The impact of photovoltaic self-consumption on the daily electricity demand in Spain: Definition of a model to estimate it.

Introduction: A radical shift in energy production is underway worldwide, replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources and causing structural changes in power generation systems. Problem statement: Photovoltaic installations for self-consumption have experienced a steep increase in recent years. They have reached a significant installed capacity to cause a noticeable reduction in consumption from the national grid, which can cause serious management problems. Objectives: In this work, the evolution of the Spanish demand in the last years is analyzed to identify the influence of self-consumption in the overall demand. In addition, a mathematical model is defined to estimate this influence. Methodology: The demand curves of equivalent days in years with high and low installed self-consumption photovoltaic systems have been compared. Then, an estimation of the electricity generated with this source is proposed, with a mathematical model that takes into account data on solar radiation, installed photovoltaic power for self-consumption and other relevant factors. Results: The analysis of the demand has shown a significant reduction of the electricity demand in daylight hours when the number of self-consumption photovoltaic systems increases. Moreover, the proposed model has been able to provide an estimation of the electricity generated with this source. The addition of these estimates to the actual consumption curves of years with a high number of self-consumption installations gives profiles close to those obtained when self-consumption was low. Recommendation: New storage systems need to be implemented and grid management need to be improved to take advantage of the surpluses produced by photovoltaic systems.

Optimization of a modified Captiva EMR-lipid method based on micro-matrix solid-phase dispersion coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the determination of nine bisphenols in mussel samples.

This work describes a reliable, cheap, easy and fast method for analysis of nine bisphenols in mussel samples by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after trimethylsilylation. The modified method consisted of miniaturized matrix solid phase dispersion (micro-MSPD) in a glass Pasteur pipette using Captiva EMR (enhanced matrix removal)-lipid as the sorbent. Good linearity was obtained in the work range (1-500 µg L-1) with a correlation coefficient (R2) ≥ 0.998. The method accuracy and precision were determined at two concentration levels. The results show recoveries ranging from 55 to 111%. The precision varied from 1.95 to 11.4% (RSD). The whole quantification limits were between 0.056 and 3.42 µg per kg dry weight. The analytical procedure was applied for the analyses of five mussel samples collected from Galician Rias. The major compound was BPA, and wild mussels from Rías de Ferrol, Vigo and A Coruña had the highest levels. The proposed method is suitable for the analysis of BPA and its analogues in mussel samples.

A Fluorescent Furan-based Probe with Protected Functional Groups for Highly Selective and Non-Toxic Imaging of HT-29 Cancer Cells and 4T1 Tumors.

Most of the previously reported fluorescent organic probes for cancer cell and tumor imaging have significant limitations including chemical toxicity, structural instability, low Stokes shift value, and the inability for selective accumulations in tumors during in vivo imaging. To overcome the mentioned challenges, we synthesized the fluorescent probes with protected polar functional groups to enhance the non-toxicity nature and increase the selectivity toward tumors. In addition, the structural rigidity of the fluorescent probes was increased by embedding aromatic rings in the probe structure. This issue enables us to obtain ultrabright cell images due to enhanced fluorescence quantum yield (ΦFL) values. After synthesis and spectral characterizations, the applicability of two furan-based and imidazole-based fluorescent probes ( abbreviated as DCPEF and DBPPI, respectively) was investigated for ultrabright in vitro and in vivo imaging of cancer cells. The probe DCPEF shows the ΦFL value of 0.946 and the Stocks shift of 86 nm. In addition, probe DBPPI offers the ΦFL value of 0.400 and a Stocks shift of 150 nm. The MTT colorimetric cytotoxicity assay showed that probe DCPEF has minimal effects against HT-29 (cancer) and Vero (normal) cells. The probe DCPEF produced ultrabright fluorescence images from HT-29 cells. In addition, in vivo imaging of cancer cells showed that probe DCPEF selectively accumulates in the 4T1 tumor in mice. The spectral and chemical stability, minimal cytotoxicity, significant Stokes shift, and high degree of selectivity for tumor cells during in vivo imaging make DCPEF an appropriate candidate to be used as a standard probe for cancer cell imaging.

[Gender perspective in the care experience and in the results of patients who consult for chest pain in an emergency department]. / Perspectiva de género en la experiencia asistencial y en los resultados de pacientes que consultan por dolor torácico en un servicio de urgencias.

Objective: Clinical practice guidelines suggest performing an electrocardiogram (EKG) in patients with chest pain within the first 10 minutes in the emergency department, warning about subdiagnosis in women. Possible differences based on sex were analyzed. Method: An observational and retrospective study in an Emergency Department, with adult patients admitted to the Chest Pain Unit in 2021. Results: There were 1,469 patients, of whom 774 were men (52.7%). The men were younger (60 vs. 65 years), were less overweight (17.18 vs. 22.16%), and had more previous admissions to the Coronary Unit (12 vs. 7%), compared to women. No gender differences were observed in EKG performance (91 vs. 90%), EKG time (median 4.1 vs. 4.5 minutes), or delay in care attention (median 25 vs. 26 minutes). In terms of healthcare resources, men underwent more biomarkers: troponins (63 vs. 55%; odds ratio [OR]: 1.35; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.10-1.67) and creatine phosphokinase (24.8 vs. 19.1%), received more aspirin (6.7 vs. 3.1%), nitrates/nitrites (6 vs. 3%), and hospitalization (17.18 vs. 10.50%; OR: 1.76; 95%CI; 1.30-2.40). Of 206 hospitalized, 112 had a final diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (54%), more men than women (81 vs. 31). There were no significant differences in revascularization time, medication schedule at discharge, hospital stay, or mortality. Conclusions: Gender did not affect precordial pain care, diagnosis, and treatment times, highlighting the quality of hospital care.

Objetivo: Las guías de práctica clínica sugieren realizar electrocardiograma (ECG) en pacientes con dolor precordial dentro de los primeros 10 minutos en urgencias, advirtiendo sobre el subdiagnóstico en mujeres. Se analizaron las posibles diferencias en función del sexo. Método. Método: Estudio observacional y retrospectivo en una central de emergencias de adultos, con pacientes ingresados a la unidad de dolor torácico durante 2021. Resultados: Hubo 1,469 pacientes, de los cuales 774 eran hombres (52.7%). Los hombres eran más jóvenes (60 vs. 65 años), tenían menos sobrepeso (17.18 vs. 22.16%) y más ingresos previos en unidad coronaria (12 vs. 7%). No se observaron diferencias de género en la realización de ECG (91 vs. 90%), tiempo para el ECG (mediana 4.1 vs. 4.5 minutos) o tiempo de demora en atención (mediana 25 vs. 26 minutos). En términos de recursos sanitarios, los hombres se sometieron más a biomarcadores: troponinas (63 vs. 55%; odds ratio [OR]: 1.35; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 1.10-1.67) y creatina fosfocinasa (24.8 vs. 19.1%), recibieron más aspirina (6.7 vs. 3.1%), nitratos/nitritos (6 vs. 3%), y hospitalización (17.18 vs. 10.50%; OR: 1.76; IC95%: 1.30-2.40). De 206 internados, 112 tuvieron diagnóstico final de síndrome coronario agudo (54%), más hombres que mujeres (81 vs. 31). No hubo diferencias significativas en tiempos de revascularización, esquema de medicación al alta, tiempo de estadía ni en mortalidad hospitalaria. Conclusiones: El género no afectó a los tiempos de atención, diagnóstico y tratamiento del dolor precordial, destacando la calidad de atención hospitalaria.

Expression of Mitochondrial Long Non-Coding RNAs, MDL1 and MDL1AS, Are Good Prognostic and/or Diagnostic Biomarkers for Several Cancers, Including Colorectal Cancer.

Non-coding RNAs provide new opportunities to identify biomarkers that properly classify cancer patients. Here, we study the biomarker status of the mitochondrial long non-coding RNAs, MDL1 and MDL1AS. Expression of these genes was studied in public transcriptomic databases. In addition, a cohort of 69 locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients with a follow-up of more than 5 years was used to determine the prognostic value of these markers. Furthermore, cell lines of colorectal (HCT116) and breast (MDA-MB-231) carcinoma were employed to study the effects of downregulating MDL1AS in vitro. Expression of MDL1AS (but not MDL1) was significantly different in tumor cells than in the surrounding tissue in a tumor-type-specific context. Both MDL1 and MDL1AS were accurate biomarkers for the 5-year survival of LARC patients (p = 0.040 and p = 0.007, respectively) with promising areas under the curve in the ROC analyses (0.820 and 0.930, respectively). MDL1AS downregulation reduced mitochondrial respiration in both cell lines. Furthermore, this downregulation produced a decrease in growth and migration on colorectal cells, but the reverse effects on breast cancer cells. In summary, MDL1 and MDL1AS can be used as reliable prognostic biomarkers of LARC, and MDL1AS expression provides relevant information on the diagnosis of different cancers.

MicroRNA-guided drug discovery for mitigating persistent pulmonary complications in critical COVID-19 survivors: A longitudinal pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection pose a significant global challenge, with nearly 50% of critical COVID-19 survivors manifesting persistent lung abnormalities. The lack of understanding about the molecular mechanisms and effective treatments hampers their management. Here, we employed microRNA (miRNA) profiling to decipher the systemic molecular underpinnings of the persistent pulmonary complications. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We conducted a longitudinal investigation including 119 critical COVID-19 survivors. A comprehensive pulmonary evaluation was performed in the short-term (median = 94.0 days after hospital discharge) and long-term (median = 358 days after hospital discharge). Plasma miRNAs were quantified at the short-term evaluation using the gold-standard technique, RT-qPCR. The analyses combined machine learning feature selection techniques with bioinformatic investigations. Two additional datasets were incorporated for validation. KEY RESULTS: In the short-term, 84% of the survivors exhibited impaired lung diffusion (DLCO  < 80% of predicted). One year post-discharge, 54.4% of this patient subgroup still presented abnormal DLCO . Four feature selection methods identified two specific miRNAs, miR-9-5p and miR-486-5p, linked to persistent lung dysfunction. The downstream experimentally validated targetome included 1473 genes, with heterogeneous enriched pathways associated with inflammation, angiogenesis and cell senescence. Validation studies using RNA-sequencing and proteomic datasets emphasized the pivotal roles of cell migration and tissue repair in persistent lung dysfunction. The repositioning potential of the miRNA targets was limited. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Our study reveals early mechanistic pathways contributing to persistent lung dysfunction in critical COVID-19 survivors, offering a promising approach for the development of targeted disease-modifying agents.

Reinvigorating aza-Michael reactions under ionic liquid catalysis: a greener approach.

Cholinium α-amino carboxylates, which debuted in the ionic liquid arena over a decade ago, exhibit superior stability and suitable physical properties relative to other RTILs. Although synthetic pursuits in such media, leveraging their dual role as solvents and catalysts, have been scarce so far, we herein illustrate their catalytic advantage in aza-Michael reactions in terms of low loading, acceleration and improved yields with respect to conventional conditions and other imidazolium-based ILs. These highly structured salts most likely act through multiple and cooperative non-covalent interactions. These mechanistic features have also been investigated through high-level computational analyses as well.

Prognostic relevance of female gender on mortality after peripheral artery disease revascularization / Relevancia pronóstica del género femenino en la mor talidad luego de la revascularización de la enfermedad arterial periférica

Abstract Introduction : Lower limb peripheral artery disease (PAD) presents high morbidity and mortality. Women represent a small subgroup in different studies, with scarce evidence regarding the prognosis of this gender on PAD. The aim of the present work was to determine the prognostic impact of female gender on lower limb PAD revascularization. Methods : This was a retrospective, single-center study, including patients undergoing symptomatic lower limb PAD revascularization. Results : Among a total of 309 patients included in the study, 109 belonged to the female gender (35%). Women were older and presented lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors compared with the male gender. All-cause mortality (22% vs. 12%, p = 0.02) and re-hospitalizations for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (18% vs. 10%, p = 0.04) rates were significantly higher in women. In a multivariate regression model, female gender was independently associated with all-cause mortality (OR 2.19 [95% CI: 1.06-4.51], p = 0.03). The time-to-event showed that women exhibited 93% more risk of suffering death than men, after adjusting for clinically relevant variables (HR 1.93 [95% CI: 1.04-3.56], p = 0.04). Discussion : Women with symptomatic PAD revascu larization presented worse prognosis than men in terms of all-cause mortality and re-hospitalizations for chronic limb-threatening ischemia rates. Therefore, it is essen tial to achieve an adequate control of cardiovascular risk factors, as well as to optimize medical treatment in female patients.

Resumen Introducción : La enfermedad arterial de miembros inferiores (EAMI) presenta elevada morbimortalidad. Las mujeres constituyen un subgrupo minoritario en distin tos estudios, con escasa evidencia acerca del pronóstico por género en EAMI. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar el impacto pronóstico del género femenino en la revascu larización de EAMI. Métodos : Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo y unicén trico, que incluyó pacientes con EAMI sintomática y revascularizada. Resultados : Se incluyeron 309 pacientes, de los cuales 109 (35%) eran mujeres. Las mujeres fueron más añosas y presentaron menor prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular en comparación a los hombres. Las tasas de mortalidad por todas las causas (22% vs. 12%, p = 0.02) y de hospitalizaciones por isquemia crítica (18% vs. 10%, p 0.04) fueron significativamente mayores en mujeres. En el modelo de regresión multivariado, el sexo femenino se asoció de forma independiente con mortalidad por todas las causas (OR 2.19 [IC 95%: 1.06-4.51], p = 0.03). En el análisis de tiempo al evento, las mujeres tuvieron 93% más riesgo de morir que los hombres, luego de ajustar por variables clínicamente relevantes (HR 1.93 [IC 95%: 1.04-3.56], p = 0.04). Discusión : Las mujeres con EAMI sintomática y re vascularizada presentaron un peor pronóstico en com paración a los hombres en términos de tasas de mor talidad por todas las causas y de hospitalizaciones por isquemia crítica de miembros inferiores. Por lo tanto, es fundamental lograr un adecuado control de factores de riesgo cardiovascular, como así también, optimizar el tratamiento médico en el género femenino.

Implante de filtros de protección embólica en vena cava inferior duplicada / Implant of embolic protection filters in duplicated vena cava

Resumen Se presenta el caso de un paciente con enferme dad tromboembólica venosa y contraindicación de anticoagulación en el cual se halló incidentalmente una duplicación de vena cava inferior, situación que determinó la necesidad del implante de dos filtros de protección embólica. Si bien esta anomalía vascular es de escasa presentación, es importante tener presente esta posibilidad para asegurarse de brindar una co rrecta protección a la hora del implante de filtros de vena cava inferior.

Abstract We present the case of a patient with venous throm boembolic disease and contraindication to anticoagu lation, where the incidental finding of a duplication of the inferior vena cava was made. This observation determined the need to implant two embolic protection filters. Although this vascular anomaly is rarely present, it is important to keep this possibility in mind to ensure that proper protection is provided when inferior vena cava filters are implanted.

Prognostic relevance of female gender on mortality after peripheral artery disease revascularization.

INTRODUCTION: Lower limb peripheral artery disease (PAD) presents high morbidity and mortality. Women represent a small subgroup in different studies, with scarce evidence regarding the prognosis of this gender on PAD. The aim of the present work was to determine the prognostic impact of female gender on lower limb PAD revascularization. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center study, including patients undergoing symptomatic lower limb PAD revascularization. RESULTS: Among a total of 309 patients included in the study, 109 belonged to the female gender (35%). Women were older and presented lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors compared with the male gender. All-cause mortality (22% vs. 12%, p = 0.02) and rehospitalizations for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (18% vs. 10%, p = 0.04) rates were significantly higher in women. In a multivariate regression model, female gender was independently associated with all-cause mortality (OR 2.19 [95% CI: 1.06-4.51], p = 0.03). The timeto-event showed that women exhibited 93% more risk of suffering death than men, after adjusting for clinically relevant variables (HR 1.93 [95% CI: 1.04-3.56], p = 0.04). DISCUSSION: Women with symptomatic PAD revascularization presented worse prognosis than men in terms of all-cause mortality and re-hospitalizations for chronic limb-threatening ischemia rates. Therefore, it is essential to achieve an adequate control of cardiovascular risk factors, as well as to optimize medical treatment in female patients.

Introducción: La enfermedad arterial de miembros inferiores (EAMI) presenta elevada morbimortalidad. Las mujeres constituyen un subgrupo minoritario en distintos estudios, con escasa evidencia acerca del pronóstico por género en EAMI. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar el impacto pronóstico del género femenino en la revascularización de EAMI. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo y unicéntrico, que incluyó pacientes con EAMI sintomática y revascularizada. Resultados: Se incluyeron 309 pacientes, de los cuales 109 (35%) eran mujeres. Las mujeres fueron más añosas y presentaron menor prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular en comparación a los hombres. Las tasas de mortalidad por todas las causas (22% vs. 12%, p = 0.02) y de hospitalizaciones por isquemia crítica (18% vs. 10%, p 0.04) fueron significativamente mayores en mujeres. En el modelo de regresión multivariado, el sexo femenino se asoció de forma independiente con mortalidad por todas las causas (OR 2.19 [IC 95%: 1.06-4.51], p = 0.03). En el análisis de tiempo al evento, las mujeres tuvieron 93% más riesgo de morir que los hombres, luego de ajustar por variables clínicamente relevantes (HR 1.93 [IC 95%: 1.04-3.56], p = 0.04). Discusión: Las mujeres con EAMI sintomática y revascularizada presentaron un peor pronóstico en comparación a los hombres en términos de tasas de mortalidad por todas las causas y de hospitalizaciones por isquemia crítica de miembros inferiores. Por lo tanto, es fundamental lograr un adecuado control de factores de riesgo cardiovascular, como así también, optimizar el tratamiento médico en el género femenino.

Procedural and long-term outcomes of elective endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in octogenarians / Resultados perioperatorios y a largo plazo de la reparación electiva endovascular del aneurisma de aorta abdominal en octogenarios

Abstract Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the immediate and long-term outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) between patients under and over the age of 80 with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods: From 2011 to 2017, we conducted a retrospective cohort study with AAA patients who received elective EVAR. Primary outcomes included hospital mortality, length of stay, acute kidney injury, and the need for re-interventions. Secondary outcomes included aneurysm-related mortality, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, acute limb ischemia, and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Results: A total of 77 (62.6%) patients under the age of 80 years old and 46 (37.4%) octogenarians were included in the study. The male gender and AAA diameter did not differ among groups (92.2% vs. 82.6%, p = 0.11 and 5.4 cm [4.9-6.2 cm] vs. 5.4 cm [5-6 cm], p = 0.53, respectively). The younger patients had a higher prevalence of tobacco use (72.7% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.01). There were no deaths during the index hospitalization. The incidence of reinterventions (5.3% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.11) and acute kidney injury (14.3% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.18) did not differ between groups, but the length of stay was longer for octogenarian patients (3 days [2-4] vs. 2 days [2-3, p = 0.04]). Endoleaks were the most common cause for re-interventions (81.8%), with a prevalence of 34% across the entire cohort. There were no differences in any of the secondary outcomes between groups. Conclusion: In octogenarian patients with AAA, EVAR represents a safe procedure both during the index hospitalization and during long-term follow-up.

Resumen Objetivo: Comparar los resultados inmediatos y a largo plazo de la reparación endovascular del aneurisma de aorta abdominal (REVA) entre pacientes menores de 80 años y octogenarios. Método: Cohorte retrospectiva que incluyó pacientes con aneurisma de aorta abdominal (AAA) sometidos a REVA electiva desde 2011 hasta 2017. Se evaluaron como punto finales primarios la mortalidad hospitalaria, la duración de la estadía hospitalaria, la incidencia de insuficiencia renal aguda y el requerimiento de reintervenciones. Los puntos finales secundarios incluyeron la mortalidad asociada al aneurisma, infarto agudo de miocardio, accidente cerebrovascular, isquemia arterial aguda de las extremidades y ventilación mecánica prolongada. Resultados: Se incluyeron 77 (62.6%) pacientes menores de 80 años y 46 (37.4%) octogenarios. La prevalencia de sexo masculino y el diámetro del AAA no difirieron entre ambos grupos (92.2% vs. 82.6%, p = 0.11 y 5.4 cm [4.9-6.2 cm] vs. 5.4 cm [5-6 cm], p = 0.53, respectivamente). Los pacientes más jóvenes presentaron una mayor prevalencia de tabaquismo (72.7% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.01). No se registraron muertes durante la hospitalización índice. La incidencia de reintervenciones (5.3% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.11) e insuficiencia renal aguda (14.3% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.18) no difirieron entre ambos grupos, pero la estadía hospitalaria fue más prolongada en pacientes octogenarios (3 días [2-4 días] vs. 2 días [2-3 días], p = 0.04). La causa más frecuente de reintervenciones fue la presencia de endofugas (81.8%), con una prevalencia del 34% en toda la cohorte. No se observaron diferencias en ninguno de los puntos finales secundarios entre ambos grupos. Conclusión: En pacientes octogenarios con AAA, la REVA presentó un buen perfil de seguridad perioperatorio y a largo plazo.

Targeting 7KCh-Induced Cell Death Response Mediated by p38, P2X7 and GSDME in Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells with Sterculic Acid.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main cause of blindness in developed countries. AMD is characterized by the formation of drusen, which are lipidic deposits, between retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the choroid. One of the main molecules accumulated in drusen is 7-Ketocholesterol (7KCh), an oxidized-cholesterol derivative. It is known that 7KCh induces inflammatory and cytotoxic responses in different cell types and the study of its mechanism of action is interesting in order to understand the development of AMD. Sterculic acid (SA) counteracts 7KCh response in RPE cells and could represent an alternative to improve currently used AMD treatments, which are not efficient enough. In the present study, we determine that 7KCh induces a complex cell death signaling characterized by the activation of necrosis and an alternative pyroptosis mediated by P2X7, p38 and GSDME, a new mechanism not yet related to the response to 7KCh until now. On the other hand, SA treatment can successfully attenuate the activation of both necrosis and pyroptosis, highlighting its therapeutic potential for the treatment of AMD.

Plasma-Enabled Selective Synthesis of Biobased Phenolics from Lignin-Derived Feedstock.

Converting abundant biomass-derived feedstocks into value-added platform chemicals has attracted increasing interest in biorefinery; however, the rigorous operating conditions that are required limit the commercialization of these processes. Nonthermal plasma-based electrification using intermittent renewable energy is an emerging alternative for sustainable next-generation chemical synthesis under mild conditions. Here, we report a hydrogen-free tunable plasma process for the selective conversion of lignin-derived anisole into phenolics with a high selectivity of 86.9% and an anisole conversion of 45.6% at 150 °C. The selectivity to alkylated chemicals can be tuned through control of the plasma alkylation process by changing specific energy input. The combined experimental and computational results reveal that the plasma generated H and CH3 radicals exhibit a "catalytic effect" that reduces the activation energy of the transalkylation reactions, enabling the selective anisole conversion at low temperatures. This work opens the way for the sustainable and selective production of phenolic chemicals from biomass-derived feedstocks under mild conditions.

[Implant of embolic protection filters in duplicated vena cava]. / Implante de filtros de protección embólica en vena cava inferior duplicada.

We present the case of a patient with venous thromboembolic disease and contraindication to anticoagulation, where the incidental finding of a duplication of the inferior vena cava was made. This observation determined the need to implant two embolic protection filters. Although this vascular anomaly is rarely present, it is important to keep this possibility in mind to ensure that proper protection is provided when inferior vena cava filters are implanted.

Se presenta el caso de un paciente con enfermedad tromboembólica venosa y contraindicación de anticoagulación en el cual se halló incidentalmente una duplicación de vena cava inferior, situación que determinó la necesidad del implante de dos filtros de protección embólica. Si bien esta anomalía vascular es de escasa presentación, es importante tener presente esta posibilidad para asegurarse de brindar una correcta protección a la hora del implante de filtros de vena cava inferior.

Chronic systemic glucocorticoid therapy is associated with increased risk of major vascular complications and cardiac tamponade after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: TAVI-related complications, such as conduction disturbances, vascular complications or death may be related to increased inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to elucidate the efficacy and safety of the systemic glucocorticoid therapy regarding the adverse events after TAVI deployment. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We conducted a systemic search of PubMed, a reference list of relevant articles, and Medline. The main efficacy outcomes of interest were all-cause death, cardiac and non-cardiac death, permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM), new left bundle branch block (LBBB), stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI). Safety endpoints were major vascular complications, major bleeding events, and cardiac tamponade. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 7 studies including data from 3439 patients with a median follow-up was 30 days. Systemic glucocorticoid compared to the control group were associated with an increased risk of non-cardiac death (Relative Risk [RR] 5.90 95%CI [2.95; 11.80], P<0.001) major vascular complications (RR 1.78, 95%CI [1.22 - 2.61], P=0.003) and cardiac tamponade (RR 3.42, 95%CI [1.69 - 6.92], P<0.001). However, there were no differences in all-cause death, cardiac death, new LBBB, stroke, MI, or major bleeding events (all P values >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Glucocorticoid therapy before the TAVI procedure was associated with an increase in non-cardiac death, major vascular events and cardiac tamponade. There were no differences in the risk of all-cause death, cardiac death, PPM or LBBB, stroke, or MI.

Effects of Climate Change on Soil Organic Matter C and H Isotope Composition in a Mediterranean Savannah (Dehesa): An Assessment Using Py-CSIA.

Dehesas are Mediterranean agro-sylvo-pastoral systems sensitive to climate change. Extreme climate conditions forecasted for Mediterranean areas may change soil C turnover, which is of relevance for soil biogeochemistry modeling. The effect of climate change on soil organic matter (SOM) is investigated in a field experiment mimicking environmental conditions of global change scenarios (soil temperature increase, +2-3 °C, W; rainfall exclusion, 30%, D; a combination of both, W+D). Pyrolysis-compound-specific isotope analysis (Py-CSIA) is used for C and H isotope characterization of SOM compounds and to forecast trends exerted by the induced climate shift. After 2.5 years, significant δ13C and δ2H isotopic enrichments were detected. Observed short- and mid-chain n-alkane δ13C shifts point to an increased microbial SOM reworking in the W treatment; a 2H enrichment of up to 40‰ of lignin methoxyphenols was found when combining W+D treatments under the tree canopy, probably related to H fractionation due to increased soil water evapotranspiration. Our findings indicate that the effect of the tree canopy drives SOM dynamics in dehesas and that, in the short term, foreseen climate change scenarios will exert changes in the SOM dynamics comprising the biogeochemical C and H cycles.

Galectin-3 contributes to acute cardiac dysfunction and toxicity by increasing oxidative stress and fibrosis in doxorubicin-treated mice.

BACKGROUND: Doxorubicin (DOX) leads to cardiovascular toxicity through direct cardiomyocyte injury and inflammation. We aimed to study the role of Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a ß-galactosidase binding lectin associated with inflammation and fibrosis in DOX-induced acute cardiotoxicity in mice. METHODS: Male C57 and Gal-3 knockout (KO) mice were given a single dose of DOX (15 mg/kg, i.p) or placebo. Serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and cardiac thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) were measured at 3 days to assess cardiac injury and oxidative stress. Cardiac remodeling and function were studied by echocardiography and catheterization at 7 days. Myocardial fibrosis was quantified in picrosirius red stained slices. RESULTS: Absence of Gal-3 tended to reduce the mortality after DOX. DOX significantly increased CPK, LDH, AST and TBARS while treated Gal-3 KO mice showed reduced injury and oxidative stress. After 7 days, adverse remodeling, fibrosis and dysfunction in treated-C57 mice were severely affected while those effects were prevented by absence of Gal-3. CONCLUSION: In summary, genetic deletion of Gal-3 prevented cardiac damage, adverse remodeling and dysfunction, associated with reduced cardiac oxidative stress and fibrosis. Understanding the contribution of GAL-3 to doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity reinforces its potential use as a therapeutic target in patients with several cancer types.

A hypothermia mimetic molecule (zr17-2) reduces ganglion cell death, gliosis, and electroretinogram distortion in male rats subjected to perinatal asphyxia.

Introduction: Perinatal asphyxia (PA) represents a major problem in perinatology and may cause visual losses, including blindness. We, and others, have shown that hypothermia prevents retinal symptoms associated to PA. In the present work, we evaluate whether a hypothermia mimetic small molecule, zr17-2, has similar effects in the context of PA. Methods: Four experimental groups were studied in male rats: Naturally born rats as controls (CTL), naturally born rats injected s.c. with 50 µL of 330 nmols/L zr17-2 (ZR), animals that were exposed to PA for 20 min at 37°C (PA), and rats that were exposed to PA and injected with zr17-2 (PA-ZR). Forty-five days after treatment, animals were subjected to electroretinography. In addition, morphological techniques (TUNEL, H&E, multiple immunofluorescence) were applied to the retinas. Results: A reduction in the amplitude of the a- and b-wave and oscillatory potentials (OP) of the electroretinogram (ERG) was detected in PA animals. Treatment with zr17-2 resulted in a significant amelioration of these parameters (p < 0.01). In PA animals, a large number of apoptotic cells was found in the GCL. This number was significantly reduced by treatment with the small molecule (p < 0.0001). In a similar way, the thickness of the inner retina and the intensity of GFAP immunoreactivity (gliosis) increased in PA retinas (p < 0.0001). These parameters were corrected by the administration of zr17-2 (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, injection of the small molecule in the absence of PA did not modify the ERG nor the morphological parameters studied, suggesting a lack of toxicity. Discussion: In conclusion, our results indicate that a single s.c. injection of zr17-2 in asphyctic neonates may provide a novel and efficacious method to prevent the visual sequelae of PA.

Clinical impact of the infrapatellar location in symptomatic peripheral arterial disease patients / Impacto clínico de la localización infrapatelar en pacientes con enfermedad arterial periférica sintomática

Abstract Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) frequently affects multiple segments of the limbs. Contradictory data have reported worse prognosis in aortoiliac lesions, nevertheless, diabetes and chronic limb ischemia frequently affects the infrapatellar territory. Our aim was to assess the impact of infrapatellar disease in cardiovascular outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective, observational cohort study at a university hospital in Argentina. Electronic health records were retrospectively reviewed including symptomatic PAD patients requiring revascularization. A multivariable regression model was performed to account for confounders. The primary endpoint was a composite of hospitalizations due to chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) and major amputation events between infrapatellar and suprapatellar patients. Minor amputation events, all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and major cardiovascular events (MACE) were secondary endpoints. Results: From January 2014 through July 2020, a total of 309 patients were included in the analysis. 151 patients had suprapatellar disease, and 158 had infrapatellar disease. The primary composite endpoint occurred in 35 patients (22.2%) in the infrapatellar patients and 18 patients (11.9%) in the suprapatellar patients (HR = 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.22-3.82]; p = 0.008). Both components of the primary outcomes occurred more frequently in infrapatellar patients. Minor amputation events were more prevalent in infrapatellar patients (HR = 5.09; 95% CI = [1.47-17.6]; p = 0.010). Death, MI, stroke, and MACE events were not different among groups (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Infrapatellar disease was an independent factor for increased hospitalization of CLTI, major and minor amputations events, compared to suprapatellar disease in symptomatic revascularized PAD patients.

Resumen Objetivo: La enfermedad vascular periférica (EVP) afecta generalmente múltiples segmentos de los miembros. Existe información contradictoria con respecto al pronóstico de pacientes con enfermedad aortoilíaca, sin embargo, la diabetes y la enfermedad critica de miembros inferiores habitualmente afecta el territorio infrapatelar. Nuestro objetivo es determinar el impacto de la afectación infrapatelar en eventos cardiovasculares. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional en un hospital universitario de Argentina. Se revisó la historia clínica electrónica de pacientes con EVP con requerimiento de revascularización. Se generó un modelo de regresión multivariado incluyendo variables clínicamente relevantes. El punto final primario fue un combinado de hospitalización por isquemia crítica y amputaciones mayores entre pacientes con afectación infrapatelar y suprapatelar. Amputaciones menores, muerte por todas las causas, infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM), accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) y un combinado de eventos cardiovasculares (MACE) fueron los puntos secundarios. Resultados: Se reclutó un total de 309 pacientes desde enero de 2014 hasta julio de 2020. 151 pacientes presentaron enfermedad suprapatelar y 158 infrapatelar. El punto final primario ocurrió en 35 pacientes (22.2%) en el grupo infrapatelar y en 18 pacientes (11.9%) en suprapatelares (HR 2.16; intervalo de confianza 95% [1.22-3.82]; p = 0.008). Ambos componentes ocurrieron con mayor frecuencia en pacientes con afectación infrapatelar. Los eventos de amputación menor fueron mas prevalentes en pacientes con afectación infrapatelar (HR 5.09; IC95% [1.47-17.6]; p = 0.010) La mortalidad por todas las causas, IAM, ACV y MACE no fueron diferentes entre los grupos (p > 0.05). Conclusión: La enfermedad infrapatelar fue un factor independiente para mayor riesgo de hospitalización por isquemia critica, amputación mayor y menor comparado con pacientes con afectación suprapatelar en EVP sintomática revascularizada.