The Gill Microbiota of Argopecten purpuratus Scallop Is Dominated by Symbiotic Campylobacterota and Upwelling Intensification Differentially Affects Their Abundance.

Despite the great importance of gills for bivalve mollusks (respiration, feeding, immunity), the microbiota associated with this tissue has barely been characterized in scallops. The scallop Argopecten purpuratus is an important economic resource that is cultivated in areas where coastal upwelling is intensifying by climate change, potentially affecting host-microbiota interactions. Thus, we first characterized the bacterial community present in gills from cultivated scallops (by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing) and assessed their stability and functional potential in animals under farm and laboratory conditions. Results showed that under both conditions the gill bacterial community is dominated by the phylum Campylobacterota (57%), which displays a chemoautotrophic potential that could contribute to scallop nutrition. Within this phylum, two phylotypes, namely symbionts A and B, were the most abundant; being, respectively, taxonomically affiliated to symbionts with nutritional functions in mussel gills, and to uncultured bacteria present in coral mucus. Additionally, in situ hybridization and scanning electron microscopy analyses allowed us to detect these symbionts in the gills of A. purpuratus. Given that shifts in upwelling phenology can cause disturbances to ecosystems, affecting bacteria that provide beneficial functions to the host, we further assessed the changes in the abundance of the two symbionts (via qPCR) in response to a simulated upwelling intensification. The exposure to combined decreasing values in the temperature, pH, and oxygen levels (upwelling conditions) favored the dominance of symbiont B over symbiont A; suggesting that symbiont abundances are modulated by these environmental changes. Overall, results showed that changes in the main Campylobacterota phylotypes in response to upwelling intensification could affect its symbiotic function in A. purpuratus under future climate change scenarios. These results provide the first insight into understanding how scallop gill-microbial systems adapt and respond to climate change stressors, which could be critical for managing health, nutrition, and scallop aquaculture productivity.

Effect of Extraction Methods and In Vitro Bio-Accessibility of Microencapsulated Lemon Extract.

The extraction of bioactive compounds from fruits, such as lemon, has gained relevance because these compounds have beneficial properties for health, such as antioxidant and anticancer properties; however, the extraction method can significantly affect these properties. High hydrostatic pressure and ultrasound, as emerging extraction methods, constitute an alternative to conventional extraction, improving extractability and obtaining extracts rich in bioactive compounds. Therefore, lemon extracts (LEs) were obtained by conventional (orbital shaking), ultrasound-assisted, and high-hydrostatic-pressure extraction. Extracts were then microencapsulated with maltodextrin at 10% (M10), 20% (M20), and 30% (M30). The impact of microencapsulation on LEs physicochemical properties, phenolics (TPC), flavonoids (TFC) and relative bio-accessibility (RB) was evaluated. M30 promoted a higher microencapsulation efficiency for TPC and TFC, and a longer time required for microcapsules to dissolve in water, as moisture content, water activity and hygroscopicity decreased. The RBs of TPC and TFC were higher in microcapsules with M30, and lower when conventional extraction was used. The data suggest that microencapsulated LE is promising as it protects the bioactivity of phenolic compounds. In addition, this freeze-dried product can be utilized as a functional ingredient for food or supplement formulations.

Morphological and molecular characterization of larval digenean trematodes (Parvatrema: Gymnophallidae) and their pathological effects on the clam Leukoma thaca (=Protothaca thaca) (Bivalvia:Veneridae) (Molina, 1782) from northern Chile.

Trematodes are one of the largest taxa of mollusk parasites. The clam Leukoma thaca is an economically exploited bivalve found along the south-eastern Pacific coast of Peru and Chile. This bivalve is parasitized by various unidentified larval stages of digeneans in the mantle, gonads and digestive gland. The aims of this study were to determine and describe the different larval stages of the digeneans based on morphological characteristics, to identify them at the species level by performing molecular analyses, and to evaluate pathologies associated with the parasites of this clam. Individuals of L. thaca were collected in San Jorge Bay (23°S), Chile, between November 2018 and February 2019. Morphological description was carried out using in vivo and fixed specimens, and analyses including histological and scanning electron microscopy were performed. Individuals were also isolated for molecular analysis using nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), including partial subunit 18S rDNA (18S) and small subunit 5.8S gene (5.8S). Morphological characteristics indicated that the metacercaria larval stage belongs to the family Gymnophallidae, genus Parvatrema, which was supported by molecular analysis. Molecular results revealed that metacercaria, sporocysts and cercaria stages found in this clam belong to the same species of Parvatrema (genetic distance 0%), evidencing that this species uses L. thaca as the first and second intermediate host. Pathologies examined in the host were similar in nature to those reported in other gymnophallids in bivalves, but high prevalence of cercariae (20%) in gonads suggested an important castrator effect on the host.

Entrenamiento físico en personas con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada: beneficios de su implementación en la práctica clínica / Exercise training in advanced chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease is associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk and mortality, and a decrease in the health-related quality of life. It is known that the physical capacity of patients with chronic kidney disease is lower than their healthy counterparts. It also decreases progressively after the start of hemodialysis, even leading to the loss of functional independence. There is a positive association between exercise and improvement of many targets in chronic kidney disease, especially in dialysis patients, such as cellular apoptosis, immune improvement and inflammation. In addition, several clinical studies and systematic reviews show an improvement in different clinical and laboratory variables and suggest a lower mortality, proving a reduction of health care economic costs. Exercise intervention in dialysis is safe. Although different guidelines promote exercise, it is necessary to work on its implementation on a large scale.

[Exercise training in advanced chronic kidney disease]. / Entrenamiento físico en personas con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada: beneficios de su implementación en la práctica clínica.

Chronic kidney disease is associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk and mortality, and a decrease in the health-related quality of life. It is known that the physical capacity of patients with chronic kidney disease is lower than their healthy counterparts. It also decreases progressively after the start of hemodialysis, even leading to the loss of functional independence. There is a positive association between exercise and improvement of many targets in chronic kidney disease, especially in dialysis patients, such as cellular apoptosis, immune improvement and inflammation. In addition, several clinical studies and systematic reviews show an improvement in different clinical and laboratory variables and suggest a lower mortality, proving a reduction of health care economic costs. Exercise intervention in dialysis is safe. Although different guidelines promote exercise, it is necessary to work on its implementation on a large scale.

El modelo de control de anemia: ¿ayuda al nefrólogo en la decisión terapéutica para el manejo de la anemia? / The anaemia control model: Does it help nephrologists in therapeutic decision-making in the management of anaemia?

INTRODUCCIÓN: La anemia es frecuente en los pacientes en hemodiálisis, y su tratamiento con estimulantes de la eritropoyesis (AEE) resulta complejo debido a múltiples factores. OBJETIVOS: Valorar la utilidad del modelo de control de anemia (MCA) en el tratamiento de la anemia en hemodiálisis. MÉTODOS: El MCA es un software que predice la dosis óptima de darbepoetina y hierro sacarosa para alcanzar niveles de hemoglobina (Hb) y ferritina deseados, emitiendo sugerencias de prescripción. Estudio realizado en clínicas de diálisis de 18 meses de duración en dos fases de intervención (FI) con MCA (FI1, n: 213; FI2, n: 218) separadas por una fase de control (FC, n: 219). El resultado primario fue el porcentaje de Hb en rango y la mediana de dosis de AEE y los resultados secundarios fueron las transfusiones, las hospitalizaciones o los acontecimientos cardiovasculares. Análisis a nivel de clínica y de pacientes valorando la variabilidad de la Hb mediante la desviación estándar (DE) de esta. También se analizaron pacientes con la mayoría de sugerencias confirmadas (grupo MCA cumplidores) RESULTADOS: El MCA aumentó el porcentaje de Hb en rango: 80,9% FI2 frente a 72,7% en FC, y redujo el consumo de darbepoetina (FI1: 20 [70]; FC 30 [80] μg, p = 0,032) con menor fluctuación de la Hb (0,91 ± 0,49 en FC a 0,82 ± 0,37g/dl en FI2; p < 0,05) mejorando en el grupo MCA cumplidores. En cuanto a los resultados secundarios, descendieron con el uso del MCA. CONCLUSIONES: El MCA ayuda a obtener mejores resultados de anemia en los pacientes en hemodiálisis, minimizando los riesgos del tratamiento con AEE y reduciendo costes

INTRODUCTION: Anaemia is common in haemodialysis patients and treating it with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) is complex due to many factors. OBJECTIVES: To assess the usefulness of the Anaemia Control Model (ACM) in the treatment of anaemia in haemodialysis. METHODS: ACM is a software that predicts the optimal dose of darbepoetin and iron sucrose to achieve target haemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin levels, and makes prescription suggestions. Study conducted in dialysis clinics lasting 18months with two intervention phases (IPs) with ACM (IP1, n:213; IP2, n:218) separated by a control phase (CP, n:219). The primary outcome was the percentage of Hb in range and the median dose of ESAs, and the secondary outcomes were transfusion, hospitalisation and cardiovascular events. Clinical and patient analyses were performed. Hb variability was assessed by the standard deviation (SD) of the Hb. We also analysed the patients with most of the suggestions confirmed (ACM compliant group). RESULTS: ACM increased the percentage of Hb in range: 80.9% in IP2, compared with 72.7% in the CP and reduced the intake of darbepoetin (IP1: 20 [70]; CP 30 [80] μg P = 0.032) with less Hb fluctuation (0.91 ± 0.49 in the CP to 0.82 ± 0.37 g/dl in IP2, P < 0.05), improving in the ACM compliant group. The secondary outcomes decreased with the use of ACM. CONCLUSIONS: ACM helps to obtain better anaemia results in haemodialysis patients, minimising the risks of treatment with ESAs and red

The anaemia control model: Does it help nephrologists in therapeutic decision-making in the management of anaemia? / El modelo de control de anemia: ¿ayuda al nefrólogo en la decisión terapéutica para el manejo de la anemia?

INTRODUCTION: Anaemia is common in haemodialysis patients and treating it with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) is complex due to many factors. OBJECTIVES: To assess the usefulness of the Anaemia Control Model (ACM) in the treatment of anaemia in haemodialysis. METHODS: ACM is a software that predicts the optimal dose of darbepoetin and iron sucrose to achieve target haemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin levels, and makes prescription suggestions. Study conducted in dialysis clinics lasting 18months with two intervention phases (IPs) with ACM (IP1, n:213; IP2, n:218) separated by a control phase (CP, n:219). The primary outcome was the percentage of Hb in range and the median dose of ESAs, and the secondary outcomes were transfusion, hospitalisation and cardiovascular events. Clinical and patient analyses were performed. Hb variability was assessed by the standard deviation (SD) of the Hb. We also analysed the patients with most of the suggestions confirmed (ACM compliant group). RESULTS: ACM increased the percentage of Hb in range: 80.9% in IP2, compared with 72.7% in the CP and reduced the intake of darbepoetin (IP1: 20 [70]; CP 30 [80] µg P=0.032) with less Hb fluctuation (0.91±0.49 in the CP to 0.82±0.37g/dl in IP2, P<0.05), improving in the ACM compliant group. The secondary outcomes decreased with the use of ACM. CONCLUSIONS: ACM helps to obtain better anaemia results in haemodialysis patients, minimising the risks of treatment with ESAs and reducing costs.

Identification of Peptides in Flowers of Sambucus nigra with Antimicrobial Activity against Aquaculture Pathogens.

The elder (Sambucus spp.) tree has a number of uses in traditional medicine. Previous studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial properties of elderberry liquid extract against human pathogenic bacteria and also influenza viruses. These properties have been mainly attributed to phenolic compounds. However, other plant defense molecules, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), may be present. Here, we studied peptide extracts from flowers of Sambucus nigra L. The mass spectrometry analyses determined peptides of 3 to 3.6 kDa, among them, cysteine-rich peptides were identified with antimicrobial activity against various Gram-negative bacteria, including recurrent pathogens of Chilean aquaculture. In addition, membrane blebbing on the bacterial surface after exposure to the cyclotide was visualized by SEM microscopy and SYTOX Green permeabilization assay showed the ability to disrupt the bacterial membrane. We postulate that these peptides exert their action by destroying the bacterial membrane.

Butyltin contamination in Northern Chilean coast: Is there a potential risk for consumers?

Imposex is the superimposition of non-functional male sex organs in gastropod females. This syndrome is a hormonal imbalance induced by tributyltin (TBT) which have been used in antifouling paints formulation. The present study aimed to perform an integrated environmental assessment of imposex and butyltin (BT) contamination using surface sediments and tissues of Thaisella chocolata (an edible gastropod) from northern Chile. The results showed imposex incidence in 11 out of 12 sites. In the most contaminated sites, which are areas under the influence of maritime activities, and also used for fishing and aquaculture, RPLI were over 60 and VDSI over 4 (high incidence of sterile females). Exceptionally high contamination levels and evidences of fresh inputs of tributyltin (TBT) were detected along the studied area. TBT levels above 300 and 90ngSng-1, respectively, were recorded in sediments and edible gastropod tissues of 6 sites. Thus, a daily ingestion of 90 to 173g of T. chocolata foot (4 to 8 organisms) from the most contaminated sites will certainly lead to the consumption of BT exceeding the tolerable daily intake recommended by European Food Safety Authority. It is reasonable to consider that human risk is even higher if daily consumption of additional seafood is considered. Moreover, some contaminated sites were located within the marine reserve "Isla Grande Atacama", indicating that even marine protected areas are under the influence of TBT contamination. These findings suggest that current levels of TBT in the studied area are sufficient to induce harmful effects on the environment and constitutes a potential threat to seafood consumers. Thus, national regulatory actions toward environmental protection and food safety of local populations are still mandatory, even after 8years of the TBT global ban by IMO.

[Research study on renal targeted chemotherapy with magnetic harpoons and intravenous administration of ferro-carbon nanoparticles]. / Estudio experimental sobre quimioterapia focalizada en riñón mediante arpón magnético y administración intravenosa de nanopartículas ferrocarbonosas.

OBJECTIVES: The use of nanoparticules for drug transport is one of the topics with priority interest within the field of biomedical research. Our objective is to show the initial results of an innovative method to focalize drug carrier ferro-carbon nanoparticules to solid organs. We obtained and characterized various types of ferrous magnetic nanoparticules and studied their behaviour in vitro and in vivo in laboratory animals with intrarenal magnetic targets laparoscopically implanted. METHODS: Using a plasma arch we obtained ferro-carbon nanoparticules with the ability to absorb and deliver doxorubicin, showing an excellent behaviour in in vitro rheological studies. Under general anesthesia and control we inserted a gold covered magnetic microharpoon in the left kidney of New Zealand rabbits. At the same time we injected intravenously different doses of various types of nanoparticules. The animals were sacrified ofter pre-established times and pathologic studies of their kidneys, spleens, livers, lungs and bone marrow were carried out. RESULTS: After selection of the most adequafe nanoparticules for our purposes, we ascertained significant differences in the distribution of nanoparticules in postmortem studies, with accumulation in the magnetic target and surrounding renal parenchyma. Nevertheless, the reticuloendothelial system retains a great amount of the injected dose. CONCLUSIONS: Although our magnetic focalization system is effective, nanoparticule temporary protection systems should be tested to allow us avoid the action of the immune system.

Estudio experimental sobre quimioterapia focalizada en riñón mediante arpón magnético y administración intravenosa de nanopartículas ferrocarbonosas / Research study on renal targeted chemotherapy with magnetic harpoons and intravenous administration of ferro-carbon nanoparticles

OBJETIVOS: El empleo de nanopartículas en el transporte de fármacos es actualmente uno de los temas de interés prioritario dentro del campo de la investigación biomédica. Nuestro objetivo es mostrar los resultados iniciales de un método inédito para focalizar en órganos sólidos nanopartículas ferro carbonosas quimioportadoras. Hemos obtenido y caracterizado diversos tipos de nanopartículas ferromagnéticas, y hemos estudiado su comportamiento in vitro e in vivo en animales de experimentación con dianas magnéticas intrarrenales implantadas laparoscópicamente. METODOS: Obtenemos mediante arco de plasma nanopartículas ferro carbonosas capaces de absorber y desorber doxorrubicina y mostrar excelente comportamiento en estudios reológicos in vitro. Bajo anestesia general insertamos mediante control laparoscópico en el riñón izquierdo de conejos de raza neozelandesa un microarpón magnético encapsulado en oro. En el mismo acto inyectamos por vía intravenosa diferentes dosis de distintos tipos de nanopartículas. Los diversos lotes de animales se sacrifican tras diferentes tiempos y se analizan histológicamente ambos riñones, bazo, hígado, pulmones y médula ósea. RESULTADOS: Tras haber seleccionado las nanopartículas más adecuadas para nuestros fines, hemos constatado en los estudios post-mortem diferencias significativas en la distribución de las nanopartículas, con cúmulos de las mismas en la diana magnética y en el parénquima renal circundante. No obstante, el sistema retículoendotelial retiene gran parte de la carga inyectada. CONCLUSIONES: Aunque nuestro sistema de focalización magnética resulta efectivo, deben ensayarse sistemas de blindaje temporal de las nanopartículas que les permita eludir la acción del sistema inmune (AU)

OBJECTIVES: The use of nanoparticules for drug transport is one of the topics with priority interest within the field of biomedical research. Our objective is to show the initial results of an innovative method to focalize drug carrier ferro-carbon nanoparticules to solid organs. We obtained and characterized various types of ferrous magnetic nanoparticules and studied their behaviour in vitro and in vivo in laboratory animals with intrarenal magnetic targets laparoscopically implanted. METHODS: Using a plasma arch we obtained ferro-carbon nanoparticules with the ability to absorb and deliver doxorubicin, showing an excellent behaviour in in vitro rheological studies. Under general anesthesia and control we inserted a gold covered magnetic microharpoon in the left kidney of New Zealand rabbits. At the same time we injected intravenously different doses of various types of nanoparticules. The animals were sacrified ofter pre-established times and pathologic studies of their kidneys, spleens, livers, lungs and bone marrow were carried out. RESULTS: After selection of the most adequafe nanoparticules for our purposes, we ascertained significant differences in the distribution of nanoparticules in postmortem studies, with accumulation in the magnetic target and surrounding renal parenchyma. Nevertheless, the reticuloendothelial system retains a great amount of the injected dose. CONCLUSIONS: Although our magnetic focalization system is effective, nanoparticule temporary protection systems should be tested to allow us avoid the action of the immune system (AU)

Aspirina y marcadores de inflamación en pacientes con enfermedad coronaria / Aspirin and inflammatory markers in patients with coronary disease

No disponible

Efecto del ácido levofolínico sobre las concentraciones de homocisteína plasmática en la mujer joven y sana en la consulta preconcepcional / Effects of levofolinic acid on plasma homocysteine concentrations in healthy and young women in preconceptional care

FUNDAMENTO: El aumento de la homocisteína plasmática total (tHcy) es un factor de riesgo para los defectos del tubo neural. Se estudia el efecto de la suplementación con ácido levofolínico (l,5-formil-tetrahidrofólico) sobre los valores de la tHCy plasmática en la mujer en edad reproductiva. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Treinta mujeres sanas de 18 a 35 años recibieron 5 mg/día de ácido levofolínico por vía oral durante 30 días. La tHcy y los folatos intraeritrocitarios se determinaron antes de la suplementación (día 0), los días 2, 5, 10 y 30 durante el tratamiento, y 30 (día 60) y 60 días (día 90) después de finalizado. La tHcy plasmática se determinó por inmunoanálisis de polarización de fluorescencia (coeficiente de variación [CV] intraanálisis e interanálisis < 8 por ciento) y el ácido fólico intraeritrocitario, mediante inmunoanálisis quimioluminiscente (CV intraanálisis e interanálisis < 5 por ciento). RESULTADOS: La tHCy plasmática disminuye a partir del segundo día de tratamiento (día 0 frente a 2: media de la diferencia, -1,24 µmol/l; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95 por ciento, -0,84 a -1,63; p < 0,001). El descenso máximo (32,3 por ciento) se observa a los 30 días (media de la diferencia, -2,72 µmol/l; IC del 95 por ciento, -2,20 a -3,24; p < 0,001). Tras finalizar el tratamiento el efecto hipohomocisteinémico persiste el día 60 (media de la diferencia, -2,67 µmol/l; IC del 95 por ciento, -2,07 a -3,26; p < 0,001) y 90 (media de la diferencia, -1,49 µmol/l; IC del 95 por ciento, -0,94 a -2,03; p < 0,001). La respuesta fue mayor cuando la tHcy plasmática fue de 9 µmol/l o más. CONCLUSIONES: El ácido levofolínico provoca un descenso temprano, intenso y persistente de las concentraciones de tHcy plasmática (AU)