of any design reporting on AMS incidence in humans without prophylaxis were selected. Data on incidence and potential predictive factors were extracted by two reviewers and crosschecked by four reviewers. Associations between predictive factors and AMS incidence were sought through bivariate and multivariate analyses for different study designs separately. Association between AMS incidence and study design was assessed using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: We extracted data from 53,603 subjects from 34 randomized controlled trials, 44 cohort studies, and 33 cross-sectional studies. In randomized trials, the median of AMS incidences without prophylaxis was 60% (range, 16%-100%); mode of ascent and population were significantly associated with AMS incidence. In cohort studies, the median of AMS incidences was 51% (0%-100%); geographical location was significantly associated with AMS incidence. In cross-sectional studies, the median of AMS incidences was 32% (0%-68%); mode of ascent and maximum altitude were significantly associated with AMS incidence. In a multivariate analysis, study design (p=0.012), mode of ascent (p=0.003), maximum altitude (p<0.001), population (p=0.002), and geographical location (p<0.001) were significantly associated with AMS incidence. Age, sex, speed of ascent, duration of exposure, or history of AMS were inconsistently reported and therefore not further analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Reported incidences and identifiable predictive factors of AMS depend on study design.

El margen continental catalan (I): el marco de la cuenca Catalano-Balear

El presente primer número y los dos siguientes del volumen 29 de Acta Geologica Hispanica, forman parte de un conjunto temático dedicado a los avances en el estudio del margen continental catalán (NE de Iberia). Estos números especiales tienen por objeto recoger algunas de las contribuciones generales o regionales realizadas sobre este tema por varios equipos de trabajo de distintas disciplinas y especialidades, cuya actividad se ha venido desarrollando en el marco de numerosos proyectos de investigación nacionales e internacionales o bien dentro del desempeño de su actividad profesional. La investigación geológica y geofísica en la cuenca Catalano-Balear, con el margen continental catalán formando parte de su borde nordoccidental, ha sido muy intensa debido al interés petrolífero de esta zona...

Substrate and depth preferences of macroinvertebrates along a transect in a Pyrenean high mountain lake (Estanh Redo, NE Spain)

Se estudia la composiciÛn y estructura de la comunidad de macroinvertebrados a lo largo de un transecto en profundidad en el lago Redó (Pirineos). Este estudio se enmarca dentro del proyecto de ámbito europeo MOLAR (Mountain Lake Research). Un equipo de buceadores muestreo dos tipos de substrato, piedras y fondos blandos, cada 2 m desde los 2 a los 20 m de profundidad. En la parte m·s profunda del lago las muestras se tomaron con draga Ekman (tres rÈplicas). Todas las muestras se tomaron el mismo día, el 15 de Julio de 1997. Los resultados, mediante un análisis de autocorrelación de Mantel, muestran que no existe un gradiente continuo en la sustituciÛn de unas especies por otras en la comunidad sobre substrato rocoso, sino que se distinguen dos discontinuidades claras, una a los 4 metros y otra a los 14 metros. La primera separa las especies propias de la zona litoral respecto a las de la zona sublitoral, mientras que la segunda coincide con la parte inferior de la termoclina, una zona siempre mas frÌa, con menos luz y con mayor acumulación de material fino sobre los sustratos duros a la vez que desaparece la cobertura algal que cubrÌa las piedras hasta esta profundidad. Respecto al sustrato existen especies que claramente prefieren el sustrato blando (oligoquetos, o los quironÛmidos Micropsectra radialis y Pseudodiamesa nivosa), mientras que otras eran más abundantes o exclusivas de los sustratos duros (Radix peregra, Plectrocnemia laetabilis, Psectrocladius octomaculatus). Estos resultados seran muy útiles para la interpretaciÛn de los datos paleolimnolÛgicos de los cores que actualmente se est·n estudiando en el lago.

Sedimentology and Stratigraphy of the Pleistocene sediments in Lake Llauset (Southern Pyrenees, Spain)-a first approach

The high alpine valleys in the Southem Pyrenees are characterised by a many small lakes and ponds. They occur above 2000 m and are said to have been formed by glacial erosion. The sediments in these basins should, therefore, contain s t p tigraphic information since deglaciation, at least. An interesting and may be one of the most important of these basins is Lake Llauset in the Alta Ribagorca. The Llauset basin has recently been developped for hydsopower production. In conection with the construction of the retaining wall at the 'Riegel' the sedimentary filling of the lake basin could be investigated, and the first sedimentological and stratigraphicalresults are presented.

Estudio petrológico de las rocas volcánicas del Pérmico de Gréixer (Pirineo catalán)

Se presenta un estudio sobre las rocas volcánicas de edad permica que afloran extensamente cerca de Greker. a lo largo del borde de la Zona Axial pirenaica. El estudio al microscopio y los análisis quimicos de las muestras recogidas, junto con los datos de campo, han proporcionado nuevos resultados sobre la datación y génesis de estas rocas, y sobre sus relaciones en el marco geológico regional y su evolución. Se pone de relieve la muy notable proporción de las ignimbritas en el material volcánico objeto de este estudio. Igualmente, la predominante composición peralcalina de este material. Las hipótesis que pueden explicar tal composición son discutidas.

Prevalence of smoking among dentists in Catalonia - Spain (2006). Literature review of smoking cessation practices in the dental office

Objective: The objective of this study was to collect data on the prevalence of smokers among Catalonian dentists (by age and sex) and compare them with existing data on the general population, doctors, registered nurses and pharmacists. The overall prevalence of smokers in Catalonia (2006) was 34.5% of men and 24.3% of women. Data available on the prevalence of smoking among doctors (26.3% men and 22.1% women), pharmacists (19.8% men and 20.6% women) and registered nurses (34.1% men and 35.3% women) relates to the year 2002. Study design: In September 2006, Catalonian dentists (n=3,799) were asked about their habits in relation to tobacco in a self-administered questionnaire, on use and opinions with respect to dental amalgam. Five hundred and seventynine questionnaires were received, of which 538 answered the question on smoking (14.2% of the sample universe). Results: The prevalence of smokers among dentists is lower (24.9% of men and 18.4% of women) than in the general population and other healthcare professionals. In dentists in the age group between 25 and 34 years, the prevalence was 26.1% in men and 14.9% in women, while the prevalence in this age group in the general population was 43.6% and 37.1%, respectively. Conclusion: Catalonian dentists have a much lower prevalence of tobacco use than the general population and lower even than other healthcare professionals. Given that non-smoking healthcare professionals have better awareness for providing recommendations for smoking prevention and cessation, Catalonian dentists may be a valid group for performing this task for which there is scientific evidence.

Estratigrafia del Cretacico inferior continental de la Cordillera Iberica Central

El Cretácico inferior continental de la Cordillera Ibérica Central está representado en dos subcuencas de sedimentación: las Cubetas de Aguilón y Oliete. Los estudios realizados sobre estos materiales han permitido definir nuevas unidades litoestratigráficas, cuya caracterización bioestratigráfica se realiza a partir de su contenido en carofitas. La identificación de discontinuidades significativas permiten definir tres secuencias de depósito que abarca en el intervalo temporal Valanguniense y/o Hauteriviense-Barremiense inferior y que son correlacionables con las S.D.K1.2 y/o K1.3, K1.4 YK1.5 y/o K1.6 definidas en Salas et al. (1991) y Salas y Casas (1993) para la Cuenca del Maestrazgo. Estos resultados ponen de manifiesto que el registro estratigráfico de la zona central de la Cordillera Ibérica tiene una entidad similar al de los márgenes de las Cuencas del Maestrazgo, Aliaga- Peñagolosa y Cameros.

Los vertebrados fosiles del Abocador de Can Mata (els Hostalets de Pierola, l'Anoia, CataluÑa), una sucesion de localidades del Aragoniense superior (MN6 y MN7+8) de la cuenca del Valles-Penedes. CampaÑas 2002-2003, 2004-2005

Se presenta una síntesis del registro de vertebrados fósiles del Abocador de Can Mata (els Hostalets de Pierola, cuenca neógena del Vallès-Penedès), con especial énfasis en los aspectos taxonómico y bioestratigráfico. Este macroyacimiento incluye por el momento una sucesión de 91 localidades de micro- y/o macrovertebrados muestreadas, repartidas a lo largo de unos 300 m de serie estratigráfica, abarcando un intervalo de tiempo de más de un millón de años correspondiente al Aragoniense superior. Durante los 28 meses de trabajo de campo desarrollados a lo largo de las campañas 2002-2003, 2004 y 2005, se han recuperado más de 15.000 restos de macrovertebrados fósiles y más de 1.300 dientes de micromamíferos (cantidad que se verá incrementada en el futuro cuando haya finalizado el lavado y triado de los sedimentos acumulados). Se presenta por primera vez una lista exhaustiva del conjunto de localidades y su contextualización estratigráfica, además de una lista faunística actualizada y una propuesta de biozonación local. La gran riqueza fosilífera de la zona y el enorme esfuerzo de muestreo, combinados con los requerimientos de la legislación vigente sobre protección del patrimonio paleontológico, explican el éxito de la intervención paleontológica. En conjunto, la ampliación del vertedero de Can Mata, con el adecuado control paleontológico, proporciona una oportunidad única para investigar la composición faunística de los ecosistemas terrestres del Aragoniense superior en el suroeste de Europa.

Validation of and comparison between a semidistributed rainfall-runoff hydrological model (PREVAH) and a spatially distributed snow-evolution model (SnowModel) for snow cover prediction in mountain ecosystems

Snow cover is an important control in mountain environments and a shift of the snow-free period triggered by climate warming can strongly impact ecosystem dynamics. Changing snow patterns can have severe effects on alpine plant distribution and diversity. It thus becomes urgent to provide spatially explicit assessments of snow cover changes that can be incorporated into correlative or empirical species distribution models (SDMs). Here, we provide for the first time a with a lower overestimation comparison of two physically based snow distribution models (PREVAH and SnowModel) to produce snow cover maps (SCMs) at a fine spatial resolution in a mountain landscape in Austria. SCMs have been evaluated with SPOT-HRVIR images and predictions of snow water equivalent from the two models with ground measurements. Finally, SCMs of the two models have been compared under a climate warming scenario for the end of the century. The predictive performances of PREVAH and SnowModel were similar when validated with the SPOT images. However, the tendency to overestimate snow cover was slightly lower with SnowModel during the accumulation period, whereas it was lower with PREVAH during the melting period. The rate of true positives during the melting period was two times higher on average with SnowModel with a lower overestimation of snow water equivalent. Our results allow for recommending the use of SnowModel in SDMs because it better captures persisting snow patches at the end of the snow season, which is important when modelling the response of species to long-lasting snow cover and evaluating whether they might survive under climate change.

The increase in hydric volume is associated to contractile impairment in the calf after the world's most extreme mountain ultra-marathon

BACKGROUND: Studies have recently focused on the effect of running a mountain ultra-marathon (MUM) and their results show muscular inflammation, damage and force loss. However, the link between peripheral oedema and muscle force loss is not really established. We tested the hypothesis that, after a MUM, lower leg muscles' swelling could be associated with muscle force loss. The knee extensor (KE) and the plantar flexor (PF) muscles' contractile function was measured by supramaximal electrical stimulations, potentiated low- and high-frequency doublets (PS10 and PS100) of the KE and the PF were measured by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and bioimpedance was used to assess body composition in the runners (n = 11) before (Pre) and after (Post) the MUM and compared with the controls (n = 8). RESULTS: The maximal voluntary contraction of the KE and the PF significantly decreased by 20 % Post-MUM in the runners. Hydration of the non-fat mass (NF-Hyd) and extracellular water volume (Ve) were increased by 12 % Post-MUM (p < 0.001) in the runners. Calf circumference (+2 %, p < 0.05) was also increased. Significant relationships were found for percentage increases in Ve and NF-Hyd with percentage decrease in PS10 of the PF (r = -0.68 and r = -0.70, p < 0.05) and with percentage increase of calf circumference (r = 0.72 and r = 0.73, p < 0.05) in the runners. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that increases in circumference and in hydric volume are associated to contractile impairment in the calf in ultra-marathon runners.

Epibiotic bryozoans on deep-water seleractinian corals from the Catalonia slope (western Mediterranean, Spain, France)

The bryozoan fauna growing on deep-water corals (Lophelia, Madrepora) from the upper-slope of Catalonia (Blanes and Banyuls-sur-mer: NW Mediterranean Sea) was studied. Among the 36 species recorded, a new species, Escharella acuta sp. nov., and a new subspecies, Escharina dutertrei protecta ssp. nov., are described; five other species have been rarely reported or were unknown from the Mediterranean Sea (Copidozoum exiguum, Amphiblestrum flemingii, Schizomavella neptuni, Smittina crystallina, Phylactellipora eximia) . This epibiotic bryozoan fauna differs clearly from shallow-water assemblages and comprises a greater proportion of boreo-atlantic species.

Análisis microestructural de los afloramientos en las calizas cretácicas del macizo del Garraf (prov. de Barcelona, España)

LA aplicación del modelo de la 'deformación discontinua' propuesto pr F. ARTHAUD y M. MATTAUER al análisis de la tectónica frágil de dos canteras del macizo de Garraf (prov. de Barceona, España), permite diferenciar las microestructuras pertenecientes a dos deformaciones distintas ('compresión' y 'distendión·) y caracterizar las direcciones principales de deformación para cada una de ellas.

Precisiones acerca de la significación petrológica y estructural de las rocas gneísicas y cataclásticas del Maresme (prov. de Barcelona)

Se estudian pequeños afloramientos de rocas metamórficas y cataclásticas ubicadas en el granito herciniano de la Cadena Costera Catalana al NE de Barcelona. Tras una breve íntesis de las diversas ideas emitidas sobre la génesis de estas rocas se realiza un estudio comparativo de las mismas. De él se infiere la presencia de dos grupos de rocas de significación petrogenética y tectónica distinta: 1) Los gneises de Mataró, que resultan del metamorfismo polifísico progresivo herciniano de sedimentos del Paleozoico inferior y 2) las rocas cataclásticas de Caldetes, ligadas a deformaciones internas en el batolito del granito herciniano postectónico, acompañadas de transformaciones hidrotermales en mayor o menor grado.

Assessing the use of very high resolution data to predict species distribution in a mountain environment

Nowadays, Species Distribution Models (SDMs) are a widely used tool. Using different statistical approaches these models reconstruct the realized niche of a species using presence data and a set of variables, often topoclimatic. There utilization range is quite large from understanding single species requirements, to the creation of nature reserve based on species hotspots, or modeling of climate change impact, etc... Most of the time these models are using variables at a resolution of 50km x 50km or 1 km x 1 km. However in some cases these models are used with resolutions below the kilometer scale and thus called high resolution models (100 m x 100 m or 25 m x 25 m). Quite recently a new kind of data has emerged enabling precision up to lm x lm and thus allowing very high resolution modeling. However these new variables are very costly and need an important amount of time to be processed. This is especially the case when these variables are used in complex calculation like models projections over large areas. Moreover the importance of very high resolution data in SDMs has not been assessed yet and is not well understood. Some basic knowledge on what drive species presence-absences is still missing. Indeed, it is not clear whether in mountain areas like the Alps coarse topoclimatic gradients are driving species distributions or if fine scale temperature or topography are more important or if their importance can be neglected when balance to competition or stochasticity. In this thesis I investigated the importance of very high resolution data (2-5m) in species distribution models using either very high resolution topographic, climatic or edaphic variables over a 2000m elevation gradient in the Western Swiss Alps. I also investigated more local responses of these variables for a subset of species living in this area at two precise elvation belts. During this thesis I showed that high resolution data necessitates very good datasets (species and variables for the models) to produce satisfactory results. Indeed, in mountain areas, temperature is the most important factor driving species distribution and needs to be modeled at very fine resolution instead of being interpolated over large surface to produce satisfactory results. Despite the instinctive idea that topographic should be very important at high resolution, results are mitigated. However looking at the importance of variables over a large gradient buffers the importance of the variables. Indeed topographic factors have been shown to be highly important at the subalpine level but their importance decrease at lower elevations. Wether at the mountane level edaphic and land use factors are more important high resolution topographic data is more imporatant at the subalpine level. Finally the biggest improvement in the models happens when edaphic variables are added. Indeed, adding soil variables is of high importance and variables like pH are overpassing the usual topographic variables in SDMs in term of importance in the models. To conclude high resolution is very important in modeling but necessitate very good datasets. Only increasing the resolution of the usual topoclimatic predictors is not sufficient and the use of edaphic predictors has been highlighted as fundamental to produce significantly better models. This is of primary importance, especially if these models are used to reconstruct communities or as basis for biodiversity assessments. -- Ces dernières années, l'utilisation des modèles de distribution d'espèces (SDMs) a continuellement augmenté. Ces modèles utilisent différents outils statistiques afin de reconstruire la niche réalisée d'une espèce à l'aide de variables, notamment climatiques ou topographiques, et de données de présence récoltées sur le terrain. Leur utilisation couvre de nombreux domaines allant de l'étude de l'écologie d'une espèce à la reconstruction de communautés ou à l'impact du réchauffement climatique. La plupart du temps, ces modèles utilisent des occur-rences issues des bases de données mondiales à une résolution plutôt large (1 km ou même 50 km). Certaines bases de données permettent cependant de travailler à haute résolution, par conséquent de descendre en dessous de l'échelle du kilomètre et de travailler avec des résolutions de 100 m x 100 m ou de 25 m x 25 m. Récemment, une nouvelle génération de données à très haute résolution est apparue et permet de travailler à l'échelle du mètre. Les variables qui peuvent être générées sur la base de ces nouvelles données sont cependant très coûteuses et nécessitent un temps conséquent quant à leur traitement. En effet, tout calcul statistique complexe, comme des projections de distribution d'espèces sur de larges surfaces, demande des calculateurs puissants et beaucoup de temps. De plus, les facteurs régissant la distribution des espèces à fine échelle sont encore mal connus et l'importance de variables à haute résolution comme la microtopographie ou la température dans les modèles n'est pas certaine. D'autres facteurs comme la compétition ou la stochasticité naturelle pourraient avoir une influence toute aussi forte. C'est dans ce contexte que se situe mon travail de thèse. J'ai cherché à comprendre l'importance de la haute résolution dans les modèles de distribution d'espèces, que ce soit pour la température, la microtopographie ou les variables édaphiques le long d'un important gradient d'altitude dans les Préalpes vaudoises. J'ai également cherché à comprendre l'impact local de certaines variables potentiellement négligées en raison d'effets confondants le long du gradient altitudinal. Durant cette thèse, j'ai pu monter que les variables à haute résolution, qu'elles soient liées à la température ou à la microtopographie, ne permettent qu'une amélioration substantielle des modèles. Afin de distinguer une amélioration conséquente, il est nécessaire de travailler avec des jeux de données plus importants, tant au niveau des espèces que des variables utilisées. Par exemple, les couches climatiques habituellement interpolées doivent être remplacées par des couches de température modélisées à haute résolution sur la base de données de terrain. Le fait de travailler le long d'un gradient de température de 2000m rend naturellement la température très importante au niveau des modèles. L'importance de la microtopographie est négligeable par rapport à la topographie à une résolution de 25m. Cependant, lorsque l'on regarde à une échelle plus locale, la haute résolution est une variable extrêmement importante dans le milieu subalpin. À l'étage montagnard par contre, les variables liées aux sols et à l'utilisation du sol sont très importantes. Finalement, les modèles de distribution d'espèces ont été particulièrement améliorés par l'addition de variables édaphiques, principalement le pH, dont l'importance supplante ou égale les variables topographique lors de leur ajout aux modèles de distribution d'espèces habituels.

Evaluation of markets for irrigation water in the internal river basins of Catalonia, Spain

Irrigated agriculture has come under close scrutiny in Europe recently because of its high share of total water consumption and its apparent inefficiency. Several water policies have been advocated, in particular the use of economic instruments such as water markets. This paper simulates the impact of a policy based upon water markets on agricultural production in the internal river basins of Catalonia (Spain). This zone presents certain particularities that make it very interesting to study: competition between sectors for the resource (agriculture-urban consumption-recreational uses), recent periods of resource insufficiency and conflicts between irrigators as a result of the measures taken by the hydraulic administration in drought situations. The results show that these markets would guarantee an optimal reassignment of the resource in situations of supply restrictions, and although compared to the situation without markets they would not mean higher economic profits for the irrigators, they could prevent conflicts between them. Nevertheless, doubts exist about their acceptance by irrigators