University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
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Integrating Conservation and Community Engagement in Free-Roaming Cat Management: A Case Study from a Natura 2000 Protected Area
No full textLa Graciosa, a Natura 2000 site in the Canary Islands, faces substantial conservation challenges, including a large free-roaming cat population that threatens the island’s native biodiversity. In July 2024, a Trap–Neuter–Return (TNR) campaign achieved an 81.4% sterilization rate within urban areas, highlighting TNR’s short-term effectiveness in reducing reproductive potential and, consequently, mitigating predation pressures primarily through the prevention of new litters and reduced reproductive activity in cats. The campaign’s success relied heavily on the active involvement of the local community, who assisted with identifying, trapping, and monitoring free-roaming cats, thereby facilitating a high sterilization rate. However, administrative restrictions hindered access to peri-urban zones, leaving essential population clusters unsterilized and limiting the campaign’s overall scope. Additionally, strong opposition from conservation groups, amplified by extensive media coverage, halted the project prematurely, reducing the effective sterilization rate to 69.3% within three months. Population Viability Analysis (PVA) suggests that achieving high sterilization rates could lead to population reduction over time; however, the inability to access all population segments and to reach the ideal 93–95% sterilization threshold limits TNR’s potential as a long-term standalone solution. Our findings underscore the need for adaptive, context-specific management frameworks in ecologically sensitive areas that integrate TNR with complementary measures, consider regulatory barriers, and value community involvement. This case study provides crucial insights for policymakers and conservationists seeking to balance biodiversity conservation with humane management practices in protected areas.250,6982,7Q1Q1SCIE10,
Participatory methodology for risk management planning: A strategy for the implementation of the Tenerife Island Volcanic Emergency Action Plan
No full textVolcanic disaster risk reduction and management are key elements required for the territories exposed to this threat to achieve sustainable development. Risk management has evolved considerably, especially through the strengthening of approaches based on vertical and horizontal coordination and cooperation among institutions, organizations, and individuals, multistakeholder participation and public awareness, and the creation of public-private partnerships. Disaster preparedness plays an essential role in reducing impacts, improving response capacity, and ensuring subsequent recovery. In this context, following the eruption of La Palma (Canary Islands) in 2021, this study addresses the challenge of promoting the first island-wide preparedness process to reduce volcanic risk, involving the participation of stakeholders in decision making. The process began in 2022 with the drafting of a strategy for the implementation of the Tenerife Island Volcanic Emergency Action Plan, which was first approved in 2020. The use of the Participatory Action Research approach facilitated the meeting of agents linked to emergency management, and the incorporation of their contributions in drafting, and attempting to promote the transition to a preparedness paradigm defined by participation, involvement of all stakeholders, and improvement of risk governance.2
Revisión y actualización taxonómica de las especies de moluscos de las Clases Scaphopoda y Solenogastres presentes en aguas de Canarias
No full textEffects of dietary zinc on growth, bone-related genes expression and skeletal anomalies in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) larvae
No full textZinc (Zn) is one of the essential nutrients required for growth and bone development in all vertebrates. Zn deficiency has been related to demineralization of bones and low growth in fish. The present study was conducted to determine the role of dietary Zn levels on growth, bone mineralization, gene expression and skeletal anomalies during early developmental stages of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). For that purpose, larvae were fed with six microdiets containing different levels of Zn: 79, 98, 110, 130, 150, and 248 mg Zn/kg diets, respectively. After 16 days of feeding, larvae fed diets with110 and 130 mg Zn/kg showed better growth and mineralization of vertebrae, along with a lower incidence of skeletal anomalies compared to larvae fed with other diets. Moreover, the expression of bmp2, opn and oc was linearly related to mineralization of vertebrae. On the contrary, larvae fed diets non-supplemented with Zn (79 mg Zn/kg diet), showed an increase in the TBARS value, reduced growth, and a high incidence of severe skeletal anomalies denoting a deficiency in Zn. Besides, the highest dietary Zn levels (248 mg Zn/kg diet) also increased TBARS value and reduced larval growth. These results suggested that dietary Zn levels up to 110 mg/kg would be required by seabream larvae (36 dph) to promote growth, bone mineralization, protection from oxidation and prevent the prevalence of skeletal anomalies, whereas symptoms of Zn deficiency and excess were respectively found at 79 and 248 mg Zn/kg diet.121,0593,9Q1Q1SCI
Dolphin Pituitary Gland: Immunohistochemistry and Ultrastructural Cell Characterization Following a Novel Anatomical Dissection Protocol and Non-Invasive Imaging (MRI)
No full textThe pituitary gland regulates essential physiological processes in mammals. De-
spite its importance, research on its anatomy and ultrastructure in dolphins remains scarce.
Using non-invasive imaging technology (MRI) and a novel skull-opening and dissection
protocol, this study characterizes the dolphin pituitary through immunohistochemistry
(IHC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A total of 47 pituitaries were collected
from stranded common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). common dolphins (Del-
phinus delphis), and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). as well as from captive
common bottlenose dolphins. MRI allowed visualization of the gland’s anatomy and
its spatial relationship with the hypothalamus and surrounding structures. A modified
skull-opening and pituitary extraction protocol ensured the preservation of the adenohy-
pophysis and neurohypophysis for detailed analysis. Histological, immunohistochemical,
and ultrastructural studies confirmed the gland’s structural organization, identifying eight
distinct adenohypophyseal cell types: corticotrophs (ACTH), somatotrophs (GH), go-
nadotrophs (FSH and LH), lactotrophs (LTH), melanotrophs (MSH), thyrotrophs (TSH), follicular cells, and capsular cells. This study presents the first immunolabelling of thy-
rotrophs in cetacean adenohypophysis and the first detailed ultrastructural characterization
of adenohypophyseal cells in cetaceans, providing baseline data for future research. By
integrating multidisciplinary techniques, it advances the understanding of dolphin neu-
roendocrinology and highlights broader implications for cetacean health, welfare, and
conservation280,6982,7Q1Q1SCIE10,
The coopetition management process: a science mapping analysis
No full textThis paper analyzes the coopetition literature to examine how research on coopetition has evolved and to identify the key themes in the coopetition management process. To that end, a science mapping analysis of 890 articles, published between 1996 and 2022, was carried out using co-word networks in a longitudinal overview, applying SciMAT bibliometric software. Motor, basic and transversal, specialized, and emerging or declining themes have been discovered using strategic diagrams and mapping evolution. The findings reveal that coopetition research has evolved to cover several topics. Additionally, a content analysis of the most cited topics was carried out to identify relevant themes involved in the coopetition management process, which have been integrated into five categories: antecedents, coopetitive dynamics, facilitators and barriers, outcomes, and research contexts. Therefore, this study organizes the previously fragmented research on coopetition and highlights the coopetition management process from an integrative point of view. The results offer a pathway for researchers to understand the evolution and complexity of coopetition from a managerial perspective, as well as providing an original research agenda.401,8667,8Q1Q1SSCI10,
Impact of the FLS model on patients with major fracture in Gran Canaria: 2018-2022 experience
No full textWe analyzed 5396 patients with fragility fracture, their inclusion by the FLS, and prescription of treatment. Thirty-four percent of potential cases were attended by the FLS, and at the healthcare level, the impact of FLS model resulted in an increase of treated patients from 20% in standard care to 41%.Introduction Patients with fragility fractures are at high risk of new fractures, with a negative impact on their quality of life, as well as higher mortality and costs for the health system, especially for hip fractures. Less than 20% of patients receive treatment (lifestyle advice, calcium, vitamin D, and bisphosphonate) after a fracture. The fracture liaison service (FLS) is the most effective model for secondary prevention.Objectives To analyze the incidence of fragility fractures in the area of Gran Canaria North and the impact of the FLS unit on the prevention of new fractures.Methods Patients > 50 years were attended at the emergency department for fractures of the proximal femur, proximal humerus, distal forearm, pelvis, or vertebra during the period 2018-2022 were included. A file was constructed containing demographic data, type of fracture, inclusion in the FLS, and the initiation of treatment to prevent new fractures. A sample of patients not treated at the FLS was selected for estimating the prophylaxis of fractures under standard care management.Results A total of 5396 patients were included, 74.2% women, with a mean age of 74 years. After excluding 558 traumatic fractures (10.3%), 318 (5.9%) deaths, and 167 (3.1%) cases due to a lack of criteria, the sample of potential patients who were candidates for FLS was 4353. This represented 80.6% of the initial sample, of which 1497 patients (34.4%) were attended at the unit. Factors independently associated with referral to the FLS were younger age (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.97-0.98), female sex (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.91-2.61), and humerus fracture (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.16-1.55). Treatment to prevent fractures was verified in 1189 patients (79.4%) in the FLS group and in 585 (20.4%) of those with fragility fractures who were not included. At the healthcare level, the services provided by the FLS resulted in an increase in treated patients from 20% in standard care to 41% with the FLS model.Conclusions In terms of treatment initiation to new fracture prevention at the healthcare level, the FLS achieved a twofold increase. The high incidence of fractures and the progressive aging of the population underline the effectiveness of the FLS secondary prevention model.80,8123,1Q2Q1SCIE10,
Neutralization of acyl CoA binding protein (ACBP) for the experimental treatment of osteoarthritis
No full textThe plasma concentrations of acyl CoA binding protein (ACBP) encoded by the gene diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI) are increased in patients with severe osteoarthritis (OA). Here, we show that knee OA induces a surge in plasma ACBP/DBI in mice subjected to surgical destabilization of one hind limb. Knockout of the Dbi gene or intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) neutralizing ACBP/DBI attenuates OA progression in this model, supporting a pathogenic role for ACBP/DBI in OA. Furthermore, anti-ACBP/DBI mAb was also effective against OA after its intraarticular (i.a.) injection, as monitored by sonography, revealing the capacity of ACBP/DBI to locally reduce knee inflammation over time. In addition, i.a. anti-ACBP/DBI mAb improved functional outcomes, as indicated by the reduced weight imbalance caused by OA. At the anatomopathological level, i.a. anti-ACBP/DBI mAb mitigated histological signs of joint destruction and synovial inflammation. Of note, i.a. anti-ACBP/DBI mAb blunted the OA-induced surge of plasma ACBP/DBI, as well as that of other inflammatory factors including interleukin-1 alpha, interleukin-33, and tumor necrosis factor. These findings are potentially translatable to OA patients because joints from OA patients express both ACBP/DBI and its receptor GABAAR gamma 2. Moreover, a novel mAb against ACBP/DBI recognizing an epitope conserved between human and mouse ACBP/DBI demonstrated similar efficacy in mitigating OA as an anti-mouse ACBP/DBI-only mAb. In conclusion, ACBP/DBI might constitute a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of OA.154,10213,7Q1Q1SCIE10,
Analysis of oral conditions to explore subsistence strategies in the ecologically diverse environments of the Canary Islands during the Amazigh period (1st to 15th centuries CE)
No full textObjective: This study examines oral health conditions in the pre-European Amazigh population of the Canary Islands (1st-15th centuries) to uncover patterns linked to island-specific environments and subsistence practices. The Canary Islands offered diverse ecological settings that shaped how the Amazigh adapted their agricultural practices, creating landscapes to support settlement. Design: By analyzing the oral health of 615 adult individuals across seven major islands-including caries, dental wear, calculus, periodontal disease, and antemortem tooth loss-the study identifies three distinct patterns of oral health within the archipelago. Results: Gran Canaria exhibited the highest prevalence of dental caries, aligning with an agriculture-centered lifestyle. In contrast, La Gomera, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote showed the lowest caries rates, suggesting less agricultural dependence. El Hierro and La Palma populations presented both high caries prevalence and extensive dental wear, likely due to a diet including famine-related foods like fern roots. The findings also indicate sex-based differences in oral health across islands but no significant distinctions by age. Conclusions: These patterns highlight a relationship between the diverse biogeography of the islands, subsistence strategies, and oral health in the Amazigh period. This study contributes valuable insights into how different environments and resource availability impacted the diet and health of the Canary Islands' Amazigh populations.140,5622,2Q2Q2SCIE11,