Human Exposure to Trace Elements (Al, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, Li, Ni, Pb, Sr, V) from Consumption of Dried Fruits Acquired in Spain.

Dried fruits are one of the most frequently consumed products by the population. Drying fruits prolongs their shelf life and also concentrates more nutrients. However, these products may contain dangerous levels of trace elements that can be harmful to health. The content of trace elements (Al, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, Li, Ni, Pb, Sr, V) in 42 samples of different dried fruits (dates, prunes, sultanas, dried apricot kernels, and dried figs) was determined by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-OES). The concentrations of Al found in prunes (12.7 ± 5.13 mg Al/kg) and the concentrations of B found in dried plums (6.26 ± 4.45 mg B/kg) were significantly higher (p < 0.05). Regarding the risk assessment, the percentages of contribution to the maximum recommended intakes by Li in all the dried fruits studied stand out, reaching 35.3% in the case of dried plums. This study concludes that the recommended daily intake of dried fruit (30 g/day) does not pose a toxicological risk about these trace elements.

Impact of tourism on metal concentrations in Phorcus sauciatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic period in Canary Islands (CE Atlantic, Spain).

The pandemic (COVID-19) had diverse effects on marine pollution. Throughout the lockdown periods, temporary enhancements in water quality and biodiversity were observed due to reduced human activity and constraints on travel and maritime transportation. The marine snail, Phorcus sauciatus, served as an indicator for marine pollution, and samples were collected in Tenerife, Canary Islands, during various months in 2020. The findings indicated that metal concentrations in Phorcus sauciatus were higher in February but declined in July and December as a result of reduced tourist activity during the pandemic. This underscores the significance of promoting sustainable tourism in the Canary Islands to mitigate high metal concentrations in the marine environment. The COVID-19 pandemic had a positive impact on reducing metal concentrations in marine pollution, underscoring the importance of adopting sustainable tourism practices to protect marine ecosystems.

Metal variability in small pelagic fish Scomber colias as influenced by volcanic events in the Canary Islands.

Offshore volcanic activity occurs when an underwater volcano erupts. These volcanoes can be located underwater or on land and can be very dangerous to marine life. The aim of this study is to examine whether the influence of two volcanoes has an effect on the concentrations of metals and trace elements in the Atlantic mackerel Scomber colias in the Canary Islands. For the study, ten specimens of S. colias were obtained from each sampling area in March 2022. Metal concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry (ICP-OES). The specimens of Scomber colias from the area affected by the Tajogaite volcano (La Palma) showed higher concentrations of all metals and trace elements analyzed than those from the other study areas. The specimens from the area of influence of the Tagoro Volcano (El Hierro) showed the second highest concentration of the elements studied, although this volcanic process is in a state of degassing.

Metal concentrations in echinoderms: Assessing bioindicator potential and ecological implications.

This study investigates the concentrations of heavy metals and trace elements in five echinoderm species: Holothuria (Platyperona) sanctori, Arbacia lixula, Coscinasterias tenuispina, Ophioderma longicaudum, and Antedon bifida. Given their ecological significance and potential as a food source, understanding the presence and transfer of heavy metals in these species is crucial. Sampling was conducted in 2022 in Canary Islands. Analysis using ICP-OES revealed concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Fe in mg/kg. The results showed a consistent sequence of metals across all species, with Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Cd. Holothurians exhibiting the highest levels, followed by sea urchins. Starfish and brittle stars showed similar, lower concentrations, while crinoids exhibited the lowest levels, consistent with their filter-feeding behavior. The findings highlight the potential of holothurians as bioindicators for environmental pollutants. Understanding the role of these echinoderms as bioindicators is essential for assessing ecosystem health and informing conservation efforts in subtropical marine environments.

Environmental Factors Influencing Metal Concentrations in Scomber colias Along the Canary Islands.

A total of 140 specimens of Scomber colias were collected from the Canary archipelago waters during the first semester of 2021, with 20 samples from each of the seven main islands. After analyzing the concentrations of metals (Al, Zn, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Cu) with ICP-OES, significant variations were observed among islands, with specimens from Tenerife and Gran Canaria containing higher levels of Al, Cd, and Pb, while those from Lanzarote and Fuerteventura had elevated levels of Zn, Fe, and Cu. These differences are probably related to greater anthropogenic activity around Tenerife and Gran Canaria coasts, leading to higher pollution levels, and the influence of Saharan dust and African upwelling on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, enriching the waters with nutrients. Specific management strategies to mitigate marine pollution and continuous monitoring are crucial to safeguard marine ecosystems and to ensure food security.

Real-life clinical practice in Spain in the setting of new drug availability for ITP treatment. A Delphi-based Spanish expert panel consensus.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common autoimmune hematological disorder. Despite this, diagnosis is still challenging due to clinical heterogeneity and the lack of a specific diagnostic test. New findings in the pathology and the availability of new drugs have led to the development of different guidelines worldwide. In the present study, the Delphi methodology has been used to get a consensus on the management of adult patients with ITP in Spain and to help in decision-making. The Delphi questionnaire has been designed by a scientific ad hoc committee and has been divided into 13 topics, with a total of 127 items, covering the maximum possible scenarios for the management of ITP. As a result of the study, a total consensus of 81% has been reached. It is concluded that this Delphi consensus provides practical recommendations on topics related to diagnosis and management of ITP patients to help doctors to improve outcomes. Some aspects remain unclear, without consensus among the experts. Thus, more advances are needed to optimize ITP management.

What is the context? Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a hematologic autoimmune disease characterized by accelerated destruction and inadequate production of platelets mediated by autoantibodies (platelet count <100 × 10⁹ /L).Despite being a common condition, its heterogeneous clinical course makes its diagnosis and management still a challenge.In recent years, new molecules with different mechanisms of action have emerged for the treatment of ITP.Due to the increasing information about the pathology and its therapies, several international guidelines have recently been established to provide recommendations for the management and treatment of ITP.There are still many patient scenarios and disease aspects which are not addressed in the guidelines.What is new? Our Spanish ITP Expert Group has developed a Delphi consensus study to provide recommendations and promote standardization of the management of adult patients with ITP in Spain.The scientific committee defined 127 statements for consensus, corresponding to 13 chapters: (i) Diagnosis of ITP, (ii) First-line treatment, (iii) Second-line treatment, (iv) Treatment of refractory patients, (v) Follow-up, (vi) Emergency and surgery, (vii) ITP in the elderly, (viii) ITP in pregnancy, (ix) Anticoagulation and antiplatelet, (x) Secondary ITP, (xi) Quality of life, (xii) Discontinuation of TPO-RA, and (xiii) ITP and Covid.The total number of agreed statements achieved was 103, giving a final percentage of consensus in the Delphi questionnaire of 81%.What is the impact? This Delphi consensus provides recommendations based on real clinical practice data, regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients and scenarios in ITP to assist clinicians in addressing this disease and achieving optimal outcomes for the patient.

Impact of natural events on metal bioaccumulation in Anemonia sulcata.

Samples of Anemonia sulcata were collected in 2022 from different areas of the Canary Islands affected by different natural contamination sources, such sandstorms, submarine volcanic activity, continuous rainfall, upwelling and dinoflagellate blooms. Significant differences were observed between the zones for the metals and trace elements analyzed (Al, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, Fe, B, Cu, Mg and Li). Anemones from volcanic areas showed higher levels of Cd, Pb and Ni. Individuals from sandstorm areas showed elevated levels of Al, Zn and Fe. Samples collected from areas affected by upwelling processes had higher concentrations of Cu, Mg and Li. Finally, the areas affected by dinoflagellates showed lower levels of Zn, Pb, Fe, Mg and Li. The study reveals how natural phenomena dramatically influence metal accumulation in A. sulcata, which is of great value for anticipating and managing potential problems associated with public health.

Comparative analysis of metal pollution in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea: insights from Anemonia sulcata study.

In this study, we investigated metal concentrations in Anemonia sulcata specimens from various locations in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. A total of 84 individuals were sampled from specific zones, and their tissue samples were processed for metal analysis using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results revealed notable differences in metal concentrations among the studied regions. The Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea were found to have distinct patterns of marine pollution, influenced by a complex interplay of geographical, demographic, industrial, and environmental policy factors. Conversely, the semi-enclosed Mediterranean Sea has a lower natural dilution capacity, leading to the accumulation and prolonged presence of pollutants. Population density and industrial activities in coastal areas play a significant role in pollution disparities between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The Mediterranean coasts, with higher population densities and intensive industrial operations, experience greater strain on marine ecosystems due to increased pollution sources. Additionally, environmental policies and management approaches differ between the two regions, contributing to variations in pollution response and regulation.

Interplay of the Mediterranean diet and genetic hypertension risk on blood pressure in European adolescents: Findings from the HELENA study.

Early-life onset of high blood pressure is associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. In adolescents, limited evidence exists regarding the association between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) and normal blood pressure (BP) levels, as well as its potential to modulate genetic predisposition to HTN. This study investigated the interaction between a MedDiet score and a recently developed HTN-genetic risk score (HTN-GRS) on blood pressure levels in a European adolescent cohort. The MedDiet score was derived from two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls and ranged from 0 (indicating low adherence) to 9 (indicating high adherence). Multiple linear regression models, adjusted for covariates, were employed to examine the relationship between the MedDiet score and BP z-scores and to assess the interaction effects between the MedDiet score and HTN-GRS on BP z-scores. MedDiet score showed a negative association with z-systolic BP (SBP) (ß = -0.40, p < 0.001) and z-diastolic BP (DBP) (ß = -0.29, p = 0.001). Additionally, a significant interaction effect was identified between the MedDiet score and HTN-GRS on z-SBP (ß = 0.02, p < 0.001) and z-DBP (ß = 0.02, p < 0.001). The modulatory effect of the MedDiet was more pronounced in females than in males, and HTN-GRS exhibited a stronger influence on DBP than on SBP.   Conclusion: The study suggests that higher adherence to the MedDiet is associated with reduced BP levels in adolescents and provides evidence of a genetic-diet interaction influencing BP in adolescents. What is Known: • Adherence to the Mediterranean diet may reduce BP levels. What is New: • It is the first study to assess the connection between adherence to a Mediterranean diet, a hypertension genetic risk score, and how they interact in influencing blood pressure. • It is conducted within a multicenter cohort of European adolescents.

Metal content in Sardina pilchardus during the period 2014-2022 in the Canary Islands (Atlantic EC, Spain).

The contamination present in an organism varies depending on biological and oceanographic conditions, so monitoring the same species is of great importance to understand the state of the ecosystem. Fifteen specimens in Sardina pilchardus between 12 and 15 cm in total length were collected during the second half of January of each of the study years (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022). Samples were analyzed with Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) to measure metals (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Li, Ni, Pb and Zn) in mg/Kg. There was a progressive decrease in Pb content over the period, with the highest concentration being obtained in 2014 (0.086 ± 0.065 mg/kg). Locally important oceanic-atmospheric events may occur in the study period that strongly impact the tissue composition of marine organisms. In this case, discontinuous trends were evident in some of the metal concentrations analyzed in the muscle of European sardine in the Canary Islands.

A Comparative Analysis of Sparisoma cretense in Island Environments: Unraveling Metal Accumulation Differences in the Canary Islands (Spain, NW African Waters).

This study investigates the impact of varying environmental conditions on the metal composition within the tissues of Sparisoma cretense, contributing to the understanding necessary to offer scientifically sound advice regarding the health status of this species. This knowledge extends beyond fishery production, encompassing implications for food security. The data span the years 2022 and 2023, encompassing both cold and warm climatic seasons. The concentrations of various metals, such as Al, Zn, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Cu, exhibited noteworthy variations across the islands, with significant increases recorded in 2023, particularly during the warm season. The intricate interplay between multiple factors shaped the availability of the analyzed elements in S. cretense. Factors such as rising temperatures during the warm season increased biological activity in marine ecosystems, seasonal fluctuations in weather conditions, water quality, and anthropogenic influences, all contributing to the observed variations in metal concentrations. Additionally, the geological composition of each island and the patterns of marine currents and sediment transport play pivotal roles in these differences. Comprehensive scientific research, monitoring, and environmental surveillance are essential for a holistic understanding of this variability and providing valuable insights for the conservation and management of marine ecosystems in the Canary archipelago.

Soft Drinks as a Dietary Source of Fluoride Exposure.

High fluoride exposures can lead to adverse effects such as dental and bone fluorosis, as well as endocrine and cognitive developmental problems. Water is the main dietary source of this ion, although significant concentrations have also been detected in other beverages widely consumed by the population such as soft drinks. A total of 200 soft drink samples (60 flavoured, 70 extracts, 60 fruit juice and 10 soft drinks) were analysed by fluoride ion selective potentiometry. A consumption of 330 mL was estimated for exposure assessment and subsequent F-risk assessment by soft drink consumption. The highest average concentration was found in extract soft drinks (2.45 ± 1.15 mg/L), followed by flavoured (1.71 ± 2.29 mg/L) and carbonated soft drinks (1.38 ± 0.40 mg/L), while the lowest was found in fruit juice soft drinks (1.09 ± 0.62 mg/L). The flavours with the highest concentration were tea-melon and tea-passion fruit with 3.66 ± 0.40 and 3.17 ± 0.56 mg/L respectively and the lowest was lemon flavour with 0.69 mg/L. The contribution of these beverages, considering the UL (Upper level) reference values set by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) are between 3.28-41.78%, depending on age group and sex.

Contributions of one hypothetical model of predictive relationships between psychological skills and emotional intelligence in university student-athletes: A cross-sectional study.

Psychological skills are considered in sport psychology as indispensable capabilities to analyze the athlete's own vision of his or her own personality. These skills encompass self-confidence, positive and negative coping control, attentional control, visual-imaginative control, motivational level, and attitudinal control. The significance of this research lies in demonstrating the relationship established between each of the dimensions of emotional intelligence and the constituent skills of the personality. As such, this study aims to investigate the relationship between the seven factors related to psychological skills and emotional intelligence (attention, clarity, and emotional regulation). The sample comprises 163 university students pursuing degrees in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, [70,9% (N = 117) men and 27.9% (N = 46) women] with a mean age of 20.33 years. As assessment instruments, we used two validated and standardized scales, the IPED and the TMMS-24. The main findings of this work allow us to affirm the existence of a relationship between the three dimensions of emotional intelligence and the control of both positive and negative coping, attentional control, visual-imaginative control, motivational level, and attitudinal control. In conclusion, this study underscores the necessity of cognitive and emotional training, in addition to physical training, to enhance these skills among both male and female athletes.

Recommendations for the Clinical Approach to Immune Thrombocytopenia: Spanish ITP Working Group (GEPTI).

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a complex autoimmune disease whose hallmark is a deregulation of cellular and humoral immunity leading to increased destruction and reduced production of platelets. The heterogeneity of presentation and clinical course hampers personalized approaches for diagnosis and management. In 2021, the Spanish ITP Group (GEPTI) of the Spanish Society of Hematology and Hemotherapy (SEHH) updated a consensus document that had been launched in 2011. The updated guidelines have been the reference for the diagnosis and management of primary ITP in Spain ever since. Nevertheless, the emergence of new tools and strategies makes it advisable to review them again. For this reason, we have updated the main recommendations appropriately. Our aim is to provide a practical tool to facilitate the integral management of all aspects of primary ITP management.

Assessment of coagulation assays on Roche Cobas t711 analyzer: performance and clinical implications.

OBJECTIVES: We performed an analytical assessment of five coagulation tests [i.e. prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, thrombin time (TT) and D-dimer] on the Roche Cobas t711 analyzer and a comparison study with the methodology in use at our laboratory (i.e. Werfen ACL Top 750 analyzer), expanding the analysis to the clinical implications of Cobas t711 implementation. METHODS: Imprecision studies were performed following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) H57 A:2008 guideline. Linearity of D-dimer and fibrinogen tests was analysed according to the CLSI EP06-A: 2003 recommendations. For method comparison, the results were analyzed using the Bland-Altman plot and Passing-Bablok regression. RESULTS: Imprecision met manufacturer claims for PT, aPTT and TT. D-dimer and fibrinogen tests showed a coefficient of variation (CV)% over manufacturer claims at certain concentration levels. Linearity ranges could not be verified. Comparison study revealed that results are not interchangeable for any test, a lower correlation for aPTT test and lower D-dimer results from Roche Cobas t711. CONCLUSION: The strength of this study relies on the analysis of the clinical implications of reporting Cobas t711 results compared to those obtained with the methodology in use at our laboratory. Different sensibility to factor deficiency, anticoagulant therapy and interferences might explain lower correlation rates obtained for the aPTT test. Different monoclonal antibodies used for D-dimer determination might explain the lower results obtained with the Cobas t711 analyzer. This aspect needs further studies given the relevance of D-dimer test to exclude thrombotic events and reinforces the need of harmonization in the haemostasis laboratory.

Impact of the lockdown period during the COVID-19 pandemic on the metal content of the anemone Anemonia sulcata in the Canary Islands (CE Atlantic, Spain).

Anemones, specifically the species Anemonia sulcata, are cnidarians that serve as bioindicators in marine ecosystems, indicating the health of the environment and changes in environmental conditions. Monitoring anemone populations and studying their well-being and distribution provide valuable insights into marine ecosystem conditions. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the metal content of Anemonia sulcata. Over a six-year period (2017-2022), twenty specimens of Anemonia sulcata were collected in Tenerife, Spain. The results showed that in 2020, during the two-month lockdown in Spain from March to May when tourism was halted, A. sulcata exhibited the lowest concentrations of various metals studied (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn). This finding suggests that the reduced anthropogenic pressure on the coast due to the absence of tourism significantly decreased pollution levels. Therefore, the study emphasizes the importance of promoting sustainable tourism worldwide. The research highlights that minimizing human impact on coastal areas through responsible tourism practices can effectively reduce pollution in marine ecosystems.

Monitoring different sources of marine pollution in the Canarian intertidal zone using Anemonia sulcata as a bioindicator.

Sea anemones have often been used as bioindicators of contamination because they are semisessile organisms that rarelly leave their niche, which is why they are conducive to affecting the ecosystem at the local level. The objective of this work is to determine whether the concentrations of heavy metals and trace elements in the anemone Anemonia sulcata vary depending on the source of contamination present. In 2021 seventy specimens were collected at five sampling points and fourteen specimens were collected in each point (Control Zone, Thermal Power Plant, Sewage Pipe, Harbour and Tourism) in 2021, on the island of Tenerife. All the areas studied characterized by a pollution condition had higher concentrations of metals and trace elements than the control area. The anemones from Harbour presented a greater number of metals with a higher concentration than the other study areas.

Assessment of potential risks to human health associated with trace elements in three commercially important shark species captured in the Central Mexican Pacific.

Shark meat is a popular protein source worldwide. However, existing national control policies for ensuring the safety and quality of shark meat are minimal. There are concerns about the sustainability of shark populations, which bioaccumulate and biomagnify potentially toxic elements at higher rates than non-predatory fish, posing a risk to human health. In this study, the contributions of essential elements to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and potentially toxic elements to the Reference Dose (RfD) linked to shark consumption (200 g per week) were investigated for three shark species in the Central Mexican Pacific. We estimated risks and benefits for women, children, and men. Our results suggest that the three shark species are sources of Se, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn, but poor sources of Mn for women and men aged 19-50 years. A weekly ingestion of 200 g of shark meat exceeded the RfD-As by 4-14 times and the RfD-Pb by 1.1-1.7 times for adults, indicating a potential risk to human health. The three shark species were also significant sources of potentially toxic elements for children, including Hg, Cd, Cr, and Pb. An excessive intake of Se was observed, with levels at 8.4-10.6 and 4.3-5.3 times the RDA for children aged 1-8 and 9-13 years, respectively. Although shark meat can be a good source of essential nutrients, the lack of controls in the commercialization process indicates that it should be consumed in moderation due to the potential risks associated with excessive exposure to potentially toxic elements. This caution is particularly important for children and pregnant women, who are at higher risk of health complications from consuming contaminated food.

Conocimiento ancestral sobre el uso de plantas silvestres medicinales en el tratamiento de enfermedades en alpacas / Ancestral knowledge on the use of wild plants for the treatment of diseases in alpacas

In the high Andean areas, the main economic activity is alpaca raising, which is affected by various infectious and parasitic diseases. Rural populations often resort to wild plants that have diverse properties and help control various diseases. The objective was to document the uses of wild plants in the control of alpaca diseases in the high Andean areas of the Puno and Arequipa regions. Fifty alpaca-breeding families were interviewed in five localities. Thirty-two species belonging to 16 families were reported, with the Asteraceae and Fabaceae families having the highest number of species. The most frequently treated pathologies were diarrhea, pneumonia, fever and enteric parasitosis. For diarrhea treatment, the most used plants were M. mollis, S. nutans and T. filifolia, for pneumonia were G. prostrata and G. viravira, for enteric parasitosis were B. tricuneata and L. daucifolia and for the elimination of ectoparasites (lice) was A. compacta. For all diseases, the treatment dose was higher in adults than in neonates and its application is in the rainy season. In acute disease conditions, rural families choice to drugs. Wild plants are a viable and sustainable alternative for the treatment of various diseases in alpacas.

En las zonas altoandinas la principal actividad económica es la crianza de alpacas, las mismas que son afectadas por diversas enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias. Las poblaciones rurales frecuentemente recurren a las plantas silvestres que tienen diversas propiedades y ayudan al control de diversas enfermedades. El objetivo fue documentar los usos de las plantas silvestres en el control de enfermedades de alpacas en las zonas altoandinas de la región Puno y Arequipa. Se entrevistó a 50 familias criadoras de alpacas en cinco localidades. Se reportaron 32 especies, pertenecientes a 16 familias, siendo la familia Asteraceae y Fabaceae con mayor número de especies. Las patologías que con mayor frecuencia se tratan fueron la diarrea, neumonía, fiebre y parasitosis entérica. Para el tratamiento de diarrea, las plantas más utilizadas fueron M. mollis, S. nutans y T. filifolia, para la nuemonía fueron G. prostrata y G. viravira, para parasitosis entérica fueron B. tricuneata y L. daucifolia y para la eliminación de ectoparásitos (piojos) fue A. compacta. Para todas las enfermedades, las dosis de tratamiento fueron superior en las adultas que en las crías y su aplicación es en la época de lluvias. En condiciones agudas de las enfermedades las familias rurales recurren a los fármacos. Las plantas silvestres, son una alternativa viable y sostenible para el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades en alpacas.