Transdiagnostic inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers with predictive capacity of self-injurious behavior in impulsive and unstable disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Alterations in inflammatory processes have previously been reported in impulsive and unstable disorders, as well as in other psychiatric conditions. In order to investigate transdiagnostic biomarkers associated with various phenotypic features of these disorders, this study is designed to identify biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative endophenotypes related to autolytic behavior. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from 35 patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), 29 patients with restrictive eating disorder (rED), 21 patients with purging eating disorder (pED) and 23 control subjects. Plasma levels of different inflammatory and oxidative factors were measured by ELISA and the expression of selected proteins was by Western Blot. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to categorize the different inflammatory factors. Additionally, Ancova was performed to observe the differences in the principal components among the different groups and logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the predictive capacity of these components for autolytic behaviors. RESULTS: We found two inflammatory/oxidative components were associated with BPD, characterized by high levels of JNK and ERK and low levels of GPx, SOD and Keap1; and two other inflammatory/oxidative components were linked to pED, associated with more JNK, TBARS and TNF-α and less GPx and SOD. Two components, with more JNK and ERK and less GPx, SOD and Keap1, predicted non-suicidal self-injury and three components, with higher JNK, TBARS and TNF-α levels and lower GPx, SOD and iNOS levels, predicted suicide attempts. CONCLUSIONS: These results strongly support the endophenotypic characterization of impulsivity and the identification of transdiagnostic inflammatory/oxidative biomarkers relevant to autolytic behavior in impulsive and unstable disorders. These dates lay the groundwork for developing of screening tests for these biomarker components to rapidly detect biological risk factors for specific impulse control disorders and future self-injurious behaviors.

Decreased oxytocin plasma levels and oxytocin receptor expression associated with aggressive behavior in aggressive-impulsive disorders.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to enhance the understanding of the association between the phenotypic and endophenotypic characteristics of impulsive-aggressive disorders, through the study of plasma oxytocin (OXT) and oxytocin receptor (OXTR) levels in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and patients with eating disorders (ED), as well as to examine the relationship of OXT system with aggressive behavior in these disorders. METHODS: 68 patients with BPD, 67 patients with ED and 57 healthy control subjects were examined for plasma oxytocin levels and protein expression of OXTR in blood mononuclear cells. Aggressive behavior was assessed using the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI-2). Other self and hetero-aggressive behaviors were also evaluated through interviews. RESULTS: BPD and ED patients exhibited significantly lower plasma oxytocin levels than control subjects. Furthermore, BPD patients demonstrated significantly reduced expression of OXTR compared to controls. Plasma oxytocin levels negatively correlated with verbal aggression, while OXTR expression was inversely associated with the STAXI trait subscale. CONCLUSIONS: The findings validate the existence of oxytocin system dysfunction in impulsive-aggressive disorders. They also support the link between low OXT levels in plasma and OXTR expression and the impulsive-aggressive behavior that characterizes these patients in both state and trait situations.

Sequence and transcript expression of the super-kdr locus of the horn fly, Haematobia irritans.

In horn flies, Haematobia irritans irritans (Diptera: Muscidae) (Linnaeus, 1758), target site resistance to pyrethroids can be diagnosed by an allele-specific PCR that genotypes individual flies at both the super-kdr (skdr) and the knock down resistance (kdr) associated loci. When this technique uses genomic DNA as template, modifications, such as alternative RNA splicing and RNA editing are not specifically detected. Alternative splicing at the skdr locus has been reported in Dipterans; thus, the genomic DNA-based allele-specific PCR may not accurately reflect the frequency of the skdr mutation in horn fly field populations. To investigate if alternative splicing occurs at the skdr locus of horn flies, genomic DNA and cDNA sequences isolated from two wild populations and two laboratory-reared colonies with varying degrees of pyrethroid resistance were compared. There was no indication of alternative splicing at the super-kdr locus neither in the wild populations nor in the laboratory-reared colonies.

CO2 leakage simulation: Effects of the decreasing pH to the survival and reproduction of two crustacean species.

The effects of CO2-related acidification on two crustacean populations, the isopod Cyathura carinata and the amphipod Elasmopus rapax, were studied. Three pH levels were tested: artificial seawater without CO2 injection and two levels of reduced pH. Even though RNA:DNA ratio was reduced for both species, no statistical significant differences were found between the control and the treatments. Both species experienced a reduction in survivorship, longevity and the body length of surviving animals; although the impairment observed in E. rapax was more severe than in C. carinata. The long life span isopod and the short life span amphipod experienced a high degree of impairment in the reproduction, likely due to the reallocation of resources from reproduction to body maintenance and increasing survival by postponing the brood production. Regardless of the underlying processes and the energetic pathways, both experienced failure to reproduce, which could lead to the local extinction of these species.

Pyrethroid and organophosphate pesticide resistance in field populations of horn fly in Brazil.

Pesticides are used worldwide to control arthropod parasites in cattle herds. The indiscriminate and/or inappropriate use of pesticides without veterinary guidance is a reality in several countries of South America. Improper pesticide use increases the chances of contamination of food and the environment with chemical pesticides and their metabolites. Reduction of these contamination events is an increasing challenge for those involved in livestock production. The horn fly, Haematobia irritans (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Muscidae), is one of the most economically important parasites affecting cattle herds around the world. As such, horn fly control efforts are often required to promote the best productive performance of herds. Pesticide susceptibility bioassays revealed that pyrethroid resistance was widespread and reached high levels in horn fly populations in the Brazilian state of Rondônia. The knockdown resistance (kdr) sodium channel gene mutation was detected in all horn fly populations studied (n = 48), and the super kdr sodium channel gene mutation was found in all homozygous resistant kdr individuals (n = 204). Organophosphate resistance was not identified in any of the fly populations evaluated.

Do magnetic phosphorus adsorbents used for lake restoration impact on zooplankton community?

Magnetic microparticles (MPs) have been recently proposed as innovative and promising dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) adsorbents. However, before using them in a whole-lake restoration project, it is essential to assess their toxicological effects (direct and indirect) on aquatic biota. In the present study we hypothesized that zooplankton community is affected by MPs used for lake restoration. To test our hypothesis we designed a microcosms experiment (n = 15) containing lake water and surface sediment from a hypertrophic lake. Temporal changes (70 days) on physico-chemical conditions and on zooplankton structure (rotifers, copepods and branchiopods) were monitored under different scenarios. In particular, three different treatments were considered: no addition of MPs (control) and MPs addition (1.4 g MPs L-1) on the surface water layer (T-W) and on the sediment (T-S). After 24 h of contact time, MPs were removed with a magnetic rake. A total of 15 zooplankton species (12 rotifers, 1 branchiopod and 2 copepods) were recorded and a high abundance of zooplankton was registered during the experiment for all treatments. No significant differences (RM-ANOVA test; p > 0.05) in total abundance, species richness and species diversity among treatments were found. The absence of any effect of MPs on zooplankton can be explained because MPs did not significantly alter any of its physico-chemical (e.g. temperature, pH, O2) or biological (e.g. food quantity and quality) drivers. These results confirm the suitability of MPs as a promising tool for removing DIP in eutrophic aquatic ecosystems.

Determining major factors controlling phosphorus removal by promising adsorbents used for lake restoration: A linear mixed model approach.

Phosphorus (P) removal from lake/drainage waters by novel adsorbents may be affected by competitive substances naturally present in the aqueous media. Up to date, the effect of interfering substances has been studied basically on simple matrices (single-factor effects) or by applying basic statistical approaches when using natural lake water. In this study, we determined major factors controlling P removal efficiency in 20 aquatic ecosystems in the southeast Spain by using linear mixed models (LMMs). Two non-magnetic -CFH-12® and Phoslock®- and two magnetic materials -hydrous lanthanum oxide loaded silica-coated magnetite (Fe-Si-La) and commercial zero-valent iron particles (FeHQ)- were tested to remove P at two adsorbent dosages. Results showed that the type of adsorbent, the adsorbent dosage and color of water (indicative of humic substances) are major factors controlling P removal efficiency. Differences in physico-chemical properties (i.e. surface charge or specific surface), composition and structure explain differences in maximum P adsorption capacity and performance of the adsorbents when competitive ions are present. The highest P removal efficiency, independently on whether the adsorbent dosage was low or high, were 85-100% for Phoslock and CFH-12®, 70-100% for Fe-Si-La and 0-15% for FeHQ. The low dosage of FeHQ, compared to previous studies, explained its low P removal efficiency. Although non-magnetic materials were the most efficient, magnetic adsorbents (especially Fe-Si-La) could be proposed for P removal as they can be recovered along with P and be reused, potentially making them more profitable in a long-term period.

Mutation in the Sodium Channel Gene Corresponds With Phenotypic Resistance of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae) to Pyrethroids.

The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Latreille), is a cosmopolitan ectoparasite and vector of pathogens that kill humans and animals. Pyrethroids represent a class of synthetic acaricides that have been used intensely to try to control the brown dog tick and mitigate the risk of tick-borne disease transmission. However, acaricide resistance is an emerging problem in the management of the brown dog tick. Understanding the mechanism of resistance to acaricides, including pyrethroids, is important to adapt brown dog tick control strategies. The main objective of this study was to determine if target-site mutations associated with pyrethroid resistance in other pests could be associated with phenotypic resistance detected in a brown dog tick population from Florida. We amplified segment 6 of the domain III of the voltage-sensitive sodium channel protein, using cDNAs synthesized from pyrethroid-susceptible and pyrethroid-resistant tick strains. A single nucleotide point mutation (SNP) identified in a highly conserved region of domain III S6 in the resistant ticks resulted in an amino acid change from phenylalanine to leucine. This mutation is characteristic of resistance phenotypes in other tick species, and is the first report of this mutation in R. sanguineus. Molecular assays based on this knowledge could be developed to diagnose the risk for pyrethroid resistance, and to inform decisions on integrated brown dog tick management practices.

Do Environmental Conditions Contribute to Narcosis Onset and Symptom Severity?

Although many factors contributing to inert gas narcosis onset and severity have been put forward, the available evidence is not particularly strong. Using objective criteria, we have assessed brain impairment associated with narcosis under various environmental diving conditions. 40 volunteers performed a no-decompression dive (33 m for 20 min) either in a dry chamber, a pool or open sea. They were assessed by critical flicker fusion frequency before the dive, upon arriving at depth, 5 min before ascent, on surfacing and 30 min post-dive. Compared to the pre-dive value, the mean value of each measurement was significantly different. An increase of flicker fusion to 105.00±0.69% when arriving at depth is followed by a decrease to 94.05±0.65%. This impairment persists when surfacing and 30 min post-dive, decreasing further to 96.36±0.73% and 96.24±0.73%, respectively. Intragroup comparison failed to demonstrate any statistical difference. When objectively measured narcosis may not be influenced by external factors other than pressure and gas. This might be of importance for training to avoid any over- or underestimation of the severity of narcosis based only on subjective symptoms.

Evaluación del efecto citotóxico de una resina dental a base de siloranos sobre fibroblastos L929 / Evaluation of the cytotoxic effect of a silorane-based dental resin on fibroblasts L929

Introducción: Las resinas dentales basadas en siloranos, son el resultado de la unión química de siloxanos y oxiranos. Dentro del proceso de evolución de las resinas, se han modificado sus formulaciones para optimizar sus propiedades físicas, mecánicas y estéticas. Sin embargo, aún presentan problemas como la contracción de polimerización, problemas alérgicos y toxicológicos. Objetivo: Determinar el potencial efecto citotóxico de las resinas a base de siloranos sobre la viabilidad celular en un cultivo de fibroblastos de la línea L929. Metodología: Se estudió la exposición de fibroblastos de ratón L929 a resinas dentales a base de siloranos Filtek p90 y metacrilatos Filtek p60 en tres tiempos de fotocurado durante 6 días. Se evaluó el efecto sobre la viabilidad celular mediante pruebas de exclusión vital, micrografías electrónicas y composición elemental de superficie (Mg, Na, K y Ca) por ESEM/EDAX. Resultados: La resina Filtek p90 mostró un mayor efecto citotóxico a tiempos de fotocurado prolongados (20 segundos o más) respecto a la resina Filtek p60. El efecto resultó más marcado para 20 segundos de fotocurado, ya que las concentraciones de Ca y K en la superficie celular fueron las más afectadas. Conclusiones: La resina dental Filtek p90 ejerce un efecto citotóxico relativamente bajo sobre las células de fibroblastos L929 (p <0.01). Su uso en la práctica odontológica se puede considerar bioseguro, pero un tiempo de fotocurado prolongado con la resina dental a base de siloranos puede afectar significativamente la viabilidad de los tejidos dentales.

Introduction: The resins dental based on siloranes, are the result of chemical bonding between siloxanes and oxiranes. In the process of evolution of the resins, they have changed their formulations to optimize their physical, mechanical and aesthetic properties. However have problems as polymerization shrinkage, allergic and toxicological problems. Objective: determine the potential cytotoxic effect of siloranes based resins on cell viability in cultured fibroblast line L929. Methodology: The exposure of mouse L929 fibroblasts to commercial dental resins based on either, methacrylate Filtek P60 or silorane Filtek P90 for three curing times was assessed throughout 6 days. Its effect on the cell viability was determined by vital exclusion tests, electron micrographs and ionic composition (Mg, Na, K and Ca) by ESEM/EDAX. Results: The dental resin Filtek p90 displayed a higher cytotoxic effect for prolonged curing times (20 seconds or more) than the resin Filtek P60. Moreover, such an effect was stronger at 20 seconds of curing, as long as the concentration of Ca and K on the cell's surface were the more affected. Conclusions: The dental resin Filtek p90 exerts a relatively low cytotoxic effect on L929 fibroblast cells (p < 0.01), and then, its use can be considered biologically safe in practical dentistry but a prolonged curing time of the silorane-based resin could significantly affect the viability of dental tissues.

Are hip hemiarthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty infections different entities? The importance of hip fractures.

Hip hemiarthroplasty (HHA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) infections are usually considered as one entity; however, they may show important differences. We analyze these differences, as well as predictors of treatment failure (TF) and poor functional status among patients with prosthetic hip infections (PHIs). A multicenter cohort study of consecutive patients with PHIs was performed. The main outcome variable was TF after the first surgical treatment performed to treat the infection. Multivariate analysis was used to identify predictors of TF. A total of 127 patients with PHI were included (43 HHA, 84 THA). Patients with HHA infections were more frequently women (88% vs. 54%; p < 0.001), had comorbidities (86% vs. 67%, p = 0.02), and were older (median age 79 vs. 65 years, p < 0.001), and the reason for arthroplasty was more frequently a fracture (100% vs. 18%, p < 0.001). Failure of initial treatment and crude mortality were more frequent among HHA patients (44% vs. 23%, p = 0.01 and 28% vs. 7%, p = 0.001, respectively). However, HHA was not associated with TF in the multivariate analysis when hip fracture was considered; thus, variables independently associated with TF were hip fracture, inadequate surgical management, prosthesis retention, and higher C-reactive protein level. Failure of the first surgical treatment was associated with poorer functional status. HHA and THA infections showed significant differences in epidemiology, clinical features, and outcome. Although patients with HHA infections had a higher risk of TF, this was related to the reason for hip implant: a hip fracture. Success of the initial management of infection is a predictor of better clinical and functional outcome.

Influence of decompression sickness on vasomotion of isolated rat vessels.

Several studies have demonstrated that endothelial function is impaired following a dive even without decompression sickness. During this study we determined the effect of decompression sickness on endothelium-dependent and independent vasoreactivity. For this purpose twenty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats were submitted to a simulated dive up to 1,000 kPa absolute pressure and divided into 3 groups: safe diving without decompression sickness or dives provoking mild or severe sickness. A fourth control group remained at atmospheric pressure. Endothelium-dependent and independent vasomotion was assessed ex vivo by measuring isometric tension in rings of abdominal aorta and mesenteric arteries. Dose-response curves were obtained with phenylephrine, acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. Acetylcholine-induced relaxation was measured in the presence of L-NAME, indometacin or both of them at once.Contraction was significantly decreased after each protocol compared with the control rats. Additionally, the response in animals from the severe group was significantly different from that of the safe and mild groups. Dose response curves for acetylcholine alone and in the presence of inhibitors remained unchanged. We did not observe differences in endothelium-dependent vasodilation after diving or in the presence of decompression sickness. Contractile response to phenylephrine was progressively impaired with increased decompression stress. These results may indicate smooth muscle injury.

Vitamin E protection of obesity-enhanced vascular calcification in uremic rats.

This study aimed to determine the extent of extraskeletal calcification in uremic Zucker rats, by comparing obese and lean phenotypes, and to evaluate the influence of vitamin E (VitE) on the development of calcifications in both uremic rats and human vascular smooth muscle cells (HVSMCs) cultured in vitro. Zucker rats of lean and obese phenotypes with normal renal function [control (C); C-lean and C-obese groups] and with uremia [5/6 nephrectomy (Nx); Nx-lean and Nx-obese groups] and uremic rats treated with VitE (Nx-lean + VitE and Nx-obese + VitE groups) were studied. Uremic groups were subjected to Nx, fed a 0.9% phosphorus diet, and treated with calcitriol (80 ng/kg ip). The aortic calcium concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Nx-obese rats (10.0 ± 2.1 mg/g tissue) than in Nx-lean rats (3.6 ± 1.3 mg/g tissue). A decrease in plasma glutathione peroxidase activity was observed in Nx-obese rats compared with Nx-lean rats (217.2 ± 18.2 vs. 382.3 ± 15.5 nmol·min(-1)·ml(-1), P < 0.05). Treatment with VitE restored glutathione peroxidase activity and reduced the aortic calcium concentration to 4.6 ± 1.3 mg/g tissue. The differences in mineral deposition between Nx-lean, Nx-obese, Nx-lean + VitE, and Nx-obese + VitE rats were also evidenced in other soft tissues. In HVSMCs incubated with high phosphate, VitE also prevented oxidative stress and reduced calcium content, bone alkaline phosphatase, and gene expression of core-binding factor-α1. In conclusion, uremic obese rats develop more severe calcifications than uremic lean rats and VitE reduces oxidative stress and vascular calcifications in both rats and cultures of HVSMCs.

Inhibición de colonización intestinal por Vibrio cholerae con Lactobacillus acidophilus1 en conejos lactantes / Lactobacillus probiotics may prevent Vibrio cholerae colonization in rabbits newborn

Objetivo. Evaluar la capacidad in vitro e in vivo de Lactobacillus acidophilus1, aislado en este estudio, para prevenir enfermedad diarreica causada por Vibrio cholerae 01 OGAWA, en conejos lactantes. Materiales y métodos. Se aisló Lactobacillus acidophilus1 a partir de heces de niños sanos, se seleccionó por su capacidad amilolítica a partir de un grupo de bacterias ácido lácticas (BAL). El mejor sustrato amiláceo para el crecimiento de la BAL fue estandarizado previamente. Con L. acidophilus1 se realizó un ensayo in vitro e in vivo de inhibición antagónica sobre el enteropatógeno y se evaluó la prevención de la colonización por V. cholerae 01 OGAWA en conejos lactantes. Resultados. De acuerdo con el análisis de varianza L. acidophilus1 presentó la mejor capacidad amilolítica respecto a las otras BAL aisladas, p<0.5. Se encontró que un inóculo con una densidad celular de 35x10(6) bacterias/ml en el fermento láctico es capaz de ejercer el mayor efecto antagónico in vitro sobre V. cholerae. Se demostró el efecto probiótico in vivo, ya que los conejos enfrentados con el patógeno y sin recibir probiótico tuvieron una probabilidad de sobrevida menor de 0.25 respecto al grupo de animales retados con el patógeno y simultáneamente alimentados con el probiótico cuya probabilidad de sobrevida fue de 0.95. Conclusiones. L. acidophilus1 se considera un microorganismo probiótico, capaz de sobrevivir a su paso por el tracto gastrointestinal en un modelo animal y prevenir la colonización intestinal por V. cholerae 01 OGAWA en conejos lactantes.

Objective. To assess the capacity in vitro and in vivo of Lactobacillus acidophilus1 isolated in this study, capable of preventing diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae 01 OGAWA in rabbits newborn. Materials and methods. Lactobacillus acidophilus1 was isolated from faeces of healthy children and was selected from a group of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The better starchy substrate for the growth of the LAB was previously standardized. Using the L. acidophilus1, there was carried out an in vitro and in vivo assay of antagonistic inhibition on the enteropathogen and it was evaluated the prevention of colonization by V. cholerae 01 Ogawa in rabbits newborn. Results. L. acidophilus1 present the better amylolytic capacity, p<0.5 in the ANDEVA. It was found that an inoculum with a cell density of 35x10(6) bacteria/ml in the lactic ferment is able to exert the greatest antagonistic effect in vitro over V. cholerae. The probiotic effect was demonstrated in vivo, since rabbits exposed to the pathogen without having received probiotic had a lower survival probability of 0.25 regarding the group of animals exposed with the pathogen and simultaneously fed with the probiotic whose probability of survival was of 0.95. Conclusions. L. acidophilus1 is considered a probiotic microorganism capable of surviving when passing through the gastrointestinal tract in an animal model and preventing intestinal colonization by V. cholerae 01 Ogawa in rabbits newborn.

Influence of pyrolysis temperature on composted sewage sludge biochar priming effect in a loamy soil.

Biochar is a carbon-rich solid product obtained by the pyrolysis of organic materials. The carbon stability of biochar allows that it can be applied to soil for long-term carbon storage. This carbon stability is greatly influenced by the pyrolysis temperature and the raw material used for biochar production. The aim of the present work is to study the soil carbon sequestration after the application of biochar from sewage sludge (SL) pyrolysis at two different temperatures (400 and 600 °C). For this purpose, soil CO2 emissions were measured for 80 d in an incubation experiment after soil amendment with the SL and each biochar at a dosage of 8 wt%. Biochar reduced the CO2 emissions during incubation between 11% and 32% relative to the SL treatment. The CO2 data were fit to a dual exponential model, and the CO2 emissions were simulated at different times (1, 5 and 10 yr). Additionally, the kinetics of the CO2 evolution from SL, two biochar samples, soil and amended soil were well fit to a dual first-order kinetic model with correlation coefficients greater than 0.93. The simulation of CO2 emissions from the soil by applying the proposed double first-order kinetic model (kg CO2-C ha(-1)) showed a reduction of CO2 emissions between 301 and 932 kg CO2-C ha(-1)with respect to the direct application of raw sewage sludge after 10 yr.

Nitric oxide-related endothelial changes in breath-hold and scuba divers.

OBJECTIVE: Scuba and breath-hold divers are compared to investigate whether endothelial response changes are similar despite different exposure(s) to hyperoxia. DESIGN: 14 divers (nine scuba and five breath-holding) performed either one scuba dive (25m/25 minutes) or successive breath-hold dives at a depth of 20 meters, adding up to 25 minutes of immersion time in a diving pool. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured using echography. Peripheral post-occlusion reactive hyperemia (PORH) was assessed by digital plethysmography and plasmatic nitric oxide (NO) concentration using a nitrate/nitrite colorimetric assay kit. RESULTS: The FMD decreased in both groups. PORH was reduced in scuba divers but increased in breath-hold divers. No difference in circulating NO was observed for the scuba group. Opposingly, an increase in circulating NO was observed for the breath-hold group. CONCLUSION: Some cardiovascular effects can be explained by interaction between NO and superoxide anion during both types of diving ending to less NO availability and reducing FMD. The increased circulating NO in the breath-hold group can be caused by physical exercise. The opposite effects found between FMD and PORH in the breath-hold group can be assimilated to a greater responsiveness to circulating NO in small arteries than in large arteries.

Design and characterization of biofunctional magnetic porous silicon flakes.

Magnetic porous silicon flakes (MPSF) were obtained from mesoporous silicon layers formed by multi-step anodization and subsequent composite formation with Fe oxide nanoparticles by thermal annealing. The magnetic nanoparticles adhered to the surface and penetrated inside the pores. Their structure evolved as a result of the annealing treatments derived from X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption analyses. Moreover, by tailoring the magnetic load, the dynamic and hydrodynamic properties of the particles were controlled, as observed by the pressure displayed against a sensor probe. Preliminary functionality experiments were performed using an eye model, seeking potential use of MPSF as reinforcement for restored detached retina. It was observed that optimal flake immobilization is obtained when the MPSF reach values of magnetic saturation >10(-4)Am(2)g(-1). Furthermore, the MPSF were demonstrated to be preliminarily biocompatible in vitro. Moreover, New Zealand rabbit in vivo models demonstrated their short-term histocompatibility and their magnetic functionality as retina pressure actuators.

Continuously evaluating performance in deceased donation: the Spanish quality assurance program.

The Spanish Quality Assurance Program applied to the process of donation after brain death entails an internal stage consisting of a continuous clinical chart review of deaths in critical care units (CCUs) performed by transplant coordinators and periodical external audits to selected centers. This paper describes the methodology and provides the most relevant results of this program, with information analyzed from 206,345 CCU deaths. According to the internal audit, 2.3% of hospital deaths and 12.4% of CCU deaths in Spain yield potential donors (clinical criteria consistent with brain death). Out of the potential donors, 54.6% become actual donors, 26% are lost due to medical unsuitability, 13.3% due to refusals to donation, 3.1% due to maintenance problems and 3% due to other reasons. Although the national pool of potential donors after brain death has progressively decreased from 65.2 per million population (pmp) in 2001 to 49 pmp in 2010, the number of actual donors after brain death has remained at about 30 pmp. External audits reveal that the number of actual donors could be 21.6% higher if all potential donors were identified and preventable losses avoided. We encourage other countries to develop similar comprehensive approaches to deceased donation performance.