Comparison of direct and indirect soil organic carbon prediction at farm field scale.

To advance sustainable and resilient agricultural management policies, especially during land use changes, it is imperative to monitor, report, and verify soil organic carbon (SOC) content rigorously to inform its stock. However, conventional methods often entail challenging, time-consuming, and costly direct soil measurements. Integrating data from long-term experiments (LTEs) with freely available remote sensing (RS) techniques presents exciting prospects for assessing SOC temporal and spatial change. The objective of this study was to develop a low-cost, field-based statistical model that could be used as a decision-making aid to understand the temporal and spatial variation of SOC content in temperate farmland under different land use and management. A ten-year dataset from the North Wyke Farm Platform, a 20-field, LTE system established in southwestern England in 2010, was used as a case study in conjunction with an RS dataset. Linear, additive and mixed regression models were compared for predicting SOC content based upon combinations of environmental variables that are freely accessible (termed open) and those that require direct measurement or farmer questionnaires (termed closed). These included an RS-derived Ecosystem Services Provision Index (ESPI), topography (slope, aspect), weather (temperature, precipitation), soil (soil units, total nitrogen [TN], pH), and field management practices. Additive models (specifically Generalised Additive Models (GAMs)) were found to be the most effective at predicting space-time SOC variability. When the combined open and closed factors (excluding TN) were considered, significant predictors of SOC were: management related to ploughing being the most important predictor, soil unit (class), aspect, and temperature (GAM fit with a normalised RMSE = 9.1%, equivalent to 0.4% of SOC content). The relative strength of the best-fitting GAM with open data only, which included ESPI, aspect, and slope (normalised RMSE = 13.0%, equivalent to 0.6% of SOC content), suggested that this more practical and cost-effective model enables sufficiently accurate prediction of SOC.

Reconnaissance of tumor immune microenvironment spatial heterogeneity in metastatic renal cell carcinoma and correlation with immunotherapy response.

A clearer understanding of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) may help to inform precision treatment strategies. We sought to identify clinically meaningful TIME signatures in ccRCC. We studied tumors from 39 patients with metastatic ccRCC using quantitative multiplexed immunofluorescence and relevant immune marker panels. Cell densities were analyzed in three regions of interest (ROIs): tumor core, tumor-stroma interface and stroma. Patients were stratified into low- and high-marker density groups using median values as thresholds. Log-rank and Cox regression analyses while controlling for clinical variables were used to compare survival outcomes to patterns of immune cell distributions. There were significant associations with increased macrophage (CD68+ CD163+ CD206+ ) density and poor outcomes across multiple ROIs in primary and metastatic tumors. In primary tumors, T-bet+ T helper type 1 (Th1) cell density was highest at the tumor-stromal interface (P = 0·0021), and increased co-expression of CD3 and T-bet was associated with improved overall survival (P = 0·015) and survival after immunotherapy (P = 0·014). In metastatic tumor samples, decreased forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ T regulatory cell density correlated with improved survival after immunotherapy (P = 0·016). Increased macrophage markers and decreased Th1 T cell markers within the TIME correlated with poor overall survival and treatment outcomes. Immune markers such as FoxP3 showed consistent levels across the TIME, whereas others, such as T-bet, demonstrated significant variance across the distinct ROIs. These findings suggest that TIME profiling outside the tumor core may identify clinically relevant associations for patients with metastatic ccRCC.

Statement of the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology on Provocation Tests With Aspirin/Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used throughout the world. They are frequently involved in hypersensitivity reactions, which range from local or mild reactions to systemic and severe reactions. Consequently, it is necessary to perform an exhaustive study of patients in order to make an accurate diagnosis, search for safe procedures in the case of severe reactions, and identify alternative treatment options. Various guidelines and protocols address the management of hypersensitivity to NSAIDs, although these vary widely from country to country. The Committees of Asthma, Rhinoconjunctivitis, and Drug Allergy of the Spanish Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC) propose the present position statement on available options for provocation testing with aspirin/NSAIDs. This document is the fruit of an exhaustive review of current evidence and is based on recent publications addressing the diagnosis of patients with hypersensitivity to NSAIDs and on a consensus-oriented discussion among a group of experts from the SEAIC. The main objective was to draft an easy-toread, practical guideline for health care professionals in specialist areas who assess and manage patients with suspected hypersensitivity to NSAIDs. Furthermore, indications, contraindications, and procedures for oral, bronchial, and nasal provocation tests with aspirin/NSAIDs have been updated.

[Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia: Clinical characteristics and mortality risk factors in an Intensive Care Unit]. / Neumonía por Pneumocystis jiroveci: características clínicas y factores de riesgo asociados a mortalidad en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of the population with Pneumocystis jiroveci (P. jiroveci) pneumonia, analyzing risk factors associated with the disease, predisposing factors for admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), and prognostic factors of mortality. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: A retrospective observational study was carried out, involving a cohort of patients consecutively admitted to a hospital in Spain from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011, with a final diagnosis of P. jiroveci pneumonia. SETTING: The ICU and hospitalization service of Hospital del Mar, Barcelona (Spain). RESULTS: We included 36 patients with pneumonia due to P. jiroveci. Of these subjects, 16 required ICU admission (44.4%). The average age of the patients was 41.3 ± 12 years, and 23 were men (63.9%). A total of 86.1% had a history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and the remaining 13.9% presented immune-based disease subjected to immunosuppressive therapy. Risk factors associated to hospital mortality were age (51.8 vs. 37.3 years, P=.002), a higher APACHE score upon admission (17 vs. 13 points, P=.009), the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (27.8% vs. 11.1%, P=.000), requirement of vasoactive drugs (25.0% vs. 11.1%, P=.000), fungal coinfection (22.2% vs. 11.1%, P=.001), pneumothorax (16.7% vs. 83.3%, P=.000) and admission to the ICU (27.8% vs. 72.2% P=.000). CONCLUSIONS: The high requirement of mechanical ventilation and vasoactive drugs associated with fungal coinfection and pneumothorax in patients admitted to the ICU remain as risk factors associated with mortality in patients with P. jiroveci pneumonia.

[Uroflowmetric review of pediatric distal urethroplasty]. / Revisión uroflujométrica de pacientes intervenidos de hipospadias distales.

INTRODUCTION: Urethral stricture is the most common complication in hypospadias surgery. The monitoring of operated patients allows rapid detection of this complication and the uroflowmetry is the main diagnostic method. OBJECTIVES: To study of functional results in patients who underwent distal urethroplasty, using uroflowmetry. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of 81 patients who underwent distal hypospadias repair (7 coronal, 51 subcoronal and 23 distal penile shaft) and a postoperatory uroflowmetric study. The patients were divided into two groups, in each type of hypospadias, according to the presence or absence of stenotic complications (0 coronal, 10 subcoronal and 5 distal penile shaft). The functional effects in both groups were studied. RESULTS: All patients with stenotic complications showed maximum flow rates and mean flow rates below 15 and 20 percentiles respectively and a plateauing layout of the urinary flow curve. The treatment of these conditions resulted in the normalization of the maximum flow values ​​(in 100% of the subcoronal and 100% of the distal penile shaft hypospadias), as well as in the mean flow values ​​(in 88% of the subcoronal and 75% of the distal penile shaft hypospadias). The curve also adapted a bell-shaped in 100% of the H. coronal and 50% of the H. distal penile shaft. The uroflowmetry presented a spontaneous improvement in all patients without stenotic complications but with low flows in their first uroflowmetric. CONCLUSIONS: Uroflowmetry is an objective method for the evaluation of hypospadias surgery, being easy to perform, noninvasive and reliable. Obstructed uroflow patterns point to the presence of a stenotic complication.

INTRODUCCION: La estenosis uretral es la complicación más frecuente de la cirugía del hipospadias. El seguimiento de los pacientes intervenidos permite su rápida detección, siendo la uroflujometría su principal método diagnóstico. OBJETIVOS: Estudiar la repercusión funcional, mediante la uroflujometría, en pacientes intervenidos de hipospadias distal. MATERIALES Y METODOS: Se presenta un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, en el que se revisaron las historias clínicas de 81 pacientes intervenidos de hipospadias distal (7 balánicos, 51 balanopeneanos y 23 peneanos anteriores) y a los que les realizaron estudios uroflujométricos. En cada tipo de hipospadias, se dividieron los pacientes en dos grupos según la presencia de complicaciones estenóticas (0 balánicos, 10 balanopeneanos y 5 peneanos anteriores) o la ausencia de estas y se estudiaron las repercusiones funcionales en ambos grupos. RESULTADOS: Todos aquellos pacientes con complicaciones estenóticas presentaron flujos máximos y medios por debajo de los percentiles 15 y 20 respectivamente, así como un trazado de la curva anormal. El tratamiento de estas complicaciones estenóticas se tradujeron en una normalización tanto en los valores de flujo máximo (en el 100% de los hipospadias balanopeneanos y en el 100% de los hipospadias peneanos anteriores), como en los valores de flujo medio (en el 88% de los hipospadias balanopeneanos y el 75% de los hipospadias peneanos anteriores). La curva, además, adaptó un trazado en forma de campana en el 100% de los hipospadias balanopeneanos y el 50% de los hipospadias peneanos anteriores. Se detectó una mejoría uroflujométrica espontánea en aquellos pacientes que, sin complicaciones estenóticas, presentaron en su primer control uroflujométrico flujos bajos. CONCLUSIONES: La uroflujometría es un método objetivo para la evaluación de la cirugía del hipospadias, siendo una técnica fácil, reproducible y no invasiva. Los parámetros uroflujométricos bajos indican la presencia de una complicación estenótica.

Evolutionary changes in plant tolerance against herbivory through a resurrection experiment.

Both theoretical and empirical works have highlighted the difference in the evolutionary implications of host resistance and tolerance against their enemies. However, it has been difficult to show evolutionary changes in host defences in natural populations; thus, evaluating theoretical predictions of simultaneous evolution of defences remains a challenge. We studied the evolutionary changes in traits related to resistance and tolerance against herbivory in a natural plant population using seeds from two collections made in a period of 20 years. In a common garden experiment, we compared defensive traits of ancestral (1987) and descendant (2007) subpopulations of the annual plant Datura stramonium that shows genetic variation for tolerance and to which the specialist herbivore Lema daturaphila is locally adapted. We also examined the effects of different plant genotypes on the herbivore for testing the plant genetic variation in resistance. Based on the response to the contemporary herbivore populations, results revealed a nonsignificant response in plant resistance traits (herbivore consumption, foliar trichomes and tropane alkaloids), but a significant one in tolerance. The survival of herbivores in laboratory experiments depended on the plant genotype, which suggests genetic variation in plant resistance. Although we cannot identify the selective agent for the change nor exclude genetic drift, the results are consistent with the expectation that when resistance fails to control herbivory, tolerance should play a more important role in the evolution of the interaction.

Thrombin-facilitated efflux of D-[3H]-aspartate from cultured astrocytes and neurons under hyponatremia and chemical ischemia.

Thrombin effect increasing swelling-induced glutamate efflux was examined in cultured cortical astrocytes, cerebellar granule neurons (CGN), hippocampal and cortical neurons. Hypotonic glutamate efflux (monitored by D-[(3)H]aspartate) from cortical astrocytes was increased by thrombin (5 U/mL) to reach 16% of the cell pool in 5 min. Thrombin had lower effects in CGN, and marginal effects in hippocampal and cortical neurons. These differences were related to the magnitude of thrombin-evoked cytosolic calcium rise. The protease-activated receptor 1 is expressed in astrocytes and neurons. In astrocytes exposed to chemical ischemia (sodium iodoacetate plus sodium azide) D-[(3)H]aspartate release showed a first phase (20-40 min) of initial low efflux which progressively increases; and a second phase (40-60 min) of larger efflux coincident with cell swelling. Efflux at the first phase was 52% inhibited by the glutamate transporter blocker DL-threo-ß-benzyloxyaspartic-acid (TBOA) and 11% by the volume-sensitive pathway blocker phloretin. At the second phase, efflux was reduced 52 and 38% respectively, by these blockers. In CGN D-[(3)H]aspartate efflux increased sharply and then decreased. This efflux was 32% reduced by calcium omission, 46% by TBOA and 32% by 4-[(2-butyl-6,7dichloro-2-cyclopentyl-2,3-dihydro-1oxo-1H-inden-5-yl)oxy] butanoic-acid. Thrombin enhanced this release by 32%. Ischemic treatment increased astrocyte mortality from 4% in controls to 39 and 61% in ischemia and ischemia plus thrombin, respectively. Cell death was prevented by phloretin. CGN viability was unaffected by the treatment. These results suggest that coincidence of swelling and thrombin during ischemia elevates extracellular glutamate prominently from astrocyte efflux, which may endanger neurons in vivo.

Plant size, latitude, and phylogeny explain within-population variability in herbivory.

Interactions between plants and herbivores are central in most ecosystems, but their strength is highly variable. The amount of variability within a system is thought to influence most aspects of plant-herbivore biology, from ecological stability to plant defense evolution. Our understanding of what influences variability, however, is limited by sparse data. We collected standardized surveys of herbivory for 503 plant species at 790 sites across 116° of latitude. With these data, we show that within-population variability in herbivory increases with latitude, decreases with plant size, and is phylogenetically structured. Differences in the magnitude of variability are thus central to how plant-herbivore biology varies across macroscale gradients. We argue that increased focus on interaction variability will advance understanding of patterns of life on Earth.

CO2 fluxes from three different temperate grazed pastures using Eddy covariance measurements.

Grasslands cover around 25% of the global ice-free land surface, they are used predominantly for forage and livestock production and are considered to contribute significantly to soil carbon (C) sequestration. Recent investigations into using 'nature-based solutions' to limit warming to <2 °C suggest up to 25% of GHG mitigation might be achieved through changes to grassland management. In this study we evaluate pasture management interventions at the Rothamsted Research North Wyke Farm Platform, under commercial farming conditions, over two years and consider their impacts on net CO2 exchange. We investigate if our permanent pasture system (PP) is, in the short-term, a net sink for CO2 and whether reseeding this with deep-rooting, high-sugar grass (HS) or a mix of high-sugar grass and clover (HSC) might increase the net removal of atmospheric CO2. In general CO2 fluxes were less variable in 2018 than in 2017 while overall we found that net CO2 fluxes for the PP treatment changed from a sink in 2017 (-5.40 t CO2 ha-1 y-1) to a source in 2018 (6.17 t CO2 ha-1 y-1), resulting in an overall small source of 0.76 t CO2 ha-1 over the two years for this treatment. HS showed a similar trend, changing from a net sink in 2017 (-4.82 t CO2 ha-1 y-1) to a net source in 2018 (3.91 t CO2 ha-1 y-1) whilst the HSC field was a net source in both years (3.92 and 4.10 t CO2 ha-1 y-1, respectively). These results suggested that pasture type has an influence in the atmospheric CO2 balance and our regression modelling supported this conclusion, with pasture type and time of the year (and their interaction) being significant factors in predicting fluxes.

Therapy with m-TOR inhibitors decreases the response to the pandemic influenza A H1N1 vaccine in solid organ transplant recipients.

Concern has been raised regarding the response to vaccination in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) undergoing immunosuppressant regimens and the possibility of rejection related to the immune response associated with pandemic influenza H1N1-2009 vaccination. The goal of this study was to assess the immunogenicity, efficacy and safety of the pandemic vaccine in SOTR. We performed a multicenter prospective study in SOTR receiving the pandemic vaccine. Immunological response was determined in serum 5 weeks after vaccination by microneutralization assays, and immunoglobulins were measured by ELISA. Three hundred and forty-six SOTR were included. Preexisting seroprotection was detected in 13.6% of cases and rates of seroconversion and seroprotection after vaccination were 73.1% and 82.9%, respectively. Patients with baseline antibody titers had better geometric mean titers (GMT)-post after pandemic vaccination (339.4 vs. 121.4, p < 0.001). Younger age, liver disease and m-TOR inhibitor therapy were independently associated with lower seroprotection and GMT-post. There were no major adverse effects or rejection episodes. Pandemic vaccine was safe in SOTR and elicited an adequate response, although lower than in healthy individuals. This is the first study describing a decreased response after vaccination in patients receiving mTOR inhibitors who presented lower seroprotection rates and lower GMT-post.

Intra- and inter-species spread of carbapenemase genes in a non-hospitalized patient.

The purpose of this study was to report intra- and inter-species spread of carbapenemase genes between gram negative rods isolated from a non-hospitalized patient with bacteremia. The approach included chart review, antibiotic susceptibility testing and phenotypic screening for metallo-ß-lactamase (MBL) detection, PCR and sequencing of bla, aac(6')-Ib and qnr genes, and plasmid analysis by PCR-based replicon typing. The clonal relationships between the isolates were analysed by comparing PFGE profiles. A non-hospitalized patient presented bacteraemia due to wild type Enterobacter cloacae (4.08), a VIM-1-producing E. cloacae (5.08), a VIM-1- and CTX-M-9-producing E. cloacae (7.08), a VIM-2-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and catheter colonization by VIM-1-producing Klebsiella oxytoca. The patient had no previous hospitalization but had recently undergone an ambulatory colonoscopy. In E. cloacae 7.08 and K. oxytoca isolates, the bla(VIM-1) gene was located on a transferable plasmid of 48.5 kb, while in E. cloacae 5.08 the bla(VIM-1) gene was encoded on a 194 kb non-transferable plasmid. The bla(CTX-M-9) gene detected in E. cloacae was encoded on an HI2 plasmid of 290 kb. To date the prevalence of VIM-1 enzymes in the community is low. This molecular finding suggests an intra-species and/or inter-species horizontal spread of the MBL gene in the same non-hospitalized patient.

Analysis of biomolecules in cochineal dyed archaeological textiles by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

SERS spectroscopy is successfully employed in this work to reveal different components integrating the cochineal colorant employed for dying archaeological textile samples from the Arica Region in North Chile. This analysis was done by in-situ experiments that does not imply the material (colorant and biomolecules) extraction. The spectroscopic analysis of the archaeological textiles by SERS reveals the presence of bands attributed to carminic acid and nucleobases, mainly adenine and guanine. The identification of these biomolecules was also verified in raw cochineal extract and in cochineal dyed replica wool fibers fabricated by us following ancient receipts. The effect of Al on the complexation of carminic acid and other biomolecules was also tested in order to understand the changes induced by the metal interaction on the colorant structure. This study revealed that Al can also complex biomolecules existing in the cochineal extract. In particular, guanine residue seems to interact strongly with the metal, since SERS bands of this residue are enhanced. Furthermore, a theoretical analysis on the interaction of carminic acid and a silver surface was also performed in order to better understand the interaction mechanism between carminic acid and a metal surface that leads to the final SERS spectrum. The results of the present work will be very useful in the identification of different molecules and metal complexes that may be forming part of the cochineal colorant found in archaeological materials.

Indications for small bowel capsule endoscopy and its safety and diagnostic yield in Mexican patients. Experience at a tertiary care hospital center. / Indicaciones, rendimiento diagnóstico y seguridad de la cápsula endoscópica de intestino delgado en pacientes mexicanos. Experiencia de un centro de tercer nivel.

INTRODUCTION: Appearing in the year 2000, capsule endoscopy revolutionized the study of the small bowel. It is the gold standard for the study of small bowel bleeding and is considered a safe procedure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to identify the indications for, diagnostic yield, and safety of capsule endoscopy in Mexican patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted on the first 500 small bowel capsule endoscopies performed at a tertiary care hospital center in Mexico City. Sex, age, type of video camera employed, bowel transit time, referral diagnosis, and capsule endoscopy findings and complications were registered. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 55years (±17.63) and 57.9% of the cases were women. Complete visualization of the small bowel was achieved in 420 capsule endoscopies (84%). Mean bowel transit time was 272.25minutes (±114.86). The most common indications for the procedure were small bowel bleeding (65.2%), search for neoplasia (14.4%), and Crohn's disease (10.2%). The presence of ulcers was the most common finding in small bowel bleeding (24.8%), followed by angioectasias (18.9%). Capsule retention was the only complication and it presented in 11 patients (2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Capsule endoscopy is a safe and efficacious method for studying the small bowel. The results obtained in Mexican patients were similar to those described in the international literature. The present case series is the largest reported in a Mexican population.

[Experience of an interdisciplinary anesthesiology and nursing team for providing anesthesia outside the operating room]. / Experiencia de un equipo interdisciplinar de anestesiología y enfermería en un circuito de anestesia fuera de quirófano.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the creation and development of an interdisciplinary anesthesiology and nursing team to provide anesthesia outside the operating room. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We describe the creation of an interdisciplinary team and preanesthesia evaluation protocols for using nurses specializing in anesthesia for procedures outside the operating room. We analyzed the anesthetic procedures performed outside the operating room, the rate of suspensions due to failure of the procedure, and their impact on the rate of associated complications, from October 2006 to October 2007. RESULTS: Since the start of the project, 586 procedures outside the operating room have been performed. No suspensions or delays were observed that were due to comorbidity not detected in the preanesthesia evaluation carried out by the nurses. The incidences of complications and inadequate sedations were comparable to those reported for other similar interdisciplinary groups in this area. CONCLUSIONS: The creation of an interdisciplinary team of anesthesiologists and specialized nurses for providing anesthesia outside the operating room optimizes resources and improves routine clinical practice. It has allowed for universal preanesthesia evaluation, improved the distribution of resources, and proven a stimulus to the care-giving process.

PillCam SB3 vs. PillCam SB2: Can technologic advances in capsule endoscopy improve diagnostic yield in patients with small bowel bleeding? / Pillcam SB3 vs. Pillcam SB2: ¿pueden los avances tecnológicos de la cápsula endoscópica mejorar el rendimiento diagnóstico en pacientes con hemorragia de intestino delgado?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The SB3 capsule endoscopy system has better image resolution and the capacity to increase the number of images from 2 to 6 frames per second. Small bowel bleeding is the most common indication. The aim To determine if the advances in capsule endoscopy technology increase diagnostic yield in cases of small bowel bleeding, according to the Saurin classification. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational, analytic, cross-sectional study included 100 SB2 capsule endoscopies and 100 SB3 capsule endoscopies in patients that presented with small bowel bleeding. The findings obtained with both systems were evaluated. The lesions identified by the two capsules were categorized using the Saurin classification. The relation between the lesions identified with the SB3 and those found with the SB2 was identified through a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In the SB2 capsule endoscopy group, 60% were women, patient age was 59 years (42.2, 73), and intestinal transit time was 271min (182, 353). In the SB3 group, 57% were women, patient age was 60 years (42.5, 73), and intestinal transit time was 277min (182, 352). There were no significant differences in the identification of P0 and P2 lesions between the two systems. The SB3 capsule endoscope identified more P1 lesions (p=0.020, OR: 2.35, 95% CI:1.12-4.90). There was no significant difference in relation to location of the lesions in the small bowel. CONCLUSIONS: A greater number of P1 lesions were detected through the technologic advances made in SB3 capsule endoscopy, but the diagnostic yield for P2 lesions was not modified.

Effect of temperature on Imidacloprid oxidation by homogeneous photo-Fenton processes.

This paper presents experimental results on the effect of temperature on the rate of Imidacloprid removal from waste water using homogeneous photo-Fenton processes. Experiments were conducted in a 2 L photo reactor set at 15-42 degrees C, initial concentrations in the range of 10 to 40 mg L(-1) Fe(II) and 100-450 mg L(-1) H(2)O(2); 30 150 min processing times. Initial H(2)O(2) concentration determined the extent of the oxidation process, whereas iron concentration played a key role in the process kinetics. Homogeneous photo-Fenton showed a fast initial reaction leading to 50% Imidacloprid degradation after less than 1 min of treatment, followed by a slower process until full removal was achieved. Rapid Fe(II) oxidation to Fe(III) seems responsible for the initial Imidacloprid removal. Imidacloprid removal fitted well a pseudo-first order kinetic scheme, with apparent activation energy of approximately 31.6 kJ/mole. Untreated Imidacloprid samples showed significant acute toxicity to Daphnia magna and genotoxic effects on Bacillus subtilis. Acute toxicity and genotoxicity remained detectable even after complete pesticide removal, showing that toxic by-products were present. The design and operation of photo Fenton processes should focus on toxicity removal rather than on specific target pollutants.

[Prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in laboral population. The heart of Asepeyo]. / Prevalencia de síndrome metabólico en población laboral: El corazón de Asepeyo.

BACKGROUND: The high increase of the metabolic syndrome (MS) on the occidental World, is increasing the cardiovascular disease. Since, as the presence of metabolic syndrome suggests the application of preventive measure necessary, We studied, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and the cardiovascular risk factors (RF) in our laboral population. METHODS: The sample included 345 workers, 191 females and 154 males. All the people passed a laboral check-up at the year 2006. RESULTS: Obesity was presented in 12.5% of the sample, 16.9% in males, 8.9% in females. The prevalence of MS was 7.8%, being higher in males than in females. 57.7% of obese males presented MS and 29.4% of obese females presented MS. The older worker presented higher prevalence of MS. The high blood pressure was the factor more prevalent, in worker with MS. All the factors of MS were more prevalent in males, to exception of waist circumference. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Almost 8% of workers presented MS, being higher the prevalence in males. The obesity increased of important manner the MS. The older worker had higher prevalence of MS. 2. The waist circumference associated with all the FR related with MS.

Impact of an antimicrobial stewardship program on urinary tract infections caused by extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and economic impact of an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) targeting urinary tract infections (UTI) caused by extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli. METHODS: An observational retrospective study that included adults with a diagnosis of UTI caused by ESBL-producing E. coli admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Barcelona, Spain, between January 2014 and December 2015. The impact of the ASP was analyzed in terms of clinical and economic outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 222 patients met the inclusion criteria and an intervention was made by the ASP team in 104 cases (47%). ASP intervention was an independent variable related to clinical cure (p = 0.008). Other variables influencing clinical outcomes were the McCabe Jackson score (p = 0.005) and outpatient status (p < 0.001). The ASP interventions in this study had no economic impact. CONCLUSIONS: Antimicrobial stewardship has a positive clinical impact on UTIs caused by ESBL-producing E. coli. Further prospective studies are needed to assess the economic impact of ASPs on UTI caused by ESBL-producing E. coli.

Vitamin D, Pit-1, GH, and PRL: possible roles in breast cancer development.

1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)], the most active metabolite of vitamin D, exerts its biological effects by binding to a specific intracellular receptor (the vitamin D receptor, VDR) present in target cells. 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) is involved in a host of cell processes, including calcium homeostasis, cell growth and differentiation, and secretion of hormones. Several studies have explored the role of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) in cell growth and differentiation in normal and tumoral mammary gland, in which it shows antiproliferative effects. These effects have been attributed to suppression of growth-stimulatory signals and potentiation of growth-inhibitory signals, leading to changes in cell-cycle regulators as well as to induction of apoptosis. In apparent contrast to these antiproliferative effects, however, several studies have suggested that breast tumor formation may be related to the autocrine/paracrine effects of growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL). The pituitary transcription factor-1 (Pit-1), which in the pituitary is critical to both cell differentiation and PRL and GH transcription, has been recently found in normal and tumoral human breast tissue, with mRNA expression levels significantly higher in tumors than in normal breast. As in the pituitary, Pit-1 regulates mammary GH and PRL secretion, increases cell proliferation and decreases apoptosis. 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) administration to the MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cell line significantly reduces Pit-1 expression, suggesting that inhibition of Pit-1 expression by 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) may reduce the increase in proliferation induced by this transcription factor directly or indirectly through increased GH and/or PRL expression. In this review, we evaluate the role of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) and Pit-1/PRL/GH in human breast, and consider the relationships between these factors in normal mammary development and in breast cancer.