Enhanced Methanol Synthesis from CO2 Hydrogenation Achieved by Tuning the Cu-ZnO Interaction in ZnO/Cu2O Nanocube Catalysts Supported on ZrO2 and SiO2.

The nature of the Cu-Zn interaction and especially the role of Zn in Cu/ZnO catalysts used for methanol synthesis from CO2 hydrogenation are still debated. Migration of Zn onto the Cu surface during reaction results in a Cu-ZnO interface, which is crucial for the catalytic activity. However, whether a Cu-Zn alloy or a Cu-ZnO structure is formed and the transformation of this interface under working conditions demand further investigation. Here, ZnO/Cu2O core-shell cubic nanoparticles with various ZnO shell thicknesses, supported on SiO2 or ZrO2 were prepared to create an intimate contact between Cu and ZnO. The evolution of the catalyst's structure and composition during and after the CO2 hydrogenation reaction were investigated by means of operando spectroscopy, diffraction, and ex situ microscopy methods. The Zn loading has a direct effect on the oxidation state of Zn, which, in turn, affects the catalytic performance. High Zn loadings, resulting in a stable ZnO catalyst shell, lead to increased methanol production when compared to Zn-free particles. Low Zn loadings, in contrast, leading to the presence of metallic Zn species during reaction, showed no significant improvement over the bare Cu particles. Therefore, our work highlights that there is a minimum content of Zn (or optimum ZnO shell thickness) needed to activate the Cu catalyst. Furthermore, in order to minimize catalyst deactivation, the Zn species must be present as ZnOx and not metallic Zn or Cu-Zn alloy, which is undesirably formed during the reaction when the precatalyst ZnO overlayer is too thin.

Spa therapy and peripheral serotonin and dopamine function: a systematic review.

Spa therapy consists of multiple techniques based on the healing effects of water, including hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and mud therapy, often combined with therapeutic exercises, massage, or physical therapy. Balneotherapy is a clinically effective complementary approach in the treatment of low-grade inflammation- and stress-related pathologies, especially rheumatic conditions due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The main objective of this investigation was to conduct a systematic review analyzing the available evidence on the effect of spa therapy on serotonin and dopamine function. The databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were used from June to July 2023. Exclusion criteria were (1) articles not written in English, (2) full text not available, (3) article not related to the objective of the review. JADAD scale was used for methodological quality evaluation. Four studies were included in the systematic review. Two studies were related to serotonin in healthy individuals, one to serotonin in fibromyalgia, and one to dopamine in healthy individuals. One of the studies evaluated hydrotherapy, another one balneotherapy and mud-bath therapy, and the other two assessed balneotherapy interventions. Studies were very heterogeneous, and their methodological quality was low, making it difficult to draw clear conclusions regarding the effect of spa therapy on peripheral serotonin and dopamine function. The findings of this review highlight the lack of studies evaluating these neurotransmitters and hormones in the context of spa therapy. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential effects of these therapies on serotonin or dopamine function.

Circulating serotonin and dopamine concentrations in osteoarthritis patients: a pilot study on the effect of pelotherapy.

Balneotherapy has demonstrated clinical efficacy in the management of pathologies involving low-grade inflammation and stress. In rheumatic conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA), this therapy presents anti-inflammatory properties and potential to improve psychological well-being. Although the neurohormones serotonin and dopamine are known to be involved in these processes, surprisingly they have not been studied in this context. The objective was to evaluate the effect of a cycle of balneotherapy with peloids (pelotherapy) on circulating serotonin and dopamine concentrations in a group of aged individuals with OA, after comparing their basal state to that of an age-matched control group. In our pilot study, a pelotherapy program (10 days) was carried out in a group of 16 elderly patients with OA, evaluating its effects on circulating serotonin and dopamine concentrations (measured by ELISA). Individuals with OA showed higher levels of serotonin and lower dopamine levels, in line with the inflammatory roles of these mediators. After pelotherapy, serotonin concentrations significantly decreased, potentially contributing to the previously reported anti-inflammatory effects of balneotherapy.

Enhancing touch sensibility with sensory electrical stimulation and sensory retraining.

A large proportion of stroke survivors suffer from sensory loss, negatively impacting their independence, quality of life, and neurorehabilitation prognosis. Despite the high prevalence of somatosensory impairments, our understanding of somatosensory interventions such as sensory electrical stimulation (SES) in neurorehabilitation is limited. We aimed to study the effectiveness of SES combined with a sensory discrimination task in a well-controlled virtual environment in healthy participants, setting a foundation for its potential application in stroke rehabilitation. We employed electroencephalography (EEG) to gain a better understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms and dynamics associated with sensory training and SES. We conducted a single-session experiment with 26 healthy participants who explored a set of three visually identical virtual textures-haptically rendered by a robotic device and that differed in their spatial period-while physically guided by the robot to identify the odd texture. The experiment consisted of three phases: pre-intervention, intervention, and post-intervention. Half the participants received subthreshold whole-hand SES during the intervention, while the other half received sham stimulation. We evaluated changes in task performance-assessed by the probability of correct responses-before and after intervention and between groups. We also evaluated differences in the exploration behavior, e.g., scanning speed. EEG was employed to examine the effects of the intervention on brain activity, particularly in the alpha frequency band (8-13 Hz) associated with sensory processing. We found that participants in the SES group improved their task performance after intervention and their scanning speed during and after intervention, while the sham group did not improve their task performance. However, the differences in task performance improvements between groups only approached significance. Furthermore, we found that alpha power was sensitive to the effects of SES; participants in the stimulation group exhibited enhanced brain signals associated with improved touch sensitivity likely due to the effects of SES on the central nervous system, while the increase in alpha power for the sham group was less pronounced. Our findings suggest that SES enhances texture discrimination after training and has a positive effect on sensory-related brain areas. Further research involving brain-injured patients is needed to confirm the potential benefit of our solution in neurorehabilitation.

Tracking the Evolution of Single-Atom Catalysts for the CO2 Electrocatalytic Reduction Using Operando X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy and Machine Learning.

Transition metal-nitrogen-doped carbons (TMNCs) are a promising class of catalysts for the CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction. In particular, high CO2-to-CO conversion activities and selectivities were demonstrated for Ni-based TMNCs. Nonetheless, open questions remain about the nature, stability, and evolution of the Ni active sites during the reaction. In this work, we address this issue by combining operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy with advanced data analysis. In particular, we show that the combination of unsupervised and supervised machine learning approaches is able to decipher the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) of the TMNCs, disentangling the contributions of different metal sites coexisting in the working TMNC catalyst. Moreover, quantitative structural information about the local environment of active species, including their interaction with adsorbates, has been obtained, shedding light on the complex dynamic mechanism of the CO2 electroreduction.

Spatially and Chemically Resolved Visualization of Fe Incorporation into NiO Octahedra during the Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

The activity of Ni (hydr)oxides for the electrochemical evolution of oxygen (OER), a key component of the overall water splitting reaction, is known to be greatly enhanced by the incorporation of Fe. However, a complete understanding of the role of cationic Fe species and the nature of the catalyst surface under reaction conditions remains unclear. Here, using a combination of electrochemical cell and conventional transmission electron microscopy, we show how the surface of NiO electrocatalysts, with initially well-defined surface facets, restructures under applied potential and forms an active NiFe layered double (oxy)hydroxide (NiFe-LDH) when Fe3+ ions are present in the electrolyte. Continued OER under these conditions, however, leads to the creation of additional FeOx aggregates. Electrochemically, the NiFe-LDH formation correlates with a lower onset potential toward the OER, whereas the formation of the FeOx aggregates is accompanied by a gradual decrease in the OER activity. Complementary insight into the catalyst near-surface composition, structure, and chemical state is further extracted using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, operando Raman spectroscopy, and operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy together with measurements of Fe uptake by the electrocatalysts using time-resolved inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Notably, we identified that the catalytic deactivation under stationary conditions is linked to the degradation of in situ-created NiFe-LDH. These insights exemplify the complexity of the active state formation and show how its structural and morphological evolution under different applied potentials can be directly linked to the catalyst activation and degradation.

The anti-inflammatory and bioregulatory effects of habitual exercise in high-fat diet-induced obesity involve crown-like structures and MCP-1 in white adipose tissue.

Macrophage accumulation in the adipose tissue and changes in their inflammatory phenotype is a hallmark of obesity-induced inflammation, notably forming inflammatory structures known as "crown-like structures (CLS)". Exercise can be a key strategy to improve inflammation-related complications, but it is crucial to consider that, although exercise generally exerts systemic and local anti-inflammatory effects, this depends on the basal inflammatory status and exercise modality. In this context, the "bioregulatory effect of exercise" implies to achieve the reduction or prevention of an excessive inflammatory response and also the preservation or stimulation of the innate response. In the present work, our aim was to evaluate the effect of regular exercise on adipose tissue inflammation in high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice, as reflected by macrophage infiltration and phenotype, and CLS formation, together with a potential role for the chemokine MCP-1 in this process. Results showed that obesity is associated with greater MCP-1 expression (p<0.05), macrophage accumulation (p<0.05), and CLS presence (p<0.001). Regular exercise reduced macrophage accumulation (p<0.05), MCP-1 expression (p<0.01), and CLS presence (p<0.05) in obese mice; while it increased macrophage and CLS presence (p<0.01), MCP-1 expression (p<0.05), and M2 polarization (p<0.05) in lean mice. MCP-1 was associated with the proliferation of CLS, showing the first image demonstrating a potential role of this chemokine in the development of these structures. Altogether, these results confirm, for the first time, the "bioregulatory effect of exercise" in the adipose tissue: reducing inflammation in individuals with an elevated inflammatory setpoint, but stimulating this response of the immune system in healthy individuals.

Effects of 10-kHz Subthreshold Stimulation on Human Peripheral Nerve Activation.

OBJECTIVE: The mechanisms of action of high-frequency stimulation (HFS) are unknown. We investigated the possible mechanism of subthreshold superexcitability of HFS on the excitability of the peripheral nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ulnar nerve was stimulated at the wrist in six healthy participants with a single (control) stimulus, and the responses were compared with the responses to a continuous train of 5 seconds at frequencies of 500 Hz, 2.5 kHz, 5 kHz, and 10 kHz. Threshold intensity for compound muscle action potential (CMAP) was defined as intensity producing a 100-µV amplitude in ten sequential trials and "subthreshold" as 10% below the CMAP threshold. HFS threshold was defined as stimulation intensity eliciting visible tetanic contraction. RESULTS: Comparing the threshold of single pulse stimulation for eliciting CMAP vs threshold for HFS response and pooling data at different frequencies (500 Hz-10 kHz) revealed a significant difference (p = 0.00015). This difference was most obvious at 10 kHz, with a mean value for threshold reduction of 42.2%. CONCLUSIONS: HFS with a stimulation intensity below the threshold for a single pulse induces axonal superexcitability if applied in a train. It can activate the peripheral nerve and produce a tetanic muscle response. Subthreshold superexcitability may allow new insights into the mechanism of HFS.

Riboswitch RSthiT as a Molecular Tool in Lactococcus lactis.

Previous RNA sequencing has allowed the identification of 129 long 5' untranslated regions (UTRs) in the Lactococcus lactis MG1363 transcriptome. These sequences potentially harbor cis-acting riboswitches. One of the identified extended 5' UTRs is a putative thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) riboswitch. It is located immediately upstream of the thiamine transporter gene thiT (llmg_0334). To confirm this assumption, the 5'-UTR sequence was placed upstream of the gene encoding the superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP), sfgfp, allowing the examination of the expression of sfGFP in the presence or absence of thiamine in the medium. The results show that this sequence indeed represents a thiamine-responsive TPP riboswitch. This RNA-based genetic control device was used to successfully restore the mutant phenotype of an L. lactis strain lacking the major autolysin gene, acmA. The L. lactis thiT TPP riboswitch (RSthiT) is a useful molecular genetic tool enabling the gradual downregulation of the expression of genes under its control by adjusting the thiamine concentration. IMPORTANCE The capacity of microbes with biotechnological importance to adapt to and survive under quickly changing industrial conditions depends on their ability to adequately control gene expression. Riboswitches are important RNA-based elements involved in rapid and precise gene regulation. Here, we present the identification of a natural thiamine-responsive riboswitch of Lactococcus lactis, a bacterium used worldwide in the production of dairy products. We used it to restore a genetic defect in an L. lactis mutant and show that it is a valuable addition to the ever-expanding L. lactis genetic toolbox.

Effect of mud-bath therapy on the innate/inflammatory responses in elderly patients with osteoarthritis: a discussion of recent results and a pilot study on the role of the innate function of monocytes.

Recent findings from our laboratory highlight the role of the modulation of the innate immune function and systemic inflammatory response in the effectiveness of balneotherapy in rheumatic diseases, specifically in elderly patients with osteoarthritis. Immune-neuroendocrine and stress mediators are involved in these effects. The 'bioregulatory effect of balneotherapy' has also been recently proposed as a mechanism of effectiveness that consists of a reduction in systemic pro-inflammatory mediators together with the achievement of an optimal innate response through stimulation (or at least lack of impairment) of the innate defences against pathogens (i.e. phagocytosis, microbicide activity) mediated by neutrophils, also generating immunophysiological adaptations through an optimal balance between the pro- and the anti-inflammatory responses in which regulatory T cells seem to have a crucial role. In the present paper, we aim to analyse the main conclusions related to how balneotherapy with the use of peloids (pelotherapy) affects the innate and inflammatory responses, constituting an immunophysiological mechanism underlying the proven clinical benefits of this intervention. We also introduce novel results regarding the innate response (phagocytic process) of monocytes in this therapy, an inflammatory cell that has not yet been studied in this context. Increased chemotaxis together with a decline in oxidative burst, without changes in phagocytosis, could be the main response induced by this modality of balneological intervention.

Anti-inflammatory effect of ß2 adrenergic stimulation on circulating monocytes with a pro-inflammatory state in high-fat diet-induced obesity.

Obesity is a chronic condition associated with low-grade inflammation, and it also involves alterations of the function of the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. Adrenergic agonists such as catecholamines are important immunoregulatory molecules that are involved in modulating both metabolism and most of the mechanisms of the immune response. The first objective of this study was to determine whether the systemic inflammatory state associated with obesity is also manifested in the inflammatory profile and phenotype of circulating monocytes; and the second objective was to evaluate the effects of ß2 adrenergic stimulation on the inflammatory profile and phenotype of monocytes in obesity, and whether this response could be different from that in lean individuals. C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated to one of two diets for 18 weeks: high-fat diet in order to obtain an experimental model of obesity, and standard diet in the control lean group. Circulating monocyte expression of inflammatory cytokines (MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-ß), surface membrane marker Ly6C, inducible nitric oxide synthase and arginase-1, and Toll-like receptor 4 were evaluated through flow cytometry in the presence or absence of selective ß2 adrenergic receptor agonist terbutaline. Monocytes from high-fat diet-induced obese animals presented higher expression levels of all pro-inflammatory cytokines and a higher percentage of monocytes with a pro-inflammatory phenotype than those from lean animals. ß2 adrenergic stimulation induced a shift towards an anti-inflammatory activity profile and phenotype in obese mice, whereas it induced a shift towards a pro-inflammatory activity profile and phenotype in lean mice. In conclusion, ß2 adrenergic stimulation in monocytes was anti-inflammatory only in obese animals, which presented a pro-inflammatory state at baseline.

Single nanowire measurements of room temperature ferromagnetism in FeSi nanowires and the effects of Mn-doping.

Semiconductors with magnetic response at room temperature are sought for spintronics in solid-state devices. Among possible materials for this applications, the magnetic response of FeSi and doped FeSi have produced contradictory results at the nanoscale and more precise measurements and deeper studies are needed to clarify its potential capabilities. For that reason, in this work, single nanowire measurements of ferromagnetic semiconducting FeSi and Mn-doped FeSi nanostructures have been performed using magnetic force microscopy and electron holography. Results obtained confirm the presence of magnetic domains at room temperature with a magnetic moment per Fe atom of [Formula: see text] Spin polarized density functional calculations confirm a net magnetic moment between [Formula: see text] in Fe surface atoms with an estimated Curie temperature of 417 K by means of the molecular field approximation. The nanowires present a crystalline B20 cubic structure as confirmed by x-ray diffraction and high-resolution electron microscopy. Their electrical transport measurements confirm p-type nature and thermal activation. A remanent magnetization of 1.5 × 10-5 emu and 0.5 × 10-5 emu was measured at room temperature for FeSi and Mn-doped FeSi respectively, with spin freezing behavior around 30 K for the Mn-doped nanowires.

Innate/inflammatory bioregulation and clinical effectiveness of whole-body hyperthermia (balneotherapy) in elderly patients with osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: Balneotherapy with mud application (mud therapy) is a common hydrothermal intervention for the treatment and rehabilitation of elderly patients with osteoarthritis, leading to anti-inflammatory effects. The main purpose of this investigation was to study a role for regulatory T cells in these anti-inflammatory effects. The second objective was to assess whether the neutrophil-mediated innate response is affected by these anti-inflammatory effects. METHODS: Thirty-six elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis underwent a 10-day cycle of balneotherapy at a spa center. They received daily sessions of whole-body mud therapy at 40-42 °C, using mineral-medicinal water and mud. IL-8 and TGF-ß serum concentrations, percentage of circulating CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ and CD8+ CD28- regulatory T cells, and neutrophil phagocytic capacity were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Clinical assessments included knee flexion and extension angle, pain, stiffness, physical function and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: All clinical outcomes significantly improved. Circulating concentrations of IL-8 and TGF-ß decreased, which correlated with decreased pain and improved knee flexion, respectively. Percentage of CD4+ regulatory T cells decreased, whereas CD8+ regulatory T cells increased. Neutrophil functional capacity increased. CONCLUSIONS: Balneotherapy with mud application was effective in the management of osteoarthritis symptoms. The anti-inflammatory effect mediated by cytokines contributed to the improvement in pain and joint function; and changes in the circulating percentage of regulatory T cells seem to be involved in the anti-inflammatory effects. Improvement in neutrophil function after mud therapy reflects an optimal bioregulatory effect on the inflammatory and innate responses.

Silica nanoparticles induce cardiotoxicity interfering with energetic status and Ca2+ handling in adult rat cardiomyocytes.

Recent evidence has shown that nanoparticles that have been used to improve or create new functional properties for common products may pose potential risks to human health. Silicon dioxide (SiO2) has emerged as a promising therapy vector for the heart. However, its potential toxicity and mechanisms of damage remain poorly understood. This study provides the first exploration of SiO2-induced toxicity in cultured cardiomyocytes exposed to 7- or 670-nm SiO2 particles. We evaluated the mechanism of cell death in isolated adult cardiomyocytes exposed to 24-h incubation. The SiO2 cell membrane association and internalization were analyzed. SiO2 showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration for the 7 nm (99.5 ± 12.4 µg/ml) and 670 nm (>1,500 µg/ml) particles, which indicates size-dependent toxicity. We evaluated cardiomyocyte shortening and intracellular Ca2+ handling, which showed impaired contractility and intracellular Ca2+ transient amplitude during ß-adrenergic stimulation in SiO2 treatment. The time to 50% Ca2+ decay increased 39%, and the Ca2+ spark frequency and amplitude decreased by 35 and 21%, respectively, which suggest a reduction in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) activity. Moreover, SiO2 treatment depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased ATP production by 55%. Notable glutathione depletion and H2O2 generation were also observed. These data indicate that SiO2 increases oxidative stress, which leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and low energy status; these underlie reduced SERCA activity, shortened Ca2+ release, and reduced cell shortening. This mechanism of SiO2 cardiotoxicity potentially plays an important role in the pathophysiology mechanism of heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden death.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Silica particles are used as novel nanotechnology-based vehicles for diagnostics and therapeutics for the heart. However, their potential hazardous effects remain unknown. Here, the cardiotoxicity of silica nanoparticles in rat myocytes has been described for the first time, showing an impairment of mitochondrial function that interfered directly with Ca2+ handling.

The value of early and comprehensive diagnoses in a human fetus with hydrocephalus and progressive obliteration of the aqueduct of Sylvius: Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Mutant rodent models have highlighted the importance of the ventricular ependymal cells and the subcommissural organ (a brain gland secreting glycoproteins into the cerebrospinal fluid) in the development of fetal onset hydrocephalus. Evidence indicates that communicating and non-communicating hydrocephalus can be two sequential phases of a single pathological phenomenon triggered by ependymal disruption and/or abnormal function of the subcommissural organ. We have hypothesized that a similar phenomenon may occur in human cases with fetal onset hydrocephalus. CASE PRESENTATION: We report here on a case of human fetal communicating hydrocephalus with no central nervous system abnormalities other than stenosis of the aqueduct of Sylvius (SA) that became non-communicating hydrocephalus during the first postnatal week due to obliteration of the cerebral aqueduct. The case was followed closely by a team of basic and clinic investigators allowing an early diagnosis and prediction of the evolving pathophysiology. This information prompted neurosurgeons to perform a third ventriculostomy at postnatal day 14. The fetus was monitored by ultrasound, computerized axial tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After birth, the follow up was by MRI, electroencephalography and neurological and neurocognitive assessments. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected at surgery showed abnormalities in the subcommissural organ proteins and the membrane proteins L1-neural cell adhesion molecule and aquaporin-4. The neurological and neurocognitive assessments at 3 and 6 years of age showed neurological impairments (epilepsy and cognitive deficits). CONCLUSIONS: (1) In a hydrocephalic fetus, a stenosed SA can become obliterated at perinatal stages. (2) In the case reported, a close follow up of a communicating hydrocephalus detected in utero allowed a prompt postnatal surgery aiming to avoid as much brain damage as possible. (3) The clinical and pathological evolution of this patient supports the possibility that the progressive stenosis of the SA initiated during the embryonic period may have resulted from ependymal disruption of the cerebral aqueduct and dysfunction of the subcommissural organ. The analysis of subcommissural organ glycoproteins present in the CSF may be a valuable diagnostic tool for the pathogenesis of congenital hydrocephalus.

Immunomodulatory effects of Santolina chamaecyparissus leaf extracts on human neutrophil functions.

CONTEXT: Santolina chamaecyparissus L. (Asteraceae) is an aromatic plant wide spread in the Mediterranean region. It is used in folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. OBJECTIVE: The effects of S. chamaecyparissus aqueous extract (SCAE) and polyphenolic extract (SCPE) on human polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) degranulation, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and microbicidal capacity were examined in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aqueous and polyphenolic extracts were prepared from S. chamaecyparissus leaves. The elastase release was used as a marker for measuring PMN degranulation, while chemotaxis was performed using a 48-microwell chemotaxis chamber. The phagocytosis and the microbicidal capacity were evaluated using fresh cultures of Candida albicans. RESULTS: The treatment of neutrophils with different concentrations (10-200 µg/ml) of SCAE and SCPE caused a significant (p < 0.001) and dose-dependent inhibitory effect on elastase release in fMLP/Cytochalasin B (CB)-stimulated neutrophils. Indeed, 100 µg/ml of SCAE exerted an inhibitory effect of 51.97 ± 6.2%, whereas SCPE at the same concentration abolished completely PMN degranulation. Moreover, both extracts inhibited markedly (p < 0.01) fMLP-induced chemotactic migration. At 200 µg/ml, SCAE and SCPE exerted an inhibitory effect of 54.61 ± 7.3% and 57.71 ± 7.44%, respectively. In addition, a decline in both phagocytosis and microbicidal capacity against Candida albicans was observed when PMNs were exposed to 100 and 200 µg/ml of SCAE or SCPE. CONCLUSION: The exerted effects on neutrophil functions support the anti-inflammatory activity and show new mechanisms of action and effectiveness of S. chamaecyparissus leaf extracts. This plant may be considered as an interesting source of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents.

Diagnostic screening for subclinical celiac disease using a rapid test in children aged 2-4.

BACKGROUND: Our aim is to study the prevalence of subclinical celiac disease (CD) and analyze the diagnostic yield of a new rapid test in children aged 2-4. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study in a sample population of children aged 2-4 from the same metropolitan area. We recruited apparently healthy subjects, and collected clinical, anthropometric, analytical, and serological variables. We also tested for anti-gliadin IgA and anti-transglutaminase IgG and IgA using a rapid immunochromatographic test CD1WB and CD2WB (Operon, Zaragoza, Spain). RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-eight children were recruited, signed the informed consent form, and completed the protocol (mean age 32.3 ± 9.2 mo, 53% males). CD prevalence according to the serological tests was 3% (CI 95%, 1.4-6.4%). Biopsies were used to confirm the diagnosis in all suspected cases. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of the CD2WB immunochromatographic test strip were 100% and 1, respectively. The sensitivity of CD1WB was 16.6% and its specificity was high (89.1%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of subclinical CD in the sample group of 2-4-y old was higher than that found by other authors. The CD2WB immunochromatographic test strip is an excellent diagnostic screening tool with high sensitivity and negative predictive value.

Soluble fractalkine in the plasma of fibromyalgia patients.

Fibromyalgia is a form of non-articular rheumatism in which inflammatory cytokines seem to be involved. However, there is still no analytical specific diagnostic criterion for this disease. The aim was to examine a possible role of fractalkine as a biomarker in fibromyalgia. Plasma levels of soluble fractalkine were compared between women diagnosed with fibromyalgia (n=17) and healthy women (n=10) as controls. Fractalkine released by monocytes was also evaluated. Fibromyalgia patients showed lower plasma fractalkine than healthy women. Since most inflammatory pathologies show elevated plasma levels of soluble fractalkine, the results may contribute towards a differential diagnosis for fibromyalgia.

Mineral element contents in commercially valuable fish species in Spain.

The aim of this study was to measure selected metal concentrations in Trachurus trachurus, Trachurus picturatus, and Trachurus mediterraneus, which are widely consumed in Spain. Principal component analysis suggested that the variable Cr was the main responsible variable for the identification of T. trachurus, the variables As and Sn for T. mediterraneus, and the rest of variables for T. picturatus. This well-defined discrimination between fish species provided by mineral element allows us to distinguish them on the basis of their metal content. Based on the samples collected, and recognizing the inferential limitation of the sample size of this study, the metal concentrations found are below the proposed limit values for human consumption. However, it should be taken into consideration that there are other dietary sources of these metals. In conclusion, metal contents in the fish species analyzed are acceptable for human consumption from a nutritional and toxicity point of view.

Snowfall in the northwest Iberian Peninsula: synoptic circulation patterns and their influence on snow day trends.

In recent decades, a decrease in snowfall attributed to the effects of global warming (among other causes) has become evident. However, it is reasonable to investigate meteorological causes for such decrease, by analyzing changes in synoptic scale patterns. On the Iberian Peninsula, the Castilla y León region in the northwest consists of a central plateau surrounded by mountain ranges. This creates snowfalls that are considered both an important water resource and a transportation risk. In this work, we develop a classification of synoptic situations that produced important snowfalls at observation stations in the major cities of Castilla y León from 1960 to 2011. We used principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster techniques to define four synoptic patterns conducive to snowfall in the region. Once we confirmed homogeneity of the series and serial correlation of the snowfallday records at the stations from 1960 to 2011, we carried out a Mann-Kendall test. The results show a negative trend at most stations, so there are a decreased number of snowfall days. Finally, variations in these meteorological variables were related to changes in the frequencies of snow events belonging to each synoptic pattern favorable for snowfall production at the observatory locations.