Are the soils and vegetation of a forest close to tailings ponds affected by metals and arsenic?

This study aimed to determine the transfer of metals (Cd, Pb and Zn) and As to a Mediterranean forest close to five tailings ponds in Cartagena-La Union mining district (SE Spain). In addition, the effect of the rhizosphere of two native plant species, Olea europaea (OE) and Pistacia lentiscus (PL), on soil properties and chemical speciation of metal(oid)s was evaluated. Results showed there was no influence of the rhizosphere in the total concentration of metal(loid)s in soil, decreasing as Pb > Zn > As > Cd. Chemical partitioning revealed that only Cd and As can be considered hazardous, with a high percentage of these elements in the soil-labile fractions (20-40%). The accumulation in vegetal tissues was only high for Pb in PL roots, which makes it a suitable species for phytostabilization. Additionally, translocation factors showed transfer of Pb and Zn in OE, and Zn in PL to aerial parts, although no toxicity evidences for plants or animals were found. Finally, soil properties affected metal(loid)s accumulation in plants. The OE species was related to soil-labile metal(loid) fractions and pH, total N, organic carbon and silt content. The PL species were associated with immobilized metal(loid) fractions, sand content, electrical conductivity and total concentrations of As, Cd and Pb. Hence, mining activity has affected native adjacent soils, with accumulation of metals in plant species, although translocation was low, likely due to physiological strategies of the studied species to protect themselves against hazardous elements, and to the high soil pH, which limits metals' mobility.

Cambios en las indicaciones en la Unidad de Endoscopia Respiratoria del Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre en los últimos años / Changes in the type of bronchoscopies in last years in the endoscopy respiratory unit of university hospital 12 octubre

Los objetivos de este trabajo son estudiar y valorar si han existido cambios en las indicaciones de broncoscopia en la Unidad de Endoscopia Respiratoria (UER) del Hospital Universitario (H.U.) 12 de Octubre en los últimos años, puesto que se han observado cambios epidemiológicos en distintas patologías respiratorias y se han incorporado nuevas técnicas endoscópicas. Por otra parte y dado que el trasplante pulmonar se introdujo en este hospital en el año 2008, también hemos valorado las diferencias en cuanto a las indicaciones de broncoscopia entre los pacientes sometidos a trasplante frente al resto en un segundo periodo de tiempo. Para realizar el estudio se ha utilizado la base de datos de la Unidad de Endoscopia Respiratoria del H.U. 12 de Octubre. Se han comparado pacientes de dos periodos de tiempo similares de 5 años: 2003-2008 vs. 2013-2018. En este último grupo se han valorado las diferencias entre los pacientes con trasplante pulmonar frente al resto. En los últimos cinco años se ha observado un mayor requerimiento de técnicas diagnósticas más complejas, una utilización mayoritaria de la sedación y un mayor número de pacientes en régimen hospitalario. Los pacientes con trasplante pulmonar tienen mayor necesidad de exploraciones urgentes y en régimen hospitalario, con mayor requerimiento de técnicas como la biopsia transbronquial y el lavado broncoalveolar. Por tanto como conclusión podemos decir que se han producido cambios en las indicaciones con una mayor complejidad en los últimos cinco años (AU)

Since epidemiologic changes regarding bronchogenic carcinoma had been related and new endoscopic techniques are available, one of the objectives of this study is evaluate the changes in bronchoscopy indications in the Unity of Respiratory Endoscopy of the H.U. 12 de Octubre. On the other hand, since lung transplantation has been introduced in H.U. 12 de Octubre in 2008, another objective is evaluate the differences related to bronchoscopy indication between patients with lung transplantation and not. We have used the database from the Unity of Respiratory Endoscopy of the H.U. 12 de Octubre. We have compared patients from two different periods: 2003-2008 (Period 1) and 2013-2018 (Period 2). We have also evaluated the differences between lung transplantation and not during period 2. Along the last five years we have related the following changes: a larger requirement of diagnostic techniques (TBP, BAL), a main use of sedation and a larger number of patients under hospital admission. As a conclusion, the bronchoscopy has become more complex. Patients with lung transplantation have more necessity of urgent examination under hospital admission and a larger request of specific techniques such as transbronchial biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage. Therefore, this patients had entailed changes in the complexity if the bronchoscopy techniques in the last five years (AU)

Onychoscopy in a Colombian population with a diagnosis of toenail onychomycosis: an evaluation study for this diagnostic test.

BACKGROUND: Onychoscopy is a technique that uses a dermatoscope for the evaluation of specific features of different skin conditions that are not visible to the naked eye. There are few studies establishing parameters for the diagnosis of onychomycosis based on onychoscopy. Determining the sensitivity and specificity of a potentially new diagnostic test for onychomycosis requires an evaluation study of this new diagnostic test, as there are limited studies reporting onychoscopy results. AIM: To determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of onychoscopy findings in a Colombian population with onychomycosis. METHODS: We assessed outpatients with a diagnosis of toenail onychomycosis confirmed by potassium hydroxide preparation or fungal culture. Onychoscopy was performed using a dermatoscope, and digital images collected using a smartphone. RESULTS: The onychoscopy findings were: longitudinal striae, distal spiked pattern, distal irregular termination, linear edge and ruins aspect, while some patients were confirmed as having traumatic onycholysis. A statistically significant association was found between the clinical symptoms of onychomycosis and both the clinical feature of dyschromia and the onychoscopy feature of longitudinal striae. CONCLUSION: We suggest that this technique is an alternative method that should be used in patients with onychopathies because it has the potential to differentiate onychomycosis from traumatic onycholysis and another nail involvement.

Alteraciones del sueño en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada / Sleep disturbances in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los pacientes con Enfermedad Renal Crónica Avanzada, sufren una amplia variedad de síntomas físicos y psicológicos. Al llegar a estadios finales, sufren alteraciones significativas en la salud física, mental, emocional y social, destacándose el impacto en la calidad del sueño. OBJETIVO: Analizar las principales alteraciones del sueño en pacientes con Enfermedad Renal Crónica Avanzada. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal en el Servicio de Nefrología del Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba en pacientes con Enfermedad Renal Crónica Avanzada en estadios 4-5. Se estudiaron las alteraciones del sueño mediante el cuestionario Índice de Calidad de Sueño de Pittsburg y su relación con otras variables como la edad, sexo, comorbilidad, Hemoglobina, Creatinina Sérica e Índice de Masa Corporal. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 119 pacientes, con una edad media de 67,61±14,89 años; 52 mujeres (43,7%). El valor medio del Índice de Calidad de Sueño fue de 9,66±4 puntos. El 83,2% de los pacientes presentaban alteraciones del sueño (puntuación >5 puntos). Esta puntuación mostró tener una relación significativa con la comorbilidad y la edad. No se encontraron relaciones entre las alteraciones del sueño con el sexo, aclaramiento renal ni Índice de Masa Corporal. CONCLUSIÓN: Una mayoría de los pacientes con Enfermedad Renal Crónica Avanzada en estadios 4-5 presentan alteraciones del sueño. Estas alteraciones están relacionadas con mayor comorbilidad y edad avanzada, sin que el sexo, el aclaramiento renal o el Índice de Masa Corporal tengan relación con esta alteración, al menos en la muestra estudiada

INTRODUCTION: Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease suffer from a wide variety of physical and psychological symptoms. In final stages, they suffer significant alterations in physical, mental, emotional and social health, highlighting the impact on the quality of sleep. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the main sleep disorders in patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease (ACKD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out in the Nephrology Unit of the Reina Sofía University Hospital (Córdoba) in patients with ACKD in stages 4-5. Sleep disturbances were studied using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index questionnaire as well as the relationship with other variables such as age, sex, comorbidity, Haemoglobin, Serum Creatinine, and Body Mass Index. RESULTS: 119 patients were studied, with a mean age of 67.61±14.89 years; 52 women (43.7%). The mean value of the Sleep Quality Index was 9.66±4 points. 83.2% of the patients had sleep disturbances (score> 5 points). A significant relationship was found with comorbidity and age. No relationships were found between sleep disturbances with sex, renal clearance or Body Mass Index. CONCLUSION: A large percentage of patients with ACKD in stages 4-5 have sleep disturbances. These alterations are related to greater comorbidity and advanced age; sex, renal clearance or Body Mass Index have not shown a relationship, at least in the sample studied

Hidradenocarcinoma en miembro inferior: reporte de caso y revision de literatura / Hydradenocarcinoma in lower member: case report and review of literature

RESUMEN Objetivo : Presentación de un caso, consistente en una lesión tumoral, compatible con hidradenocarcinoma, desarrollado en un paciente joven, y revisión de la literatura referida a la entidad mencionada. Métodos : Se valora en el servicio de dermatología un paciente de 17 años con una lesión de crecimiento progresivo, localizada en tercio medio de la pierna derecha, la cual a la inspección muestra secreción hialina y sangrado, manifestando prurito como síntoma ocasional, al inicio de la lesión. Se decide tomar biopsia de la lesión para confirmar diagnóstico. Resultados : Se hace diagnóstico clínico e histopatológico de hidradenocarcinoma siendo este un tumor raro maligno, originado en glándulas sudoríparas que se localiza cualquier parte del cuerpo, el cual en la mayoría de los casos se ha descrito como de origen ecrino. Conclusiones : Aunque no es una patología frecuente tiene altas tasas de recurrencia y riesgo de metástasis. Por lo tanto, es importante considerarla siempre como uno de los diagnósticos diferenciales, y de esa manera ofrecer un oportuno tratamiento quirúrgico, con márgenes amplios de resección.

SUMMARY Objective : Presentation of a case report, consisting of a tumor lesion, compatible with hydradenocarcinoma, developed in a young patient, and review of the literature referring to the mentioned entity. Methods : A 17-year-old patient with a progressive growth lesion, located in the middle third of the right leg, was evaluated in the dermatology service, which upon inspection showed hyaline secretion and bleeding, manifesting pruritus as an occasional symptom. A skin biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis. Results : A clinical and histopathological diagnosis of hydradenocarcinoma is made, this being a rare and malignant tumor originating in sweat glands that is located anywhere in the body, which in most cases has been described as of eccrine origin. Conclusions : Although it is not a frequent pathology, it has high recurrence rates and risk of metastasis. Therefore, it is important to always consider it as one of the differential diagnoses, and thus offer timely surgical treatment, with wide resection margins.

Causas del éxito en balonmano a través de las creencias sobre habilidad / Causes of Success in Handball through the Beliefs about Ability

El objetivo fue determinar la capacidad de predicción de las creencias implícitas de la habilidad sobre las creencias de las causas del éxito en el deporte. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 444 deportistas de alto rendimiento (233 chicos y 211 chicas; M = 16,70; DT = 0,49). Estos deportistas cumplimentaron el Inventario de Percepción de las Creencias sobre las Causas del Éxito en el deporte y la Escala de Creencias Implícitas sobre la Habilidad. Los resultados reflejaron que las creencias de habilidad incremental predicen el esfuerzo, mientras que las creencias de habilidad como entidad predicen la capacidad y el engaño como causas del éxito en balonmano

The main of this study was to determine the prediction of ability implicit beliefs of sport success causes in sport. The sample was comprised of 444 youth high performance players (233 boys and 211 girls; M = 16,70; SD = 0,49). These players completed the Spanish version of the Beliefs about the Causes of Success in Sport Questionnaire and the Conceptions of the Nature of Athletic Ability Questionnaire-2. The results revealed that belief of incremental ability predict effort, while ability beliefs as an entity predict the capability and the deception as the causes of success in handball

Relación del clima motivacional y miedo al fallo en jugadores de alto rendimiento en balonmano / Relacionamento clima motivacional e medo de jogadores falha de alta performance em handebol / Relationship of motivational climate and fear of failure in high performance players in handball

El propósito del estudio fue analizar la percepción del clima motivacional generado por el entrenador y el miedo al fallo en jugadores de balonmano, en función del sexo y los años de experiencia federados, así como evaluar la predicción del clima motivacional sobre el miedo al fallo. Para ello se utilizó un diseño no experimental, descriptivo y seccional donde los participantes respondieron el Cuestionario de Clima Motivacional Percibido en el Deporte y el Inventario de Evaluación del Error en el Rendimiento. La muestra estuvo formada por 479 jugadores de 16-17 años (M = 16.60; DT = .50), pertenecientes a las diferentes selecciones juveniles territoriales de Balonmano. Los resultados reflejaron que la mayoría de los jugadores percibían sobre todo un clima de maestría y que la principal causa aversiva del miedo al fallo fue la vergüenza. Así mismo, se demostró que los hombres perciben en mayor medida un clima de competición y miedo al fallo, mientras que las mujeres perciben, sobre todo, un clima de maestría y menos miedo al fallo que ellos. Además, los jugadores con mayor experiencia deportiva perciben sobre todo un clima de competición y mayor miedo al fallo. Finalmente, se demuestra que a mayor clima implicante hacia la maestría menor probabilidad de sentir miedo a perder el interés de otros, al contrario de un clima implicante hacia la competición donde existe mayor probabilidad de sentir miedo por vergüenza y devaluación de uno mismo (AU)

The aim of the study was to examine the motivational climate generated by the coach and the fear of failure in handball players, according to the sex and years of federated experience, as well as to evaluate the prediction of the motivational climate on fear of failure. For this, a non-experimental, descriptive and sectional design was used where the participants answered the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire and the Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory as measurement instruments. The sample consisted in 479 players aged 16-17 years (M = 16.60; SD = .50), belonging to the different youth teams of Handball. The results reflected that the majority of handball players perceived above all a climate of mastery and that the main aversive causes of fear of failure was shame. Regarding gender analysis, this showed that men perceive, to a greater extent than women, a climate of competition and fear of failure, whereas women perceive above all a climate of mastery and less fear of failure than them. In addition, players with greater sport experience perceive above all a climate of competition and greater fear of failure. Finally, it is shown that a mastery climate predicts the fear of losing the interest of others, and a climate competition fear for shame and devaluation of oneself (AU)

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a percepção do clima motivacional gerado pelo treinador e medo de jogadores fracasso de handebol, de acordo com sexo e anos de experiência federais e avaliar o clima motivacional previsão sobre o medo do fracasso. Isso requer um design não-experimental, descritivo e transversal, onde os participantes responderam ao questionário Percebida Motivacional Clima no Esporte e Avaliação de erro Inventory foi usado na performance. A amostra foi composta de 479 jogadores 16-17 anos (M = 16.60, SD = 0,50), pertencentes a diferentes categorias de base territorial de Handebol. Os resultados mostraram que a maioria dos jogadores percebida principalmente um clima de especialização e que a principal causa do medo aversivo de falha era constrangimento. Além disso, foi mostrado que os homens percebem maior medida um clima de competição e medo do fracasso, enquanto as mulheres percebem, acima de tudo, o clima de mestrado e menos medo do fracasso que eles. Além disso, os jogadores recebem mais experiência desportiva principalmente um clima de concorrência e maior medo do fracasso. Finalmente, é mostrado que as implica maiores maestria clima para uma menor probabilidade de estar com medo de perder o interesse dos outros, ao contrário de um clima implica para a concorrência onde mais propensos a sentir vergonha e medo de desvalorização existe self (AU)

Orientaciones de meta, satisfacción, creencias de éxito y clima motivacional en nadadores / Goal orientations, satisfaction, beliefs in sport success and motivational climate in swimmers

En el presente estudio se plantearon varios objetivos; comprobar las relaciones existentes entre las orientaciones de meta, la satisfacción, las creencias sobre las causas del éxito en el deporte y el clima motivacional percibido en nadadores; examinar el efecto que tiene la orientación de meta en las diferentes dimensiones analizadas; y, por último, predecir la orientación de meta. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 163 nadadores. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron las versiones validadas al castellano del TEOSQ, SSI, BACSSQ y PMCSQ-2. Se realizaron tres tipos de análisis estadísticos: análisis de correlaciones bivariadas, análisis multivariante (MANOVA 2x2) y análisis de regresión lineal múltiple multivariado por pasos. Los resultados mostraron que la capacidad y el aburrimiento son variables predictoras de la orientación de meta hacia el ego, mientras que el esfuerzo y la diversión lo son de las orientaciones de meta hacia la tarea (AU)

The present study had several objectives; to check the relationships between goal orientations, satisfaction, beliefs about the causes of success in sport and motivational climate perceived in swimmers; to examine the effect of goal orientation in different dimensions analyzed, and finally to predict goal orientation. The sample consisted of 163 swimmers. The instruments used were validated to Castilian versions of TEOSQ, SSI, BACSSQ and PMCSQ-2. There were three types of statistical analyzes: bivariate correlation analysis, multivariate analysis (MANOVA 2x2) and multiple linear regression analysis stepwise multivariate. The results showed that capacity and boredom are predictors of goal orientation towards the ego, while effort and fun are the goal orientations to the task (AU)

Neural Transdifferentiation: MAPTau Gene Expression in Breast Cancer Cells.

BACKGROUND: In tumor cells, aberrant differentiation programs have been described. Several neuronal proteins have been found associated with morphological neuronal-glial changes in breast cancer (BCa). These neuronal proteins have been related to mechanisms that are involved in carcinogenesis; however, this regulation is not well understood. Microtubule-associated protein-tau (MAP-Tau) has been describing in BCa but not its variants. This finding could partly explain the neuronal-glial morphology of BCa cells. Our aim was to determine mRNA expression of MAP-tau variants 2, 4 and 6 in breast cancer cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultured cell lines MCF-10A, MDA-MB-231, SKBR3 and T47D were observed under phase-contrast microscopy for neural morphology and analyzed for gene expression of MAP-Tau transcript variants 2, 4 and 6 by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Regarding morphology like neural/glial cells, T47D line shown more cells with these features than MDA-MB-231 and SKBR. In another hand, we found much greater mRNA expression of MAP-Tau transcript variants 2, and to a lesser extent 4 and 6, in T47D cells than the other lines. In conclusion, regulation of MAP- Tau could bring about changes in cytoskeleton, cell morphology and motility; these findings cast further light on neuronal transdifferentiation in BCa.

Molecular study of Stenoponia tripectinata tripectinata (Siphonaptera: Ctenophthalmidae: Stenoponiinae) from the Canary Islands: taxonomy and phylogeny.

In the present work, we carried out a comparative molecular study of Stenoponia tripectinata tripectinata isolated from Mus musculus from the Canary Islands, Spain. The Internal Transcribed Spacers 1 and 2 (ITS1, ITS2) and 18S ribosomal RNA partial gene and cytochrome c-oxidase 1 (cox1) mitochondrial DNA partial gene sequences of this subspecies were determined to clarify the taxonomic status of this subspecies and to assess inter-population variation and inter-specific sequence differences. In addition, we have carried out a comparative phylogenetic study with other species of fleas using Bayesian, Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood and Neighbor-Joining analysis. A geographical signal was detected between the cox1 partial gene sequences of S. t. tripectinata isolated from M. musculus from different islands and those isolated from Apodemus sylvaticus from the Iberian Peninsula. Our results assess the monophyletic origin of Stenoponiinae and a different genetic lineage from Ctenophthalmidae. Thus, the elevation of subfamily Stenoponiinae to family level (Stenoponiidae) is suggested.

Psychometric properties of the "sport satisfaction instrument (SSI)" in female athletes: predictive model of sport commitment.

The objective of this research was to assess the psychometric properties of the Sport Satisfaction Instrument (SSI) in a Spanish sample of female athletes in team sports federations, to decide whether it constitutes a valid and reliable instrument to be used in the context of female competitive sport in future research. The SSI was administered to a total of 615 athletes from 12 to 38 yr. of age. Confirmatory procedures and psychometric analysis supported the hypothesized theoretical model of two factors (Satisfaction/fun and Boredom). For female athletes, the 7-item model showed better goodness-of-fit indexes upon eliminating Item 2 from the Boredom subscale. Concurrent validity was explored through the correlations with the Perception of Success Questionnaire and Sport Commitment, obtaining positive correlations between Satisfaction/fun and Task Orientation and Sport Commitment, whereas Boredom correlated positively but less closely with Ego Orientation. The importance of Satisfaction/fun in the prediction of Sport Commitment, starting from task orientation, is emphasized.

Seedling emergence, growth and trace elements tolerance and accumulation by Lamiaceae species in a mine soil.

The potential use of three Laminaceae species (Lavandula dentata, Rosmarinus officinalis and Thymus vulgaris) for the phytostabilisation of a trace elements contaminated (acid) soil has been evaluated. These species were grown in mine tailing soil unamended (TS) and amended with calcium carbonate and pig manure (ATS), and unpolluted substrate for control (CT); plant growth, root characterisation, soil trace elements contents and their accumulation in plants were measured. Results indicated that seed emergence was independent from substrate characteristics, but seedlings died in TS with 40% survival in ATS. The biomass of L. dentata and T. vulgaris and root development in R. officinalis were negatively affected when grown in TS but without differences between ATS and CT. Applicating amendments reduced soil exchangeable and extractable fractions concentrations of trace elements in ATS compared with TS. The establishment of L. dentata and R. officinalis were related to trace elements immobilisation. Trace element concentrations in plants grown in tailing soils were similar to those reported for control, although applicating amendments reduced Zn accumulation in all species, and favoured increased absorption and aerial translocation of As and Pb by L. dentata and T. vulgaris; nonetheless, levels were below toxicity thresholds. Thus, these species fulfill the criteria for phytostabilisation purposes, aided by employing amendments.

Electrical characterization of conductive textile materials and its evaluation as electrodes for venous occlusion plethysmography.

The ambulatory monitoring of biosignals involves the use of sensors, electrodes, actuators, processing tools and wireless communication modules. When a garment includes these elements with the purpose of recording vital signs and responding to specific situations it is call a 'Smart Wearable System'. Over the last years several authors have suggested that conductive textile material (e-textiles) could perform as electrode for these systems. This work aims at implementing an electrical characterization of e-textiles and an evaluation of their ability to act as textile electrodes for lower extremity venous occlusion plethysmography (LEVOP). The e-textile electrical characterization is carried out using two experimental set-ups (in vitro evaluation). Besides, LEVOP records are obtained from healthy volunteers (in vivo evaluation). Standard Ag/AgCl electrodes are used for comparison in all tests. Results shown that the proposed e-textiles are suitable for LEVOP recording and a good agreement between evaluations (in vivo and in vitro) is found.

Synaptic vesicle protein 2 (SV2) isoforms.

New molecular markers of cancer had emerged with novel applications in cancer prevention and therapeutics, including for breast cancer of unknown causes, which has a high impact on the health of women worldwide. The purpose of this research was to determine protein and mRNA expression of synaptic vesicle 2 (SV2) isoforms A, B and C in breast cancer cell lines. Cultured cell lines MDA-MB-231, SKBR3, T47D were lysed and their protein and mRNA expression analyzed by real-time PCR and western blot technique, respectively. SV2A, B proteins were identified in non-tumor (MCF-10A) and tumor cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and T47D) while SV2C only was found in the T47D cell line. Furthermore, the genomic expression was consistent with protein expression for a such cell line, but in MDA-MB-231 there was no SV2B genomic expression, and the SV2C mRNA and protein were not found in the non tumoral cell line. These findings suggest a possible cellular transdifferentiation to neural character in breast cancer, of possible relevance to cancer development, and point to possible use of SV2 as molecular marker and a vehicle for cancer treatment with botulinum toxin.

Metástasis endoluminales de la vía aérea en pacientes con melanoma maligno. Diagnóstico y tratamiento endoscópico / Endoluminal metastases of the airway in patients with malignant melanoma. Diagnosis and endoscopic treatment

Las metástasis endoluminales de la vía aérea por melanoma son bastante infrecuentes. Presentamos una serie de seis casos de metástasis en tráquea y árbol bronquial por melanoma maligno. De éstos, en cuatro casos se realizó una resección endoscópica y aplicación de láser por producir una obstrucción significativa de la vía aérea con síntomas asociados (AU)

Airway endoluminal Metastasis of malignant melanoma are rare. We present a group of six cases of metastatic malignant melanoma in trachea and bronchial tube, four of them required endoscopic resection and laser therapy to treat secondary symptomatic severe airway obstruction (AU)

Pacientes con deterioro cognitivo leve y reducción de la proteína Aβ 1-42 en LCR evolucionan rápidamente a enfermedad de Alzheimer / Patients with mild cognitive impairment and a reduced CSF A_1-42 protein progress rapidly to Alzheimer’s disease

Introducción: En muchos artículos recientes, el análisis de las proteínas Aβ 1-42, tau total (T-tau) y tau fostorilada (P-tau) en LCR puede discriminar entre los pacientes con deterioro cognitivo leve (DCL) estables y aquellos otros que van a progresar a enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA). Nuestro objetivo fue comprobar la capacidad de estas proteínas del LCR para discriminar, entre nuestros pacientes DCL, según la evolución clínica en el año siguiente a la punción lumbar. Material y métodos: Se incluyó a 36 pacientes DCL amnésico (criterios de Petersen 2006) procedentes de la consulta de deterioro cognitivo del Hospital General de Alicante. Usando los reactivos INNO-BIA Alzbio-3 (Innogenetics), cuantificamos las proteínas Aβ1-42, T-tau, P-tau181p en LCR, y calculamos los cocientes T-tau/Aβ1-42 y P-tau181p/Aβ1-42. El estudio fue aprobado por el comité ético de investigación del Hospital General de Alicante. Resultados: En los 12 meses posteriores a la punción lumbar, 14 pacientes DCL (38%) evolucionaron a EA. Estos pacientes, presentaron menores niveles de Aβ1-42 (285,3 vs. 377,7 ng/ml, p<0,02), y un aumento en el valor del cociente P-tau181p/Aβ1-42 (0,25 vs. 0,16, p<0,02) que los pacientes que se mantuvieron estables. No hubo diferencias significativas en el resto de las variables estudiadas. Conclusiones: Nuestros pacientes DCL que presentaron niveles reducidos de la proteína Aβ1-42 y elevación del cociente P-tau181p/Aβ1-42 en LCR, evolucionaron rápidamente a EA. Estos resultados pueden ayudar a conseguir el objetivo de identificar de forma precoz a los pacientes DCL con peor pronóstico (AU)

Introduction: Some studies have shown that CSF amyloid-beta 1-42 (A_1-42), total tau (T-tau) and tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (P-tau181p) proteins are useful diagnostic markers for distinguishing between clinically stable mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients and those who will develop Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our objective was to test the ability of this technique to discriminate in our cohort of MCI patients, according to the clinical outcome, one year after the lumbar puncture. Material and methods: A total of 36 MCI patients were included from the local hospital memory clinic. Using INNO-BIA Alzbio-3 reagents from Innogenetics, we measured CSF A_1-42, T-tau and P-tau181p proteins, and calculated the T-tau/A_1-42 y P-tau181p/A_1-42 ratios. Thisproject was approved by the local ethics committee. Results: One year after the lumbar puncture, 14 MCI patients (38%) developed AD. These patients had lower A_ 1-42 protein levels (285.3 vs 377 ng/ml, P < .02) and higher P-tau181p/A_1-42 ratio (0,25 vs 0,16, p < .02) than the clinically stable patients. Conclusions: Our MCI patients with lower A_1-42 protein levels and an increased P-tau181p /A_1-42 ratio progressed quickly to AD. These results may help to identify those MCI patients with a poorer prognosis (AU)

[Patients with mild cognitive impairment and a reduced CSF Aß1₋42 protein progress rapidly to Alzheimer's disease]. / Pacientes con deterioro cognitivo leve y reducción de la proteína Aß(1-42) en LCR evolucionan rápidamente a enfermedad de Alzheimer.

INTRODUCTION: Some studies have shown that CSF amyloid-beta 1-42 (Aß1₋42), total tau (T-tau) and tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (P-tau(181p)) proteins are useful diagnostic markers for distinguishing between clinically stable mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients and those who will develop Alzheimers disease (AD). Our objective was to test the ability of this technique to discriminate in our cohort of MCI patients, according to the clinical outcome, one year after the lumbar puncture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 36 MCI patients were included from the local hospital memory clinic. Using INNO-BIA Alzbio-3 reagents from Innogenetics, we measured CSF Aß1₋42, T-tau and P-tau(181p) proteins, and calculated the T-tau/Aß1₋42 y P-tau(181p)/Aß1₋42 ratios. This project was approved by the local ethics committee. RESULTS: One year after the lumbar puncture, 14 MCI patients (38%) developed AD. These patients had lower Aß1₋42 protein levels (285.3 vs 377 ng/ml, P<.02) and higher P-tau(181p)/Aß1₋42 ratio (0,25 vs 0,16, p<.02) than the clinically stable patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our MCI patients with lower Aß1₋42 protein levels and an increased P-tau(181p) /Aß1₋42 ratio progressed quickly to AD. These results may help to identify those MCI patients with a poorer prognosis.

Gastric tumours in hereditary cancer syndromes: clinical features, molecular biology and strategies for prevention

Gastric cancer is the major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The majority of them are classified as sporadic, whereas the remaining 10% exhibit familial clustering. Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) syndrome is the most important condition that leads to hereditary gastric cancer. However, other hereditary cancer syndromes, such as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, familial adenomatous polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, entail a higher risk compared to the general population for developing this kind of neoplasia. In this review, we describe briefly the most important aspects related to clinical features, molecular biology and strategies for prevention in hereditary gastric associated to different cancer syndromes (AU)

Biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in the cerebrospinal fluid of Spanish patients with mild cognitive impairment.

The study of biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a technique used with increasing frequency in the early diagnosis of Alzheimers disease (AD). Our objectiv was to gain an own experience while evaluating the reliability, sensitivity, and reproducibility of this technique in Spanish patients. Thirty-seven patients with MCI and twenty-four control subjects were studied by means of AD biomarker analysis in CSF. xMAP Luminex and INNO-BIA Alzbio3 reagents of Innogenetics were used. The study variables assessed were levels of Aß(1-42), T-tau and P-tau(181p) proteins as well as the ratios of T-tau/Aß(1-42) and P-tau(181p)/Aß(1-42). Samples from nineteen patients were examined twice. Intra-class correlation coefficients for the three biomarkers used showed values higher than 0.95. We observed significant differences between the control group and the MCI groups. In the 6 months following lumbar puncture (LP), eleven (29%) patients with MCI developed AD. These patients showed significant lower levels in Aß(1-42) protein (276.35 ± 78 vs. 367.13 ± 123.49, P < 0.03) and higher ratios (T-tau/Aß(1-42) [0.38 ± 0.2 vs. 0.22 ± 0.14, P < 0.01] and P-tau(181p)/Aß(1-42) [0.27 ± 0.13 vs. 0.16 ± 0.1, P < 0.008]) to those in the same group who remained stable. We obtained similar results to those in the most recent reliable literature with our ROC curves, especially with our P-tau(181p) values and T-tau/Aß(1-42) ratio in order to differentiate between control and AD groups. Our experience showed that the analysis of CSF-AD biomarkers in patients with MCI is reliable, sensitive and reproducible. In our knowledge, this is the first experience in Spanish patients.

Ecotoxicological screening of reclaimed disinfected wastewater by Vibrio fischeri bioassay after a chlorination-dechlorination process.

It is well known that different substances can react with chlorine in a water disinfection process to produce disinfection by-products (DBPs). Some of these substances have proven to be carcinogenic in humans and animals. Because it is not possible to detect all DBPs produced in chlorinated wastewater, toxicity tests have been proposed as a useful tool for screening toxic chemicals in treated wastewater. In this study, the Microtox bioassay with Vibrio fischeri was used to evaluate the formation of toxic by-products in wastewater, after a chlorination-dechlorination disinfection treatment. All the variables were found to be normally distributed, so analysis of variance could be directly applied without transformation of variables. Significant correlations were obtained between toxicity values and total carbon, total inorganic carbon, total nitrogen, chlorine, and pH. In contrast, total organic carbon, chemical oxygen demand, electrical conductivity and turbidity had no effect on toxicity formation. Toxicity increased with the Cl2:NH4+ ratio at a higher chlorine concentration released from combined chlorine. Regression models provided a good fit for effective concentration (EC50) as a function of total carbon and total nitrogen, after 5, 10, and 15 min of exposure. These models had greater multiple determination coefficients than previously reported for similar studies, without autocorrelation in the residuals as indicated by the Durbin-Watson statistic test. The measured and predicted ecotoxicity values were strongly correlated.