Shrinking body size of European anchovy in the Bay of Biscay.

Decreased body size is often cited as a major response to ocean warming. Available evidence, however, questions the actual emergence of shrinking trends and the prevalence of temperature-driven changes in size over alternative drivers. In marine fish, changes in food availability or fluctuations in abundance, including those due to size-selective fishing, provide compelling mechanisms to explain changes in body size. Here, based on three decades of scientific survey data (1990-2021), we report a decline in the average body size-length and weight-of anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus L., in the Bay of Biscay. Shrinking was evident in all age classes, from juveniles to adults. Allometric adjustment indicated slightly more pronounced declines in weight than in total length, which is consistent with a change toward a slender body shape. Trends in adult weight were nonlinear, with rates accelerating to an average decline of up to 25% decade-1 during the last two decades. We found a strong association between higher anchovy abundance and reduced juvenile size. The effect of density dependence was less clear later in life, and temperature became the best predictor of declines in adult size. Theoretical analyses based on a strategic model further suggested that observed patterns are consistent with a simultaneous, opposing effect of rising temperatures on accelerating early growth and decreasing adult size as predicted by the temperature-size rule. Macroecological assessment of ecogeographical-Bergmann's and James'-rules in anchovy size suggested that the observed decline largely exceeds intraspecific variation and might be the result of selection. Limitations inherent in the observational nature of the study recommend caution and a continued assessment and exploration of alternative drivers. Additional evidence of a climate-driven regime shift in the region suggests, however, that shrinking anchovy sizes may signal a long-lasting change in the structure and functioning of the Bay of Biscay ecosystem.

Genital Herpes Zoster: A Rare Location That Can Mimic Genital Herpes.

ABSTRACT: Herpes zoster is an acute, cutaneous viral infection caused by the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus. Genital dermatomes are involved in only up to 2% of cases and are probably underrecognized. We present a series of 7 genital herpes zoster cases diagnosed in our Unit of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. None of our patients were positive for HIV test, and only one was taking immunosuppressive medication. We recommend the use of molecular testings to confirm the diagnosis of varicella-zoster virus or herpes simplex virus infection in all cases of genital herpes-like lesions.

Contact allergy to isothiazolinones epidemic: Current situation.

BACKGROUND: Since 2009, an increasing number of published cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from isothiazolinones in Europe was observed, amounting to an epidemic. However, only few studies have assessed the current situation after changes in European regulation. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the incidence of isothiazolinone-related ACD in our area in the last decade. METHODS: A retrospective study analyzed all patients patch tested in the allergy unit in a tertiary hospital in Spain between January 2010 and June 2019. Positive patch-test reactions to methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/methylisothiazolinone (MI) and/or MI alone were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 243 patients (9.55%) with positive patch-test reactions to MCI/MI and/or MI alone among 2544 consecutively patch-tested patients were recorded. An initial increase in the prevalence of MCI/MI allergy was observed, from 4.5% in 2010 reaching a peak in 2015, which was followed by a significant decrease until July 2019 with 3.1% prevalence in 2019. CONCLUSIONS: As shown in our data, regulatory interventions have resulted in a dramatic decrease in the prevalence of MCI and MI ACD, reaching a pre-epidemic level of 3.1% in 2019.

Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver and liver fibrosis in patients with moderate-severe psoriasis: A cross-sectional cohort study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Several studies have reported that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is more frequent in patients with psoriasis, but few have reviewed the presence of liver fibrosis in those patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional cohort, single-centre study, continuously selecting all patients with moderate-severe psoriasis seen at the Psoriasis Unit of a Tertiary Hospital. The grade of liver steatosis was assessed using liver ultrasound, and the quantity of liver fibrosis was graded using a transitional vibration-controlled elastography (Fibroscan®). RESULTS: A total of 71 patients (66.2% male) were included, with an average age of 46.6 years old. The maximum historical PASI average was 14.4 while the baseline PASI average at the time of the study was 2. A third (36%) of patients met the criteria for metabolic syndrome 52% of patients had steatosis; being male, having metabolic syndrome comorbidities, elevated AST/ALT enzymes, dyslipidemia and high initial PASI were significantly related. 14% of patients had moderate liver fibrosis (≥7.6 KPa). In 30% of them, no ultrasound liver steatosis was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Elastography may be a useful tool along with ultrasound to evaluate liver disease in patients with psoriasis.

Hyperlipoproteinaemia(a) in patients with spondyloarthritis: results of the Cardiovascular in Rheumatology (CARMA) project.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular (CV) disease is one of the main causes of morbi-mortality in spondyloarthritis (SpA), partially explained by traditional CV risk factors. Information on lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a non-conventional risk factor, in SpA is scarce. In this study we assessed the prevalence of hyperlipoproteinaemia(a) in SpA patients and analysed the possible related factors. METHODS: A baseline analysis was made of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients and controls included in the CARMA project (CARdiovascular in RheuMAtology), a 10-year prospective study evaluating the risk of CV events in chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed using hyperlipoproteinaemia(a) (Lp(a) >50 mg/dl) as a dependent variable and adjusting for confounding factors. RESULTS: 19.2% (95% CI: 16.80-22.05) of the SpA patients [20.7% (95% CI: 16.91-24.82) of those with AS and 17.7% (95% CI: 14.15-21.75) of those with PsA] and 16.7% (95% CI: 13.23-20.86) of the controls had hyperlipoproteinaemia(a) (p=0.326). Adjusting for age and sex, SpA patients were more likely to have hyperlipoproteinaemia(a) than controls (OR: 1.43, 95%CI: 1.00-2.04; p=0.05), especially those with AS (OR: 1.81, 95%CI: 1.18-2.77; p=0.007). In the adjusted model, apolipoprotein B in all patients, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in AS, and female sex in PsA, were associated with hyperlipoproteinaemia(a). No disease-specific factors associated with hyperlipoproteinaemia(a) were identified. CONCLUSIONS: SpA patients show a moderately increased risk of hyperlipoproteinaemia(a) compared to controls, especially those with AS. Lp(a) determination may be of interest to improve the CV risk assessment in SpA patients.

A prospective multicenter study assessing effectiveness and safety of secukinumab in a real-life setting in 158 patients.

BACKGROUND: Secukinumab is a first-in-class interleukin 17A monoclonal antibody that has demonstrated an excellent safety and efficacy profile in phase 3 studies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of secukinumab in daily clinical practice and to understand the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of patients treated with secukinumab in clinical settings. METHODS: In this multicenter prospective observational study, we recruited adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis from 12 hospitals in Spain during January-December 2016. These patients were treated with secukinumab and prospectively followed at 12-week intervals for 52 weeks. RESULTS: In total, 158 patients were recruited to the study. A Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score improvement ≥75% over baseline (PASI-75) was achieved by 57%, 83.5%, 89%, and 78.5% of patients at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 52, respectively. PASI-90 was achieved in 27.8%, 62%, 64.6%, and 63.2% of patients at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 52, respectively; PASI-75 and PASI-90 responders were significantly more common among patients with a body mass index <30 kg/cm2 and patients without previous biologic therapy failures. LIMITATIONS: Observational study. Time from onset of psoriasis was not evaluated. CONCLUSION: Secukinumab is a safe treatment with effectiveness rates similar to those found in its phase 3 studies. These rates endure up to a year from start of treatment.

In Situ Production and Application of Cellulose Nanofibers to Improve Recycled Paper Production.

The recycled paper and board industry needs to improve the quality of their products to meet customer demands. The refining process and strength additives are commonly used to increase mechanical properties. Interfiber bonding can also be improved using cellulose nanofibers (CNF). A circular economy approach in the industrial implementation of CNF can be addressed through the in situ production of CNF using side cellulose streams of the process as raw material, avoiding transportation costs and reducing industrial wastes. Furthermore, CNF fit for use can be produced for specific industrial applications.This study evaluates the feasibility of using two types of recycled fibers, simulating the broke streams of two paper machines producing newsprint and liner for cartonboard, to produce in situ CNF for direct application on the original pulps, old newsprint (ONP), and old corrugated container (OCC), and to reinforce the final products. The CNF were obtained by 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation and homogenization at 600 bar. Handsheets were prepared with disintegrated recycled pulp and different amounts of CNF using a conventional three-component retention system. Results show that 3 wt.% of CNF produced with 10 mmol of NaClO per gram of dry pulp improve tensile index of ONP ~30%. For OCC, the same treatment and CNF dose increase tensile index above 60%. In both cases, CNF cause a deterioration of drainage, but this effect is effectively counteracted by optimising the retention system.

Meaning in life among adolescents: Factorial invariance of the purpose in life test and buffering effect on the relationship between emotional dysregulation and hopelessness.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was threefold: first, to analyse the psychometric properties of a 10-item Spanish version of the Purpose in Life Test, which assesses meaning in life (MiL), in a sample of community adolescents; second, to analyse the differences between the age and gender groups; and third, to analyse whether MiL buffers the relationship between emotional dysregulation and hopelessness. METHOD: Participants were 1,599 adolescents from 12 to 19 years old, M = 15.69, SD = 2.14. The Purpose in Life Test-10 Items, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale were used. RESULTS: A nine-item version showed good fit, psychometric properties (internal consistency, construct, and concurrent validity), and factorial invariance across gender and age (12-15 years/16-19 years). Difference in MiL between boys and girls was not significant, whereas between age groups was significant. MiL had a strong buffering effect on the relationship between emotional dysregulation and hopelessness. DISCUSSION: It is desirable to promote the sense of MiL in adolescents. MiL plays a significant and strong mediator role in the relationship between emotional dysregulation and hopelessness, reinforcing the positive role of MiL in mental health and as a resource for facing adversity.

Effective treatment of nail psoriasis with apremilast: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Nail psoriasis can cause great morbidity and a negative impact on the personal and work-related life of the patients. However, it responds more poorly to most drug therapies. Classically, the first line of treatment for nail psoriasis has been topical medication, but the new biological drugs seem to be the most effective treatment. Apremilast is another systemic oral drug that has shown a significant reduction of the severity in moderate-severe plaque psoriasis, as well as nail and scalp psoriasis. We present two cases of patients who exhibited a rapid response to treatment with apremilast.

The Lulun Project's social marketing strategy in a trial to introduce eggs during complementary feeding in Ecuador.

The Lulun Project incorporated a social marketing strategy that accompanied a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a food-based intervention that introduced eggs into the complementary feeding diet of Ecuadorian infants. This strategy was designed to promote behaviour change, in this case, egg consumption, through voluntary prosocial behaviour, empowerment, and brand loyalty. A three-phase social marketing strategy (design, campaigns, and evaluation) contributed to our successful RTC by applying techniques drawn from marketing, publicity, design, and communications. To develop the strategy, we conducted (a) market research focused on culturally based norms, values, and local expectations; (b) a situational assessment based on the four Ps of social marketing (people, product, place, and price); and (c) fostered a creative process to develop the project's brand and communication plan. The strategy combined a communication plan, brand, and activities that were implemented in four campaigns: outreach, recruitment, promotion, and closing. Our evaluation showed that the social marketing strategy was instrumental in promoting the RCT's objectives and responding to unforeseen events and community concerns regarding the RCT. The strategy resulted in high compliance, low attrition, and infant feeding policy change, including Ecuador's Ministry of Public Health new complementary feeding guidelines for introducing eggs early in complementary feeding. Use of social marketing techniques, like those in our study, could be key for scaling up this food-based intervention-or others like it-in Ecuador and beyond.

Phototherapy in Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Currently management of AD includes avoidance of triggering factors, skin care aiming to compensate the skin barrier defects, anti-inflammatory therapy (mostly topical corticosteroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors). When these first-line approaches are unsuccessful, systemic treatment or phototherapy ought to be carried out as next line of defence. Current phototherapy modalities for AD include broadband UVB (290-320 nm), narrowband UVB (311-313 nm), UVA-1 therapy (340-400 nm), UVA therapy plus 8-methoxypsoralens (PUVA), 308 nm excimer laser (EL) and Full spectrum light (FSL).

Dermatitis of the Foot: Epidemiologic and Clinical Features in 389 Children.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Footwear dermatitis is a form of contact dermatitis resulting from exposure to shoes. There have been only small studies regarding foot contact dermatitis in children. The present study was undertaken to define the prevalence and epidemiologic and clinical features of shoe dermatitis in children. METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken of all children referred for patch testing between 1996 and 2015. Children with dermatitis limited to the feet were selected. RESULTS: We collected data from 389 children younger than 16 years, 52 of whom (13.4%) were referred with dermatitis exclusively on the feet. Diagnosis after patch testing was allergic contact dermatitis in 23 children (44.2%), atopic eczema in 12 (23.1%), juvenile plantar dermatosis in 8 (15.4%), dyshidrotic eczema in 6 (11.5%), irritant contact dermatitis in 2 (3.8%), and tinea pedis in 1 (1.9%). The most frequent allergens were potassium dichromate, thimerosal, cobalt chloride, mercapto mix, colophonium, mercury, and nickel(II) sulfate. CONCLUSION: Allergic contact dermatitis caused by footwear is a common cause of foot dermatitis in children. Children with foot dermatitis should be referred for patch testing when an allergic origin is suspected.

Meaning in life mediates the association between depressive symptoms and future frequency of suicidal ideation in Spanish university students: A longitudinal study.

INTRODUCTION: There is a need for longitudinal studies that focus on protective factors against suicide in Spain. We analyzed the estimated prevalence of suicidal ideation in a sample of Spanish university students. Second, we explored the relationship between future suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation at T1, and meaning in life and its dimensions of meaning and purpose. Third, we analyzed the mediation role of meaning in life between depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation evaluated with Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). METHOD: In this longitudinal study, a total of 718 Spanish university students were assessed at T1, of whom 279 completed questionnaires along with EMA (T2). RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of suicidal ideation was 8.4%. Levels of depressive symptoms were positively correlated with suicidal ideation and negatively with meaning in life and its dimensions of meaning and purpose. Meaning in life and its dimensions mediated the relationship between depressive symptoms and subsequent suicidal ideation. DISCUSSION: There is a high prevalence of suicidal ideation among Spanish university students, and it is associated with depressive symptoms and meaning in life, with the latter acting as a protective factor. Thus, psychotherapeutic prevention programs from a logotherapeutic perspective could help to reduce students' suicide risk.

Enhancement of the production of TEMPO-mediated oxidation cellulose nanofibrils by kneading.

The industrial use of TEMPO-mediated oxidation (TMO) reaction to produce highly fibrillated cellulose nanofibrils has been hindered by high catalyst costs, long reaction times and high reaction volumes. The hypothesis that cellulose concentration during TMO process is key to increase the process of efficiency has been confirmed. The novelty of this research is the proof-of-concept for a significant enhancement of the TMO reaction by kneading the cellulose to work in concentrations above 120 g/L. Results show that the increase of the cellulose concentration in the TMO reaction, from the traditional 10 g/L to 120 g/L, increase not only the production for the same reaction volume (1200 %) but also the pulp recovery (up to 94 %). Moreover, the oxidation time can be reduced from 42 min to only 4 min while properties of both the oxidized pulps and the final nanocellulose are similar. On the other hand, the use of buffers in the TMO reaction allows us to keep the pH constant without using NaOH, and to improve the selectivity of the carboxyl groups production. The proposed process also minimizes the final environmental impact.