Production of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) nanoparticles using grape residues as the sole carbon source.

The production of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) on an industrial scale remains a major challenge due to its higher production cost compared to petroleum-based plastics. As a result, it is necessary to develop efficient fermentative processes using low-cost substrates and identify high-value-added applications where biodegradability and biocompatibility properties are of fundamental importance. In this study, grape residues, mainly grape skins, were used as the sole carbon source in Azotobacter vinelandii OP cultures for PHB production and subsequent nanoparticle synthesis based on the extracted polymer. The grape residue pretreatment showed a high rate of conversion into reducing sugars (fructose and glucose), achieving up to 43.3 % w w-1 without the use of acid or external heat. The cultures were grown in shake flasks, obtaining a biomass concentration of 2.9 g L-1 and a PHB accumulation of up to 37.7 % w w-1. PHB was characterized using techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The formation of emulsified PHB nanoparticles showed high stability, with a particle size between 210 and 240 nm and a zeta potential between -12 and - 15 mV over 72 h. Owing to these properties, the produced PHB nanoparticles hold significant potential for applications in drug delivery.

Detection of coca alkaloids in oral fluid from coca leaf (tea) consumers: using solid phase extraction to improve validation parameters and widen the detection window.

Hygrine and cuscohygrine, two coca leaf alkaloids, have been previously proposed as markers to differentiate legal and illegal cocaine consumption. This is a very common problem in some countries of South America, where the consumption of coca leaves has a long tradition. Analytical methods focusing on the assessment of coca leaf alkaloids, such as cuscohygrine, hygrine, tropacocaine and t-cinnamoylcocaine, in oral fluid are virtually non-existent in forensic toxicology laboratories worldwide due to their lack of application. However, the problem of differentiating legal and illegal cocaine use in criminal justice, DUID (drug-impaired driving) and WDT (workplace drug testing) programs is growing. Therefore, researchers are obliged to develop methods to measure coca leaf alkaloids (cuscohygrine, hygrine and t-cinnamoylcocaine) in biological matrices for further validation for routine analyses in forensic toxicology laboratories. This work aims to optimize a previously published separation method by protein precipitation in oral fluid by using solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) operating in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The use of SPE allowed the matrix effect and the background to be reduced in the chromatograms due to the obtained cleaner extracts. Consequently, improved detection and quantification limits were reached. Findings showed that the detection windows for coca leaf alkaloids were longer than three hours in real oral fluid samples from volunteers who drank a cup of coca tea. These detection windows are quite higher than those previously obtained when using the method based on separation by protein precipitation.

Disappearance of codeine, morphine and 6-MAM in hair after cessation of abuse.

Research on the determination of drugs of abuse in hair has established that drugs can be detected in hair even long after cessation of use. The purpose of this study was to analyze hair samples from chronic opioid users who were beginning a controlled drug cessation program. The study population (n = 15) is involved in a drug rehabilitation program in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Over a 6-month period, subjects provided hair samples at 2-month intervals, with the first sample collected on the day they began the program. Codeine, morphine, and 6-MAM were analyzed by GC/MS (LOQ = 0.2 ng/mg). Hair tresses were divided into 1 cm segments and analyzed for all analytes 0-1 cm corresponding to the proximal portion to the scalp Following cessation of opioid use, traces of codeine, morphine, and 6-MAM still remained in the newly growing hair segments for a specified period. After 2 months, still 27 % of the users tested positive, and at 4 months, 20 % were positive but only for 6-MAM. However, after 6 months of abstinence, the results were negative for all analytes.

Epidemiología de las intoxicaciones agudas en el Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela / Epidemiology of acute poisonings in the Emergency Service of the Clinic University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela

Introducción y métodos: Las intoxicaciones agudas son un motivo frecuente de consulta urgente. Este estudio descriptivo observacional retrospectivo busca analizar la epidemiología de las intoxicaciones agudas atendidas en el Servicio de Urgencias entre junio y noviembre de 2019. Resultados: Las intoxicaciones agudas constituyeron el 1,2% de las consultas de Urgencias (edad media de 44 años, 64,9% hombres). Las drogas de abuso fueron el grupo más frecuente (sobre todo en el sexo masculino), siendo el etanol el principal agente; seguidas del policonsumo y los medicamentos (especialmente en el sexo femenino), destacando las benzodiacepinas. Las intoxicaciones fueron más habituales los fines de semana y durante la noche. La principal modalidad fue la voluntaria (principalmente en hombres), seguida de la autolítica (sobre todo en mujeres). El 26,5% de los pacientes acudieron en ambulancia. El 53,9% de los pacientes presentaba antecedentes toxicológicos (sobre todo hombres) y el 32,3% antecedentes psiquiátricos (principalmente en mujeres). La clínica más frecuente fue la neurológica. Se realizó tratamiento sintomático en la mayoría de los pacientes, empleándose tratamientos específicos en una pequeña proporción. El 84,4% de los pacientes fueron dados de alta desde Urgencias, necesitando atención de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos el 2,0%; los ancianos ingresaron más frecuentemente. Conclusiones: Las intoxicaciones agudas revisten poca gravedad en este medio. Hay diferencias en sus características según sexo y edad, así como en la modalidad en función del tóxico y los antecedentes personales. (AU)

Introduction and methods: Acute poisoning is a common reason for consultation in Emergency Services. This retrospective observational study looks for analysing the epidemiology of acute poisonings in the Emergency Service of the Clinic University Hospital of de Santiago de Compostela between June and November 2019. Results: Acute poisonings were 1,2% of Emergency Service consults (mean age 44 years, 64.9% men). Abuse drugs were the most usual group (specially in male sex), being ethanol the principal agent; followed by polycompsumption and medicines (specially in female sex), highlighting benzodiazepines. Poisonings were more frequent in weekends and during the night. The first modality was voluntary (principally in men), followed by suicidal (principally in women). 26.5% of patients came by ambulance. 53.9% of patients showed toxicological history (specially men) and 32.3% had psychiatric history (specially in women). The most common clinical manifestations were neurological. Most patients got symptomatic treatment, using specific treatment in a small proportion. 84.4% of patients were discharged from the Emergency Service, needing attention from the Intensive Care Unit 2.0%; the elderly patients were admitted more frequently. Conclusions: Acute poisonings have little gravity in this environment. There are differences in their features according to sex and age, as wells as in modality depending on the toxic agent and the personal history. (AU)

Time of the day of exercise impact on cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of a single bout of morning vs. evening exercise on cardiovascular risk factors in adults. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic search of studies was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science from inception to June 2022. Selected studies accomplished the following criteria: crossover design, acute effect of exercise, blood pressure, blood glucose, and/or blood lipids as the study's endpoint, a washout period of at least 24 h, and adults. Meta-analysis was performed by analyzing: 1) separated effect of morning and evening exercise (pre vs. post); and 2) comparison between morning and evening exercise. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies were included for systolic and diastolic blood pressure and 10 studies for blood glucose. Meta-analysis revealed no significant difference between morning vs. evening exercise for systolic blood pressure (g ∆ = 0.02), diastolic blood pressure (g ∆ = 0.01), or blood glucose (g ∆ = 0.15). Analysis of moderator variables (age, BMI, sex, health status, intensity and duration of exercise, and hour within the morning or evening) showed no significant morning vs. evening effect. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, we found no influence of the time of the day on the acute effect of exercise on blood pressure neither on blood glucose.

Sexual Assault: Approach to Reality in the Area of Santiago de Compostela (Galicia, Spain) through a 12-Year Retrospective Study.

Sexual assault constitutes a severely traumatic experience that impacts the lives of far too many victims each year. The underlying behaviors of the offenders are often associated with psychological, physical and social distress, and the use of psychotropic substances was found in a good number of cases. A descriptive and retrospective review of sexual assault cases has been undertaken to identify trends in the toxicology findings in Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault in Santiago de Compostela over the past 12 years. During this period, a total of 69 cases were referred to the Forensic Toxicology Service as sexual assault cases. The sex and age distribution of the cases showed that females between the ages of 14 and 65 years constituted the group most frequently submitted to sexual assault, with a peak of 55.1% in the 18- to 30-year age group. Alcohol consumption was positive in 77.1% of positive cases determined, followed by drugs (34.4%) and illicit drugs (26.2%). Our results showed a high percentage of alcohol consumption in sexual assault cases.

Validación de la versión española de la Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS) / Validation of the Spanish version of the Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS)

Introducción y objetivos: La Charcot-Marie-Tooth Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS) es una herramienta validada y sensible al cambio para evaluar la gravedad de la neuropatía en niños y adolescentes entre 3 y 20 años. El objetivo de este artículo es traducir y validar una versión española de la CMTPedS para difundir su utilización en países de habla hispana. Material y métodos: El proceso para la traducción al español de la CMTPedS ha sido el método de traducción paralela invertida basado en los principios de buena práctica para la traducción y el proceso de adaptación cultural de las Food and Drug Administration Guidelines. Se realizó primero una traducción directa de la fuente original de la CMTPedS al español que fue revisada por expertos en la enfermedad de Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) formados en la utilización de la herramienta CMTPedS. La versión española fue traducida de nuevo al inglés por un lingüista especialista de la traducción. Resultados: La versión preliminar en español de la CMTPedS se evaluó en 18 niños con CMT entre 6 y 20 años (media: 13,27). La escala fue bien tolerada y fácil de comprender en los niños y fácil de aplicar para los clínicos. Ningún paciente tuvo dificultad en completar la escala.Conclusiones: La versión española de la CMTPedS se puede utilizar para el seguimiento y la realización de ensayos clínicos en población española y países de habla hispana.(AU)

Introduction and aims: The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS) is a validated and change-sensitive tool for assessing the severity of neuropathy in children and adolescents between 3 and 20 years of age. The aim of this article is to translate and validate a Spanish version of the CMTPedS in order to disseminate its use in Spanish-speaking countries. Materials and methods: The process used to translate the CMTPedS into Spanish was the reverse parallel translation method based on the principles of good practice for translation and the cultural adaptation process of the Food and Drug Administration Guidelines. A direct translation of the original source of the CMTPedS into Spanish was performed first and reviewed by experts in Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease trained in the use of the CMTPedS tool. The Spanish version was then translated back into English by a linguist specialised in translation. Results: The preliminary Spanish version of the CMTPedS was evaluated in 18 children with CMT aged 6-20 years (mean: 13.27). The scale was well tolerated and easy for children to understand and easy for clinicians to apply. None of the patients had any difficulty completing the scale. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the CMTPedS can be used for monitoring and conducting clinical trials in the Spanish population and in Spanish-speaking countries.(AU)

[Validation of the Spanish version of the Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS)]. / Validación de la versión española de la Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS).

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS) is a validated and change-sensitive tool for assessing the severity of neuropathy in children and adolescents between 3 and 20 years of age. The aim of this article is to translate and validate a Spanish version of the CMTPedS in order to disseminate its use in Spanish-speaking countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The process used to translate the CMTPedS into Spanish was the reverse parallel translation method based on the principles of good practice for translation and the cultural adaptation process of the Food and Drug Administration Guidelines. A direct translation of the original source of the CMTPedS into Spanish was performed first and reviewed by experts in Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease trained in the use of the CMTPedS tool. The Spanish version was then translated back into English by a linguist specialised in translation. RESULTS: The preliminary Spanish version of the CMTPedS was evaluated in 18 children with CMT aged 6-20 years (mean: 13.27). The scale was well tolerated and easy for children to understand and easy for clinicians to apply. None of the patients had any difficulty completing the scale. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the CMTPedS can be used for monitoring and conducting clinical trials in the Spanish population and in Spanish-speaking countries.

TITLE: Validación de la versión española de la Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS).Introducción y objetivos. La Charcot-Marie-Tooth Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS) es una herramienta validada y sensible al cambio para evaluar la gravedad de la neuropatía en niños y adolescentes entre 3 y 20 años. El objetivo de este artículo es traducir y validar una versión española de la CMTPedS para difundir su utilización en países de habla hispana. Material y métodos. El proceso para la traducción al español de la CMTPedS ha sido el método de traducción paralela invertida basado en los principios de buena práctica para la traducción y el proceso de adaptación cultural de las Food and Drug Administration Guidelines. Se realizó primero una traducción directa de la fuente original de la CMTPedS al español que fue revisada por expertos en la enfermedad de Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) formados en la utilización de la herramienta CMTPedS. La versión española fue traducida de nuevo al inglés por un lingüista especialista de la traducción. Resultados. La versión preliminar en español de la CMTPedS se evaluó en 18 niños con CMT entre 6 y 20 años (media: 13,27). La escala fue bien tolerada y fácil de comprender en los niños y fácil de aplicar para los clínicos. Ningún paciente tuvo dificultad en completar la escala. Conclusiones. La versión española de la CMTPedS se puede utilizar para el seguimiento y la realización de ensayos clínicos en población española y países de habla hispana.

Epidemiología de las intoxicaciones agudas en el Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela / Epidemiology of acute poisonings in the Emergency Service of the Clinic University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela

Introducción y métodos. Las intoxicaciones agudas son unmotivo frecuente de consulta urgente. Este estudio descriptivoobservacional retrospectivo busca analizar la epidemiología de lasintoxicaciones agudas atendidas en el Servicio de Urgencias entre junioy noviembre de 2019. Resultados. Las intoxicaciones agudasconstituyeron el 1,2% de las consultas de Urgencias (edad media de 44años, 64,9% hombres). Las drogas de abuso fueron el grupo másfrecuente (sobre todo en el sexo masculino), siendo el etanol elprincipal agente; seguidas del policonsumo y los medicamentos(especialmente en el sexo femenino), destacando las benzodiacepinas.Las intoxicaciones fueron más habituales los fines de semana y durantela noche. La principal modalidad fue la voluntaria (principalmente enhombres), seguida de la autolítica (sobre todo en mujeres). El 26,5%de los pacientes acudieron en ambulancia. El 53,9% de los pacientespresentaba antecedentes toxicológicos (sobre todo hombres) y el 32,3%antecedentes psiquiátricos (principalmente en mujeres). La clínica másfrecuente fue la neurológica. Se realizó tratamiento sintomático en lamayoría de los pacientes, empleándose tratamientos específicos en unapequeña proporción. El 84,4% de los pacientes fueron dados de altadesde Urgencias, necesitando atención de la Unidad de CuidadosIntensivos el 2,0%; los ancianos ingresaron más frecuentemente.Conclusiones. Las intoxicaciones agudas revisten poca gravedad eneste medio. Hay diferencias en sus características según sexo y edad,así como en la modalidad en función del tóxico y los antecedentespersonales. (AU)

Introduction and methods. Acute poisoning is a common reason for consultation in Emergency Services. This retrospective observational study looks for analysing the epidemiology of acute poisonings in the Emergency Service of the Clinic University Hospital of de Santiago de Compostela between June and November 2019. Results. Acute poisonings were 1,2% of Emergency Service consults (mean age 44 years, 64.9% men). Abuse drugs were the most usual group (specially in male sex), being ethanol the principal agent; followed by polycompsumption and medicines (specially in female sex), highlighting benzodiazepines. Poisonings were more frequent in weekends and during the night. The first modality was voluntary (principally in men), followed by suicidal (principally in women). 26.5% of patients came by ambulance. 53.9% of patients showed toxicological history (specially men) and 32.3% had psychiatric history (specially in women). The most common clinical manifestations were neurological. Most patients got symptomatic treatment, using specific treatment in a small proportion. 84.4% of patients were discharged from the Emergency Service, needing attention from the Intensive Care Unit 2.0%; the elderly patients were admitted more frequently. Conclusions. Acute poisonings have little gravity in this environment. There are differences in their features according to sex and age, as wells as in modality depending on the toxic agent and the personal history. (AU)

Psychotic disorders in young adults with perinatally acquired HIV: a UK case series.

BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of children with perinatally acquired HIV (PaHIV) are transitioning into adult care. People living with behaviourally acquired HIV are known to be at more risk of psychosis than uninfected peers. Young adults living with PaHIV face numerous risk factors; biological: lifelong exposure to a neurotrophic virus, antiretroviral medication and immune dysfunction during brain development, and environmental; social deprivation, ethnicity-related discrimination, and migration-related issues. To date, there is little published data on the prevalence of psychotic illness in young people growing up with PaHIV. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case note review of all individuals with PaHIV aged over 18 years registered for follow up at a dedicated clinic in the UK (n = 184). RESULTS: In total, 12/184 (6.5%), median age 23 years (interquartile range 21-26), had experienced at least one psychotic episode. The presentation and course of the psychotic episodes experienced by our cohort varied from short-lived symptoms to long term illness and nine (75%) appear to have developed a severe and enduring mental illness requiring long term care. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of psychosis in our cohort was clearly above the lifetime prevalence of psychosis in UK individuals aged 16-34 years, which has been reported to be 0.5-1.0%. This highlights the importance of clinical vigilance regarding the mental health of young people growing up with PaHIV and the need to integrate direct access to mental health services within the HIV centres providing medical care.

Revisión sistemática de los indicadores utilizados en el diagnóstico del síndrome de sobreentrenamiento en atletas / Systematic review of the indicators used in the diagnosis of Overtraining Syndrome in athletes

Introducción El éxito de un proceso de entrenamiento deportivo radica en la adaptación satisfactoria del atleta al aumento progresivo de la carga, que incluye respetar los tiempos de recuperación. Sin embargo, cuando esto no ocurre puede aparecer el Síndrome de Sobreentrenamiento (SSE). Objetivo Establecer a través de la revisión de evidencia sistemática, los indicadores utilizados para el diagnóstico del SSE en atletas de resistencia de alto rendimiento. Método Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de los indicadores utilizados en el diagnóstico del SSE en las bases de datos PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Science Direct, Biomed Central y Scielo. Se evaluó calidad, sesgo y heterogeneidad de cada publicación, para un posterior análisis cualitativo o cuantitativo de acuerdo con la información encontrada para cada variable. Resultados Once artículos (con 7 estudios) fueron seleccionados para análisis completo. Cinco variables (lactato, creatin quinasa, cortisol, VO2 máx y FC máx) fueron incluidas para análisis cuantitativo. Tres de las variables presentaron heterogeneidad baja y dos heterogeneidad moderada. El lactato demostró una disminución consistente en el grupo experimental (DM -1,86 IC 95% -2,66 a -1,07). La FC máx también se vio disminuida en el grupo experimental (DM -4,08 IC 95% -8,41 a 0,24). Conclusiones Se encontró que la monitorización del lactato y de la FC máxima podrían ser indicadores cercanos al diagnóstico del SSE (AU)

Introduction The success of a sports training process lies in the satisfactory adaptation of the athlete to the progressive increase of load, respecting recovery times. However, when this does not occur, overtraining syndrome (OTS) may appear. Objective To establish through the review of systematic evidence, the indicators used for the diagnosis of OTS in high performance endurance athletes. Method A systematic search was carried out in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Science Direct, Biomed Central and Scielo databases. Quality, bias, and heterogeneity of each publication were evaluated, for a subsequent qualitative or quantitative analysis according to the information found for each variable. Results Eleven articles (with 7 studies) were selected for complete analysis. 5 variables (lactate, creatin kinase, cortisol, VO2 max and HR max) were included for quantitative analysis. Three of the variables presented low heterogeneity and 2 moderate heterogeneity. Lactate showed a consistent decrease in the experimental group (SD -1.86 95% CI -2.66 to -1.07). HR max also decreased in the experimental group (DM -4.08 95% CI -8.41 to 0.24). Conclusions It was found that lactate and maximal HR monitoring could be indicators close to diagnosis of OTS (AU)

Magnetic double-J stent: Evaluation of tolerance and impact on quality of life compared to traditional double-J stent.

INTRODUCTION: The placement of a ureteral stent is one of the most widely performed procedures in urology. It can have a negative impact on the patients' quality of life, requiring a cystoscopy for its removal. The objective of this study is to evaluate the symptoms and impact on quality of life derived from the use of a magnetic double-J stent (Black Star®) and compare them to those presented in patients with a traditional double-J stent (OptiMed®). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a comparative, prospective, randomized study in 46 patients who underwent ureterorenoscopy with double-J stent placement between August 2019 and June 2020. Of all patients included, 23 had a traditional double-J stent placed (group A) and 23 had a magnetic double-J stent (group B) placed. We evaluated the results of the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) in both groups, assessed the technical difficulty related to stent removal and the pain during the procedure using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). We also reviewed the need for medical attention due to problems related to the stent or after its removal. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between groups regarding the answers in the USSQ and the complications related to the use of the stent. Group B showed less pain (1.52 vs. 4, VAS, p = 0.001) and less difficulty during removal (1.61 vs. 3, p < 0.001) associated with a shorter procedure duration (11.65 min vs. 22.17 min p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The tolerance shown by the use of magnetic double-J is comparable to the tolerance of traditional stent, since it does not cause an increase in urinary symptoms nor worsens the quality of life of patients during its use.

Catéter doble J magnético: evaluación de la tolerancia e impacto en la calidad de vida en comparación con el catéter doble J tradicional / Magnetic double-J stent: evaluation of tolerance and impact on quality of life compared to traditional double-J stent

Introducción: La colocación de un catéter doble J (DJ) es uno de los procedimientos más realizados en urología. Puede causar un impacto negativo en la calidad de vida, siendo necesaria una cistoscopia para su extracción. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la sintomatología e impacto en la calidad de vida derivados del uso del catéter DJ magnético (Black Star®) y compararla con la del DJ tradicional (OptiMed®).Material y métodosRealizamos un estudio comparativo, prospectivo y aleatorizado en 46 pacientes sometidos a ureterorrenoscopia (URS) en quienes se colocó un DJ entre agosto del 2019 y junio del 2020. De los pacientes incluidos, 23 llevaron un DJ tradicional (grupo A) y 23 un DJ magnético (grupo B). Valoramos en ambos grupos los resultados del cuestionario de síntomas de catéter ureteral (USSQ). Evaluamos el dolor de la extracción mediante la escala visual analógica (EVA) y la dificultad de la retirada. Revisamos la necesidad de atención médica por problemas relacionados con el catéter o surgidos tras la extracción.ResultadosNo observamos diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el cuestionario USSQ, ni en las complicaciones. El grupo B presentó: menor dolor de la extracción (EVA de 1,52 vs. 4, p = 0,001), menor dificultad en la retirada (1,61 vs. 3, p < 0,001) y menor tiempo de extracción (11,65 vs. 22,17 min p < 0,001).ConclusionesEl DJ magnético es un catéter ureteral que presenta una tolerancia equiparable a los tradicionales, ya que no genera un incremento de la sintomatología urinaria ni empeora la calidad de vida de los pacientes durante su uso. (AU)

Introduction: The placement of a ureteral stent is one of the most widely performed procedures in urology. It can have a negative impact on the patients’ quality of life, requiring a cystoscopy for its removal. The objective of this study is to evaluate the symptoms and impact on quality of life derived from the use of a magnetic double-J stent (Black Star ®) and compare them to those presented in patients with a traditional double-J stent (OptiMed®).Material and methodsWe conducted a comparative, prospective, randomized study in 46 patients who underwent ureterorenoscopy with double-J stent placement between August 2019 and June 2020. Of all patients included, 23 had a traditional double-J stent placed (group A) and 23 had a magnetic double-J stent (group B) placed. We evaluated the results of the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) in both groups, assessed the technical difficulty related to stent removal and the pain during the procedure using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). We also reviewed the need for medical attention due to problems related to the stent or after its removal.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between groups regarding the answers in the USSQ and the complications related to the use of the stent. Group B showed less pain (1,52 vs. 4, VAS, p = 0.001) and less difficulty during removal (1,61 vs. 3, p < 0,001) associated with a shorter procedure duration (11,65 min vs. 22,17 min p < 0,001).ConclusionsThe tolerance shown by the use of magnetic double-J is comparable to the tolerance of traditional stent, since it does not cause an increase in urinary symptoms nor worsens the quality of life of patients during its use. (AU)

Chemical characterization (LC-MS-ESI), cytotoxic activity and intracellular localization of PAMAM G4 in leukemia cells.

Generation 4 of polyamidoamine dendrimer (G4-PAMAM) has several biological effects due to its tridimensional globular structure, repetitive branched amides, tertiary amines, and amino-terminal subunit groups liked to a common core. G4-PAMAM is cytotoxic due to its positive charges. However, its cytotoxicity could increase in cancer cells due to the excessive intracellular negative charges in these cells. Furthermore, this work reports G4-PAMAM chemical structural characterization using UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS (LC-MS) by electrospray ionization to measure its population according to its positive charges. Additionally, the antiproliferative effects and intracellular localization were explored in the HMC-1 and K-562 cell lines by confocal microscopy. The LC-MS results show that G4-PAMAM generated multivalent mass spectrum values, and its protonated terminal amino groups produced numerous positive charges, which allowed us to determine its exact mass despite having a high molecular weight. Additionally, G4-PAMAM showed antiproliferative activity in the HMC-1 tumor cell line after 24 h (IC50 = 16.97 µM), 48 h (IC50 = 7.02 µM) and 72 h (IC50 = 5.98 µM) and in the K-562 cell line after 24 h (IC50 = 15.14 µM), 48 h (IC50 = 14.18 µM) and 72 h (IC50 = 9.91 µM). Finally, our results showed that the G4-PAMAM dendrimers were located in the cytoplasm and nucleus in both tumor cell lines studied.

Determination of Seven Antidepressants in Pericardial Fluid by Means of Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction (DLLME) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS).

Although blood is often used to detect and quantify the presence of drugs, there are some instances where samples obtained from other biological matrices, like pericardial fluid (PF), are necessary since adequate blood samples may not be available. PF is an epicardial transudate, which contains plasma components that include toxicological substances making this sample useful when blood samples are not available. This fluid is a well preserved postmortem sample and can easily be collected in larger amounts without significant contamination, compared with other body fluids. Although studies involving PF began around the 1980's, the adequacy of such fluid as a biological matrix has been poorly investigated. Antidepressants are frequently detected in postmortem samples from forensic cases. Nowadays, they constitute some of the most commonly prescribed drugs worldwide. A total of seven antidepressants (venlafaxine, mirtazapine, olanzapine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine and citalopram) were evaluated in this study. A new extraction method involving dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) is presented in which chloroform and acetonitrile are determined to be the best extraction and dispersing solvents. The experimental design was achieved using StatGraphics 18. The Response Surface Methodology enabled us to know the optimal volume for the two solvents used in the DLLME. The detection technique used was gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with electron impact ionization as ionization source. A temperature gradient has been used and the total chromatographic separation time was 19.43 min. Validation results met the international validation guidances (FDA). Under the optimal condition, the method offered good validation parameters showing a new efficient, simple, rapid, and sensitive method. The analytical method was applied to thirty-one pericardial fluid samples. Twenty-one samples were positive with concentrations between 0.19 and 8.48 µg/mL. Venlafaxine and olanzapine were the antidepressants most frequently found.

Efecto Regulador de Tibolona sobre la Actividad Antiinflamatoria del Macrófago / Regulatory Effect of Tibolone on Antiinflamatory Activity of Macrophage

Resumen Los macrófagos son células fagocíticas que activan a la sintasa de óxido nítrico (SON) y la NADPH oxidasa con el objetivo de eliminar agentes que reconocen como extraños. Además, participan en el desarrollo y mantenimiento de la respuesta inflamatoria. Tibolona (Tb), a través de sus metabolitos, tiene actividad estrogénica, progestagénica y androgénica. Es utilizada como alternativa de la terapia hormonal de la menopausia, que además disminuye marcadores de inflamación. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el efecto de Tb sobre la expresión de las interleucinas I, 6, 10 y TNF-α así como la actividad de la NADPH oxidasa del macrófago. Se utilizó la línea celular THP-1, se diferenció a macrófago, y se evaluó la actividad de NADPH oxidasa por el ensayo de NBT y la expresión de IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α e IL-10 por RT-qPCR. Se encontró que Tb regula la actividad enzimática, así como la expresión de citocinas ante un estímulo proinflamatorio. Por lo que se concluye que Tb favorece la actividad antiinflamatoria del macrófago. Estos resultados contribuyen a la descripción de los mecanismos de acción de este fármaco. Además, se propone al macrófago como un blanco de regulación del proceso inflamatorio por acción de Tb. Se sugiere que se determine la expresión proteica de las citocinas por otras técnicas, tales como western blot, ELISA, o citometría de flujo; así como la actividad de SON.

Abstract Macrophages are phagocytic cells that activate NOS and NADPH oxidase to eliminate agents that recognize like strangers, also participate in development and maintain of inflammatory response. In other hand, tibolone (Tb) has three main metabolites, which have an estrogenic, prostagenic and androgenic activity. This drug is a hormonal therapy to treat symptoms of menopause, with ability to decrease inflammation markers. The aim of this study is to describe the effect of Tb on macrophage activity. This study was carried out on differentiated macrophage THP-1 cell line used. NADPH oxidase activity by NBT assay and expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 by RT-qPCR were measured. It has been observed that Tb regulates the enzymatic activity, as well as the cytokines expression in the cells that received a proinflammatory stimulus; these results contribute to description of mechanism of action of this drug. The results suggest that macrophage could be a target for antiinflammatory action of Tb. Its remain to investagate the protein expression of cytokines and activity of iNOS.

Medicina Regenerativa para Úlceras Crónicas: Aplicación Cutánea de Células Troncales Mesenquimales de Gelatina de Wharton / Regenerative Medicine for Chronic Ulcers: Cutaneous Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Wharton's Jelly

Resumen El empleo de células mesenquimales ha emergido como una parte importante en la medicina regenerativa con efectos positivos en la recuperación de tejidos dañados o perdidos. Las úlceras crónicas incluyen lesiones cutáneas que afectan a una gran parte de la población con diabetes mellitus, (por ejemplo 9.14% desarrollan lesiones por pie diabético según ENSANUT 2016) y representan gastos económicos considerables, debido a la pobre calidad de vida que llevan los pacientes. El tratamiento convencional que se lleva a cabo en estos casos es a largo plazo, y los efectos benéficos generados que se presentan son limitados, ya que las lesiones reinciden por no contar con un tratamiento específico y regenerativo, solo paliativo. Es por ello que en este trabajo se obtuvieron y emplearon células troncales mesenquimales derivadas de gelatina de Wharton (CTM-GW) bajo los criterios propuestos por la Sociedad Internacional de la Terapia Celular. El tratamiento fue aplicado en dos pacientes con úlceras crónicas flebostáticas de diferentes condiciones médicas y se monitoreo a corto plazo, por lo que fue un estudio limitado. Los resultados mostraron que las CTM-GW indujeron la reconstrucción cutánea mediante formación de tejido de granulación, además de disminuir el proceso inflamatorio crónico en la zona de daño, lo que favoreció el índice de cierre de la herida. Por lo anterior, se propone la utilización de CTM-GW en úlceras flebostáticas crónicas como tratamiento en la regeneración de la estructura tisular con resultados a corto plazo.

Abstract Use of mesenchymal cells has emerged as an important part in regenerative medicine with positive effects in the recovery of damaged or lost tissues. Chronic ulcers include skin lesions that affect a large part of the population with diabetes mellitus, (for example, 9.14 develop diabetic foot according to ENSANUT 2016) and represent considerable economic expenses, due to poor quality of life in patients. The conventional treatment that is carried out in these cases is long term, and the generated beneficial effects that are presented are limited, since the injuries recur due to not having a specific and regenerative treatment, only palliative. That is why in this work they were obtained and used mesenchymal stem cells derived from Wharton's jelly (MSC-WJ) under the criteria proposed by the International Society for Cell Therapy. The treatment was applied in two patients with chronic ulcers phlebostatic of different medical conditions and short-term monitoring, so it was a limited study. The results showed that MSC-WJ induced skin reconstruction by tissue formation granulation, in addition to decreasing the chronic inflammatory process in the area of damage, which favored the index of wound healing. Therefore, the use of MSC-WJ in chronic phlebostatic ulcers is proposed as a treatment in the regeneration of the tissue structure with short-term results.

Determination of benzodiazepines in pericardial fluid by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

In Forensic Toxicology it is sometimes impossible to obtain a valid blood sample to perform toxicological analysis due to several factors like advanced state of decomposition, severe burns, bleed to death…. Pericardial Fluid has already been studied during the last years and has been proposed as a valid specimen for toxicological tests. Over the years, the consumption of benzodiazepines spread among the drug dependent population and became noticeable in drug facilitated assault cases and road accidents. Improvement of the analytical methodology required for detecting the presence of these drugs in biological samples is of great importance for forensic toxicology, in order to correctly diagnose an exposure or a poisoning. In this study, 9 benzodiazepines (diazepam, nordiazepam, midazolam, bromazepam, oxazepam, temazepam, lorazepam, clonazepam and alprazolam) have been determined in pericardial fluid. For this purpose a solid phase extraction (SPE) was carried out using Bond Elut Certify cartridges. After the derivatization of six of the nine benzodiazepines, gas chromatography coupled to a selective mass detector was used as the technique for the separation of the analytes. The method developed was fully validated for the 9 analytes and was applied to real samples of pericardial fluid received at the Forensic Toxicology Service of the University of Santiago de Compostela. Finally, they were compared with blood results looking for the existence of a possible correlation between both biological samples.

Photocatalytic activity of Ag/Al2O3-Gd2O3 photocatalysts prepared by the sol-gel method in the degradation of 4-chlorophenol.

The photocatalytic activity in the degradation of 4-chlorophenol (4-ClPh) in aqueous medium (80 ppm) using 2.0 wt% Ag/Al2O3-Gd2O3 (Ag/Al-Gd-x; where x = 2.0, 5.0, 15.0, 25.0 and 50.0 wt% of Gd2O3) photocatalysts prepared by the sol-gel method was studied under UV light irradiation. The photocatalysts were characterized by N2 physisorption, X-ray diffraction, SEM, HRTEM, UV-Vis, XPS, FTIR and fluorescence spectroscopy. About 67.0% of 4-ClPh was photoconverted after 4 h of UV light irradiation using Ag/γ--Al2O3. When Ag/Al-Gd-x photocatalysts were tested, the 4-ClPh photoconversion was improved and more than 90.0% of 4-ClPh was photoconverted after 3 h of UV light irradiation in the materials containing 15.0 and 25.0 wt% of Gd2O3. Ag/Al-Gd-25 was the material with the highest efficacy to mineralize dissolved organic carbon, mineralizing more than 85.0% after 4 h of UV light irradiation. Silver nanoparticles and micro-particles of irregular pentagonal shape intersected by plane nanobelts of Al2O3-Gd2O3 composite oxide were detected in the Ag/Al-Gd-25 photocatalyst. This material is characterized by a lowest recombination rate of electron-hole pairs. The low recombination rate of photo-induced electron-hole pairs in the Ag/Al-Gd-x photocatalysts with high Gd2O3 contents (≥15.0 wt%) confirmes that the presence of silver nanoparticles and microparticles interacting with Al2O3-Gd2O3 composite oxide entities favors the separation of photo-induced charges (e- and h+). These materials could be appropriate to be used as highly efficient photocatalysts to eliminate high concentrations of 4-ClPh in aqueous medium.

A high-resolution frequency variable experimental setup for studying ferrofluids used in magnetic hyperthermia.

A scanning system for specific absorption rate of ferrofluids with superparamagnetic nanoparticles is presented in this study. The system contains an induction heating device designed and built with a resonant inverter in order to generate magnetic field amplitudes up to 38 mT, over the frequency band 180-525 kHz. Its resonant circuit involves a variable capacitor with 1 nF of capacitance steps to easily select the desired frequency, reaching from 0.3 kHz/nF up to 5 kHz/nF of resolution. The device performance is characterized in order to compare with the theoretical predictions of frequency and amplitude, showing a good agreement with the resonant inverters theory. Additionally, the setup is tested using a synthetic iron oxide with 10 ± 1 nm diameter suspended in liquid glycerol, with concentrations at 1%. Meanwhile, the temperature rise is measured to determine the specific absorption rate and calculate the dissipated power density for each f. This device is a suitable alternative to studying ferrofluids and analyzes the dependence of the power absorption density with the magnetic field intensity and frequency.