Microtubule organization changes severely after mannitol and n-butanol treatments inducing microspore embryogenesis in bread wheat.

BACKGROUND: A mannitol stress treatment and a subsequent application of n-butanol, known as a microtubule-disrupting agent, enhance microspore embryogenesis (ME) induction and plant regeneration in bread wheat. To characterize changes in cortical (CMT) and endoplasmic (EMT) microtubules organization and dynamics, associated with ME induction treatments, immunocytochemistry studies complemented by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were accomplished. This technique has allowed us to perform advanced 3- and 4D studies of MT architecture. The degree of MT fragmentation was examined by the relative fluorescence intensity quantification. RESULTS: In uni-nucleated mannitol-treated microspores, severe CMT and EMT fragmentation occurs, although a complex network of short EMT bundles protected the nucleus. Additional treatment with n-butanol resulted in further depolymerization of both CMT and EMT, simultaneously with the formation of MT aggregates in the perinuclear region. Some aggregates resembled a preprophase band. In addition, a portion of the microspores progressed to the first mitotic division during the treatments. Bi-nucleate pollen-like structures showed a high MT depolymerization after mannitol treatment and numerous EMT bundles around the vegetative and generative nuclei after n-butanol. Interestingly, bi-nucleate symmetric structures showed prominent stabilization of EMT. CONCLUSIONS: Fragmentation and stabilization of microtubules induced by mannitol- and n-butanol lead to new configurations essential for the induction of microspore embryogenesis in bread wheat. These results provide robust insight into MT dynamics during EM induction and open avenues to address newly targeted treatments to induce ME in recalcitrant species.

[Neurological complications of nitrous oxide consumption. A case report]. / Complicaciones neurológicas del consumo de óxido nitroso. A propósito de un caso.

TITLE: Complicaciones neurológicas del consumo de óxido nitroso. A propósito de un caso.

Gallium nitride (GaN) devices as a platform technology for radiation hard inertial confinement fusion diagnostics.

Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) is undergoing more detailed research to increase neutron yield and will require high resolution imaging near the target. Neutron damage to diagnostics remains a serious issue in understanding and achieving ICF. We have demonstrated that Gallium Nitride (GaN) optoelectronic devices have exceptional neutron radiation hardness, by systematic testing of neutron radiation effects in GaN devices and materials with elevated neutron fluence levels and a broad neutron energy spectrum. During the 2013-2017 run cycles at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), we irradiated various GaN materials and devices with fast and thermal plus resonance neutrons at several beamlines. This paper presents a radiation hardness study for Aluminum Gallium Nitride and Gallium Nitride (AlGaN/GaN) deep UV LEDs irradiated at the LANSCE 4FP60R beamline. The fluence level was up to 2.4 × 1013 neutrons/cm2 for neutrons with energies greater than 0.1 MeV. The device performance was monitored in real time. After three years of irradiation studies, we found that the GaN devices maintained operation in the forward active region. The current and voltage relation (I-V curves) varied insignificantly in the linear region. Our results demonstrate the radiation hardness needed for laser fusion diagnostics at least up to 1017 neutron yield per shot, if the diagnostics is placed 1 m away from the target, where the neutron fluence per shot is approximately 8 × 1011 n/cm2. The GaN devices can operate for multiple shots.

Phosphorus solubility in basaltic glass: Limitations for phosphorus immobilization in glass and glass-ceramics.

The composition of sewage sludge from urban wastewater treatment plants is simulated using P-doped basalts. Electron microscopy analyses show that the solubility of P in the basaltic melt is limited by the formation of a liquid-liquid immiscibility in the form of an aluminosilicate phase and a Ca-Mg-Fe-rich phosphate phase. The rheological behavior of these compositions is influenced by both phase separation and nanocrystallization. Upon a thermal treatment, the glasses will crystallize into a mixture of inosilicates and spinel-like phases at low P contents and into Ca-Mg-Fe phosphate at high P contents. Hardness measurements yield values between 5.41 and 7.66 GPa, inside the range of commercial glasses and glass-ceramics. Leaching affects mainly unstable Mg2+-PO43- complexes.

Epidemiological investigation of a foodborne outbreak in Spain associated with U.S. West Coast genotypes of Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

We describe an outbreak of seafood-associated Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Galicia, Spain in on 18th of August 2012 affecting 100 of the 114 passengers travelling on a food banquet cruise boat. Epidemiological information from 65 people was available from follow-on interviews, of which 51 cases showed symptoms of illness. The food items identified through the questionnaires as the most probable source of the infections was shrimp. This product was unique in showing a statistically significant and the highest OR with a value of 7.59 (1.52-37.71). All the nine strains isolated from stool samples were identified as V. parahaemolyticus, seven were positive for both virulence markers tdh and trh, a single strain was positive for trh only and the remaining strain tested negative for both trh and tdh. This is the largest foodborne Vibrio outbreak reported in Europe linked to domestically processed seafood. Moreover, this is the first instance of strains possessing both tdh+ and trh+ being implicated in an outbreak in Europe and that a combination of strains represent several pathogenicity groups and belonging to different genetic variants were isolated from a single outbreak. Clinical isolates were associated with a novel genetic variant of V. parahaemolyticus never detected before in Europe. Further analyses demonstrated that the outbreak isolates showed indistinguishable genetic profiles with hyper-virulent strains from the Pacific Northwest, USA, suggesting a recent transcontinental spread of these strains.

The usefulness of the leuprolide stimulation test as a diagnostic method of idiopathic central precocious puberty in girls.

Central precocious puberty (CPP) diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation, but hormonal evaluation is crucial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of the leuprolide stimulation test for diagnosis of idiopathic CPP. Sixty-one girls, aged 5-8 years, were evaluated retrospectively for premature breast development. According to clinical evolution, 28 had progressive puberty and 33 nonprogressive puberty. All underwent a leuprolide stimulation test. Cutoff points, sensitivity, and specificity for gonadotropins and estradiol were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Cutoff points for CPP were: baseline LH: > 0.1 mUI/l, FSH: > 2.3 mUI/l, LH/FSH ratio: > 0.23, estradiol: > 12 pg/ml; and stimulated LH: > 5.5 mUI/l, LH/FSH ratio: > 0.24, estradiol: > 79.67 pg/ml. The best diagnostic efficiency for progressive puberty were stimulated LH/FSH ratio (sensitivity: 100%, specificity 94%) followed by stimulated LH (sensitivity: 93%, specificity: 100%). Stimulated LH/FSH ratio and LH resulted in the most useful parameters for the diagnosis of CPP. Stimulated estradiol did not add more information.

Neumonía grave por Pneumocystis jiroveci en paciente con enfermedad de Crohn y tratamiento con adalimumab / Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in a Crohn’s disease patient treated with adalimumab

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Utilidad de la monitorización ambulatoria de la presión arterial en la evaluación de la rigidez arterial. Correlaciones con la velocidad de onda de pulso y las tensiones arteriales centrales / Utility of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in the evaluation of arterial stiffness. Correlations with pulse wave velocity and central arterial blood pressures

Introducción y objetivos La rigidez arterial es un potente predictor de riesgo cardiovascular. La velocidad de onda de pulso (VOPcf) es considerado el marcador «gold standard». Los parámetros derivados de la MAPA representan una buena aproximación a la rigidez arterial. Un nuevo índice, el Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index (AASI), ha conseguido buenos resultados. Material y métodos Estudio transversal de pacientes hipertensos mayores de 55 años; con otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV) y todos ellos polimedicados. Resultados Incluimos en el estudio un total de 276 pacientes. Destacamos el condicionante del paciente diabético y las correlaciones entre la VOPcf y la PP de 24 h (r=0,473 y p<0,001) y entre la VOPcf y el AASI (r=0,298 y p<0,001).Conclusiones Nuestros resultados refuerzan la utilización práctica de los índices de -rigidez arterial derivados de la monitorización ambulatoria de la presión arterial (MAPA) (AU)

Introduction and objectives Arterial stiffness is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular risk. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) is considered the gold standard. Parameters derived from ambulatory blood pressure represent a good approach to arterial stiffness. Good results have been achieved with a new index, ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI).Material and methods A cross-sectional study was performed of hypertensive patients over 55 years. All of the patients had other cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and were polymedicated. Results A total of 276 patients were enrolled in the study. We highlight the determining factor of the diabetic patient and the correlations found between cfPWV and 24h PP (r=0.473 and p<0.001) and cfPWV and AASI (r=0.298 and p<0.001).Conclusions Our results reinforce the practical use of arterial stiffness indexes derived from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) (AU)

Análisis comparativo entre la técnica de Seldinger vs. disección abierta en la implantación de reservorios intravenosos / Comparative analysis between the seldinger technique vs. open dissection in the implantation of intravenous reservoirs

Objetivo. Analizar ventajas y desventajas de la técnica de Seldinger (TS) frente a la disección abierta (DA) en la implantación de reservorios intravenosos (RIVS), comparando tiempos quirúrgicos y complicaciones. Material y Método. Realizamos un estudio analítico retrospectivo tipo cohortes históricas, comparando nuestra experiencia en la implantación de RIVS por DA y por TS. Analizamos parámetros clínicos, quirúrgicos, destacando el tiempo operatorio y las complicaciones intra/postoperatorias. Resultados. Analizamos 193 RIVS (119 DA, 74 TS) implantados principalmente para quimioterapia (83,41%). El tiempo quirúrgico utilizado en procedimientos únicos fue de 72,85 ± 29,35 minutos para DA frente a 62,83 ± 20,08 minutos el Seldinger (p<0,05). No hubo diferencias operador-dependientes. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las poblaciones de las dos cohortes estudiadas ni en el porcentaje de complicaciones. Los RIVS de mayor tamaño presentaron una media mayor de necrosis de piel (p>0,05) en cambio, los de menor tamaño presentaron mayor tasa de infección (16%sobre 7,7% p>0,05). Tanto en la TS (51,67 vs 98,14 min) como en la DA (78,56 vs 123,61 min) el tiempo operatorio fue menor en los accesos venosos izquierdos. (d =171 vs i =19) Tras complicaciones se retiró el RIVS en 121 días de media. Conclusiones. La TS disminuyó la perdida definitiva de los accesos venosos intervenidos, pudiendo reutilizar la misma vena para la colocación de RIVS posteriores. La TS reduce el tiempo quirúrgico, sin incrementarse las complicaciones. El acceso venoso izquierdo no implica mayor tiempo quirúrgico. Las complicaciones podrían estar en relación al tamaño del RIVS (AU)

Objective. To analyze advantages and disadvantages between Seldinger’s technique (ST) and surgical dissection (SD) on intravenous sport-a-caths comparing surgical parameters as time and complications. Material and Method. An analytic retrospective study involving historic cohorts was realized, comparing our surgical experience on port-a-cath implantation with Seldinger technique or surgical dissection. Statistical analysis was made reflecting clinical and surgical parameters, such as surgical time length and intra/postoperative complications. Results. 193 Port-a-caths were analyzed (119 SD, 74 ST), mainly placed for chemotherapy treatment (83.41%). Surgical time length expended at single procedures was 72.85 ± 29.35 minutes for SD and62.83 ± 20.08 minutes for ST (p<0.05). There were none operator dependent differences. Statistically significant differences were not found between the two cohort’s populations, neither at complications percentages. Greater-sized port-a-caths presented a higher average of skin necrosis (p>0.05) however, lower-sized port-a-caths showed a high eraverage of infection (16% upon 7.7% p>0.05). Both ST (51.67 vs.98.14 min) and SD (78.56 vs. 123.61 min) showed lower surgical time length at left venous accesses (d =171 vs. i =19). Average in days for the extraction of port-a-caths with regard to complications was 121 days. Conclusion: Seldinger technique reduced the definitive lost of surgical dissected venous accesses, being possible further utilization of the same vein for subsequent port-a-caths. Seldinger technique reduces surgical time length without increasing complication’s rate. Left venous access does not imply higher surgical time length. Complications maybe related with port-a-cath’s size (AU)

[Comparative analysis between the Seldinger technique vs. open dissection in the implantation of intravenous reservoirs]. / Análisis comparativo entre la técnica de Seldinger vs. disección abierta en la implantación de reservorios intravenosos.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze advantages and disadvantages between Seldinger's technique (ST) and surgical dissection (SD) on intravenous port-a-caths comparing surgical parameters as time and complications. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An analytic retrospective study involving historic cohorts was realized, comparing our surgical experience on port-a-cath implantation with Seldinger technique or surgical dissection. Statistical analysis was made reflecting clinical and surgical parameters, such as surgical time length and intra/postoperative complications. RESULTS: 193 Port-a-caths were analyzed (119 SD, 74 ST), mainly placed for chemotherapy treatment (83.41%). Surgical time length expended at single procedures was 72.85 +/- 29.35 minutes for SD and 62.83 +/- 20.08 minutes for ST (p < 0.05). There were none operator-dependent differences. Statistically significant differences were not found between the two cohort's populations, neither at complications percentages. Greater-sized port-a-caths presented a higher average of skin necrosis (p > 0.05) however, lower-sized port-a-caths showed a higher average of infection (16% upon 7.7% p > 0.05). Both ST (51.67 vs. 98.14 min) and SD (78.56 vs. 123.61 min) showed lower surgical time length at left venous accesses (d = 171 vs. i = 19). Average in days for the extraction of port-a-caths with regard to complications was 121 days. CONCLUSION: Seldinger technique reduced the definitive lost of surgical dissected venous accesses, being possible further utilization of the same vein for subsequent port-a-caths. Seldinger technique reduces surgical time length without increasing complication's rate. Left venous access does not imply higher surgical time length. Complications may be related with port-a-cath's size.

Environmental geochemistry of ancient volcanic ashes.

Volcanic ashes from the Puna and surrounding Andean areas in northern Argentina show that sometimes volcanic ash deposits are very well preserved (up to several million years) and can remain a potential hazard for the environment in a similar way as current deposits. Eight ashes have been characterized by SEM-EDX and DRX, and their potential released geochemical fluxes were examined by using water and nitric acid batches, which are analyzed by ICP-OES, ICP-MS and ISE (F). Results demonstrate that water batch system is better medium than nitric acid for this study. The high and fast reactivity of these ancient ashes is mainly associated with their high content in glass. The order of magnitude of released contents of implied elements is consistent among the samples, i.e., Al>B>Fe>Zn>F>P>Mn>Ba>Sr>Li>Ti>Rb>Cu>Ni>Sb>Pb>As>Cr>V. Ash-water interaction, although infrequent in arid regions such as the Puna Region in northern Argentina, introduces rapid changes in the geochemical fluxes of elements and pH and may constitute a potential hazard for the environment. In fact, many of these elements are included in the drinking water guidelines due to their potential toxicity and may constitute potential hazards for the environment and human health.

Evolucion de los pacientes criticos con fracaso renal agudo y disfuncion multiorganica tratados con hemodiafiltracion venovenosa continua / Outcome of critically ill patients with acute renal failure and multiple organ failure treated with continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration

Objetivo: En los pacientes críticos el fracaso renal agudo (FRA) está asociado a disfunción multiorgánica (DMO) y su mortalidad es alta. El objetivo principal fue evaluar la evolución de los pacientes críticos con FRA y DMO tratados con hemodiafiltración venovenosa continua (HDFVVC). Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo y observacional en pacientes críticos. Ámbito: Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) medicoquirúrgica del Hospital Universitario de Girona. Pacientes: Pacientes ingresados en la UCI con FRA y DMO tratados con HDFVVC. Principales variables de interés: Se recogieron variables demográficas, de gravedad y de DMO (SOFA [Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score]). Análisis estadístico comparativo y de regresión logística múltiple con la mortalidad a los 30 días como efecto principal de estudio. Resultados: Se estudió a 139 pacientes. Los factores predisponentes más frecuentes fueron hipotensión (98%) y sepsis (82%). Los órganos más frecuentemente afectados fueron los del sistema cardiocirculatorio (94%) y los del sistema respiratorio (47%) asociados al FRA. El SOFA medio fue de 11,4±2,7. Los pacientes traumáticos y los no oligúricos tuvieron una mejor supervivencia. La mortalidad a los 30 días fue del 61% y el análisis de regresión logística mostró que la edad superior o igual a 60 años (OR [odds ratio]=3,3 [intervalo de confianza {IC} del 95%: 1,5-7,0]) y el SOFA superior o igual a 11 puntos (OR=2,5 [IC del 95%: 1,1-5,3]) se relacionaron con la mortalidad. Conclusiones: La mortalidad de los pacientes críticos con FRA y DMO es alta. Los pacientes traumáticos y los no oligúricos tuvieron una mejor supervivencia. La edad superior o igual a 60 años y el SOFA superior o igual a 11 puntos fueron factores de riesgo independientes de mortalidad (AU)

Objective: Acute renal failure (ARF) is associated to multiple organ failure (MOF) in critically ill patients and its mortality is high. The main objective was to evaluate the outcome of critically ill patients with ARF and MOF treated with continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). Design: Retrospective and observational study on critically ill patients. Setting: Medical-surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a University Hospital of Girona. Patients: Patients admitted in ICU that developed ARF and MOF and were treated with CVVHDF. Primary variables of interest: We collected data on demographic, and severity and organic dysfunction scores (SOFA). To study the risk factors for mortality, a comparative and multiple regression statistical analysis was performed, with the main effect of the study being mortality at 30 days. Results: We studied 139 patients. The most frequent predisposing factors were hypotension (98%) and sepsis (82%). the most frequently affected organs were cardiocirculatory (94%) and respiratory (47%) associated to ARF. Mean SOFA score was 11.4±2.7 points. Survival was better in traumatic and in non-oliguric patients. The 30-day mortality was 61% and the logistic regression analysis showed that age >60 years [OR=3.3 (95% CI 95=1.5-7.0)] and SOFA score >11 points [OR=2.5 (95% CI=1.1-5.3)] were related to mortality. Conclusions: The mortality rate of critically ill patients with acute renal failure and multiple organ failure remains high. Traumatic and non-oliguric patients have a better survival. Age >60 years and SOFA >11 points were independent risk factors associated with mortality (AU)

[Outcome of critically ill patients with acute renal failure and multiple organ failure treated with continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration]. / Evolución de los pacientes críticos con fracaso renal agudo y disfunción multiorgánica tratados con hemodiafiltración venovenosa continua.

OBJECTIVE: Acute renal failure (ARF) is associated to multiple organ failure (MOF) in critically ill patients and its mortality is high. The main objective was to evaluate the outcome of critically ill patients with ARF and MOF treated with continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). DESIGN: Retrospective and observational study on critically ill patients. SETTING: Medical-surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a University Hospital of Girona. PATIENTS: Patients admitted in ICU that developed ARF and MOF and were treated with CVVHDF. PRIMARY VARIABLES OF INTEREST: We collected data on demographic, and severity and organic dysfunction scores (SOFA). To study the risk factors for mortality, a comparative and multiple regression statistical analysis was performed, with the main effect of the study being mortality at 30 days. RESULTS: We studied 139 patients. The most frequent predisposing factors were hypotension (98%) and sepsis (82%). the most frequently affected organs were cardiocirculatory (94%) and respiratory (47%) associated to ARF. Mean SOFA score was 11.4 + or - 2.7 points. Survival was better in traumatic and in non-oliguric patients. The 30-day mortality was 61% and the logistic regression analysis showed that age > or = 60 years [OR=3.3 (95% CI 95=1.5-7.0)] and SOFA score > or = 11 points [OR=2.5 (95% CI=1.1-5.3)] were related to mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate of critically ill patients with acute renal failure and multiple organ failure remains high. Traumatic and non-oliguric patients have a better survival. Age > or = 60 years and SOFA > or = 11 points were independent risk factors associated with mortality.