Facilitation of macrofaunal assemblages in marinas by the habitat-forming invader Amathia verticillata (Bryozoa: Gymnolaemata) across a spatiotemporal scale.

Widespread habitat-forming invaders inhabiting marinas, such as the spaghetti bryozoan Amathia verticillata, allow exploring facilitation processes across spatiotemporal contexts. Here we investigate the role of this bryozoan as habitat for native and exotic macrofaunal assemblages across different ecoregions of Western Mediterranean and East Atlantic coasts, and a monthly variation over a year. While only 7 (all peracarid crustaceans) of the 54 associated species were NIS, they dominated macrofaunal assemblages in terms of abundance, raising the potential for invasional meltdown. NIS richness and community structure differed among marinas but not among ecoregions, highlighting the importance of marina singularities in modulating facilitation at spatial scale. Despite facilitation did not depend on bryozoan abundance fluctuations, it was affected by its deciduous pattern, peaking in summer and disappearing in late winter. Monitoring A. verticillata in marinas, especially in summer periods, may improve the detection and management of multiple associated NIS.

Flight heights obtained from GPS versus altimeters influence estimates of collision risk with offshore wind turbines in Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus.

The risk posed by offshore wind farms to seabirds through collisions with turbine blades is greatly influenced by species-specific flight behaviour. Bird-borne telemetry devices may provide improved measurement of aspects of bird behaviour, notably individual and behaviour specific flight heights. However, use of data from devices that use the GPS or barometric altimeters in the gathering of flight height data is nevertheless constrained by a current lack of understanding of the error and calibration of these methods. Uncertainty remains regarding the degree to which errors associated with these methods can affect recorded flight heights, which may in turn have a significant influence on estimates of collision risk produced by Collision Risk Models (CRMs), which incorporate flight height distribution as an input. Using GPS/barometric altimeter tagged Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus from two breeding colonies in the UK, we examine comparative flight heights produced by these devices, and their associated errors. We present a novel method of calibrating barometric altimeters using behaviour characterised from GPS data and open-source modelled atmospheric pressure. We examine the magnitude of difference between offshore flight heights produced from GPS and altimeters, comparing these measurements across sampling schedules, colonies, and years. We found flight heights produced from altimeter data to be significantly, although not consistently, higher than those produced from GPS data. This relationship was sustained across differing sampling schedules of five minutes and of 10 s, and between study colonies. We found the magnitude of difference between GPS and altimeter derived flight heights to also vary between individuals, potentially related to the robustness of calibration factors used. Collision estimates for theoretical wind farms were consequently significantly higher when using flight height distributions generated from barometric altimeters. Improving confidence in telemetry-obtained flight height distributions, which may then be applied to CRMs, requires sources of errors in these measurements to be identified. Our study improves knowledge of the calibration processes for flight height measurements based on telemetry data, with the aim of increasing confidence in their use in future assessments of collision risk and reducing the uncertainty over predicted mortality associated with wind farms.

Fractures of the limbs: basic concepts for the emergency department.

Traumatic injuries of the limbs are very common and account for a large number of imaging examinations, especially in emergency departments. These injuries can often be resolved if they are recognized and treated appropriately. Their diagnosis requires a complete clinical assessment and the correct interpretation of the appropriate imaging tests. Radiologists play an important role, especially in diagnosing lesions that can go undetected. To this end, radiologists need to know the normal anatomy and its variants, the mechanisms of injury, and the indications for different imaging tests, among which plain-film X-rays are the main technique for the initial evaluation. This article aims to review the relevant characteristics of limb fractures in adults and of lesions that can be associated with these fractures, as well as how to describe them to ensure appropriate clinical management.

Two emerging phenotypes of atypical inclusion body myositis: illustrative cases.

OBJECTIVES: Sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM) is the most common acquired myopathy in those aged above 50. It is classically heralded by weakness in the long finger flexors and quadriceps. The aim of this article is to describe five atypical cases of IBM, outlining two potential emerging clinical subsets of the disease. METHODS: We reviewed relevant clinical documentation and pertinent investigations for five patients with IBM. RESULTS: The first phenotype we describe is young-onset IBM in two patients who had symptoms since their early thirties. The literature supports that IBM can rarely present in this age range or younger. We describe a second phenotype in three middle-aged women who developed early bilateral facial weakness at presentation in tandem with dysphagia and bulbar impairment followed by respiratory failure requiring non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Within this group, two patients were noted to have macroglossia, another possible rare feature of IBM. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the classical phenotype described within the literature IBM can present in a heterogenous fashion. It is important to recognise IBM in younger patients and investigate for specific associations. The described pattern of facial diplegia, severe dysphagia, bulbar dysfunction and respiratory failure in female IBM patients requires further characterisation. Patients with this clinical pattern may require more complex and supportive management. Macroglossia is a potentially under recognised feature of IBM. The presence of macroglossia in IBM warrants further study, as its presence may lead to unnecessary investigations and delay diagnosis.

The biological carbon pump in CMIP6 models: 21st century trends and uncertainties.

The biological carbon pump (BCP) stores ∼1,700 Pg C from the atmosphere in the ocean interior, but the magnitude and direction of future changes in carbon sequestration by the BCP are uncertain. We quantify global trends in export production, sinking organic carbon fluxes, and sequestered carbon in the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) future projections, finding a consistent 19 to 48 Pg C increase in carbon sequestration over the 21st century for the SSP3-7.0 scenario, equivalent to 5 to 17% of the total increase of carbon in the ocean by 2100. This is in contrast to a global decrease in export production of -0.15 to -1.44 Pg C y-1. However, there is significant uncertainty in the modeled future fluxes of organic carbon to the deep ocean associated with a range of different processes resolved across models. We demonstrate that organic carbon fluxes at 1,000 m are a good predictor of long-term carbon sequestration and suggest this is an important metric of the BCP that should be prioritized in future model studies.

Using molecular data to monitor the post-establishment evolution of the invasive skeleton shrimp Caprella scaura.

The study aims to monitor the post-establishment success of the invasive skeleton shrimp Caprella scaura in the Atlantic-Mediterranean transition zone and understand its connectivity with other world areas, providing new information on the status of the introduced population and its global distribution. By using mitochondrial markers (16S and COI) we examined the temporal variation of populations in Cadiz Bay, Spain (hotspot for introductions in Europe) in between 2010 and 2017; as well as their linkage with foreign populations in its native and introduced distribution ranges. Cadiz Bay populations exhibited a connection with several European introduced populations (Iberian Peninsula, Canary Islands, Mediterranean Sea and The Netherlands), eastern USA, Sea of Japan and Australia. We found no evidence to support a Brazilian origin (one potential native area) of the Iberian Peninsula populations. We identified a progressive decrease in haplotype diversity and a low connectivity at the end of the monitoring period in one of the stations. Human-mediated changes in propagule pressure, and unfavorable environmental fluctuations are probably responsible for this. Meanwhile, populations in Cadiz Bay count on numerous foreign donors that could easily refuel the propagule input by exchanging gene flow. This implies that a vector regulation strategy has the potential of compromising the success of established non-native populations, which usually undergo vulnerability periods due to the challenging conditions of marinas. The use of molecular tools in a time series approach is then useful to identify the ideal time window to put in action management measures so that they are cost-effective.

Microfluidics for the rapid and controlled preparation of organic nanotubes of bent-core based dendrimers.

Recently, bent-core molecules have emerged as excellent building blocks for the obtaining of nanostructures in solvents. Herein, we report the use of a coaxial microfluidic system as a promising tool to control the self-assembly of non-conventional bent-core amphiphiles. Moreover, a TEM study to comprehend the hierarchical self-assembly process in solution was carried out. The proposed tool provides both a cost-effective platform to save hard-to-synthesise reagents and a rapid method to screen a plethora of different parameters, i.e., THF/water ratio, residence time, concentration of the amphiphile, temperature and pH. The experiments allowed to test for the first time the suitability of microfluidics for the self-assembly of bent-core molecules, as well as the study of a range of conditions to control the assembly of different nanostructures in a rapid and controlled manner. Additionally, organic nanostructures were combined with gold nanoparticles to prepare nanocomposites with enhanced properties. Both organic and hybrid nanostructures were also obtained in the solid state. These results may inspire scientists working on supramolecular chemistry and bent-core molecules expanding the scope of microfluidic systems for the self-assembly of other low-molecular-weight compounds.

Defective membrane repair machinery impairs survival of invasive cancer cells.

Cancer cells are able to reach distant tissues by migration and invasion processes. Enhanced ability to cope with physical stresses leading to cell membrane damages may offer to cancer cells high survival rate during metastasis. Consequently, down-regulation of the membrane repair machinery may lead to metastasis inhibition. We show that migration of MDA-MB-231 cells on collagen I fibrils induces disruptions of plasma membrane and pullout of membrane fragments in the wake of cells. These cells are able to reseal membrane damages thanks to annexins (Anx) that are highly expressed in invasive cancer cells. In vitro membrane repair assays reveal that MDA-MB-231 cells respond heterogeneously to membrane injury and some of them possess a very efficient repair machinery. Finally, we show that silencing of AnxA5 and AnxA6 leads to the death of migrating MDA-MB-231 cells due to major defect of the membrane repair machinery. Disturbance of the membrane repair process may therefore provide a new avenue for inhibiting cancer metastasis.

Applying an immersive tutorial in virtual reality to learning a new technique.

OBJECTIVE: The medical world is continuously evolving, with techniques being created or improved almost daily. Immersive virtual reality (VR) is a technology that could be harnessed to develop tools that meet the educational challenges of this changing environment. We previously described the immersive tutorial, a 3D video (filmed from the first-person point of view), displayed on a VR application. This tool offers access to supplementary educational data in addition to the video. Here we attempt to assess improvement in learning a technique using this new educational format. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected a single neurosurgical technique for the study: external ventricular drainage. We wrote a technical note describing this procedure and produced the corresponding immersive tutorial. We conducted a prospective randomized comparative study with students. All participants read the technical note, and one group used the immersive tutorial as a teaching supplement. The students completed a multiple-choice questionnaire immediately after the training and again at six months. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-six fourth-year medical students participated in the study; 173 were included in assessing the immediate learning outcomes and 72 were included at the six-month follow-up. The VR group demonstrated significantly better short-term results than the control group (P=0.01). The same trend was seen at six months. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this study presents one of the largest cohorts for VR. The use of the immersive tutorial could enable a large number of healthcare professionals to be trained without the need for expensive equipment.

Distinct binding of cetirizine enantiomers to human serum albumin and the human histamine receptor H1.

Cetirizine, a major metabolite of hydroxyzine, became a marketed second-generation H1 antihistamine that is orally active and has a rapid onset of action, long duration of effects and a very good safety record at recommended doses. The approved drug is a racemic mixture of (S)-cetirizine and (R)-cetirizine, the latter being the levorotary enantiomer that also exists in the market as a third-generation, non-sedating and highly selective antihistamine. Both enantiomers bind tightly to the human histamine H1 receptor (hH1R) and behave as inverse agonists but the affinity and residence time of (R)-cetirizine are greater than those of (S)-cetirizine. In blood plasma, cetirizine exists in the zwitterionic form and more than 90% of the circulating drug is bound to human serum albumin (HSA), which acts as an inactive reservoir. Independent X-ray crystallographic work has solved the structure of the hH1R:doxepin complex and has identified two drug-binding sites for cetirizine on equine serum albumin (ESA). Given this background, we decided to model a membrane-embedded hH1R in complex with either (R)- or (S)-cetirizine and also the complexes of both ESA and HSA with these two enantiomeric drugs to analyze possible differences in binding modes between enantiomers and also among targets. The ensuing molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent and additional computational chemistry calculations provided structural and energetic information about all of these complexes that is normally beyond current experimental possibilities. Overall, we found very good agreement between our binding energy estimates and extant biochemical and pharmacological evidence. A much higher degree of solvent exposure in the cetirizine-binding site(s) of HSA and ESA relative to the more occluded orthosteric binding site in hH1R is translated into larger positional fluctuations and considerably lower affinities for these two nonspecific targets. Whereas it is demonstrated that the two known pockets in ESA provide enough stability for cetirizine binding, only one such site does so in HSA due to a number of amino acid replacements. At the histamine-binding site in hH1R, the distinct interactions established between the phenyl and chlorophenyl moieties of the two enantiomers with the amino acids lining up the pocket and between their free carboxylates and Lys179 in the second extracellular loop account for the improved pharmacological profile of (R)-cetirizine.

Potential of topological descriptors to model the retention of polychlorinated biphenyls in different gas chromatography stationary phases, including ionic liquid-based columns.

The aim of this study was to develop a statistical model based on a set of intuitive topological descriptors that will help to determine the influence of the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) structural features on the chromatographic behavior of these analytes in a variety of gas chromatographic stationary phases, including the highly polar ionic liquid (IL)-based SLB-IL76 and SLB-IL60 columns. The model was developed using the stepwise multiple linear regression method, and constructed through several levels of increasing complexity to make evident the relative influence of the selected descriptors. The proposed model was easy to implement and provided similar satisfactory results irrespective of the dependent variables used (i.e., retention index or retention time) or the chromatographic conditions applied (i.e., pseudo-isotherm and programmed temperature) for IL-based phases. The model also allowed the correct prediction of the elution order of selected PCBs in these and other less polar phases evaluated (i.e., SW-10, DB-17, ZB-5 and HT-8). To our knowledge, this is the first models based on topological descriptors described in the literature that provided a satisfactory fitting of the PCB behavior in IL-based phases. Our results indicated that the mechanism governing the chromatographic separation of PCBs in these highly polar columns showed significant differences compared with those observed in other less polar stationary phases.

Oxigenoterapia de alto flujo: Experiencia en pediatría en un hospital general / High-flow oxygen therapy: Experience in pediatrics at a general hospital

Introducción: La Oxigenoterapia de Alto Flujo (OAF) es una técnica de soporte respiratorio no invasiva, que ofrece un flujo de aire y oxígeno, caliente y humidificado, por encima del flujo pico inspiratorio del paciente, a través de una cánula nasal. En este artículo se presenta la experiencia con OAF en una sala de pediatría de mediana y baja complejidad para el tratamiento de bronquiolitis/ infección respiratoria aguda baja (IRAB). Materiales y métodos: Se diseñó un protocolo para la implementación de OAF. Criterios de inclusión: Pacientes cursando bronquiolitis/ IRAB con: Score de Tal modificado ≥6, Sat O2 < 92% y/o mala mecánica ventilatoria, a pesar de recibir más de 2 lt/ min de O2 por cánula nasal ó FiO2 >40%. Criterios de exclusión, pCO2 ≥55 mmHg; pH: < 7,20; Apneas ≥20 segundos; Glasgow ≤10; Peso >15 kg. Inestabilidad hemodinámica; Alteraciones craneofaciales. Resultados: En el periodo 2017- 2018 se internaron 441 pacientes con infección respiratoria aguda baja. Se administró OAF a 54 pacientes (12%). La mediana de edad mediana 7,4 meses (r: 27 días-36 meses). Los pacientes ingresados no presentaban comorbilidades asociadas. El 22,2% (12/54) fueron trasladados a UTIP (2,7% del total de los internados). El 64.8% de los pacientes que permanecieron en sala de internación, mostró mejoría en FC y FR a las 4 hs. Por el contrario, en el 75% de los pacientes que requirieron UTIP no se evidenció mejoría en estos parámetros. Conclusiones: La OAF es una alternativa terapéutica que podría disminuir el ingreso a UTIP en pacientes con dificultad respiratoria moderada. En nuestra experiencia resultó fácil de implementar, sin efectos adversos graves (AU)

Introduction: High-flow oxygen (HFO) therapy is a non-invasive oxygen support technique that provides hot and humidified air and oxygen flow above the peak inspiratory flow of the patient through a nasal cannula. In this study we present our experience with HFO on a intermediate and low complexity ward for the treatment of bronchiolitis/acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). Material and methods: A protocol for the implementation of HFO was designed. Inclusion criteria: Patients with bronchiolitis/ALRI with: Modified Tal score ≥6, Sat O2 < 92%, and/or poor ventilatory mechanism, in spite of receiving more than 2 L/ min O2 by nasal cannula or FiO2 >40%. Exclusion criteria: pCO2 ≥55 mmHg; pH: < 7.20; Apnea ≥20 seconds; Glasgow score ≤10; Peso >15 kg. Hemodynamic instability; Craniofacial abnormalities. Results: During 2017- 2018, 441 patients were admitted with LRTI. HFO was administered to 54 patients (12%). Median age was 7.4 months (r: 27 days-36 months). The patients that were included in the study did not have associated morbidities. Overall, 22.2% (12/54) were transferred to the PICU (2.7% of all hospitalized patients). Of the patients who remained on the ward, 64.8% improved FC and FR after 4 hours. On the other hand, in 75% of the patients that required PICU admission these parameters did not improve. Conclusions: HFO is a therapeutic option to decrease PICU admission of patients with moderate respiratory difficulties. The protocol was easy to implement and was not associated with severe adverse effects (AU)

Estudio de la expresión de telomerasa en una serie de neoplasias melanocíticas / Telomerase Expression in a Series of Melanocytic Neoplasms

Introducción y objetivos: La telomerasa es una enzima implicada en el mantenimiento de los telómeros y la senescencia celular. Numerosos estudios han demostrado que en más del 90% de las neoplasias malignas se detecta actividad telomerásica. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar la expresión de telomerasa por inmunohistoquímica en una serie de neoplasias melanocíticas. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo realizado en una serie de 85 melanomas primarios, 12 metastásicos y 22 nevus melanocíticos. La expresión de telomerasa se analizó empleando el anticuerpo monoclonal hTERT (Rockland). El análisis de los datos se realizó con el programa SPSS. Resultados: En todas las neoplasias melanocíticas analizadas se demostró expresión de telomerasa. En el caso de los melanomas predominó el patrón de expresión heterogéneo, y la expresión moderada o intensa. En los nevus resultó más frecuente una expresión homogénea con intensidad leve. El patrón de expresión heterogéneo se asoció a los melanomas de rápido crecimiento (p = 0,028), con Breslow > 4 mm (p = 0,004), con mitosis (p = 0,032), y con mutaciones en el gen TERT (p = 0,002). En el caso de los nevus, la intensidad fue menor en los nevus intradérmicos, seguidos de los compuestos y de los diplásicos (p = 0,054). Conclusiones: La expresión de telomerasa está presente en la totalidad de las neoplasias melanocíticas, con mayor expresión en los melanomas que en los nevus. En el caso de los melanomas, la expresión de forma heterogénea se asocia a un fenotipo de mayor agresividad

Background and objectives: Telomerase is an enzyme involved in maintaining the length of telomeres and cell senescence. Numerous studies have shown that in more than 90% of malignant tumors telomerase activity is detected. Material and methods: Retrospective observational study in a series of 85 cases of primary melanomas, 12 metastatic melanomas, and 22 melanocytic nevi. We used the monoclonal antibody hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase, Rockland) to assess telomerase activity. The SPSS software package was used to analyze data. Results: Telomerase expression was present in all the melanocytic neoplasms analyzed. Expression was heterogenous and moderate or high in the melanomas. In contrast, expression was homogeneous and lower in the nevi. Heterogeneous expression was associated with rapid melanoma growth (P = .028), a Breslow thickness of more than 4 mm (P = .004), mitosis (P = .032), and mutations in the TERT gene (P = .002). Activity was less intense in intradermal nevi, and more intense in compound and dysplastic nevi (P = .054). Conclusions: Telomerase expression is found in all melanocytic neoplasms but is higher in melanomas than in nevi. A heterogeneous pattern of expression in melanomas is associated with more aggressive tumors

Is recreational boating a potential vector for non-indigenous peracarid crustaceans in the Mediterranean Sea? A combined biological and social approach.

Shipping is understood to be a major vector for the introduction and spread of marine non-indigenous species (NIS). However, recreational boating is still unregulated and its influence as vector has not yet been assessed for the Mediterranean Sea, which is the second most popular recreational boating destination worldwide. This is the first large-scale study to examine this by a combined biological (analyzing hull and marina fouling) and social approach (boaters surveys on maintenance habits, travel patterns and awareness), focused on peracarid crustaceans. A surprisingly high number of NIS were found on vessels cruising Mediterranean waters, and species compositions suggest an exchange between marina and vessel assemblages. This means recreational boating presents a risk for NIS spread which should warrant regulation. Results also implied that regionally coordinated management should be supported by effective local-scale-based management in the Mediterranean, which could improve upon with targeted environmental education to solve lack of awareness.

An untargeted evaluation of the volatile and semi-volatile compounds migrating into food simulants from polypropylene food containers by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

This study reports on the potential of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography combined with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-ToF MS) for the exhaustive untargeted characterization of the volatile and semi-volatile analytes migrating from four commercial polypropylene food containers into four simulants (water, 3% acetic acid, 10% ethanol, and isooctane) according to European Regulation 10/2011. Collected extracts were concentrated and directly subjected to GC×GC-ToF MS analysis without any further treatment to preserve migrants integrity. As expected, the nature and total number of compounds detected in the migrates depended on both the brand (i.e., manufacture and/or sterilization procedure) and the simulant applied. In total, 107 analytes, including some less volatile compounds, were either positively or tentatively identified in the investigated simulants, a number of these compounds being reported for the first time as migrants from this type of material. A database containing chromatographic, mass spectral and partition information concerning these compounds, plus 23 remaining unidentified, is provided.

Telomerase Expression in a Series of Melanocytic Neoplasms. / Estudio de la expresión de telomerasa en una serie de neoplasias melanocíticas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Telomerase is an enzyme involved in maintaining the length of telomeres and cell senescence. Numerous studies have shown that in more than 90% of malignant tumors telomerase activity is detected. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study in a series of 85 cases of primary melanomas, 12 metastatic melanomas, and 22 melanocytic nevi. We used the monoclonal antibody hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase, Rockland) to assess telomerase activity. The SPSS software package was used to analyze data. RESULTS: Telomerase expression was present in all the melanocytic neoplasms analyzed. Expression was heterogenous and moderate or high in the melanomas. In contrast, expression was homogeneous and lower in the nevi. Heterogeneous expression was associated with rapid melanoma growth (P=.028), a Breslow thickness of more than 4 mm (P=.004), mitosis (P=.032), and mutations in the TERT gene (P=.002). Activity was less intense in intradermal nevi, and more intense in compound and dysplastic nevi (P=.054). CONCLUSIONS: Telomerase expression is found in all melanocytic neoplasms but is higher in melanomas than in nevi. A heterogeneous pattern of expression in melanomas is associated with more aggressive tumors.