Drought in Portugal: Current regime, comparison of indices and impacts on extreme wildfires

In Portugal, drought characterizes the climatic variability, contributes to the increase of fire risk and its duration and intensity are expected to increase in future climate. Surprisingly, the quantitative and objective analysis to characterize the drought regime in current climate conditions as well as its influence on the occurrence of large wildfires (LW) has never been done for Portugal, which are the main objectives of this study. We assessed drought regime for recent past climate conditions (1981-2017), using four different drought indices, namely SPI, SPEI, RDI and VCI, and assessed the influence of drought in LW occurrence. Results include the characterization of drought number, duration, severity, intensity, extension, intra- and inter-annual variability for different classes of severity and the space-time distribution of LW in drought periods and affected area. Our main findings include 67% of the study period were drought months; regions with higher drought duration and severity assessed with SPI and SPEI for general drought conditions evolves from north to south with the increase of drought assessment period; drought characteristics present low intra - annual and inter - annual variability but are clearly associated to the temporal and spatial distribution of LW. In fact, all LW occurred during drought assessed with SPI or SPEI, almost all LW (97% to 95%) and corresponding burnt area (98% to 97%) occurred during drought assessed with SPI and SPEI. The relationship between drought and fire incidence is statistical significant for 3 - month SPI, 3 - and 6 - month SPEI, and is particularly strong for Moderate and Severe drought. 85% and 87% of LW occurred in area affected by drought assessed with SPI or SPEI, respectively. It is not clear which is the best index, but drought plays a fundamental role in the occurrence of large wildfires in Portugal.

Arthrospira Platensis (Spirulina) Supplementation on Laying Hens' Performance: Eggs Physical, Chemical, and Sensorial Qualities

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of spirulina on laying hens' performances: Eggs' physical, chemical, and sensorial qualities. A total of 45 Lohman White hens, 44 weeks of age, were randomized into 3 groups of 15 birds. Hens were given 120 g/d of a basal diet containing 0% (control), 1.5%, and 2.5% of spirulina for 6 weeks. Albumen height and consequently Haugh unit were significantly affected by dietary supplementation of spirulina (p < 0.05) and by weeks on diet (p < 0.05). This supplement did not affect (p > 0.05) egg yolk weight or height. However, spirulina increased egg yolk redness (a*) from 1.33 (C) to 12.67 (D1) and 16.19 (D2) and reduced (p < 0.05) the yellowness (b*) parameter from 62.1(C) to 58.17 (D1) and 55.87 (D2). Egg yolks from hens fed spirulina were darker, more red, and less yellow in color than egg yolks from hens fed the control-diet (p < 0.0001). However, spirulina did not affect (p > 0.05) egg yolks' total cholesterol concentration. In conclusion, a significant enhancement of egg yolk color was found in response to spirulina supplementation. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the impact of spirulina on egg yolks' fatty acids profile.

Application of visible and near-infrared spectroscopy for evaluation of ewes milk with different feeds

Rapid measurement optical techniques have the advantage over traditional methods of being faster and non-destructive. In this work visible and near-infrared spectroscopy (vis-NIRS) was used to investigate differences between measured values of key milk properties (e.g. fat, protein and lactose) in 30 samples of ewes milk according to three feed systems; faba beans, field peas and control diet. A mobile fibre-optic vis-NIR spectrophotometer (350–2500 nm) was used to collect reflectance spectra from milk samples. Principal component analysis was used to explore differences between milk samples according to the feed supplied, and a partial least-squares regression and random forest regression were adopted to develop calibration models for the prediction of milk properties. Results of the principal component analysis showed clear separation between the three groups of milk samples according to the diet of the ewes throughout the lactation period. Milk fat, protein and lactose were predicted with good accuracy by means of partial least-squares regression (R2 = 0.70–0.83 and ratio of prediction deviation, which is the ratio of standard deviation to root mean square error of prediction = 1.85–2.44). However, the best prediction results were obtained with random forest regression models (R2 = 0.86–0.90; ratio of prediction deviation = 2.73–3.26). The adoption of the vis-NIRS coupled with multivariate modelling tools can be recommended for exploring to differences between milk samples according to different feed systems, and to predict key milk properties, based particularly on the random forest regression modelling technique.

Negligent and intentional fires in Portugal: Spatial distribution characterization

In the European context, Portugal is the country with the highest number of wildfires and the second with more burnt area. The vast majority of these events are of human origin, whether caused by accident, negligence or arson, reason why it is particularly important to know the regime of these wildfires for forest and wildfire management activities. The study focuses on the most recent years of 2001-2014, when wildfire ignition's coordinates are known, and aims to identify and characterize the wildfire incidence spatial patterns of variability as well as their main drivers. After grouping wildfires with human cause into negligent and intentional, we studied their spatial distribution in terms of normalized number of wildfires (NNF) and burnt area (NBA) in the five Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics II regions of mainland Portugal. Results disclose an uneven spatial distribution of the fire incidence, characterized by a south-north gradient, much higher values in Norte region and more evident for intentional than for negligent wildfires. Human and biophysical drivers strongly influence NNF and NBA, at regional and national scales. Distribution patterns at regional scale, for negligent and intentional wildfires are quite different from entire mainland and all wildfires. Drivers' influence is higher for intentional than for negligent wildfires, for southern than for northern regions and for NBA than for NNF. The leading drivers of NNF are distance to roads (d) population density (pd) and altitude (h) while of NBA are h, d, slope and pd, and this influence is higher for intentional than for negligent wildfires.

Kappa casein gene polymorphism in local Tunisian goats

The genetic polymorphism of the goat Kappa casein was investigated in Tunisian goats. Blood samples were collected from local goat breeds. Samples of genomic DNA were obtained from leukocytes of 175 dairy goats and regions of interest in the gene were amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and then evaluated in agarose gel. For a better characterization of the single nucleotide polymorphism, a PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism was performed employing the endonuclease DNA amplification using 459 bp primers. The PCR products of primers (459 bp) digested by restriction enzyme Alw44I produced two fragments of 459 and 381 bp. The Kappa casein allelic variants in tested animals revealed different genotypes, two of them were homozygous: AA or BB, AC or BC and CC. Genotypic frequencies were 12.5, 60.5 and 27% for AA or BB, CC and AC or BC, respectively. Identification of different variants of the Kappa casein can be used for the improvement and conservation of Tunisian local goats.

Tuberculous duodenal stenosis: report of two cases

Duodenal tuberculosis is a rare clinical entity. The authors report and emphasize the lack of special clinical, radiological and endoscopic signs of duodenal tuberculosis. The diagnosis is affirmed, at laparotomy, out of the findings of peritoneal granulations or histology of lymphatic nodes. We report our experience of two cases of duodenal tuberculosis presenting with proximal intestinal obstruction and review the available literature.

[Clinical case of the month. Peritonitis after spontaneous rupture of pyonephrosis. A case report]

Peritonitis after spontaneous rupture of pyonephrosis is a rare complication, usually diagnosed intraoperatively. We report the case of a 35 year old woman who was admited for an acute abdomen. Ultrasound showed features of acute peritonitis, with left pyonephrosis, confirmed by a CT-SCAN. Treatment consisted of laparotomy with nephrectomy and abdominal washing and draining. The outcome was favourable.

[Stromal tumor of the stomach with exo-gastric growth]

A 60 year-old male patient presented with a giant stromal tumor of the stomach that showed predominant extragastric growth. Surgery consisted of total tumor resection with partial gastrectomy. The stromal origin of the tumor was established by immunohistochemistry. In spite of its large size and the presence of necrotic foci, the tumor was considered to be of low grade in view of the low mitosis index. The patient was maintained on careful surveillance. The histological features which characterize these tumors and their implications for prognosis and therapy are briefly discussed.

[Retro-cost-xyphoid hernia and common mesentery: a case diagnosed in an adult]

Authors analysed Morgagni's hernia pathogenesis through a new case associated to a common mesentery position and revealed by respiratory distress after delivery.

[Treatment of bleeding duodenal ulcer. A study of mortality and indication of surgical treatment. Apropos of 557 cases]

From 1986 to 1996, 557 patients are treated for acute ulcer bleeding. The sex ratio is five to one for men, the average age is 40 years old. The duodenal ulcer is revelated by haemorrhage in 25.8%. 181 patients underwent a surgical operation (32%). This percentage is higher that those encountered in the literature, due probably to our specific context (patients from low socioeconomic level, can not afford medical treatment, medical surveillance or control, lack of blood products in emergency. The most practiced surgical treatment is weinberg operation: "Troncular Vagotomy" with "pyroloplasty" and "ulcer sean" practiced in 86.1% of the cases; "Troncular Vagotomy" with "Gastro-intestinal anastomosis" is operated in 7.7% of the cases; "Superselective Vagotomy" and "Seromyotomy" is practiced in 3.8%, with the "Antroduodenectomy" is practiced in 1.1% of the cases. The overall death rate observed is about 4% this value increase to 11% after surgical treatment. This death rate is lower than the literature, that's probably anociated the fact that most of our patients are young and do not hold severe weaknesses. This study indicates that mortality was related to the patient's age, the patient's condition and recurrent haemorrhages.

Lidocaine-clonidine retrobulbar block for cataract surgery in the elderly

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Clonidine, an alpha-2-adrenoreceptor agonist, has been shown to decrease intraocular pressure (IOP) and to have some analgesic and sedative effects when it is used in premedication for ophthalmic surgery. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of lidocaine-clonidine retrobulbar block for cataract surgery with respect to its effect on IOP, analgesic action, and sedative effects.

METHODS

Sixty elderly patients (ASA status I and II) were allocated randomly to receive in a prospective double-blind manner retrobulbar block for cataract surgery. Group I (n = 30) received 3-4 mL of 2% lidocaine with 1 mL saline, while group 2 (n = 30), received 3-4 mL of 2% lidocaine with clonidine 2 micrograms/kg.

RESULTS

A large decrease in intraocular pressure from 13.5 +/- 4.6 to 7.7 +/- 3.7 mm Hg (P < .01) and a small but significant reduction of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were observed 20 minutes alter the retrobulbar block in patients receiving clonidine, while no changes occurred in the control group. The median duration of analgesia and akinesia was greater in the lidocaine-clonidine group (241 +/- 88 minutes and 80 +/- 20 minutes, respectively) as compared with the lidocaine group (128 +/- 24 minutes and 70 +/- 20 minutes, respectively) (P < .01, P < .05). Sedation scores were greater in group 2 from the 10-minute point (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of clonidine to lidocaine for retrobulbar block causes a decrease in intraocular pressure, a sedative effect, and an increased duration of analgesia and akinesia, with relatively stable hemodynamic parameters.

[Immediate esophagojejunal anastomosis after total gastrectomy for caustic necrosis. Apropos of 5 cases]

Five patients have had an immediate recovery of the continuity after total gastrectomy for caustic necrosis by an oesophago-jejunostomy. One patient died of post operative peritonitis no linked with the oesophago-jejunostomy. Two cases had a respiratory infection and one patient had presented a jejuno-jejunostomy fistula. Three healed without sequela. The immediate recovery of the continuity after total gastrectomy for caustic necrosis with moderate lesions of the oesophagus steals the ideal therapeutic attitude.

[A rare cause of massive upper digestive hemorrhage. Duodenal tuberculosis, apropos of two cases]

Tuberculosis of the duodenum was revealed in two patients by severe upper digestive tract bleeding. These cases illustrate the difficulties in diagnosing tuberculosis of the duodenum which can present as a simple bleeding ulceration. This "infectious" ulcer is an exceptional finding but certain diagnosis can be made at laparotomy with extemporaneous pathology of the lymph nodes. For non-complicated cases, the diagnosis may be suspected on the bases of routine laboratory tests. Surgery should be limited as much as possible since specific antibiotics are usually successful in cases of digestive tract tuberculosis.

[An unusual cause of colonic perforation: sinus haemophagocyte histiocytosis]

The authors report about one case of colic perforation due to sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy. This observation has permitted us to give a point of view about this uncommon affection with unknown cause.

[Pseudotumor form of hepatic tuberculosis. Apropos of a case]

The authors report about one new case of hepatic tuberculosis in a pseudotumoral form, and emphasize the diagnostic difficulties even in a country where tuberculosis is endemic. Hepatic puncture, either with sonographic monitoring or during laparotomy, is the paraclinical examination of choice. The histological study supports the diagnosis. The medical treatment is that of any form of tuberculosis. The surgical treatment is most often indicated when a diagnosis of liver tumor is assumed.