MICP mediated by indigenous bacteria isolated from tailings for biocementation for reduction of wind erosion.

In this study, native ureolytic bacteria were isolated from copper tailings soils to perform microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) tests and evaluate their potential for biocement formation and their contribution to reduce the dispersion of particulate matter into the environment from tailings containing potentially toxic elements. It was possible to isolate a total of 46 bacteria; among them only three showed ureolytic activity: Priestia megaterium T130-1, Paenibacillus sp. T130-13 and Staphylococcus sp. T130-14. Biocement cores were made by mixing tailings with the isolated bacteria in presence of urea, resulting similar to those obtained with Sporosarcina pasteurii and Bacillus subtilis used as positive control. Indeed, XRD analysis conducted on biocement showed the presence of microcline (B. subtilis 17%; P. megaterium 11. 9%), clinochlore (S. pasteurii, 6.9%) and magnesiumhornblende (Paenibacillus sp. 17.8%; P. megaterium 14.6%); all these compounds were not initially present in the tailings soils. Moreover the presence of calcite (control 0.828%; Paenibacillus sp. 5.4%) and hematite (control 0.989%; B. subtilis 6.4%) was also significant unlike the untreated control. The development of biofilms containing abundant amount of Ca, C, and O on microscopic soil particles was evidenced by means of FE-SEM-EDX and XRD. Wind tunnel tests were carried out to investigate the resistance of biocement samples, accounted for a mass loss five holds lower than the control, i.e., the rate of wind erosion in the control corresponded to 82 g/m2h while for the biocement treated with Paenibacillus sp. it corresponded to only 16.371 g/m2h. Finally, in compression tests, the biocement samples prepared with P. megaterium (28.578 psi) and Paenibacillus sp. (28.404 psi) showed values similar to those obtained with S. pasteurii (27.102 psi), but significantly higher if compared to the control (15.427 psi), thus improving the compression resistance capacity of the samples by 85.2% and 84.1% with respect to the control. According to the results obtained, the biocement samples generated with the native strains showed improvements in the mechanical properties of the soil supporting them as potential candidates in applications for the stabilization of mining liabilities in open environments using bioaugmentation strategies with native strains isolated from the same mine tailing.

High Seroprevalence Against SARS-CoV-2 Among Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Personnel and Students of the University of Alcalá, Spain: Contributing Factors.

PURPOSE: Seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 within university systems is poorly studied, making evidence-based discussions of educational system reopening difficult. Moreover, few studies evaluate how antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 are maintained over time. We assessed serological response against the SARS-CoV-2 virus among our university students and staff. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, seroprevalence was determined in 705 randomly selected volunteers, members of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University of Alcalá, using a chemiluminescent Siemens' SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay for total antibodies. Positive samples were tested for IgG and IgM/IgA using VIRCLIA® MONOTEST (Vircell). A first analysis took place during June 2020, and in those testing positive, a determination of secondary outcomes was performed in November 2020. RESULTS: A total of 130 subjects showed anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (18.5%, 95% CI, 15.8-21.5%). Of these, IgM/IgA was positive in 27 and indeterminate in 19; IgG was positive in 118, indeterminate in 1. After 23 weeks, among 102 volunteers remeasured, IgG became undetectable in 6. Presence of antibodies was associated, in multivariable logistic regression, with exposure to infected patients (31.3%) [OR 1.84, 95% CI, 1.14-2.96; P = 0.012], presence of COVID-19 symptoms (52.4%) [OR 6.88, 95% CI, 4.28-11.06; P < 0.001], and confirmed earlier infection (82.9%) [OR 11.87, 95% CI, 4.26-33.07; P < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: The faculty of medicine and health sciences personnel and students of our university showed a high infection rate for SARS-CoV-2 during 2020 associated with providing clinical care to infected patients. This emphasizes the importance of the performance of continuous surveillance methods of the most exposed health personnel, including health science students.

Response to Static Magnetic Field-Induced Stress in Scenedesmus obliquus and Nannochloropsis gaditana.

Magnetic fields in biological systems is a promising research field; however, their application for microalgae has not been fully exploited. This work aims to measure the enzymatic activity and non-enzymatic activity of two microalgae species in terms of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and carotenoids, respectively, in response to static magnetic fields-induced stress. Two magnet configurations (north and south) and two exposure modes (continuous and pulse) were applied. Two microalgae species were considered, the Scenedesmus obliquus and Nannochloropsis gaditana. The SOD activity increased by up to 60% in S. obliquus under continuous exposure. This trend was also found for CAT in the continuous mode. Conversely, under the pulse mode, its response was hampered as the SOD and CAT were reduced. For N. gaditana, SOD increased by up to 62% with the south configuration under continuous exposure. In terms of CAT, there was a higher activity of up to 19%. Under the pulsed exposure, SOD activity was up to 115%. The CAT in this microalga was increased by up to 29%. For N. gaditana, a significant increase of over 40% in violaxanthin production was obtained compared to the control, when the microalgae were exposed to SMF as a pulse. Depending on the exposure mode and species, this methodology can be used to produce oxidative stress and obtain an inhibitory or enhanced response in addition to the significant increase in the production of antioxidant pigments.

Calidad de las compresiones torácicas en resucitación cardiopulmonar practicada en condiciones extremas de temperatura ambiental / Quality of chest compressions in cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed in extreme ambient temperature conditions

En la atención del equipo de profesionales de la salud en una parada cardiorrespiratoria extrahospitalaria (PCREH), se pueden encontrar en condiciones extremas de temperatura ambiental, según la zona donde se encuentren, la época del año, e incluso la franja horaria. OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este trabajo fue comprobar si la eficacia de la Reanimación Cardiopulmonar (RCP) se veía afectada en ambientes de temperatura calor (40ºC) y frío (0ºC) extremos, en comparación con una RCP en temperatura ambiental (22ºC). MÉTODO: Se realizaron 2 minutos de compresiones torácicas (CT) ininterrumpidas en las condiciones de temperatura de 40ºC, 0ºC y 22ºC, en un maniquí realista Resusci Anne QCPR con SIMPAD. RESULTADOS: 30 participantes, tanto con formación previa en RCP (86,7%) o sin ella (13,3%), formaron parte de la muestra, 26 mujeres (86,7%) y 4 hombres (13,3%), con una media de edad de 27,37±8,88 años. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la eficacia de la RCP; pero sí que hubo diferencias entre el número total de CT (p = 0,042), la profundidad media de las CT (p = 0,015) y en la frecuencia media (p = 0,034). La escala de Borg de esfuerzo percibido (RPE) mostró una media de 4,4±1,303 a 22ºC, 4,97±1,402 a 40ºC y 4,87±2,08 a 0ºC (p > 0,05). No hubo diferencias significativas en el lactato capilar. CONCLUSIONES: Se concluye que no existen diferencias significativas entre las tres condiciones, aunque parece que la temperatura ambiental y la fría se asemejan en los resultados y la temperatura calor ofrece una ligera desventaja al respecto

Under the care of a team of health professionals in an out-of-hospital cardiorespiratory arrest (PCREH), they can be found in conditions in extreme conditions of ambient temperature, depending on the area where they are located, the time of the year, and even the time of day. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to verify whether the efficacy of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was affected by extreme heat (40ºC) and cold (0ºC) temperature environments, compared to a CPR in ambient temperature (22ºC). METHOD: 2 minutes of uninterrupted external chest compressions (ECC) were performed under ambient temperature conditions of 40ºC, 0ºC and 22ºC, in a realistic mannequin Resusci Anne QCPR with SIMPAD. RESULTS: 30 participants, both people with prior training in CPR (86.7%) and without it (13.3%), were part of the sample, 26 women (86.7%) and 4 men (13.3%), with a mean age of 27.37 ± 8.88 years. No statistically significant differences were found in the efficacy of CPR; but there were differences between the total number of CT (p = 0.042), the average depth of the ECC (p = 0.015) and the average frequency (p = 0.034). The Borg scale of perceived exertion (RPE) showed an average of 4.4 ± 1.303 at 22° C, 4.97 ± 1.402 at 40° C and 4.87 ± 2.08 at 0° C (p> 0.05). There were no significant differences in hair lactate. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that there are no significant differences between the three conditions, although it seems that the cold and room temperatures resemble results and that the heat temperature offers a slight disadvantage of the others

Pathological evidence in Plicopurpura pansa associated with the stranding of a bulk carrier ship during Hurricane "Patricia" in the Mexican Central Pacific.

Due to the effects of Hurricane Patricia (2015), the bulk freighter "El Llanitos" ran aground in the rocky intertidal zone of Colima, Mexico. We assessed the impact of this ship's stranding on a population of the gastropod Plicopurpura pansa. Toxic elements, hydrocarbons, shell deformities, presence of tumors, imposex, and morphological relationships were analyzed. Two years after the stranding occurred, high cyanide concentrations (0.0363 mg/l) and Ni concentrations above permissible limits (3.35 mg/l) were found in surface seawater. Hydrocarbon concentrations were high in the aft zone of the ship and decreased towards the bow area of the freighter. The P. pansa specimens collected closest to the ship structure presented a high prevalence of tumorations in the structure of the foot and morphological anomalies in the shell structure; imposex was 32% and there was evidence of effects on the growth indicator. The evidence presented here supports the existence of a significant impact from the grounding of the ship on a protected gastropod species associated with the rocky intertidal zone on the coast of Colima. The potential of P. pansa as a bioindicator species of pollution caused by toxic elements and hydrocarbons associated with stranding events in the tropical Pacific is documented.

Desarrollo de un programa formativo transversal e integral en competencias clínicas, de comunicación e investigación en el 6. o curso del Grado en Medicina / Development of a cross-cutting and comprehensive training program skills clinics, communication and research in the 6th course of the Degree in Medicine

INTRODUCCIÓN: Durante el curso académico 2015-16 se implantó el 6.o curso del Grado de Medicina en la Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad de Alcalá. Comprende prácticas clínicas tuteladas y trabajo fin de grado/máster. La Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud quería que el programa formativo fuera integral e integrador centrado en la adquisición y potenciación de competencias clínicas, de comunicación e investigación, con una estructura de coordinación que permitiera una evaluación y detección continua de desviaciones, y por supuesto establecer una evaluación de los resultados a medio y largo plazo. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar el programa formativo desarrollado. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se formó un equipo de docente y estudiantes para diseñar el curso, con un calendario de reuniones y un programa de acciones a llevar a cabo, siempre intentando que todas las decisiones fueran consensuadas, se tuvieran en cuenta los diferentes escenarios, con herramientas comunes didácticas y de evaluación, flexibles y adaptadas a los diferentes entornos. RESULTADOS: El curso tiene diversidad de entornos y actividades docentes. Las rotaciones integran al estudiante en los servicios y unidades asistenciales. Además, se realizan actividades innovadoras transversales en la Facultad. Se ha diseñado una estructura de coordinación del programa y para su valoración los instrumentos tanto de evaluación del estudiante como del programa son variados y complejos. Se han diseñado numerosas encuestas de opinión que reflejan una satisfacción muy elevada y los resultados académicos son excelentes. CONCLUSIONES: Se ha conseguido desarrollar un programa formativo integral e integrador, con una estructura de coordinación y unos instrumentos de evaluación adecuados. Los indicadores académicos y de opinión son muy positivos e indican que los objetivos de aprendizaje se cumplen con éxito. La coordinación es eficaz y homogeniza la docencia en entornos diferentes, facilitando la detección y subsanación de deficiencias

INTRODUCTION: During 2015-16 academic implanted the 6th course of medicine degree in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the Universidad de Alcalá. Includes clinical practices and master's dissertation. The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences wanted the training program to be integral and integrator focused on the acquisition and promotion of clinical skills, communication and research, with a coordination structure that would enable an assessment and continuous detection of deviations, and of course establish an assessment of results in the medium and long term. The objective of this work is to present the developed training programme. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A team of teachers and students was formed to design the course, with a calendar of meetings and a program of actions to be carried out, always trying to that all decisions were consensual, the different took into account scenarios, with common teaching tools and assessment, flexible and adapted to the different environments. RESULTS: The course has diversity of environments and teaching activities. Rotations integrated student services and healthcare units. In addition, are cross-cutting innovative activities at the Faculty. A coordination of the program structure is designed and for their evaluation, both of student assessment and program, instruments are varied and complex. Numerous opinion tests that reflect a very high satisfaction and academic results are excellent have been designed. CONCLUSIONS: We have managed to develop a training program comprehensive and inclusive, with a coordination structure and appropriate assessment tools. Academic and opinion indicators are very positive and indicate that the learning objectives are met with success. He has been established very effective coordination to homogenize the teaching in different environments, and facilitates the detection and correction of deficiencies

Uso de ventilación mecánica no invasiva domiciliaria y reducción de mortalidad intrahospitalaria en pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria / The use of home non-invasive ventilation and the reduction of inhospital mortality of patients with respiratory failure

OBJETIVOS: Conocer la relación entre el uso de ventilación mecánica no invasiva (VMNI) domiciliaria y la mortalidad intrahospitalaria en personas que ingresan por una agudización de su enfermedad respiratoria. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo de cohortes con 191 casos de pacientes atendidos en el Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital General Universitario Reina Sofía de Murcia por padecer insuficiencia respiratoria aguda o crónica agudizada de cualquier causa y haber precisado VMNI como tratamiento de soporte durante su ingreso. RESULTADOS: La mortalidad entre los pacientes que incluían la VMNI como tratamiento domiciliario fue del 6,45% frente al 20,1% entre aquellos que no la utilizaban (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento domiciliario habitual con VMNI ha mostrado comportarse como factor protector para la mortalidad intrahospitalaria de los pacientes sometidos a VMNI durante su ingreso, a través del servicio de urgencias, por insuficiencia respiratoria a aguda o crónica agudizada con independencia de la enfermedad desencadenante

OBJECTIVES: To establish the relationship between the use of home non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and inhospital mortality in people admitted due to exacerbation of their respiratory disease. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with 191 cases of patients attended at the emergency department of the Reina Sofía General University Hospital in Murcia due to ARF of any cause and who required NIV as supportive treatment. RESULTS: Mortality among patients using NIV as routine home treatment was 6.45%, compared to 20.1% among those who did not use it (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: routine domiciliary treatment with NIV has been shown to be a protective factor against inpatient hospital mortality for patients who underwent NIV during their admission, through the emergency department, for acute respiratory failure or acute chronic disease, regardless of the triggering pathology

Administración de corticoides a los pacientes con sepsis grave y mejora de su mortalidad intrahospitalaria: Una revisión sistemática / Administration of corticosteroids to patients with severe sepsis and improvement of in-hospital mortality: A systematic review

Objetivo: Averiguar si existe evidencia científica que demuestre un efecto beneficioso del tratamiento con corticoides en los pacientes con sepsis grave o shock séptico. También precisar la mejor práctica clínica en el uso de los corticoides para el tratamiento de los pacientes que presentan sepsis grave o shock séptico. Nos proponemos determinar el perfil del paciente séptico con enfermedad crítica que puede beneficiarse de la administración de corticoides para su tratamiento. Metodología: Búsqueda en bases de datos de gran evidencia, estableciendo unos criterios de inclusión y exclusión para obtener una mayor especificidad del tema. En la selección se siguieron las premisas del programa CASPe, y se incluyeron 9 artículos en nuestra revisión sistemática. Resultados y conclusiones: La mayoría de las evidencias muestran que la administración de corticoides presenta un beneficio en la reversión del shock, pero no disminuye la mortalidad de los pacientes. Se observó que los pacientes que se benefician de este tipo de tratamiento, son aquellos que están más críticos, con puntuaciones en la escala APACHE II más altas. Por otro lado, la bibliografía muestra unos mejores resultados en relación al beneficio de este tratamiento, si se inicia de una forma precoz en los pacientes candidatos a recibir dicho tratamiento, y la mejor forma de administrarlos es en bomba de perfusión continua. Una posible causa de la heterogeneidad en los resultados en cuanto a los beneficios de la administración de los corticoides, podría relacionarse con una variación genética, tal y como mostró Schäfer et al

Objective: To determine if there is scientific evidence to demonstrate a beneficial effect of corticosteroid treatment in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Also, to indicate the best clinical practice in the use of corticosteroids for the treatment of patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. We propose to determine the profile of the septic patient with critical illness that can benefit from the administration of corticosteroids for their treatment. Methodology: Search in databases of great evidence, establishing criteria of inclusion and exclusion to obtain a greater specificity of the subject. In the selection, the premises of the CASPe program were followed, and 9 articles were included in our systematic review. Results and conclusions: Most of the evidence shows that the administration of corticosteroids has a benefit in the reversion of shock, but does not decrease the mortality of patients. It was observed that patients who benefit from this type of treatment are those that are more critical, with APACHE II scores higher. On the other hand, the literature shows better results in relation to the benefit of this treatment, if it is started early in patients candidates for such treatment, and the best way to administer them is in a continuous infusion. A possible cause of the heterogeneity in the results regarding the benefits of corticosteroid administration could be related to a genetic variation, as shown by Schäfer et al

The use of home non-invasive ventilation and the reduction of inhospital mortality of patients with respiratory failure. / Uso de ventilación mecánica no invasiva domiciliaria y reducción de mortalidad intrahospitalaria en pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria.

OBJECTIVES: To establish the relationship between the use of home non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and inhospital mortality in people admitted due to exacerbation of their respiratory disease. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with 191 cases of patients attended at the emergency department of the Reina Sofía General University Hospital in Murcia due to ARF of any cause and who required NIV as supportive treatment. RESULTS: Mortality among patients using NIV as routine home treatment was 6.45%, compared to 20.1% among those who did not use it (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: routine domiciliary treatment with NIV has been shown to be a protective factor against inpatient hospital mortality for patients who underwent NIV during their admission, through the emergency department, for acute respiratory failure or acute chronic disease, regardless of the triggering pathology.

[Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in a Rural Area of Guadalajara, Spain]. / Prevalencia de la enfermedad pulmonar obstuctiva crónica en una zona rural de Guadalajara.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] in a rural health area and its stratification according different risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study was performed in Yunquera de Henares (Guadalajara, Spain) in the year 2014. A questionnaire on sociodemographic factors, tobacco consumption, age, education level and occupation was used in a randomized, stratified sample in different stages. The sample was proportional in age, sex and population centers. A total of 749 persons were included. Data were analyzed using descriptive, analytical, and multivariant statistical procedures and logistical regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of COPD was 15.8% (CI95%: 13.2-18.4) and was statistically significantly higher in elderly (64.6±11 years vs 58.9±11,7 years); males (83.2%;CI95%:85.9-80.5),smokers (40.3%;CI95%:43.8-36.8) and people with primary education (66.4%;CI95%:69.7-63). People with COPD had higher BMI (28.2%;IC95%:29.5-26.9). People working in the field was 28.6% (IC95%:20,5-36,7%). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease was found. Occupational exposure may be an important factor in rural areas.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer la prevalencia de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en una zona básica de salud de ámbito rural y el análisis según diferentes factores de riesgo. METODOS: Estudio transversal realizado en Yunquera de Henares (Guadalajara) durante 2014. Para la recogida de información se utilizó un cuestionario que recogió datos sociodemograficos, consumo de tabaco, edad, nivel de estudios y ocupación en una muestra de sujetos seleccionada de manera aleatoria y estratificada según edad, sexo y núcleos de población. El tamaño muestral fue de 749 personas. Se realizó análisis estadístico descriptivo con medias y porcentajes, analítico: chi2, t de Student, ANOVA y multivariante por regresión logística. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica fue del 15,8% (IC95%: 13,2-18,4).Las personas con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica tenían una edad media de 64,6±11 años vs 58,9±11,7 de quienes no la padecían. Eran hombres el 83,2% (IC95%: 85,9-80,5), fue más frecuente en personas con estudios primarios: 66,4% (IC95%: 69,7-63) y entre quienes consumían tabaco: 40,3% (IC 95%: 43,8-36,8). De manera no estadísticamente significativa, también presentaban mayor índice de masa corporal:28,2% (IC95%: 29,5-26,9).Trabajababan en el campo el 28,6% (IC95%: 20,5-36,7). CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica encontrada fue alta. La exposición laboral puede ser un factor importante en el medio rural.

Prevalencia de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en una zona rural de Guadalajara / Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a rural area of Guadalajara, Spain

Fundamentos: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica es un problema sanitario mundial debido a su elevada prevalencia, alta morbilidad y cuantioso coste económico. En España su prevalencia varía considerablemente entre las diferentes áreas geográfica estudiadas. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer la prevalencia de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en una zona básica de salud de ámbito rural y el análisis según diferentes factores de riesgo. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado en Yunquera de Henares (Guadalajara) durante 2014. Para la recogida de información se utilizó un cuestionario que recogió datos sociodemograficos, consumo de tabaco, edad y profesión a una muestra de sujetos seleccionada de manera aleatoria y estratificada según edad, sexo y núcleos de población. El tamaño muestral fue de 749 personas. Se realizó análisis estadístico descriptivo con medias y porcentajes, analítico: chi2, t de Student, ANOVA y multivariante por regresión logística. Resultados: La prevalencia de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica fue del 15,8% (IC 95%: 13,2-18,4). Las personas con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica tenían una edad media de 64,6±11años vs 58,9±11,7 de quienes no la padecían (p<0,05), eran hombres el 83,2% (IC95%: 85,9-80,5; p<0,001), fue más frecuente en personas con estudios primarios: 66,4% (IC95%: 69,7-63; p<0,01) y entre quienes consumían tabaco: 40,3% (IC 95%: 43,8-36,8 ; p<0,001). De manera no estadísticamente significativa, también presentaban mayor índice de masa corporal:28,2% (IC95%: 29,5-26,9). Trabajababan en el campo el 28,6% (IC95%: 20,5-36,7). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica encontrada fue alta. La exposición laboral puede ser un factor importante en el medio rural (AU)

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a global health problem due its elevated prevalence, high morbimortality, and substantial socioeconomic cost. In Spain its prevalence varies considerably among the different geographical areas studied. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of COPD in a rural area health and its stratification according different risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was perfomed in Yunquera de Henares (Guadalajara, Spain) in the year 2014. A questionnaire on sociodemographic, consumption tobacco age and profession was used to a randomized, stratified sample in different stages. The sample was proportional in age, sex and population centers. A total of 749 persons were included. Data were analyzed using descriptive, analytical, and multivariant statistical procedures and logistical regression. Results: The prevalence of COPD was 15.8% (CI 95%: 13.2-18.4) and was statistically significantly higher in elderly (64.6±11 years vs 58.9±11,7 years); males (83.2%; CI95%: 85.9-80.5), smokers (40.3%, CI95%: 43.8-36.8) and people with primary education (66.4% ; CI95%: 69.7-63). People with COPD had higher BMI (28.2%; IC95%: 29.5-26.9). People working in the field was 28.6% (IC95%: 20,5-36,7%). Conclusions: High prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease was found. Occupational exposure may be an important factor in rural areas (AU)

Use of cellulolytic marine bacteria for enzymatic pretreatment in microalgal biogas production.

In this study, we designed and evaluated a microalgal pretreatment method using cellulolytic bacteria that naturally degrades microalgae in their native habitat. Bacterial strains were isolated from each of two mollusk species in a medium containing 1% carboxymethyl cellulose agar. We selected nine bacterial strains that had endoglucanase activity: five strains from Mytilus chilensis, a Chilean mussel, and four strains from Mesodesma donacium, a clam found in the Southern Pacific. These strains were identified phylogenetically as belonging to the genera Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Chryseobacterium, and Raoultella. The cellulase-producing capacities of these strains were characterized, and the degradation of cell walls in Botryococcus braunii and Nannochloropsis gaditana was tested with "whole-cell" cellulolytic experiments. Aeromonas bivalvium MA2, Raoultella ornithinolytica MA5, and Aeromonas salmonicida MC25 degraded B. braunii, and R. ornithinolytica MC3 and MA5 degraded N. gaditana. In addition, N. gaditana was pretreated with R. ornithinolytica strains MC3 and MA5 and was then subjected to an anaerobic digestion process, which increased the yield of methane by 140.32% and 158.68%, respectively, over that from nonpretreated microalgae. Therefore, a "whole-cell" cellulolytic pretreatment can increase the performance and efficiency of biogas production.

Early alterations of B cells in patients with septic shock.

INTRODUCTION: It has recently been proposed that B lymphocytes are involved in sepsis pathogenesis. The goal of this study is to investigate potential abnormalities in a subset distribution and activation of circulating B lymphocytes in patients with septic shock. METHODS: This observational prospective study was conducted in a medical-surgical ICU. All patients with septic shock were eligible for inclusion. B-cell phenotypes (CD19+CD69+, CD19+CD23+, CD19+CD5+, CD19+CD80, CD19+CD86+, CD19+CD40 and CD19+CD95+) were assessed by quantitative flow cytometry upon admission to the ICU and 3, 7, 14 and 28 d later. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were included. Thirty-six healthy volunteers matched for age and sex were used as controls. The patients had lymphopenia that was maintained during 28 d of follow-up. In patients with septic shock who died, the percentage of CD19+CD23+ was lower during the 7 d of follow-up than it was in survival patients. Moreover, the percentage of CD80+ and CD95+ expression on B cells was higher in patients who died than in survivors. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a CD19+CD23+ value of 64.6% at ICU admission enabled discrimination between survivors and nonsurvivors with a sensitivity of 90.9% and a specificity of 80.0% (P=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with septic shock who survive and those who don't have different patterns of abnormalities in circulating B lymphocytes. At ICU admission, a low percentage of CD23+ and a high of CD80+ and CD95+ on B cells were associated with increased mortality of patients with septic shock. Moreover, a drop in circulating B cells persisted during 28 d of ICU follow-up.

Mortalidad de los pacientes con fracaso respiratorio agudo en tratamiento crónico con benzodiacepinas / Mortality in patients with acute respiratory failure on chronic treatment with benzodiazepines

Las benzodiacepinas (BDZ) se encuentran entre los fármacos más usados por la población; entre sus contraindicaciones encontramos la insuficiencia respiratoria severa y la apnea del sueño. El objetivo principal fue establecer la relación entre el consumo crónico de BDZ y la mortalidad intrahospitalaria y a los 30 d. Se estudió una cohorte retrospectiva de 243 pacientes ingresados a lo largo del año 2011 a través del Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital General Universitario Reina Sofía de Murcia a los que se les seleccionó por haber sido tratados con ventilación mecánica no invasiva (VMNI) durante su ingreso. El método empleado fue la revisión de historias clínicas obtenidas del archivo mediante su búsqueda por el código correspondiente al proceso de VMNI. La mortalidad global fue del 20,6%. En los pacientes con consumo crónico de BZD fue del 22,45% por un 19,4% de los pacientes que no las tomaban (p = 0,608). No hemos podido establecer, por tanto, una asociación significativa entre la mortalidad global y el consumo crónico de BZD. Por otra parte, hemos relacionado el incremento de la mortalidad en los pacientes tratados con VMNI por insuficiencia respiratoria aguda con indicadores como la edad > 75 años, el bicarbonato en sangre < 22 mmol/L, el ácido láctico > 2 mmol/L, la creatinina sérica > 1,5 mg/dl y el diagnóstico de sepsis (AU)

The benzodiazepines (BZD) are among the drugs most used by the population. Its contraindications include severe respiratory failure and sleep apnoea. The main objective of this work was to establish the relationship between the chronic use of benzodiazepines and hospital mortality and up to 30 days after admission. This study was carried out on a retrospective cohort of 243 patients admitted via emergency room into «Reina Sofia» University General Hospital in Murcia during the year 2011, and were selected for having been treated with non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) during their admission. The method used was a review of clinical histories by searching for the code corresponding to the NIV process. Overall mortality was 20.6%. In patients with chronic consumption of BZD it was 22.45% and 19.4% in patients who did not use these drugs (P = .608).We were unable to establish a significant relationship between chronic use of benzodiazepines and overall mortality figures. On the other hand, we have linked the increased mortality in patients treated with NIV for acute respiratory failure with other indicators such as, age above 75 years old, blood bicarbonate below 22 mmol/L; lactic acid higher than 2 mmol/L; serum creatinine above 1.5 mg/dL, and sepsis (AU)

[Mortality in patients with acute respiratory failure on chronic treatment with benzodiazepines]. / Mortalidad de los pacientes con fracaso respiratorio agudo en tratamiento crónico con benzodiacepinas.

The benzodiazepines (BZD) are among the drugs most used by the population. Its contraindications include severe respiratory failure and sleep apnoea. The main objective of this work was to establish the relationship between the chronic use of benzodiazepines and hospital mortality and up to 30 days after admission. This study was carried out on a retrospective cohort of 243 patients admitted via emergency room into «Reina Sofia¼ University General Hospital in Murcia during the year 2011, and were selected for having been treated with non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) during their admission. The method used was a review of clinical histories by searching for the code corresponding to the NIV process. Overall mortality was 20.6%. In patients with chronic consumption of BZD it was 22.45% and 19.4% in patients who did not use these drugs (P=.608). We were unable to establish a significant relationship between chronic use of benzodiazepines and overall mortality figures. On the other hand, we have linked the increased mortality in patients treated with NIV for acute respiratory failure with other indicators such as, age above 75 years old, blood bicarbonate below 22mmol/L; lactic acid higher than 2mmol/L; serum creatinine above 1.5mg/dL, and sepsis.

Circulating sICAM-1 and sE-Selectin as biomarker of infection and prognosis in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelium activation is a key pathogenic step in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that can be triggered by both microbial and sterile proinflammatory stimuli. The relevance of soluble adhesion molecules as clinical biomarkers to discriminate between infectious and non-infectious SIRS, and the individual patient prognosis, has not been established. METHODS: We prospectively measured by sandwich ELISA, serum levels of soluble E-Selectin (sE-Selectin), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-2 (sICAM-2) at ICU admission and at days 3, 7, 14 and 28 in patients with sepsis and at days 3 and 7 in patients with non-infectious SIRS. RESULTS: At ICU admission, sE-Selectin, sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 in patients with infectious SIRS were significantly higher than those found in patients with non-infectious SIRS. ROC analysis revealed that the AUC for infection identification was best for sICAM-1 (0.900±0.041; 95% CI 0.819-0.981; p<0.0001). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that 4 variables were significantly and independently associated with mortality at 28 days: male gender (OR 15.90; 95% CI, 2.54-99.32), MODS score (OR 5.60; 95% CI, 1.67-18.74), circulating sE-Selectin levels (OR 4.81; 95% CI, 1.34-17.19) and sVCAM-1 concentrations (OR 4.80; 95% CI, 1.34-17.14). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SIRS secondary to infectious or non-infectious etiology show distinctive patterns of disturbance in serum soluble adhesion molecules. Serum ICAM-1 is a reliable biomarker for classifying patients with infectious SIRS from those with non-infectious SIRS. In addition, soluble E-Selectin is a prognostic biomarker with higher levels in patients with SIRS and fatal outcome.

Sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome with fatal outcome is associated to increased serum transforming growth factor beta-1 levels.

BACKGROUND: TGF-ß1 is a promoter of pulmonary fibrosis in many chronic inflammatory diseases. TGF-ß1 circulating levels in patients with sepsis-induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) have not been established. METHODS: In this prospective pilot cohort study, serum bioactive TGF-ß1 concentration, determined by sandwich ELISA, was analyzed in 52 patients who fulfilled criteria for septic shock at admission and on days 3 and 7. RESULTS: Of the 52 patients enrolled in the study, 46.1% fulfilled the criteria for ARDS on admission. At ICU admission, there were not statistical differences in TGF-ß1 concentrations between septic shock patients with or without ARDS. After 7 days of follow-up in ICU, circulating TGF-ß1 levels were significantly higher in patients with sepsis and ARDS than in those without ARDS [55.47 (35.04-79.48 pg/ml) versus 31.65 (22.89-45.63 pg/ml), respectively] (p = 0.002). Furthermore, in septic shock associated ARDS patients, TGF-ß1 levels were significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors [85.23 (78.19-96.30 pg/ml) versus 36.41 (30.21-55.47 pg/ml), respectively] (p = 0.006) on day 7 of ICU follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with septic shock, persistent ARDS is accompanied with increased circulating TGF-ß1 levels. Furthermore, ARDS patients with fatal outcome show higher TGF-ß1 concentrations than survivors. These results suggest the relevance of TGF-ß1 levels found in the pathogenesis of persistent sepsis-induced ARDS.

Characterization of [8-ethyl]-chlorophyll c3 from Emiliania huxleyi.

We report herein the isolation and complete characterization of a member of the chlorophyll c family, designated as [8-ethyl]-chlorophyll c(3) ([8-ethyl]-chl c(3)). Structural elucidation of this pigment rested on the analysis of mono- and bidimensional NMR, UV-VIS spectroscopy and ESI-MS data, and the configuration at the 13(2) position on chiral HPLC analysis.