Autoimmune findings in patients with silicosis in Spain.

Background: Occupational exposure to silica is related to autoimmune diseases and features of autoimmunity, mainly autoantibodies. The study objectives were to estimate the prevalence of silicosis with associated autoimmune findings or diagnosed autoimmune diseases in Spain, and to assess the clinical and functional characteristics of affected patients. Methods: This is a multicentre prospective study in patients diagnosed with silicosis. Autoantibodies analysed were antinuclear antibodies, isotypes IgA, IgM and IgG, rheumatoid factor, anticyclic citrullinated peptide, anti-Scl70, anti-Ro, and anti-LA. Pulmonary function tests were performed. Results: Autoimmunity was assessed in 105 patients. Autoimmune findings were recorded in 29 (27%) patients, including antinuclear antibodies (n=21), anti-Ro (n=7), rheumatoid factor (n=5) and anti-Scl70 (n=3). Autoimmune disease was diagnosed in 16 (15%) patients, mainly rheumatoid arthritis (n=7) and systemic lupus erythematosus (n=4). Patients with silicosis and autoimmune findings had a lower mean time of exposure to silica and showed a trend toward lower values in pulmonary function tests. Conclusions: Autoimmune findings and diagnosis of autoimmune diseases were frequent in patients with silicosis in Spain.

Value of increased soluble suppressor tumorigenicity biomarker 2 (sST2) on admission as an indicator of severity in patients with COVID-19 / Valor del aumento del biomarcador supresor soluble de tumorigenicidad 2 (sST2) al ingreso como indicador de gravedad en pacientes con COVID-19

Background Soluble suppressor of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2) is a biomarker for heart failure and pulmonary injury. We hypothesize that sST2 could help predict severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Methods sST2 was analyzed in patients consecutively admitted for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Other prognostic markers were also measured. In-hospital complications were registered, including death, ICU admission, and respiratory support requirements. Results 495 patients were studied (53% male, age: 57.6±17.6). At admission, median sST2 concentrations was 48.5ng/mL [IQR, 30.6–83.1ng/mL] and correlated with male gender, older age, comorbidities, other severity biomarkers, and respiratory support requirements. sST2 levels were higher in patients who died (n=45, 9.1%) (45.6 [28.0, 75.9]ng/mL vs. 144 [82.6, 319] ng/mL, p<0.001) and those admitted to ICU (n=46, 9.3%) (44.7 [27.5, 71.3] ng/mL vs. 125 [69.0, 262]ng/mL, p<0.001). sST2 levels>210ng/mL were a strong predictor of complicated in-hospital courses, with higher risk of death (OR, 39.3, CI95% 15.9, 103) and death/ICU (OR 38.3, CI95% 16.3–97.5) after adjusting for all other risk factors. The addition of sST2 enhanced the predictive capacity of mortality risk models. Conclusions sST2 represents a robust severity predictor in COVID-19 and could be an important tool for identifying at-risk patients who may benefit from closer follow-up and specific therapies (AU)

Antecedentes El supresor soluble de tumorigenicidad 2 (sST2) es un biomarcador de insuficiencia cardiaca y daño pulmonar. Nuestra hipótesis es que la determinación de sST2 al ingreso podría ayudar a predecir la gravedad de la infección por SARS-CoV-2. Métodos Se analizó la concentración de sST2 en pacientes ingresados por neumonía por SARS-CoV-2, junto con otros biomarcadores pronósticos conocidos. Asimismo, se registraron las complicaciones durante la estancia hospitalaria, incluidas la muerte, el ingreso en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) y los requerimientos de soporte respiratorio. Resultados Se estudiaron 495 pacientes (53% hombres, edad 57,6 ± 17,6). Al ingreso, la mediana de la concentración de sST2 fue 48,5 ng/mL (índice intercuartílico [IQR] 30,6-83,1 ng/mL) y correlacionó con el género masculino, una mayor edad, comorbilidades, otros biomarcadores de gravedad, así como necesidad de soporte respiratorio. Los niveles de sST2 fueron mayores en pacientes que fallecieron (n = 45, 9,1%) (45,6 [28,0, 75,9] ng/mL vs. 144 [82,6, 319] ng/mL, p < 0,001) y aquellos que requirieron ingreso en UCI (n = 46, 9,3%) (44,7 [27,5, 71,3] ng/mL vs. 125 [69,0, 262] ng/mL, p < 0,001). Así, los valores de sST2 > 210 ng/mL se han demostrado como un fuerte predictor de complicaciones, con un mayor riesgo de fallecimiento (odds ratio [OR], 39,3, intervalo de confianza [IC] 95% 15,9, 103) y fallecimiento o ingreso en UCI (OR 38,3, IC 95% 16,3-97,5), tras el ajuste por todos los demás factores de riesgo. La adición de la determinación de los niveles de sST2 mejoró la potencia predictiva de los modelos de riesgo desarrollados. Conclusiones El sST2 representa un predictor robusto de la gravedad en pacientes con COVID-19 y podría convertirse en una herramienta importante para la identificación de pacientes en riesgo que podrían beneficiarse de un mayor seguimiento y terapias específicas (AU)

Physiological and Genetic Modifications Induced by Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) in Tomato Plants under Moderate Water Stress.

Physiological, metabolic, and genetic changes produced by two plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Pseudomonas sp. (internal code of the laboratory: N 5.12 and N 21.24) inoculated in tomato plants subjected to moderate water stress (10% polyethylene glycol-6000; PEG) were studied. Photosynthesis efficiency, photosynthetic pigments, compatible osmolytes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes activities, oxidative stress level and expression of genes related to abscisic acid synthesis (ABA; 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase NCDE1 gene), proline synthesis (Pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase P5CS gene), and plasma membrane ATPase (PM ATPase gene) were measured. Photosynthetic efficiency was compromised by PEG, but bacterial-inoculated plants reversed the effects: while N5.12 increased carbon fixation (37.5%) maintaining transpiration, N21.24 increased both (14.2% and 31%), negatively affecting stomatal closure, despite the enhanced expression of NCDE1 and plasma membrane ATPase genes, evidencing the activation of different adaptive mechanisms. Among all parameters evaluated, photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant enzymes guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) responded differently to both strains. N 5.12 increased photosynthetic pigments (70% chlorophyll a, 69% chlorophyll b, and 65% carotenoids), proline (33%), glycine betaine (4.3%), and phenolic compounds (21.5%) to a greater extent, thereby decreasing oxidative stress (12.5% in Malondialdehyde, MDA). Both bacteria have highly beneficial effects on tomato plants subjected to moderate water stress, improving their physiological state. The use of these bacteria in agricultural production systems could reduce the amount of water for agricultural irrigation without having a negative impact on food production.

Value of increased soluble suppressor tumorigenicity biomarker 2 (sST2) on admission as an indicator of severity in patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Soluble suppressor of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2) is a biomarker for heart failure and pulmonary injury. We hypothesize that sST2 could help predict severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections. METHODS: sST2 was analyzed in patients consecutively admitted for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Other prognostic markers were also measured. In-hospital complications were registered, including death, ICU admission, and respiratory support requirements. RESULTS: 495 patients were studied (53% male, age: 57.6±17.6). At admission, median sST2 concentrations was 48.5ng/mL [IQR, 30.6-83.1ng/mL] and correlated with male gender, older age, comorbidities, other severity biomarkers, and respiratory support requirements. sST2 levels were higher in patients who died (n=45, 9.1%) (45.6 [28.0, 75.9]ng/mL vs. 144 [82.6, 319] ng/mL, p<0.001) and those admitted to ICU (n=46, 9.3%) (44.7 [27.5, 71.3] ng/mL vs. 125 [69.0, 262]ng/mL, p<0.001). sST2 levels>210ng/mL were a strong predictor of complicated in-hospital courses, with higher risk of death (OR, 39.3, CI95% 15.9, 103) and death/ICU (OR 38.3, CI95% 16.3-97.5) after adjusting for all other risk factors. The addition of sST2 enhanced the predictive capacity of mortality risk models. CONCLUSIONS: sST2 represents a robust severity predictor in COVID-19 and could be an important tool for identifying at-risk patients who may benefit from closer follow-up and specific therapies.

CA 15-3 prognostic biomarker in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

The severity of lung involvement is the main prognostic factor in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), a marker of lung damage and fibrosis, could help predict the prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. This was a retrospective and observational study. CA 15-3 was analyzed in the blood samples of patients consecutively admitted for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and whose blood samples were available in the biobank. Other prognostic markers were also measured (interleukin 6 [IL6], C-reactive protein [CRP], D-dimer, troponin T, and NT-ProBNP). The occurrence of in-hospital complications was registered, including death, the need for medical intensive care, and oxygen therapy at discharge. In this study, 539 patients were recruited (54.9% men, mean age: 59.6 ± 16.4 years). At admission, the mean concentrations of CA 15-3 was 20.5 ± 15.8 U/mL, and the concentration was correlated with male sex, older age, and other severity markers of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) (IL6, CRP, D-dimer, troponine T, and NT-ProBNP). CA 15-3 levels were higher in patients who died (n = 56, 10.4%) (35.33 ± 30.45 vs. 18.8 ± 12.11, p < 0.001), who required intensive medical support (n = 78, 14.4%; 31.17 ± 27.83 vs. 18.68 ± 11.83; p < 0.001), and who were discharged with supplemental oxygen (n = 64, 13.3%; 22.65 ± 14.41 vs. 18.2 ± 11.7; p = 0.011). Elevated CA 15-3 levels (above 34.5 U/mL) were a strong predictor of a complicated in-hospital course, in terms of a higher risk of death (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-11.9, p = 0.022) and need for intensive care (adjusted OR 4.56, 95% CI: 1.37-15.8) after adjusting for all other risk factors. The degree of lung damage and fibrosis evaluated in terms of CA 15-3 concentrations may allow early identification of the increased risk of complications in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

Tomato Bio-Protection Induced by Pseudomonas fluorescens N21.4 Involves ROS Scavenging Enzymes and PRs, without Compromising Plant Growth.

AIMS: to discover the interrelationship between growth, protection and photosynthesis induced by Pseudomonas fluorescens N21.4 in tomato (Lycopersicum sculentum) challenged with the leaf pathogen Xanthomonas campestris, and to define its priming fingerprint. METHODS: Photosynthesis was determined by fluorescence; plant protection was evaluated by relative disease incidence, enzyme activities by specific colorimetric assays and gene expression by qPCR. Changes in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) scavenging cycle enzymes and pathogenesis related protein activity and expression were determined as metabolic and genetic markers of induction of systemic resistance. RESULTS: N21.4 significantly protected plants and increased dry weight. Growth increase is supported by significant increases in photochemical quenching together with significant decreases in energy dissipation (Non-Photochemical Quenching, NPQ). Protection was associated with changes in ROS scavenging cycle enzymes, which were significantly increased on N21.4 + pathogen challenged plants, supporting the priming effect. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) was a good indicator of biotic stress, showing similar levels in pathogen- and N21.4-treated plants. Similarly, the activity of defense-related enzymes, ß-1,3-glucanase and chitinase significantly increased in post-pathogen challenge state; changes in gene expression were not coupled to activity. CONCLUSIONS: protection does not compromise plant growth; N21.4 priming fingerprint is defined by enhanced photochemical quenching and decreased energy dissipation, enhanced chlorophylls, primed ROS scavenging cycle enzyme activity, and glucanase and chitinase activity.

Protective hood prototype for bronchoscopy during Covid-19 / Prototipo de cubierta protectora para broncoscopias durante la infeccion COVID-19

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Bioeffectors as Biotechnological Tools to Boost Plant Innate Immunity: Signal Transduction Pathways Involved.

The use of beneficial rhizobacteria (bioeffectors) and their derived metabolic elicitors are efficient biotechnological alternatives in plant immune system elicitation. This work aimed to check the ability of 25 bacterial strains isolated from the rhizosphere of Nicotiana glauca, and selected for their biochemical traits from a group of 175, to trigger the innate immune system of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings against the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. The five strains more effective in preventing pathogen infection were used to elucidate signal transduction pathways involved in the plant immune response by studying the differential expression of Salicylic acid and Jasmonic acid/Ethylene pathway marker genes. Some strains stimulated both pathways, while others stimulated either one or the other. The metabolic elicitors of two strains, chosen for the differential expression results of the genes studied, were extracted using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol, and their capacity to mimic bacterial effect to trigger the plant immune system was studied. N-hexane and ethyl acetate were the most effective fractions against the pathogen in both strains, achieving similar protection rates although gene expression responses were different from that obtained by the bacteria. These results open an amount of biotechnological possibilities to develop biological products for agriculture.

Search for New Allergens in Lolium perenne Pollen Growing under Different Air Pollution Conditions by Comparative Transcriptome Study.

The relationship between air pollution and the allergenic capacity of pollen is widely accepted, with allergenicity being directly related to air pollution. To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing the differential expression of Lolium perenne pollen genes by RNAseq, in two wild populations with different levels of air pollution. The objective is to search for proteins that are expressed differentially in both situations and to establish a relationship with increased allergenic capacity. Two populations of L. perenne (Madrid and Ciudad Real) have been studied in two consecutive years, under the rationale that overexpressed genes in Madrid, with higher levels of NO2 and SO2, could be a cause for their greater allergenic capacity. Heat shock proteins (HSP), glycoside hydrolases, proteins with leucin-rich repeat motifs, and proteins with EF-HAND motifs were consistently overexpressed in Madrid pollen in the two years studied. Interestingly, some genes were overexpressed only in one of the years studied, such as pectinesterases in the first year, and lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) and thaumatin in the second. Despite the fact that the potential of all these proteins in relation to possible allergies has been reported, this is the first time they are cited as possible allergens of L. perenne. The results found can contribute decisively to the knowledge of the allergens of L. perenne and their relationship with atmospheric pollution, and to the development of much more effective vaccines.

Oxidative stress in ryegrass growing under different air pollution levels and its likely effects on pollen allergenicity.

In the present work, for the first time in the literature, the relationship between the degree of air pollution, the physiological state of the plants and the allergenic capacity of the pollen they produce has been studied. The physiological state of Lolium perenne plants growing in two cities with a high degree of traffic, but with different levels of air pollution, Madrid and Ciudad Real, have been explored. The photosynthetic efficiency of the plants through the emission of fluorescence of PSII, the degree of oxidative stress (enzymatic activities related to the ascorbate-glutathione cycle), the redox state (reduced and oxidized forms of ascorbate and glutathione) and the concentration of malondialdehyde have been evaluated. During the development period of the plants, Madrid had higher levels of NO2 and SO2 than Ciudad Real. The greater degree of air pollution suffered by Madrid plants was reflected on a lower photosynthetic efficiency and a greater degree of oxidative stress. In addition, NADPH oxidase activity and H2O2 levels in pollen from Madrid were significantly higher, suggesting a likely higher allergenic capacity of this pollen associated to a higher air pollution.

Factors Associated with Depression in COPD: A Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Depression is a prevalent comorbidity in COPD and has an impact on the prognosis of these patients, thereby making it important to study the factors associated with depression in patients with COPD. METHOD: A multicenter, observational and cross-sectional study was conducted to study the factors associated with depression in patients with COPD measured by the hospital anxiety and depression (HAD) questionnaire. We analyzed anthropometric variables and the number of exacerbations in the previous year and calculated the 6-min walking test and the body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise (BODE) index. All the patients completed the quality of life EQ-5D and the LCADL physical activity questionnaires. The relationship of these variables with depression was evaluated with two multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS: One hundred fifteen patients were evaluated (93 % male) with a mean age of 66.9 years (SD 8.8) and a mean FEV1 % of 44.4 % (SD 15.7 %). 24.3 % presented symptoms of depression (HAD-D > 8). These latter patients had worse lung function, greater dyspnea, reduced exercise capacity, a higher score in the BODE index, poorer quality of life, reduced physical activity, and more exacerbations. In the first logistic regression model, quality of life and the BODE index were associated with depression (AUC: 0.84; 0.74-0.94). In the second model including the variables in the BODE index, quality of life and dyspnea measured with the MRC scale (AUC: 0.87; 0.79-0.95) were associated with depression. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one-quarter of the patients with COPD in this study presented clinically significant depression associated with worse quality of life, reduced exercise capacity, greater dyspnea, and a higher score in the BODE index.

Las secuelas oculares en el nuevo baremo de tráfico / Ocular sequelae in the new traffic scale

Hace más de 10 años que criticamos constructivamente las deficiencias del baremo de tráfico. En el nuevo baremo se subsanan estas deficiencias: elimina algunos errores científicos, aclara definitivamente que la exploración de la agudeza visual debe hacerse con corrección y para visión de lejos, introduce secuelas típicamente postraumáticas que no estaban, simplifica mucho la valoración de la diplopia postraumática, de los defectos campimétricos y de las secuelas palpebrales. Además, introduce lesiones postraumáticas del polo posterior y elimina muy acertadamente la tabla B. Consideramos, por lo tanto, muy favorables todas estas modificaciones (AU)

We have been making constructive criticism about traffic scale failures for more than ten years. These deficiencies are going to be solved in the new scale. It eliminates some scientific errors, definitely clarifies that visual acuity exploration must be the corrected visual acuity for far vision, and introduces typical posttraumatic aftereffects previously unconsidered. Also, the new scale simplifies the evaluation of the traumatic diplopia, visual field defect and aftermath of the eyelid. In addition, it introduces new posterior pole sequelae and rightly eliminates the table B. Therefore, we consider all these changes very appropriate (AU)

Capítulo II E) Cuello, en el nuevo baremo de lesiones por accidente de tráfico / Chapter II E) Neck, in the new medical sacale of injuries in traffic accidents

Este apartado de la nueva tabla 2.A.1, Baremo médico, clasificación y valoración de secuelas, presenta modificaciones esencialmente en cuanto a la ubicación del esófago y de la tráquea, con una mejor organización que en el baremo antiguo; sin embargo, y en cuanto a valoración, exclusivamente se modifica la relativa a la parálisis de ambas cuerdas vocales, con el resultado de afonía (AU)

This section of the new table 2.A.1, medical Scale, classification and valuation of sequels, presented as essentially changes to the location of the esophagus and trachea, with a better organization than in the old scale; however and as for valuation, only modifies the relative paralysis of both vocal cords, resulting in hoarseness (AU)

Torsión del lóbulo medio poslobectomía. Correlación de broncoscopia óptica-broncoscopia virtual con tomografía computarizada / Torsion of Middle Lobe after Lobectomy. Correlation between Optical Bronchoscopy-Computed Tomography Virtual Bronchoscopy

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Photosynthetic and Ultrastructure Parameters of Maize Plants are Affected During the Phyto-Rhizoremediation Process of Degraded Metal Working Fluids.

A phyto-rhizoremediation system using corn and esparto fiber as rooting support to remediate degraded metal working fluids (dMWFs) has been developed in the present study. In order to improve the process, plants were inoculated at the root level with bacteria either individually, and with a consortium of strains. All strains used were able to grow with MWFs. The results show that this system significantly lowers the Chemical Oxygen Demand below legal limits within 5 days. However, results were only improved with the bacterial consortium. Despite the effectiveness of the phyto-rhizoremediation process, plants are damaged at the photosynthetic level according to the photosynthetic parameters measured, as well as at the ultrastructure of the vascular cylinder and the Bundle Sheath Cells. Interestingly, the bacterial inoculation protects against this damage. Therefore, it seems that that the inoculation with bacteria can protect the plants against these harmful effects.