Southern European peninsulas have repeatedly played notable roles as refuges in the natural history of flora during periods of glaciation. Euonymus latifolius (Celastraceae) is a relict species from the last Würmian glaciation in the Iberian Peninsula. It still lives with isolated populations in favourable, cool mountainous microhabitats, being an extremely rare, critically endangered species. These Iberian populations are often high-priority targets for conservation due to their long-term persistence and unique evolutionary trajectory. Previously, it has not been feasible to promote significant programmes for reintroduction and/or population reinforcement of this singular plant species due to the great difficulties of conventional propagation. In this study, we analysed the effects of temperature, light and gibberellic acid (GA3) on the germination responses of E. latifolius to develop an effective protocol for seed germination as a main outcome. The results are coherent with the climatic temperature conditions recorded broadly in the Iberian Peninsula in the past and in the current refuge locations for the taxon. The germination responses of E. latifolius are compatible with those of seeds with intermediate physiological dormancy. In particular, the seeds required a 10-week warm period (20/7°C + 15/4°C) followed by 20 weeks of cold period (5 + 1.5°C) to break dormancy and achieve germination values over 90%. GA3 also promoted germination (80%). Therefore, we developed the first effective protocol for promoting E. latifolius seed germination and, thus, sexual propagation, to facilitate urgent ex situ actions in the current climate change context.

The type species of the genus Epacrolaimus, Epacrolaimus declinatoaculeatus, is studied from the re-examination of type material of Aporcelaimus vorax, its junior synonym, and the observation of several Iberian populations and a few Iranian specimens. Morphologically, it displays a recognizable morphological pattern characterized by, among other features, the incurved nature of its odontostyle aperture, presence of perioral liplets or lobes, lip region 24–31 μm wide, odontostyle 21–25 μm long and comparatively anterior location of S2N pharyngeal gland nuclei. Nevertheless, variations in some morphological traits (vagina shape and tail shape) and in several morphometrics (body length, uterus length, vulva position, tail length and spicule length) are also noted. Sequences of D2–D3 domains of the 28S rDNA, 18S rDNA and COI mtDNA were obtained from several Iberian populations. Their analyses, in particular those from D2–D3 sequences, revealed the existence of a highly supported clade ((Epacrolaimus + Sectonema) + Metaporcelaimus), with a closer relationship between Epacrolaimus and Palaearctic populations of Sectonema, whereas the remaining aporcelaimid genera occupied placements in other clades. These results are discussed, with especial emphasis on the intricate separation of Epacrolaimus and Sectonema, which display significantly different protruding stomatal structure in spite of their close evolutionary relationship as derived from molecular trees.

Conservation scholarship and policies are concerned with the viability of idealized ecological communities constructed using human metrics. We argue that the discipline of conservation assumes an epistemology and ethics of human sovereignty/dominion over animals that leads to violent actions against animals. We substantiate our argument by deconstructing a case study. In the context of recent bushfires in Australia, we examine recent legislation passed by the parliament of New South Wales (NSW), policy documents, and academic articles by conservationists that support breaking communities of horses and/or killing 4,000 horses in Kosciuszko National Park (KNP), NSW. Theoretically framing our deconstruction against human sovereignty over animals and anthropocentrism, we affirm an intersectional, ecofeminist approach that values animals as relational and vulnerable agents. We uncover first the epistemic violence of categorizing horses as “pests,” and the anthropocentric nature of recently passed legislation in NSW. We analyze next the deficient ethics of NSW's government, and the argument that killing animals is justifiable when they suffer from starvation and dehydration. We close with a realistic proposal that does not involve breaking horses’ communities and/or killing horses, and a plea to the government of NSW and conservationists not to harm any horses in KNP.

We use three-dimensional (3-D) fully kinetic particle-in-cell simulations to study the occurrence of magnetic reconnection in a simulation of decaying turbulence created by anisotropic counter-propagating low-frequency Alfvén waves consistent with critical-balance theory. We observe the formation of small-scale current-density structures such as current filaments and current sheets as well as the formation of magnetic flux ropes as part of the turbulent cascade. The large magnetic structures present in the simulation domain retain the initial anisotropy while the small-scale structures produced by the turbulent cascade are less anisotropic. To quantify the occurrence of reconnection in our simulation domain, we develop a new set of indicators based on intensity thresholds to identify reconnection events in which both ions and electrons are heated and accelerated in 3-D particle-in-cell simulations. According to the application of these indicators, we identify the occurrence of reconnection events in the simulation domain and analyse one of these events in detail. The event is related to the reconnection of two flux ropes, and the associated ion and electron exhausts exhibit a complex 3-D structure. We study the profiles of plasma and magnetic-field fluctuations recorded along artificial-spacecraft trajectories passing near and through the reconnection region. Our results suggest the presence of particle heating and acceleration related to small-scale reconnection events within magnetic flux ropes produced by the anisotropic Alfvénic turbulent cascade in the solar wind. These events are related to current structures of the order of a few ion inertial lengths in size.

We present the first report of Amblycerus dispar (Sharp) attacking stored almonds [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D. A. Webb] in Argentina. A summarized diagnosis, illustrations, and photographs of the adult and mature larva are provided to facilitate identification. We performed species distribution models for A. dispar and its main host plant Geoffroea decorticans (Gillies ex Hook. & Arn.) Burkart. We include A. dispar into a previous morphological character matrix and conduct a phylogenetic analysis to infer its phylogenetic position. The evolution of host plant associations of the genus Amblycerus is herein re-analyzed. A. dispar and its main host shows high suitability areas especially in central-west Argentina and Chile, whereas for the USA, high suitability areas were found for the south-western which include the area of almond production in this country. Although the presence of A. dispar in the USA region is very unlikely, we recommend some awareness as other bruchines are present in the area. Although A. dispar is unlikely to become an economically important risk, monitoring for early detection is recommended to avoid productivity loss, especially when the native host is nearby cultivated areas. A. dispar is hypothesized to be the sister species of A. schwarzi Kingsolver. The colonization of a Rosaceae species is a novelty for this genus, being host shifts known as an important factor affecting both natural and agricultural systems.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a disturbing problem in the health system. A relationship between the use of certain antimicrobials and a resistance increase has been proposed. Since this phenomenon is not usually attributed to specific uses of antimicrobials but preferably to its evolution over the years, the analysis of the antimicrobial consumption over time can justify the epidemiological situation of a given region in terms of resistance and possible increases and decreases for specific microorganisms. The objective of this study was to analyze the evolution of the use of antimicrobials in Catalonia during 2008–2018 through the VINCat program (Infection Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship Catalonian Program). Methods: The number of hospitals participating in the VINCat increased from 46 in 2008 to 63 in 2018 (ie, 68.8% and 85.7% of all adult acute-care hospital beds in Catalonia, respectively). Hospitalization days recorded at the participating hospitals increased from 2,991,053 in 2008 to 3,714,938 in 2018. The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification (ATC) defined daily dose (DDD) index was used for monitoring antimicrobial consumption. Simple linear regressions were performed, the linear relationship was checked by ANOVA tests, and the Pearson correlation (Pc) coefficients were obtained. Values of P ≤ .05 were considered statistically significant. Results: From 2008 to 2018, there was a statistically significant increase of global antibacterial consumption (65.50 vs 71.73 DDD per 100 bed days; P = .001) and antimycotic consumption (3.09 vs 3.45 DDD per 100 bed days, P = .012) due to an increase of consumption in the surgical units. At the same time, there was a decrease in the consumption of antimycotics in the medical units (4.35 vs 3.90 DDD per 100 bed days; P =.029). Cephalosporins and carbapenem consumption increased both globally (10.88 vs 13.86 DDD per 100 bed days; P < .001) and in medical and surgical units (3.26 vs 5.38 DDD per 100 bed days; P < .001). This increase was mainly associated with ceftriaxone (3.45 vs 5.46 DDD per 100 bed days; P < .001) and meropenem (1.12 vs 3.08 DDD per 100 bed days; P < .001). There was a global decrease in the consumption of penicillins (26.10 vs 24.24 DDD per 100 bed days; P = .012) and quinolones (11.63 vs 9.61 DDD per 100 bed days; P = .004). This trend was observed also in ICUs and medical units but not in surgical units, for which only quinolones showed a significant decrease. Decreases in the use of amoxicillin/clavulanate acid (17.80 vs 14.24 DDD per 100 bed days; P < .001) and ciprofloxacin (5.68 vs 4.01 DDD per 100 bed days; P < .001) were observed. Conclusions: The increase in the use of antimicrobials in Catalonia is concerning. This increase is attributable to the use of these drugs in surgical units. Antibiotic stewardship measures should be aimed primarily at these units. The increasing use of carbapenems should be analyzed.

Funding: None

Disclosures: Juan Pablo Horcajada reports consulting fees from MSD, Pfizer, and Menarini as well as speaker honoraria from MSD, Pfizer, and Zambon.

Background: The antibiotic use optimization program (PROA) in Catalonia (Spain) is part of the surveillance program for nosocomial infections in hospitals in Catalonia (VINCat). Despite the existence of guidelines for the treatment of urinary tract infections in hospitals, adherence to them is not guaranteed. Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the adequacy of empirical antimicrobial therapy to local guidelines in bacteremia caused by Escherichia coli of urinary source within the PROA-VINCat program during a 3-year period. The impact of a voluntary survey asking for evaluating local results and implementing correction measures was also analyzed. Methods: Multicentric prospective observational study including all episodes of E. coli bacteremia of urinary source between May 2017 and September 2019, in adult hospitalized patients in 45 Catalan hospitals. Adequacy of the empirical therapy to local guidelines was one of the prospectively recorded items. A survey evaluating local results of 2017–2018 and asking for possible correcting measures was sent to the participating centers at the end of 2018. Percentages of adequacy of empirical antimicrobial therapy in 2017, 2018, and 2019 were compared by means of χ2 test. Results: Overall, 3,804 episodes of bacteremia were recorded: 845 in 2017, 1,861 in 2018 and 1,098 until September 30, 2019. Globally, adequacy of empirical therapy to guidelines increased from 73.7% in 2017 to 78.2% in 2019 (P = .06). Interestingly, in the 24 hospitals that responded to the voluntary survey, the adequacy of empirical therapy increased significantly from 72.9% in 2017 to 79.9% in 2019 (P = .009). In hospitals that did not respond, adequacy remained the same over the years (76.7% in 2017, 75.1% in 2019; P = .90). Correction measures applied were: meeting with the antimicrobial stewardship team to evaluate the results (100%), review of local resistance rates (62%), review of local guidelines (58.3%), improving guidelines dissemination (75%), sessions for improving guidelines adherence (58%), and analysis of adherence to guidelines after education (65%). Conclusions: In the empirical treatment of E. coli bacteremia of urinary source, adequacy to local antimicrobial therapy guidelines improved from 2017 to 2019, but only in hospitals answering a voluntary survey regarding correcting measures for improving adequacy. Adherence to antimicrobial stewardship proposals improves indicators at local and regional level.

Funding: None

Disclosures: Juan Pablo Horcajada reports consulting fees from MSD, Pfizer, and Menarini and speaker honoraria from MSD, Pfizer, and Zambon.

Background: Hospital-acquired Clostridioides difficile infection (HA-CDI) is a major infection control challenge. Using whole-genome sequencing, <40% of HA-CDI cases have been estimated to have been acquired from other inpatient cases. Huge regional variations have been described depending on the prevalence of epidemic ribotypes. We hypothesized that, according to the geographical area, variations in HA-CDI rates between hospitals could be attributable either to differences in infection control policies or to antimicrobial consumption. Objectives: To assess the association of HA-MRSA rates (a surrogate marker of infection control policies) and antimicrobial consumption with HA-CDI incidence from 2011 to 2018 in hospitals reporting at the VINCat-program (Infection Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship Catalan Program). Methods: Data on 45 hospitals in Catalonia (with 70.5% of all adult acute-care hospital beds) reporting antimicrobial consumption, HA-MRSA, and HA-CDI new cases to the VINCat-program since 2011 to 2018 were analyzed. To report antimicrobial consumption, the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification (ATC) defined daily dose (DDD) index 2018 was used. Participating hospitals were classified into 3 groups according to size: group 1 (>500 beds), 9 hospitals; group 2 (500–200 beds), 15 hospitals; and group 3 (<200 beds), 21 hospitals. The number of hospitalization days recorded at the participating hospitals increased from 2,828,101 in 2011 to 3,201,680 in 2018. To analyze the association between HA-MRSA rate, antimicrobial consumption and the rate of CDI-HA, a Poisson regression model was used. HA-CDI annually new cases have been defined as a dependent variable, the stays as an offset of the model and the HA-MRSA rates and antimicrobial consumption (measured in DDD) as independent factors. The exponents of model coefficients are equal to incidence rate ratios (IRR). Results: The regression model showed an association of with antimicrobial consumption with HA-CDI (IRR,1.05; 95% CI, 1.03–1.07; P < .001) and a lack of association with HA-MRSA (IRR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.46–1.48; P = .52). Conclusions: The HA-CDI incidence rate grew annually by 5% for an increase of 1 DDD in annual antibiotic consumption. No association HA-MRSA rates was detected, suggesting that antimicrobial stewardship programs are urgently needed to improve the control of HA-CDI in Catalonia, a geographical area with a low prevalence of epidemic ribotypes.

Funding: None

Disclosures: Juan Pablo Horcajada reports consulting fees from MSD, Pfizer, and Menarini and speaker honoraria from MSD, Pfizer, and Zambon.

Recent botanical explorations in the province of Palawan, Philippines, have resulted in the discovery of two new ginger species, namely Boesenbergia eburnea Docot and Boesenbergia leonardocoi Funak. & Docot, which are described and illustrated here, including information on their distribution, habitat, phenology, ecology and conservation status. Additionally, a key to Boesenbergia species in the Philippines is provided.

The quality of the educational system of a country is not only an indicator of the levels of development and well made, but also to come. Not surprisingly, providing universal schooling is also capable of stimulating the development of children and youth, is a strategic objective of the first magnitude in the more advanced nations.

Our country is no stranger to this concern. It is for this reason that, in a recurrent way, the training of our young people, in particular, the problem of school failure are the subject of public debate.

School failure is considered now a major problem, especially in Spain (20-28%), where rates are above the European average and the OECD countries. The importance of this issue has led, in recent times, the emergence of numerous analyzes and various studies trying to determine the causes and to establish the true extent of the failure and dropout rates in our country.

This paper will describe possible factors for future preventive activities, influencing the increase in the rate of absenteeism / dropout: the appearance of breaking the educational link. Link or union that is fragmented by its components: the institution and the student.

Biogenic minerals are widely studied materials for their particular properties derived from their hierarchical structure, using building blocks with sizes spanning several orders of magnitude. These special features can be assessed with different analytical tools, and it is important to know their capabilities and limitations. In order to determine the hierarchical structure of the shells, the nacre and prismatic layers of two marine animals were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Based on these assessments, we found that the combination of these three techniques is useful to describe each structure level, and to explain some of the unique properties observed in these natural materials.

Traditionally, personalised nutrition was delivered at an individual level. However, the concept of delivering tailored dietary advice at a group level through the identification of metabotypes or groups of metabolically similar individuals has emerged. Although this approach to personalised nutrition looks promising, further work is needed to examine this concept across a wider population group. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to: (1) identify metabotypes in a European population and (2) develop targeted dietary advice solutions for these metabotypes. Using data from the Food4Me study (n 1607), k-means cluster analysis revealed the presence of three metabolically distinct clusters based on twenty-seven metabolic markers including cholesterol, individual fatty acids and carotenoids. Cluster 2 was identified as a metabolically healthy metabotype as these individuals had the highest Omega-3 Index (6·56 (sd 1·29) %), carotenoids (2·15 (sd 0·71) µm) and lowest total saturated fat levels. On the basis of its fatty acid profile, cluster 1 was characterised as a metabolically unhealthy cluster. Targeted dietary advice solutions were developed per cluster using a decision tree approach. Testing of the approach was performed by comparison with the personalised dietary advice, delivered by nutritionists to Food4Me study participants (n 180). Excellent agreement was observed between the targeted and individualised approaches with an average match of 82 % at the level of delivery of the same dietary message. Future work should ascertain whether this proposed method could be utilised in a healthcare setting, for the rapid and efficient delivery of tailored dietary advice solutions.

There is still much to learn about pollination ecology in areas of high species diversity, such as the Neotropical region. For example, the role of non-flying mammals in pollination is largely unknown in the Neotropical areas, despite the importance of this group in the pollination of plants in other regions. Here we report evidence for flower visitation by a rodent to Oreocallis grandiflora (Proteaceae) in our study site in the southern Andes of Ecuador. For a period of 241 h, camcorders equipped with infrared lights revealed 22 occurrences of floral visitation by Microryzomys altissimus (Cricetidae) to inflorescences of O. grandiflora. Pollen samples taken from the fur of captured individuals showed that M. altissimus carries pollen of O. grandiflora, indicating a potential pollinator role for the rodent. This is the first record of flower visitation by a rodent in the Neotropical Andes. Pollination interactions between non-flying mammals and Proteaceae have been reported in other southern hemisphere continents. This study underscores the need for more research on pollination interactions in the Neotropics, especially in critical Andean biodiversity hotspots.