Characterization of a putative metal-dependent PTP-like phosphatase from Lactobacillus helveticus 2126 / Caracterización de una supuesta fosfatasa similar a PTP dependiente de metales de Lactobacillus helveticus 2126

To date, there are very limited reports on sequence analysis and structure-based molecular modeling of phosphatases produced by probiotic bacteria. Therefore, a novel protein tyrosine-like phosphatase was characterized from L. helveticus 2126 in this study. The purified bacterial phosphatase was subjected to mass spectrometric analysis, and the identity of constructed sequence was analyzed using peptide mass fingerprint. The 3-D structure of protein was elucidated using homology modeling, while its stability was assessed using Ramachandran plot, VERIFY 3D, and PROCHECK. The bacterium produced an extracellular phosphatase of zone diameter 15 ± 0.8 mm on screening medium within 24 h of incubation. This bacterial phosphatase was highly specific towards sodium phytate as it yielded the lowest Km value of 299.50 ± 4.95 μM compared to other phosphorylated substrates. The activity was effectively stimulated in the presence of zinc, magnesium, and manganese ions thereby showing its PTP-like behavior. The phosphatase showed a molecular mass of 43 kDa, and the corresponding M/Z ratio data yielded 46% query coverage to Bacillus subtilis (3QY7). This showed a 61.1% sequence similarity to Ligilactobacillus ruminis (WP_046923835.1). The final sequence construct based on these bacteria showed a conserved motif “HCHILPGIDD” in their active site. In addition, homology modeling showed a distorted Tim barrel structure with a trinuclear metal center. The final model after energy minimization showed 90.9% of the residues in the favorable region of Ramachandran’s plot. This structural information can be used in genetic engineering for improving the overall stability and catalytic efficiency of probiotic bacterial phosphatases.(AU)

Reduction of selenite and tellurite by a highly metal-tolerant marine bacterium / Reducción de selenita y telurito por una bacteria marina altamente tolerante a los metales

Selenium (Se) and tellurium (Te) contaminations in soils and water bodies have been widely reported in recent years. Se(IV) and Te(IV) were regarded as their most dangerous forms. Microbial treatments of Se(IV)- and Te(IV)-containing wastes are promising approaches because of their environmentally friendly and sustainable advantages. However, the salt-tolerant microbial resources that can be used for selenium/tellurium pollution control are still limited since industrial wastewaters usually contain a large number of salts. In this study, a marine Shewanella sp. FDA-1 (FDA-1) was reported for efficient Se(IV) and Te(IV) reduction under saline conditions. Process and product analyses were performed to investigate the bioreduction processes of Se(IV) and Te(IV). The results showed that FDA-1 can effectively reduce Se(IV) and Te(IV) to Se0 and Te0 Se(IV)/Te(IV) to Se0/Te0 in 72 h, which were further confirmed by XRD and XPS analyses. In addition, enzymatic and RT‒qPCR assays showed that flavin-related proteins, reductases, dehydrogenases, etc., could be involved in the bioreduction of Se(IV)/Te(IV). Overall, our results demonstrate the ability of FDA-1 to reduce high concentrations of Se(IV)/or Te(IV) to Se0/or Te0 under saline conditions and thus provide efficient microbial candidate for controlling Se and Te pollution.(AU)

Medioambiente y salud cardiovascular: causas, consecuencias y oportunidades en prevención y tratamiento / Environment and cardiovascular health: causes, consequences and opportunities in prevention and treatment

El medioambiente es un gran determinante de la salud cardiovascular. La cardiología ambiental estudia la contribución de las exposiciones ambientales con el objetivo de minimizar las influencias nocivas de la contaminación y promover la salud cardiovascular mediante estrategias preventivas o terapéuticas específicas. La presente revisión se centra en el material particulado y los metales, contaminantes con la evidencia científica más sólida, e incluye las posibles intervenciones. La legislación, la mitigación y el control de los contaminantes en el aire, el agua y los alimentos y las políticas ambientales de espacios cardiosaludables son medidas clave para la salud cardiovascular. Entre las estrategias individuales, cabe reseñar la quelación de metales divalentes como el plomo y el cadmio, que solamente pueden eliminarse del cuerpo vía quelación. El ensayo clínico TACT (NCT00044213) demostró el beneficio cardiovascular en pacientes con un infarto de miocardio previo, especialmente en los diabéticos. Actualmente, el ensayo TACT2 (NCT02733185) está reproduciendo los resultados del TACT en personas con diabetes. Datos de Estados Unidos y Argentina también han mostrado la posible utilidad de la quelación en la enfermedad arterial periférica grave. Más investigación y acción en cardiología ambiental podría contribuir sustancialmente a mejorar la prevención y el tratamiento de las enfermedades cardiovasculares.(AU)

The environment is a strong determinant of cardiovascular health. Environmental cardiology studies the contribution of environmental exposures with the aim of minimizing the harmful influences of pollution and promoting cardiovascular health through specific preventive or therapeutic strategies. The present review focuses on particulate matter and metals, which are the pollutants with the strongest level of scientific evidence, and includes possible interventions. Legislation, mitigation and control of pollutants in air, water and food, as well as environmental policies for heart-healthy spaces, are key measures for cardiovascular health. Individual strategies include the chelation of divalent metals such as lead and cadmium, metals that can only be removed from the body via chelation. The TACT (Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy, NCT00044213) clinical trial demonstrated cardiovascular benefit in patients with a previous myocardial infarction, especially in those with diabetes. Currently, the TACT2 trial (NCT02733185) is replicating the TACT results in people with diabetes. Data from the United States and Argentina have also shown the potential usefulness of chelation in severe peripheral arterial disease. More research and action in environmental cardiology could substantially help to improve the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.(AU)

Growth in ever-increasing acidity condition enhanced the adaptation and bioleaching ability of Leptospirillum ferriphilum / El crecimiento en condiciones de acidez cada vez mayores mejoró la adaptación y la capacidad de biolixiviación de Leptospirillum ferriphilum

Low pH eliminated the jarosite accumulation and improved the interfacial reaction rate during the bioleaching process. However, high acidity tends to make environments less hospitable, even for organisms that live in extreme places, so a great challenge existed for bioleaching at low pH conditions. This study demonstrated that the adaption and bioleaching ability of Leptospirillum ferriphilum could be improved after the long-term adaptive evolution of the community under acidity conditions. It was found that the acidity-adapted strain showed robust ferrous iron oxidation activity in wider pH, high concentration of ferrous iron, and lower temperature. Although the enhancement for heavy metal tolerance was limited, the resistance for MgSO4, Na2SO4, and organic matter was stimulative. More importantly, both pyrite and printed circuit board bioleaching revealed the higher bioleaching ability of the acid-resistant strain. These adaptation and bioleaching details provided an available approach for the improvement of bioleaching techniques.(AU)

Los suplementos proteicos como fuente de Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe y Zn / Protein supplementation as a source of Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe and Zn

JUSTIFICACIÓN: además de proteínas, los suplementos proteicos contienen otros elementos de interés nutricional (Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe y Zn) que disponen de ingestas diarias recomendadas (IDR). Sin embargo, su creciente autoconsumo invita a evaluar su calidad y la seguridad de su uso.OBJETIVOS: determinar el contenido de Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe y Zn en suplementos proteicos y evaluar la exposición dietética en población adulta (20 - 49 años) en base a la pauta media de consumo y las IDR establecidas.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe y Zn fueron cuantificados mediante espectrometría de emisión óptica con plasma acoplado inductivamente y detector óptico (ICP-OES) en 27 muestras de suplementos proteicos (92,6 % de origen europeo) de 17 marcas y de 5 tipos según la fuente de proteína (suero (81,5 %), guisante y arroz (7,4 %), soja (3,7 %), guisante, garbanzo, cáñamo, calabaza (3,7 %), cacahuete (3,7 %). La evaluación dietética para la población española adulta se ejecutó considerando un consumo de 25 g/día y las IDR (mg/día) fijadas: Na (1500); Mg (350 hombres y 300 mujeres); K (3100); Ca (900); Fe (9 hombres y 18 mujeres) y Zn (9,5 hombres y 7 mujeres) (FESNAD, 2010).RESULTADOS/DISCUSIÓN: los suplementos proteicos deben ser considerados, en consumidores crónicos, como fuentes dietéticas adicionales de Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe y Zn pues sus contenidos medios (mg/kg) son: 3537 (434-9891), 673 (202-2686), 4460 (726- 7491), 3044 (305-7764), 36,6 (3,1-282,8), 14,7 (1,7-65,4), respectivamente. La gran variabilidad en el contenido entre los distintos complementos, posiblemente debida a la fuente de la proteína, condiciona la variable contribución a las IDR derivada del consumo de estos productos. (AU)

Contenido de metales y elementos traza en aguas subterráneas de abastecimiento de la Isla de El Hierro (Islas Canarias, España) / Metal content and trace elements in groundwater supply of the island of El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain)

OBJETIVO: Las erupciones volcánicas son una fuente natural de sustancias potencialmente peligrosas para la salud humana. La isla de El Hierro (Islas Canarias, España) sufrió una erupción volcánica marina en el año 2012, siendo necesaria la monitorización de los niveles de ciertos elementos que pueden alterar la calidad de las aguas subterráneas de abastecimiento. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el contenido de metales y elementos traza de las aguas subterráneas de abastecimiento de la Isla del Hierro y comprobar si cumplían los parámetros de calidad establecidos en la legislación española. MÉTODOS: Se determinó el contenido de metales y elementos traza (aluminio, plomo, cadmio, calcio, potasio, sodio, magnesio, boro, bario, cobalto, cromo, cobre, hierro, litio, manganeso, molibdeno, níquel, estroncio, vanadio, zinc, flúor) en un total de 60 muestras de agua subterránea de abastecimiento y de agricultura procedentes de seis puntos diferentes de muestreo de la isla. La determinación fue llevada a cabo mediante espectrofotometría de emisión óptica de plasma acoplado inductivamente (ICP-OES) y mediante potenciometría de ion selectivo de fluoruro. Los datos fueron analizados estadísticamente aplicando los tests de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, estadístico de Levene, Kruskal-Wallis, U de Mann-Whitney, ANOVA y test de Tukey. Se consideraron diferencias significativas aquellas que cumplían p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: La mayor concentración media de plomo se registró en las muestras de Tigaday (0,003±0,0005 mg/L), encontrándose diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p < 0,05) en los niveles de plomo entre los puntos de muestreo. Los elementos analizados se encontraban por debajo de los valores paramétricos fijados en el Real Decreto 140/2003. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados obtenidos reflejan que, en todas las muestras analizadas, los parámetros de calidad establecidos en la legislación española (RD 140/2003) se cumplen, siendo, por lo tanto, aguas aptas para el consumo humano

OBJECTIVE: Volcanic eruptions are a natural source of substances potentially dangerous to human health. The island of El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain) suffered a marine volcanic eruption in 2012, making it necessary to monitor the levels of certain elements that can alter the quality of groundwater supply. The objective of this work was to determine the content of metals and trace elements in the groundwater supply of the Isla del Hierro and to check if they met the quality parameters established in Spanish legislation. METHODS: The content of metals and trace elements (aluminum, lead, cadmium, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, boron, barium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lithium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, strontium, vanadium, zinc, fluorine) in a total of 60 samples of groundwater supply and agriculture from six different sampling points on the island. The determination was carried out by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry (ICP-OES) and by fluoride ion selective potentiometry. The data were statistically analyzed applying the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Levene's statistic, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA and Tukey's test. Significant differences were those that met p < 0.05. RESULTS: The highest mean concentration of lead was recorded in the Tigaday samples (0.003±0.0005 mg/L), finding statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the lead levels between the sampling points. The elements analyzed were below the parametric values set in Royal Decree 140/2003. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained reflect that, in all the samples analyzed, the quality parameters established in the Spanish legislation (RD 140/2003) are met, being, therefore, waters suitable for human consumption

Targeted 16S rRNA amplicon analysis reveals the diversity of bacterial communities in carwash effluents

This study aimed to analyze the bacterial diversity in carwash effluents and to determine their potential for use in microbial degradation of environmental contaminants. Nine carwash effluent samples were collected for physicochemical and bacterial community diversity analysis using multi-digital probes and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing respectively. The pH of all effluent samples was neutral to slightly alkaline. Oil and grease concentrations ranged from 15.3 to 49.7 mg/L. 16S gene amplicon sequencing of the nine samples produced 45,934-sequence reads, which translated to 13 bacterial phyla, 26 classes, and 43 genera. The most dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Fusobacteria. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that the distribution of the phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia was influenced by the presence of oil and grease, total petroleum hydrocarbons-gasoline range organics (GRO-TPH), and metals species (Pb, Cu, and Zn). The dominant bacterial genera found in the present study were previously proven to biodegrade hydrocarbons, and their presence in carwash effluents could bode well for in situ natural bioremediation of these contaminated sites

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Implication of highly metal-resistant microalgal-bacterial co-cultures for the treatment of simulated metal-loaded wastewaters

Microalgal-bacterial co-cultures were employed for the treatment of artificially prepared metal-rich wastewaters in this study. For the purpose, highly metal-resistant microalgal and bacterial species were isolated from a leading wastewater channel flowing through Lahore, Pakistan, and characterized at the molecular level. The microbial identities were proved after BLAST analysis. The microalgal (Chlorella vulgaris-BH1) and bacterial (Exiguobacterium profundum-BH2) species were then co-cultured in five different proportions. Five different proportions of potentially mutualistic microbial co-cultures (comprising of microalgal to bacterial cells in ratios of 1:3, 2:3, 3:3, 3:1, and 3:2) prepared thus were employed to remediate artificially prepared metal-loaded wastewaters. Three randomly selected toxic metals (Cu, Cr, and Ni) were used in this study to prepare metal-rich wastewaters. The microalgal-bacterial co-cultures were then exposed independently to the wastewaters containing 100 ppm of each of the above mentioned metals. The inoculated wastewaters were incubated maximally for a period of 15 days. The metal uptake was noted periodically after every 5 days. The results of the present study depicted that maximally about 78.7, 56.4, and 80% of Cu, Cr, and Ni were removed, respectively after an incubation period of 15 days. The microbial co-culture consisting of microalgal to bacterial cells in a ratio of 3:1 showed the highest remedial potential. The findings of the present study will be helpful in developing effective microalgal-bacterial consortia for economical, efficient, and environment-friendly rehabilitation of the polluted sites

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Flocculating, emulsification and metal sorption properties of a partial characterized novel exopolysaccharide produced by Rhizobium tropici SRA1 isolated from Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L) DC

A novel exopolysaccharide (EPS) was produced by a bacterium which was isolated from Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L) D.C. and identified as 99% Rhizobium tropici SRA1 by 16S rDNA sequencing. The flocculating performances along with emulsifying activity began simultaneously with the growth and the production of EPS and reached its utmost at 28 h. EPS was purified via chilled ethanol precipitation followed by dialysis and lyophilization. The existence of hydroxyl, methoxyl, and carboxylic functional groups were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum. EPS was found to be compose of 82.44% neutral sugar and 15.93% uronic acid. The average molecular weight of the exopolysaccharide was estimated as ~1.8×105. Gas-liquid chromatography indicated the presence of glucose and galactose at a molar ratio of 3:1 in EPS. In the pH range of 3-5 with EPS dosage of 15 mg/l at 30 °C, cation-independent flocculation greater than 90% was observed. Emulsification indices (E24) of EPS were observed as 86.66%, 83.33%, 76.66%, and 73.33% with olive oil, kerosene, toluene, and n-hexane respectively. Biosorption of Cu K [45.69 wt%], Cu L [05.67 wt%], Co K [15.58 wt%], and Co L [11.72 wt%] by EPS was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). This report on the flocculating, emulsifying, and metal sorption properties of EPS produced by R. tropici SRA1 is unique in the literature

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Artroplastias de superficie metal-metal en cadera. ¿Es necesario realizar seguimiento anual mediante determinación de metales en sangre? / Metal-on-metal surface hip arthroplasties. Is annual monitoring of blood metal levels necessary?

Introducción: La determinación periódica de los niveles de cromo (Cr) y cobalto (Co) en sangre ha sido utilizada para evaluar las reacciones adversas secundarias al desgaste metal-metal en las artroplastias de superficie de cadera. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es evaluar los niveles de Cr y Co en sangre en una serie de pacientes asintomáticos con artroplastias de superficie con un seguimiento de 7 a 13 años. Material y métodos: Hemos analizado la evolución de los niveles metálicos en sangre en una serie de 52 artroplastias de superficie metal-metal. Se realizó un control anual de Co y Cr en sangre. En 16 pacientes fue preciso realizar una cirugía de revisión, por lo que salieron del estudio. Los niveles de iones metálicos en sangre fueron analizados en 31 pacientes asintomáticos. Resultados: En ninguno de los pacientes asintomáticos aparecieron cifras elevadas de Cr o Co de manera continuada. La mediana de Cr en sangre se mantuvo entre 1,3 y 5,4μg/L y la de Co entre 0,5 y 1,2μg/L. Después de 7 años tras la cirugía no se han apreciado cambios en los niveles referidos. Conclusión: A medio plazo y en pacientes asintomáticos, los niveles metálicos en sangre se mantienen sin cambios, por lo que no parece adecuado repetir anualmente estas determinaciones de manera permanente

Introduction: Blood cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) ion levels have been used as surveillance tools for adverse reaction to metal debris in metal-on-metal (MoM) hip arthroplasty. The aim of our study was to present serial 7-13 year blood Co and Cr levels in a cohort of MoM total hip arthroplasties in asymptomatic patients. Material and methods: A total of 52 MoM surface total hip arthroplasties were included in this study with data collected prospectively. Annual follow-up with blood Co and Cr measurements was performed. Revision surgery was necessary for 16 patients and therefore they dropped out of the study. The metal ion levels were analyzed separately in 31 asymptomatic patients. Results: High Cr or Co levels were not found continuously in any of the asymptomatic patients. The median Cr in blood was maintained between 1.3 and 5.4μg/L and that of Co between 0.5 and 1.2μg/L. After 7 years, there was no significant change in Co and Cr values. Conclusion: In the medium term and in asymptomatic patients, the metallic blood levels remained unchanged; therefore, it does not seem appropriate to repeat these tests on a permanent basis in annual controls

Toxicidad por cobalto después de la revisión a una artroplastia total de cadera posterior a fractura de cabeza cerámica / Cobalt toxicity after revision total hip replacement due to fracture of a ceramic head

La intoxicación por cobalto después de la revisión de una artroplastia total de cadera es poco común, pero una complicación potencialmente devastadora. Los síntomas incluyen: cardiomiopatía, hipotiroidismo, erupciones en la piel, alteraciones visuales, cambios en la audición, policitemia, debilidad, fatiga, deterioro cognitivo y neuropatía. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 74años que tras recambio a par cerámica-cerámica y dos episodios de luxación protésica se decidió nuevo recambio a par polietileno-metal. A los 6meses de la reintervención comenzó con clínica de intoxicación por cobalto, confirmada mediante determinación analítica, presentando niveles pico de cobalto en suero de 651,2μg/l. Tras retirada protésica y reimplante, se normalizaron los niveles de cromo y cobalto en sangre y orina, encontrándose el paciente actualmente asintomático. Recomendamos el uso de pares cerámica-cerámica en las cirugías de revisión de cadera tras rotura de componentes cerámicos para reducir al mínimo el riesgo de toxicidad por cobalto (AU)

Symptomatic cobalt toxicity from a failed total hip replacement is a rare, but devastating complication. Potential clinical findings include cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, skin rash, visual and hearing impairment, polycythaemia, weakness, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and neuropathy. The case is presented of a 74year-old man in whom, after a ceramic-ceramic replacement and two episodes of prosthetic dislocation, it was decided to replace it with a polyethylene-metal total hip arthroplasty (THA). At 6months after the revision he developed symptoms of cobalt toxicity, confirmed by analytical determination (serum cobalt level=651.2μg/L). After removal of the prosthesis, the levels of chromium and cobalt in blood and urine returned to normal, with the patient currently being asymptomatic. It is recommended to use a new ceramic on ceramic bearing at revision, in order to minimise the risk of wear-related cobalt toxicity following breakage of ceramic components (AU)

Intoxicaciones no usuales: revisión y marco legal / Uncommon intoxications: review and legal framework

Las intoxicaciones son parte de la medicina asistencial, con evolución variable, y donde los agentes causantes y el diagnóstico son conocidos en general. No obstante, hay casos que requieren estudios analíticos, epidemiológicos o ambientales difíciles de determinar y tratar. Los objetivos del estudio son dar a conocer las intoxicaciones menos frecuentes y su trascendencia, así como mostrar el marco legal aplicable. Se ha hecho una búsqueda en la base de datos de Medline y en las revistas nacionales especializadas, donde se publican artículos sobre intoxicaciones menos frecuentes y más actuales, como las relacionadas con alteraciones metabólicas, las relacionadas con el síndrome de Münchhausen por poderes, y otras como las originadas por metales pesados, productos desinfectantes o la ingestión de bebidas energéticas en la adolescencia. Se valora la injerencia y repercusión de las drogas de abuso en las etapas prenatal, de lactancia y la infancia. Se describe la trascendencia legal en casos donde la etiología de las intoxicaciones no es accidental sino debida a negligencia, maltrato directo e incluso cuando pueden ocasionar lesiones u homicidio. Se describen las pautas a seguir y la intervención de los médicos forenses cuando los casos requieran la intervención judicial. Se destaca la importancia de la toma de muestras biológica para análisis, fundamental para llegar a la emisión de un dictamen. La autoridad judicial delimitará responsabilidades, y dictaminará sobre las medidas a adoptar o la protección jurídica de los menores en el caso de intoxicaciones no accidentales (AU)

Introduction: the intoxications are a branch of medical care where variable evolution and causing agents and diagnostics are generally known. However, there are complex cases that require environmental, analytical or epidemiological studies that are difficult to identify and treat. The aims of the study are to comment the less frequent intoxications and its transcendence and significance and indicate the legal framework to be followed when required. Material and methods: the database Medline and articles published referred to less frequent poisonings were consulted, as those related to electrolyte disturbances or glucose, those related to Münchhausen syndrome by proxy and others such as those arising heavy metals, disinfectants or ingestion of energy drinks in adolescence. The interference and impact of drugs of abuse in the prenatal stage, infancy and childhood is evaluated. Conclusions: the legal significance in cases where the etiology of poisoning is not accidental but due to negligence, mistreatment and when they can result in injury or homicide are commented. Guidelines to be followed by physicians or those who are aware of the case and and the intervention of forensic doctors when cases requiring judicial intervention are described. The importance of taking biological, which is fundamental to the issue of a pericial report, is highlighted. Finally, judicial authority shall determine whether to follow a procedure to define responsibilities, adopt sanitary measures and rule on the legal protection of children affected in the event of non-accidental poisonings (AU)

La influencia del tabaquismo en los elementos genéticos móviles / The influence of smoking habit on mobile genetic elements

Se sabe que el tabaco produce alteraciones en distintas partes del organismo que conllevan la aparición del cáncer. Los retrotransposones parecen estar implicados tanto en el inicio como en la evolución de esta enfermedad. Se ha visto que también contribuyen a que determinados tratamientos contra el cáncer, como la inmunoterapia, dejen de ser eficaces. En este trabajo analizamos cómo se ven afectados los elementos genéticos móviles por los distintos compuestos presentes en el tabaco (AU)

It is known that smoking causes alterations in different parts of the body that entail appearance of cancer. The retrotransposons seem to be involved both at the onset and in the evolution of this disease. It has also been seen that they contribute to the fact that certain treatments against cancer, such as immunotherapy, stop being effective. In this work, we analyze how the mobile genetic elements are affected by the different compounds present in tobacco (AU)

Hypersensitivity reactions to implanted metal devices: facts and fictions

The use of metals in the medical field has become increasingly prevalent over the past few decades. Patients find themselves being exposed metals in a variety of ways, ranging from external exposure to instruments such as the stainless steel in surgical blades to internal exposure via medical devices being implanted in their bodies. There has been growing interest in the possibility of developing hypersensitivity reactions to constituent metals in medical implant devices, both in cutaneous and systemic forms. Hypersensitivity reactions to metals are uncommon, but they are reported and require appropriate evaluation and management, particularly if they are symptomatic. In view of the lack of consensus in the field on the appropriate steps to evaluate and manage patients with suspected metal hypersensitivity reactions, this review aims to analyze current evidence on hypersensitivity reactions to metallic implants in orthopedic surgery, endovascular surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and dental surgery (AU)

El empleo de metales dentro de la medicina ha ido aumentando de forma progresiva en las últimas décadas. Los pacientes se exponen a metales de diferentes formas desde fuentes externas, como instrumental quirúrgico como el presente en las hojas de acero de los bisturíes, hasta implantes metálicos. Como consecuencia de ello se está produciendo un interés creciente por la posibilidad de desarrollar reacciones de hipersensibilidad a metales presentes en los materiales y objetos implantados, tanto en forma de reacciones cutáneas como sistémicas. Las reacciones de hipersensibilidad a metales no son frecuentes, pero pueden desarrollarse, y por ello, requieren de un diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuado, especialmente en aquellos pacientes que desarrollen síntomas. No existe un consenso en el proceso diagnóstico ni en el tratamiento de estas reacciones en los pacientes con sospecha de alergia a metales. Esta revisión tiene por objeto actualizar la evidencia existente sobre las reacciones de hipersensibilidad a implantes metálicos en cirugía ortopédica, cirugía endovascular, cirugía obstétrica y ginecológica (OB-GYN) así como la dental (AU)

Detección de iones metálicos en cabello tras artroplastia de cadera metal-metal / Detection of metal ions in hair after metal-metal hip arthroplasty

Objetivo. Tras el implante de algunos modelos de prótesis de cadera metal-metal se produce una elevación de los niveles de metales en suero y orina. Recientemente se ha demostrado que hay concordancia entre estas cifras y los niveles encontrados en el cabello. Nuestro objetivo ha sido estudiar la presencia de metales en cabello y conocer si ello se modifica con el paso del tiempo o con la extracción del implante. Material y método. En 45 pacientes con una artroplastia de superficie se ha realizado una determinación de los niveles de cromo, cobalto y molibdeno en cabello a los 3, 4, 5 y 6 años desde el implante. La edad media fue de 57,5 años, 2 eran mujeres. En 11 pacientes, en 5 de ellos por metalosis y quiste periarticular, fue necesaria una reintervención para extracción de la artroplastia e implante de un nuevo modelo con fricción metal-polietileno. Resultados. Las cifras medias de metales en cabello fueron cromo 163,27 ppm, cobalto 61,98 ppm y molibdeno 31,36 ppm, muy por encima de los niveles referidos en la población general. En los pacientes reintervenidos para extracción de la artroplastia se observó al año de la intervención una disminución del 43,8% en los niveles de cromo, del 51,1% en molibdeno y del 90,3% en cobalto. Conclusiones. En las artroplastias de cadera con fricción metal-metal se aprecia una alta concentración de metales en el cabello, que disminuye cuando dicho implante es extraído. La determinación de iones en cabello puede ser un buen marcador de la intoxicación por metales que sucede en estos modelos artroplásticos (AU)

Objective. There is an increase in the levels of metals in the serum and urine after the implantation of some models of metal-metal hip prosthesis. It has recently been demonstrated that there is an association between these levels and the levels found in hair. The aim of this study is to determine the presence of metals in hair, and to find out whether these change over time or with the removal of the implant. Material and method. The levels of chromium, cobalt and molybdenum were determined in the hair of 45 patients at 3, 4, 5, and 6 years after a hip surface replacement. The mean age was 57.5 years, and two were female. Further surgery was required to remove the replacement and implant a new model with metal-polyethylene friction in 11 patients, 5 of them due to metallosis and a periarticular cyst. Results. The mean levels of metals in hair were chromium 163.27 ppm, cobalt 61.98 ppm, and molybdenum 31.36 ppm, much higher than the levels found in the general population. A decrease in the levels of chromium (43.8%), molybdenum (51.1%), and cobalt (91.1%) was observed at one year in the patients who had further surgery to remove the prosthesis. Conclusions. High concentrations of metals in the hair are observed in hip replacements with metal-metal friction, which decrease when that implant is removed. The determination of metal ions in hair could be a good marker of the metal poisoning that occurs in these arthroplasty models (AU)

Metales en algas comestibles: Evaluación y estudio comparativo / Metals in edible algae: evaluation and comparative study

Los contenidos de 4 macroelementos (Na, K, Ca, Mg), 13 elementos traza (B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Li, Zn, Ni, Sr, V) y 3 metales tóxicos (Al, Cd, Pb) se determinaron por espectrometría de emisión atómica por plasma acoplado inductivamente (ICP-OES) en 27 muestras de 7 especies de algas comestibles deshidratadas (Porphyra spp., Chondrus crispus, Palmaria palmata, Laminaria spp., Undari pinnatífica, Hilmanthia elongata, Ulva lactuca), procedentes de dos orígenes diferentes (la costa asiática y la Unión Europea) y comercializadas en la isla de Tenerife (Islas Canarias, España). Las concentraciones medias (mg/kg) fueron: 4281 (Na), 7179 (K), 3222 (Ca), 2458 (Mg), 38,14 (B), 2,72 (Ba), 0,11 (Co), 0,26 (Cr), 1,98 (Cu), 106 (Fe), 8,21 (Mn), 0,11 (Mo), 2,33 (Li), 10,63 (Zn), 1,02 (Ni), 1,47 (Sr), 1,54 (V), 48,71 (Al), 0,30 (Cd) y 0,17 (Pb). El consumo de algas (4 g/día) podría contribuir a las ingestas dietéticas de metales esenciales y elementos traza principalmente Mg (4,13% de la IDR en mujeres adultas y 3,54% de la IDR en hombres adultos) y Fe (2,36% de la IDR en mujeres adultas y 4,71% de la IDR en hombres adultos). Las ingestas de metales tóxicos (195 μg Al/día 1,18 μg Cd/día y 0,68 μg Pb/día) derivada del consumo de 4 g/día de las algas analizadas no representan riesgo toxicológico para los consumidores (AU)

The content of 4 macroelements (Na, K, Ca, Mg), 13 trace elements (B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Li, Zn, Ni, Sr, V) and 3 toxic metals (Al, Cd, Pb) were quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) in 27 samples of 7 dehydrated edible seaweed species (Porphyra spp., Chondrus crispus, Palmaria palmata, Laminaria spp., Undari pinnatífica, Hilmanthia elongata, Ulva lactuca), from two different production origins (Asian coast and European Union) and purchased in Tenerife island (Canary Islands, Spain). Mean concentrations (mg/kg) were: 4281 (Na), 7179 (K), 3222 (Ca), 2458 (Mg), 38.14 (B), 2.72 (Ba), 0.10 (Co), 0.26 (Cr), 1.98 (Cu), 106 (Fe), 8.21 (Mn), 0.11 (Mo), 2.33 (Li), 10.63 (Zn), 1.02 (Ni), 1.47 (Sr),1.54 (V), 48.71 (Al), 0.30 (Cd) and 0.17 (Pb). Daily consumption of seaweed (4 g/day) contributes to the dietary intake of metals, mainly Mg (4.13% of the RDA for adult women, and 3.54% of the RDA for adult men) and Fe (2.36% of the RDA for adult women, and 4.71% of the RDA in adult men). The estimated intakes of toxic metals derived from a daily seaweed consumption of 4 g (195 μg Al/day, 1.18 μg Cd/day and 0.68 μg Pb/day) did not reveal toxicological risks for consumers (AU)

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by metalworking fluid

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Metals in wheat flour; comparative study and safety control / Metales en harina de trigo; estudio comparativo y control de su seguridad

Cereal industry and its derived products have a big economic and social importance worldwide. Therefore, as wheat flour is a commodity for all bread and bakery industry, it is safety is of high nutrition and toxicological interest. In this investigation we intend to study and determine the content of twelve metals in 50 samples of wheat flour coming from a wheat flour industry. Macro elements sodium, potassium magnesium and calcium, micro elements manganese, iron, copper, zinc, chrome and nickel as well as toxic trace elements cadmium and lead have been analysed. The estimated diary intake of each metal and their contribution in percentage terms to the RDI (macro and micro elements) and to the PTWI (toxic elements) has been determined. Contribution of Cd and Pb to the PTWI was very low, a fact that shows safety in this wheat flour concerning toxic metals (AU)

La industria de los cereales y sus derivados tiene una gran importancia económica y social en todo el mundo. Por ello, la seguridad de las harinas como materias primas de todas las industrias de panadería, bollería y repostería es de sumo interés nutricional y toxicológico. En este trabajo nos hemos propuesto estudiar y determinar el contenido de doce metales en 50 muestras de harina de trigo procedentes de una industria harinera. Se analizaron los macroelementos sodio, potasio, magnesio y calcio, los microelementos manganeso, hierro, cobre, zinc, cromo y níquel y los elementos traza tóxicos cadmio y plomo. Se determinó la ingesta diaria estimada de cada metal y su contribución porcentual a las IDRs (macro y microelementos) y a las PTWIs (elementos tóxicos). La contribución de las PTWIs para el Cd y Pb fue muy baja, lo que demuestra la seguridad de estas harinas en relación con estos metales tóxicos (AU)

Concentración de metales séricos (titanio, cromo y cobalto) en el seguimiento de las artroplastias totales de cadera / Serum metal (titanium, chromium and cobalt) concentrations in the follow-up of total hip arthroplasty

Objetivo: Analizar la degradación de los productos metálicos que constituyen las aleaciones de las prótesis de cadera. Pacientes y método: Se midió, mediante absorción atómica, el titanio, el cromo y el cobalto en la sangre de 58 pacientes con prótesis totales de cadera, compuestas por aleaciones de cromo y cobalto y de titanio, con o sin cementar. Se analizó la evolución de las concentraciones séricas preoperatorias, a los seis y a los 12 meses. Resultados: Encontramos una elevación significativa tras el inicio de la movilización de la articulación, pero sin afectación clínica. Los percentiles 95 de la distribución de concentraciones fueron para el Ti 27 mg/L, Cr 1 mg/L y Co 1,7 mg/L. Conclusión: La elevación de estas concentraciones podría ser indicativa de mal funcionamiento del implante o de desgaste excesivo que podría conducir a toxicidades locales o remotas (AU)

Objective: To analyze the degradation of the metal products contained in hip prosthesis alloys. Patients and method: Atomic absorption measurements were made of the titanium, chromium and cobalt concentrations in the blood of 58 patients with total hip replacement implants made of titanium, chromium and cobalt alloys with or without cementing. The evolution of the serum metal concentrations was assessed based on measurements obtained preoperatively and 6 and 12 months after surgery. Results: A significant increase in serum levels was noted after the start of joint mobilization, though without clinical repercussions. The percentile 95 values of the metal concentration distributions were 27 mg/l for titanium, 1 mg/l in the case of chromium, and 1.7 mg/l for cobalt. Conclusion: The rise in serum metal concentrations could be indicative of poor implant function or excessive wear that in turn could lead to local or disseminated toxicity (AU)