Prevalencia y características clínicas de la enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa sintomática en la artritis reumatoide en una población española / Prevalence and clinical characteristics of symptomatic diffuse interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis in a Spanish population

Antecedentes y objetivos: En España, los estudios epidemiológicos de prevalencia de enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa (EPID) en artritis reumatoide (AR) son escasos y limitados. Nuestro objetivo fue estimar la prevalencia de EPID sintomática en AR y sus características en nuestra área. Materiales y métodos: Se diseñó un estudio observacional longitudinal prospectivo en la consulta interdisciplinar de Reumatología y Neumología, en el que incluimos AR con síntomas respiratorios y EPID confirmada por tomografía computarizada de alta resolución. Resultados: De las 2.729 personas con AR de nuestra área, 47 presentaban EPID sintomática, estimándose una prevalencia de EPID sintomática en AR del 1,72% (intervalo de confianza del 95%: 1,26-2,29) con una edad al diagnóstico de AR de 57,3±13,3 años. Fue más frecuente en hombres, el 60,6% tenía antecedente de tabaquismo y el 84,3 y el 84,7% factor reumatoide y anticuerpos antipéptidos cíclicos citrulinados, respectivamente. El patrón más frecuente fue neumonía intersticial usual (NIU) en 28 (31,1%), la neumonía intersticial no específica (NINE) fue más frecuente en mujeres y el síndrome combinado enfisema-fibrosis (SCEF) exclusivamente en hombres. Conclusiones: En este estudio hemos analizado la prevalencia de AR-EPID sintomática en nuestra área, la cual está por debajo de lo esperado, probablemente en relación con las definiciones utilizadas. Así mismo, hemos descrito que el patrón NIU es el más frecuente en la AR, seguido del NINE y analizado por primera vez la prevalencia de SCEF en la AR, que alcanza el 13% (AU)

Background and objectives: In Spain, epidemiological studies of the prevalence of diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are limited. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of symptomatic ILD in RA and its characteristics in our area. Materials and methods: In our hospital's interdisciplinary rheumatology and pulmonology clinic, a prospective longitudinal observational study was designed in which we included RA with respiratory symptoms and ILD confirmed by high resolution computed tomography. Results: Of the 2,729 people with RA in our area, 47 had symptomatic ILD, estimating a prevalence of symptomatic ILD in RA of 1.72% (95% CI 1.26 - 2.29) with an age at diagnosis of RA of 57.3±13.3 years. It was more frequent in men, 60.6% had a history of smoking, and 84.3% and 84.7% had rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP) antibodies, respectively. The most frequent pattern was usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP), appearing in 28 (31.1%). Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) was more frequent in women, while the combined pulmonary fibrosis-emphysema (CPFE) syndrome presented exclusively in men. Conclusions: We have analysed the prevalence of symptomatic RA-ILD in our area, which is lower than expected, probably in relation to the definitions used. We have also described that the UIP pattern is the most frequent in RA in our environment, followed by the NSIP. Lastly, we have analysed the prevalence of CPFE in RA, which reaches 13%, for the first time (AU)

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of symptomatic diffuse interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis in a Spanish population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Spain, epidemiological studies of the prevalence of diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are limited. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of symptomatic ILD in RA and its characteristics in our area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our hospital's interdisciplinary rheumatology and pulmonology clinic, a prospective longitudinal observational study was designed in which we included RA with respiratory symptoms and ILD confirmed by high resolution computed tomography. RESULTS: Of the 2729 people with RA in our area, 47 had symptomatic ILD, estimating a prevalence of symptomatic ILD in RA of 1.72% (95% CI 1.26-2.29) with an age at diagnosis of RA of 57.3 ±â€¯13.3 years. It was more frequent in men, 60.6% had a history of smoking, and 84.3% and 84.7% had rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP) antibodies, respectively. The most frequent pattern was usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP), appearing in 28 (31.1%). Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) was more frequent in women, while the combined pulmonary fibrosis-emphysema (CPFE) syndrome presented exclusively in men. CONCLUSIONS: We have analysed the prevalence of symptomatic RA-ILD in our area, which is lower than expected, probably in relation to the definitions used. We have also described that the UIP pattern is the most frequent in RA in our environment, followed by the NSIP. Lastly, we have analysed the prevalence of CPFE in RA, which reaches 13%, for the first time.

Pronóstico y seguimiento de la enfermedad. Protocolo de Neumomadrid para el seguimiento de pacientes con neumonía por COVID-19 / Prognosis and follow-up of the disease. Neumomadrid protocol for the follow-up of patients with pneumonia due to COVID-19

El nuevo virus ARN betacoronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) se identificó por primera vez en China a finales del año 2019, como agente etiológico de la infección denominada COVID-19. Se manifestaba como neumonía grave hasta en el 20% de los casos, que puede producir un síndrome respiratorio agudo grave y aumento del riesgo de coagulación vascular diseminada y de enfermedad tromboembólica venosa. Además, en la COVID-19 se produce afectación de otros órganos y sistemas como artritis, miocarditis, vasculitis, miopatías, etc. Las secuelas que se producirán a largo plazo son desconocidas. Hasta un 20% de los pacientes con COVID-19 podrían tener como complicación una afectación intersticial y vascular pulmonar, con alteraciones del intercambio gaseoso. Por tanto, es fundamental que los pacientes con una neumonía grave por COVID-19 tengan un seguimiento adecuado, para asegurar el correcto diagnóstico y tratamiento, de las posibles secuelas respiratorias. Aunque el seguimiento neumológico es prioritario, se recomienda que estos pacientes sean valorados por un grupo multidisciplinar que valore las diferentes posibles complicaciones sistémicas

The new RNA virus betacoronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified for the first time in China at the end of 2019, as the etiological agent of the infection called COVID-19. It manifests as severe pneumonia in up to 20% of cases, which can lead to severe acute respiratory syndrome and an increased risk of disseminated vascular coagulation and venous thromboembolic disease. In addition, in COVID-19 other organs and systems are affected such as arthritis, myocarditis, vasculitis, myopathies... The sequelae, which will occur in long term, are unknown. Up to 20% of patients with COVID-19 could have an interstitial and pulmonary vascular involvement as a complication, with alterations in gas exchange. Therefore, it is essential that patients with a severe infection by COVID-19, with pneumonia, have adequate follow-up to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment of possible respiratory sequelae. Although pneumological follow-up is a priority, it is recommended that these patients be evaluated by a multidisciplinary group that assesses the different systemic complications

Veterinary pharmaceutical contamination in mixed land use watersheds: from agricultural headwater to water monitoring watershed.

Veterinary pharmaceuticals, widely used in intensive livestock production, may contaminate surface waters. Identifying their sources and pathways in watersheds is difficult because i) most veterinary pharmaceuticals are used in human medicine as well and ii) septic or sewer wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) can release pharmaceuticals into surface water, even in agricultural headwater watersheds. This study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal variability of animal-specific, mixed-use, and human-specific pharmaceuticals, from agricultural headwaters with intensive livestock production and a WWTP to a watershed used for Water Framework Directive monitoring. Grab sampling was performed during one hydrological year upstream and downstream from a WWTP and at three dates in seven nested watersheds with areas of 1.9-84.1km2. Twenty pharmaceuticals were analyzed. Animal-specific pharmaceuticals were detected at all sampling dates upstream and downstream from the WWTP and at concentrations higher than those of human-specific pharmaceuticals. The predominance of animal-specific and mixed-use pharmaceuticals vs. human-specific pharmaceuticals observed at these sampling points was confirmed at the other sampling points. Animal-specific pharmaceuticals were detected mainly during runoff events and periods of manure spreading. A large percentage of mixed-use pharmaceuticals could come from animal sources, but it was difficult to determine. Mixed-use and human-specific pharmaceuticals predominated in the largest watersheds when runoff decreased. In areas of intensive livestock production, mitigation actions should focus on agricultural headwater watersheds to decrease the number of pathways and the transfer volume of veterinary pharmaceuticals, which can be the main contaminants.

How are the ancient cystic fibrosis patients? Cystic fibrosis diagnosed over 60 years-old.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To specify the prevalence of patients diagnosed with CF at age of ≥60 year-old and to analyze their characteristics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational study of CF patients which were diagnosed at age ≥60 year-old. The analyzed variables were: age, sex, nationality, lung function parameters, conditions present at diagnosis, microbiological characteristics and genetic findings. RESULTS: eight patients were included. 7 patients were female (87.5%) with a mean age of 70.6 years (median 71.5 years, range 60-78 years). The most important findings were: sweat test >60 mEq/l; heterozygotes F508del; bronchiectasis in CT; methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (50%) in sputum. The most patients presented a normal or mild obstructive lung function. CONCLUSIONS: CF must also be considered a disease diagnosed in adulthood, incorporating the sweat test within the usual techniques of differential diagnosis in patients with different diseases associated with CF, because genetic counselling is esencial.

Espaciador de cadera "invertido" para defectos masivos de fémur distal en infecciones periprotésicas de rodilla / "Reverse" hip spacer for massive distal femur defects in peri-prosthetic knee infections

Introducción. Los defectos óseos del fémur distal son un problema común en la cirugía de revisión de rodilla. El problema se agrava en el contexto de una infección activa. En casos extremos, esta pérdida de hueso compromete la viabilidad de un protocolo de recambio en dos tiempos usando espaciadores dinámicos, debido a la inestabilidad inherente de estos espaciadores. El uso de un espaciador prefabricado de cadera usado de manera «inversa» con una articulación tipo ball-and-socket es una opción terapéutica en casos de defecto óseo masivo e infección. Material y métodos. Se realiza una revisión retrospectiva de nuestra base de datos institucional desde enero del 2010 hasta diciembre del 2013 para localizar todos los casos de defecto femoral distal masivo en un contexto séptico en el que esta técnica ha sido utilizada. Se recogen datos epidemiológicos, características de la infección (clínicas y microbiológicas) y eventos entre los tiempos quirúrgicos. Evaluamos como objetivo principal la tasa de erradicación de la infección tras al menos 18 meses de evolución del 2.° tiempo. También evaluamos las complicaciones relacionadas con la técnica. Finalmente cada paciente completó una escala analógica visual de dolor, y un cuestionario de satisfacción (SAPS). Resultados. Finalmente seis pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. La mediana del defecto femoral fue de 117cm (rango: 32-191cm). El tiempo medio con espaciador fue de 7,6 meses. Entre las complicaciones relacionadas con la técnica solo tuvimos un caso de luxación del espaciador. A todos los pacientes, excepto uno, se le realizó el segundo tiempo, reconstruyendo la articulación con una megaprótesis cementada, con un seguimiento medio tras el segundo tiempo de 34,7 meses. Al final del seguimiento se controló la infección en todos los casos. Todos los pacientes manifestaron altos grados de satisfacción con la técnica empleada y un correcto control del dolor, con una media de la escala analógica visual de 1 (rango 0-4). Conclusión. Presentamos una técnica reproducible, segura y con una baja tasa de complicaciones. Los pacientes refieren una gran satisfacción con el procedimiento y no tuvimos casos de recidiva de la infección tras un seguimiento mínimo de 18 meses (AU)

Background. Bone loss in the distal femur is a common problem in knee revision surgeries. The problem is exacerbated in the context of an active infection. In extreme cases this bone loss could compromise the feasibility of a two-stage exchange protocol using dynamic spacers due to the inherent instability of this type of spacers. Use of a hip prefabricated spacer in a “reverse” way forming a ball-and- socket joint is a therapeutic option in cases of massive bone defect and infection. Material and methods. A retrospective review was performed of our institutional database to identify all cases of massive distal femoral defect in which this technique was used from January 2010 to December 2013. A record was made of the epidemiological data, characteristics of the infection (clinical and microbiological), and adverse event during the spacer stage. The main end-point was the infection eradication rate (minimum: 18 months of follow-up). The complications associated with the technique were also assessed. Finally, each patient completed a visual analogue pain scale, and a satisfaction questionnaire (SAPS). Results. This technique was successfully used in six cases so far, controlling the infection in all cases. Mean femoral defect was 117cm (range: 32-191cm). Mean time with spacer was 7.6 months, with no major complications. All but one patient reached second stage reconstruction with a mega-prosthesis, and mean time since second stage was 34.7 months. All patients stated high levels of satisfaction with the technique employed, as well as and low pain scores (mean visual analogue pain scale: 1; range: 0-4). Conclusion. A reproducible and safe technique is described. Patients report a high level of satisfaction with the procedure, and there were no cases of recurrence of the infection after a minimum follow-up of 18 months (AU)

"Reverse" hip spacer for massive distal femur defects in peri-prosthetic knee infections. / Espaciador de cadera «invertido¼ para defectos masivos de fémur distal en infecciones periprotésicas de rodilla.

BACKGROUND: Bone loss in the distal femur is a common problem in knee revision surgeries. The problem is exacerbated in the context of an active infection. In extreme cases this bone loss could compromise the feasibility of a two-stage exchange protocol using dynamic spacers due to the inherent instability of this type of spacers. Use of a hip prefabricated spacer in a "reverse" way forming a ball-and- socket joint is a therapeutic option in cases of massive bone defect and infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of our institutional database to identify all cases of massive distal femoral defect in which this technique was used from January 2010 to December 2013. A record was made of the epidemiological data, characteristics of the infection (clinical and microbiological), and adverse event during the spacer stage. The main end-point was the infection eradication rate (minimum: 18 months of follow-up). The complications associated with the technique were also assessed. Finally, each patient completed a visual analogue pain scale, and a satisfaction questionnaire (SAPS). RESULTS: This technique was successfully used in six cases so far, controlling the infection in all cases. Mean femoral defect was 117cm (range: 32-191cm). Mean time with spacer was 7.6 months, with no major complications. All but one patient reached second stage reconstruction with a mega-prosthesis, and mean time since second stage was 34.7 months. All patients stated high levels of satisfaction with the technique employed, as well as and low pain scores (mean visual analogue pain scale: 1; range: 0-4). CONCLUSION: A reproducible and safe technique is described. Patients report a high level of satisfaction with the procedure, and there were no cases of recurrence of the infection after a minimum follow-up of 18 months.

Estimation of temporal gait parameters using Bayesian models on acceleration signals.

The purpose of this study is to develop a system capable of performing calculation of temporal gait parameters using two low-cost wireless accelerometers and artificial intelligence-based techniques as part of a larger research project for conducting human gait analysis. Ten healthy subjects of different ages participated in this study and performed controlled walking tests. Two wireless accelerometers were placed on their ankles. Raw acceleration signals were processed in order to obtain gait patterns from characteristic peaks related to steps. A Bayesian model was implemented to classify the characteristic peaks into steps or nonsteps. The acceleration signals were segmented based on gait events, such as heel strike and toe-off, of actual steps. Temporal gait parameters, such as cadence, ambulation time, step time, gait cycle time, stance and swing phase time, simple and double support time, were estimated from segmented acceleration signals. Gait data-sets were divided into two groups of ages to test Bayesian models in order to classify the characteristic peaks. The mean error obtained from calculating the temporal gait parameters was 4.6%. Bayesian models are useful techniques that can be applied to classification of gait data of subjects at different ages with promising results.

Enfermedades intersticiales en las conectivopatías / No disponible

No disponible

Alteraciones histológicas y neuroquímicas inducidas en el cuerpo estriado por la exposición a sulfonato de perfluoroctano (PFOS) / Morphological and neurochemical alterations induced in the corpus striatum by perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) exposure

El sulfonato de perfluoroctano (PFOS) es un compuesto organofluorado y está considerado como un contaminante orgánico persistente. Atraviesa la barrera hematoencefálica y es capaz de incrementar su propio transporte a través de la misma, alcanzando así el sistema nervioso central, donde ejerce su toxicidad. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la neurotoxicidad del PFOS en cuerpo estriado a nivel neuroquímico e histológico. Para ello, este xenobiótico se ha administrado oralmente durante 28 días a las dosis de 0, 0,5, 1; 3 y 6 mg/Kg/día en rata macho adulta, y tras el tratamiento, se ha determinado la concentración de los principales aminoácidos neurotransmisores en el cuerpo estriado y se ha hecho un estudio histológico de dicha región cerebral. Los animales tratados con PFOS muestran un incremento de la concentración de glutamina y un descenso del contenido de glutamato y aspartato. La concentración de ácido gamma-aminobutírico (GABA) y de taurina disminuye con la dosis de 1 mg/Kg/día, aumentando con la de 3 mg/Kg/día. PFOS induce también una degeneración celular dosis-dependiente, evidenciada por un aumento de la basofilia. Tras la exposición a dosis elevadas de PFOS (3 y 6 mg/Kg/día) se observa también satelitosis o acúmulo de los oligodendrocitos en este mismo tejido. Las alteraciones neuroquímicas e histológicas observadas en los animales tratados con PFOS podrían estar relacionadas con disfunciones a nivel cognitivo y emocional, así como con diversas patologías neurodegenerativas como la enfermedad de Parkinson (AU)

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a fluorinated compound considered such as a persistent organic pollutant, which presents neurotoxicity. This chemical crosses the blood brain barrier and it is able to increase their own transportation through this structure, reaching the central nervous system, where it can induce toxicity. This work was undertaken to evaluate the possible effects of PFOS exposure in the corpus striatum at both neurochemical and histological levels. Adult male rats were orally treated with 0.5, 1, 3 and 6 mg of PFOS/Kg/day for 28 days. At the end of this treatment, the concentration of the main neurotransmitters amino acids has been determined in striatum and the possible morphological alterations have been studied in this same brain region. Animals treated with PFOS show an increase of glutamine concentration and a decrease of glutamate and aspartate content. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and taurine concentration decreases with the dose of 1 mg/Kg/day, increasing with the dose of 3 mg/Kg/day. PFOS also induces a cellular dose-dependent degeneration. Furthermore, PFOS exposure at high doses (3 and 6 mg/kg/day) induces satellitosis in striatatal cells. These neurochemical and morphological alterations observed in adult male rat trated with PFOS could be related to cognitive and emotional dysfunctions as well as to several neurodegenerative pathologies such as Parkinson's disease (AU)

Performance of a semi-pilot tubular microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) under several hydraulic retention times and applied voltages.

The influence of applied voltage and hydraulic retention time on the performance of a semi-pilot modular tubular wastewater-fed microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) with high scalability was investigated. A chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 80%, as well as an energy consumption of 0.3-1.1 Wh g-COD(-1) removed, were achieved. Hydrogen production was limited by the reduced amounts of organic matter fed into the reactor, the poor performance of the cathode, and COD consuming by non electrogenic microorganisms. The presence of COD consuming microorganism that do not contribute to electrogenic metabolism severely affected the MEC performance.

Reduced energy consumption during low strength domestic wastewater treatment in a semi-pilot tubular microbial electrolysis cell.

The present study examines the effect of the organic loading rate and the configuration of a semi-pilot modular microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) on the energy consumption during domestic (dWW) wastewater treatment. The MEC reactor consisted of twin tubular units hydraulically connected in series and was able to reduce up to 85% of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration of the influent dWW at a relatively low energy consumption (1.6 kW h kg-COD(-1)). Hydrogen production was limited by the reduced amounts of organic matter fed into the reactor and the poor performance of the cathode. Overall, the results identified both an organic loading rate (OLR) threshold that makes the use of MECs for dWW treatment feasible in terms of energy consumption and COD removal efficiency and an OLR threshold that justifies the operation of two MECs in series to provide the required degree of COD removal.

Microbial electrolysis cell scale-up for combined wastewater treatment and hydrogen production.

This study demonstrates microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) scale-up from a 50mL to a 10L cell. Initially, a 50mL membraneless MEC with a gas diffusion cathode was operated on synthetic wastewater at different organic loads. It was concluded that process scale-up might be best accomplished using a "reactor-in-series" concept. Consequently, 855mL and 10L MECs were built and operated. By optimizing the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of the 855mL MEC and individually controlling the applied voltages of three anodic compartments with a real-time optimization algorithm, a COD removal of 5.7g L(R)(-1)d(-1) and a hydrogen production of 1.0-2.6L L(R)(-1)d(-1) was achieved. Furthermore, a two MECs in series 10L setup was constructed and operated on municipal wastewater. This test showed a COD removal rate of 0.5g L(R)(-1)d(-1), a removal efficiency of 60-76%, and an energy consumption of 0.9Whperg of COD removed.

Performance of a continuous flow microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) fed with domestic wastewater.

In this study, MEC performance was investigated in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, hydrogen production rate and energy consumption during continuous domestic wastewater (dWW) treatment at different organic loading rates (OLR) and applied voltages (Vapp). While the COD removal efficiency was improved at low OLRs, the electrical energy required to remove 1g of COD was significantly increased with decreasing the OLR. Hydrogen production exhibited a Monod-type trend as function of the OLR reaching a maximum production rate of 0.30 L/(Lrd). Optimal Vapp was found to be highly dependent on the strength of the dWW. The results also confirmed the fact that MEC performance can be optimized by setting Vapp at the onset potential of the diffusion control region. Although low columbic efficiencies and the occurrence of hydrogen recycling limited significantly the reactor performance, these results demonstrate that MEC can be successfully used for dWW treatment.

Infección por micobacterias no tuberculosas en pacientes con bronquiectasias no causadas por fibrosis quística / Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasias

Objetivo. Conocer la prevalencia y características de la infección por micobacterias no tuberculosas en enfermos con bronquiectasias no relacionadas con la fibrosis quística. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de pacientes adultos con bronquiectasias no relacionadas con la fibrosis quística con un seguimiento de al menos dos años. Resultados. Se incluyeron 68 pacientes, 50 mujeres (73,5%), con una edad media de 63,31±16,2 años. La etiología más frecuente fue la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (28 pacientes, 41,2%) con una afectación leve-moderada y colonización por Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) (70,6%). Siete pacientes (10,3%) presentaron infección por micobacterias no tuberculosas, tratándose de Mycobacterium avium complex en 6 ocasiones (7,35%). Cuatro (57,14%) pacientes recibieron tratamiento antimicrobiano específico. En los enfermos infectados fue menor la frecuencia de P. aeruginosa y el uso de corticoides inhalados. No hubo diferencias espirométricas significativas entre los pacientes infectados por micobacterias no tuberculosas y los no infectados. Conclusiones. Las bronquiectasias no relacionadas con la fibrosis quística podrían considerarse un factor de riesgo para la infección por micobacterias no tuberculosas(AU)

Aims. To know the characteristics and prevalence of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection infection in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Patients and methods. A retrospective descriptive study of NCFB adult patients whose disease had been followed-up for at least two years was performed. Results. A total of 68 subjects were included, 50 females (73.5%), with mean age of 63.31± 16.2 years. The most frequent etiology of the non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis was COPD in 28 cases (41.2%) with a light-moderate pulmonary involvement and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) colonization (70.6%). Seven patients (10.3%) had MNT infection, six of whom had Mycobacterium avium complex (7.35%). Four patients (57.14%) were treated. In the infected patients, P. aeruginosa and the use of inhaled steroids were observed with less frequency. There were no significant differences between the infected and non-infected patients in relation to spirometric values. Conclusions. The non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis could be considered a risk factor for non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection(AU)

[Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasias]. / Infección por micobacterias no tuberculosas en pacientes con bronquiectasias no causadas por fibrosis quística.

AIMS: To know the characteristics and prevalence of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection infection in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study of NCFB adult patients whose disease had been followed-up for at least two years was performed. RESULTS: A total of 68 subjects were included, 50 females (73.5%), with mean age of 63.31± 16.2 years. The most frequent etiology of the non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis was COPD in 28 cases (41.2%) with a light-moderate pulmonary involvement and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) colonization (70.6%). Seven patients (10.3%) had MNT infection, six of whom had Mycobacterium avium complex (7.35%). Four patients (57.14%) were treated. In the infected patients, P. aeruginosa and the use of inhaled steroids were observed with less frequency. There were no significant differences between the infected and non-infected patients in relation to spirometric values. CONCLUSIONS: The non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis could be considered a risk factor for non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection.

Hipertensión arterial pulmonar en paciente con neumonía intersticial no específica y con test de vasorreactividad positivo / Pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with non-specific interstitial pneumonia and with positive vasoreactivity test

La hipertensión pulmonar (HP) es una enfermedad que se caracteriza por un aumento progresivo de la resistencia vascular pulmonar, que da lugar a insuficiencia ventricular derecha y a una muerte prematura. Esta puede ser idiopática o asociarse a diferentes entidades, entre las que destacan las colagenopatías, los tóxicos y las enfermedades pulmonares, como son las neumopatías intersticiales. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con diagnóstico de HP e imágenes indicativas de enfermedad intersticial en la tomografía computarizada de alta resolución y que posteriormente fue diagnosticada de una neumonía intersticial no específica. Es importante destacar la prueba de vasorreactividad positiva en el cateterismo cardíaco, que posiblemente indicaría la presencia de dos entidades independientes en el presente caso (AU)

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a disease characterized by a progressive increase of pulmonary vascular resistance, which gives rise to right ventricular failure and premature death. This may be idiopathic or be associated to different conditions, standing out among them collagen, toxic diseases and lung conditions such as interstitial lung diseases. We present the case of a female patient diagnosed of PH with images suggestive of interstitial disease in the high resolution computed tomography and who was subsequently diagnosed of a non-specific interstitial pneumonia. It is important to stress the positive vaso-reactivity test in cardiac catheterization that may indicate the presence of two independent conditions in the present case (AU)

¿Qué saben los pacientes adultos con fibrosis quística de su enfermedad? Adherencia al tratamiento / What do patients suffering cystic fibrosis know about their disease?

Introducción: La fibrosis quística (FQ) ha aumentado la supervivencia debido al avance del tratamiento multidisciplinar. Nos hemos propuesto averiguar si los pacientes de una unidad de adultos con FQ cumplen su tratamiento habitual, así como observar qué nivel de conocimiento tienen sobre su enfermedad, sus terapias y sus implicaciones. Material y métodos: Hemos realizado un estudio descriptivo transversal, con variable cualitativo ordinal y ciego simple, en una Unidad de adultos con FQ que contestaron un cuestionario donde se preguntó sobre el tratamiento de la enfermedad y su administración, hábitos tóxicos, conocimiento de su enfermedad y preocupación por su presente o futuro. Resultados: El cuestionario fue contestado por 35 pacientes (40%) durante los años 2000-2001, lo que suponía el 40% del total de enfermos, con una edad media de 31,43 ± 8,49 años. Un 85,7% (30 pacientes) contestaron saber qué tratamiento llevaban y lo anotaron correctamente. Un total de 24 pacientes (68,57%) precisaban enzimas pancreáticas. Al preguntar sobre el conocimiento de la enfermedad, el 94,3% (33 pacientes) se consideraba informado sobre la misma y el 91,4% (32 pacientes) dijo que la información dada por sus médicos era adecuada. Lo que más les preocupaba era el empeoramiento de su calidad de vida, 14,3% (5 pacientes), la preocupación por el futuro, 11,4% (4 pacientes), las limitaciones en la vida diaria, 8,6% (3 pacientes) y su mortalidad o tener recaídas, 2,9% (1 paciente). No respondieron a esta pregunta un 11,4% (4 pacientes). Conclusiones: la mayoría de los enfermos que contestaron la encuesta están enterados de su enfermedad y de su tratamiento y tiene claras sus preocupaciones por el futuro. Sin embargo, contestaron menos de la mitad del total de los pacientes, lo que indica que se deberían indagar las causas de este problema (AU)

Optimizing the electrode size and arrangement in a microbial electrolysis cell.

This study investigates the influence of anode and cathode size and arrangement on hydrogen production in a membrane-less flat-plate microbial electrolysis cell (MEC). Protein measurements were used to evaluate microbial density in the carbon felt anode. The protein concentration was observed to significantly decrease with the increase in distance from the anode-cathode interface. Cathode placement on both sides of the carbon felt anode was found to increase the current, but also led to increased losses of hydrogen to hydrogenotrophic activity leading to methane production. Overall, the best performance was obtained in the flat-plate MEC with a two-layer 10 mm thick carbon felt anode and a single gas-diffusion cathode sandwiched between the anode and the hydrogen collection compartments.

Nueva formulación de tobramicina inhalada en polvo seco para la colonización crónica por Pseudomonas aeruginosa en fibrosis quística / A new inhaled dry-powder formulation of tobramycin for chronic colonization by pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis

La sobreinfección por Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) es frecuente en los pacientes con fibrosis quística (FQ). El tratamiento antibiótico por via inhalatoria es el más recomendado (..) (AU)

Superinfection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is common in patients with cystic (..) (AU)