The effect of Zostera noltei recolonization on the sediment mercury vertical profiles of a recovering coastal lagoon.

Mercury's extreme toxicity and persistence in the environment justifies a thorough evaluation of its dynamics in ecosystems. Aveiro Lagoon (Portugal) was for decades subject to mercury effluent discharges. A Nature-based Solution (NbS) involving Zostera noltei re-colonization is being tested as an active ecosystem restoration measure. To study the effect of Zostera noltei on the sediment contaminant biogeochemistry, seasonal (summer/winter) sediment, interstitial water and labile mercury vertical profiles were made in vegetated (Transplanted and Natural seagrass meadows) and non-vegetated sites (Bare-bottom area). While no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the sedimentary phase, Zostera noltei presence reduced the reactive/labile mercury concentrations in the top sediment layers by up to 40% when compared to non-vegetated sediment, regardless of season. No differences were found between vegetated meadows, highlighting the fast recovery of the contaminant regulation ecosystem function provided by the plants after re-colonization and its potential for the rehabilitation of historically contaminated ecosystems.

Alginate-waterborne polyurethane 3D bioprinted scaffolds for articular cartilage tissue engineering.

Articular cartilage defects comprise a spectrum of diseases associated with degeneration or damage of the connective tissue present in particular joints, presenting progressive osteoarthritis if left untreated. In vitro tissue regeneration is an innovative treatment for articular cartilage injuries that is attracting not only clinical attention, but also great interest in the development of novel biomaterials, since this procedure involves the formation of a neotissue with the help of material support. In this work, functional alginate and waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) scaffolds have been developed for articular cartilage regeneration using 3D bioprinting technology. The particular properties of alginate-WBPU blends, like mechanical strength, elasticity and moistening, mimic the original cartilage tissue characteristics, being ideal for this application. To fabricate the scaffolds, mature chondrocytes were loaded into different alginate-WBPU inks with rheological properties suitable for 3D bioprinting. Bioinks with high alginate content showed better 3D printing performance, as well as structural integrity and cell viability, being most suitable for scaffolds fabrication. After 28 days of in vitro cartilage formation experiments, scaffolds containing 3.2 and 6.4 % alginate resulted in the maintenance of cell number in the range of 104 chondrocytes/scaffold in differentiated phenotypes, capable of synthesizing specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) up to 6 µg of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and thus, showing a potential application of these scaffolds for in vitro regeneration of articular cartilage tissue.

Tratamiento médico de los miomas uterinos. Del presente al futuro / Medical treatment of uterine fibroids. From the present to the future

El objetivo del tratamiento de los miomas es: control de los síntomas, revertir la anemia (si existe) y restaurar la calidad de vida. En caso de deseo genésico futuro se añade el objetivo de conseguir la restauración anatómica del útero, fundamentalmente en lo que se refiere a la cavidad uterina.El tratamiento profiláctico para prevenir futuras complicaciones de los miomas no se recomienda salvo algunas excepciones, como mujeres con miomas submucosos resecables por histeroscopia que desean gestación o mujeres con grandes úteros miomatosos con extensión lateral que condicionan la compresión ureteral y provocan hidronefrosis moderada o severa.Existe un amplio consenso en que la aproximación a esta patología se debe realizar centrada en la paciente, con una toma de decisiones compartida y basada en la información adecuada, cumpliendo los objetivos de la mujer a corto y a largo plazo. La información ofrecida debe abarcar todas las opciones posibles y el balance riesgo/beneficio de cada una de ellas. Todas las opciones disponibles tienen eficacia demostrada, pero no disponemos de estudios de calidad que comparen unas opciones con otras.Se exponen en este artículo las opciones de tratamiento médico disponibles actualmente y las opciones emergentes.(AU)

The goal of treating fibroids is symptom control, reversing anaemia (if present), and restoring quality of life. In the event of future reproductive desire, the objective is also to achieve anatomical restoration of the uterus, fundamentally with regard to the uterine cavity.Prophylactic treatment to prevent future complications of fibroids is not recommended with a few exceptions, such as women with hysteroscopically resectable submucosal fibroids who wish to become pregnant or women with large fibroid uteri with lateral extension causing ureteral compression and moderate or severe hydronephrosis.There is a broad consensus that the approach to this pathology should be patient-centred, with shared decision-making based on adequate information, meeting the short and long-term objectives of the woman. The information offered must cover all possible options and the risk/benefit balance of each. All the available options have proven efficacy, but we do not have quality studies comparing the options.Presently available medical treatment options and emerging options are discussed in this article.(AU)

Occurrence of antibiotics in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) following organic soil fertilisation under plot-scale conditions: Crop and human health implications.

Recent studies have demonstrated the crop uptake of antibiotics (ABs) from soils treated with AB-carrying fertilisers. However, there is a lack of plot-scale studies linking their effects at the agronomic and metabolomic/transcriptomic level to their impact on human health. This paper assesses the plant uptake of 23 ABs following two productive cycles of lettuce and radish cropped with sewage sludge, pig slurry, the organic fraction of municipal solid waste, or chemical fertilisation under plot-scale conditions (32 plots spanning 3-10 m2 each). AB uptake by plants depended on both the vegetable and the AB class and was higher in radish than in lettuce edible parts. Levels ranged from undetectable to up to 76 ng/g (fresh weight). Repetitive organic fertilisation resulted in an increase in the concentration of ABs in lettuce leaves, but not in radish roots. Significant metabolomic and transcriptomic changes were observed following soil fertilisation. Nevertheless, a human health risk assessment indicates that the occurrence of ABs in lettuce or radish edible parts does not pose any risk. To our knowledge, this is the first holistic plot-scale study demonstrating that the use of organic fertilisers containing ABs is safe for crop security and human health.

Éxito del tratamiento conservador de la fimosis, ¿la pauta de aplicación de corticoide tópico influye? / Success of conservative treatment of phimosis, does the topical corticosteroid application regime influence this?

Introducción. Actualmente no existe una pauta de aplicación única establecida para el tratamiento tópico corticoideo de la fimosis. Nos planteamos comparar la efectividad de dos de las pautas más utilizadas, así como la importancia de otros factores en el éxito del tratamiento conservador. Material y métodos. Estudio analítico de tipo cohortes retrospectivas, incluyendo niños con fimosis no complicada a los que se instauró dos pautas distintas de aplicación de corticoide tópico (con periodo de descanso y con dosis descendente). Se estudió el resultado final circuncisión o curación en base a la pauta y a otros factores epidemiológicos. Resultados. Se incluyeron 159 niños con edad media de 6 años. La pauta con descanso se aplicó en el 57,9% de los pacientes con una adherencia del 93,4% y una tasa de curación del 83,7%, frente al 79,1% de grupo con pauta descendente (diferencia no significativa). Se observó un mayor riesgo de circuncisión en pacientes con tratamiento tópico previo y con prepucio cicatricial y un papel protector de la adherencia al tratamiento. La presencia de balanitis previa o el grado de fimosis no se asocian con mayor fracaso del tratamiento. Conclusiones. Las pautas de aplicación estudiadas no presentan diferencias significativas en la tasa de curación. No obstante, la adherencia es mayor con la pauta con descanso por lo que parece recomendable. Las balanitis y el grado alto de fimosis no serían contraindicación inicial del tratamiento conservador (AU)

Introduction. Currently there is no single application guideline established for the topical corticosteroid treatment of phimosis. We set out to compare the effectiveness of two of the most widely used guidelines, as well as the importance of other factors in the success of conservative treatment. Material and methods. Retrospective cohort-type analytical study, including children with uncomplicated phimosis who received two different regimens of topical corticosteroid application (with a rest period and a descending dose). The final result of circumcision or cure was studied based on the guideline and other epidemiological factors. Results. 159 children with a mean age of 6 years were included. The regimen with rest was applied in 57.9% of the patients with an adherence of 93.4% and a cure rate of 83.7%, compared to 79.1% in the group with a descending regimen (non-significant difference). An increased risk of circumcision was observed in patients with previous topical treatment and with scarred foreskin and a protective role of adherence to treatment. The presence of previous balanitis or the degree of phimosis is not associated with greater treatment failure. Conclusions. The application guidelines studied do not show significant differences in the cure rate. However, adherence is greater with the rest pattern, so it seems advisable. Balanitis and a high degree of phimosis would not be an initial contraindication to conservative treatment (AU)

Role of diesel exhaust particles in the induction of allergic asthma to low doses of soybean.

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to environmental pollutants such as diesel exhaust particles (DEP) increases the risk of asthma and asthma exacerbation. However, the exact mechanisms inducing asthma to low doses of allergens remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to analyse the immunomodulatory effect of the inhalation of DEP in a mouse model exposed to non-asthmagenic doses of soybean hull extract (SHE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: BALB/c ByJ mice were randomly divided into four experimental groups. Two groups received nasal instillations of saline and the other two groups received 3 mg ml-1 SHE during 5 days per week for 3 weeks. One group in each pair also received 150 µg of DEP in the same instillations 3 days per week. SHE-specific IgE levels, oxidative stress, leukocyte pattern and optical projection tomography (OPT) imaging studies were assessed. RESULTS: Inhalation of SHE and/or DEP increased levels of H2O2 in BAL, while coexposure to SHE and DEP increased SHE-specific IgE levels in serum. Inhalation of SHE alone increased eosinophils, B cells, total and resident monocytes and decreased levels of NK cells, while inhalation of DEP increased neutrophils and decreased total monocytes. Regarding dendritic cells (DC), the inhalation of SHE and/or DEP increased the total population, while the inhalation of SHE alone increased Th2-related DCs (CD11b + Ly6C-) and decreased tolerogenic DCs (CD11b-Ly6C-). However, coexposure to SHE and DEP increased oxidative stress-sensitive DCs (CD11b-Ly6C+) and decreased Th1-related DCs (CD11b + Ly6C+). As regards macrophages, inhalation of SHE and DEP decreased total and alveolar populations. DEP deposition in lung tissue did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Coexposure to DEP activates the asthmatic response to low doses of soy by triggering the immune response and oxidative stress.

Calidad de las espirometrías en Atención Primaria en Cantabria 10 años después. Estudio EspiroCan / Quality of spirometry in Primary Care in Cantabria 10 years later. EspiroCan Study

INTRODUCCIÓN: Estudiar la calidad de las espirometrías realizadas en el ámbito de Atención Primaria de la Comunidad de Cantabria y el grado de cumplimiento de la normativa de dicha técnica de la Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica (SEPAR). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo transversal en la Comunidad de Cantabria mediante cuestionario original basado en la última normativa SEPAR. El cuestionario se distribuyó en 2018 por correo interno a los 42 Centros de Salud del Servicio Cántabro de Salud que disponen de espirómetro tras contacto personal o vía telefónica de los investigadores con los coordinadores de los Centros de Salud y responsables de enfermería. Se trata de una encuesta original, basada en las normativas de la SEPAR, con la que se evalúa la calidad del material empleado (modelo, años de funcionamiento, calibración, limpieza), así como la formación del personal que realiza las espirometrías. RESULTADOS: Se ha encuestado al personal sanitario responsable de realizar las espirometrías en los 42 Centros de Salud del Servicio Cántabro de Salud de todo el territorio cántabro, en el que se realiza una media de 564 espirometrías al mes. Un 13% de los espirómetros no se calibran nunca. Tan solo el 10,5% de los espirómetros son calibrados por el personal que realiza la prueba en el propio centro. El 53,7% de estos profesionales (N54) nunca han recibido formación específica para realizar espirometrías, y solo el 3,8% de ellos tienen experiencia en realizar la prueba, como recomienda la SEPAR. En cuanto a la limpieza de los aparatos un 30% de los técnicos no limpia el espirómetro ni el adaptador que lo une a la boquilla. CONCLUSIONES: Diez años después de nuestro estudio inicial seguimos observando un déficit de formación de nuestros profesionales de Atención Primaria, lo que podría poner en duda la validez de las espirometrías

INTRODUCTION: To study the quality of spirometry performed in Primary Care in Cantabria (Spain) and the level of compliance with the regulations of this technique of the Spanish Society of Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study in the Community of Cantabria using an original questionnaire based on the latest SEPAR regulations. The questionnaire was distributed in 2018 by internal mail to the 42 Primary Care Centres of the Cantabrian Health Service, with the coordinators of the PCC and the nurses responsible having been personally contacted by the researchers or by telephone. This is an original survey, based on the regulations of the SEPAR, which evaluates the quality of the material used (model, years of operation, calibration, cleanliness), as well as the training of personnel who perform spirometry. RESULTS: The health personnel responsible for performing spirometry were surveyed in the 42 Primary Care Centres of the Cantabrian Health Service throughout the Cantabrian area. A mean of 564 spirometries are performed per month. A significant number (13%) of spirometers are never calibrated, and only 10.5% of the spirometers are calibrated by the personnel who perform the test in the centre itself. More than half (54, 53.7%) of these professionals have never received specific training to perform spirometry, and only 3.8% of them have experience in performing the test as recommended by SEPAR. As for the cleaning of the devices, 30% of the technicians do not clean the spirometer or the adapter. CONCLUSIONS: 10 years after our initial study lack of training is still being observed in the professionals, and probably translates into invalid spirometry

Sobre los cuestionarios de calidad de vida en fibrilación auricular / On the quality of life questionnaires in atrial fibrillation

No disponible

[Quality of spirometry in Primary Care in Cantabria 10 years later. EspiroCan Study]. / Calidad de las espirometrías en Atención Primaria en Cantabria 10 años después. Estudio EspiroCan.

INTRODUCTION: To study the quality of spirometry performed in Primary Care in Cantabria (Spain) and the level of compliance with the regulations of this technique of the Spanish Society of Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study in the Community of Cantabria using an original questionnaire based on the latest SEPAR regulations. The questionnaire was distributed in 2018 by internal mail to the 42 Primary Care Centres of the Cantabrian Health Service, with the coordinators of the PCC and the nurses responsible having been personally contacted by the researchers or by telephone. This is an original survey, based on the regulations of the SEPAR, which evaluates the quality of the material used (model, years of operation, calibration, cleanliness), as well as the training of personnel who perform spirometry. RESULTS: The health personnel responsible for performing spirometry were surveyed in the 42 Primary Care Centres of the Cantabrian Health Service throughout the Cantabrian area. A mean of 564 spirometries are performed per month. A significant number (13%) of spirometers are never calibrated, and only 10.5% of the spirometers are calibrated by the personnel who perform the test in the centre itself. More than half (54, 53.7%) of these professionals have never received specific training to perform spirometry, and only 3.8% of them have experience in performing the test as recommended by SEPAR. As for the cleaning of the devices, 30% of the technicians do not clean the spirometer or the adapter. CONCLUSIONS: 10 years after our initial study lack of training is still being observed in the professionals, and probably translates into invalid spirometry.

The immunomodulatory effects of diesel exhaust particles in asthma.

Ammonium persulfate (AP) causes occupational asthma (OA) and diesel exhaust particles (DEP) exacerbate asthma; however, the role of DEP in asthma due to chemical agents has not been assessed to date. Therefore, the present work aims to study the immunomodulatory effects of DEP in a mouse model of chemical asthma. BALB/c ByJ mice were randomly divided into four experimental groups. On days 1 and 8, mice were dermally sensitized with AP or saline. On days 15, 18 and 21, they received intranasal instillations of AP or saline. Two experimental groups received DEP on every of the three challenges. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), lung mechanics, pulmonary inflammation in bronchoalveolar lavage, leukocyte numbers in total lung tissue, oxidative stress and optical projection tomography (OPT) studies were assessed. The AP-sensitized and challenged group showed asthma-like responses, such as airway hyperresponsiveness, increased levels of eosinophils and NKs and lower numbers of monocytes and CD11b-Ly6C- dendritic cells (DCs). Mice exposed to DEP alone showed increased levels of neutrophils and NKs, reduced numbers of monocytes and alveolar macrophages, and increased levels of CD11b + Ly6C- DCs. The AP sensitized and AP + DEP challenged group also showed asthma-like symptoms such as AHR, as well as increased numbers of eosinophils, neutrophils, CD11b + Ly6C- DCs and decreased levels of total and alveolar macrophages and tolerogenic DCs. Particle deposition was visualised using OPT. In the DEP group the particles were distributed relatively evenly, while in the AP + DEP group they were seen mainly in the large conducting airways. The results show that DEP exposure activates the innate immune response and, together with AP, exacerbates asthma immune hallmarks. This mouse model provides the first evidence of the capacity of DEPs to increase CD11b + Ly6C- (Th2-related) DCs. This study also demonstrates, for the first time, a differential deposition pattern of DEP in lungs depending on asthma status.

Immunomodulatory effect of pigeon serum in an acute and chronic murine model of bird fanciers lung.

INTRODUCTION: Since the immunopathological mechanisms of bird fancier's lung (BFL) are not well known, we created two models of the disease (acute and chronic BFL) to study and compare the pathways involved in its immunopathogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were used. Two intraperitoneal injections of 100 µL of commercial pigeon serum (PS) or saline (SAL) were administered with an interval of 48 h in between. Subsequently, intranasal instillations of 40 µL of PS or SAL were performed three days a week, for three weeks in the acute model (AC/PS) and for twelve weeks in the chronic model (CR/PS). Total lung capacity (TLC) was assessed. Pulmonary inflammation was evaluated in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and total serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G was measured in serum samples 24 h, 7 days and 14 days after the last exposure. Histological studies of lungs were assessed. RESULTS: A drop in TLC was observed in treated mice. This decrease was more marked in the CR/PS group (p < 0.001). Neutrophil and lymphocyte counts increased in both AC/PS and CR/PS groups (p < 0.01). The extent of airway inflammation was also examined in the histological analysis of the lungs, which showed predominant perivascular and peribronchiolar inflammation, with centrilobular oedema and subpleural inflammation in the AC/PS group. In the CR/PS group, the changes were greater, with increased levels of IL-5, IL-17F, IL-13 and IL-10 and decreased levels of IL-2. CONCLUSIONS: Bronchial inflammation is present in acute and chronic models of HP following exposure to PS. Our results support the role of neutrophils and IL-17 in the development of the disease and an evolution towards a Th-2 immune response in chronic HP. These models may serve as a tool for future studies of the pathogenesis of HP.