A new procedure is proposed for joint strategic environmental assessment and environmental impact assessment using simultaneous characterizations in the protected natural area studied to analyse the ...importance and extent of the impact of human activities within this area on the various natural resources. GIS techniques were used to define territorial models, including environmental information criteria in thematic layers to facilitate environmental diagnosis in the early planning stages in the areas of concern or of higher quality for conservation at different working levels (municipal, district, provincial or national). Traditional conventional environmental impact assessment methods were improved, using spatial analysis to compare scenarios based on the spatial and temporal variability of the impacts identified and their evaluation. This method was applied to the natural space of Las Batuecas-S. de Francia and Quilamas, where in an initial stage the different anthropogenicactivities (landfills, etc.) with the potential to cause direct (sewage waters, etc.) or indirect (leachate, etc.) impacts were identified, using checklists and double-entry matrices to analyse actions likely to cause impacts, developing the cartography and identifying environmental impacts potentially damaging to the natural environment. Next, thematic and interpretive mappings were drawn up (surface water quality, aquifer vulnerability to pollution and vulnerability to municipal solid waste) to assess the effects upon resources (water, soil, air, etc.). Finally, by overlapping the impact identification and vulnerability mappings (municipal solid waste, pollution of aquifers and surface water quality) the impact characterization mapping was obtained, showing the absorption capacity of the different sectors to help the responsible bodies set out preventive and/or corrective measures. The essence of this paper is, in methodological terms, its use of two methods simultaneously (strategic environmental assessment and environmental impact assessment) in a protected natural area, allowing it to be extrapolated to any area where territorial management and planning studies need to be carried out.
Optimal frontline therapy for peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) in the modern era remains unclear.
We examined patient characteristics, treatment, and outcomes among 341 newly diagnosed PTCL patients ...from 2000 to 2011. Outcome was compared with a matched cohort of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients, and prognostic factors were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.
PTCL subtypes included PTCL, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) (31%), anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma (ALCL) (26%), angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (23%), NK/T-cell lymphoma (7%), acute T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (6%), and other (7%). Median age was 62 years (range 18-95 years), and 74% had stage III-IV disease. Twenty-three (7%) patients received only palliative care whereas 318 received chemotherapy: CHOP-like regimens (70%), hyperCVAD/MA (6%), or other (18%). Thirty-three patients (10%) underwent stem-cell transplantation (SCT) in first remission. The overall response rate was 73% (61% complete); 24% had primary refractory disease. With 39-month median follow-up, 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 32% and 52%. PFS and OS for PTCL patients were significantly inferior to matched patients with DLBCL. On multivariate analysis, stage I–II disease was the only significant pretreatment prognostic factor PFS: hazard ratio (HR) 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.85, P = 0.007; OS: HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.22–0.78, P = 0.006. ALK positivity in ALCL was prognostic on univariate analysis, but lost significance on multivariate analysis. The most dominant prognostic factor was response to initial therapy (complete response versus other), including adjustment for stage and SCT PFS: HR 0.19, 95% CI 0.14–0.28, P < 0.0001; OS: HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.17–0.40, P < 0.0001. No overall survival difference was observed based on choice of upfront regimen or SCT in first remission.
This analysis identifies early-stage disease and initial treatment response as dominant prognostic factors in PTCL. No clear benefit was observed for patients undergoing consolidative SCT. Novel therapeutic approaches for PTCL are critically needed.
Virtual fieldtrips in palaeontology and geology offer an expanded environment to make field sites more accessible for a broader audience. Based on extensive experience working in upper Neogene ...deposits in the province of Huelva, on the western edge of the Guadalquivir Basin, we have selected 10 sites for their regional palaeontological-geological interest (geosites). By applying geoinformatic tools, we have produced a virtual 3D tour of the georeferenced geosites, integrating multiple thematic digital layers (including geological maps, topographical maps, a digital terrain model and orthophotos). Each stop in the tour contains descriptive and graphic elements that can be viewed in free virtual globes (e.g., Google Earth), combined with diagrams, photographs and information sheets that quantitatively assess the cultural tourism, scientific and educational value of the geosite. From this digital 3D geodatabase, we propose a virtual flight itinerary that can be displayed in compatible video formats and using new technologies, such as smartphones, tablets or iPads.
This paper presents an analysis of the vulnerability (AVI Index) and hazard of flooding by sea level rise (FRI Index) in the central Algarve (South Portugal), between the cities of Portimão and ...Tavira, which is an area of intense urban impact and fast growing tourism. The vulnerability index was calculated using the following parametric thematic maps: lithology, geomorphology, slopes, elevations, distances, bathymetry, variations of the coastline, wave height and activity, variations of sea level and tidal range. The AVI Index was validated by the results obtained from the analysis of the risk of flooding from the FHI Index applied to several time horizons (X0-present, X1-100 years, X2-500 years, X3-1000year, X4-Storm and X5-Tsunami). Application of GIS and remote sensing techniques, viz. spatial analysis, interpolation processes and geostatistical analysis, permitted a regional forecasting model of change in the mean sea level and the ensuing consequences to be established. Analysis of the obtained results shows an increase in potential flood zones in populous coastal tourist areas with a high risk of exposure and a significant spatial extent of 8.84km2 only in Faro municipality. The assessment and delineation of other endangered sectors could contribute to designing appropriate long- term management policies for the coastal of Central Algarve.
In a phase 1 trial, axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel), an autologous anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, showed efficacy in patients with refractory large B-cell lymphoma after ...the failure of conventional therapy.
In this multicenter, phase 2 trial, we enrolled 111 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma, or transformed follicular lymphoma who had refractory disease despite undergoing recommended prior therapy. Patients received a target dose of 2×10
anti-CD19 CAR T cells per kilogram of body weight after receiving a conditioning regimen of low-dose cyclophosphamide and fludarabine. The primary end point was the rate of objective response (calculated as the combined rates of complete response and partial response). Secondary end points included overall survival, safety, and biomarker assessments.
Among the 111 patients who were enrolled, axi-cel was successfully manufactured for 110 (99%) and administered to 101 (91%). The objective response rate was 82%, and the complete response rate was 54%.With a median follow-up of 15.4 months, 42% of the patients continued to have a response, with 40% continuing to have a complete response. The overall rate of survival at 18 months was 52%. The most common adverse events of grade 3 or higher during treatment were neutropenia (in 78% of the patients), anemia (in 43%), and thrombocytopenia (in 38%). Grade 3 or higher cytokine release syndrome and neurologic events occurred in 13% and 28% of the patients, respectively. Three of the patients died during treatment. Higher CAR T-cell levels in blood were associated with response.
In this multicenter study, patients with refractory large B-cell lymphoma who received CAR T-cell therapy with axi-cel had high levels of durable response, with a safety profile that included myelosuppression, the cytokine release syndrome, and neurologic events. (Funded by Kite Pharma and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Therapy Acceleration Program; ZUMA-1 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02348216 .).
Tectonic activity of SE Spain is evaluated through the application of a general morphometric analysis over 17 different mountain fronts. The selected fronts are distributed along the two most ...prominent crustal-scale structures of the Mediterranean sector of Spain: The Eastern Betic Shear Zone (EBSZ) and the Valencia Trough. Geomorphic indexes used in this study are Mountain-front sinuosity index (Smf) and Valley floor/width ratio (Vf). This work is largely based on the Smf/Vf regression analysis of the studied fronts together with previous available data from SW USA. The development of mountain fronts in both different lithologies and tectonic contexts enabled characteristic morphometric signatures for different activity scenarios (tectonic activity classes) to be obtained. This study thus indicates that variations of mountain front geomorphology triggered by different styles of faulting can be detected by morphometric analysis. It is demonstrated that discrete uplift rates of 0.15–0.08 m/ka are sufficient to keep relatively low Smf values down to 1.4 in Active fronts (Class 1). Taking into account the reported uplift rates and preliminary palaeoseismic data for some of the Class 1 studied fronts, recurrence periods for surface rupture events can be theoretically bracketed for SE Spain. Recurrence periods for Class 1 fronts could theoretically range between 10,000 and 12,500 years for maximum slip conditions, and 1750 and 2600 years for minimum slip conditions. Inactive fronts (Class 3) develop under uplift rates down to 0.03 m/ka, and tested recurrence intervals for rupture events range between 25,000 and 50,000 years. Class 2 fronts of intermediate characteristics and activity display uplift rates between 0.07 and 0.03 m/ka.
Effects of the 2010 Chilean earthquake and tsunami were evaluated at coastal sites between two zones of different coseismic deformations. Land deformation, run-up, inundation extent and deposit ...extent and thickness were measured in the field, providing insights into the processes and morphological changes associated with tsunami inundation and backwash. Three to five waves, of up to 10m height, deposited several related layers along the coast, the thickness of these sandy deposits does not exceed 80cm, and is generally less than 30cm. Coseismic deformation measured by means of bio- and geomorphic markers agrees well both with model deformation and measured GPS. There is no relationship between the run-up height and the trend of coseismic deformation (uplift or subsidence), mainly because the effects of the tsunami were influenced locally by offshore bathymetry and coastal morphology.
•Land deformation, run up, inundation extent and deposit extent and thickness were measured in the field after the earthquake.•Coseismic deformation measured by means of bio- and geomorphic markers agrees both with model deformation and measured GPS.•No relationship was found between coseismic land deformations, tsunami run-up and sedimentological features.
When making land-use plans, it is necessary to inventory and catalogue the geological heritage and geodiversity of a site to establish an apolitical conservation protection plan to meet the ...educational and social needs of society. New technologies make it possible to create virtual databases using virtual globes – e.g., Google Earth – and other personal-use geomatics applications (smartphones, tablets, PDAs) for accessing geological heritage information in “real time” for scientific, educational, and cultural purposes via a virtual geological itinerary. Seventeen mapped and georeferenced geosites have been created in Keyhole Markup Language for use in map layers used in geological itinerary stops for different applications.
A virtual tour has been developed for Las Quilamas Natural Park, which is located in the Spanish Central System, using geological layers and topographic and digital terrain models that can be overlaid in a 3D model. The Google Earth application was used to import the geosite placemarks. For each geosite, a tab has been developed that shows a description of the geology with photographs and diagrams and that evaluates the scientific, educational, and tourism quality.
Augmented reality allows the user to access these georeferenced thematic layers and overlay data, images, and graphics in real time on their mobile devices. These virtual tours can be incorporated into subject guides designed by public. Seven educational and interpretive panels describing some of the geosites were designed and tagged with a QR code that could be printed at each stop or in the printed itinerary. These QR codes can be scanned with the camera found on most mobile devices, and video virtual tours can be viewed on these devices. The virtual tour of the geological heritage can be used to show tourists the geological history of the Las Quilamas Natural Park using new geomatics technologies (virtual globes, augmented reality, and QR codes).
•Establishes a methodology for a geological heritage itinerary with virtual globes.•Geosites placemarks in KML used in geological itinerary stops in natural park.•Databases for geomatics applications (smarthphones, tablets, PDA).•Virtual tours implemented in mobile devices: augmented reality, panels and QR codes.
This work describes the transformation process from 2D cartography to 3D, simply by overlapping images in common formats (jpeg, bmp, tiff, png, etc.) on Google Earth’s virtual globe. Arribes del ...Duero Natural Park, located west of the province of Salamanca, Spain, was the object of this part of the study. Other natural areas are also discussed and were used to establish a procedure for mapping geodiversity and for identifying areas of geological uniqueness and naturalness within the natural areas. To do this, different parametric indices were used to empirically generate different degrees of geological diversity in the Quilamas Natural Area, located south of Salamanca, Spain. Intermediate parametric maps were processed using two types of GIS technical: graphical (neighbourhood operations) and alphanumeric (calculated from the fields in the attribute table). Intermediate parametric maps were processed using two types of technical GIS: neighbourhood operations (graphics) and alphanumeric (calculated from the fields in the attribute table). These maps were used to establish areas with the greatest concentration of geological diversity elements and to define areas with a greater need for protection when planning the management of human activities in natural areas. Finally, the flight simulator tool, which was implemented in the free virtual globe and controlled using a keyboard or joystick, allows you to “fly” through the projected geological mapping of Arribes Del Duero Natural Park or view the parametric mapping and geodiversity in the newly created Quilamas Natural Area. Interoperability with the Google Maps application allows you to identify and observe the outcrops of the various geological materials in natural or anthropic terrain cuts.
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