Seasonal Effects on Health Status and Parasitological Traits of an Invasive Minnow in Iberian Waters.

Biological invasions are of special conservation concern in the Iberian Peninsula and other regions with high levels of endemism. Environmental variability, such as the seasonal fluctuations of Mediterranean streams, is a key factor that affects the spread of aquatic species in novel habitats. Fish parasites have a great potential to reflect such changes in the habitat features of freshwater ecosystems. The aim of this study consisted of seasonally analysing the health status and parasitological traits of non-native fish in Iberian waters. In particular, a strongly invasive population of Languedoc minnow Phoxinus septimaniae (leuciscid species native to south-east France) was assessed in Tordera Stream (north-eastern Iberian Peninsula, Mediterranean conditions). Fish were sampled in April, July, and October 2023 by electrofishing. Health status (external/internal organs) was significantly better in autumn (HAI = 28.8) than spring (HAI = 35.6). Life-cycle complexity was higher in spring (LCI = 1.98), whereas parasite abundance and Shannon diversity were significantly lower in autumn (TA = 19.6 and H' = 2.15, respectively). In October (more 'benign' environmental conditions in Iberian streams), minnows could display elevated foraging activity, with fish increasing their health condition and level of parasite resistance/tolerance. Overall results showed a particular seasonal profile of health and parasite infra-communities that allow this minnow species to thrive under highly fluctuating habitat conditions. This information could help environmental managers to control non-native fish in Mediterranean streams.

Response of a pan-European fish index (EFI+) to multiple pressures in rivers across Spain.

Rivers are ecosystems highly threatened by human activities and fish are an invaluable tool to measure and communicate environmental degradation and restoration. Fish bioassessment is crucial but notoriously difficult in Mediterranean-climate streams for a number of reasons, including low local species richness, faunas with high spatial turnover and generalist species, and scarcity of reference sites. In this study, we conducted the most comprehensive test of the pan-European fish index (EFI+) in the Iberian Peninsula, analysing its response to multiple anthropogenic pressures. We compiled a database, which we provide online, with 2970 electrofishing samples across Spain, involving 100,732 fish of 69 species. Principal component analyses of many quantitative variables were used to create new synthetic anthropogenic pressure indices. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to test the relationship between these pressures and the fish index (EFI+) and its four individual metrics scores (i.e., density of species intolerant to oxygen depletion, density of fish ≤150 mm of species intolerant to habitat degradation, richness of species of rheophilic reproduction habitat, and density of species of lithophilic reproduction habitat). We also obtained the same models but including the river basin district to test for spatial or methodological differences. Our results indicate that both the EFI+ index and its individual metrics respond to various anthropogenic pressures. These pressures explained about 36% of the variance of EFI+ values. Notably, downstream and mainstream reaches with higher agricultural or urban land uses, increased hydrologic alteration, and water and habitat quality impairment exhibited lower EFI+ values. Although less variance was explained for the individual metrics than for the fish index, they responded as expected to the different pressures. For instance, the richness of rheophilic species and the number of lithophilic fish decreased with hydrologic alteration, while the number of fish intolerant to oxygen depletion decreased with water quality impairment. Similar correlations were observed when river basin district was included in the model, but with higher explained variation and greater significance of the pressures. While it is possible to develop regional indices with more metrics and a stronger correlation with anthropogenic pressures, EFI+ is the only fish index that has been validated throughout the Spanish peninsular territory. Our results support the use of EFI+ in intercalibration exercises across Spain until better regional indices are developed.

Quality of life and outcomes after rubber band ligation for haemorrhoidal disease.

PURPOSE: The main objective of this study was to assess the impact on quality of life after rubber band ligation (RBL) in patients with symptomatic grade II-III haemorrhoids who did not improve after 6 months of conservative treatment, using quality of life scores. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort observational study where patients with haemorrhoidal disease and indication for RBL were included between December 2019 and December 2020. RBL was offered as first-line treatment in this group. Patient´s quality of life was assessed by scores: HDSS (Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score) and SHS (Short Health Scale).Secondary objectives were: to evaluate the rate of patients requiring one or more RBL procedures, to establish the overall success rate of RBL and to analyse complications. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were finally included. Regarding the impact on quality of life after RBL, a significant reduction was found in the HDSS and SHS scores (p < 0.001). The main improvement was found in the first month and it was maintained until the sixth month. A high degree of satisfaction with the procedure was reported by 76% of patients. The overall success rate of banding was 89%. A 12% complication rate was detected, the most frequent complication was severe anal pain (58.3%) and self-limiting bleeding (41.7%). CONCLUSION: Rubber band ligation, as a treatment for symptomatic grade II-III haemorrhoids that do not respond to medical treatment, leads to a significant improvement in patients' symptoms and quality of life. It also has a high degree of satisfaction between patients.

Enfermedad renal diabética: puesta al día / Update on diabetic kidney disease

Introducción: La Diabetes Mellitus (DM) es una enfermedad inflamatoria sistémica de alta prevalencia e incidencia a nivel mundial. Dentro de las complicaciones crónicas, la enfermedad renal diabética es una de las más frecuentes y que marca el pronóstico. Objetivos: El objetivo de este artículo es hacer una revisión actualizada de la enfermedad renal diabética, a la luz de los cambios en los paradigmas que se han generado en los últimos años con respecto a sus nuevas definiciones, el papel de la inflamación en su desarrollo, la gestión del riesgo cardiovascular y los nuevos tratamientos. La enfermedad renal diabética puede presentarse en aproximadamente el 30-50% de la población con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 o 2 alrededor del mundo. En la patogénesis y progresión de esta condición se distinguen tres ejes fundamentales el hemodinámico, metabólico e inflamatorio. Es importante siempre hacer gestión del riesgo cardiovascular. El diagnóstico se debe hacer con el cálculo de la tasa de filtrado glomerular y la relación albuminuria / creatinuria en muestra ocasional. Los objetivos en el tratamiento deben ser: el control metabólico, reducir o enlentecer la progresión de la enfermedad renal y disminuir los desenlaces cardiovasculares. Conclusión: El tratamiento de la ERD debe ser holístico, desde intervenciones no farmacológicas, como la modificación de los estilos de vida, hasta los nuevos medicamentos como el uso de inhibidores SGLT-2, Agonistas del receptor GLP-1 y el uso antagonistas selectivos del receptor mineralocorticoide como finerenona. El futuro es promisorio.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a systemic inflammatory disease of high prevalence and incidence worldwide. Among the chronic complications, diabetic kidney disease is one of the most frequent and determines the prognosis. Objectives: The objective of this article is to make an updated review of diabetic kidney disease, in light of the changes in the paradigms that have been generated in recent years concerning to the new definitions, the role of inflammation-causing disease, cardiovascular risk management, and the new treatments. Diabetic kidney disease can present in approximately 30-50% of the population with diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2 around the world. In the pathogenesis and progression of this condition, three fundamental axes are distinguished: the hemodynamic, the metabolic, and the inflammatory. It is important to manage cardiovascular risk. The diagnosis must be made by calculating the glomerular filtration rate and the albuminuria/creatinuria ratio in a random urine sample. The objectives of the treatment should be: metabolic control, reduce or slow the progression of kidney disease and improve cardiovascular outcomes. Conclusion: The treatment of diabetic kidney disease should be holistic, from non-pharmacological interventions, such as lifestyle changes, to new medications such as the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and the use of selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists such as finerenone. The future is promising.

Habitat suitability modelling to assess the introductions of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: In the Netherlands, Aedes albopictus has been found each year since 2010 during routine exotic mosquito species surveillance at companies that import used tires. We developed habitat suitability models to investigate the potential risk of establishment and spread of this invasive species at these locations. METHODS: We used two methodologies: first, a species distribution model based on the maximum entropy modelling approach (MaxEnt) taking into consideration updated occurrence data of the species in Europe, and secondly, a spatial logic conditional model based on the temperature requirements of the species and using land surface temperature data (LST model). RESULTS: Suitability assessment obtained with the MaxEnt model at European level accurately reflect the current distribution of the species and these results also depict moderately low values in parts of the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, the British islands and southern parts of Scandinavia. Winter temperature was the variable that contributed most to the performance of the model (47.3%). The results of the LST model showed that: (i) coastal areas are suitable for overwintering of eggs; (ii) large areas in the northern part of the country have a low suitability for adult survival; and (iii) the entire country is suitable for successful completion of the life-cycle if the species is introduced after the winter months. Results of the LST model revealed that temperatures in 2012 and 2014 did not limit the overwintering of eggs or survival of adults at the locations where the species was found. By contrast, for the years 2010, 2011 and 2013, overwintering of eggs at these locations is considered unlikely. CONCLUSIONS: Results using two modelling methodologies show differences in predicted habitat suitability values. Based on the results of both models, the climatic conditions could hamper the successful overwintering of eggs of Ae. albopictus and their survival as adults in many areas of the country. However, during warm years with mild winters, many areas of the Netherlands offer climatic conditions suitable for developing populations. Regular updates of the models, using updated occurrence and climatic data, are recommended to study the areas at risk.

Pioderma gangrenoso asociado a quemaduras: reporte de dos casos / Pyoderma gangrenosum associated with burns: two-case report

El pioderma gangrenoso es una rara dermatosis idiopática, crónica, caracterizada por pústulas y úlceras coalescentes que aparece por lo general sobre la piel previamente traumatizada, con preferencia en extremidades inferiores y tronco. Se asocia a enfermedades sistémicas y los tratamientos quirúrgicos tienden a empeorar el cuadro clínico por el fenómeno de patergia. No hay un tratamiento de elección, pero se acepta el tratamiento inmunosupresor. Presentamos 2 casos de pioderma gangrenoso asociado a quemaduras, una entidad escasamente recogida en la literatura, con abordaje y evolución diferente

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare, chronic, and idiopathic dermatosis, characterized by pustules and coalescent ulcers. It usually develops on previously traumatized skin, especially on the lower extremities and trunk. It is associated with systemic diseases, and surgical treatments tend to worsen clinical signs and symptoms as a result of pathergy. There is no treatment of choice, but immunosuppressive therapy is accepted. Two cases of pyoderma gangrenosum associated with burns, an entity rarely collected in the literature, are presented, with different approaches and courses

Papel de la terapia presión negativa en la prevención de infección del sitio quirúrgico en cirugía colorrectal / Role of negative pressure wound therapy in the prevention of surgical site infection in colorectal surgery

Introducción: La infección del sitio quirúrgico (SSI) es una de las principales complicaciones quirúrgicas, con una incidencia del 10-20% en cirugía colorrectal. Las terapias basadas en presión negativa (NPWT) han mostrado su eficacia en el tratamiento de heridas crónicas, traumáticas, en las dehiscencias de piel, en el uso de colgajos o injertos. El objetivo principal del estudio es valorar la eficacia de NPWT en la prevención de SSI en cirugía colorrectal. Los objetivos secundarios son valorar la reducción del ingreso hospitalario y analizar los factores de riesgo de SSI. Métodos: Estudio casos y controles prospectivo. Ochenta pacientes intervenidos tras diagnóstico de enfermedad colorrectal, de forma programada o urgente durante el año 2017. Cuarenta pacientes fueron tratados con NPWT preventivo durante una semana. Cuarenta pacientes fueron tratados según protocolo habitual postoperatorio de cuidado de herida quirúrgica. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias entre NPWT y grupo control en variables demográficas, comorbilidades, abordaje quirúrgico, indicación urgente o programada, preparación colónica o procedimiento quirúrgico. Se objetivó SSI con el empleo de NPWT en 3 (8%) pacientes (IC del 95%, 0-17,5). SSI en 10 (25%) pacientes (IC del 95%, 12,5-37,5) (p = 0,034); OR 0,7 (IC del 95% 0,006-0,964). La estancia hospitalaria en el grupo NPWT fue de 8 días vs. 12 días en el grupo control (0 p= 0,22). En el análisis multivariante se encontró como único factor relacionado con SSI la preparación colónica (p = 0,047; OR: 0,8, IC 0,45-0,93). Conclusiones: El uso de dispositivos NPWT para la cobertura de incisiones cerradas tras cirugía colorrectal puede disminuir la incidencia de SSI

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most frequent complications in colorectal surgery. It is diagnosed in 10 - 20% of colorectal procedures. Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) has shown efficacy in the treatment of chronic and traumatic wounds, wound dehiscence, flaps and grafts. The main objective of this study is to assess NPWT in the prevention of SSI in colorectal surgery. Hospital stay reduction and SSI risk factors are secondary objectives. Methods: We present a prospective case-control study including 80 patients after a colorectal diagnosis and surgical procedure (elective and non-elective) in 2017. Forty patients were treated with prevention NPWT for one week. Forty patients were treated according to the standard postoperative surgical wound care protocol. Results: No significant differences were found in demographic variables, comorbidities, surgical approach, elective or non-elective surgery, mechanical bowel preparation and surgical procedure. Three patients has SSI in the NPWT group (8%) (95%CI 0 - 17.5). Ten patients presented SSI in the control group (25%) (95%CI 12.5 - 37.5) (p = 0.034); OR 0.7 (95%CI 0.006-0.964). Hospital stay in the NPWT group was 8 days versus 12 days in the non-NPWT group (p = 0.22). In the multivariate analysis, mechanical bowel preparation was found to be the only risk factor for SSI (p = 0.047; OR: 0.8, CI 0.45-0.93). Conclusions: NPWT is a useful SSI prevention treatment in colorectal surgery

Role of negative pressure wound therapy in the prevention of surgical site infection in colorectal surgery. / Papel de la terapia presión negativa en la prevención de infección del sitio quirúrgico en cirugía colorrectal.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most frequent complications in colorectal surgery. It is diagnosed in 10 - 20% of colorectal procedures. Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) has shown efficacy in the treatment of chronic and traumatic wounds, wound dehiscence, flaps and grafts. The main objective of this study is to assess NPWT in the prevention of SSI in colorectal surgery. Hospital stay reduction and SSI risk factors are secondary objectives. METHODS: We present a prospective case-control study including 80 patients after a colorectal diagnosis and surgical procedure (elective and non-elective) in 2017. Forty patients were treated with prevention NPWT for one week. Forty patients were treated according to the standard postoperative surgical wound care protocol. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in demographic variables, comorbidities, surgical approach, elective or non-elective surgery, mechanical bowel preparation and surgical procedure. Three patients has SSI in the NPWT group (8%) (95%CI 0 - 17.5). Ten patients presented SSI in the control group (25%) (95%CI 12.5 - 37.5) (p=0.034); OR 0.7 (95%CI 0.006-0.964). Hospital stay in the NPWT group was 8 days versus 12 days in the non-NPWT group (p=0.22). In the multivariate analysis, mechanical bowel preparation was found to be the only risk factor for SSI (p=0.047; OR: 0.8, CI 0.45-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: NPWT is a useful SSI prevention treatment in colorectal surgery.

Computational assessment of stomach tumor volume from multi-slice computerized tomography images in presence of type 2 cancer.

Background: The multi-slice computerized tomography (MSCT) is a medical imaging modality that has been used to determine the size and location of the stomach cancer. Additionally, MSCT is considered the best modality for the staging of gastric cancer. One way to assess the type 2 cancer of stomach is by detecting the pathological structure with an image segmentation approach. The tumor segmentation of MSCT gastric cancer images enables the diagnosis of the disease condition, for a given patient, without using an invasive method as surgical intervention. Methods: This approach consists of three stages. The initial stage, an image enhancement, consists of a method for correcting non homogeneities present in the background of MSCT images. Then, a segmentation stage using a clustering method allows to obtain the adenocarcinoma morphology. In the third stage, the pathology region is reconstructed and then visualized with a three-dimensional (3-D) computer graphics procedure based on marching cubes algorithm. In order to validate the segmentations, the Dice score is used as a metric function useful for comparing the segmentations obtained using the proposed method with respect to ground truth volumes traced by a clinician. Results: A total of 8 datasets available for patients diagnosed, from the cancer data collection of the project, Cancer Genome Atlas Stomach Adenocarcinoma (TCGASTAD) is considered in this research. The volume of the type 2 stomach tumor is estimated from the 3-D shape computationally segmented from the each dataset. These 3-D shapes are computationally reconstructed and then used to assess the morphopathology macroscopic features of this cancer. Conclusions: The segmentations obtained are useful for assessing qualitatively and quantitatively the stomach type 2 cancer. In addition, this type of segmentation allows the development of computational models that allow the planning of virtual surgical processes related to type 2 cancer.

Insulin resistance indices and coronary risk in adults from Maracaibo city, Venezuela: A cross sectional study.

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is a metabolic disorder related to atherosclerosis. Its measurement is of great importance not only as a marker of diabetes but also for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this research study was to evaluate the relationship between various IR indices and coronary risk in an adult population from Maracaibo city, Venezuela. Methods: The Maracaibo City Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Study is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with random and multi-stage sampling. In this sub study, 1272 individuals of both genders were selected with the measurement of basal insulin and coronary risk according to the Framingham-Wilson formula calibrated for our population. The insulin resistance indices evaluated were HOMA2-IR, triglycerides and glucose index (TyG) and triglycerides/HDL ratio (TG/HDL). The predictive capacity and association between each index and the coronary risk event in 10 years were determined. Results: Of the evaluated population, 55.2% were female, 34.8% had a coronary risk ≥5% in 10 years, with the TG/HDL and TyG indices showing the highest AUC 0.712 (0.681-0.743) and 0.707 (0.675-0.739), respectively; compared to HOMA2-IR. Both were also the indices most associated with increased coronary risk, especially TG/HDL ≥3 with a higher association [OR = 2.83 (1.74-4.61); p<0.01] after multivariable adjustment. Conclusions: TyG (≥4.5) and TG/HDL (≥3) indices showed a great predictive capacity of higher coronary risk, with being TG/HDL more associated even after adjusting for abdominal obesity and hs-CRP. Therefore, these represent useful tools for determining IR.

Metabolic Syndrome and Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Type 2 Diabetes-Dependent Association.

INTRODUCTION: Subclinical hypothyroidism (ScH) is an endocrine alteration that is related to cardiovascular risk factors, including those categorized as components of the Metabolic Syndrome (MS). However, findings in prior reports regarding an association between these alterations are inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between both entities in adult subjects from Maracaibo City, Venezuela. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Maracaibo City Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Study is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with random and multistage sampling. In this substudy, 391 individuals of both genders were selected and TSH, free T3, and free T4 tests were performed as well as a complete lipid profile, fasting glycaemia, and insulin blood values. ScH was defined according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) criteria: high TSH (≥4.12mUI/L) and normal free T4 (0.9-1,9 ng/dL) in subjects without personal history of thyroid disease. MS components were defined according to IDF/AHA/NHLBI/WHF/IAS/IASO-2009 criteria. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between MS components and ScH diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the evaluated population, 10.5% (n=41) was diagnosed with ScH, with a higher prevalence in women (female: 13.6% versus male: 7.7%; χ2=3.56, p=0.05). Likewise, 56.1% (n=23) of the subjects with ScH were diagnosed with MS (χ2=4.85; p=0.03), being hyperglycemia the main associated criterion (χ2=11.7; p=0.001). In multivariable analysis, it was observed that the relationship was exclusive with the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) OR: 3.22 (1.14-9.14); p=0.03. CONCLUSION: The relationship between ScH and MS in our population is dependent on the presence of hyperglycemia, specifically T2DM diagnosis, findings that vary from those previously reported in Latin American subjects.

Environmental and spatial correlates of hydrologic alteration in a large Mediterranean river catchment.

The natural flow regime is of central importance to the ecological integrity of rivers. Many rivers are heavily regulated and their flow regime has been severely affected by weirs and dams. However, information on hydrologic alteration is often not readily available or is only available for specific locations that may not coincide spatially with biological sampling sites, which restricts the analysis of the relationship between species and their riverine environment on large spatial scales. In this study on the Ebro River catchment, we applied boosted regression tree analyses to reveal significant environmental and spatial correlates of hydrologic alteration (i.e., differences between observed altered flow and modelled natural flow). Specifically, we used 37 variables related to climate, land use, topology and dams that can be easily derived in GIS systems to assess their association with three indices of hydrologic alteration describing changes in: (i) annual discharge, (ii) summer flow, and (iii) flow seasonality at 220 sites. Our results revealed highly variable spatial patterns of flow alteration in the Mediterranean catchment, which were mainly related to climate (dryness and seasonality), land use patterns, and upstream catchment size. The distance to the next upstream dam and reservoir surface area were the most relevant dam-related predictors of the investigated indices of hydrologic alteration, with the strongest effects of the distance to the next dam being on summer flows. The study also found potential limitations of using simulated, natural flow data from hydrologic models, which might be prone to uncertainties, to assess hydrologic alterations. We therefore (i) suggest that methods need to be improved to appropriately model natural flow regimes and quantify flow alteration, especially for data-limited and ungauged water bodies; and (ii) encourage future research on how global change interacts with river regulation, jointly affecting flow alteration.

Biochemical and clinical characterization of metabolic phenotypes: a cross-sectional study from Maracaibo city, Venezuela.

Background: In 1980, Reuben Andresen observed that in certain individuals, obesity did not increase mortality, introducing an atypical phenotype called "healthy obese". Other studies reported that 10-15 % of lean individuals presented insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. The objective of this study was to evaluate biochemical and clinical characteristics of metabolic phenotypes in Maracaibo city. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study with a randomized multistage sampling was performed including 1226 non diabetic individuals from both sexes. For phenotype definition, the subjects were first classified according to their BMI into Normal-Weight, Overweight and Obese; then divided in metabolically healthy and unhealthy using a two-step analysis cluster. To evaluate the relationship with coronary risk, a multiple logistic regression model was performed. Results: In the studied population, 5.2% (n=64) corresponded to unhealthy lean subjects, and 17.4% (n=217) to healthy obese subjects. Metabolically unhealthy normal-weight (MUNW) phenotype was found in males in 53.3% in contrast to 51.3% of metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) phenotype found in females. An association between metabolically unhealthy phenotypes and a higher risk of a coronary event was found, especially for obese individuals (MHO: OR=1.85 CI95%: 1.11-3.09; p=0.02 and MUO: OR=2.09 CI95%: 1.34-3.28; p<0.01). Conclusion: Individuals with atypical metabolic phenotypes exist in Maracaibo city. Related factors may include insulin resistance, basal glucose levels, and triglycerides levels. Lastly, cardiovascular risk exhibited by healthy obese individuals should be classified in categories of major coronary risk related to lean subjects.

Relationship of fish indices with sampling effort and land use change in a large Mediterranean river.

Fish are invaluable ecological indicators in freshwater ecosystems but have been less used for ecological assessments in large Mediterranean rivers. We evaluated the effects of sampling effort (transect length) on fish metrics, such as species richness and two fish indices (the new European Fish Index EFI+ and a regional index, IBICAT2b), in the mainstem of a large Mediterranean river. For this purpose, we sampled by boat electrofishing five sites each with 10 consecutive transects corresponding to a total length of 20 times the river width (European standard required by the Water Framework Directive) and we also analysed the effect of sampling area on previous surveys. Species accumulation curves and richness extrapolation estimates in general suggested that species richness was reasonably estimated with transect lengths of 10 times the river width or less. The EFI+ index was significantly affected by sampling area, both for our samplings and previous data. Surprisingly, EFI+ values in general decreased with increasing sampling area, despite the higher observed richness, likely because the expected values of metrics were higher. By contrast, the regional fish index was not dependent on sampling area, likely because it does not use a predictive model. Both fish indices, but particularly the EFI+, decreased with less forest cover percentage, even within the smaller disturbance gradient in the river type studied (mainstem of a large Mediterranean river, where environmental pressures are more general). Although the two fish-based indices are very different in terms of their development, methodology, and metrics used, they were significantly correlated and provided a similar assessment of ecological status. Our results reinforce the importance of standardization of sampling methods for bioassessment and suggest that predictive models that use sampling area as a predictor might be more affected by differences in sampling effort than simpler biotic indices.

Embolização de artérias renais para o tratamento da hipertensão arterial não controlada / Embolización de arterias renales para hipertensión arterial no controlada

Resumo A causa mais comum e muitas vezes ignorado de hipertensão secundária e resistente é a doença renal parenquimatosa, cuja prevalência está crescendo. Quando se tenha esgotado a terapia anti-hipertensiva oral, podem ser usadas outras medidas não farmacológicas como a embolização de artérias renais, que visa diminuir o estímulo simpático, o estado hiperreninêmico e ativação do sistema renina angiotensina aldosterona que estão aumentados na doença renal crônica. Reportamos o caso de uma mulher com doença renal crônica e em terapia de substituição renal, com mínimo de diurese residual e hipertensão arterial resistente, submetida à embolização de artérias renais com a finalidade de conseguir um melhor controle dos valores da pressão arterial e diminuir o nómero de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos. Com este procedimento, consegue-se os objetivos propostos, além de uma melhor adesão ao manejo médico e menor probabilidade de internações hospitalares por crise hipertensiva.Pouco existe na literatura sobre a embolização de artérias renais em pacientes em terapia dialítica; no entanto, é possível que uma função renal residual mínima possa levar a estados de hiperatividade simpática e altos níveis de renina circulantes, que pode gerar hipertensão arterial resistente; é aqui onde a embolização de artérias renais teria sua maior utilidade.

Resumen La causa médica más común y con frecuencia ignorada de hipertensión arterial secundaria y resistente es la enfermedad renal parenquimatosa, cuya prevalencia viene en aumento. Cuando se ha agotado la terapia antihipertensiva oral se pueden utilizar otras medidas no farmacológicas que buscan frenar la contribución del riñón a la hipertensión, esto es mediante la disminución del estímulo simpático, el estado hiperreninémico y la activación del eje renina angiotensina aldosterona que se encuentran aumentados en la enfermedad renal crónica, mediante herramientas poco usadas pero útiles para este fin como lo es la embolización de las arterias renales. Realizamos el reporte de un caso de embolización de arterias renales en una mujer con enfermedad renal crónica y en terapia de reemplazo renal, con mínima diuresis residual e hipertensión arterial resistente, en quien se buscaba como objetivo primario un mejor control en las cifras de presión arterial y como objetivo secundario la disminución del número de medicamentos antihipertensivos a utilizar. Se logró no solo la mejoría en las cifras tensionales y la disminución de los medicamentos antihipertensivos, sino también una mejor posibilidad de adherencia al manejo médico a futuro, con menor nómero de recaídas por crisis hipertensiva. Poco existe en la literatura actual acerca de la embolización de arterias renales en pacientes en terapia dialítica; sin embargo, es factible que una mínima función renal residual pueda llevar a estados de hiperactividad simpática y altos niveles de renina circulante, que puedan generar escenarios de hipertensión arterial resistente; es aquí en donde la embolización de arterias renales tendría su mayor utilidad.

Modelling native fish richness to evaluate the effects of hydromorphological changes and river restoration (Júcar River Basin, Spain).

The richness of native fish is considered to be an indicator of aquatic ecosystem health, and improving richness is a key goal in the management of river ecosystems. An artificial neural network (ANN) model based on field data from 90 sample sites distributed throughout the Júcar River Basin District was developed to predict the native fish species richness (NFSR). The Levenberg-Marquardt learning algorithm was used for model training. When constructing the model, we tried different numbers of neurons (hidden layers), compared different transfer functions, and tried different k values (from 3 to 10) in the k-fold cross-validation method. This process and the final selection of key variables with relevant ecological meaning support the reliability and robustness of the final ANN model. The partial derivatives method was applied to determine the relative importance of input environmental variables. The final ANN model combined variables describing riparian quality, water quality, and physical habitat and helped identify the primary drivers of the NFSR patterns in Mediterranean rivers. In the second part of the study, the model was used to evaluate the effectiveness of two restoration actions in the Júcar River: the removal of two abandoned weirs and the progressive increase in the proportion of riffles. The model indicated that the combination of these actions produced a rise in NFSR, which ultimately reached the maximum values observed in the reference site of that river ecotype (sensu the European Water Framework Directive). The results demonstrate the importance of longitudinal connectivity and riffle proportion for improving NFSR and the power of ANNs to help decisions in the management and ecological restoration of Mediterranean rivers. Furthermore, this model at the basin scale is the first step for further research on the effects of water scarcity and global change on Mediterranean fish communities.

Renal injury study in critical ill patients in accordance with the new definition given by the Acute Kidney Injury Network.

OBJECTIVE: This research aims to apply the definition proposed by the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) research group to assess the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients admitted at the intensive care unit (ICU). DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients who were admitted to the ICU from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2004 were studied. INTERVENTIONS: Medical records of all patients were reviewed. Demographic information, diagnoses, risk factors for AKI, laboratory data, urinary output, frequency and days of exposure to mechanical ventilation, ICU and hospital stay, and outcomes were recorded. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 794 patients were studied. There were 39.8% of patients who presented AKI (stage 1: 13.9%, stage 2: 12%, stage 3: 13.9%). The variables that were associated with the presence of AKI in the multivariable analysis were as follows: sepsis (odds ratio [OR], 5.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.36-8.33), heart failure (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.59-5.67), vasopressor use (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.26-2.83), and age (ß = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03). The mean hospital stay increased with renal commitment: patients without AKI, 10.9 days; AKIN stage 1, 17.8; AKIN stage 2, 21.1; and AKIN stage 3, 22.1 days (P < .0001). Mortality rate increased as more advanced the AKI stage was (no AKI, 7.3%; AKI 1, 16.4%; AKI 2, 34.7%; and AKIN 3, 45.5%; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: All of the result indicators--stay days in ICU, hospital stay days, frequency and days of mechanical ventilation, and mortality--considerably increased with more acute AKI stage. The most important risk factor of AKI was the sepsis.

Enfermedad e insuficiencia renal cronica: segunda parte / Disease and chronic renal failure: part two

La enfermedad renal cronica (ERC), se define como un proceso fisiopatológico de etiología múltiple, que produce pérdida progresiva e inexorable del numero funcional de nefronas, con la posibilidad de dar lugar a una condición denominada Insuficiencia Renal Cronica (IRC), la cual, a su vez, conduce al paciente a depender permanentemente de una terapia de reemplazo renal...

Chronic Kidney Disease, is defined as a pathophysiologic process with multiple etiologies, that produces a progressive and ineludible lost ofthe number of functional nephrones, with the possibility ofgiving place to a condition called Chronic Renal Failure, which itself drives the patient to permanent1y depend on Renal Replacement Therapy...

Enfermedad e insuficiencia renal cronicas: primera parte / Disease and chronic renal failure: part I

La Enfermedad Renal Crónica (ERC) se define como un proceso fisiopatológico de etiología múltiple que produce pérdida progresiva e inexorable del número funcional de nefronas, con la posibilidad de dar lugar a una condición denominada Insuficiencia Renal Crónica (IRC), la cual a su vez, conduce al paciente a depender permanentemente de una terapia de reemplazo renal. La ERC se define como: daño renal por ≥ 3 meses, definida por daño estructural o funcional con o sin disminución de la Rata de Filtración Glomerular (RFG), manifestada por anormalidades patológicas o marcadores de daño renal y por RFG < 60 m.l/min/1.73m2 por ≥ 3 meses, con o sin marcadores de daño renal; este es el parámetro que determina el estadío de la enfermedad renal (estadío 1- 5). Para el 2002 y basados en las estimaciones realizadas en la población norteamericana, aproximadamente ocho millones de personas presentaban una RFG menor a 60rnl/min/1.73m2 , lo cual corresponde a una enfermedad renal en estadío 3 o mayor. En números absolutos, la población con IRC en edades comprendidas entre los 45 y 64 años continúa creciendo y la incidencia total desde 1981 se ha cuadruplicado (de 82 a 334 por millón de habitantes). Sin importar la enfermedad renal subyacente (enfermedad primaria o secundaria), la progresión de la ERC deriva en un punto común, caracterizado por glomérulos escleróticos no funcionales, atrofia tubular y fibrosis intersticial, con la acumulación de "toxinas urémicas". Sin embargo, después de 150 años de ser descritas por vez primera, continúa siendo elusiva su adecuada caracterización. La ERC se acompaña de condiciones comórbidas como síndrome anémico, síndrome malnutrición-inflamación, acidemia/acidosis metabólica, dislipidemia, y enfermedad ósea que incrementan la morbi-mortalidad fundamentalmente de origen cardiovascular en este grupo de pacientes...

Chronic Kidney Disease is defined as a pathophysiologic process with multiple etiologies that produces a progressive and ineludible lost of the number of functional nephrones, with the possibility of giving place to a condition called Chronic Renal Failure, which itself drives the patient ro permanently depend on Renal Replacement Therapy. Chronic Renal disease is defined as: renal damage lasting 3 or more months, defined as structural or functional damage with or without decline in Glomerular filtration Rate (GFR), evidenced by pathological abnormalities or renal damage markers or GFR < 60ml/min/1.73 73m2 lasting 3 or more months, with or without renal damage markers. This is the parameter that establishes the stage of renal disease.In 2002 based on the estimates carried out in the North American population, approximately eight million people had a GFR < 60ml/min/1.73 111 2, which corresponds to a Renal Disease at least in Stage 3. In absolute numbers, the population with CRF between ages of 45 and 64 keeps growing and the total incidence since 1981 is four times bigger (82 to 334 per million habitants). Regardless of the underlying renal disease (primary or secondary), the progression of Chronic RenalDisease ends in a common point, characterized by sclerotic and non-functioning glomeruli, tubular atrophyand interstitial fibrosis, with the accumulation of «uremic toxins¼. Even though, after 150 years of being described for the first time, its adequate characterization is still elusive. Chronic Renal Disease has some associated conditions like anemic syndrome, malnutrition-inflammation syndrome, metabolic acidosis, dyslipidemia and bone disease that increases the morbimonality mainly cardiovascular morbilmortality, in this group of patients...