Identification of potential invasive alien species in Spain through horizon scanning.

Invasive alien species have widespread impacts on native biodiversity and ecosystem services. Since the number of introductions worldwide is continuously rising, it is essential to prevent the entry, establishment and spread of new alien species through a systematic examination of future potential threats. Applying a three-step horizon scanning consensus method, we evaluated non-established alien species that could potentially arrive, establish and cause major ecological impact in Spain within the next 10 years. Overall, we identified 47 species with a very high risk (e.g. Oreochromis niloticus, Popillia japonica, Hemidactylus frenatus, Crassula helmsii or Halophila stipulacea), 61 with high risk, 93 with moderate risk, and 732 species with low risk. Many of the species categorized as very high or high risk to Spanish biodiversity are either already present in Europe and neighbouring countries or have a long invasive history elsewhere. This study provides an updated list of potential invasive alien species useful for prioritizing efforts and resources against their introduction. Compared to previous horizon scanning exercises in Spain, the current study screens potential invaders from a wider range of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine organisms, and can serve as a basis for more comprehensive risk analyses to improve management and increase the efficiency of the early warning and rapid response framework for invasive alien species. We also stress the usefulness of measuring agreement and consistency as two different properties of the reliability of expert scores, in order to more easily elaborate consensus ranked lists of potential invasive alien species.

Analysis of the Physiological Response and Reactive Oxygen Species in Castor Oil Plant (Ricinus Communis) in the Phytoremediation Processes with Plant Growth Promoter Bacteria (PGPB).

In the phytoremediation processes of mine tailings with Ricinus communis inoculated with PGPB, it was found that the Serratia K120 bacterium favors the translocation of Al, As, Cu, Pb, Cr, Cd, and Mn to the aerial part of the plant, with a significant difference (p < 0.05) concerning for the control. The bioaccumulation factor (BF) was > 1 in Al with all the bacteria, Pb, Serratia K120, Fe, Pantoea 113, Cu, Pb, Cd, Mn in Serratia MC119 and Serratia K120, Fe and As in Serratia K120 and Pantoea 134, indicating that Ricinus communis inoculated with PGPB functions as a hyper accumulating plant. The PGPB help to reduce the stress in the plants generated by the heavy metals, decreasing the H2O2, and increasing the activity of the enzymes SOD, CAT, APX, POX, and GR, for which the bacteria Serratia K120 and Pantoea 113 can be used as bioinoculants to favor phytoremediation processes.

Structuring algae as buffers for heavy metals and trace elements in the Canary Islands intertidal habitat.

Coastal marine pollution from sewage pipes, waste discharges, can seriously affect intertidal organisms. Therefore, the aim of this study is to know if the structuring algae in the Canary intertidal can act as buffers against pollution. Samples were taken in the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) from the intertidal water of Anemonia sulcata (anemone), Palaemon elegans (shrimp), Gongolaria abies-marina and Jania virgata (both structuring algae). Each sample was analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) obtaining values for metals and trace elements (Al, Cd, Pb, Ca, K, Mg, Na, B, Ba, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sr, V and Zn). Higher concentrations were obtained in the two structuring algal species, with J. vigata having higher concentrations than G. abies-marina. Specimens of A. sulcata showed higher concentrations of trace elements and heavy metals than P. elegans. P. elegans y A. sulcata showed higher heavy metal concentrations and trace elements when algae were not present in the pool. Algae have a great buffering role in the intertidal of the Canary Islands.

High taxonomic diversity and miniaturization in benthic communities under persistent natural CO2 disturbances.

Metabarcoding techniques have revolutionized ecological research in recent years, facilitating the differentiation of cryptic species and revealing previously hidden diversity. In the current scenario of climate change and ocean acidification, biodiversity loss is one of the main threats to marine ecosystems. Here, we explored the effects of ocean acidification on marine benthic communities using DNA metabarcoding to assess the diversity of algae and metazoans. Specifically, we examined the natural pH gradient generated by the Fuencaliente CO2 vent system, located near La Palma Island (Canary Islands). High-resolution COI metabarcoding analyses revealed high levels of taxonomic diversity in an acidified natural area for the first time. This high number of species arises from the detection of small and cryptic species that were previously undetectable by other techniques. Such species are apparently tolerant to the acidification levels expected in future oceans. Hence and following our results, future subtropical communities are expected to keep high biodiversity values under an acidification scenario, although they will tend toward overall miniaturization due to the dominance of small algal and invertebrate species, leading to changes in ecosystem functions.

Durable complete remission with local therapies after neoadjuvant and adjuvant nivolumab in recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer.

Up to 10-15% of patients with first-line recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) present with platinum-refractory disease. The anti-PD1 nivolumab is the first therapeutic option in this setting achieving a 19.2% objective response rate and a 7.7-month median overall survival (OS). Given the poor prognosis of platinum-refractory patients, those showing slow progressive disease with no functional status deterioration should maintain nivolumab beyond progression in the absence of severe or unmanageable toxicities. Another strategy is to use local therapies such as radiotherapy and surgical tumor resection in cases of oligometastatic or oligoprogressive disease. Both strategies may significantly improve disease control and OS in these populations. We present the case of a patient with platinum-refractory disease treated with first-line nivolumab beyond progression who achieved a durable complete response after palliative radiation and surgical resection of five tumor lesions. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an R/M HNSCC treated with such a strategy outside a clinical trial and contributes to the evidence for combining anti-PD1 agents and local therapies in selected patients with R/M HNSCC.

Safety and preliminary activity of pembrolizumab-carboplatin-paclitaxel in heavily pretreated and/or fragile patients with PDL1-positive recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer.

Novel chemo-immunotherapy (chemo-IO) combinations should be evaluated, which may be suitable for cisplatin-unfit or fluoropyrimide-ineligible patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (R/M SCCHN) to guarantee higher and deeper responses than IO alone. The aim of the present study was to review our experience using pembrolizumab-carboplatin-paclitaxel (pembro + CP) in patients with R/M SCCHN. This was a retrospective study of patients with R/M SCCHN who received pembro + CP in any-line via a compassionate-use program. The present study evaluated safety using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0, compliance, overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1, duration of treatment, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Between March 2020 and August 2021, 10 patients were identified (median age, 64 years; female, 60%; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 2, 80%). A total of 8 patients received pembro + 3-weekly carboplatin-paclitaxel (3wkCP). A total of 2 patients received pembro + weekly carboplatin-paclitaxel (wkCP). Patients received a median of 3 lines (range, 0-6) of systemic therapy prior to pembro + CP and 80% received IO in previous lines. Grade 1-2 adverse events (AEs) occurred in 100% of patients. Grade 3-5 AEs occurred in 30% of patients [all grade 3 (anemia, neutropenia, thrombopenia, hypertension)]. The mean numbers of pembro + wkCP and pembro + 3wkCP cycles were 2.5 and 6. The ORR (n=7) was 14% (1/7) with one complete response. The DCR was 43% (3/7). The median PFS (n=7) and OS (n=10) times since pembro + CP were 5 months (95% CI, 1-9) and 6 months (95% CI, 0.5-14), respectively. In this small retrospective series of heavily pretreated patients, pembro + CP was well tolerated, and compliance was high. Studies should be conducted to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of this combination in patients with R/M SCCHN.

Factores psicológicos relacionados al aislamiento social en estudiantes universitarios

Introducción: durante la pandemia de COVID-19, se han implementado medidas de distanciamiento social en muchos países para interrumpir la transmisión viral y retrasar la propagación de la infección. Las personas que están en aislamiento social, con movilidad restringida y pobre contacto con los demás son vulnerables a presentar complicaciones psiquiátricas que van desde síntomas aislados hasta el desarrollo de un trastorno mental. Objetivo: fundamentar la influencia de los factores psicológicos relacionados al aislamiento social en estudiantes universitarios. Método: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en las bases de datos Scopus, BASE, Clinical-Key, SciELO y LILACS. De los 46 artículos recuperados se seleccionaron 23 para el desarrollo de la investigación. Desarrollo: en los seres humanos la respuesta fisiológica al estrés está modulada por el nivel psicológico, al estar inmersos en una sociedad cambiante desde lo económico y hasta lo familiar, se es vulnerable a padecerlo, la importancia es la frecuencia con la que se experimenta y el daño que ello va ocasionando al propio organismo. Conclusiones: los estudiantes universitarios se ven expuestos a la influencia de factores psicológicos que van desde síntomas aislados hasta el desarrollo de afectaciones mentales como insomnio, ansiedad, depresión y trastorno por estrés postraumático, los cuales actúan de forma directa e indirecta en el proceso salud-enfermedad. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing measures have been implemented in many countries to interrupt viral transmission and delay the spread of infection. People in social isolation, with restricted mobility and poor contact with others are vulnerable to psychiatric complications ranging from isolated symptoms to the development of a mental disorder. Objective: to substantiate the influence of psychological factors related to social isolation in university students. Method: a bibliographic review was carried out in the Scopus, BASE, Clinical-Key, SciELO and LILACS databases. Of the 46 articles retrieved, 23 were selected for the development of the research. Development: in human beings the physiological response to stress is modulated by the psychological level, being immersed in a changing society from the economic and family level, one is vulnerable to suffer it, the importance is the frequency with which it is experienced and the damage it causes to the organism itself. Conclusions: university students are exposed to the influence of psychological factors ranging from isolated symptoms to the development of mental disorders such as insomnia, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, which act directly and indirectly in the health-disease process. (provided by Infomedic International)

Manifestaciones bucales en pacientes con medicación antihipertensiva / Oral manifestations in patients with antihypertensive medication

Objetivo: caracterizar las manifestaciones bucales en pacientes con medicación anti- hipertensiva que acuden al servicio estomatológico sur del municipio Morón, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, en el período enero 2019 a enero 2020. Se trabajó con la totalidad del universo, constituido por 162 pacientes. La información se recopiló de las historias clínicas estomatológicas individuales y de una ficha de recolección de datos creada por los autores de la investigación. Se estudiaron las variables grupo de edad, sexo, grupo de medicamentos antihipertensivos, dosis del medicamento, signos y síntomas clínicos, así como enfermedades bucales. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva (frecuencias absolutas y relativas porcentuales). Resultados: el 42,6 % representó el grupo de edad 35 a 59 años y el 53,7% al sexo femenino. Se observó que 88 pacientes (54,3 %) se encontraban medicados con inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina; de ellos, 38 en su dosis mínima. La xerostomía estuvo presente en el 59,9 % de los casos. El 63,6 % presentó caries dental como enfermedad estomatológica. Conclusiones: existió predominio de la xerostomía y la caries dental en la mayoría de los pacientes.

Objective: To characterize the oral manifestations in patients with antihypertensive medication who attend the southern dental service of the Moron municipality, Ciego de Avila, Cuba. Method: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in the period from January 2019 to January 2020. We worked with the entire universe which was made up of 162 patients. The information was collected from individual dental medical records and from a data collection form created by the authors of the research. The variables age group, sex, antihypertensive drug group, dose of antihypertensive drug, clinical signs and symptoms, and oral diseases were studied. Descriptive statistics were used (absolute and relative percentage frequencies). Results: 42,6 % represented the age group 35 to 59 years and 53,7 % the female sex. It was observed that 88 (54,3 %) patients were medicated with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, 38 of them at their minimum dose. Xerostomia was present in 59,9% of the cases. 63,6 % presented dental caries as a dental disease. Conclusions: There was a predominance of xerostomia and dental caries in most of the patients.

Síndrome de hiperémesis por cannabis: incidencia y tratamiento con capsaicina tópica / Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome: Incidence and treatment with topical capsaicin

Introducción: Existen pocos estudios en España acerca del síndrome de hiperémesis cannabinoide (SHC), así como sobre el uso de capsaicina tópica para su tratamiento.Métodos:Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes mayores de 14 años atendidos en un servicio de urgencias hospitalario durante 2018 y 2019 con diagnóstico de SHC con base en los siguientes criterios: cuadro clínico compatible, consumo de cannabis menor de 48h y test de cannabis en orina positivo. Se recogieron variables epidemiológicas, clínicas, tiempos asistenciales y tratamiento (incluyendo el uso de capsaicina tópica al 0,075%).Resultados:Se estudiaron 59 asistencias de 29 pacientes (4,4 casos/10.000 visitas, IC 95% 2,8-4,7). Un 50% volvieron a urgencias por SHC, diferenciándose estos solo en más consumo de tabaco (p=0,01) y cocaína (p=0,031). En un 74,6% de las visitas se utilizó capsaicina. El tiempo medio de resolución de los vómitos tras su aplicación fue de 17,87min.Conclusiones:Aunque probablemente esté infradiagnosticado, el SHC presenta una incidencia baja en las urgencias en España, y con alta reincidencia de los pacientes. El uso de pomada de capsaicina es eficiente y seguro. (AU)

There are few studies in Spain on cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), as well as on the use of topical capsaicin as a treatment.Methods:Retrospective study of patients over 14 years of age seen in a hospital emergency department during 2018 and 2019 with a diagnosis of CHS based on the following criteria: compatible clinical picture, cannabis use less than 48h and positive urine cannabis test. Epidemiological and clinical variables, attendance times and treatment (including use of topical capsaicin 0.075%) were collected.Results:Fifty-nine attendances were studied, from 29 patients (4.4 cases/10,000 visits, 95% CI 2.8-4.7). Fifty per cent returned for CHS, differing only in more tobacco (P=.01) and cocaine (P=.031) use. Capsaicin was used in 74.6% of visits. The mean time to resolution of vomiting after application was 17.87min.Conclusions:Although probably underdiagnosed, CHS has a low incidence in the emergency department in Spain, with high patient recurrence. The use of capsaicin ointment is efficient and safe. (AU)

Durable benefit and change in TCR clonality with nivolumab in a Lynch syndrome-associated glioma.

Germline replication-repair deficient (gRRD) gliomas are exceptional events, and only a few of them have been treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Contrary to sporadic gliomas, where ICIs have failed to show any objective benefit, the very few patients with gRRD gliomas treated with ICIs to date seem to benefit from programmed-death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors, such as nivolumab or pembrolizumab, either in terms of durable responses or in terms of survival. T-cell immunohistochemistry (IHC) and T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire using high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) with the Oncomine TCR-Beta-SR assay (Thermo Fisher Scientific) were analyzed in pre- and post-nivolumab tumor biopsies obtained from a patient with a Lynch syndrome-associated glioma due to a germline pathogenic hMLH1 mutation. The aim was to describe changes in the T-cell quantity and clonality after treatment with nivolumab to better understand the role of acquired immunity in gRRD gliomas. The patient showed a slow disease progression and overall survival of 10 months since the start of anti-PD-1 therapy with excellent tolerance. A very scant T-cell infiltrate was observed both at initial diagnosis and after four cycles of nivolumab. The drastic change observed in TCR clonality in the post-nivolumab biopsy may be explained by the highly spatial and temporal heterogeneity of glioblastomas. Despite the durable benefit from nivolumab, the scant T-cell infiltrate possibly explains the lack of objective response to anti-PD-1 therapy. The major change in TCR clonality observed after nivolumab possibly reflects the evolving molecular heterogeneity in a highly pre-treated disease. An in-deep review of the available literature regarding the role of ICIs in both sporadic and gRRD gliomas was conducted.

Programa de curso optativo sobre atención estomatológica integral en pacientes con trastornos de la coagulación / Elective course program on comprehensive dental care in patients with bleeding disorders

RESUMEN Introducción : Los trastornos de la coagulación surgen como consecuencia de un grupo de alteraciones que se desencadenan durante el proceso de coagulación, de ahí la necesidad que se impone en la capacitación profesional del estomatólogo para establecer una adecuada atención a los pacientes que comprenden este grupo poblacional. Objetivo : Elaborar un programa de curso optativo sobre atención estomatológica integral en pacientes con trastornos de la coagulación. Material y Métodos : Se realizó un estudio cualitativo y descriptivo, en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Morón, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, durante los meses de marzo a abril del 2021. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos y empíricos, efectuándose un análisis de los documentos de los planes de estudio de la especialidad de Estomatología para la elaboración del programa. Resultados : El curso propuesto quedó estructurado en 60 horas, durante siete semanas, presencial y distribuido en cinco temas, posibilitando la formación general de los alumnos del pregrado de Estomatología, mediante el desarrollo de habilidades teóricas y asistenciales. Conclusiones : se elaboró un programa de curso optativo que favorece al potenciamiento de las acciones curriculares, contribuyendo al desarrollo docente-asistencial en los estudiantes del pregrado de Estomatología.

ABSTRACT Introduction : Coagulation disorders arise as a consequence of a group of alterations that are triggered during the coagulation process, hence the need imposed on the professional training of the dentist to establish adequate care for patients who comprise this population group. Objective : to develop an elective course program on comprehensive dental care in patients with coagulation disorders. Material and Methods : A qualitative and descriptive study was carried out at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Moron, Ciego de Avila, Cuba, during the months of March to April 2021. Theoretical and empirical methods were used, carrying out an analysis of the documents of the study plans of the Stomatology specialty for the elaboration of the program. Results : the proposed course was structured in 60 hours, for seven weeks, face-to-face and divided into five topics, enabling the general training of Stomatology undergraduate students, through the development of theoretical and care skills. Conclusions : an elective course program was developed that favors the enhancement of curricular actions, contributing to the teaching-care development of Stomatology undergraduate students.

Características clínico epidemiológicas y salud bucal en pacientes pediátricos portadores del Síndrome de Down / Clinical epidemiological characteristics and oral health in pediatric patients with Down syndrome

Introducción: las personas con Síndrome de Down requieren de cuidados especiales para realizar su higiene bucal, por lo que reviste vital importancia el conocimiento de cada una de las particularidades en este tipo de pacientes para poder desarrollar una correcta atención estomatológica. Objetivo: caracterizar las variables clínico-epidemiológicas y la salud bucal en pacientes pediátricos portadores del síndrome de Down atendidos en consultas de Estomatología pertenecientes al municipio Morón, Ciego de Ávila. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, en el período comprendido de enero a noviembre del año 2019. Se trabajó con la totalidad del universo, constituido por 31 pacientes, seleccionado mediante muestreo no probabilístico intencional. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y como medida de resumen de la información las frecuencias absolutas y relativas porcentuales. Resultados: el 64,5 % perteneció al sexo masculino y el 48,4 % representó al grupo de edad 12-14 años. El 100 % de la población presentó enfermedades estomatológicas y el 54,8 % padeció de cardiopatía congénita. La higiene bucal deficiente estuvo presente en el 67,7 % de los casos. Las enfermedades bucales predominantes fueron la caries dental con el 77,4 % y la enfermedad periodontal con 67,7 %. Conclusiones: existió predominio del grupo de edad 12-14 años, el sexo masculino y las enfermedades estomatológicas. La higiene bucal deficiente y la caries dental estuvieron presentes en la mayoría de los pacientes.

Introduction: people with Down syndrome require special care to perform their oral hygiene, so it is vitally important to know each of the particularities in this type of patient in order to develop correct dental care. Objective: to characterize the clinical-epidemiological variables and oral health in pediatric patients with Down Syndrome treated in stomatology clinics belonging to the Moron municipality, Ciego de Avila. Methods: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in the period from January to November 2019. We worked with the entire universe, consisting of 31 patients, selected by intentional non-probabilistic sampling. Descriptive statistics were used and absolute and relative percentage frequencies were used as a summary measure of the information. Results: 64,5 % belonged to the male sex and 48,4 % represented the age group 12-14 years. 100 % of the population had dental diseases and 54,8 % suffered from some cardiovascular disease. Poor oral hygiene was present in 67,7 % of the cases. The predominant oral diseases were dental caries with 77,4 % and periodontal disease with 67,7 %. Conclusions: there was a predominance of the age group 12-14 years, the male sex and dental diseases. Poor oral hygiene and dental caries were present in most of the patients.

Degradation of dye containing in textile wastewater by sequential process: photocatalytic and biological treatment.

In this research, a combined photocatalytic and biological treatment is proposed for the elimination of pollutants present in textile wastewater using a natural erionite zeolite (PE) and aluminum oxide (PA) synthesized by the sol-gel method as photocatalysts, and solar radiation. Both catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, and EDS. For biological treatment two bacterial consortium were used: BC1 (Escherichia coli N16, Serratia k120, Pseudomonas putida B03 and Enterobacter hormaechei), and consortium BC2 (Escherichia coli N16, Serratia Mc107, Enterobacter N9, Enterobacter hormaechei Mc9). The photocatalytic and microbiological treatments were carried out initially separately and subsequently in a sequential manner, first the photocatalytic followed by the microbiological to determine if a synergistic effect was achieved. Comparing the photocatalytic performance, erionite showed higher performance of dyes degradation (54.75%) than alumina (28.62%). While in the biological process, BC1 decreased the dye concentration to 56.93% and BC2 to 53.56%. Finally, the best combined process was PA+BC1 reaching pollutants degradation 64.62%, showing that the application of both processes promotes a decolorization in textile wastewater. The water resulting from the combined photocatalysis-microbiological degradation processes was tested for toxicity using Daphnia magna, obtaining that none of the effluents shows toxicity.

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome: Incidence and treatment with topical capsaicin. / Síndrome de hiperémesis por cannabis: incidencia y tratamiento con capsaicina tópica.

There are few studies in Spain on cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), as well as on the use of topical capsaicin as a treatment. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients over 14 years of age seen in a hospital emergency department during 2018 and 2019 with a diagnosis of CHS based on the following criteria: compatible clinical picture, cannabis use less than 48h and positive urine cannabis test. Epidemiological and clinical variables, attendance times and treatment (including use of topical capsaicin 0.075%) were collected. RESULTS: Fifty-nine attendances were studied, from 29 patients (4.4 cases/10,000 visits, 95% CI 2.8-4.7). Fifty per cent returned for CHS, differing only in more tobacco (P=.01) and cocaine (P=.031) use. Capsaicin was used in 74.6% of visits. The mean time to resolution of vomiting after application was 17.87min. CONCLUSIONS: Although probably underdiagnosed, CHS has a low incidence in the emergency department in Spain, with high patient recurrence. The use of capsaicin ointment is efficient and safe.

Major pathological response and durable locoregional control after neoadjuvant pembrolizumab-carboplatin-paclitaxel in head and neck cancer.

Head and neck cancers are increasingly being diagnosed in elderly patients, where standard curative-intent, therapeutic options are often too aggressive for frail, malnourished and heavily comorbid patients. Since the incorporation of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) a few small studies have reported promising safety and efficacy with ICIs in the neoadjuvant locally-advaced setting. We present the case of an elderly, frail and comorbid patient, with a high-PDL1 expressing and very locally-advanced unresectable oral cavity cancer, that was treated with the combination of pembrolizumab and weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel, achieving a major pathological response, that permitted to de-escalate adjuvant therapy after surgery and is free of locoregional relapse 7 months after surgery. This is, to our knowledge, the first patient treated with neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy outside a clinical trial in SCCHN.

Role of Curing Temperature of Poly(Glycerol Sebacate) Substrates on Protein-Cell Interaction and Early Cell Adhesion.

A novel procedure to obtain smooth, continuous polymeric surfaces from poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) has been developed with the spin-coating technique. This method proves useful for separating the effect of the chemistry and morphology of the networks (that can be obtained by varying the synthesis parameters) on cell-protein-substrate interactions from that of structural variables. Solutions of the PGS pre-polymer can be spin-coated, to then be cured. Curing under variable temperatures has been shown to lead to PGS networks with different chemical properties and topographies, conditioning their use as a biomaterial. Particularly, higher synthesis temperatures yield denser networks with fewer polar terminal groups available on the surface. Material-protein interactions were characterised by using extracellular matrix proteins such as fibronectin (Fn) and collagen type I (Col I), to unveil the biological interface profile of PGS substrates. To that end, atomic force microscopy (AFM) images and quantification of protein adsorbed in single, sequential and competitive protein incubations were used. Results reveal that Fn is adsorbed in the form of clusters, while Col I forms a characteristic fibrillar network. Fn has an inhibitory effect when incubated prior to Col I. Human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) were also cultured on PGS surfaces to reveal the effect of synthesis temperature on cell behaviour. To this effect, early focal adhesions (FAs) were analysed using immunofluorescence techniques. In light of the results, 130 °C seems to be the optimal curing temperature since a preliminary treatment with Col I or a Fn:Col I solution facilitates the formation of early focal adhesions and growth of HUVECs.

Nivel de información sobre fitoterapia en pacientes hipertensos de un consultorio médico. Área sur, Morón / Level of information about phytotherapy in hypertensive patients in a medical office. South area, Morón

Introducción: la hipertensión arterial es el principal factor relacionado con la mortalidad en el mundo contemporáneo. Las plantas medicinales son la fuente de muchos de los medicamentos de uso actual, estas han probado su eficacia en múltiples enfermedades, por lo que constituye una alternativa para el tratamiento de diversas patologías. Objetivo: determinar el nivel de información sobre fitoterapia en pacientes hipertensos pertenecientes al Consultorio Médico de la Familia 20 del municipio de Morón, provincia Ciego de Ávila. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, en el periodo comprendido de septiembre 2019 a enero del 2020. El universo estuvo conformado por 173 pacientes hipertensos, trabajando con la totalidad. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y como medida de resumen de la información las frecuencias absolutas y relativas porcentuales. Resultados: el 57,2 % de los casos representó al sexo femenino y el 45,1 % perteneció al grupo de edades mayores de 65 años. El nivel educacional técnico medio terminado se observó en el 26,6 % de la muestra. Según la clasificación de acuerdo al tipo de hipertensión el 53,8% presentó hipertensión arterial sistólica. El 62,4 % de los casos refiere no utilizar la fitoterapia como medicina alternativa para el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial y el 59,0 % se encontraban desinformados. Conclusiones: en el estudio realizado se observó un alto nivel de desinformación en los pacientes sobre el uso de la fitoterapia como medicina alternativa al tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial.

Introduction: Arterial hypertension is the main factor related to mortality in the contemporary world. Medicinal plants are the source of many of the drugs in current use; they have proven their efficacy in multiple diseases, thus constituting an alternative for the treatment of various pathologies. Objective: to determine the level of information on phytotherapy in hypertensive patients belonging to the Family 20 Medical Clinic in the municipality of Morón, Ciego de Avila province. Methods: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted from September 2019 to January 2020. The universe consisted of 173 hypertensive patients, working with all of them. Descriptive statistics and absolute and relative percentage frequencies were used to summarize the information. Results: 57.2% of the cases were female and 45.1% belonged to the age group over 65 years. The intermediate technical education level was observed in 26.6 % of the sample. According to the classification according to the type of hypertension, 53.8% presented systolic arterial hypertension. 62.4 % of the cases reported not using phytotherapy as an alternative medicine for the treatment of arterial hypertension and 59.0 % were uninformed. Conclusions: the study showed a high level of misinformation among patients about the use of phytotherapy as an alternative medicine for the treatment of arterial hypertension.

STAT3 and STAT5B Mutations in T/NK-Cell Chronic Lymphoproliferative Disorders of Large Granular Lymphocytes (LGL): Association with Disease Features.

STAT3 and STAT5B (STAT3/STAT5B) mutations are the most common mutations in T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL) and chronic lymphoproliferative disorders of NK cells (CLPD-NK), but their clinical impact remains unknown. We investigated the frequency and type of STAT3/STAT5B mutations in FACS-sorted populations of expanded T/NK-LGL from 100 (82 clonal; 6 oligoclonal; 12 polyclonal) patients, and its relationship with disease features. Seventeen non-LGL T-CLPD patients and 628 age-matched healthy donors were analyzed as controls. STAT3 (n = 30) and STAT5B (n = 1) mutations were detected in 28/82 clonal T/NK-LGLL patients (34%), while absent (0/18, 0%) among oligoclonal/polyclonal LGL-lymphocytosis. Mutations were found across all diagnostic subgroups: TCD8+-LGLL, 36%; CLPD-NK, 38%; TCD4+-LGLL, 7%; Tαß+DP-LGLL, 100%; Tαß+DN-LGLL, 50%; Tγδ+-LGLL, 44%. STAT3-mutated T-LGLL/CLPD-NK showed overall reduced (p < 0.05) blood counts of most normal leukocyte subsets, with a higher rate (vs. nonmutated LGLL) of neutropenia (p = 0.04), severe neutropenia (p = 0.02), and cases requiring treatment (p = 0.0001), together with a shorter time-to-therapy (p = 0.0001), particularly in non-Y640F STAT3-mutated patients. These findings confirm and extend on previous observations about the high prevalence of STAT3 mutations across different subtypes of LGLL, and its association with a more marked decrease of all major blood-cell subsets and a shortened time-to-therapy.