What potential do mosses have as biomonitors of POPs? A comparative study of hexachlorocyclohexane sorption.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) pose a significant global threat to human health and the environment, and require continuous monitoring due to their ability to migrate long distances. Active biomonitoring using cloned mosses is an inexpensive but underexplored method to assess POPs, mainly due to the poor understanding of the loading mechanisms of these pollutants in mosses. In this work, Fontinalis antipyretica (aquatic moss) and Sphagnum palustre (terrestrial moss) were evaluated as potential biomonitors of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs: α-, ß-, γ-, δ-HCH), crucial POPs. Moss clones, grown in photobioreactors and subsequently oven-dried, were used. Their lipid composition and distribution were characterized through molecular and histochemical studies. Adsorption experiments were carried out in the aqueous phase using the repeated additions method and in the gas phase using an active air sampling technique based on solid-phase extraction, a pioneering approach in moss research. F. antipyretica exhibited greater lipid content in the walls of most cells and higher adsorption capacity for all HCH isomers in both gaseous and liquid environments. These findings highlight the need for further investigation of POP loading mechanisms in mosses and open the door to explore other species based on their lipid content.

Corneal endothelial validation in the eye bank: differences in automated methods and repeatability.

PURPOSE: To evaluate reproducibility of endothelial cell density (ECD) measurements using the Konan Cell Check D in donor corneas by two different ophthalmologists and to compare the two automated cell count methods (center and flex-center) available in the software of this specular microscope. METHODS: ECD values were quantified in 54 donor corneas by two independent investigators using the Cell Check D (Konan Medical USA Inc) with both automated cell count methods. In the center method, at least 30 contiguous cells are marked. For the flex-center method, an area is delineated and only the cells within the designated area are counted. RESULTS: The mean ECD was 2473.81±378.22 cells/mm2. Good ECD intergrader reproducibility for the center (ICC=0.821) and the flex-center method (ICC=0.784) were noted. Poor reliability was observed for coefficient of variation and hexagonality (ICC≤0.265). When both methods for ECD analysis were compared, a moderate correlation for the two independent graders using the two manual (center and flex-center) methods was detected (correlation coefficient of 0.678 and 0.745 for each of the investigators). Comparison between methods yielded significantly higher ECD with the flex-center method (P=0.013). When corneas were divided by ECD, those under 2200 cells/mm2 and those between 2200 and 2700 cells/mm2 also had significantly higher ECD with the flex-center method (P<0.022). CONCLUSIONS: ECD values are reproducible with both methods, although the flex-center method ECDs tend to be higher, particularly in cases of low ECD. Eye banks and surgeons should exercise caution in making decisions based only on small differences in ECD.

Unravelling the metal uptake process in mosses: Comparison of aquatic and terrestrial species as air pollution biomonitors.

Transplanted mosses have been widely shown to be excellent tools for biomonitoring air pollution; however, it is not clear how the functional groups present on their surfaces affect the uptake of metal cations. In the present study, we examined differences in trace metal accumulation in two terrestrial and one aquatic moss species, and investigated whether the differences depended on their physico-chemical characteristics. In the laboratory, we determined C, N and H contents in their tissues and obtained the ATR-FTIR spectra (to identify the presence of functional groups). We also conducted surface acid-base titrations and metal adsorption assays with Cd, Cu and Pb. In the field, we exposed transplants of each species near different air-polluting industries, and determined the mosses enrichment of Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and V. Laboratory results demonstrated higher metal uptake capacity in the terrestrial mosses Sphagnum palustre and Pseudoscleropodium purum, compared to that in the aquatic moss Fontinalis antipyretica, which can be attributed to a greater abundance of acidic functional groups (i.e. negatively charged binding sites) on the surface of the terrestrial mosses. The affinity of moss for certain elements depends on the abundance and nature of surface functional groups. Accordingly, the metal concentrations generally reached higher levels in S. palustre transplants compared to the other species, except for the uptake of Hg, which was higher in F. antipyretica. However, the findings also suggest an interaction between the type of environment (terrestrial or aquatic) and the moss characteristics that may influence the abovementioned trend. Thus, irrespective of the physico-chemical characteristics, metal uptake varied depending on the environment of origin of the mosses "i.e. atmospheric or aquatic". In other words, the findings suggest that species that accumulate more metals in terrestrial environments will accumulate lower amounts of metals in aquatic environments and vice versa.

[Validity and usefulness of the RAE-CMBD studying patients hospitalised with influenza]. / Validez y utilidad del RAE-CMBD en el estudio de los pacientes hospitalizados con gripe.

OBJECTIVE: Understanding the hospital impact of influenza requires enriching epidemiological surveillance registries with other sources of information. The aim of this study was to determine the validity of the Hospital Care Activity Record - Minimum Basic Data Set (RAE-CMBD) in the analysis of the outcomes of patients hospitalised with this infection. METHODS: Observational and retrospective study of adults admitted with influenza in a tertiary hospital during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons. We calculated the concordance of the RAE-CMBD with the influenza epidemiological surveillance registry (gold standard), as well as the main parameters of internal and external validity. Logistic regression models were used for risk adjustment of in-hospital mortality and length of stay. RESULTS: A total of 907 (97.74%) unique matches were achieved, with high inter-observer agreement (ƙ=0.828). The RAE-CMBD showed a 79.87% sensitivity, 99.72% specificity, 86.71% positive predictive value and 99.54% negative predictive value. The risk-adjusted mortality ratio of patients with influenza was lower than that of patients without influenza: 0.667 (0.53-0.82) vs. 1.008 (0.98-1.04) and the risk-adjusted length of stay ratio was higher: 1.15 (1.12-1.18) vs. 1.00 (0.996-1.001). CONCLUSIONS: The RAE-CMBD is a valid source of information for the study of the impact of influenza on hospital care. The lower risk-adjusted mortality of patients admitted with influenza compared to other inpatients seems to point to the effectiveness of the main clinical and organisational measures adopted.

Global decrease in heavy metal concentrations in brown algae in the last 90 years.

In the current scenario of global change, heavy metal pollution is of major concern because of its associated toxic effects and the persistence of these pollutants in the environment. This study is the first to evaluate the changes in heavy metal concentrations worldwide in brown algae over the last 90 years (>15,700 data across the globe reported from 1933 to 2020). The study findings revealed significant decreases in the concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb and Zn of around 60-84% (ca. 2% annual) in brown algae tissues. The decreases were consistent across the different families considered (Dictyotaceae, Fucaceae, Laminariaceae, Sargassaceae and Others), and began between 1970 and 1990. In addition, strong relationships between these trends and pH, SST and heat content were detected. Although the observed metal declines could be partially explained by these strong correlations, or by adaptions in the algae, other evidences suggest an actual reduction in metal concentrations in oceans because of the implementation of environmental policies. In any case, this study shows a reduction in metal concentrations in brown algae over the last 50 years, which is important in itself, as brown algae form the basis of many marine food webs and are therefore potential distributors of pollutants.

Experimental study of an asymmetric valveless pump to elucidate insights into strategies for pediatric extravascular flow augmentation.

Asymmetric pumping is a sub-category of valveless pumping in which a flexible tube is rhythmically compressed in the transverse symmetry plane. Due to the resulting asymmetry between the suction and discharge pipes, a net pumping head is achieved. Asymmetric pumping is regarded as one of the main mechanisms responsible for the Liebau effect in addition to impedance pumping. However, there remains a paucity of research surrounding the governing parameters of asymmetric pumping. Here, we conducted an experimental study of the performance of an asymmetric pump, with an aim to assess its potential for extravascular flow augmentation. A custom flexible latex tube and experimental platform were developed for this purpose. We tested various tube thicknesses and pinching frequencies. Our results demonstrate that the performance is within the range of physiological requirements for pediatric circulatory devices (~ 1 L/min and < 30 mmHg). We conclude that due to the absence of reverse flow and its mechanical simplicity, pure asymmetric pumping is promising for selected cardiovascular applications with less complexity than other valveless techniques.

Influenza complications: Reporting cardiac events through a hospital surveillance system.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the complications of influenza in all adults hospitalized with this disease and, specifically, to analyze the characteristics of post-infection cardiovascular events. METHODS: This work is observational descriptive study of adults hospitalized with influenza during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons using the specific registry of a tertiary hospital. The complications analyzed were pneumonia, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and cardiac events. RESULTS: A total of 928 adults with influenza required hospitalization and 303 (32.7%) presented with one or more complications. A post-influenza cardiac event occurred in 2.5% of patients; they had a higher probability of ICU admission and higher mortality. Influenza vaccination was a protective factor for cardiac events (OR 0.32; 95%CI 0.13-0.83). CONCLUSIONS: Influenza can lead to important complications in hospitalized patients. The high mortality rate associated with post-infection cardiac events means that preventive measures, including annual influenza vaccination, need to be emphasized.

Review of the literature on the currently available evidence for the management of infectious keratitis with PACK-CXL.

Infectious keratitis (IK) is one of the most common causes of monocular blindness worldwide, especially in developing countries and may account for 5.1%-32.3% of all indications for penetrating keratoplasty (PK). However, performing a therapeutic PK on a "hot eye" is associated with a higher incidence of IK recurrence and graft rejection. Standard treatment includes antimicrobials (ATM) and, once the causative pathogen has been identified, must be continued with targeted treatment, depending on antibiogram sensitivity. However, appearance of multiresistant strains to ATM is progressively increasing at an alarming rate. Besides that, the diversity of the causative microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses) may hinder the clinical diagnosis and secondarily the proper treatment from the beginning. It is estimated that only 50% of eyes will have a good visual result if the correct therapy is delayed. All these factors make the identification of alternatives to ATM treatment of paramount importance. Due to the ATM properties of photoactivated chromophore (riboflavin, RB) and ultraviolet (UV) light of wavelength (λ) 200-400 nanometers (nm), used in multiple medical and non-medical applications for disinfection, photoactivated chromophore for corneal cross-linking (CXL) of IK (PACK-CXL), as an addition to the therapeutic arsenal for the management of IK has been proposed. It must be differentiated from CXL used for the management of progressive keratoconus (KC). The objective of this review is to update the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of PACK-CXL in IKs.

Evaluation of the perception of physical and emotional health of ophthalmologists in Spain and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to study the perception of physical and emotional health of Spanish ophthalmologists and their health habits, as well as the possible influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional, non-randomized and uncontrolled study was carried out among at Spanish ophthalmologists through an online survey of 47 questions on eating habits, tobacco, alcohol, physical exercise, workload, and perception of physical and emotional state. RESULTS: Of a total of 2,179 ophthalmologists, 260 (11.9%) of whom 55% were men responded to the survey, with a mean age of 52.9±11.4 years. 5.8% were smokers. In total, 51.5% reported good physical health, with a mean Body Mass Index of 24.4kg/m2. Overall, 53.5% reported depression, 66.9% tiredness, 34.6% difficulty sleeping, and 57.3% considered their work hard. Up to 28.5% of those surveyed had thought about leaving their job and 60.8% about reorganizing their workload. In total, 91.9% would continue to choose Ophthalmology as a specialty. In total, 36.2% reported an increase in workload, 42.3% worsening of physical state and 63.8% worsening of emotional state as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Spanish ophthalmologists have a positive perception of their physical and emotional health, despite having life habits that are not always healthy and feeling mostly down. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative influence on the physical and emotional health of ophthalmologists.

Hypertensive and HLA-B27 negative uveitis: Disease course and complications.

PURPOSE: To perform a retrospective analysis on patients with HLA-B27 negative hypertensive acute anterior uveitis. Aqueous humor samples were obtained on which a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was performed. The patients were then classified into 3 groups depending on whether they were positive for cytomegalovirus (CMV) or herpesvirus (HSV-VZV) or negative for both. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Different variables were collected in successive visits (baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months). The variables were age, sex, visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), cells in the anterior chamber, retro-keratic precipitates, hypotensive treatment, glaucoma or retina surgery, corneal transplantation, and central thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer. RESULTS: The sample was 36 patients, with a mean age of 59.78 ± 15.26 years. The mean baseline IOP value was 40 ± 10.42 mmHg in the CMV group compared to 23.8 ± 10.4 mmHg in the HSV-VZV, and 22.65 ± 9.9 mmHg in the negative group. The baseline frequency of retro-keratic precipitates, hypotensive treatment, glaucoma surgery, and corneal transplantation was higher in CMV positives. At one year, the loss of retinal nerve fiber layer and glaucoma surgery was greater in the negative group. In the 3 groups, there was a direct and positive correlation between IOP and inflammation in the anterior chamber. Being 0.94 (P = .05) for the positive for CMV, 0.24 (P = .75) in that of HSV-VZV, and 0.98 (P = .17) in the negative group. CONCLUSIONS: HLA-B27 negative hypertensive acute anterior uveitis with CMV positive has a more aggressive initial presentation. However, after one year, the glaucomatous damage is less than in the negative group. In hypertensive acute anterior uveitis, when inflammation in anterior chamber is controlled then IOP is also controlled.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is an underdiagnosed entity. It has been recognized as an important cause of acute coronary syndrome and sudden death, particularly among young women and individuals with few conventional atherosclerotic risk factors. This document provides an exhaustive review of the pathophysiology and etiology of this disease. In addition, we describe the main clinical characteristics of these patients, the diagnostic tests that must be performed, and the most appropriate treatment.

Analysis of intra-thallus and temporal variability of trace elements and nitrogen in Fucus vesiculosus: Sampling protocol optimization for biomonitoring.

To advance the methodological standardization of the biomonitoring technique using macroalgae, we comprehensively characterized the intra-thallus and temporal patterns of variation in concentrations of a wide set of elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn, N) and δ15N signal in 6 consecutive Fucus vesiculosus apical dichotomous sections collected monthly over a four-year period (2015-2019) at 3 sites on the NW coast of Spain. The concentrations of Al, Co, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn increased significantly from the youngest to the oldest dichotomies regardless of the sampling time and collection site; As, Cd, N and δ15N showed the opposite trend. Time series analysis revealed a significant and consistent seasonal variation of As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Ni, Zn, N and δ15N concentrations, with maximum values in winter and minimum values in summer. We discussed the possible mechanisms driving these two sources of variation, and proposed an efficient and effective sampling strategy to minimize their impact in the results of biomonitoring studies, in which the part of the algal thallus selected for chemical analysis and the sampling frequency were carefully considered. This protocol will improve the conclusions and comparability of biomonitoring data from coastal environments.

Hypertensive and HLA-B27 negative uveitis: Disease course and complications. / Evolución y complicaciones en pacientes con uveítis hipertensivas HLA-B27 negativas.

PURPOSE: To perform a retrospective analysis on patients with HLA-B27 negative hypertensive acute anterior uveitis. Aqueous humor samples were obtained on which a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was performed. The patients were then classified into 3 groups depending on whether they were positive for cytomegalovirus (CMV) or herpesvirus (HSV-VZV) or negative for both. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Different variables were collected in successive visits (baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months). The variables were age, sex, visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), cells in the anterior chamber, retro-keratic precipitates, hypotensive treatment, glaucoma or retina surgery, corneal transplantation, and central thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer. RESULTS: The sample was 36 patients, with a mean age of 59.78±15.26 years. The mean baseline IOP value was 40±10.42mmHg in the CMV group compared to 23.8±10.4mmHg in the HSV-VZV, and 22.65±9.9mmHg in the negative group. The baseline frequency of retro-keratic precipitates, hypotensive treatment, glaucoma surgery, and corneal transplantation was higher in CMV positives. At one year, the loss of retinal nerve fiber layer and glaucoma surgery was greater in the negative group. In the 3 groups, there was a direct and positive correlation between IOP and inflammation in the anterior chamber. Being 0.94 (P=.05) for the positive for CMV, 0.24 (P=.75) in that of HSV-VZV, and 0.98 (P=.17) in the negative group. CONCLUSIONS: HLA-B27 negative hypertensive acute anterior uveitis with CMV positive has a more aggressive initial presentation. However, after one year, the glaucomatous damage is less than in the negative group. In hypertensive acute anterior uveitis, when inflammation in anterior chamber is controlled then IOP is also controlled.

Yebes 40 m radio telescope and the broad band NANOCOSMOS receivers at 7 mm and 3 mm for line surveys.

CONTEXT: Yebes 40m radio telescope is the main and largest observing instrument at Yebes Observatory and it is devoted to Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) and single dish observations since 2010. It has been covering frequency bands between 2 GHz and 90 GHz in discontinuous and narrow windows in most of the cases, to match the current needs of the European VLBI Network (EVN) and the Global Millimeter VLBI Array (GMVA). AIMS: Nanocosmos project, a European Union funded synergy grant, opened the possibility to increase the instantaneous frequency coverage to observe many molecular transitions with single tunnings in single dish mode. This reduces the observing time and maximises the output from the telescope. METHODS: We present the technical specifications of the recently installed 31.5 - 50GHz (Q band) and 72 - 90.5 GHz (W band) receivers along with the main characteristics of the telescope at these frequency ranges. We have observed IRC+10216, CRL 2688 and CRL 618, which harbour a rich molecular chemistry, to demonstrate the capabilities of the new instrumentation for spectral observations in single dish mode. RESULTS: The results show the high sensitivity of the telescope in the Q band. The spectrum of IRC+10126 offers a signal to noise ratio never seen before for this source in this band. On the other hand, the spectrum normalised by the continuum flux towards CRL 618 in the W band demonstrates that the 40 m radio telescope produces comparable results to those from the IRAM 30 m radio telescope, although with a smaller sensitivity. The new receivers fulfil one of the main goals of Nanocosmos and open the possibility to study the spectrum of different astrophysical media with unprecedented sensitivity.

Characteristics and prognosis of jejunoileal gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) in the era of imatinib: a comparative study with gastric GISTs.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) located in the jejunum or ileum (JI-GIST) are considered worse prognosis compared to those of gastric (G-GIST) location. It has been suggested that this dogma should be revised. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of jejunoileal GISTs and its prognosis and to compare them with G-GISTs in the era of imatinib. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical histories of all the patients diagnosed with GISTs between January 2000 and November 2016: Clinical and pathological data, as recurrence, metastatic state, disease-free survival (DFS) as well as overall survival (OS) rates of patients were reviewed. RESULTS: JI-GIST patients comprise 29 cases (37.7%). Compared to G-GIST, JI-GIST patients had undergone emergency surgery more frequently (37.9% vs. 10.4%, p = 0.007). According to the NIH-Fletcher classification, the low or very-low risk group represents 17.2% of JI-GISTs as opposed to 37.6% of G-GISTs (p < 0.005). When the AFIP-Miettinen system was used the low or very-low group represented 17.2% of JI-GISTs vs. 58.4% in the G-GISTs group (p < 0.001). Both local recurrence (24.1% vs. 12.5%, p < 0.05) and metastatic rate (34.5% vs. 22.9%, p < 0.05) were higher in the JI-GIST group than in G-GIST. 5- and 10-year DFS and 10-year OS rate were lower for JI-GIST (54.5% and 39.6% vs. 77.2% and 60.8%, and 57.9% vs. 65%, respectively, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The observed differences between both groups in DFS and OS rates at long term could be attributed to the effect of imatinib.

Large-scale phenotyping in dairy sector using milk MIR spectra: Key factors affecting the quality of predictions.

Methods and technologies enabling the estimation at large scale of important traits for the dairy sector are of great interest. Those phenotypes are necessary to improve herd management, animal genetic evaluation, and milk quality control. In the recent years, the research was very active to predict new phenotypes from the mid-infrared (MIR) analysis of milk. Models were developed to predict phenotypes such as fine milk composition, milk technological properties or traits related to cow health, fertility and environmental impact. Most of models were developed within research contexts and often not designed for routine use. The implementation of models at a large scale to predict new traits of interest brings new challenges as the factors influencing the robustness of models are poorly documented. The first objective of this work is to highlight the impact on prediction accuracy of factors such as the variability of the spectral and reference data, the spectral regions used and the complexity of models. The second objective is to emphasize methods and indicators to evaluate the quality of models and the quality of predictions generated under routine conditions. The last objective is to outline the issues and the solutions linked with the use and transfer of models on large number of instruments. Based on partial least square regression and 10 datasets including milk MIR spectra and reference quantitative values for 57 traits of interest, the impact of the different factors is illustrated by evaluating the influence on the validation root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP). In the displayed examples, all factors, when well set up, increase the quality of predictions, with an improvement of the RMSEP ranging from 12% to 43%. This work also aims to underline the need for and the complementarity between different validation procedures, statistical parameters and quality assurance methods. Finally, when using and transferring models, the impact of the spectral standardization on the prediction reproducibility is highlighted with an improvement up to 86% with the tested models, and the monitoring of individual spectrometer stability over time appears essential. This list inspired from our experience is of course not exhaustive. The displayed results are only examples and not general rules and other aspects play a role in the quality of final predictions. However, this work highlights good practices, methods and indicators to increase and evaluate quality of phenotypes predicted at a large scale. The results obtained argue for the development of guidelines at international levels, as well as international collaborations in order to constitute large and robust datasets and enable the use of models in routine conditions.

Analysing body composition as compositional data: An exploration of the relationship between body composition, body mass and bone strength.

Human body composition is made up of mutually exclusive and exhaustive parts (e.g. %truncal fat, %non-truncal fat and %fat-free mass) which are constrained to sum to the same total (100%). In statistical analyses, individual parts of body composition (e.g. %truncal fat or %fat-free mass) have traditionally been used as proxies for body composition, and have been linked with a range of health outcomes. But analysis of individual parts omits information about the other parts, which are intrinsically co-dependent because of the constant sum constraint of 100%. Further, body mass may be associated with health outcomes. We describe a statistical approach for body composition based on compositional data analysis. The body composition data are expressed as logratios to allow relative information about all the compositional parts to be explored simultaneously in relation to health outcomes. We describe a recent extension to the logratio approach to compositional data analysis which allows absolute information about the total of the compositional parts (body mass) to be considered alongside relative information about body composition. The statistical approach is illustrated by an example that explores the relationships between adults' body composition, body mass and bone strength.