Nutrient dynamics in wetland systems associated with hydrological and anthropogenic variations in the south of Samborombón Bay, Argentina.

Wetlands provide numerous ecosystem services to the environment, such as nutrient removal and storage. The aim of this work is to evaluate the nutrient dynamics in different sectors within wetland systems in the south of the Samborombón Bay (Argentina) based on hydrological and/or anthropogenic variations. For this purpose, the hydrological features of the wetland were defined through the analysis of satellite images, precipitation and tidal data, and field surveys. Three sectors were identified in the wetland: one with tidal influence, another which is dependent on rainfall, and another that receives inputs from rainfall and from a sewage effluent treatment plant. In order to analyze the nutrient dynamics, samples of surface water, groundwater, and sediments were collected from these sectors. Measurements of pH and electrical conductivity were determined in situ in water samples, while the concentration of inorganic forms of phosphorus and nitrogen, soluble reactive silica, and organic carbon were determined through laboratory analysis. Also, bioavailable phosphorus, organic matter, pH, and electrical conductivity were determined in the sediment samples collected. Statistical analysis of the data reveals differences between the sectors and allows the interpretation of the dynamics of the studied components in the wetland. Electrical conductivity distinguishes the intertidal sectors of the wetland while components associated with P and N discriminate the sectors with inputs from the sewage effluent treatment plant. On the other hand, soluble reactive silica, organic carbon, and organic matter do not seem to be influenced by the tide or effluent discharge. This study demonstrates that the studied wetland works as a nutrient retention area, providing ecosystem services to local inhabitants. Although these services can be utilized, they require a continuous monitoring over time to provide an early warning in case the variations in P and N cycles could lead to eutrophication or wetland degradation.

The ovarian function and endocrine phenotypes of lactating dairy cows during the estrous cycle were associated with genomic-enhanced predictions of fertility potential.

The objectives of this prospective cohort study were to characterize associations among genomic merit for fertility with ovarian and endocrine function and the estrous behavior of dairy cows during an entire, non-hormonally manipulated estrous cycle. Lactating Holstein cows entering their first (n = 82) or second (n = 37) lactation had ear-notch tissue samples collected for genotyping using a commercial genomic test. Based on genomic predicted transmitting ability values for daughter pregnancy rate (gDPR) cows were classified into a high (Hi-Fert; gDPR > 0.6 n = 36), medium (Med-Fert; gDPR -1.3 to 0.6 n = 45), and low fertility (Lo-Fert; gDPR < -1.3 n = 38) group. At 33 to 39 DIM, cohorts of cows were enrolled in the Presynch-Ovsynch protocol for synchronization of ovulation and initiation of a new estrous cycle. Thereafter, the ovarian function and endocrine dynamics were monitored daily until the next ovulation by transrectal ultrasonography and concentrations of progesterone (P4), estradiol, and FSH. Estrous behavior was monitored with an ear-attached automated estrus detection system that recorded physical activity and rumination time. Overall, we observed an association between fertility group and the ovarian and hormonal phenotype of dairy cows during the estrous cycle. Cows in the Hi-Fert group had greater circulating concentrations of P4 than cows in the Lo-Fert group from d 4 to 13 after induction of ovulation and from day -3 to -1 before the onset of luteolysis. The frequency of atypical estrous cycles was 3-fold greater for cows in the Lo-Fert than the Hi-Fert group. We also observed other modest associations between genomic merit for fertility with the follicular dynamics and estrous behavior. There were several associations between milk yield and parity with ovarian, endocrine, and estrous behavior phenotypes as cows with greater milk yield and in the second lactation were more likely to have unfavorable phenotypes. These results demonstrate that differences in reproductive performance between cows of different genomic merit for fertility classified based on gDPR may be partially associated with circulating concentrations of P4, the incidence of atypical phenotypes during the estrous cycles, and to a lesser extent the follicular wave dynamics. The observed physiological and endocrine phenotypes might help explain part of the differences in reproductive performance between cows of superior and inferior genomic merit for fertility.

Diet changes due to urbanization in South Africa are linked to microbiome and metabolome signatures of Westernization and colorectal cancer.

Transition from traditional high-fiber to Western diets in urbanizing communities of Sub-Saharan Africa is associated with increased risk of non-communicable diseases (NCD), exemplified by colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. To investigate how urbanization gives rise to microbial patterns that may be amenable by dietary intervention, we analyzed diet intake, fecal 16 S bacteriome, virome, and metabolome in a cross-sectional study in healthy rural and urban Xhosa people (South Africa). Urban Xhosa individuals had higher intakes of energy (urban: 3,578 ± 455; rural: 2,185 ± 179 kcal/d), fat and animal protein. This was associated with lower fecal bacteriome diversity and a shift from genera favoring degradation of complex carbohydrates (e.g., Prevotella) to taxa previously shown to be associated with bile acid metabolism and CRC. Urban Xhosa individuals had higher fecal levels of deoxycholic acid, shown to be associated with higher CRC risk, but similar short-chain fatty acid concentrations compared with rural individuals. Fecal virome composition was associated with distinct gut bacterial communities across urbanization, characterized by different dominant host bacteria (urban: Bacteriodota; rural: unassigned taxa) and variable correlation with fecal metabolites and dietary nutrients. Food and skin microbiota samples showed compositional differences along the urbanization gradient. Rural-urban dietary transition in South Africa is linked to major changes in the gut microbiome and metabolome. Further studies are needed to prove cause and identify whether restoration of specific components of the traditional diet will arrest the accelerating rise in NCDs in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The dynamic changes in olive fruit phenolic metabolism and its contribution to the activation of quiescent Colletotrichum infection.

Anthracnose, the most critical disease affecting olive fruits, is caused by Colletotrichum species. While developing olive fruits are immune to the pathogen regardless of the cultivar, the resistance level varies once the fruit ripens. The defense mechanisms responsible for this difference in resistance are not well understood. To explore this, we analyzed the phenolic metabolic pathways occurring in olive fruits and their susceptibility to the pathogen during ripening in two resistant cultivars ('Empeltre' and 'Frantoio') and two susceptible cultivars ('Hojiblanca' and 'Picudo'). Overall, resistant cultivars induced the synthesis of aldehydic and demethylated forms of phenols, which highly inhibited fungal spore germination. In contrast, susceptible cultivars promoted the synthesis of hydroxytyrosol 4-O-glucoside during ripening, a compound with no antifungal effect. This study showed that the distinct phenolic profiles between resistant and susceptible cultivars play a key role in determining olive fruit resistance to Colletotrichum species.

Manejo de la trombosis venosa cerebral en España: estudio descriptivo MOTIVATE / Management of cerebral venous thrombosis in Spain: MOTIVATE descriptive study

Introducción: La trombosis venosa cerebral (TVC) es una causa poco común de ictus que afecta principalmente a adultos jóvenes. Un diagnóstico precoz y preciso puede reducir la tasa y gravedad de las complicaciones. Objetivo: Analizar las características clínicas, manejo y tratamiento de la TVC en diferentes centros de nuestro país. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo multicéntrico de pacientes hospitalizados por TVC entre 2008 y 2017 en 11 centros sanitarios en nuestro país. Resultados: Se incluyeron 256 pacientes, edad media 49,8 ± 18,7 años y el 51% fueron mujeres. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: cefalea (73%), déficits focales (50%), crisis epilépticas (33%) y encefalopatía (21%). Las localizaciones más frecuentes fueron: seno longitudinal superior (12,5%), transverso (10,9%) y afectación de dos o más senos o venas (66,4%). La etiología conocida más frecuente fue la trombofilia (24%), siendo la mutación de la protrombina G20210A la más común (19%). El 46% fue tratado con antitrombóticos durante 3-6 meses, el 21% durante un año y un 22,6% de los pacientes requirieron anticoagulación indefinida. En un 5% de los sujetos fue preciso terapia endovascular y un 33% requirió neurocirugía. En relación al pronóstico, el 75% fueron independientes a los 3 meses con una puntuación en la escala de Rankin modificada (mRS) ≤ 2 y la presencia de papiledema (p = 0,03), déficit focal (p = 0,001) y encefalopatía (p < 0,001) se relacionaron significativamente con mal pronóstico (mRS > 3). La tasa de mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue del 4,3% y el 6,3% de los pacientes fallecieron a los 3 meses. Conclusión:La diversidad de factores de riesgo y la presentación variable suponen un desafío en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la TVC. Para mejorar el pronóstico y reducir la mortalidad es fundamental la instauración de protocolos en el manejo de esta patología.(AU)

Introduction: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an uncommon cause of stroke that mainly affects young adults. Early, accurate diagnosis can reduce the rate and severity of complications. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical characteristics, management, and treatment of CVT in different centres in Spain. Methods: We conducted a multicentre, retrospective, descriptive study of patients hospitalised due to CVT between 2008 and 2017 at 11 Spanish centres. Results: We included 256 patients, with a mean age (SD) of 49.8 (18.7) years; 51% of patients were women. The most frequent symptoms were headache (73%), focal deficits (50%), epileptic seizures (33%), and encephalopathy (21%). The most frequent localisations were the superior sagittal sinus (12.5%), the transverse sinus (10.9%), and 2 or more sinuses or veins (66.4%). Thrombophilia was the most frequent known aetiology (24%), and was most commonly associated with the prothrombin G20210A mutation (19%). Forty-six percent of patients were treated with antithrombotics for 3-6 months, 21% for one year, and 22.6% required indefinite anticoagulation. Endovascular therapy was performed in 5% of cases, and 33% required neurosurgery. Regarding outcomes, 75% of patients were independent at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score ≤ 2), with papilloedema (P = .03), focal deficits (P = .001), and encephalopathy (P < .001) showing a statistically significant association with poor prognosis (mRS > 3). The in-hospital mortality rate was 4.3%, with a 3-month mortality rate of 6.3%. Conclusion: The diverse risk factors and variable presentation of CVT represent a challenge in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. To improve prognosis and reduce mortality, it is essential to establish management protocols for this entity.(AU)

Glucose tolerance and insulin resistance/sensitivity associate with retinal layer characteristics: the LIFE-Adult-Study.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: As the prevalence of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance is increasing throughout the world, diabetes-induced eye diseases are a global health burden. We aim to identify distinct optical bands which are closely related to insulin and glucose metabolism, using non-invasive, high-resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in a large, population-based dataset. METHODS: The LIFE-Adult-Study randomly selected 10,000 participants from the population registry of Leipzig, Germany. Cross-sectional, standardised phenotyping included the assessment of various metabolic risk markers and ocular imaging, such as SD-OCT-derived thicknesses of ten optical bands of the retina. Global and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) subfield-specific optical retinal layer thicknesses were investigated in 7384 healthy eyes of 7384 participants from the LIFE-Adult-Study stratified by normal glucose tolerance, prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance and/or HbA1c 5.7-6.4% [39-47 mmol/mol]) and diabetes. The association of optical retinal band characteristics with different indices of glucose tolerance (e.g. fasting glucose, area under the glucose curve), insulin resistance (e.g. HOMA2-IR, triglyceride glucose index), or insulin sensitivity (e.g. estimated glucose disposal rate [eGDR], Stumvoll metabolic clearance rate) was determined using multivariable linear regression analyses for the individual markers adjusted for age, sex and refraction. Various sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the observed findings. RESULTS: In the study cohort, nine out of ten optical bands of the retina showed significant sex- and glucose tolerance-dependent differences in band thicknesses. Multivariable linear regression analyses revealed a significant, independent, and inverse association between markers of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance (e.g. HOMA2-IR) with the thickness of the optical bands representing the anatomical retinal outer nuclear layer (ONL, standardised ß=-0.096; p<0.001 for HOMA2-IR) and myoid zone (MZ; ß=-0.096; p<0.001 for HOMA2-IR) of the photoreceptors. Conversely, markers of insulin sensitivity (e.g. eGDR) positively and independently associated with ONL (ß=0.090; p<0.001 for eGDR) and MZ (ß=0.133; p<0.001 for eGDR) band thicknesses. These global associations were confirmed in ETDRS subfield-specific analyses. Sensitivity analyses further validated our findings when physical activity, neuroanatomical cell/tissue types and ETDRS subfield categories were investigated after stratifying the cohort by glucose homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: An impaired glucose homeostasis associates with a thinning of the optical bands of retinal ONL and photoreceptor MZ. Changes in ONL and MZ thicknesses might predict early metabolic retinal alterations in diabetes.

De-escalating axillary management after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer: The ratio of positive sentinel lymph nodes matters.

BACKGROUND: De-escalation of axillary surgery in breast cancer (BC) patients diminishes sequelae without compromising cancer outcomes. Surgical management of the axilla is challenging after neoadjuvant treatment. We aimed to identify the factors associated with residual axillary disease amenable to lymphadenectomy in patients with positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study in Hospital 12 de Octubre (Spain). We included BC patients with positive SLNB who underwent axillary dissection after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to identify independent predictors of residual axillary disease. We estimated the ratio of positive nodes in SLNB and assessed the diagnostic validity of this ratio in relation to residual axillary disease. RESULTS: We included 103 patients in the study. Residual axillary disease was identified in 54 patients (52.4%). Clinically node positive status at diagnosis (OR = 18.3, 95%CI: 4.0-83.6) and a ratio of positive nodes in SLNB ≥0.5 (OR = 6.5, 95%CI 41.7-23.7) were associated with residual axillary disease. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of a ratio of positive nodes in SLNB ≥0.5 were 87% (95%CI 75.1%-94.6%) and 75% (95%CI 55.1%-89.3%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, for patients with positive SLNB after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, stage N+ at diagnosis and a ratio of positive nodes in SLNB ≥0.5 were independent risk factors of positive residual axillary disease. This ratio is a feasible measure with a good diagnostic validity for residual axillary disease and could be used as a guiding factor in the surgical management of these patients.

Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

INTRODUCTION: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is classified considering the neurophysiological and histological findings, the inheritance pattern and the underlying genetic defect. In recent years, with the advent of next generation sequencing, genetic complexity has increased exponentially, expanding the knowledge about disease pathways, and having an impact in clinical management. The aim of this guide is to offer recommendations for the diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring and treatment of this disease in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This consensus guideline has been developed by a multidisciplinary panel encompassing a broad group of professionals including neurologists, neuropediatricians, geneticists, rehabilitators, and orthopaedic surgeons. RECOMMENDATIONS: The diagnosis is based in the clinical characterization, usually presenting with a common phenotype. It should be followed by an appropriate neurophysiological study that allows for a correct classification, specific recommendations are established for the parameters that should be included. Genetic diagnosis must be approached in sequentially, once the PMP22 duplication has been ruled out if appropriate, a next generation sequencing should be considered taking into account the limitations of the available techniques. To date, there is no pharmacological treatment that modifies the course of the disease, but symptomatic management is important, as are the rehabilitation and orthopaedic considerations. The latter should be initiated early to identify and improve the patient's functional impairments, including individualised exercise guidelines, orthotic adaptation, and assessment of conservative surgeries such as tendon transpositions. The follow-up of patients with CMT is exclusively clinical, ancillary testing are not necessary in routine clinical practice.

Self-perceived body weight and weight status: analysis of concordance by age group and sex.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies suggest that there is discordance between actual weight status and body-weight perception. This fact has implications when it comes to designing public health interventions. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of the different categories of weight status and body-weight perception and to analyse their concordance in a representative Spanish population sample. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Data were sourced from the 2018 Galician Risk Behaviour Data System, with the target population being all persons aged 16 years and above. We collected data on self-perceived body weight and assessed weight status on the basis of body mass index (BMI). BMI was estimated using self-reported measures of weight and height. To estimate concordance, Cohen's kappa coefficient, both unweighted and weighted with Cicchetti weights, was calculated. RESULTS: Data were obtained for 7853 individuals aged 16 years and above, whereas the overall unweighted concordance was 0.393 (95%CI: 0.377-0.409), with an agreement percentage of 61.6%, weighted concordance was 0.503 (0.490-0.517), with an agreement percentage of 86.6%. The highest concordance between self-perceived body weight and weight status was observed in women. By age group, the highest concordance was observed in the youngest group (16-24 years) for the BMI categories of underweight and overweight, and in the 45-64 age group for the category of obesity. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the existence of differences between self-perceived body weight and weight status, according to sex and age.

Melanoma Registry of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (REGESMEL): Description and Data in its First Year of Operation. / Registro de Melanoma de la Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología (REGESMEL): descripción y datos en el primer año de funcionamiento.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of melanoma is rising in Spain. The prognostic stages of patients with melanoma are determined by various biological factors, such as tumor thickness, ulceration, or the presence of regional or distant metastases. The Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) has encouraged the creation of a Spanish Melanoma Registry (REGESMEL) to evaluate other individual and health system-related factors that may impact the prognosis of patients with melanoma. The aim of this article is to introduce REGESMEL and provide basic descriptive data for its first year of operation. METHODS: REGESMEL is a prospective, multicentre cohort of consecutive patients with invasive cutaneous melanoma that collects demographic and staging data as well as individual and healthcare-related baseline data. It also records the medical and surgical treatment received by patients. RESULTS: A total of 450 cases of invasive cutaneous melanoma from 19 participant centres were included, with a predominance of thin melanomas≤1mm thick (54.7%), mainly located on the posterior trunk (35.2%). Selective sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in 40.7% of cases. Most cases of melanoma were suspected by the patient (30.4%), or his/her dermatologist (29.6%). Patients received care mainly in public health centers (85.2%), with tele-dermatology resources being used in 21.6% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of the pathological and demographic variables of melanoma cases is consistent with data from former studies. REGESMEL has already recruited patients from 15 Spanish provinces and given its potential representativeness, it renders the Registry as an important tool to address a wide range of research questions.

Fractal Electronics for Stimulating and Sensing Neural Networks: Enhanced Electrical, Optical, and Cell Interaction Properties.

Imagine a world in which damaged parts of the body - an arm, an eye, and ultimately a region of the brain - can be replaced by artificial implants capable of restoring or even enhancing human performance. The associated improvements in the quality of human life would revolutionize the medical world and produce sweeping changes across society. In this chapter, we discuss several approaches to the fabrication of fractal electronics designed to interface with neural networks. We consider two fundamental functions - stimulating electrical signals in the neural networks and sensing the location of the signals as they pass through the network. Using experiments and simulations, we discuss the favorable electrical performances that arise from adopting fractal rather than traditional Euclidean architectures. We also demonstrate how the fractal architecture induces favorable physical interactions with the cells they interact with, including the ability to direct the growth of neurons and glia to specific regions of the neural-electronic interface.

Bioethical conflicts in current dermatology: a narrative review. / Conflictos bioéticos en la dermatología actual: una revisión narrativa.

Both the functions and equipment of dermatologists have increased over the past few years, some examples being cosmetic dermatology, artificial intelligence, tele-dermatology, and social media, which added to the pharmaceutical industry and cosmetic selling has become a source of bioethical conflicts. The objective of this narrative review is to identify the bioethical conflicts of everyday dermatology practice and highlight the proposed solutions. Therefore, we conducted searches across PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases. Also, the main Spanish and American deontological codes of physicians and dermatologists have been revised. The authors recommend declaring all conflicts of interest while respecting the patients' autonomy, confidentiality, and privacy. Cosmetic dermatology, cosmetic selling, artificial intelligence, tele-dermatology, and social media are feasible as long as the same standards of conventional dermatology are applied. Nonetheless, the deontological codes associated with these innovations need to be refurbished.

Uso del contenido de fluido torácico para la predicción del balance hídrico y las complicaciones pulmonares postoperatorias tras cirugía abdominal mayor / Use of thoracic fluid content for prediction of fluid balance and postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery: An observational study

Antecedentes y objetivos: Los efectos nocivos del exceso de líquidos se manifiestan frecuentemente en los pulmones. El contenido de fluido torácico (thoracic fluid content [TFC]) es una variable que proporciona el monitor por biorreactancia STARLING™, que representa el volumen total de líquido en el tórax. El objetivo es analizar la asociación entre la variación de los valores del TFC (TFCd0%) a las 24horas postoperatorias, el balance hídrico postoperatorio y las complicaciones pulmonares postoperatorias. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo y analítico. Se incluyeron pacientes programados para cirugía abdominal mayor en un hospital universitario de tercer nivel. Fueron monitorizados durante la intervención y las 24 primeras horas postoperatorias con el monitor STARLING™, midiendo el TFC y su variación en distintas etapas del perioperatorio. Se realizaron ecografías pulmonares seriadas y se recogieron las complicaciones pulmonares postoperatorias. Se realizó una regresión logística para predecir la aparición de atelectasias y congestión pulmonar. Se calculó el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson para comprobar la asociación entre TFC y balance hídrico. Resultados: Se analizaron 50 pacientes. El TFCd0% medido en la mañana del primer día postoperatorio aumentó una mediana del 27,1% [IQR: 20,3-37,5] y se correlacionó con una r=0,44 con el balance postoperatorio de 677ml [IQR: 125,5-1.412]. El aumento del TFC se relacionó con un mayor riesgo de sufrir atelectasias (OR=1,24) y congestión pulmonar (OR=1,3). Conclusiones: El TFCd0% medido a las 24horas de la cirugía presenta una correlación moderada con el balance hídrico postoperatorio. Su incremento es un factor de riesgo para la aparición de complicaciones pulmonares postoperatorias.(AU)

Background and objectives: The harmful effects of excess fluids frequently manifest in the lungs. Thoracic fluid content (TFC) is a variable provided by the STARLINGTM bioreactance monitor, which represents the total volume of fluid in the chest. The objective is to analyze the association between the variation in TFC values (TFCd0%) at 24 hours postoperatively, postoperative fluid balance, and postoperative pulmonary complications. Material and methods: Prospective and analytical observational study. Patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery at a tertiary teaching hospital were included. They were monitored during the intervention and the first 24 postoperative hours with the monitor. STARLINGTM, measuring TFC and its variation in different stages of the perioperative period. Serial lung ultrasounds were performed and postoperative pulmonary complications were recorded. Logistic regression was performed to predict the occurrence of atelectasis and pulmonary congestion. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to verify the association between TFC and water balance. Results: 50 patients were analyzed. TFCd0% measured on the morning of the first postoperative day increased by a median of 27.1% [IQR: 20.3-37.5] and was correlated at r=0.44 with the postoperative balance of 677 ml [IQR: 125.5-1,412]. Increased TFC was related to a higher risk of atelectasis (OR=1.24) and pulmonary congestion (OR=1.3). Conclusions: TFCd0% measured 24 hours after surgery presents a moderate correlation with postoperative fluid balance. Its increase is a risk factor for the appearance of postoperative pulmonary complications.(AU)