New multiproxy data obtained from the sedimentary fill of the Ría de Ferrol, NW Iberia.

Several gravity cores and vibro-cores were recovered from selected sites in the inner sector of Ría de Ferrol, NW Iberia (Muñoz Sobrino et al., 2021) [1]. These sediment cores were obtained during the surveys ECOMER-2014 and ECOMER-2015, developed from 2014 to 2015 on-board the R/V Mytilus (Consejo Superior de Investigación Científica) and the Amarradores Mil (Amarradores del Puerto y Ría de Ferrol, S.L.), respectively. Sedimentary and other multiproxy data presented here belong to four selected sediment cores located in the innermost part of the study area. Two were recovered using a gravity corer and another two using a vibro-corer. The depth of the cores and samples obtained is referred to the NMMA (the mean sea level in Alicante), which is the Spanish orthometric datum. One half of each core was subjected to non-destructive analysis using an ITRAX core scanner providing X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental data. Particle size distribution was characterised by laser diffraction. For radiocarbon dating, well-preserved articulated valves, small remains of wood and very organic bulk sediment from one location free of biogenic gas were selected. Palynological analyses were performed on selected sections of the sediment. All samples were spiked with Lycopodium spores for absolute palynomorph estimation and analysed using 400x and 600x magnifications. The ratio of dinoflagellate cyst concentrations to pollen, fern spore and dinoflagellate cyst concentrations (D/P ratio, ranging between 0 and 1) was calculated for each sample to show the temporal variation. Combined seismic, lithological, elemental, chronological and palynological data enable reconstructing the environmental changes that occurred during the local marine transgression. Besides, the combination of evidence identified may also be applied to other areas or periods in order to perform local reconstructions of changing coastal ecosystems. This type of high-resolution spatial-temporal reconstructions of past changes in estuarine environments may be a valuable tool for modelling, predicting and managing the changes and threats linked to the global warming and sea-level rise associated.

Fast and simultaneous doping of Sr0.9-x-y-zCa0.1In2O4:(xEu3+, yTm3+, zTb3+) superstructure by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis.

In the present work, Sr0.9-x-y-zCa0.1In2O4:(xEu3+, yTm3+, zTb3+) particles were synthesized by the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) method to obtain a single-phase white phosphorus formed by six different cations in solution within the lattice (superstructure). The samples were also structurally and morphologically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques and by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The photoluminescent behavior and the characteristics of the emitted colors were studied by the variation in the co-doping of the rare earth elements. The Sr0.9Ca0.1In2O4 sample showed a near blue color emission, but all co-doped samples showed emission in white with very close chromaticity coordinates to the standard white (x = 0.33 and y = 0.33). The Tm3+ → Tb3+ (ET1), Tm3+ → Eu3+ (ET2) and Tb3+ → Eu3+ (ET3) Energy Transfers were proposed and are considered necessary for adjusting and controlling the desired color properties.

Adsorbent 2D and 3D carbon matrices with protected magnetic iron nanoparticles.

We report on the synthesis of two and three dimensional carbonaceous sponges produced directly from graphene oxide (GO) into which functionalized iron nanoparticles can be introduced to render it magnetic. This simple, low cost procedure, wherein an iron polymeric resin precursor is introduced into the carbon framework, results in carbon-based materials with specific surface areas of the order of 93 and 66 m(2) g(-1), compared to approx. 4 m(2) g(-1) for graphite, decorated with ferromagnetic iron nanoparticles giving coercivity fields postulated to be 216 and 98 Oe, values typical for ferrite magnets, for 3.2 and 13.5 wt% Fe respectively. The strongly magnetic iron nanoparticles are robustly anchored to the GO sheets by a layer of residual graphite, on the order of 5 nm, formed during the pyrolysis of the precursor material. The applicability of the carbon sponges is demonstrated in their ability to absorb, store and subsequently elute an organic dye, Rhodamine B, from water as required. It is possible to regenerate the carbon-iron hybrid material after adsorption by eluting the dye with a solvent to which it has a high affinity, such as ethanol. The use of a carbon framework opens the hybrid materials to further chemical functionalization, for enhanced chemical uptake of contaminants, or co-decoration with, for example, silver nanoparticles for bactericidal properties. Such analytical properties, combined with the material's magnetic character, offer solutions for environmental decontamination at land and sea, wastewater purification, solvent extraction, and for the concentration of dilute species.

Efectos de nuevos agentes regenerativos biomiméticos sobre la cicatrización corneal en un modelo experimental de úlceras posquirúrgicas / Effects of new biomimetic regenerating agents on corneal wound healing in an experimental model of post-surgical corneal ulcers

OBJETIVO: El propósito de este estudio es evaluar la eficacia de la aplicación tópica de RGTA-cacicol (Regenerative Agent-cacicol) en un modelo experimental de úlcera corneal tras queratectomía fotorrefractiva (PRK) en ratones. MÉTODOS: Los ratones fueron tratados mediante cirugía PRK con una zona de ablación de 2,0 mm en la córnea central y 45 μm de profundidad con un láser excimer VISX Star S2. Las córneas fueron tratadas tópicamente con gotas de cacicol una hora y 48 h después de la lesión. Los grupos control recibieron BSS (solución estéril de irrigación) en la misma posología. Los eventos clínicos e histopatológicos fueron evaluados 1, 2, 3 y 7 días después de la cirugía. Sobre secciones obtenidas a través de la región central de las córneas se realizaron técnicas inmunofluorescentes para α-SMA (transformación de miofibroblastos), E-cadherina (ensamblaje de las células epiteliales) y β-tubulina neuronal clase III (inervación). RESULTADOS: Las córneas tratadas tópicamente con cacicol durante 7 días mostraron un mayor grado de transparencia en comparación con el control. Además presentaban una mejor citoarquitectura epitelial. El análisis de los perfiles α-SMA en el estroma demostró que el cacicol reduce o retrasa la presencia de miofibroblastos en el estroma en comparación con BSS (p < 0,001). Finalmente se encontró un posible efecto neurorregenerativo de cacicol en córneas tratadas mediante una lesión experimental PRK. En algunos casos se podría dar variabilidad interindividual debido al diseño del modelo experimental, lo que supone una limitación a tener en cuenta pese a la significación estadística de los datos. CONCLUSIONES: En un modelo de lesiones quirúrgicas inducidas por láser en la córnea, la aplicación tópica de RGTA podría evitar la formación de cicatrices y la aparición de miofibroblastos y favorecer la regeneración nerviosa

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the topical application of cacicol regenerating agent (RGTA) in an experimental model of corneal ulcer after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in mice. METHODS: Mice were subjected to PRK surgery with a 2.0 mm ablation zone on the central cornea and 45 mm of depth on a VISX Star S2 excimer laser. Corneas were treated topically with cacicol drops 1 hour and 48 hours after injury. Control groups received balanced salt solution (BSS) in the same dosage. Clinical and histopathological events were evaluated at 1, 2, 3 and 7 days after surgery. Sections obtained through the central region of the corneas were used to analyze the histopathological events of injured and healed corneas. αSMA (myofibroblast transformation), E cadherin (assembly of epithelial cells) and neuronal class III β-tubulin (innervation) were performed. RESULTS: Corneas treated topically with cacicol for 7 days showed a greater degree of transparency compared to controls. cacicol treated corneas showed improved epithelial cytoarchitecture. Analysis of αSMA profiles in the stroma showed that cacicol reduced or delayed the presence of myofibroblasts in the stroma compared to BSS (P<0.001). Finally, a putative neuroregenerative effect of cacicol was found in corneas subjected to an experimental PRK lesion. In some cases some interindividual variability could be observed due to the design of the experimental model. This is a limitation to consider, despite the statistical significance of the data. CONCLUSIONS: In a model of laser induced surgical lesions in the cornea, topical application of an RGTA (i.e. cacicol) could be involved in avoiding myofibroblast scarring formation and promoting nerve regeneration

Effects of new biomimetic regenerating agents on corneal wound healing in an experimental model of post-surgical corneal ulcers.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the topical application of cacicol regenerating agent (RGTA) in an experimental model of corneal ulcer after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in mice. METHODS: Mice were subjected to PRK surgery with a 2.0mm ablation zone on the central cornea and 45mm of depth on a VISX Star S2 excimer laser. Corneas were treated topically with cacicol drops 1hour and 48hours after injury. Control groups received balanced salt solution (BSS) in the same dosage. Clinical and histopathological events were evaluated at 1, 2, 3 and 7 days after surgery. Sections obtained through the central region of the corneas were used to analyze the histopathological events of injured and healed corneas. αSMA (myofibroblast transformation), E cadherin (assembly of epithelial cells) and neuronal class III ß-tubulin (innervation) were performed. RESULTS: Corneas treated topically with cacicol for 7 days showed a greater degree of transparency compared to controls. cacicol treated corneas showed improved epithelial cytoarchitecture. Analysis of αSMA profiles in the stroma showed that cacicol reduced or delayed the presence of myofibroblasts in the stroma compared to BSS (P<0.001). Finally, a putative neuroregenerative effect of cacicol was found in corneas subjected to an experimental PRK lesion. In some cases some interindividual variability could be observed due to the design of the experimental model. This is a limitation to consider, despite the statistical significance of the data. CONCLUSIONS: In a model of laser induced surgical lesions in the cornea, topical application of an RGTA (i.e. cacicol) could be involved in avoiding myofibroblast scarring formation and promoting nerve regeneration.

Terapia médica actual en reumatología / Current medical therapy in rheumatology

El tratamiento médico de las enfermedades reumatológicas ha cambiado en forma importante en las últimas décadas. La aparición de los corticoides en 1948, la incorporación del metotrexato en la década del 90 y últimamente la utilización de medicamentos biológicos, han marcado los hitos más importantes en la historia de la especialidad. En este artículo se revisan los fármacos que actualmente se usan de manera regular en la práctica diaria.

Medical treatment of rheumatic diseases has changed significantly in recent decades. The appearance of steroids in 1948, the addition of methotrexate in the 90's and recently the use of biological drugs have marked important landmarks in the history of the specialty. This article reviews the drugs currently used regularly in daily practice.

Nanofiller loading level: Influence on selected properties of an adhesive resin.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of the filler content in the cohesive strength (sigma), Weibull modulus (m) and degree of conversion (DC) of an experimental adhesive system. METHODS: A HEMA/Bis-GMA/TEGDMA-based adhesive was formulated and filled with silica nanofillers in the following weight percentages (wt%): R0=0%; R1=1%; R3=3%; R5=5% and R10=10%. The adhesive of Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SBMP) system was used as a commercial reference. Twenty dumbbell-shaped specimens with cross-sectional area of 0.5mm(2) were made per group and tensile tested with a crosshead speed of 0.5mm/min until fracture. The cohesive strength was calculated in MPa. DC was obtained through FTIR after light curing for 25s. Data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha=0.05) and to Weibull analysis. RESULTS: Mean sigma results were: R0=65.4+/-8.4; R1=73.2+/-8.8; R3=72.0+/-8.4; R5=73.1+/-9.7; R10=85.5+/-13.1 and SBMP=79.0+/-11.0MPa. R10 presented the highest sigma, while R0 showed the lowest. R5 and SBMP did not differ significantly (p<0.05). Weibull analysis revealed no significant difference in structural reliability between groups. The experimental adhesives presented similar results of DC, which, in turn, were significantly higher than the SBMP. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of 10% filler in weight improves the cohesive strength of the adhesive, not interfering in the structural reliability or the degree of conversion.

Efectos adversos cardiovasculares de los antiinflamatorios / Anti-inflammatory drugs and cardiovascular risk

Los antiinflamatorios no esteroidales son fármacos utilizados de manera muy frecuente en la práctica clínica. Son muchos los beneficios que producen en el paciente, pero sus efectos adversos pueden ocasionar en algunos casos consecuencias catastróficas. Los eventos adversos cardiovasculares han tenido gran relevancia en el último tiempo, debido al impacto mediático que ha causado la salida de algunos antiinflamatorios del mercado mundial por la notificación proveniente de estudios científicos donde se ha evidenciado el aumento del riesgo cardiovascular en los pacientes. En este artículo se revisan las últimas publicaciones referentes a las evidencias científicas y los posibles mecanismos que explicarían este fenómeno.

Non steroidal anti-inflammatories are frequently used in clinical practice. They can be very beneficial to patients, but unfavorable effects may sometimes have serious consequences. Adverse cardiovascular events have had great relevance in recent years due to media impact caused by the removal of certain anti-inflammatories from the world market after patients evidenced increased cardiovascular risk. We review the latest literature on scientific evidence and possible mechanisms that explain this phenomena.

Satisfacción del paciente y su relación con el médico y el equipo de salud en una unidad de reumatología docente asistencial de un hospital público: estudio preliminar / Survey on patient´s satisfaction and relationship with physicians and health care team in an assistential and teaching rheumatology unit of a public hospital

En una época que se caracteriza por el culto a la tecnología, en la que predomina la relación impersonal, en que es imperioso lograr metas y en las que el rendimiento se mide por la cantidad de pacientes que tienen acceso a la atención médica, consideramos de interés conocer la evaluación de parte del paciente, de la calidad de la atención que se le entrega en un servicio público de la especialidad, tanto desde el punto de vista de la accesibilidad a la prestación y el lugar donde esta se realiza, como a la relación humana que se establece con el médico y el equipo de salud. Basado en preguntas de fácil comprensión, que fueron contestadas en forma anónima por 203 pacientes en control habitual en la Unidad de Reumatología del Hospital San Juan de Dios, se concluye que actualmente son insuficientes las horas médicas de la especialidad y que al menos un tercio de los consultantes no logra obtener sus horas por el conducto regular (SOME). Lo mismo ocurre también con la posibilidad que éstos tienen de acceder a los exámenes radiológicos y a los medicamentos entregados por el hospital. Destaca, sin embargo, una significativa aprobación de la relación con el equipo de salud en general, y con el médico tratante en particular, pese a que sólo poco más de la mitad de los enfermos considera que su afección está mejor. Esta disociación puede vincularse a una buena relación humana médico-paciente, derivada de la cual hay satisfacción por la ayuda recibida y la asistencia otorgada, pese a tratarse de enfermedades crónicas y limitadas.

Satisfacción del paciente y su relación con el médico y el equipo de salud en una unidad de reumatología docente-asistencial de un hospital público: estudio preliminar / Patient satisfaction and their relationship with the doctor and the health team: preliminary study

In a time where technology has taken on a cult following and where impersonal relations prevail, and where meeting goals in which performance is measured in number of patients who have access to medical care are more pressing than ever, we present a study of the patients’ evaluation as to the quality of attention that they receive in a public specialized service, both from the accessibility to care and the place where this is done, as well as the human relationship with the doctor and the medical team. Based on easy to understand questions that were answered anonymously by 23 patients undergoing routine controls at the rheumatology unit of the San Juan de Dios Hospital, we found that medical hours of the specialty are currently insufficient and at least one third of the patients are unable to obtain an appointment through regular channels (SOME, Statistical Medical Orientation Service in its Spanish acronym), this includes the possibility to access radiological examinations, and medications given by the hospital. Nevertheless, an important approval rate between patients and the health team in general and the treating doctor in particular does stand out, even though little more than half of the patients consider that their illnesses have improved. This dissociation may be due to a good doctor/patient relationship, from which we can conclude that, in spite of dealing with usually chronic and limiting diseases, there is a degree of satisfaction derived from the help and service given.

Necrolisis tóxica epidérmica: caso clínico / Toxic epidermal necrolysis: clinical case

Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a potentially fatal disease due to allergic reactions to drugs. We report on a 58 years old female, that presented Raynaud sphenomenon during 20 years. During the last year, she developed polyarthritis of hands, shoulders, knees and ankles. Rheumatoid factor (RF), antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and U_ ribonucleoprotein (U1 RNP) were present, and Mixed connective tissue disease was suspected. Because of a poor response to methotrexate the patient received leflunomide. Two weeks later, she began with fever, pruritus and generalized edema. Within days this affected her neck, thorax, eyes and oral mucous. She had bullaes and areas of epidermic detachment. A toxic epidermal necrolysis was diagnosed and treated with IV immunoglobulins. The lesions disappeared successfully. In addition to the dermatological problem, the patient later presented ocular complications that required the transplant of both corneal, with the sub-sequent loss of one of her eyes.

[Treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection]. / Tratamiento de la infección crónica por el VHB.

The treatment of the patient with chronic hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) must be carried out with the knowledge that the percentage of patients infected with the B virus that develop chronic hepatitis remains between 5-10%. Of these, 10-30% will present chronic infection with active viral replication, necroinflammatory hepatic lesion, evolution to hepatic cirrhosis and the risk of developing hepatocarcinoma. For this reason, the aim of treatment is to achieve negativisation of the HBeAg, seroconversion to anti-HBe and a reduction of viral replication to undetectable values (estimated by level of DNA-HBV), for protracted periods of time. When a sustained loss of HBeAg and a reduction of viral replication are obtained, a biochemical, clinical and histological remission is achieved. Up until now the therapeutic alternatives in chronic infection by the B virus have been immunomodulation with Interferon alpha and the blocking of viral replication with lamivudine or adefovir dipivoxil. A difference must be drawn between the biochemical response, defined as a fall in the transaminases to normal values, and the virological response, which refers to a fall in the levels of DNA-HBV below 10(5) copies/ml. Finally, the complete response is defined as the virological and biochemical response with negativisation of the HBsAg. If a sustained response is obtained for several months, a histological response can be predicted with reduction in the intensity of the hepatic lesion and an absence or stabilisation in the process of fibrosis. The sustained response should last for no less than 6 to 12 months following the end of treatment.

Tratamiento de la infección crónica por el VHB / Treatment of chronic Hepatitis B virus infection

El tratamiento del paciente con hepatitis crónica por virus B (VHB) debe realizarse bajo el conocimiento de que el porcentaje de pacientes infectados por el virus B que desarrollan hepatitis crónica se mantiene entre el 5-10 por ciento. De ellos, el 10-30 por ciento presentarán infección crónica con replicación viral activa, lesión hepática necroinflamatoria, evolución a cirrosis hepática y riesgo de desarrollar hepatocarcinoma. Por este motivo la meta del tratamiento es lograr la negativización del HBeAg, la seroconversión a anti-HBe y la reducción de la replicación viral a valores indetectables (estimados por niveles de DNA-VHB), durante períodos prolongados de tiempo. Cuando se obtiene una pérdida sostenida del HBeAg y la reducción de la replicación viral, se consigue una remisión bioquímica, clínica e histológica. Las alternativas terapéuticas en la infección crónica por el virus B hasta el momento son la inmunomodulación con interferón alfa y el bloqueo de la replicación viral con lamivudina o adefovir dipivoxil. Hay que diferenciar la respuesta bioquímica, definida como un descenso de las transaminasas hasta valores normales, de la respuesta virológica, que se refiere a un descenso de los niveles de DNA-VHB por debajo de 105 copias/ml. Finalmente, se define la respuesta completa como la respuesta virológica y bioquímica con negativización del HBsAg. Si se obtiene una respuesta sostenida durante varios meses, es predecible una respuesta histológica con reducción en la intensidad de la lesión hepática y ausencia o estabilización en el proceso de fibrosis. La respuesta sostenida, debe durar no menos de 6 a 12 meses tras acabar el tratamiento (AU)

Synthesis of metal-oxide matrix with embedded nickel nanoparticles by a bottom-up chemical process.

Here we describe a new chemical route for obtaining highly dispersed nanometric Ni particles embedded in different matrices based on Al2O3, MgO, and TiO2 and in the heterogeneous matrices CeO2-doped Al2O3 and MgO-doped Al2O3. The synthesis method is based on a modification of the polymeric precursor method. The Ni nanoparticles (particles in the range of 1-40 nm) were obtained in a single process, without the use of an external reducing agent (hydrogen atmosphere).

Application of Ni:SiO2 nanocomposite to control the carbon deposition on the carbon dioxide reforming of methane.

Stable Ni nanoparticles embedded in a mesoporous silica material were used as catalysts for the conversion of methane into synthesis gas. This catalyst has the singular properties of controlling the carbon deposition and deactivation of active sites. A comparative study of our nanocomposites with conventional catalysts showed that impregnation material presented a preferential encapsulation and growth of carbon nanotubes on the metal surface. The impregnated catalyst showed a higher tendency for carbon nanotube and whiskers formation.

Synthesis of mesoporous silica with embedded nickel nanoparticles for catalyst applications.

Here we describe a new route for the synthesis of nanometric Ni particles embedded in a mesoporous silica material with excellent potential for catalytic applications. Mesoporous silica with a surface area in the range of 202-280 m2/g, with narrow pore size distribution and Ni nanoparticles (particles in the range of 3-41 nm) were obtained in a direct process. A different approach was adopted to process such a nanocomposite. This new approach is based on the formation of a polymer with the silicon oxianion and nickel cation chelated to the macromolecule structure and on the control of the pyrolysis step. The CO/CO2 atmosphere resulting from the pyrolysis of the organic material promotes the reduction of the Ni citrate.

Embryo implantation during the short luteal phase of the corn mouse, Calomys musculinus, and the apparent lack of a lactational diapause in South American murid rodents.

As the corn mouse, Calomys musculinus, has a short luteal phase (2-3 days) that is not prolonged after copulation, it was hypothesized that (i) implantation would occur at the end of this phase, that is, earlier than it occurs in most murid species that have been studied, and (ii) a lactational embryonic diapause would not occur during the luteal phase. These hypotheses were tested in females that had copulated during postpartum oestrus and were either lactating or not lactating. Data were recorded from day 3 to day 5 of pregnancy (day 1 = day after coitus), at both 03:00-05:00 h and 17:00-19:00 h. Evidence of implantation in both non-lactating and lactating animals was apparent at 03:00-05:00 h on day 4 (endometrial 'blue reaction' in all cases and failure to recover free uterine embryos in some cases) and implantation swellings appeared within 24 h in both groups. In another experiment, the increase in duration of interbirth intervals in continuously mated females and their correlation with the number of suckling young were compared among C. musculinus, C. laucha, Akodon molinae (South American murid species) and Peromyscus maniculatus (a North American murid in which a lactational embryonic diapause has been shown). The results were indicative of a lactational embryonic diapause in the North American species, but not in the South American species. It was concluded that in C. musculinus (i) implantation occurs at the end of the spontaneous luteal phase, and (ii) that a lactational embryonic diapause does not occur: the absence of a lactational embryonic diapause may be common to other South American murid rodents.

Tratamiento con dosis bajas de ciclosporina A en pacientes con enfermedad ocular inflamatoria de etiología no infecciosa / Treatment of non infectious ocular inflammatory disease with low doses of cyclosporin A

Background: Cyclosporin A has an adequate immunosuppressive capacity and can be useful in the treatment of non infectious ocular inflammatory diseases. Aim: To describe the clinical effect of cyclosporin A treatment in low doses, along with corticosteroids, in the treatment of refractory ocular inflammatory diseases. Patients and methods: Twenty patients (13 female), aged 17 to 74 years old with severe and refractory ocular inflammatory diseases were studied. All except one, received variable doses of prednisone (10 to 60 mg/kg/day) and all received cyclosporin in doses that started in 2.5 mg/day and were increased to 5 mg/kg/day, according to clinical response. Patients were followed from 8 to 24 months, with monthly assessments of ocular inflammation (using a four point score), visual acuity and adverse effects of treatment. Results: A two points or more reduction in the ocular inflammation score was observed in 52 percent of patients. Visual acuity improved in 10 subjects, stabilized in 8 and worsened in 2. Prednisone doses were reduced in most patients. Observed adverse effects were hypertension in 2 patients, creatinine elevation in 2, gastrointestinal disturbances in 3 and hypertrichosis in 12. A reduction of cyclosporin dose was required in these cases, but it was discontinued only in one patient with a vascular purpura. Conclusions: Low cyclosporin doses, associated to prednisone, are useful to reduce inflammation and improve visual acuity in patients with non infectious ocular inflammatory diseases, refractory to other treatment methods