The coexistence of shortening and extensional tectonic regimes is a common feature in orogenic belts. The westernmost end of the Western Mediterranean is an area undergoing shortening related to the ...5 mm/yr NNW‒SSE convergence of the Nubia and Eurasia Plates. In this region, the Central Betic Cordillera shows a regional ENE‒WSW extension. Here, we present GNSS‐derived geodetic data along a 170 km‐long transect orthogonal to the main active normal faults of the Central Betic Cordillera. Our data indicate that the total extension rate along the Central Betic Cordillera is 2.0 ± 0.3 mm/yr. Extension is accommodated in the eastern (0.8 ± 0.3 mm/yr in the Guadix‐Baza Basin) and western (1.3 ± 0.3 mm/yr in the Granada Basin) parts of the Central Betic Cordillera, while no extension is recorded in the central part of the study area. Moreover, our data permit us to quantify, for the first time, short‐term fault slip rates of the Granada Fault System, which is one of the main seismogenic sources of the Iberian Peninsula. We deduce a fault slip rate of ∼1.3 ± 0.3 mm/yr for the whole Granada Basin, with 0.9 ± 0.3 mm/yr being accommodated in the Granada Fault System and 0.4 ± 0.3 mm/yr being accommodated in the southwestern sector of the Granada Basin, where no active faults have been previously described at the surface. The heterogeneous extension in the Central Betic Cordillera could be accommodated by shallow high‐angle normal faults that merge with a detachment at depth. Part of the active extension could be derived from gravitational instability because of underlying over‐thickened crust.
Plain Language Summary
We present here high‐precision GPS data obtained in S Spain. In this area tectonic deformation of the Earth crust is related to the convergence between Nubia (Africa) and Eurasia Plates. Under this general convergence setting, our study area is undergoing extensional deformation. GPS data permit us to quantify and characterize this extension. The total extension in our study area is 2.0 ± 0.3 mm/yr. But this extension is heterogeneous, as it concentrates in two areas to the east and to the west, separated by a zone with no extension. Moreover, our data permit to quantify, for the first time, short‐term fault slip rates of the Granada Fault System (0.9 ± 0.3 mm/yr). This parameter is essential to characterize the seismic hazard of this structure, which is one of the main seismogenic sources of the Iberian Peninsula. We also discuss the subsurface geometry of the faults accommodating this heterogeneous extension and the crustal mechanism responsible for that.
Key Points
We quantify active extension within a collisional orogen (Betic Cordillera, SE Spain)
Extension in the Central Betic Cordillera is heterogeneous
We quantify, for the first time, short‐term slip rate of the Granada Fault System, one of the main seismogenic sources of Spain
Anaphylaxis includes mast cell (MC) activation, but less is known about downstream mechanisms (ie, vascular permeability controlled by endothelial cells ECs). The TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis ...(TWEAK) and its sole receptor, fibroblast growth factor–inducible molecule 14 (Fn14), belong to the TNF superfamily and are involved in proinflammatory responses.
We sought to investigate the role of TWEAK/Fn14 axis in anaphylaxis.
In vivo vascular permeability and mouse models of passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA) and active systemic anaphylaxis were applied to wild-type (WT), TWEAK- and Fn14-deficient mice (TWEAK−/− and Fn14−/−, respectively). Primary bone marrow–derived mast cells (BMMCs) and ECs from WT and Fn14−/− or TWEAK−/− mice were studied. The TWEAK/Fn14 axis was also investigated in human samples.
Mice with PSA and active systemic anaphylaxis had increased Fn14 and TWEAK expression in lung tissues and increased serum soluble TWEAK concentrations. TWEAK and Fn14 deficiencies prevent PSA-related symptoms, resulting in resistance to decreased body temperature, less severe reactions, and maintained physical activity. Numbers of MCs after PSA are similar between genotypes in different tissue regions, such as ear skin and the trachea, tongue, peritoneum, lungs, and bone marrow. Moreover, in vitro studies revealed no differences in degranulation or mediator release between WT and Fn14−/− BMMCs after IgE-FcεRI stimulation. In vivo and in vitro histamine and platelet-activating factor administration increases Fn14 receptor expression in lungs and ECs. Moreover, Fn14 deficiency in ECs maintained in vitro impermeability when stimulated by mediators or activated BMMCs but not by TWEAK−/− BMMCs, indicating that Fn14 is crucial for endothelial barrier function. TWEAK/Fn14 deletion or TWEAK-blocking antibody prevented histamine/platelet-activating factor–induced vascular subcutaneous permeability. Circulating soluble TWEAK levels were increased in patients with anaphylaxis, and plasma from those patients increased Fn14 expression in ECs.
The TWEAK/Fn14 axis participates in anaphylactic reactions. Inhibition of TWEAK/Fn14 interaction could be efficacious in anaphylaxis therapy.
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We present the first GPS‐derived geodetic observations from the NE end of the Eastern Betic Shear Zone obtained from the Bajo Segura GPS network (SE Spain). The network has 11 GPS sites and was ...sampled four times between 1999 and 2013. Despite the low signal‐to‐noise ratio of the residual velocities obtained, the velocities are nonzero at 95% confidence level. We postulate that the GPS data point to the partitioning of deformation into the NNW–SSE shortening and a N70E left‐lateral component. The maximum deformation rates are located along the two main active faults in the study area. The maximum shortening rates (north component) in the southern region of the Bajo Segura Basin vary from west to east, ranging from 0.2 to 0.7 mm/year along the Bajo Segura Fault Zone. On the northern border of the basin, along the Crevillente Fault Zone, left‐lateral displacement varies between 0.4 and 0.7 mm/year in the E‐W direction. The GPS‐based regional geodynamic models of the Western Mediterranean indicate that the residual shortening of the Eurasia‐Nubia plate convergence is accommodated in the eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula and the Algero‐Balearic Basin. Our results indicate that part of this residual deformation occurs at the NE end of the Eastern Betic Shear Zone, but significant deformation must be accommodated also to the north (External Betics) and to the south (Cartagena Basin and offshore area). We postulate that Eurasia‐Nubia plate convergence is transferred to the Eastern Betics because of the thin and rigid (potentially oceanic) crust of the Algero‐Balearic Basin, which acts as an indenter.
Key Points
GPS geodetic data from the Bajo Segura GPS network (SE Spain) point to a NNW–SSE shortening and a N70E left‐lateral component
Our results indicate that part of the Eurasia‐Nubia convergence is accommodated by the Eastern Betic Shear Zone
Eurasia‐Nubia plate convergence is transferred to the Eastern Betics because of an indenter of thin and rigid (possibly oceanic) crust
This project aims to complement and homogenise the teaching of indications and technique of digital rectal examination (DRE) through the use of simulators, and subsequently analysed the level of ...satisfaction with the training and skills acquired. The students were distributed into small groups. One of the workshop’s coordinators synthesised indications and procedures of DRE. A teaching video was made with all the contents and was distributed between the trainers. During the workshop, trainers explained the indications and the method of performing the DRE. Then, the selected clinical cases were presented, followed by the DRE by specific simulators. Once the students had completed each exploration, the trainers explained each case and discussed it with students. The following week, an anonymous questionnaire was given to participants to evaluate the workshop. Of the 232 participating students, 53 (23%) responded to the questionnaire. The overall level of satisfaction was higher than 98% (score 4–5), reaching 100% in the evaluation of the practical contents, and 93% of the students would recommend the continuity of the workshop in the next courses. The DRE workshop was well received among medical students, with a high degree of voluntary participation and response rate to the subsequent survey. With this project, we have achieved a greater homogenisation of teaching within the subject of Urology, and greater confidence for the students when facing their future clinical practice.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 960–971
Summary
Background Hepatitis C virus infection evolves into chronic progressive liver disease in a significant percentage of patients. Monocytes constitute a ...diverse group of myeloid cells that mediate innate and adaptive immune response. In addition to proinflammatory CD16+ monocytes, a Tie‐2+ subgroup – Tie‐2 expressing monocytes (TEMs) – that has robust proangiogenic potential has been recently defined.
Aim To study the heterogeneity of peripheral blood monocytes in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and to examine their proposed pathophysiological roles on disease progression and response to antiviral therapy.
Methods We studied CD16+ and Tie‐2+ peripheral monocyte subpopulations in 21 healthy subjects and 39 CHC patients in various stages of disease and responses to antiviral treatment using flow cytometry. Expression profiles of proangiogenic and tissue remodelling factors in monocyte supernatants were measured using ELISA and protein arrays. Intrahepatic expression of CD14, CD31 and Tie‐2 was analysed using immunofluorescence.
Results Increases of certain peripheral monocyte subsets were observed in the blood of CHC patients, wherein those cells with proinflammatory (CD16+) or proangiogenic (TEMs) potential expanded (P < 0.005, both). Notably, TEMs were significantly increased in nonresponders, particularly those with lower CD16 expression. In addition, many angiogenic factors were differentially expressed by peripheral monocytes from control or CHC patients, such as angiopoietin‐1 and angiogenin (P < 0.05). Interestingly, intrahepatic TEMs were distinguished within portal infiltrates of CHC patients.
Conclusions These findings suggest for the first time the relevance of peripheral monocytes phenotypes for the achievement of response to treatment. Hence, the study of monocyte subset regulation might effect improved CHC prognoses and adjuvant therapies.
Campal et al discuss the clinical value of stored electrograms (EGMs) in cardiac devices. Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) include pacemakers (PM), implantable cardiac defibrillators ...(ICD), and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices (CRTD). All of them can store different intracavitary electrograms (IC-EGM) from the electrodes located in the atrial (A) or the ventricular (V) chambers, providing information about the presence, frequency, and type of the electrical activation and also on the device function. These stored IC-EGMs are represented in a "marker channel" with all the events recorded by the device: Atrial Sensing or Pacing (AS/AP), Ventricular Sensing or Pacing (VS/VP), biventricular pacing in a CRTD (biV), Atrial refractoriness (AR), Atrial or Ventricular noise (AN/VN), or A-V intervals, among others.
Soil erosion modeling in olive groves requires precise and accurate spatial data for the representation of topography associated with each time epoch considered. The precision and accuracy of ...altimetric values affect the quality of the digital elevation model (DEM) and therefore these requirements must be added to the necessity to generate high resolution DEMs. The increase of quality implies: 1. Improving the quality of the instrumentation and methodology applied in the field data collection and 2. Minimizing errors from the interpolation algorithm used to generate the digital terrain model. Currently, RTK networks are an indispensable complement to global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) precise positioning. The availability of highly accurate three-dimensional real time positioning has opened the door to new applications, making network-based real time kinematic (NRTK) positioning an attractive spatial data source for modeling soil erosion in small areas. This paper analyzes the quality of NRTK altimetric positioning supported by a local active network and its application in a test olive grove in SE Spain for soil erosion modeling. An evaluation procedure was implemented at several test sites distributed throughout an olive grove environment with special emphasis on filtering and checking the NRTK solutions in the vertical component. The precision in this component revealed a mean value of 15 mm and the vertical accuracy reached maximum values of 30 mm. In order to generate high resolution and accuracy DEM from the NRTK data, cross sections on the test olive grove were surveyed. The average altimetric quality value (CQ1D) of points surveyed was 0.017 m, according to the standard deviation estimated at test points. Based on the quality results, NRTK positioning is an accurate and reliable methodology for monitoring the erosion processes of small areas in an olive grove environment.
The Gibraltar Arc, located in the western Mediterranean Sea, is an arcuate Alpine orogen formed by the Betic and Rif Cordilleras, separated by the Alboran Sea. New continuous GPS data (2008–2013) ...obtained in the Topo-Iberia stations of the western Betic Cordillera allow us to improve the present-day deformation pattern related to active tectonics in this collision area between the Eurasian and African plates. These data indicate a very consistent westward motion of the Betic Cordillera with respect to the relatively stable Iberian Massif foreland. The displacement in the Betics increases toward the south and west, reaching maximum values in the Gibraltar Strait area (4.27mm/yr in Ceuta, CEU1, and 4.06mm/yr in San Fernando, SFER), then progressively decreasing toward the northwestern mountain front. The recent geological structures and seismicity evidence moderate deformation in a roughly NW–SE to WNW–ESE compressional stress setting in the mountain frontal areas, and moderate extension toward the internal part of the cordillera. The mountain front undergoes progressive development of folds affecting at least up to Pliocene deposits, with similar recent geological and geodetical rates. This folded strip helps to accommodate the active deformation with scarce associated seismicity. The displacement pattern is in agreement with the present-day clockwise rotation of the tectonic units in the northern branch of the Gibraltar Arc. Our data support that the westward emplacement of the Betic Cordillera continues to be active in a rollback tectonic scenario.
•New CGPS stations support fast westward displacements of the western Betics.•Active dextral rotations are in agreement with the tectonic arc development.•A folded strip of several tens of km accommodates the frontal deformations.•Integration of CGPS and geological data supports active rollback in the Betics.
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) influence many cellular processes, including the modulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription activity (STAT) in response to interferon (IFN). To ...identify genetic markers that help optimize the IL-28B prediction of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) sustained virological response (SVR), we evaluated 27 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in HDAC1-11. Three SNPs, rs3778216, rs976552 and rs368328 in HDAC2, HDAC3 and HDAC5, respectively, were independently associated with SVR (P<0.05). The addition of these three HDAC's SNPs to the IL-28B predictive model (area under the curve (AUC)=0.630) rendered an important improvement of AUC-receiver operating characteristic value (AUC=0.747, P=0.021). Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) analysis denoted the significance of the rs3778216 C/C genotype in identifying a group of good responders despite carrying IL-28B T allele (79.2% of SVR), whereas HDAC5 G allele characterized a subgroup with poor response rate (25.5%). However, HDAC3 rs976552 did not display a relevant role for the hierarchical classification of patients. Variables related to SVR in hepatitis C virus genotype 1 (HCV-1) cohort were the same of those obtained for the overall population. Interestingly, in non-HCV-1 patients (n=56) the HDAC2 C/C genotype was the unique predictive variable related to SVR (AUC=0.733, P<0.007). Thus, these preliminary results suggest the potential usefulness of combined IL-28B and HDAC genotyping for the CHC patients' classification by likelihood of an SVR.
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