Ecological factors affecting the fitness of the threatened orchid Anacamptis robusta (Orchidaceae): Habitat disturbance, interactions with a co-flowering rewarding orchid and hybridization events.

The food-deceptive species Anacamptis robusta is threatened in the Balearic Islands, and its habitat has recently been transformed through human disturbance. This study investigated how human disturbance affects the reproductive output of A. robusta and how its fitness is affected by competition with rewarding relatives, fungal infections and hybridization processes. To evaluate the impact of habitat loss on plant fitness, data on reproductive measures were obtained in two well-conserved subpopulations and the unique disturbed subpopulation. Photo-trapping cameras were installed to determine the floral visitation rate. All flowering individuals in 2019 were georeferenced using differential GPS to examine the influence of geospatial patterns on the reproductive success of A. robusta. In addition, hand-pollination treatments were performed to evaluate the hybridization between A. coriophora and A. robusta and the origin of A. × albuferensis. The human-disturbed subpopulation of A. robusta had a lower fruit set success than the subpopulations in well-conserved areas. The presence of A. coriophora is negatively affecting the reproductive output of A. robusta. Moreover, A. robusta can only act as the pollen donor during hybridization. The complexity of the ecological system, which is enhanced by the strong pollinator dependence of the threatened species, must be considered when making conservation decisions. Although human disturbance directly affects plant population stability, other ecological issues must be considered, such as pollinator interaction, interspecific competition for pollinators, fungal infection and hybridization events.

Hemobilia por neoplasia papilar intracolecística / Hemobilia due to intracholecystic papillary neoplasm

Exponemos el caso de un paciente de 39 años que presentó un episodio de hemorragia digestiva alta secundario a hemobilia. Mediante las pruebas de imagen realizadas se objetivó ocupación de la vesícula biliar por tejido sólido, que tras colecistectomía se diagnosticó de neoplasia papilar intracolecística. Se trata una entidad recientemente establecida y se considera un subtipo de la neoplasia papilar intraductal de la vía biliar. La presentación en forma de hemobilia apenas ha sido descrita en la literatura (AU)

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[Intraoperatory rupture of the vein in an arteriovenous crossing sheathotomy]. / Rotura intraoperatoria de vena en disección de cruce arteriovenoso.

CASE REPORT: We present a 43 year-old man with hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia who suffered an inferior temporal branch retinal vein occlusion in his right eye (visual acuity: counting fingers). An arteriovenous adventitial sheathotomy was made but the vein was perforated during surgery. The eye fundus and his final visual acuity improved (20/40) in spite of the complication. DISCUSSION: We comment the published experiences with this surgery and its complications.

Rotura intraoperatoria de vena en disección de cruce arteriovenoso / Intraoperatory rupture of the vein in an arteriovenous crossing sheathotomy

Caso clínico: Presentamos el caso de un varón de 43 años hipertenso, diabético y con hipercolesterolemia afecto de una oclusión de rama temporal inferior de vena central de la retina OD (AV OD: cuenta dedos). Se efectuó liberación mecánica de la adventicia arteriovenosa que se complica con la rotura intraoperatoria de la vena. Tanto el fondo de ojo como su AV final (0,5) mejoraron a pesar de la complicación. Discusión: Comentamos las experiencias publicadas con esta técnica y sus complicaciones (AU)

[Vitrectomy for asteroid hyalosis]. / Vitrectomía en hialosis asteroidea.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of pars plana vitrectomy for asteroid hyalosis and synchisys scintillans with decrease of visual acuity. METHODS: Retrospective study of 15 patients on whom pars plana vitrectomy was performed. We studied the visual acuity before the surgery, the best and the final vision. Risk vascular factors, intraocular pressure, complications during the surgery or in the follow up were determined. RESULTS: We operated on 17 eyes of 15 patients (10 male, 5 female). In 2 cases we added peeling of macular pucker and in two cases a cataract surgery. Average age was 73.8 (standard deviation 8.6); risk vascular factors were found in 66.6%. There weren't any complications during the surgery. Later, 4 cataracts, 3 macular pucker and 1 macular hole (stage IV) developed. The average vision before the surgery was 20/60, the best 20/40 and the final vision 20/50. Average follow up time was 22.8 (s.d. 17.3) months. CONCLUSIONS: Asteroid hialosis was more frequent in elderly males (2/3) and in patients with risk vascular factors (66.6%). Cataract surgery was necessary in 50% of eyes during or after the pars plana vitrectomy. Seventeen percent of eyes presented macular pucker in the follow up. Recovery of vision was less than expected.

Vitrectomía en hialosis asteroidea / Vitrectomy for asteroid hyalosis

Objetivo: Evaluar el papel de la vitrectomía posterior en la hialosis asteroide y sínquisis centelleante con disminución de agudeza visual. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 15 pacientes en los que se realizó vitrectomía. Se estudia la agudeza visual prequirúrgica, mejor y ultima. Se evalúan factores de riesgo vasculares, presión intraocular, y complicaciones per- y posquirúrgicas. Resultados: Se intervinieron 17 ojos en 15 pacientes (10 varones, 5 hembras). En dos casos se añadió pelado de la membrana epirretiniana coexistente y en otros dos cirugía de la catarata. La edad media fue de 73,8 (D.E. 8,6) años. Se encontraron factores de riesgo vasculares en el 66,6 por ciento de los enfermos. No hubo complicaciones prequirúrgicas. Durante el seguimiento medio de 22,8 (D.E. 17,3) meses, se produjeron 4 cataratas, 3 membranas epirretinianas y un agujero macular en estadio IV. La mediana de la agudeza visual previa fue de 0,3, la mejor 0,5 y la última visión 0,4. Conclusiones: La hialosis asteroidea se produjo con mayor frecuencia en varones, ancianos (2/3) y con factores de riesgo vasculares (66,6 por ciento). Se indicó cirugía de la catarata en el 50 por ciento de los fáquicos ya fuera durante la cirugía o en el período de seguimiento. El 17 por ciento de los ojos presentaron membrana epirretiniana. La recuperación visual fue menor de lo esperado (AU)

Selective binding of cis-1,3,5-cyclohexane tricarboxylic acid vs its epimeric trans isomer by a tripodal amidopyridine receptor; crystal structures of the 1:1 complexes.

[figure: see text] A tripodal tris-amidopyridine receptor forms a 1:1 complex with trans-1,3,5-cyclohexane tricarboxylic acid that is 1 order of magnitude less stable than the one formed with the corresponding cis-triacid epimer. The X-ray crystal structures of the complexes have been determined, confirming the binding geometry derived from NMR data in solution and force-field calculations, and its geometrical features are used to explain the observed selectivity.

The use of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) biomarker as an early detection model of chemically induced cancer.

Due to the massive industrial development during recent decades, the general population today is exposed to numerous environmental chemicals not only through occupational exposure but also through the daily handling and consumption of products. In our study, we developed a carcinogenesis bioassay for industrial solvents and other pollutants by measuring the gliosis produced by these toxins. We investigated the morphological changes produced by some pollutants in astroglial rat cultures and the increase in GFAP-positive cells. Astroglial primary cultures were obtained from the cerebral hemispheres of neonatal rats. The nutrient medium consisted of Waymouth's medium supplemented with 20% fetal calf serum and antibiotics. The cultures were incubated at 37 degrees C in a humidified particle-filtered room containing an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. After being cultured for 22 days, toluene and a mixture of solvents (toluene, carbon tetrachloride, and 1,1,1-trichloroethylene) were applied in concentrations between 10(-4) M and 10(-6) M. Immunofluorescence staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a specific marker for fibrillary astrocytes, was only occasionally positive in the monolayer of the control cultures; however, it was markedly positive in most cells maintained for 3 or 9 days and exposed to toluene and mixed solvents. This study provides a rapid in vitro assay by which cells exposed to chemicals can be examined.

Pharmacokinetic analysis of beta-aminopropionitrile in rabbits.

beta-Aminopropionitrile (beta APN), inhibits the activity of lysyl oxidase, an important enzyme for the post-translational formation of inter- and intramolecular covalent cross-linking between the connective tissue proteins, collagen and elastin. We became interested in the possible use of this compound as a therapeutic agent in the so-called human collagen diseases. beta APN's action mechanism is known, but its pharmacokinetics in rabbits have not yet been determined. The present study defined the kinetic parameters of beta APN in rabbits, after oral or intravenous (iv) administration. The HPLC technique was recently modified using OPA (ortho-phthalaldehyde) as the derivative agent. beta APN plasma concentration vs time following the iv administration of 200 mg/kg was best described by the biexponential equation C = 92.43.e(-0.0728 t) + 61.78.e(-0.0088 t) (t1/2 beta = 78.73 +/- 5.19 min; Vc = 1.29 +/- 0.04 L.kg-1). After oral administration, beta APN followed a zero-order absorption pattern (Ko = 3.02 +/- 0.34 mg.kg-1.min-1), which means that the beta APN reached the blood very quickly.

Causal and emotional factors related to work stress in ICU nursing staff. The importance of accurate measurement.

This study was designed to determine the degree of intervention of causal and emotional factors in work stress in intensive care unit (ICU) nursing staff. A questionnaire to assess stress causes (27) and associated emotions (33) was given to 123 people (85 registered nurses and 38 auxiliary nurses) aged 22-56, working in ICUs in different hospitals in Palma de Mallorca. Descriptive and factorial analyses were carried out. Respondents gave most stress causes a medium score (3.5-6.5 points), the highest values corresponding to staff shortage (mean = 6.71), bad management organisation (mean = 6.65) and little free time (mean = 6.5). These causes are grouped in seven factors which account for 65.51% of variance and are particularly related to organisational problems, training and personal relationships, work demands and physical and emotional overload. The most important emotions for this sample are: responsibility (mean = 6.61), impotence (mean = 6.23) and desire to excel (mean = 6.080). Such emotions are divided into seven factors which explain 65.31% of the variance and define states of personal satisfaction, depersonalisation, anxiety, low self-esteem, helplessness and arrogance. Surprisingly, the main factor with the value 5.08 and a variance of 15.42%, corresponds to positive or pleasant emotions. The results corroborate previous research findings on work stress, provide a simplified tool for assessing this and show the need to quantify the degree of such manifestations in the assessments.

In vitro neuronal changes induced by beta-aminopropionitrile.

beta-Aminopropionitrile (beta APN), a peptide found in leguminous plants, is a multifunctional aminonitrile because it has some action on collagen, elastin, and nervous cells. Due to its action on the nervous system, it is very interesting to show its inhibitory effect on cultures of neurons. In the present study, we have demonstrated that beta APN can produce progressive degeneration of neurons and that this effect is dose-dependant. Neuronal cultures were prepared from 14-day-old rat embryos with a cell density of 10(4) cells/cm2 in the control plates. Progressive concentrations of beta APN (from 10(-7) M to 10(-3) M) were added and a 50 Inhibitory Dose (ID50) of 10(-5) M was found. At concentrations of 10(-5) M of beta APN, the neurons showed a loss of synapsis and thinning of neuronal prolongations. Based on the morphological changes observed, we think that beta APN may be used as a neurodegeneration model similar to that obtained with acrylamide, carbon disulfide, beta-beta'-iminodipropionitrile, or aluminum salts.

"In vitro" effects of methyl-mercury on the nervous system: a neurotoxicologic study.

Many of the currently prevailing toxicologic problems are due to the use of organic mercurial compounds in pesticides and fungicides. During recent years, environmental pollution has originated from the incorrect use of these organometals. Methyl-mercury (Me-Hg) is absorbed quickly from the gastrointestinal tract and is distributed to most tissues. The most important effect of Me-Hg is on the nervous tissue and is more relevant in the fetal brain. We were interested in assessing the neurotoxic effects of Me-Hg on the central and peripheral nervous system. Neuronal cells cultures from 14-day-old fetal Wistar rats and ciliary ganglion cells cultures from 8-day-old chick embryos were used. Various Me-Hg concentrations (10(-3) M to 10(-8) M) were added to these cultures after 36 hr to study the morphologic changes. At 10(-3) M and 10(-4) M concentrations, cellular degeneration and death in the central nervous system (CNS) were noted. At 10(-5) M concentrations, axonal and nerve fibers degeneration, loss of synapsis, and inhibition in the cellular development in CNS were seen; regroupment and destruction in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) was noted. Finally, at 10(-6) M and 10(-7) M concentrations, there were hardly any modifications in the CNS, whereas only the nervous processes were affected in the PNS.

Ethylene glycol action on neurons and its cholinomimetic effects.

Ethylene glycol (EG) is the most representative of the glycols. It is a compound used as painting and plastic solvent, as antifreeze, and in dyes and synthetic fibers. It may also appear as a wine pollutant. Due to these various uses and conditions, EG can produce intoxication in men and animals. The pathologic effects are due to its metabolism resulting in the formation of oxalic and glycolic acids which are eliminated through the kidney causing renal failure. The toxic effects on the nervous system are not well known. In some circumstances, convulsions may occur. To study the neurotoxic effects of EG, we used cultures of nerve cells from Wistar rat embryos which we exposed to EG in doses between 10(-4) M and 10(-8) M. The changes in neurons consisted of neuronal degeneration, decrease in number of AChE+ cells, and reactive cellular grouping. The median inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 2.06 x 10(-7) M.

Synthesis and antitumor activity of pyrido-amsacrine analogues and related compounds.

The pyrido derivatives of amsacrine [4'-(9-acridinylamino) methanesulfon-m-anisidine] were prepared and evaluated in the L1210 leukemia system. Almost all the pyrido analogues were tighter DNA-binding ligands than the corresponding amsacrine compounds. The significant inhibition of L1210 produced by pyrido-acridan-7-ones demonstrates that the anilino side chain is not essential for activity, although most of the compounds did not have improved activity compared with amsacrine.

Influence of basic fibroblast growth factor on the development of cholinoceptive neurons from fetal rat cerebrum in culture.

Neuronal cells from cerebral hemispheres of 14-day-old rats were grown for 6 days in a serum-free, chemically defined medium. About 95-98 and 3% of these cells were neurofilament and acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-positive, respectively. The addition of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) at three developmental stages, i.e. at 4 h, 2 and 4 days resulted in an increase (about 2-fold) of the number of AChE-positive neurons. The enzyme reaction was present in the cell body as well as in the fibers, which often ramified extensively under the influence of bFGF. Treatment with bFGF after the 2nd day of culture had no or only a low stimulatory effect. Our findings indicate that bFGF affects the development of AChE-containing neurons, i.e. cholinoceptive neurons from rat cerebrum.

New heteroaryl derivatives of fentanyl.

The preparation of analogues of fentanyl with N-phenyl replaced with a heterocyclic aromatic ring, and with N-alkyl/arylalkyl N-acyl substituents is reported. Only those compounds carrying an N-phenylethyl substituent were active in the rat tail-withdrawal test. Fentanyl (1) is the prototype of the 4-anilido-piperidine class of opioid analgesics (Casy & Parfitt 1986). Several recent publications (Casy & Huckstep 1988; Bagley et al 1989) on this series have dealt with heterocyclic and aromatic modifications of the fentanyl molecule. Although the antinociceptive potency of most novel derivatives was greater than that of morphine, they had reduced activity when compared with fentanyl itself. To acquire further information on the structure-reactivity relationships of the series, new heteroaryl derivatives have been prepared and tested for antinociceptive activity.