Environmental risk of microplastics in a Mexican coastal lagoon ecosystem: Anthropogenic inputs and its possible human food risk.

Coastal lagoons are ecosystems that are considered providers of a variety species of commercial value to the humans. However, they are currently threatened by a variety of anthropogenic-derived impacts, including environmental pollution by microplastics (MPs). For these reasons, it is necessary to identify suitable biomonitors for monitoring MP activities in aquatic environments and for estimating human ingestion of MPs from the consumption of commercial shellfish species. Therefore, our aims were to identify the anthropogenic activities that supply MPs into a coastal lagoon in the southern Gulf of Mexico and their variety; to determine whether oysters (Crassostrea virginica) are suitable biomonitors to perform MPs monitoring activities and to conduct an estimation of how many MPs could a human consume by the ingestion of a commercial portion of oysters harvested in this coastal lagoon. Our results noted that MP concentrations from water and sediment collected in Laguna de Terminos were 210,000 and 11.3 times higher than values reported in other protected areas worldwide. MPs chemical composition revealed that fishing and urban activities supply mainly polyethylene (21.1 %), poly (butadiene) diol (12.6 %) and polyethylene terephthalate (9.5 %). It was also determined that oysters did not reflect the spatial distribution of MPs within the study area and that a human could consume up to 806.1 MPs per 237.1 g serving of an oyster cocktail. Finally, a coastal lagoon polluted with MPs increases the risk of affecting species used for human consumption.

Progression and variation of competitive 100 and 200m performance at the 2021 European Swimming Championships.

Competitive progressions are necessary to ensure that peak performance occurs when medals are decided. This study aimed to: i) study the coefficient of variation (CV) and performance changes (%Δ) among swimmers who participated in different rounds (i.e., heats, semi-finals and finals); ii) study the CV changes as a function of FINA-points. A total of 1447 performances were analysed in the 100 and 200 m-races during the Budapest 2021 European-Championships. Linear mixed-effects models were applied for total and split-times to obtain intra-athlete CV and %Δ. The FINA-points were studied with two-way ANOVA and Pearson's correlation assessed the relations with CV. The CV in 100 m-races was: 0.48 ± 0.21% for males and 0.50 ± 0.20% for females (Δ = -0.66%); in 200 m-races: 0.63 ± 0.36% and 0.60 ± 0.34% (Δ = -0.82%). There were differences in FINA-points between strokes and distances (p < 0.02) associated with higher CV for the 200 m-races (r = 0.37; p = 0.003), indicating changes in performance over the rounds. Swimmers' finalists performed easier during the heats by going slower in the first 50 m-lap; however, some of them would have little chance of qualifying during major championships because some events were below FINA-points world-standards.

Optimising Multi-stakeholder Practices in Patient Engagement: A Gap Analysis to Enable Focused Evolution of Patient Engagement in the Development and Lifecycle Management of Medicines.

BACKGROUND: The PARADIGM consortium aimed to make patient engagement in the development and lifecycle management of medicines easier and more effective for all, with the development of new tools that fulfil robustly defined gaps where engagement is suboptimal. AIMS: To generate an inventory of gaps in patient engagement practices and process from existing global examples. METHODS: A large set of criteria for effective patient engagement previously defined via a multi-stakeholder Delphi method, were mapped under fourteen overarching themes. A gap analysis was then performed by twenty-seven reviewers against the resulting forty-six mapped criteria, on a sample of seventy initiatives from global databases. RESULTS: An inventory of gaps was identified including contextual information as to why the gaps exist. Our work identified general patterns where patient engagement was suboptimal-defined as; fragmented reporting and dissemination of patient engagement activities, and the fundamental principles defined in frameworks or guidance being poorly adhered to in actual practice. Specific gaps were identified for sixteen criteria. Additionally, it was also common to observe primary aspects of a process were addressed for a given criteria (i.e. training for roles and responsibilities) but a secondary context element was lacking (i.e. making training material accessible/understandable/meaningful to all participants). CONCLUSION: The results show that the evolution towards meaningful and systematic patient engagement is occurring, yet more importantly they provide clear directional insights to help enhance collaborative practices and co-design solutions. This targeted impact to catalyse a needs-oriented health system that integrates patient engagement at its core is essential.

Síndrome de la articulación temporomandibular en un área de salud / Temporomandibular joint syndrome in a health area

Introducción: La alteración de la articulación temporomandibular es un motivo de consulta cada vez más común. Para caracterizar este proceso, se estudiaron pacientes diagnosticados en cuatro consultas de odontología de atención primaria durante los años 2014 a 2106. Material y Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal de todos los pacientes que acudieron a consulta, a los que se les diagnosticó esta patología. Resultados: Se estudiaron 228 pacientes, lo que supone un 2.9% de todas las consultas, habiéndose incrementado. Estos pacientes tenían una edad entre 13 y 88 años. El 75.8% de ellos presentaban dos o más factores de riesgo. Los factores de riesgo más frecuentes fueron la pérdida de dientes (56.8%), el estrés (46.9%) y las inferencias oclusales (43.8%). Sin embargo estos factores varían en función de la edad y del género; así la pérdida de dientes está presente en el 83.9% de las personas de 65 a 74 años, mientras que el estrés es más frecuente en el grupo de edad de 35 a 44 años. Por otro lado, las mujeres tienen más frecuentemente estrés y bruxismo que los hombres. Discusión: La prevalencia encontrada es algo inferior a la descrita en la literatura, sin embargo se encuentra una tendencia creciente. Los factores de riesgo de nuestros pacientes muestran diferencias en cuanto a la edad y al género. (AU)

Introduction: The alteration of the temporomandibular joint is an increasingly common reason for consultation. To characterize this process, patients diagnosed in four primary care dentistry consultations during the years 2014 to 2106 were studied. Material and Methods: cross-sectional descriptive study of the patients who went to the clinic, who were diagnosed with this pathology. Results: 228 patients were studied, which means 2.9% of all consultations, having increased. These patients were between 13 and 88 years old. 75.8% of them had two or more risk factors. The most frequent risk factors were tooth loss (56.8%), stress (46.9%) and occlusal inferences (43.8%). However, these factors vary according to age and gender; Thus, tooth loss is present in 83.9% of people aged 65 to 74, while stress is more frequent in the age group of 35 to 44 years. On the other hand, women have more frequently stress and bruxism than men. Discussion: The prevalence found is somewhat lower than that described in the literature; however, there is a growing trend. The risk factors of our patients show differences in terms of age and gender. (AU)

Interleukin-17A enhances the production of CD147/extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer by monocytes from patients with psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE: CD147 is the main inducer of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases, which are critically involved in different inflammatory diseases. Our objective was to assess whether in vitro stimulation with Th1 and Th17 cytokines modulate CD147 production in monocytes from psoriasis patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum CD147 levels were measured in 60 psoriasis patients and 60 healthy controls. Furthermore, CD14+ monocytes were cultured and stimulated with TNF, IFN-g or IL-17A, and CD147 production was measured. RESULTS: Serum CD147 levels were higher in psoriasis patients (median 1866, IQR 1517-2355 pg/mL vs. 1686, 1382-1947 pg/mL; p=0.023), allowing to distinguish between patients and controls (AUC-ROC 0.632 ± 0.0509). Baseline CD147 production was similar in monocytes from patients and controls (1298, 769-1645 pg/mL vs. 1290, 1048-1976 pg/ml, respectively). Stimulation with IL-17A (1638, 1426-2027 pg/mL; p<0.001), but no other cytokine, was associated with increased production of CD147 in monocytes from psoriatic patients. In contrast, none of the cytokines increased CD147 production in monocytes from healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: CD147 production by activated monocytes is a cytokine-dependent process, specifically by cytokines of the Th17 phenotype instead of those belonging to the Th1 phenotype. CD147 is a novel inflammatory mediator that could be a therapeutic target in psoriasis.

Trayectoria clínica enfermería: cistectomía radical / No disponible

Los tumores vesicales infiltrantes son la segunda neoplasia urológica en España y su tratamiento de elección es la cistectomía radical. Es una cirugía de gran complejidad que aumenta y mejora la calidad de vida de estos pacientes. Gracias al proyecto de rehabilitación multimodal del grupo ERAS, se ha protocolizado el proceso de atención a estos pacientes. Durante el periodo de hospitalización posoperatorio el equipo de enfermería desempeña un papel fundamental. Un plan de cuidados estandarizado de enfermería dará respuesta al protocolo evitando la variabilidad en los cuidados, aumentando la seguridad del paciente y mejorando la eficiencia de los procesos quirúrgicos

Muscle infiltrating bladder cancer constitutes the second urologic neoplasia in Spain and it is treated with radical cystectomy. It is a surgical procedure of great complexity which improves these patients' quality of life. Due to multimodal rehabilitation programme ERAS, the process of attention has been protocolized. During the postoperative period the nursing team performs an essential role. A standardised plan of care will provide answers to protocol while avoiding variability in the treatment and care towards the patient by improving patient safety as well as efficiency of surgical procedure

Effect of Spin Multiplicity in O2 Adsorption and Dissociation on Small Bimetallic AuAg Clusters.

To dispose of atomic oxygen, it is necessary the O2 activation; however, an energy barrier must be overcome to break the O-O bond. This work presents theoretical calculations of the O2 adsorption and dissociation on small pure Aun and Agm and bimetallic AunAgm (n + m ≤ 6) clusters using the density functional theory (DFT) and the zeroth-order regular approximation (ZORA) to explicitly include scalar relativistic effects. The most stable AunAgm clusters contain a higher concentration of Au with Ag atoms located in the center of the cluster. The O2 adsorption energy on pure and bimetallic clusters and the ensuing geometries depend on the spin multiplicity of the system. For a doublet multiplicity, O2 is adsorbed in a bridge configuration, whereas for a triplet only one O-metal bond is formed. The charge transfer from metal toward O2 occupies the σ*O-O antibonding natural bond orbital, which weakens the oxygen bond. The Au3 (2A) cluster presents the lowest activation energy to dissociate O2, whereas the opposite applies to the AuAg (3A) system. In the O2 activation, bimetallic clusters are not as active as pure Aun clusters due to the charge donated by Ag atoms being shared between O2 and Au atoms.

Cortactin deficiency causes increased RhoA/ROCK1-dependent actomyosin contractility, intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction, and disproportionately severe DSS-induced colitis.

The intestinal epithelium constitutes a first line of defense of the innate immune system. Epithelial dysfunction is a hallmark of intestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). The actin cytoskeleton controls epithelial barrier integrity but the function of actin regulators such as cortactin is poorly understood. Given that cortactin controls endothelial permeability, we hypothesized that cortactin is also important for epithelial barrier regulation. We found increased permeability in the colon of cortactin-KO mice that was accompanied by reduced levels of ZO-1, claudin-1, and E-cadherin. By contrast, claudin-2 was upregulated. Cortactin deficiency increased RhoA/ROCK1-dependent actomyosin contractility, and inhibition of ROCK1 rescued the barrier defect. Interestingly, cortactin deficiency caused increased epithelial proliferation without affecting apoptosis. KO mice did not develop spontaneous colitis, but were more susceptible to dextran sulfate sodium colitis and showed severe colon tissue damage and edema formation. KO mice with colitis displayed strong mucus deposition and goblet cell depletion. In healthy human colon tissues, cortactin co-localized with ZO-1 at epithelial cell contacts. In IBDs patients, we observed decreased cortactin levels and loss of co-localization with ZO-1. Thus, cortactin is a master regulator of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity in vivo and could serve as a suitable target for pharmacological intervention in IBDs.

Infección cutánea por Mycobacterium tuberculosis asociada a paniculitis reactiva / Cutaneous Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection associated with reactive paniculitis

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Novel biopreservatives to enhance the safety and quality of strawberry juice.

Pomegranate extract, vanillin and geraniol were studied as natural antimicrobials on strawberry juice. Strawberry juice was treated with each agent at two concentrations: pomegranate extract at 180 and 360 µg/mL; vanillin at 2.5 and 5 mg/mL; and geraniol at 0.6 and 1.2 µL/mL. After being treated, juices were stored at 5 °C and microbiological, physicochemical and sensory studies were carried out. Also, a second batch of juice was inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 (10(5) CFU/mL) before being treated, to safety study. Geraniol and vanillin, at both concentrations tested, were highly effective in reducing the native microflora on strawberry juice (more than 3 log cycles), extending the microbiological shelf-life of the product. Moreover, both antimicrobials improved the product safety by reducing inoculated E. coli O157:H7. Furthermore, vanillin showed a significant increase in polyphenol content compared to untreated juice. On the other hand, pomegranate extract applied at the highest concentration showed important reductions on mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria, but no effect on yeast and molds and inoculated E. coli. Even though vanillin and geraniol incorporation on strawberry juice had a negative effect on its sensory quality, pomegranate extract had no impact on the sensory attributes evaluated. Combinations of the biopreservatives could be studied in order to decrease the concentration of the antimicrobials, reducing the effects on strawberry juice sensory characteristics.

Nivel de mercurio en cabello de niños peruanos expuestos en una zona minera de Arequipa y de la ciudad de Lima / Level of mercury in hair of peruvian children exposed in a mining area of Arequipa and Lima city

Objetivo: El propósito del estudio fue comparar los niveles de mercurio en cabello en dos muestras de niños peruanos provenientes de dos zonas geográficas distintas: una zona rural minera y una zona urbana. Material y métodos: La zona minera correspondió al poblado de Mollehuaca (Arequipa), de donde se obtuvieron 52 muestras de cabello; la zona urbana no expuesta a minería correspondió al distrito de Los Olivos (Lima), de donde se obtuvieron 40 muestras. Se determinó el nivel de mercurio con la técnica estandarizada de plasma de inducción acoplado con un espectrómetro de masas (ICP-MS). Resultados: En la zona rural, en promedio, se obtuvo un nivel de mercurio de 7,47 ppb ± 26,9. En la zona urbana, el nivel de mercurio alcanzó un promedio de 2,47 ppb ± 1,28. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en el nivel de mercurio según edad o género. Conclusión: Se concluye que el grupo expuesto a minería aurífera informal y de zona rural presentó niveles de mercurio en cabello en promedio mayores a los del grupo de zona urbana, pero esta diferencia no fue significativa (p=0,188, alfa=0,05)

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the mercury levels tested in two groups of children from different locations from Peru: a mining countryside and a metropolitan area. Methods: The rural area was Mollehuaca (Arequipa), where children are exposed to mercury by artisanal mining. Fifty-two hair samples from children from the rural area were obtained. The urban area was District of Olives (Lima), where there is not mercury exposure by mining. Forty hair samples from children from the urban area were obtained. Mercury level was determined by induction coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) standard technique. Results: In the rural area, an average of level of mercury 7.47 ppb ± 26.9 was obtained; in urban areas the mercury level reached an average of 2.47 ppb±1.28. Not significant differences in the level of mercury according to age or gender were found. Conclusion: It is concluded that the group exposed to rural and informal gold mining presented an average of mercury levels in hair higher than those of the urban group, but this difference was not significant (p=0.188, alfa=0.05)

Electric radiation mapping of silver/zinc oxide nanoantennas by using electron holography.

In this work, we report the fabrication of self-assembled zinc oxide nanorods grown on pentagonal faces of silver nanowires by using microwaves irradiation. The nanostructures resemble a hierarchal nanoantenna and were used to study the far and near field electrical metal-semiconductor behavior from the electrical radiation pattern resulting from the phase map reconstruction obtained using off-axis electron holography. As a comparison, we use electric numerical approximations methods for a finite number of ZnO nanorods on the Ag nanowires and show that the electric radiation intensities maps match closely the experimental results obtained with electron holography. The time evolution of the radiation pattern as generated from the nanostructure was recorded under in-situ radio frequency signal stimulation, in which the generated electrical source amplitude and frequency were varied from 0 to 5 V and from 1 to 10 MHz, respectively. The phase maps obtained from electron holography show the change in the distribution of the electric radiation pattern for individual nanoantennas. The mapping of this electrical behavior is of the utmost importance to gain a complete understanding for the metal-semiconductor (Ag/ZnO) heterojunction that will help to show the mechanism through which these receiving/transmitting structures behave at nanoscale level.

The emergence of the concept of tight junctions and physiological regulation by ouabain.

The exchange of substances between metazoan and the environment takes place across transporting epithelia that have two fundamental differentiated features: tight junctions (TJ) and apical/basolateral polarity. Usually, reviews of the structure and function of transporting epithelia follow a historical description of major biological findings, but seldom refer to the fact that it also required fundamental theoretical changes in the physics and chemistry involved. We make a brief description of the concatenation of both types of achievements, in which it becomes clear that the major source of conflicts was the enzyme Na(+),K(+)-ATPase (also referred to as "the pump"), because of its intrinsic mechanisms and its asymmetric expression on one side of epithelial cells only (polarity). This enzyme is also the receptor of the newly recognized hormone ouabain, whose chief function is to modulate cell contacts, such as TJs, several types of cell-cell contacts participating in polarization (as gauged through ciliogenesis).

Fermentation adaptability of three probiotic Lactobacillus strains to oat, germinated oat and malted oat substrates.

Functional foods targeting the improvement of gastrointestinal health are widely recognized; of these, dairy-based probiotics are the most popular. Thus, the design of nondairy probiotics applying fruits, vegetables and cereals has raised great interest in the healthy food sector. The objective of this work was to assess the potential of germinated and malted oat substrates to support the growth of the probiotic cultures Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Fermentations were carried out with distinctive oat substrates at inoculum levels of 3, 5 and 7% v/v, substrate concentrations of 3, 5 and 7% w/v and with sucrose addition 1·5% w/v. Lag phase profiles, maximum growth rates and maximal growths were evaluated; protein and sugar contents were also quantified. There was no significant effect (P > 0·05) of the inoculum size on the fermentation kinetics; however, oat media significantly affected the growth kinetics. In simple oat media, Lact. acidophilus exhibited biphasic growth patterns. Lactobacillus growth patterns were significantly affected (P < 0·05) by the supplementation with protein sources. The germination and malting processes significantly improved oats nutrient characteristics demonstrating to be adequate substrates for the fermentation with probiotic lactobacilli. Significance and impact of the study: In this work, the effect of oat media composition and fermentation conditions on the growth kinetics of three probiotic lactobacilli was determined. The variation in the inoculum levels did not have a significant effect on the probiotic cultures growth. Results revealed that protein supplemented simple, germinated and malted oat enhanced the cell viability of the probiotic lactobacilli; Lactobacillus casei exhibited better growth adaptability. The results also highlight that different weight in volume oat substrate concentrations has particular effects on Lact. casei growth kinetics. Our results contribute to a better understanding of oat-based media formulations as substrates for probiotic cultures.

Cloning, characterization and functional expression of Taenia solium 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

The 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17ß-HSD) are key enzymes involved in the formation (reduction) and inactivation (oxidation) of sex steroids. Several types have been found in vertebrates including fish, as well as in invertebrates like Caenorhabditis elegans, Ciona intestinalis and Haliotis diversicolor supertexta. To date limited information is available about this enzyme in parasites. We showed previously that Taenia solium cysticerci are able to synthesize sex steroid hormones in vitro when precursors are provided in the culture medium. Here, we identified a T. solium 17ß-HSD through in silico blast searches in the T. solium genome database. This coding sequence was amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into the pcDNA 3.1(+) expression vector. The full length cDNA contains 957bp, corresponding to an open reading frame coding for 319 aa. The highest identity (84%) at the protein level was found with the Echinococcus multilocularis 17ß-HSD although significant similarities were also found with other invertebrate and vertebrate 17ß-HSD sequences. The T. solium Tsol-17ßHSD belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) protein superfamily. HEK293T cells transiently transfected with Tsol17ß-HSD induced expression of Tsol17ß-HSD that transformed 3H-androstenedione into testosterone. In contrast, 3H-estrone was not significantly transformed into estradiol. In conclusion, T. solium cysticerci express a 17ß-HSD that catalyzes the androgen reduction. The enzyme belongs to the short chain dehydrogenases/reductase family and shares motifs and activity with the type 3 enzyme of some other species.

Detección de tumores de la zona central prostática mediante PET/TC con 11C-Colina / Detection of tumors in the central zone of the prostate with 11C-Choline PET/CT

Los tumores prostáticos se originan en un 68% en la zona periférica y en un 24% en la transicional, mientras que son infrecuentes (8%) los tumores de la zona central. Sin embargo, es importante el diagnóstico de los tumores de la zona central puesto que presentan una mayor agresividad, que está condicionada por su localización y diferente comportamiento biológico. La resonancia magnética muestra problemas en la identificación de lesiones en la zona central prostática, dado que esta región tiene una señal heterogénea, principalmente tras el tratamiento primario. La biopsia ecográfica por sextantes muestra un resultado negativo en un 28% de los tumores prostáticos, por lo que es recomendable su repetición o incluso la realización de biopsias por saturación. Presentamos 2 pacientes, uno con sospecha bioquímica de un cáncer de próstata y otro con recidiva bioquímica tras tratamiento radical. En ambos, la PET/TC con 11C-Colina ha permitido la detección del foco tumoral en la zona central de la próstata, tras exploraciones complementarias y biopsias negativas (AU)

Prostate tumors originate 68% in the peripheral region and 24% in the transitional region where tumors originating in the central zone are rare (8%). However, diagnosis of the tumors in the central zone is important since they exhibit greater aggressiveness conditioned by their location and different biological behavior. Magnetic resonance imaging shows problems in identifying lesions in the central prostate zone, since this region has a heterogeneous signal, mainly after the primary treatment. Ultrasound guided sextant biopsy shows a negative result in 28% of prostate tumors. Therefore, it is advisable to repeat or even to perform saturation biopsies. We present two patients, one of them with suspected biochemical prostate cancer and one with biochemical recurrence after radical treatment. In both, 11C-Choline PET/CT allowed detection of the tumor focus in the central zone of the prostate, with negative complementary diagnostic test and biopsies (AU)

Diagnóstico y seguimiento del mieloma extraóseo mediante tomografía por emisión de positrones/tomografía computarizada con 18F-fluorodeoxiglucosa / Diagnosis and follow-up with 18F-fluorodeoxiglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography of extraosseous myeloma

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Detección de segundos tumores en estudios de la PET/TC con 11C-colina realizados por recurrencia bioquímica de cáncer de próstata / Detection of second tumors in 11C-choline PET/CT studies performed due to biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer

La aplicación clínica más aceptada de la PET/TC con 11C-colina es la localización precoz de la recidiva bioquímica en pacientes tras un tratamiento radical de cáncer de próstata. Su uso generalizado ha hecho evidente la existencia de localizaciones infrecuentes de incidentalomas, lesiones metastásicas, así como falsos positivos y negativos en la exploración. En los últimos 6 años, de un total de 454 estudios de la PET/TC con 11C-colina realizados en nuestro servicio para localizar la recidiva bioquímica de un cáncer de próstata hemos detectado un segundo tumor en 7 casos (1,54%): 3 de pulmón, 2 colorrectales, uno de esófago y uno esofagogástrico. Si bien es conocida la utilidad de la PET/TC con 11C-colina en la detección de otros tipos de tumores diferentes al cáncer de próstata, en los pacientes en los que se realiza la exploración por esta indicación aceptada su diagnóstico muestra un importante cambio en el manejo terapéutico de estos pacientes (AU)

Early localization of biochemical recurrence in patients after radical treatment of prostate cancer is a widely accepted clinical indication of 11C-choline PET/CT. Its widespread clinical use has prompted the depiction of incidentalomas, unusual sites of metastatic lesions, as well as false positive and negative cases. Over the last 6 years, a total of 454 11C-choline PET/CT studies have been performed in our institution to locate biochemical recurrence of patients with prostate cancer. With these studies, a second neoplasm has been found in 7 patients (1.54%): 3 lung, 2 colorectal, 1 esophagus and 1 esophageal junction, respectively. Although the clinical usefulness of this technique for detecting cancer lesions other than prostate origin is known for those patients who undergo this technique in the accepted indication, the diagnosis of a second tumor has a significant impact on their therapeutic management (AU)