A reply to "Relevant factors in the eutrophication of the Uruguay River and the Río Negro".

A recent paper by Beretta-Blanco and Carrasco-Letelier (2021) claims that agricultural eutrophication is not one of the main causes for cyanobacterial blooms in rivers and artificial reservoirs. By combining rivers of markedly different hydrological characteristics e.g., presence/absence and number of dams, river discharge and geological setting, the study speculates about the role of nutrients for modulating phytoplankton chlorophyll-a. Here, we identified serious flaws, from erratic and inaccurate data manipulation. The study did not define how erroneous original dataset values were treated, how the variables below the detection/quantification limit were numerically introduced, lack of mandatory variables for river studies such as flow and rainfall, arbitrary removal of pH > 7.5 values (which were not outliers), and finally how extreme values of other environmental variables were included. In addition, we identified conceptual and procedural mistakes such as biased construction/evaluation of model prediction capability. The study trained the model using pooled data from a short restricted lotic section of the (large) Uruguay River and from both lotic and reservoir domains of the Negro River, but then tested predictability within the (small) Cuareim River. Besides these methodological considerations, the article shows misinterpretations of the statistical correlation of cause and effect neglecting basic limnological knowledge of the ecology of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and international research on land use effects on freshwater quality. The argument that pH is a predictor variable for HABs neglects overwhelming basic paradigms of carbon fluxes and change in pH because of primary productivity. As a result, the article introduces the notion that HABs formation are not related to agricultural land use and water residence time and generate a great risk for the management of surface waterbodies. This reply also emphasizes the need for good practices of open data management, especially for public databases in view of external reproducibility.

Impact of cooked functional meat enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and rosemary extract on inflammatory and oxidative status; a randomised, double-blind, crossover study.

BACKGROUND & AIM: n-3 fatty acid intake has been associated with inflammatory benefits in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Functionalising meat may be of great interest. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of functional meat containing n-3 and rosemary extract on inflammatory and oxidative status markers in subjects with risk for CVD. METHODS AND RESULTS: A randomised, double-blind, cross-over study was undertaken to compare the effects on the above markers of consuming functional or control meat products. 43 volunteers with at least two lipid profile variables showing risk for CVD were randomly assigned to receive functional meat (FM) or control meat (CM) over 12-weeks with a 4-week wash-out interval before crossover. Functional effects were assessed by examining lipid profile, CRP, PAI-1, TNF-alpha, IL-6, fibrinogen (inflammatory markers), and TBARS, FRAP and 8-iso-PGF2 (oxidative status markers). 33 subjects (24 women) aged 50.7±8.8 years completed the study. In FM treatment, PAI-1, fibrinogen and 8-iso-PGF2 decreased significantly after 12 weeks, while FRAP significantly increased. In contrast, in CM treatment, a significant increase was seen in PAI-1, while FRAP significantly declined. Significant differences were also seen between the FM and CM treatments after 12 weeks in terms of the change observed in PAI-1, FRAP and 8-iso-PGF2 values. No significant differences were seen in anthropometric variables nor were adverse effects reported. CONCLUSION: The consumption of FM containing n-3 and rosemary extract improved oxidative and inflammatory status of people with at least two lipid profile variables showing risk for CVD. The inclusion of such functional meat in a balanced diet might be a healthy lifestyle option.

Objetivos: La ingesta de omega-3 se ha asociado con efectos antinflamatorios relacionados con la prevención de la enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV). Desarrollar productos cárnicos funcionales podría ser de gran interés para la población. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de una carne funcional con omega-3 y extracto de romero sobre marcadores de inflamación y oxidación en personas con riesgo cardiovascular. Pacientes y métodos: Se diseñó un ensayo clínico cruzado y doble-ciego para estudiar el efecto del consumo de un producto cárnico funcional sobre marcadores de inflamación y oxidación. Se incluyeron 43 voluntarios con al menos 2 parámetros del perfil lipídico alterado, indicando riesgo de ECV. Fueron asignados aleatoriamente en 2 grupos que consumieron en cruzado carne funcional (CF) o carne control (CC) durante 12 semanas con un periodo de lavado de 4 semanas entre ellos. Al finalizar el estudio se evaluó: perfil lipídico, marcadores de inflamación (PCR, PAI-1, TNF-alpha, IL-6, fibrinógeno) y marcadores de oxidación (TBARS, FRAP, 8-iso-PGF2). Resultados: Completaron el estudio 33 personas (24 mujeres) con edad media de 50.7±8.8 años. Tras consumir CF durante 12 semanas se observó una disminución significativa del PAI-1, fibrinógeno y 8-iso-PGF2, mientras que el FRAP incrementó significativamente. Sin embargo, con CC incrementó PAI-1 y disminuyó FRAP significativamente. Además se observaron diferencias significativas entre los cambios producidos tras consumir uno u otro producto de los marcadores PAI-1, FRAP y 8-iso-PGF2. Al final de cada intervención no se observaron cambios en variables antropométricas ni efectos adversos. Conclusiones: El consumo de CF con omega-3 y extracto de romero mejora el estado inflamatorio y oxidativo de personas con al menos 2 parámetros del perfil lipídico alterado. La inclusión de estas CF en una dieta equilibrada podría ser una opción más para mantener un estilo de vida saludable. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT0199088.

Impact of cooked functional meat enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and rosemary extract on inflammatory and oxidative status; A randomised, double-blind, crossover study / Impacto de la carne funcional cocinada enriquecida con ácidos grasos omega 3 y extracto de romero sobre el estado inflamatorio y oxidativo; un estudio aleatorizado, cruzado y doble ciego

Background & Aim: n-3 fatty acid intake has been associated with inflammatory benefits in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Functionalising meat may be of great interest. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of functional meat containing n-3 and rosemary extract on inflammatory and oxidative status markers in subjects with risk for CVD. Methods and results: A randomised, double-blind, cross-over study was undertaken to compare the effectson the above markers of consuming functional or control meat products. 43 volunteers with at least two lipid profile variables showing risk for CVD were randomly assigned to receive functional meat (FM) or control meat (CM) over 12-weeks with a 4-week wash-out interval before crossover. Functional effects were assessed by examining lipid profile, CRP, PAI-1, TNF-alpha, IL-6, fibrinogen (inflammatory markers), and TBARS, FRAP and 8-iso-PGF2α (oxidative status markers). 33 subjects (24 women) aged 50.7±8.8 years completed the study. In FM treatment, PAI-1, fibrinogen and 8-iso-PGF2α decreased significantly after 12 weeks, while FRAP significantly increased. In contrast, in CM treatment, a significant increase was seen in PAI-1, while FRAP significantly declined. Significant differences were also seen between the FM and CM treatments after 12 weeks in terms of the change observed in PAI-1, FRAP and8-iso-PGF2α values. No significant differences were seen in anthropometric variables nor were adverse effects reported. Conclusion: The consumption of FM containing n-3 and rosemary extract improved oxidative and inflammatory status of people with at least two lipid profile variables showing risk for CVD. The inclusion of such functional meat in a balanced diet might be a healthy lifestyle option (AU)

Objetivos: La ingesta de omega-3 se ha asociado con efectos antinflamatorios relacionados con la prevención de la enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV). Desarrollar productos cárnicos funcionales podría ser de gran interés para la población. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de una carne funcional con omega-3 y extracto de romero sobre marcadores de inflamación y oxidación en personas con riesgo cardiovascular. Pacientes y métodos: Se diseñó un ensayo clínico cruzado y doble-ciego para estudiar el efecto del consumo de un producto cárnico funcional sobre marcadores de inflamación y oxidación. Se incluyeron 43 voluntarios con al menos 2 parámetros del perfil lipídico alterado, indicando riesgo de ECV. Fueron asignados aleatoriamente en 2 grupos que consumieron en cruzado carne funcional (CF) o carne control (CC) durante 12 semanas con un periodo de lavado de 4 semanas entre ellos. Al finalizar el estudio se evaluó: perfil lipídico, marcadores de inflamación (PCR, PAI-1, TNF-alpha, IL-6, fibrinógeno) ymarcadores de oxidación (TBARS, FRAP, 8-iso-PGF2α). Resultados: Completaron el estudio 33 personas (24 mujeres) con edad media de 50.7±8.8 años. Tras consumir CF durante 12 semanas se observó una disminución significativa del PAI-1, fibrinógeno y 8-iso-PGF2α, mientras que el FRAP incrementó significativamente. Sin embargo, con CC incrementó PAI-1 y disminuyó FRAP significativamente. Además se observaron diferencias significativas entre los cambios producidos tras consumir uno u otro producto de los marcadores PAI-1, FRAP y 8-iso-PGF2α. Al final de cada intervención no se observaron cambios en variables antropométricas ni efectos adversos. Conclusiones: El consumo de CF con omega-3 y extracto de romero mejora el estado inflamatorio y oxidativo de personas con al menos 2 parámetros del perfil lipídico alterado. La inclusión de estas CF en una dieta equilibrada podría ser una opción más para mantener un estilo de vida saludable (AU)

Modeling in vivo corrosion of AZ31 as temporary biodegradable implants. Experimental validation in rats.

In this paper, two complementary approaches, mathematical modeling and experimental results are combined to identify variables that affect the in vivo biodegradation of magnesium implants. The in vivo corrosion behavior of AZ31 alloy proposed for temporary applications as fixation of bone fractures has been modeled solving the Laplace equation by finite element method (FEM). Bar-shaped AZ31 implants of 1mm diameter and 20mm length were inserted in Wistar rat femurs with and without a fracture. The presence of gas around AZ31 implants inside the femurs has been detected in situ at the epiphysis and in fractured areas by computerized tomography (CT). Examining some in vivo conditions, the model confirms that magnesium-alloy devices have different biodegradation behavior, depending on the thickness of electrolyte at the implantation site and can be used for predicting the biodegradation behavior.

Recommendations from SPNS/GEAM/SENBA/SENPE/AEDN/SEDCA/ GESIDA on nutrition in the HIV-infected patient / Recomendaciones de SPNS/GEAM/SENBA/SENPE/AEDN/SEDCA/GESIDA sobre nutrición en el paciente con infección por VIH

Objective: to make recommendations on the approach to nutritional problems (malnutrition, cachexia, micronutrient deficiency, obesity, lipodystrophy) affecting HIV-infected patients. Methods: these recommendations have been agreed upon by a group of expertes in the nutrition and care of HIV-infected patients, on behalf of the different groups involved in drafting them. Therefore, the latest advances in pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical care presented in studies published in medical journals or at scientific meetings were evaluated. Results: there is no single method of evaluating nutrition, and diferent techniques —CT, MRI, and DXA— must be combined. The energy requirements of symptomatic patients increase by 20-30%. There is no evidence to support the increase in protein or fat intake. Micronutrient supplementation in only necessary in special circumstances (vitamin A in children and pregnant woman). Aerobic and resistance excercise is beneficial both for cardiovascular health and for improving lean mass and muscular strength. It is important to follow the rules of food safety at every stage in the chain. Therapeutic intervention in anorexia and cachexia must be tailored, by combining nutritional and pharmacological support (appetite stimulants, anabolic steroids, and, in some cases, testosterone). Artificial nutrition (oral supplementation, enteral or parenteral nutrition) is safe and efficacious, and improves nutritional status and response to therapy. In children, nutritional recommendations must be made early, and are a necessary component of therapy. Conclusion: appropriate nutritional evaluation and relevant therapeutic action are an essential part of the care of HIV-infected patients

Objetivo: realizar recomendaciones sobre el abordaje de los problemas nutricionales (malnutrición, caquexia, déficit de micronutrientes, obesidad, lipodistrofia) presentes en la infección VIH. Métodos: estas recomendaciones se han consensuado por un grupo de expertos en nutrición y en atención al enfermo VIH, en representación de las distintas sociedades firmantes. Para ello se han revisado los últimos avances fisiopatológicos, epidemiológicos y clínicos recogidos en estudios publicados en revistas médicas o presentados en congresos. Resultados: no existe un único método de valoración nutricional, debiendo combinarse cuestionarios y técnicas como TAC, RNM y DEXA. Los requerimientos energéticos en enfermos sintomáticos aumentan en un 20-30%. No existe evidencia que respalde el incremento del aporte proteico o graso. La suplementación de micronutrientes sólo es necesaria en circunstancias especiales (Vitamina A en niños y embarazadas). El ejercicio aeróbico de resistencia es beneficioso tanto para la salud cardiovascular como para mejorar la masa magra y la fuerza muscular. Es importante seguir normas de seguridad en toda la cadena alimentaria. La intervención terapéutica en la anorexia y caquexia debe ser individualizada, combinando soporte nutricional y farmacológico (estimulantes del apetito, agentes anabolizantes y testosterona en algún caso). La nutrición artificial (suplementación oral, nutrición enteral o parenteral) es segura y eficaz, mejorando el estado nutricional y la respuesta al tratamiento. En niños, las recomendaciones nutricionales deben ser muy precoces, formando necesariamente parte del tratamiento. Conclusión: La adecuada valoración nutricional y la pertinente actuación terapéutica son parte esencial de la asistencia del enfermo VIH

Recommendations from SPNS/GEAM/SENBA/SENPE/AEDN/SEDCA/GESIDA on nutrition in the HIV-infected patient.

OBJECTIVE: to make recommendations on the approach to nutritional problems (malnutrition, cachexia, micronutrient deficiency, obesity, lipodystrophy) affecting HIV-infected patients. METHODS: these recommendations have been agreed upon by a group of expertes in the nutrition and care of HIV-infected patients, on behalf of the different groups involved in drafting them. Therefore, the latest advances in pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical care presented in studies published in medical journals or at scientific meetings were evaluated. RESULTS: there is no single method of evaluating nutrition, and diferent techniques--CT, MRI, and DXA--must be combined. The energy requirements of symptomatic patients increase by 20-30%. There is no evidence to support the increase in protein or fat intake. Micronutrient supplementation in only necessary in special circumstances (vitamin A in children and pregnant woman). Aerobic and resistance excercise is beneficial both for cardiovascular health and for improving lean mass and muscular strength. It is important to follow the rules of food safety at every stage in the chain. Therapeutic intervention in anorexia and cachexia must be tailored, by combining nutritional and pharmacological support (appetite stimulants, anabolic steroids, and, in some cases, testosterone). Artificial nutrition (oral supplementation, enteral or parenteral nutrition) is safe and efficacious, and improves nutritional status and response to therapy. In children, nutritional recommendations must be made early, and are a necessary component of therapy. CONCLUSION: appropriate nutritional evaluation and relevant therapeutic action are an essential part of the care of HIV-infected patients.

Microautoradiographic localisation of [3H]sucrose and [3H]mannitol in Robinia pseudoacacia pulvinar tissues during phytochrome-mediated nyctinastic closure.

We have analysed the incorporation of [(3)H]sucrose and [(3)H]mannitol in pulvinar motor cells of Robinia pseudoacacia L. during phytochrome-mediated nyctinastic closure. Pairs of leaflets, excised 2 h after the beginning of the photoperiod, were fed with 50 mM [(3)H]sucrose or [(3)H]mannitol, irradiated with red (15 min) or far-red (5 min) light and placed in the dark for 2-3 h. Label uptake was measured in whole pulvini by liquid scintillation counting. The distribution of labelling in pulvinar sections was assessed by both light and electron microautoradiography. [(3)H]Sucrose uptake was twice that of [(3)H]mannitol incorporation in both red- and far-red-irradiated pulvini. In the autoradiographs, [(3)H]sucrose and [(3)H]mannitol labelling was localised in the area from the vascular bundle to the epidermis, mainly in vacuoles, cytoplasm, and cell walls. Extensor and flexor protoplasts displayed a different distribution of [(3)H]sucrose after red and far-red irradiation. Far-red light drastically reduced the [(3)H]sucrose incorporation in extensor protoplasts and caused a slight increase in internal flexor protoplasts. After red light treatment, no differences in [(3)H]sucrose labelling were found between extensor and flexor protoplasts. Our results indicate a phytochrome control of sucrose distribution in cortical motor cells and seem to rule out the possibility of sucrose acting as an osmoticum.

[Effects of parenteral glutamine in patients submitted to bone marrow transplantation]. / Efectos de la glutamina parenteral en pacientes sometidos a trasplante de médula ósea.

UNLABELLED: Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a therapy used for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Associated chemotherapy and radiotherapy to which these patients are submitted induce secondary effects, with a high metabolic stress. Glutamine is considered a conditionally essential amino acid, and has been shown effective in severe catabolic states. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of parenteral nutrition (PN) therapy supplemented with glutamine on duration of nutritional support in a group of patients with BMT. We have also analyzed associated complications, the nutritional status, the clinical course at 6 months, differences as to type of transplantation, and oral ingestion capability. This is a phase IV, randomized, double blind, and parallel clinical trial, done at a single center. The study was performed on 49 patients, 29% male and 71% female patients, with ages between 21-63 years, distributed in 3 diagnostic groups (leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors), and admitted to the Hematology Department of our Hospital. Fifty percent of the patients in each group have received PN supplemented with glutamine (0.4 g/kg/day of L-alanine-L-glutamine), and the other 50% have received standard PN. RESULTS: we have not found significant differences nor at the beginning nor at the end of the study between both groups with regards to studied variables. CONCLUSIONS: PN is and effective therapy for maintenance of the nutritional status in patients submitted to a therapy with a, highly catabolic effect such as BMT. Although we have not been able to show the efficacy of glutamine supplementation in this study with the used dose, it does have been effective in other reports.

[Results of nutritional treatment of anorexia nervosa: our experience (1989-1995)]. / Resultado del tratamiento nutricional de la anorexia nervosa: nuestra experiencia (1989-1995).

With the alm of evaluating the nutritional treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) in our center, evolutive data were collected, as well as anthropometric and biochemical parameters, of out out patient department (OPD) as well as of our hospital admissions (HA) which took place between 1989-91 (period A) and between 1992-95 (period B). 79 cases of HA were included (5 men, 31 women), with a duration of hospitalization of 36.96 +/- 22.02 days, with the reason for release most often (86.84%) being reaching the agreed upon weight, and 124 cases of OPD (12 men and 112 women), who were followed for 11.53 +/- 12.13 months achieving a final release rate of 14.14%. The nutritional status (NS) of the HA patients upon admission was most often sever caloric malnutrition (CM) (64.55%), and upon release this was moderate CM (60.75%), while in the OPD the moderate CM was most frequent at the initial visit and at the last visit registered. The anthropometric parameter which was most affected, was the triceps fold (TF), followed by the wight (W). The biochemical abnormalities were few, with hypercholesterolemia and ferropenia being notable. The nutritional treatment in the OPD required the addition of dietary supplements in 31% of the cases, and of psycho-medication in 43%. In the HA cases, only 6 patients reached the agreed upon wight with a free oral diet, and 35 patients required dietary supplements, 20 needed mixed therapy (enteral nutrition and supplements), and 17 cases required enteral nutrition through a naso-gastric tube. Significant multivariant models are presented which find independent associations for the probability of release (lower age upon diagnosis, male, lower income, absence of bulimia's, no need for dietary supplements), of amenorrhoea (worse NS, absence of vomiting), and for the HA time (more interventionist treatment, lower weight, lower age). The comparison between periods, shows an initial contact of the patients with AN with our OPD, with a better nutritional status y recent years, as well as a better nutritional result, a greater tendency towards the use of enteral nutrition, and a shorter time of HA.

[Iatrogenic perforation of the intrathoracic colon after a late traumatic diaphragmatic hernia]. / Perforación iatrogénica de colon intratorácico tras hernia diafragmática traumática tardia.

A case of delayed presentation of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia and colonic injury leading to a review of the literature. Relative diagnostic difficulty in this type of lesions and its acute presentation make managements by mistake, as this one. In a patient with very important acute respiratory embarrassment and chest pain, an Argyle tube was placed because pneumothorax was suspected; the patient improved, but a fluid bowel content was obtained through the drainage tube; TAC and barium enema film showed the colon into the thorax. The patient underwent thoracotomy and laparotomy. In her history, she suffered from a stab wound on the left abdominal flank four years ago; it did not require surgical treatment but it caused the start of the colon movement into the thorax. The ways of presentation and its development are reviewed with the aim of remembering that it must be borne in mind if a patient present a penetrating trauma in the lower chest or upper abdomen, especially if surgical operation was not required, as it happened in this case. A careful history, examination, and review of follow up chest X-ray appears to be the easiest mechanism to avoid delays in diagnosis and reduce the morbi-mortality of this important disease.