Tunable from Blue to Red Emissive Composites and Solids of Silver Diphosphane Systems with Higher Quantum Yields than the Diphosphane Ligands.

PMMA composites and solids of complexes of formulas [AgX(P-P)]n [n = 1 and 2; X = Cl, NO3, ClO4, CF3COO, and OTf; P-P = dppb, xantphos, (PR2)2C2B10H10 (R = Ph and iPr)] display the whole palette of colors from blue to red upon selection of the anionic ligand (X) and the diphosphane (P-P). The diphosphane seems to play the most important role in tuning the emission energy and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) behavior. The PMMA composites of the complexes exhibit higher quantum yields than that of the diphosphane ligands and those with dppb are between 28 and 53%. Remarkably, instead of blue-green emissions which dominate the luminescence of silver diphosphane complexes in rigid phases, those with carborane diphosphanes are yellow-orange or orange-red emitters. Theoretical studies have been carried out for complexes with P-P = dppb, X = Cl; P-P = dppic, X = NO3; P-P = dppcc, X = Cl, NO3, and OTf and the mononuclear complexes [AgX(xantphos)] (X = Cl, Br). Optimization of the first excited triplet state was only possible for [AgX(xantphos)] (X = Cl and Br). A mixed MLCT and MC nature could be attributed to the S0 → T1 transition in these three-coordinated complexes.

What functional proteomic and biochemical analysis tell us about animal stress in beef?

Animal management practices may influence the animal's susceptibility to stress, with detrimental effects on the ultimate meat quality. In this field, proteomics is a promising tool that reveals the biological pathways underpinning the effect of animal's pre-slaughter stress (PSS) on the ultimate meat quality. The objective of this work was to study the effect of a pre-slaughter procedure that may promote stress, such as mixing unfamiliar animals during the transport and lairage period, on the post-mortem muscle proteome of young bulls reared under two different farm management systems (Intensive or Extensive). Comparative proteomics and biochemical analysis reveal the effect of PSS on biochemical pathways involved in the meat colour development, muscle redox status, energy metabolism and autophagy. This work highlights the potential of some muscle proteins such as Beclin-1 (autophagy marker), CKM (biomarker of energy transduction) and proteins of the energy metabolism (ALDOA, PYGM, PGM1, PKM, GPI) as potential biomarkers to discriminate beef samples according to the incidence of PSS. SIGNIFICANCE: Meat scientists are interested in the study of individual animal-based measurements that allow the detection of stress situations which could have negative effects on meat quality. In this context, the mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of pre-slaughter stress on the post-mortem muscle metabolism need to be elucidated in order to understand how animal stress may influence the conversion of muscle into meat. In this work, the study of proteome changes in the post-mortem muscle has allowed the identification of significant biomarkers of these processes that could be used as tools for detecting inappropriate strategies that may induce increased animal stress and, in consequence, may compromise the ultimate beef quality.

First Results on Dark Matter Annual Modulation from the ANAIS-112 Experiment.

ANAIS is a direct detection dark matter experiment aiming at the testing of the DAMA/LIBRA annual modulation result, which, for about two decades, has neither been confirmed nor ruled out by any other experiment in a model independent way. ANAIS-112, consisting of 112.5 kg of sodium iodide crystals, has been taking data at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory, Spain, since August 2017. This Letter presents the annual modulation analysis of 1.5 years of data, amounting to 157.55 kg yr. We focus on the model independent analysis searching for modulation and the validation of our sensitivity prospects. ANAIS-112 data are consistent with the null hypothesis (p values of 0.67 and 0.18 for [2-6] and [1-6] keV energy regions, respectively). The best fits for the modulation hypothesis are consistent with the absence of modulation (S_{m}=-0.0044±0.0058 cpd/kg/keV and -0.0015±0.0063 cpd/kg/keV, respectively). They are in agreement with our estimated sensitivity for the accumulated exposure, which supports our projected goal of reaching a 3σ sensitivity to the DAMA/LIBRA result in five years of data taking.

Pig cognitive bias affects the conversion of muscle into meat by antioxidant and autophagy mechanisms.

Slaughter is a crucial step in the meat production chain that could induce psychological stress on each animal, resulting in a physiological response that can differ among individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between an animal's emotional state, the subsequent psychological stress at slaughter and the cellular damage as an effect. In all, 36 entire male pigs were reared at an experimental farm and a cognitive bias test was used to classify them into positive bias (PB) or negative bias (NB) groups depending on their decision-making capabilities. Half of the animals, slaughtered in the same batch, were used for a complete study of biomarkers of stress, including brain neurotransmitters and some muscle biomarkers of oxidative stress. After slaughter, specific brain areas were excised and the levels of catecholamines (noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA)) and indoleamines (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and serotonin (5HT)) were analyzed. In addition, muscle proteasome activity (20S), antioxidant defence (total antioxidant activity (TAA)), oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation (LPO)) and autophagy biomarkers (Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein I light chain 3 (LC3-I) and LC3-II) were monitored during early postmortem maturation (0 to 24 h). Compared with PB animals, NB pigs were more susceptible to stress, showing higher 5HT levels (P<0.01) in the hippocampus and lower DA (P<0.001) in the pre-frontal cortex. Furthermore, NB pigs had more intense proteolytic processes and triggered primary muscle cell survival mechanisms immediately after slaughter (0 h postmortem), thus showing higher TAA (P<0.001) and earlier proteasome activity (P<0.001) and autophagy (Beclin-1, P<0.05; LC3-II/LC3-I, P<0.001) than PB pigs, in order to counteract the induced increase in oxidative stress, that was significantly higher in the muscle of NB pigs at 0 h postmortem (LPO, P<0.001). Our study is the first to demonstrate that pig's cognitive bias influences the animal's susceptibility to stress and has important effects on the postmortem muscle metabolism, particularly on the cell antioxidant defences and the autophagy onset. These results expand the current knowledge regarding biomarkers of animal welfare and highlight the potential use of biomarkers of the proteasome, the autophagy (Beclin-1, LC3-II/LC3-I ratio) and the muscle antioxidant defence (TAA, LPO) for detection of peri-slaughter stress.

Eficacia del índice de salud prostática para identificar cánceres de próstata agresivos. Una validación institucional / Diagnostic accuracy of prostate health index to identify aggressive prostate cancer. An Institutional validation study

Introducción: Las nuevas generaciones de marcadores tumorales para diagnosticar precozmente el cáncer de próstata (CaP) deberían ser capaces de discriminar entre pacientes portadores de tumores agresivos y aquellos sin cáncer, o con tumores de baja agresividad. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido validar en una institución académica el índice de salud prostática (PHI) como marcador de tumores agresivos de próstata. Métodos: Se determinó PHI en 357 varones sometidos a biopsia prostática entre junio de 2013 y julio de 2014. Posteriormente, un subgrupo de 183 hombres menores de 75 años, con PSA entre 3,0 y 10,0 ng/ml y programados para su primera biopsia fue seleccionado para este estudio. En todos ellos se llevó a cabo una biopsia prostática transrectal, guiada por ultrasonidos y bajo anestesia local, que obtuvo 12 cilindros de la zona periférica. En todos los casos se determinó antes del procedimiento: PSA total (tPSA), PSA libre (fPSA), [-2] proPSA (p2PSA) y volumen prostático. Se calculó el porcentaje de fPSA (%fPSA), densidad de PSA (PSAd) y PHI. Se consideraron tumores agresivos aquellos que tuvieron algún patrón 4 en la biopsia. Se comparó PHI con %fPSA y PSAd a través del análisis de curvas ROC. Se establecieron dinteles para detectar el 90% y el 95% de todos los tumores y el 95% y el 100% de los tumores agresivos, y se calcularon las tasas de biopsias evitadas con cada uno de ellos. Resultados: La tasa global de detección de CaP fue del 37,2% y la de tumores agresivos del 24,6%. El área bajo la curva (AUC) de PHI para detectar cualquier tipo de tumor fue superior a la de %fPSA y PSAd (0,749 vs 0,606 y 0,668 respectivamente). De forma similar, cuando se consideraron solo los tumores agresivos las AUC fueron respectivamente 0,786 vs 0,677 y 0,708. La tasa de biopsias evitadas para detectar el 95% de los tumores agresivos fue del 20,2% para PHI, 14,8% para %fPSA y 23,5% para PSAd. Para detectar el 100% de tumores agresivos la tasa de biopsias evitadas cayó al 5,9% para PHI, 9,3% para %fPSA y 7,9% para PSAd. Conclusiones: PHI parece un buen marcador para diagnosticar el CaP. Sin embargo, cuando el objetivo es detectar al menos el 95% de los tumores agresivos no parece ser más eficaz que el %fPSA y la PSAd

Introduction: New generations of tumor markers used to detect prostate cancer (PCa) should be able to discriminate men with aggressive PCa of those without PCa or nonaggressive tumors. The objective of this study has been to validate Prostate Health Index (PHI) as a marker of aggressive PCa in one academic institution. Methods: PHI was assessed in 357 men scheduled to prostatic biopsy between June of 2013 and July 2014 in one academic institution. Thereafter a subset of 183 men younger than 75 years and total PSA (tPSA) between 3.0 and 10.0 ng/mL, scheduled to it first prostatic biopsy, was retrospectively selected for this study. Twelve cores TRUS guided biopsy, under local anaesthesia, was performed in all cases. Total PSA, free PSA (fPSA), and [-2] proPSA (p2PSA) and prostate volume were determined before the procedure and %fPSA, PSA density (PSAd) and PHI were calculated. Aggressive tumors were considered if any Gleason 4 pattern was found. PHI was compared to %fPSA and PSAd through their ROC curves. Thresholds to detect 90%, 95% of all tumors and 95% and 100% of aggressive tumors were estimated and rates of unnecessary avoided biopsies were calculated and compared. Results: The rate of PCa detection was 37.2% (68) and the rate of aggressive tumors was 24.6% (45). The PHI area under the curve was higher than those of %fPSA and PSAd to detect any PCa (0.749 vs 0.606 and 0.668 respectively) or to detect only aggressive tumors (0.786 vs 0.677 and 0.708 respectively), however, significant differences were not found. The avoided biopsy rates to detect 95% of aggressive tumors were 20.2% for PHI, 14.8% for %fPSA, and 23.5% for PSAd. Even more, to detect all aggressive tumors these rates dropped to 4.9% for PHI, 9.3% for %fPSA, and 7.9% for PSAd. Conclusions: PHI seems a good marker to PCa diagnosis. However, PHI was not superior to %fPSA and PSAd to identify at least 95% of aggressive tumors

Diagnostic accuracy of prostate health index to identify aggressive prostate cancer. An Institutional validation study. / Eficacia del índice de salud prostática para identificar cánceres de próstata agresivos. Una validación institucional.

INTRODUCTION: New generations of tumor markers used to detect prostate cancer (PCa) should be able to discriminate men with aggressive PCa of those without PCa or nonaggressive tumors. The objective of this study has been to validate Prostate Health Index (PHI) as a marker of aggressive PCa in one academic institution. METHODS: PHI was assessed in 357 men scheduled to prostatic biopsy between June of 2013 and July 2014 in one academic institution. Thereafter a subset of 183 men younger than 75 years and total PSA (tPSA) between 3.0 and 10.0 ng/mL, scheduled to it first prostatic biopsy, was retrospectively selected for this study. Twelve cores TRUS guided biopsy, under local anaesthesia, was performed in all cases. Total PSA, free PSA (fPSA), and [-2] proPSA (p2PSA) and prostate volume were determined before the procedure and %fPSA, PSA density (PSAd) and PHI were calculated. Aggressive tumors were considered if any Gleason 4 pattern was found. PHI was compared to %fPSA and PSAd through their ROC curves. Thresholds to detect 90%, 95% of all tumors and 95% and 100% of aggressive tumors were estimated and rates of unnecessary avoided biopsies were calculated and compared. RESULTS: The rate of PCa detection was 37.2% (68) and the rate of aggressive tumors was 24.6% (45). The PHI area under the curve was higher than those of %fPSA and PSAd to detect any PCa (0.749 vs 0.606 and 0.668 respectively) or to detect only aggressive tumors (0.786 vs 0.677 and 0.708 respectively), however, significant differences were not found. The avoided biopsy rates to detect 95% of aggressive tumors were 20.2% for PHI, 14.8% for %fPSA, and 23.5% for PSAd. Even more, to detect all aggressive tumors these rates dropped to 4.9% for PHI, 9.3% for %fPSA, and 7.9% for PSAd. CONCLUSIONS: PHI seems a good marker to PCa diagnosis. However, PHI was not superior to %fPSA and PSAd to identify at least 95% of aggressive tumors.

Effect of animal mixing as a stressor on biomarkers of autophagy and oxidative stress during pig muscle maturation.

The objective of this work was to study the postmortem evolution of potential biomarkers of autophagy (Beclin 1, LC3-II/LC3-I ratio) and oxidative stress (total antioxidant activity, TAA; superoxide dismutase activity, SOD and catalase activity, CAT) in the Longissimus dorsi muscle of entire male ((Large White×Landrace)×Duroc) pigs subjected to different management treatments that may promote stress, such as mixing unfamiliar animals at the farm and/or during transport and lairage before slaughter. During the rearing period at the farm, five animals were never mixed after the initial formation of the experimental groups (unmixed group at the farm, UF), whereas 10 animals were subjected to a common routine of being mixed with unfamiliar animals (mixed group at the farm, MF). Furthermore, two different treatments were used during the transport and lairage before slaughter: 10 pigs were not mixed (unmixed group during transport and lairage, UTL), whereas five pigs were mixed with unfamiliar animals on the lorry and during lairage (mixed group during transport and lairage, MTL). These mixing treatments were then combined into three pre-slaughter treatments - namely, UF-UTL, MF-UTL and MF-MTL. The results show that MF-UTL and MF-MTL increased significantly the muscle antioxidant defense (TAA, SOD and CAT) at short postmortem times (4 and 8 h; P<0.001), followed by an earlier depletion of the antioxidant activity at 24 h postmortem (P<0.05). We also found that mixing unfamiliar animals, both at the farm and during transport and lairage, triggers postmortem muscle autophagy, which showed an earlier activation (higher expression of Beclin 1 and LC3-II/LC3-I ratio at 4 h postmortem followed by a decreasing pattern of this ratio along first 24 h postmortem) in the muscle tissues of animals from the MF-UTL and MF-MTL groups, as an adaptive strategy of the muscle cells for counteracting induced stress. From these results, we propose that monitoring the evolution of the main biomarkers of autophagy (Beclin 1, LC3-II/LC3-I ratio) and muscle antioxidant defense (TAA, SOD, CAT) in the muscle tissue within the first 24 h postmortem may help the detection of animal stress and its potential effect on the postmortem muscle metabolism.

Simultaneous treatment with statins and aspirin reduces the risk of prostate cancer detection and tumorigenic properties in prostate cancer cell lines.

Nowadays prostate cancer is the most common solid tumor in men from industrialized countries and the second leading cause of death. At the ages when PCa is usually diagnosed, mortality related to cardiovascular morbidity is high; therefore, men at risk for PCa frequently receive chronic lipid-lowering and antiplatelet treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze how chronic treatment with statins, aspirin, and their combination influenced the risk of PCa detection. The tumorigenic properties of these treatments were evaluated by proliferation, colony formation, invasion, and migration assays using different PCa cell lines, in order to assess how these treatments act at molecular level. The results showed that a combination of statins and aspirin enhances the effect of individual treatments and seems to reduce the risk of PCa detection (OR: 0.616 (95% CI: 0.467-0.812), P<0.001). However, if treatments are maintained, aspirin (OR: 1.835 (95% CI: 1.068-3.155), P=0.028) or the combination of both drugs (OR: 3.059 (95% CI: 1.894-4.939), P<0.001) represents an increased risk of HGPCa. As observed at clinical level, these beneficial effects in vitro are enhanced when both treatments are administered simultaneously, suggesting that chronic, concomitant treatment with statins and aspirin has a protective effect on PCa incidence.

Sedentarismo y sobrepeso como factores de riesgo en la detección del cáncer de próstata y su agresividad / Sedentarism and overweight as risk factors for the detection of prostate cancer and its aggressivenes

Objetivo: Analizar la influencia del sedentarismo (SE) y sobrepeso (SP) en el riesgo de detección de cáncer de próstata (CP) y su agresividad. Material y método: Se realizó biopsia prostática (BP) a 2.408 varones consecutivos, no tratados con 5 ARI, a causa de elevación sérica del PSA por encima de 4,0 ng/ml (91%) o tacto rectal sospechoso (9%). En la BP, transrectal y ecodirigida, se obtuvieron 10 cilindros, y entre 2 y 8 adicionales en función de la edad y del volumen prostático. La actividad física se evaluó mediante una encuesta (SE vs no SE) y se calculó el índice de masa corporal (normal vs SP: > 25 kg/cm2). La agresividad tumoral se evaluó según la suma de Gleason (alto grado [AG]: Gleason > 7) y el riesgo de D'Amico (alto riesgo [AR]: T > 3a o PSA > 20 o suma de Gleason > 7). Resultados: Se halló una asociación significativa entre SE (52,5%) y SP (72,9%), p > 0,001. La tasa global de detección de CP fue 35,2%. En varones con SE fue 36,7% y en no SE 33,6%, p = 0,048. La tasa global de tumores de AG fue 28,3%, 29,2% en varones con SE y 27,1% en no SE, p = 0,261. La tasa global de tumores de AR fue 35%, 39,7% en varones con SE y 29,4% en no SE, p < 0,001. Se detectó CP en un 38,1% de hombres con IMC normal y 34,3% en hombres con SP, p = 0,065. La tasa de tumores de AG fue 18,1 y 31,4% respectivamente, p < 0,001, y la tasa de tumores de AR fue 22,6 y 39,2% respectivamente, p < 0,001. La regresión logística binaria mostró que el SE fue un predictor independiente de CP, RR 0,791 (95% IC: 0,625-0,989), p = 0,030. SE y SP fueron predictores independientes de AG: RR 0,517 (95% IC: 0,356-0,752), p = 0,001, y RR 1,635 (95% IC 1,070-2,497), p = 0,023. SE y SP también fueron predictores independientes de AR: RR 0,519 (95% IC: 0,349-0,771), p = 0,001, y RR 1,998 (95% IC: 1,281-3,115), p = 0,002. Conclusiones: En varones que cumplen criterios de biopsia prostática se encontró una asociación entre sedentarismo y sobrepeso. El sedentarismo se asoció a mayor riesgo de detección de CP, mientras sedentarismo y sobrepeso incrementaron el riesgo de detección de tumores más agresivos

Objective: To analyze the influence of sedentary (SE) and overweight (OW) in the risk of prostate cancer detection (CP) and aggressiveness. Material and method: We performed prostate biopsy (PB) to 2,408 consecutive male, 5 ARIs untreated, because of elevated serum PSA above 4.0 ng/mL (91%) or suspicious digital rectal examination (9%). In all ultrasound guided PB, 10 cores were obtained plus 2 to 8 additionals, according to age and prostate volume. Physical activity was assessed using a survey (SE vs non-SE) and calculated body mass index (normal vs OW > 25 kg/cm2). The tumor aggressiveness was evaluated according to the Gleason score (high grade «HG»: Gleason> 7) and D’Amico risk (high risk «HR»: T > 3a or PSA > 20 or Gleason score > 7). Results: We found a significant association between SE (52.5%) and OW (72.9%), P < 0.001. The overall PC detection rate was 35.2%. In men with SE it was 36.7% and non-SE 33.6%, P = 0.048. The overall rate of AG tumors was 28.3%, 29.2% in men with SE and 27.1 in non-SE, P = 0.261. The overall rate of AR tumors was 35%, 39.7% in men with SE and 29.4% non-SE, P < 0.001. CP was detected in 38.1% of men with normal BMI and 34.3% in men with OW, P = 0.065. HG tumor rates were 18.1% and 31.4% respectively, P < 0.001 and AR tumor rates were 22.6% and 39.2% respectively, P < 0.001. Binary logistic regression showed that SE was an independent predictor of CP, OR .791 (95% CI: .625-0.989), P = 0.030. SE and OW were independent predictors of HG: OR .517 (95% CI: .356-0.752), P = 0.001, and OR 1.635 (95% CI: 1070-2497), p = 0.023. SE and OW were also independent predictors of HR: OR 0.519 (95% CI 0.349-.771), P = 0.001, and OR 1.998 (95% CI 1.281-3.115), P = 0.002. Conclusions: In men who met criteria for prostate biopsy an association between sedentary and overweight exist. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with increased risk of PC detection while sedentary and overweight were associated with more aggressive tumors

Sedentarism and overweight as risk factors for the detection of prostate cancer and its aggressivenes.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of sedentary (SE) and overweight (OW) in the risk of prostate cancer detection (CP) and aggressiveness. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We performed prostate biopsy (PB) to 2,408 consecutive male, 5 ARIs untreated, because of elevated serum PSA above 4.0 ng/mL (91%) or suspicious digital rectal examination (9%). In all ultrasound guided PB, 10 cores were obtained plus 2 to 8 additionals, according to age and prostate volume. Physical activity was assessed using a survey (SE vs non-SE) and calculated body mass index (normal vs OW > 25 kg/cm(2)). The tumor aggressiveness was evaluated according to the Gleason score (high grade «HG¼: Gleason > 7) and D'Amico risk (high risk «HR¼: T > 3a or PSA > 20 or Gleason score > 7). RESULTS: We found a significant association between SE (52.5%) and OW (72.9%), P < .001. The overall PC detection rate was 35.2%. In men with SE it was 36.7% and non-SE 33.6%, P = .048. The overall rate of AG tumors was 28.3%, 29.2% in men with SE and 27.1 in non-SE, P = .261. The overall rate of AR tumors was 35%, 39.7% in men with SE and 29.4% non-SE, P < .001. CP was detected in 38.1% of men with normal BMI and 34.3% in men with OW, P = .065. HG tumor rates were 18.1% and 31.4% respectively, P < .001 and AR tumor rates were 22.6% and 39.2% respectively, P < .001. Binary logistic regression showed that SE was an independent predictor of CP, OR .791 (95% CI: .625-.989), P = .030. SE and OW were independent predictors of HG: OR .517 (95% CI: .356-.752), P = .001, and OR 1.635 (95% CI: 1070-2497), p = 0.023. SE and OW were also independent predictors of HR: OR .519 (95% CI .349-.771), P = .001, and OR 1.998 (95% CI 1.281-3.115), P = .002. CONCLUSIONS: In men who met criteria for prostate biopsy an association between sedentary and overweight exist. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with increased risk of PC detection while sedentary and overweight were associated with more aggressive tumors.

Diagnóstico prenatal en la provincia de Girona en el período 1999-2009 / Prenatal diagnosis in the Girona area in the period 1999-2009

Objetivo. El objetivo de este trabajo es dar una visión global del uso y evolución del diagnóstico citogenético prenatal en la provincia de Girona en el período 1999-2009 y relacionar el diagnóstico citogenético con el cribado prenatal de aneuploidías. A partir de los datos recogidos se obtuvieron diversos indicadores presentados básicamente en forma de gráficos y tablas descriptivas. Resultados. Los resultados obtenidos indican lo siguiente: el uso del diagnóstico citogenético prenatal y posnatal aumentó a través del tiempo. El cribado prenatal de aneuploidías de procedencia pública en el período 1999-2009 mostró una tendencia creciente hasta el año 2005 y decreciente hasta el año 2009, cuando volvió a aumentar ligeramente. En pacientes del PASSIR Gironès-Pla de l’Estany la detección de la trisomía 21 fue del 88,9% en el cribado del primer trimestre y del 45% en el del segundo trimestre. La tasa media de detección de los cariotipos prenatales anómalos fue del 1,4% sin una tendencia temporal clara. Conclusiones. Las conclusiones principales son: - Se constata un aumento del uso del diagnóstico citogenético en el período 1999-2009. - La casuística de anomalías cromosómicas coincide con la bibliografía. - La sustitución del cribado del segundo trimestre por el del primer trimestre ha supuesto un incremento importante en la detección de aneuploidías. -La contribución de las pruebas de cribado prenatal es importante(AU)

Objective. The main goal of this research is to give a broad view of the use and evolution of prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis in Girona province between 1999 and 2009 and linking prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis with aneuploidy prenatal screening. The information collected allowed several indicators to be extracted, primarily presented as descriptive tables and charts. Results. The results show as follows: The use of prenatal and postnatal cytogenetic diagnosis increased in the mentioned period. The evolution of demand for aneuploidy prenatal screening in public health services during 1999-2009 showed an upward trend until 2005. From then on, it varied following a downward path until 2009, when it had a slight increase. Among PASSIR Gironès-Pla de l’Estany patients, detection of trisomy 21 through first-trimester screening was 88.9%, and through second-trimester screening was 45%. The average detection rate of abnormal prenatal karyotyping was 1.4%, with no clear trend in the above mentioned period. Conclusions. The main conclusions of this work are the following: - A rise in the use of cytogenetic diagnosis has been detected in Girona province between 1999 and 2009. - Case studies of chromosome abnormalities match the literature consulted. - Moving from second-trimester to first-trimester screening has meant a significant increase in aneuploidy detections. - Prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis is seen as an interdisciplinary field in which the extent of prenatal screening tests is crucial(AU)

Adipose tissue-derived factors as potential biomarkers in cachectic cancer patients.

Cachexia, a paraneoplastic syndrome markedly associated with worsened prognosis in cancer patients, provokes profound wasting of both lean and adipose mass in an association with a state of metabolic "chaos". The white adipose tissue responds to cachexia with marked local inflammation and may be thus a relevant contributor to systemic inflammation. To address this hypothesis we examined the correlation between tissue expression of adipokines and plasma concentration in cachectic and stable weight patients with or without cancer. Adiponectin and liver-derived CRP concentration were significantly higher in the cachectic groups when compared with stable weight patients (P<0.01). The concentration of plasma IL-6 was higher (11.4-fold) in the cancer cachectic group when compared with weight-stable controls, and presented a significant correlation with the presence of cancer (P<0.001). A marked increase (5-fold) in IL-6 as a result of the interaction between the presence of cachexia and the presence of tumour was observed in the subcutaneous tissue of the patients, yet not in the visceral depot. Plasma adiponectin levels were higher in cachectic cancer patients, compared with stable weight cancer patients individually matched by age, sex, and BMI, and the subcutaneous depot was found to be the main contributing tissue, rather than the visceral pad. Based on the results we concluded that the subcutaneous adipose tissue is associated with plasma changes that may function as markers of cachexia.

The EMT signaling pathways in endometrial carcinoma

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy of the female genital tract and the fourth most common neoplasia in women. In EC, myometrial invasion is considered one of the most important prognostic factors. For this process to occur, epithelial tumor cells need to undergo an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), either transiently or stably, and to differing degrees. This process has been extensively described in other types of cancer but has been poorly studied in EC. In this review, several features of EMT and the main molecular pathways responsible for triggering this process are investigated in relation to EC. The most common hallmarks of EMT have been found in EC, either at the level of E-cadherin loss or at the induction of its repressors, as well as other molecular alterations consistent with the mesenchymal phenotype-like L1CAM and BMI-1 up-regulation. Pathways including progesterone receptor, TGFβ, ETV5 and microRNAs are deeply related to the EMT process in EC (AU)

Adipose tissue inflammation and cancer cachexia: possible role of nuclear transcription factors.

Cancer cachexia is a multifaceted syndrome whose aetiology is extremely complex and is directly related to poor patient prognosis and survival. Changes in lipid metabolism in cancer cachexia result in marked reduction of total fat mass, increased lipolysis, total oxidation of fatty acids, hyperlipidaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, and hypercholesterolaemia. These changes are believed to be induced by inflammatory mediators, such as tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and other factors. Attention has recently been drawn to the current theory that cachexia is a chronic inflammatory state, mainly caused by the host's reaction to the tumour. Changes in expression of numerous inflammatory mediators, notably in white adipose tissue (WAT), may trigger several changes in WAT homeostasis. The inhibition of adipocyte differentiation by PPARγ is paralleled by the appearance of smaller adipocytes, which may partially account for the inhibitory effect of PPARγ on inflammatory gene expression. Furthermore, inflammatory modulation and/or inhibition seems to be dependent on the IKK/NF-κB pathway, suggesting that a possible interaction between NF-κB and PPARγ is required to modulate WAT inflammation induced by cancer cachexia. In this article, current literature on the possible mechanisms of NF-κB and PPARγ regulation of WAT cells during cancer cachexia are discussed. This review aims to assess the role of a possible interaction between NF-κB and PPARγ in the setting of cancer cachexia as well as its significant role as a potential modulator of chronic inflammation that could be explored therapeutically.

Characteristics of primary care processes for the treatment of faecal incontinence in an urban area.

AIM: In this study, we investigated the adequacy of the healthcare response systems to detect and treat faecal incontinence in patients in the primary care areas (PCAs) in a core urban area of Barcelona. METHOD: Patients with a diagnosis of faecal incontinence in the study area were identified from the electronic register of diagnostic codes, and from a manual review of electronic medical records of a random sample of the study population. The remaining variables were obtained through a structured telephone interview. RESULTS: In the study population (n = 65,023) with a previously estimated prevalence of faecal incontinence of 13% [95% confidence interval (CI) 10-17%], 68 cases of faecal incontinence were detected by the health care system (prevalence: 0.10%; 95% CI, 0.08-0.13). Of these, 39 patients (68% women, 68 ± 18 years of age) were interviewed: 18 (46%) reported symptoms lasting for longer than 5-10 years and 20 (51%) had waited for more than 5 years before seeking medical advice. Only 8 (18%) had received any treatment for faecal incontinence, and 18 (46%) reported persistent faecal incontinence at the time of the interview (Vaizey severity score 13 ± 4/24). CONCLUSION: The detection and treatment of faecal incontinence is insufficient in primary care services. Strategies to correct this are needed.

Eating quality of beef from biotypes included in the PGI "Ternera Asturiana" showing distinct physicochemical characteristics and tenderization pattern.

Different biotypes of the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) "Ternera Asturiana" were studied to determine if their differences in physicochemical characteristics and tenderization pattern during maturation (3 to 21 days) had an effect on the consumer evaluation of beef palatability. Biotype affected significantly pH, water holding capacity, chemical composition (P < 0.001) and meat lightness (P < 0.05). Ageing time affected significantly (P < 0.05) colour, meat toughness and sensory attributes in a different way within each biotype. Multivariate analysis showed two different meat groups: 1) meat from mh-genotypes, characterized by high juice losses, lightness (L*), protein content and high sensory acceptability at intermediate (7 and 14 days) ageing times; 2) meat from rustic (AM) breed and biotypes free of myostatin mutation (AV (+/+) and AV x AM), showing higher intramuscular fat, myoglobin content, and instrumental toughness and requiring longer storage times (21 days). This should be taken into account for the proper post-mortem management and commercialization of each product to achieve its best sensory quality.

Prediction of the fatty acid composition of beef by near infrared transmittance spectroscopy.

The intramuscular fat content and composition influence consumer selection of meat products. A study predicting the fatty acid (FA) profile of ground beef from the Longissimus thoracis of yearling bulls (n=100) using near infrared transmittance spectroscopy (NIT) was conducted. The samples were scanned using an Infratec 1265 Meat Analyzer which operates in transmittance mode from 850 to 1050nm. NIT technology was able to accurately predict (R(CV)(2) over 0.76) some prominent FAs such as C14:0, C16:0, C16:1cis9, C17:0, C18:1cis9 and C18:1cis11, and minor FAs like C13:0, C15:0, C17:1cis9 and C18:1cis13. When studying FA groups, NIT spectra were able to accurately predict saturated (R(CV)(2)=0.837), branched (R(CV)(2)=0.701) and monounsaturated (R(CV)(2)=0.852) FAs. In addition, NIT spectra provided useful information on the contents of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) in beef. These results show the potential of NIT technique as a rapid and easy tool to predict the major FAs in beef, especially those located in triglycerides.

Riesgo coronario de los pacientes con hipertensión de "bata blanca" diagnosticados mediante automedida de presión ambulatoria en Atención Primaria / Coronary risk of patients with “white coat” hypertension diagnosed by ambulatory blood pressure self-monitoring in Primary Care

OBJETIVO. Comparar el riesgo coronario de los individuos con hipertensión arterial (HTA) de "bata blanca" (HBB) diagnosticados mediante automedida domiciliaria de la presión arterial (AMPA), con el de los pacientes con HTA confirmada. MÉTODOS. Diseño: estudio descriptivo transversal, no aleatorizado. Emplazamiento: Atención Primaria. Centro de Salud Delicias Sur de Zaragoza. Participantes: ciento veintidós pacientes diagnosticados en la consulta mediante esfigmomanómetro de mercurio de HTA leve-moderada (fases 1 y 2 del JNC-VI) de novo y sin tratamiento farmacológico para su hipertensión. Mediciones principales: los pacientes realizaron AMPA, previo adiestramiento, protocolizada con 6 mediciones diarias durante 5 días (30 en total) recogiendo la hora, presión arterial sistólica (PAS), presión arterial diastólica (PAD) y frecuencia cardíaca en cada una de ellas. Se consideró HBB la de todo paciente con cifras de PA media en consulta >= 140/90 mmHg y domiciliarias < 135/85 mmHg. Se calcularon las medias y/o porcentajes de las siguientes variables: PAS/PAD clínicas y domiciliarias, sexo, edad, antecedentes familiares de HTA y enfermedad coronaria, tabaquismo, obesidad, hipertrofia ventricular izquierda, glucemia, colesterol total, colesterol ligado a lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL) y trigliceridemia, ácido úrico, microalbuminuria y cargas tensionales, calculando el riesgo coronario según criterios de Framingham y comparando HBB frente a HTA confirmada. RESULTADOS. La prevalencia de HBB fue del 29,7%. Los individuos que la padecen son de promedio 10 años más jóvenes, presentan menor PAS en la consulta, tienen menor carga de PA y menor riesgo coronario que los que tienen HTA confirmada. CONCLUSIONES. La AMPA es un elemento imprescindible para completar el diagnóstico de HTA en Atención Primaria. Dada la frecuencia de la HBB en Atención Primaria, debería incluirse al menos la AMPA para completar el estudio de la HTA en Atención Primaria debido a las repercusiones sanitarias y económicas que puede tener para el paciente y el sistema sanitario

OBJECTIVE. Compare the coronary risk of individuals with "white coat" hypertension (WCH) diagnosed by ambulatory blood pressure self-monitoring (ABPM) with that of patients with confirmed HBP. METHOD. Design: descriptive, cross-sectional, non-randomized study. Site: Primary Care. Health Care Site Delicias Sur de Zaragoza. Participants: one hundred and twenty-two patients diagnosed in consultation by mercury sphygmomanometer of mild-moderate de novo arterial hypertension (phases 1 and 2 of JNC-VI) and without drug treatment for their hypertension. Main measurements: the patients conducted ABPM after training, protocolized with 6 daily measurements for 5 days (30 in all), recording the time, SBP, DBP and heart rate in each one of them. WCH was considered to be all patients with mean BP values in consultation 140/90 mmHg and home <135/85 mmHg. Means and/or percentages of the following variables were calculated: clinical and home SBP/DBP, gender, age, family background of HBP and coronary disease, smoking, obesity, left ventricular hypertrophy, glycemia, total cholesterol, HDL and triglyceridemia, uric acid, microalbuminuria and tensional loads, calculating coronary risk according to Framingham criteria and comparing WCH versus confirmed arterial hypertension (AHT). RESULTS. Prevalence of WCH was 29.7%. Individuals who suffer it are an average of 10 years younger, have lower SPB in the consultation, have less BP load and less coronary risk than those who have confirmed AHT. CONCLUSIONS. ABPM is an essential element to complete AHT diagnosis in Primary Care. Given the frequency of WCH in Primary Care, ABPM should at least be included to complete the AHT study in Primary Care due to the health care and economic repercussions that it may have for the patient and health care system

[Assessment of the role of doppler color ultrasonography and magnetic resonance angio-resonance in the diagnosis of Takayasu's arteritis]. / Valoración del papel del ecodoppler duplex color y la angiorresonancia magnética nuclear en el diagnóstico de la arteritis de Takayasu.

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic inflammatory process of unknown etiology which affects the aorta and its main branches causing occlusion, stenosis or dilation of the vessels concerned. A case of TA in a young woman is presented, who underwent colour doppler duplex ultrasound image study and whose diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic nuclear angioresonance (MNAR). The role of these two explorations in the detection and follow-up of this condition is discussed. Due to the fact that the expression and age at presentation may vary according to the different geographical areas affected, we would especially underline the new diagnostic criteria for this entity and based on the angiography findings obtained.

Valoración del papel del ecodoppler duplex color y la angiorresonancia magnética nuclear en el diagnóstico de la arteritis de Takayasu / Evaluation of the role of colour doppler duplex imaging ultrasound and magnetic nuclear angioresonance in diagnosing takayasu arteritis

La arteritis de Takayasu (AT) es un proceso inflamatorio crónico de etiología desconocida que afecta a la aorta y sus ramas principales, lo que provoca oclusiones, estenosis o dilataciones en los vasos afectados. Presentamos un caso de AT en una mujer joven estudiada por ecodoppler duplex color y confirmada por angiorresonancia magnética nuclear (ARMN). Discutimos el papel de estas dos exploraciones en la detección y el seguimiento de la enfermedad. Debido a que su expresión y edad de presentación puede variar según las diferentes áreas geográficas afectadas, hacemos especial hincapié en los nuevos criterios diagnósticos para esta entidad, basados en los hallazgos angiográficos obtenidos (AU)

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic inflammatory process of unknown etiology which affects the aorta and its main branches causing occlusion, stenosis or dilation of the vessels concerned. A case of TA in a young woman is presented, who underwent colour doppler duplex ultrasound image study and whose diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic nuclear angioresonance (MNAR). The role of these two explorations in the detection and follow-up of this condition is discussed. Due to the fact that the expression and age at presentation may vary according to the different geographical areas affected, we would especially underline the new diagnostic criteria for this entity and based on the angiography findings obtained (AU)