Distribution and accumulation of UV filters (UVFs) and conservation status of Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows in a prominent Mediterranean coastal tourist hub.

This study investigates the presence and impact of UV filters in Posidonia oceanica meadows in Formentera, a Mediterranean tourist hotspot. It highlights the distribution of inorganic (TiO2 and ZnO) and organic UV filters (UVFs) in different environmental matrices, their accumulation in seagrass tissues and their impact on the seagrass health. In the overlying and canopy waters of P. oceanica, Zn concentrations surpassed Ti, with three organic UVFs (benzophenone-3 [BP-3], avobenzone and homosalate [HMS]) consistently detected. Ti concentrations were generally higher than Zn in rhizosphere sediments, along with recurrent presence of octocrylene, HMS, 2-ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC), and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC). Maximum Zn concentrations were found in canopy waters (3052.9 ng L-1). Both Ti and Zn were found in all P. oceanica tissues and leaf epiphytes across all study sites. Additional UVFs like octocrylene, avobenzone, and BP-8 were also detected in P. oceanica tissues and epiphytes. Elevated levels of octocrylene in leaf epiphytes (2112.1 ng g-1 dw) and avobenzone in leaves (364.2 ng g-1 dw) and leaf epiphytes (199.6 ng g-1 dw) were observed in the Port of La Savina, the island's main entry port. Octocrylene concentrations (up to 2575 ng g-1 dw) in rhizosphere sediments near sewage discharge points exceeded reported maxima, highlighting wastewater treatment plants as significant sources of organic UVFs. Correlational analyses suggested that the accumulation of octocrylene, avobenzone, and BP-3 negatively impacted P. oceanica's conservation status, affecting global density, density at 100 % cover, and leaf morphometry. Positive correlations were observed between leaf polyphenols (antioxidants) and concentrations of avobenzone, benzophenone-8 (BP-8), and BP-3, indicating potential oxidative stress induced by UVFs in P. oceanica. Our study underscores the pervasive presence of UV filters in P. oceanica habitats, with implications for seagrass health and conservation, especially in areas of high tourism and sewage discharge.

Effects of the sunscreen ultraviolet filter oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) on the seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile and its associated N2 fixers.

Oxybenzone/benzophenone-3 (BP-3) is one of the most detrimental organic ultraviolet filters for marine biota, leading to legislative measures banning its presence in commercial sunscreen formulations of several countries. It remains poorly explored how this contaminant is currently threatening the persistence of critical ecosystems for conservation in the Mediterranean, such as Posidonia oceanica meadows, but it is essential for promoting sustainable coastal tourism. Our investigation aimed to determine the effects of BP-3 on P. oceanica under a short-term laboratory setup, recreating summer conditions while testing three environmentally relevant concentrations for Mallorca, Spain (minimum: 53.6 ng L-1, maximum: 557.5 ng L-1 and increased: 1115 ng L-1) and a control (0 ng L-1). Primary productivity was unaffected by the treatments, however, a reduction in leaf chlorophyll content and nitrogen fixation activity associated with rhizomes was evidenced under BP-3 addition. This may be related with oxidative damage, as reactive oxygen species production and catalase activity in P. oceanica leaves were the highest even at minimum BP-3 concentrations. Alkaline phosphatase rates showed inverted trends between old leaves and rhizomes, being enhanced in the former under BP-3 addition and reduced in the latter. These results are of great relevance for the future management of P. oceanica meadows, elucidating that even minimum concentrations of BP-3 reported in coastal waters of Mallorca can induce elevated levels of oxidative stress in the seagrass, that lead to impairments in its photosynthetic pigments production and supply of essential nutrients through belowground tissues.

Sunscreen exposure interferes with physiological processes while inducing oxidative stress in seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile.

The effects of a commercial sunscreen mixture on the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica were investigated, evaluating its response in physiological processes and biochemical indicators of oxidative stress. Short-term laboratory experiments were conducted recreating summer conditions, and two sunscreen concentrations were tested in whole P. oceanica plants placed inside aquaria. Although primary productivity of leaf segments seemed to benefit from sunscreen addition, probably due to inorganic nutrients released, the rest of the biological parameters reflected possible impairments in the overall functioning of P. oceanica as a result of oxidative damages. Chlorophyll production and nitrogen fixation associated with old leaves were inhibited under high sunscreen concentrations, which concurred with elevated reactive oxygen species production, catalase activity and polyphenols content in the seagrass leaves. These results emphasize the importance of directing future investigations on determining which specific components of sunscreen products are likely threatening the wellbeing of critical species, such as P. oceanica.

Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica accumulates sunscreen UV filters.

Certain ultra-violet filter (UVF) components of solar creams have negative impacts on coral reefs and have been prohibited in international tourism destinations (i.e., Hawaii, Florida, and Palau) to protect coral reefs. In the Mediterranean coasts which are also hotspots of international tourism and where endemic seagrass Posidonia oceanica forms extensive meadows, the accumulation of UVF components have not been studied. We report for the first time, that the rhizomes of P. oceanica internally accumulated UVFs BP3, BP4, AVO, 4MBC and MeBZT and the paraben preservative MePB. The components BP4 and MePB occurred in higher concentrations reaching up to 129 ng g-1 dw and 512 ng g-1 dw, respectively. This work emphasizes the need for more experimental studies on the effects of UVFs on seagrasses and check if we should follow suit to prohibit certain UVFs to protect this species as what has been done in other regions to protect corals.

[Recommendations for the management of the patient with chronic renal disease with SARS-CoV-2]. / Recomendaciones para el manejo del paciente con enfermedad renal crónica ante el SARS-CoV-2.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which affects the entire population in general, poses a special risk for patients with chronic kidney disease because of their immunosuppression status, advanced age and the coexistence of significant comorbidity.Renal patients undergoing hemodialysis run the risk not only of suffering but also of transmitting and spreading COVID-19 due to multiple factors, both procedural and logistical, associated with the process. These include the long duration of the technique, collective transfer to and from the centres, and the waiting time before performing the technique, aspects that make strict isolation difficult and therefore increase not only the risk of contagion between patients but also between specialist health professionals, which makes it more difficult to replace professionals.Prevention, protection, detection, isolation and distribution measures are essential in the management of the epidemic and must be taken from the initial stage. For this to be possible, it is necessary to draw up protocols to guide the actions of both the patient and the professionals in the different stages of chronic renal disease.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Spanish Children With Coeliac Disease.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using the Coeliac Disease Dutch Questionnaire (CDDUX) in Spanish children with coeliac disease. METHODS: The CDDUX was cross-culturally adapted according to international consensus guidelines. HRQOL was assessed in coeliac members of the Madrid Coeliac Association ages 8 to 18 years using the adapted CDDUX. Cronbach α coefficient was determined as a measure of intraquestionnaire reliability and intraclass correlation coefficients as a measure of reliability between scores awarded by children and parents. Demographic and clinical variables associated with HRQOL were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 1602 children of 3122 registered Madrid Coeliac Association members ages 8 to 18 years were invited to participate. The questionnaire was completed by 480 families (30%): 214 only by parents, 214 by parents and their children, and 52 only by children. Cronbach α coefficient for the total score for parents was 0.90, and for children 0.88 (0.75-0.90 by scales). Mean total (standard deviation [SD]) HRQOL scores in children and parents were 55.5 (SD 12.7) and 53.89 (SD 12.19), respectively, with no differences detected in paired comparisons between the 2 groups. Significantly worse HRQOL scores were recorded in children showing a nonclassical clinical presentation, in those not adhering to treatment and in those reporting difficulties in following the diet. CONCLUSIONS: The CDDUX questionnaire emerged as reliable for use in Spanish children with celiac disease. Overall, both children and parents felt the disease had no substantial negative impacts on patient HRQOL.