Lipid metabolism in crocodilians: A field with promising applications in the field of ecotoxicology.

In the last years, lipid physiology has become an important research target for systems biology applied to the field of ecotoxicology. Lipids are not only essential components of biological membranes, but also participate in extra and intracellular signaling processes and as signal transducers and amplifiers of regulatory cascades. Particularly in sauropsids, lipids are the main source of energy for reproduction, growth, and embryonic development. In nature, organisms are exposed to different stressors, such as parasites, diseases and environmental contaminants, which interact with lipid signaling and metabolic pathways, disrupting lipid homeostasis. The system biology approach applied to ecotoxicological studies is crucial to evaluate metabolic regulation under environmental stress produced by xenobiotics. In this review, we cover information of molecular mechanisms that contribute to lipid metabolism homeostasis in sauropsids, specifically in crocodilian species. We focus on the role of lipid metabolism as a powerful source of energy and its importance during oocyte maturation, which has been increasingly recognized in many species, but information is still scarce in crocodiles. Finally, we highlight priorities for future research on the influence of environmental stressors on lipid metabolism, their potential effect on the reproductive system and thus on the offspring, and their implications on crocodilians conservation.

"Ethnic disparities in the prevalence of Molar-Incisor-Hypomineralisation (MIH) and caries among 6-12-year-old children in Catalonia, Spain".

AIM: To study the prevalence of MIH and caries in 6- and 12-year-old schoolchildren and their association with ethnic disparities and other relevant factors. BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been uneven improvement in school children's oral health, highlighting inequalities in access to dental care and health outcomes, particularly among ethnic minorities. The most prevalent oral disease in childhood, caries, is preventable, as its risk factors are well known. However, MIH, a common condition affecting the enamel of permanent incisors and/or molars, has no established aetiology or preventive measures. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among schoolchildren was conducted in 725 children from Masnou (Barcelona, 2013) and in 577 children from Sant Andreu de Llavaneres (Barcelona, 2018-2020). Data collection was carried out by means of clinical examination and a selfreferenced questionnaire. Oral health outcomes included: presence of dental caries, presence of MIH, hypomineralised second primary molars (HSPM). All variables were analysed according to ethnic disparities and other variables such as socioeconomics, diet, hygiene habits, plaque and access to dental services. We performed multivariate Poisson regression models with robust variance to examine ethnic disparities in MIH and caries. CONCLUSION: This cross-sectional study based in Catalonia, Spain showed that there are ethnic disparities in caries as observed with other child's diseases; however, they do not seem to follow the same pattern for MIH. More studies are needed (i) to explore how MIH behaves among populations in terms of inequality; (ii) to study the aetiological factors of MIH; and (iii) to identify potential factors associated with MIH and caries that have not been studied and that may contribute to the observed ethnic disparities.

Protocol for assessing mortality reduction with the early use of noninvasive ventilation in prehospital emergency services: A multicentre, observational cohort study in Madrid, Spain.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory failure (ARF) has become one of the most prevalent serious pathologies encountered in the emergency medical service (EMS). In hospital settings, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) therapy prevents complications from more aggressive treatments for that condition. However, the scarce evidence on the benefits of NIV in prehospital EMS (i.e., during transport to the hospital) is inconclusive. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the administration of NIV during prehospital EMS in cases of ARF reduces in-hospital mortality compared with starting NIV on arrival to in-patient EMS. METHODS: This is a multicentre, observational, prospective cohort study. We recruited a total of 317 patients from the Madrid region (Spain) who were prescribed NIV for their ARF using a nonprobabilistic consecutive sampling method. Analyses of the main outcome (in-hospital mortality) and secondary outcomes (length of hospital stay, readmissions, percentage of intensive care unit admissions, and cost-effectiveness) will include descriptive analyses of patients' characteristics, as well as bivariate and multivariate analyses and cost-effectiveness analysis. DISCUSSION: This study will provide data on NIV management in prehospital and in-patient EMS in patients with ARF. Results will contribute to the existing evidence on the benefits of NIV in the context of prehospital EMS while underlining the importance of a standardized formal training for physicians and nurses working in prehospital and in-patient EMSs. CONCLUSION: The VentilaMadrid study will provide valuable data on the clinical factors of patients receiving NIV in prehospital EMS. Further, were our hypothesis to be confirmed, our results would strongly suggest that the administration of NIV in prehospital EMS by medical and nursing profesionals formally trained in the technique reduces mortality and improves prognoses.

Prioritization criteria of patients on scheduled waiting lists for abdominal wall hernia surgery: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Long delays in waiting lists have a negative impact on the principles of equity and providing timely access to care. This study aimed to assess waiting lists for abdominal wall hernia repair (incisional ventral vs. inguinal hernia) to define explicit prioritization criteria. METHODS: A cross-sectional single-center study was designed. Patients in the waiting list for incisional/ventral hernia (n = 42) and inguinal hernia (n = 50) repair were interviewed by phone and completed health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaires (EQ-5D, COMI-hernia, HerQLes) as a measure of severity. Priority was measured as hernia complexity, patient frailty using the modified frailty index (mFI-11), and the consumption of analgesics for hernia. RESULTS: The mean (SD) time on the waiting list was 5.5 (3.2) months (range 1-14). Complex hernia was present in 34.8% of the patients. HRQoL was moderately poor in patients with incisional/ventral hernia (mean HerQL score 66.1), whereas it was moderately good in patients with inguinal hernia (mean COMI-hernia score 3.40). The use of analgesics was higher in patients with incisional/ventral hernia as compared with those with inguinal hernia (1.48 [0.54] vs. 1.31 [0.51], P = 0.021). Worst values of mFI were associated with inguinal hernia as compared with incisional/ventral hernia (0.21 [0.14] vs. 0.12 [0.11]; P = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Explicit criteria for prioritization in the waiting lists may be the consumption of analgesics for patients with incisional/ventral hernia and frailty for patients with inguinal hernia. A reasonable approach seems to establish separate waiting lists for incisional/ventral hernia and inguinal hernia repair.

Niveles de capnometría como indicador de evolución de injerto renal de donantes en asistolia no controlada / Capnometry levels as an indicator of renal graft evolution in uncontrolled non-heart beating donors

OBJETIVO: Los valores de capnometría durante la resucitación son un factor predictor de la evolución de los riñones obtenidos a partir de donantes en asistolia no controlada. DISEÑO: Cohorte de comienzo retrospectivo de 37 donantes en asistolia y cohorte de validación de 55 trasplantados de riñón, entre 2013-2017. Ámbito: Población atendida por el servicio de urgencias y derivada al Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, como potenciales donantes en asistolia no controlada. PACIENTES: Cincuenta y cinco trasplantados renales con hemodiálisis, procedentes de donantes en asistolia no controlada. INTERVENCIONES: Determinaciones de capnometría y capnografía en pacientes candidatos a donación en asistolia no controlada. Variables: Calores de capnometría inicial y en el momento de la transferencia en el hospital para su comparación con la viabilidad de los riñones extraídos; fallo renal y retraso en función renal. RESULTADOS: Treinta y siete potenciales donantes de los que se consiguen 30 utilizados, de los cuales se trasplantan 55 riñones. El resto de ellos fueron descartados por mala perfusión o signos de isquemia. Se encontró una asociación (p = 0,016) entre valores de capnometría durante la resucitación en los donantes utilizados (μ, = 22,8 mmHg) frente a los donantes no utilizados para el trasplante (μ, = 17,35 mmHg). CONCLUSIONES: Se ha demostrado que los valores de capnometría durante las maniobras de resucitación ofrecen un marcador a tener en cuenta en relación con la viabilidad de los órganos a trasplantar en la donación en asistolia no controlada

OBJECTIVE: The capnometry values during resuscitation are an evolutive predictor of kidneys obtained from uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. DESIGN: The study comprised a retrospective onset cohort of 37 non-heart beating donors and a validation cohort of 55 trasplanted kidneys in the period 2013-2017. Scope: The population served by the emergency service and referred to Hospital Universitario Doce de Octubre (Madrid, Spain) as potential uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. PATIENTS: A total of 55 renal transplant patients subjected to hemodialysis and with grafts from uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. INTERVENTIONS: Capnometry and capnography measurements in potential uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. Variables: Capnometry values recorded initially and at transfer in hospital for comparison with the viability of the extracted kidneys; renal failure and delayed renal function. RESULTS: A total of 55 out of 74 extracted kidneys were trasplanted (74.3%). The rest were ruled out due to poor perfusion or signs of ischemia. An association was observed (P = .016) between the capnometry values during resuscitation in the grafted kidneys (μ = 22.8 mmHg) and in the kidneys discarded for transplantation (μ = 17.35 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: Capnometry during resuscitation serves as a marker to be taken into account in relation to the viability of the trasplanted organs in uncontrolled non-heart beating donors

Capnometry levels as an indicator of renal graft evolution in uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. / Niveles de capnometría como indicador de evolución de injerto renal de donantes en asistolia no controlada.

OBJECTIVE: The capnometry values during resuscitation are an evolutive predictor of kidneys obtained from uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. DESIGN: The study comprised a retrospective onset cohort of 37 non-heart beating donors and a validation cohort of 55 trasplanted kidneys in the period 2013-2017. SCOPE: The population served by the emergency service and referred to Hospital Universitario Doce de Octubre (Madrid, Spain) as potential uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. PATIENTS: A total of 55 renal transplant patients subjected to hemodialysis and with grafts from uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. INTERVENTIONS: Capnometry and capnography measurements in potential uncontrolled non-heart beating donors. VARIABLES: Capnometry values recorded initially and at transfer in hospital for comparison with the viability of the extracted kidneys; renal failure and delayed renal function. RESULTS: A total of 55 out of 74 extracted kidneys were trasplanted (74.3%). The rest were ruled out due to poor perfusion or signs of ischemia. An association was observed (P=.016) between the capnometry values during resuscitation in the grafted kidneys (µ=22.8 mmHg) and in the kidneys discarded for transplantation (µ=17.35 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: Capnometry during resuscitation serves as a marker to be taken into account in relation to the viability of the trasplanted organs in uncontrolled non-heart beating donors.

Diagnostic yield of magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative frozen section in the determination of deep myometrial invasion in endometrial cancer. / Rédito diagnóstico de la resonancia magnética y el estudio por congelación intraoperatorio en la determinación de la invasión miometrial profunda en cáncer de endometrio.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The standard treatment for endometrial cancer is simple hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Patients with high risk also benefit from lumbo-aortic lymphadenectomy. High risk patients include those with grades and histologic subtypes associated with poor prognosis and depth of myometrial invasion greater than 50% (M2). To determine which patients would benefit from lumbo-aortic lymphadenectomy, the depth of myometrial invasion can be assessed by intraoperative frozen section or by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We aimed to determine the diagnostic yield of intraoperative frozen section and MRI for detecting the presence of M2 in patients with endometrial cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included women with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of endometrial cancer who underwent baseline MRI and surgical intervention in our institution between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2017. We reviewed the MRI studies and the intraoperative frozen section reports and compared them with the information in the histopathology report. We compared the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the two tests. We also calculated the diagnostic accuracy of each method and the percentages of underestimation and overestimation. Finally, we calculated the predictive value of MRI for the presence of M2, adjusting it for the histologic variables known to be associated with poor prognosis. RESULTS: To detect M2, MRI had 63% sensitivity, 87% specificity, 73% PPV, and 81% NPV; the diagnostic accuracy was 78.8%, with 13.12% underestimation and 8.13% overestimation of M2. Intraoperative frozen section had 69% sensitivity, 86.7% specificity, 69% PPV, and 86% NPV; the diagnostic accuracy was 81.5%, with 9.24% underestimation and 9.24% overestimation of M2. The degree of concordance between the two methods was moderate (k=0.54, p < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, MRI and intraoperative frozen section have adequate diagnostic yields for determining M2, though intraoperative frozen section is slightly better. The contribution of MRI in determining the presence and the site of deep myometrial invasion, as well as the factors that can confound the diagnosis, when added to the contribution of intraoperative frozen section, means that both methods help reduce the number of unnecessary lymph node dissections and the morbidity, mortality, and health costs associated with this practice.

Chitosan-triclosan particles modulate inflammatory signaling in gingival fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: An important goal of periodontal therapy is the modulation of the inflammatory response. To this end, several pharmacological agents have been evaluated. Triclosan corresponds to an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent currently used in periodontal therapy. Chitosan is a natural polymer that may act as a drug delivery agent and exerts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, an association between both molecules might be useful to prevent inflammation and tissue destruction in periodontal tissues. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the present study, we have generated chitosan-triclosan particles and evaluated their morphology, charge, biocompatibility and gene expression analysis in human gingival fibroblasts. RESULTS: The chitosan-triclosan particles size and Z potential were 129 ± 47 nm and 51 ± 17 mV respectively. Human gingival fibroblast viability was not affected by chitosan-triclosan. A total of 1533 genes were upregulated by interleukin (IL)-1ß. On the other hand, 943 were downregulated in fibroblasts stimulated with IL-1ß plus chitosan-triclosan particles. Fifty-one genes were identified as molecular targets upregulated by IL-1 ß and downregulated by the chitosan-triclosan particles. The gene ontology analysis revealed that these genes were enriched in categories related to biological processes, molecular function and cellular components. Furthermore, using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction beta-actin, fibronectin, interleukin-6 and IL-1b genes were confirmed as targets upregulated by IL-1ß and downregulated by chitosan-triclosan particles. CONCLUSION: Our results show that chitosan-triclosan particles are able to modulate the inflammatory response in gingival fibroblasts. This effect might be useful in the prevention and/or treatment of inflammation in periodontal diseases.

Rendimiento diagnóstico de la histerosalpingografía por resonancia magnética: resultados iniciales / Diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance hysterosalpingography: initial results Abstract

Objetivo: Determinar el rendimiento diagnóstico de la histerosalpingografía por resonancia magnética (HSG-RM), utilizando la laparoscopia como método de referencia. Materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron 22 pacientes. A todas se les realizó una HSG-RM con un resonador 1.5 Tesla y luego una laparoscopia con cromotubación. Dos radiólogos examinaron las RM, determinando la permeabilidad tubaria por consenso. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y de rendimiento diagnóstico. Resultados: La HSG-RM tuvo una tasa de éxito del 91%. La duración del estudio fue 49ą15 minutos, el volumen inyectado 26 ą 16 cm³ y la escala de dolor 30ą 19 de 100. La sensibilidad y especificidad de la HSG-RM fueron del 100% para la prueba de Cotte global y a la izquierda, y del 25% y 93,3% para la prueba de Cotte a la derecha, respectivamente. Hubo 2 complicaciones menores y ninguna importante. Discusión: Nuestros resultados iniciales demostraron una alta sensibilidad y especificidad. Si bien otros estudios analizaron la capacidad de la HSG-RM para evaluar la permeabilidad tubaria con buenos resultados, el uso de un patrón de referencia defectuoso dejaba margen para una duda razonable, impidiendo una recomendación basada en pruebas sólidas. Sin embargo, al cotejar nuestros resultados con los publicados, observamos un alto grado de concordancia en tanto el derrame positivo se diagnostica correctamente con una especificidad de 100% o con un porcentaje cercano a esta cifra. Conclusión: La HSG-MR es una alternativa factible y segura de la HSG convencional o virtual, la histerosonografía y la cromotubación.

Objective: To determine the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance hysterosalpingography (MRHSG) using laparoscopic chromotubation as a method of reference. Materials and methods: Twenty-two patients were included. The MRHSG was performed in a 1.5 Tesla MR scanner. Afterwards, patients underwent laparoscopic chromotubation. MR images were examined by two trained radiologists, and tubal patency was determined by consensus. A descriptive analysis was carried out, as well as an analysis of the diagnostic performance. Results: MRHSG had a 91% success rate. Exam duration of the examination was 49ą15min, with an injected volume 26ą 16cc, and pain scale 30ą 19 out of 100. Sensitivity and specificity of MRHSG was 100% for global and left Cotte, and 25% and 93.3% for right Cotte, respectively. Only 2 minor and no major complications were observed. Discussion: The initial results of MRHSG have shown high sensitivity and specificity. Even though other studies have analysed the potential of MRHSG with good results, the use of a flawed reference standard left a margin for a reasonable doubt as regards its true potential, thus preventing a solid evidence based recommendation. Nevertheless, if our results are compared to those published, a high level of agreement is observed in that positive spillage is correctly diagnosed with specificities near or at 100%. Conclusion: MRHSG is a feasible and safe alternative to conventional or virtual HSG, ultrasound-hysterography and chromotubation.

Glucose >200 mg/dL during Continuous Glucose Monitoring Identifies Adult Patients at Risk for Development of Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes.

Rationale. Cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) is the most common comorbidity in patients with CF. In spite of increased screening, diagnosis, and treatment of CFRD, the mortality rate in patients with CFRD still far exceeds the mortality rate in those without CFRD. Guidelines suggest that screening for CFRD be performed annually using the 2-hour 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Adherence to recommended screening has been poor, with only approximately one-quarter of adults with CF undergoing OGTT in 2014. Use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for diagnosis may become an alternative. Objectives. Our objective was to determine whether abnormal CGM predicts subsequent development of CFRD, lung function, and body mass index (BMI) decline and increased rate of CF pulmonary exacerbations in adults with CF. Methods. In a prospective single center pilot trial from September 2009 to September 2010, 21 adult patients due for routine OGTT were recruited to complete simultaneous 3-day CGM and 2-hour 75 gram OGTT. Subsequently, clinical information was reviewed from 2008 to 2015. Conclusions. There was a moderate correlation between interpreted results of 2-hour OGTT and CGM (p = 0.03); CGM indicated a greater level of glucose impairment than OGTT. Glucose >200 mg/dL by CGM predicted development of CFRD (p = 0.0002).

Recuento de folículos antrales como predictor de la respuesta ovárica / Antral follicle counts as a predictor of ovarian response

Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre el número de folículos antrales en condiciones basales y la cantidad de ovocitos recuperados luego del tratamiento de estimulación ovárica, y establecer el rol del recuento de folículos antrales mediante ecografía como predictor de la respuesta ovárica. Como propósito secundario, se examinó la correlación del recuento de folículos antrales con la edad de las pacientes y el éxito del tratamiento. Materiales y métodos: Entre enero y marzo de 2015 se estudió retrospectivamente a 40 candidatas a punción aspiración folicular, que se habían realizado una ecografía transvaginal con recuento de folículos antrales antes de la estimulación. Se tomaron en cuenta solo los folículos que medían entre 3 y 8 mm. Todas las pacientes recibieron estimulación hormonal y monitoreo ecográfico y hormonal en sangre hasta la punción aspiración de folículos. Resultados: Se observó una importante correlación inversa entre la edad de las pacientes y el recuento de los folículos antrales y una correlación inversa muy marcada entre la edad y la recuperación de ovocitos. También se constató una muy importante correlación positiva entre el recuento de folículos antrales y la cantidad de ovocitos recuperados en la aspiración transvaginal. El número reducido de pacientes limitó el análisis del éxito del tratamiento. Conclusión: El recuento de folículos antrales permite predecir la respuesta ovárica y la cantidad de ovocitos recuperados mediante punción folicular. Debido a su bajo costo, alto rendimiento diagnóstico y fácil acceso y realización, el recuento ovárico folicular mediante ecografía debería ser considerado la prueba de reserva ovárica de primera elección

Objective:To evalúate the relationship between the number of antral follicles under basal conditions and the number of oocytes retrieved after ovarían stimulation treatment, to establish the role of antral count follicles by ultrasonography as a predictor of ovarían response. Secondary objective: to assess the correlation of antral follicle count with the age of patients and the success of treatment. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective cohort study, between January and March 2015, assessing 40 women undergoing transvaginal ultrasonography guided follicular aspiration. Trans-vaginal ultrasonography follicle count was performed prior to antral follicles stimulation, (follicles measuring between 3 and 8 mm were taken into account), they also received hormonal stimulation, ultrasonography and hormonal monitoring blood until the follicle aspiration. Results: A strong inverse correlation between patient age and antral follicle count and a very strong inverse correlation between age and oocyte retrieval was observed. A very strong positive correlation between the antral follicle count and the number of oocytes retrieved in the transvaginal aspiration was also observed. The small number of patients limited the analysis linked to the success of treatment. Conclusion: The antral follicle count had significant associations with ovarían response and the number of oocytes retrieved. The antral follicles count by ultrasonography should be considerad the first choice of test of ovarían reserve because of its low cost, good performance and accessibility

Six-Year Follow-up of Slaughterhouse Surveillance (2008-2013): The Catalan Slaughterhouse Support Network (SESC).

Meat inspection has the ultimate objective of declaring the meat and offal obtained from carcasses of slaughtered animals fit or unfit for human consumption. This safeguards the health of consumers by ensuring that the food coming from these establishments poses no risk to public health. Concomitantly, it contributes to animal disease surveillance. The Catalan Public Health Protection Agency (Generalitat de Catalunya) identified the need to provide its meat inspectors with a support structure to improve diagnostic capacity: the Slaughterhouse Support Network (SESC). The main goal of the SESC was to offer continuing education to meat inspectors to improve the diagnostic capacity for lesions observed in slaughterhouses. With this aim, a web-based application was designed that allowed meat inspectors to submit their inquiries, images of the lesions, and samples for laboratory analysis. This commentary reviews the cases from the first 6 years of SESC operation (2008-2013). The program not only provides continuing education to inspectors but also contributes to the collection of useful information on animal health and welfare. Therefore, SESC complements animal disease surveillance programs, such as those for tuberculosis, bovine cysticercosis, and porcine trichinellosis, and is a powerful tool for early detection of emerging animal diseases and zoonoses.

Tuning the Magnetic Anisotropy at a Molecule-Metal Interface.

We demonstrate that a C(60) overlayer enhances the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of a Co thin film, inducing an inverse spin reorientation transition from in plane to out of plane. The driving force is the (60)/Co interfacial magnetic anisotropy that we have measured quantitatively in situ as a function of the (60) coverage. Comparison with state-of-the-art ab initio calculations show that this interfacial anisotropy mainly arises from the local hybridization between (60) p(z) and Co d(z(2)) orbitals. By generalizing these arguments, we also demonstrate that the hybridization of (60) with a Fe(110) surface decreases the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. These results open the way to tailor the interfacial magnetic anisotropy in organic-material-ferromagnet systems.

[Nocardia farcinica lung infection in a patient with cystic fibrosis and a lung transplant]. / Infección pulmonar por Nocardia farcinica en un paciente con fibrosis quística y trasplante pulmonar.

Patients with cystic fibrosis have a higher risk of developing chronic respiratory infectious diseases. The Nocardia farcinica lung infection is rare in this group of patients, and there are limited publications about this topic. Its diagnosis is complex, due to the clinical and the radiology signs being non-specific. Identification of the agent responsible in the sputum culture is occasionally negative. It is a slow growing organism and for this reason treatment is delayed, which can lead to an increase in complications, hospitable stays, and mortality. A case is reported on a 26 year-old woman with cystic fibrosis and chronic lung colonization by Nocardia farcinica and Aspergillus fumigatus, on long-term treatment with ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and posaconazole, who was admitted to ICU after bilateral lung transplantation. The initial post-operative progress was satisfactory. After discharge, the patient showed a gradual respiratory insufficiency with new chest X-ray showing diffuse infiltrates. Initially, the agent was not seen in the sputum culture. Prompt and aggressive measures were taken, due to the high clinical suspicion of a Nocardia farcinica lung infection. Treatment with a combination of amikacin and meropenem, and later combined with linezolid, led to the disappearance of the lung infiltrates and a clinical improvement. In our case, we confirm the rapid introduction of Nocardia farcinica in the new lungs. The complex identification and the delay in treatment increased the morbimortality. There is a special need for its eradication in patients with lung transplant, due to the strong immunosuppressive treatment.

Long-range ordered nanodomains of grafted electroactive molecules.

We demonstrate the capability to build zero and one-dimensional electroactive molecular nanostructures ordered over a macroscopic scale and stable under ambient conditions. To realize these arrays, we use the selective grafting of functionalized thiols (juglon and terthiophene based) on a self-organized metallic template. The nanoscale patterning of the molecular conductance is demonstrated and analyzed by scanning tunneling spectroscopy. Finally, the influence of the nanostructuring on electro-chemical properties is measured, paving the way to an all-bottom-up fabrication of nanostructured templates for nanosciences.

Blood mRNA biomarkers for detection of treatment response in acute pulmonary exacerbations of cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary exacerbations accelerate pulmonary decline in cystic fibrosis (CF). There is a critical need for better predictors of treatment response. OBJECTIVE: To test whether expression of a panel of leucocyte genes directly measured from whole blood predicts reductions in sputum bacterial density. METHODS: A previously validated 10-gene peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) signature was prospectively tested in PBMC and whole blood leucocyte RNA isolated from adult subjects with CF at the beginning and end of treatment for an acute pulmonary exacerbation. Gene expression was simultaneously quantified from PBMCs and whole blood RNA using real-time PCR amplification. Test characteristics including sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated and receiver operating characteristic curves determined the best cut-off to diagnose a microbiological response. The findings were then validated in a smaller independent sample. RESULTS: Whole blood transcript measurements are more accurate than forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) or C reactive protein (CRP) alone in identifying reduction of airway infection. When added to FEV(1), the whole blood gene panel improved diagnostic accuracy from 64% to 82%. The specificity of the test to detect reduced infection was 88% and the positive predictive value for the presence of persistent infection was 86%. The area under the curve for detecting treatment response was 0.81. Six genes were the most significant predictors for identifying reduction in airway bacterial load beyond FEV(1) or CRP alone. The high specificity of the test was replicated in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of blood leucocyte gene expression to FEV(1) and CRP enhances specificity in predicting reduced pulmonary infection and may bolster the assessment of CF treatment outcomes.

Patrón intergeneracional del embarazo adolescente en las hijas de una cohorte de mujeres que controlaron su primer embarazo en un centro integral para adolescentes embarazadas / Intergenerational pattern of adolescent pregnancy in daughters of a cohort of women who were teenage mothers

Antecedentes: Las circunstancia desventajosas de las madres adolescentes tienden a repetirse, con consecuencias aún más graves en la vida de sus hijas, que suelen tener dificultades escolares y se embarazan a una edad incluso más temprana que sus propias madres. Objetivo: Examinar el patrón intergeneracional del embarazo adolescente en las hijas de una cohorte de mujeres que fueron madres adolescentes. Método: Estudio transversal medido en dos momentos, de una cohorte histórica de mujeres que controlaron su primer embarazo en un centro especializado en la atención de adolescentes embarazadas. La información de las madres se obtuvo en la primera entrevista que se aplicó al ingreso prenatal y la de las hijas fue obtenida cuando éstas eran adolescentes. Se analizaron las características de las madres y de las hijas que se embarazaron. Posteriormente se compararon las características entre las hijas que se embarazaron y aquellas que no. Resultados: En el 21 por ciento las hijas se embarazaron, aunque menor a lo que reporta la literatura, es igualmente preocupante porque un embarazo en la adolescencia altera en general la trayectoria estudiantil y el proyecto de vida de la adolescente. Las hijas repitieron consecuencias adversas, pero lograron tener éxito en la permanencia escolar y sus madres tuvieron menos hijos que las abuelas, como resultado positivo del programa. Conclusión: Programas de atención integral con profesionales entrenados en la atención de adolescentes embarazadas pueden tener un impacto positivo importante en la reducción de los patrones reproductivos intergeneracionales del embarazo adolescente...

Background: Disadvantaged circumstances of adolescent mothers tend to repeat, with even worse consequences in the lives of their daughters, who often have schooling difficulties and become pregnant at an even earlier age than their own mothers. Objective: To examine the intergenerational pattern of adolescent pregnancy in daughters of a cohort of women who were teenage mothers. Method: Cross-sectional study measured at two points in a historical cohort of women who attended their first pregnancy in a specialized center of pregnant adolescents. Mothers information was obtained in the first interview that was applied to the prenatal admission and daughters information was obtained when they were teenagers. The characteristics of the mothers and daughters who got pregnant are analyzed. We then compared the characteristics of the daughters who became pregnant and those not. Results: In 21 percent the daughters became pregnant, though lower then reported by literature, is also worrisome because a teenage pregnancy alters the overall student experience and life projects teenager. The daughters repeated adverse consequences, but managed to succeed in school retention and mothers had fewer children than their grandmothers, as a positive result of the program. Conclusion: Comprehensive care programs with trained professionals in the care of pregnant adolescents can have significant positive impact on reducing intergenerational reproductive patterns of teenage pregnancy...

Directed growth of mixed self-assembled monolayers on a nanostructured template: a step toward the patterning of functional molecular domains.

We report on the elaboration of networks of SAM domains. More precisely, we show the feasibility in making arrays of functionalized alkylthiol nanodomains bordered with an alkylthiol matrix. The several step process relies on the replication of a self-organized cobalt array grown on Au(111). The SAM process takes place in solution. The chemical affinity of thiol for gold leads to the selective grafting of molecules on the surface. After having removed the inorganic array, alkylthiol functionalized with a terthiophene unit is grafted in free gold areas. The efficiency of the replication of the initial template depends on the stability of the first SAM. We also investigate electronic tunnel transport through oligothiophene islands with the STM. The variation of the molecular contrast with bias voltage between the two molecular species indicates a potential resonant tunneling mechanism through the orbitals of the aromatic compound.

Large magnetoresistance through a single molecule due to a spin-split hybridized orbital.

Using organic materials in spintronic devices raises a lot of expectation for future applications due to their flexibility, low cost, long spin lifetime, and easy functionalization. However, the interfacial hybridization and spin polarization between the organic layer and the ferromagnetic electrodes still has to be understood at the molecular scale. Coupling state-of-the-art spin-polarized scanning tunneling spectroscopy and spin-resolved ab initio calculations, we give the first experimental evidence of the spin splitting of a molecular orbital on a single non magnetic C(60) molecule in contact with a magnetic material, namely, the Cr(001) surface. This hybridized molecular state is responsible for an inversion of sign of the tunneling magnetoresistance depending on energy. This result opens the way to spin filtering through molecular orbitals.

Spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy study of chromium on a Cr(001) surface.

Several tens of chromium layers were deposited at 250 °C on a Cr(001) surface and investigated by spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy (SP-STM), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS). Chromium is found to grow with a mound-like morphology resulting from the stacking of several monolayers which do not uniformly cover the whole surface of the substrate. The terminal plane consists of an irregular array of Cr islands with lateral sizes smaller than 20 × 20 nm(2). Combined AES and STS measurements reveal the presence of a significant amount of segregants prior to and after deposition. A detailed investigation of the surface shows that it consists of two types of patches. Thanks to STS measurements, the two types of area have been identified as being either chromium pure or segregant rich. SP-STM experiments have evidenced that the antiferromagnetic layer coupling remains in the chromium mounds after deposition and is not significantly affected by the presence of the segregants.