Evaluation of water footprint of urban renewal projects. Case study in Seville, Andalusia.

This publication presents a methodology for the evaluation of the water footprint of urban renewal projects. The indirect water footprint is obtained by adding together the embodied or virtual water of the materials incorporated in the 12-month project, while the direct footprint is mainly due to the green areas and rainwater collection system over its 40-year life span. The methodology, originally defined for the agricultural sector, is adapted to an urban system that includes gardens and sustainable urban drainage systems. In an innovative way, the present work analyses the amortisation of the indirect water footprint of the construction products by improvements in the city water cycle. The project involves street renewal with water-sensitive criteria, with five green areas, and road and pavement construction. The methodology identifies changes in garden designs, soil drainage, and rainwater-collecting systems in terms of blue, green, and grey water footprints. Five scenarios of a project in Seville, Spain are studied. The indirect water footprint of the project is 2.6 times higher than that in a standard project, but, due to annual savings of 65% in its direct water footprint, the breakeven point is reached in the 10th year.

Water associated with residential areas and tourist resorts is the key predictor of Asian tiger mosquito presence on a Mediterranean island.

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae), is a highly invasive species and a vector of several viruses of serious concern to public health. Investigating the habitat selection of this species at small to medium scales is essential to the planning of effective prevention and control campaigns. The present group considered detailed data for this species' presence/absence collected at 228 sites on Mallorca Island (Spain) in autumn 2015, 3 years after the first detection of the species on the island. Site occupancy models accounting for false negative detections and imperfect monitoring were used to evaluate the relationships between mosquito presence and habitat variables. In the study area, mosquito presence was negatively associated with altitude, probably as a result of greater human presence at low altitudes near the coast. Moreover, the presence of Ae. albopictus was positively associated with swimming pools as a result of associated gardens, plants and sources of fresh water. These two variables were combined to predict the presence of the species across the entire island.

Polyamine metabolism is sensitive to glycolysis inhibition in human neuroblastoma cells.

Polyamines are essential for cell proliferation, and their levels are elevated in many human tumors. The oncogene n-myc is known to potentiate polyamine metabolism. Neuroblastoma, the most frequent extracranial solid tumor in children, harbors the amplification of n-myc oncogene in 25% of the cases, and it is associated with treatment failure and poor prognosis. We evaluated several metabolic features of the human neuroblastoma cell lines Kelly, IMR-32, and SK-N-SH. We further investigated the effects of glycolysis impairment in polyamine metabolism in these cell lines. A previously unknown linkage between glycolysis impairment and polyamine reduction is unveiled. We show that glycolysis inhibition is able to trigger signaling events leading to the reduction of N-Myc protein levels and a subsequent decrease of both ornithine decarboxylase expression and polyamine levels, accompanied by cell cycle blockade preceding cell death. New anti-tumor strategies could take advantage of the direct relationship between glucose deprivation and polyamine metabolism impairment, leading to cell death, and its apparent dependence on n-myc. Combined therapies targeting glucose metabolism and polyamine synthesis could be effective in the treatment of n-myc-expressing tumors.

Pharmacological potential of biogenic amine-polyamine interactions beyond neurotransmission.

Histamine, serotonin and dopamine are biogenic amines involved in intercellular communication with multiple effects on human pathophysiology. They are products of two highly homologous enzymes, histidine decarboxylase and l-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, and transmit their signals through different receptors and signal transduction mechanisms. Polyamines derived from ornithine (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) are mainly involved in intracellular effects related to cell proliferation and death mechanisms. This review summarizes structural and functional evidence for interactions between components of all these amine metabolic and signalling networks (decarboxylases, transporters, oxidases, receptors etc.) at cellular and tissue levels, distinct from nervous and neuroendocrine systems, where the crosstalk among these amine-related components can also have important pathophysiological consequences. The discussion highlights aspects that could help to predict and discuss the effects of intervention strategies.

Structural perspective on the direct inhibition mechanism of EGCG on mammalian histidine decarboxylase and DOPA decarboxylase.

Histidine decarboxylase (HDC) and l-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (DDC) are homologous enzymes that are responsible for the synthesis of important neuroactive amines related to inflammatory, neurodegenerative, and neoplastic diseases. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant catechin in green tea, has been shown to target histamine-producing cells and to promote anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antiangiogenic effects. Previous experimental work has demonstrated that EGCG has a direct inhibitory effect on both HDC and DDC. In this study, we investigated the binding modes of EGCG to HDC and DDC as a first step for designing new polyphenol-based HDC/DDC-specific inhibitors.

A re-evaluation of the mitogenic effect of serotonin on vascular endothelial cells.

Serotonin is an extracellular mediator recognized by seven different types of receptors, thus giving rise to pleiotropic intracellular responses. One of these responses is the activation of proliferation for a number of cell types. The induction of proliferation of otherwise quiescent endothelial cells is a key step of angiogenesis. Previously published work concerning the effect of serotonin on endothelial cell proliferation is controversial. The present work is aimed to re-evaluate the mitogenic role of serotonin on endothelial cells, since a pro-angiogenic role for serotonin could be hypothesized if its mitogenic potential on these cells were confirmed. By using three different types of endothelial cells and three experimental approaches, we demonstrate that serotonin cannot be considered a general mitogen for endothelial cells.

[Effectiveness of the application of therapeutic touch on weight, complications, and length of hospital stay in preterm newborns attended in a neonatal unit]. / Efectividad de la aplicación de toques terapéuticos en el peso, las complicaciones y los días de estancia, en recién nacidos pretérmino ingresados en una unidad de neonatología.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of therapeutic touch on weight, the presence of postnatal complications, and length of hospital stay in preterm newborns, as well as on parental satisfaction with the care provided. METHOD: We performed an experimental study in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Virgen Macarena University Hospital in Seville (Spain). Seventy eight premature neonates were randomly assigned to one of the comparison groups (39 in the control group and 39 in the experimental group). The outcome variables of weight, length of hospital stay, the presence of complications, and parental satisfaction were evaluated. Control variables related to maternal socio-demographic and clinic characteristics were also measured. The intervention was based on the application of therapeutic touch. RESULTS: The mean weight in grams was 1,867.80 (SD=149.72) in the experimental group and 1,860 (SD=181.92) in the control group (t=0.148; p=0.883). Length of hospital stay was 16.82 (SD=6.47) in the experimental group and 20.30 (SD=8.04) in the control group (t=2.100; p=0.039). Complications developed in 5.3% of the premature neonates in the experimental group and in 20% of those in the control group (chi(2)=3.78; p=0.049). The odds ratio for developing complications was 1.673 (CI 1.089-2.571). CONCLUSIONS: The application of therapeutic touch reduces the length of hospital stay and the presence of complications. Nevertheless, further research in larger samples is required.

Efectividad de la aplicación de toques terapéuticos en el peso, las complicaciones y los días de estancia, en recién nacidos pretérmino ingresados en una unidad de neonatología / Effectiveness of the application of therapeutic touch on weight, complications, and length of hospital stay in preterm newborns attended in a neonatal unit

Objetivo. Conocer la efectividad de los toques terapéuticos en el peso, la presentación de complicaciones posnatales y los días de estancia en recién nacidos pretérminos (RNP), así como en la satisfacción de los padres. Método. Estudio experimental, realizado en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales del Hospital Virgen Macarena de Sevilla. Se incluyeron 78 RNP (39 en el grupo control y 39 en el experimental), mediante asignación aleatoria. Las variables medidas fueron el peso, los días de estancia, la presentación de complicaciones y la satisfacción de los padres, y de control las relacionadas con características sociodemográficas y clínicas de las madres. La intervención consistió en la aplicación de toques terapeúticos. Resultados. En relación con el peso, la media fue de 1.867,80g (desviación estándar [DE]=149,72) en el grupo experimental y de 1.860g (DE=181,92) en el control (t=0,148; p=0,883); el tiempo de estancia en la unidad fue de 16,82 (DE=6,47) en el grupo experimental y de 20,30 (DE=8,04) en el grupo control (t=2,100, p=0,039), y de presentación de complicaciones posnatales, mientras que en el grupo experimental aparecen en el 5,3% de los RNP, en el grupo control lo hacen en el 20% (χ2=3,78; p=0,049). La odds ratio para presentación de complicaciones fue de 1,673 (intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,089-2,571). Conclusiones. La aplicación de los toques terapéuticos ha mostrado su efectividad en el tiempo de estancia y en la presentación de complicaciones. Sería necesario en futuras investigaciones ampliar el tamaño de la muestra (AU)

Objective. To determine the effectiveness of therapeutic touch on weight, the presence of postnatal complications, and length of hospital stay in preterm newborns, as well as on parental satisfaction with the care provided. Method. We performed an experimental study in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Virgen Macarena University Hospital in Seville (Spain). Seventy eight premature neonates were randomly assigned to one of the comparison groups (39 in the control group and 39 in the experimental group). The outcome variables of weight, length of hospital stay, the presence of complications, and parental satisfaction were evaluated. Control variables related to maternal socio-demographic and clinic characteristics were also measured. The intervention was based on the application of therapeutic touch. Results. The mean weight in grams was 1,867.80 (SD=149.72) in the experimental group and 1,860 (SD=181.92) in the control group (t=0.148; p=0.883). Length of hospital stay was 16.82 (SD=6.47) in the experimental group and 20.30 (SD=8.04) in the control group (t=2.100; p=0.039). Complications developed in 5.3% of the premature neonates in the experimental group and in 20% of those in the control group (χ2=3.78; p=0.049). The odds ratio for developing complications was 1.673 (CI 1.089–2.571). Conclusions. The application of therapeutic touch reduces the length of hospital stay and the presence of complications. Nevertheless, further research in larger samples is required (AU)

Hernia de Morgagni izquierda con contenido hepático / Left Morgagni hernia with hepatic content

No disponible

Atrofia optico hereditaria. Presentación de tres casos

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo que incluyó a tres miembros de una familia, comenzando por una paciente, su hijo y un nieto, todos con una atrofia óptica dominante, con daños visuales variables en dependencia del progreso de la enfermedad, y por lo tanto con necesidad de ayuda óptica o no. Se tomaron fotos del fondo de ojo de cada paciente, y se presentan como casos de gran interés oftalmológico, seguido incluso por la consulta de genética en nuestra provincia[AU]

Guía clínica de fisioterapia respiratoria para lesionados medulares espinales con ventilación mecánica invasiva hasta su decanulación / Clinical guide for respiratory physiotherapy for spinal cord injured patients with invasive mechanical ventilation until their decanulation

La insuficiencia respiratoria aguda que acontece durante la fase de schock medular hace necesario en numerosas ocasiones ventilar al paciente mecánicamente. La supervivencia del lesionado medular con disfunción respiratoria severa ha mejorado gracias al acceso invasivo de la vía aérea.La Fisioterapia respiratoria constituye un pilar imprescindible en el manejo y tratamiento de estas personas (AU)

Study of the reversibility of endothelial dysfunction in a rat model of diabetes mellitus: experimental treatment by transplantation of pancreatic islets.

OBJECTIVE: To study the endothelial dysfunction induced in a rat model of diabetes mellitus, and to find out if transplantation of islet cells is an effective treatment for the endothelial damage. DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: University hospital, Spain. ANIMALS: 24 Wistar rats in 3 groups of each: control, diabetic and transplanted. INTERVENTIONS: Diabetes was induced in the diabetic and transplanted animals by intravenous injection of streptozocin 45 mg/Kg. In the transplanted group fresh pancreatic islet from syngeneic donor rats (1200-1500/receptor) were injected intraportally 16 weeks after the induction of diabetes. The rats were killed at 18 weeks. Excision of rings of thoracic aorta, which were contracted with 0(-5) M phenylephrine. Once the maximum contraction had been reached relaxation was induced with 10(-5) M acetylcholine and then 10(-4) M independent nitroprusside endothelial vasodilator was added. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood glucose concentrations throughout the experiment. Mean vasodilator response to acetylcholine as an indicator of recovery of endothelial function. RESULTS: The mean (SD) vasodilatation in the control group differed significantly from that in the diabetic group (27.6 (3.9) g compared with 20.1 (3.9) p = 0.002). The transplanted group also differed from the diabetic group (25.8 (3.6) g, p = 0.009). There was no significant difference between the transplanted group and the control group (p = 0.33). CONCLUSION: In rats diabetes mellitus causes considerable endothelial damage, which can be reversed by transplantation of pancreatic islets.

Uteroplacental circulation in patients with first-trimester threatened abortion.

OBJECTIVE: To assess uteroplacental circulation in patients with first-trimester threatened abortion with a living embryo. DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional study. SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. PATIENT(S): Forty-nine patients with first-trimester threatened abortion and a living embryo and 129 women with singleton, low-risk, normally developing first-trimester pregnancies recruited as controls. INTERVENTION(S): Transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound measurement of the peak systolic velocity and pulsatility index of the uterine arteries and the spiral arteries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Uteroplacental blood flow and pregnancy outcome. RESULT(S): There was a significant relation between gestational age and the peak systolic velocity and pulsatility index in the uterine arteries and between gestational age and the peak systolic velocity and pulsatility index in the spiral arteries in controls. There were no differences in any Doppler parameter assessed between the study group and the controls, even in those pregnancies that ended in spontaneous abortion. CONCLUSION(S): No apparent alteration occurs in the early uteroplacental circulation in patients with threatened abortion with a living embryo. The use of transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound is not helpful for predicting pregnancy outcome in these cases.

Transvaginal color Doppler assessment of fetal circulation in normal early pregnancy.

A prospective cross-sectional study was performed in 81 consecutive patients with low-risk singleton pregnancies and gestational age from 9 to 12 weeks of gestation in order to assess the fetal circulation at this stage of pregnancy. Patients' mean age was 29.8 +/- 3.8 (SD) years. Mean gestational age was 10.5 +/- 1.1 weeks. All patients underwent transvaginal color velocity imaging and pulsed Doppler ultrasound to obtain the blood flow velocity waveforms (FVWs) from three fetal vessels: umbilical artery, abdominal aorta, and intracranial vessels. The peak systolic velocity (PSV) and pulsatility index (PI) were analyzed. Optimal FVWs from each vessel were obtained in 98.8, 75.3 and 91.3% of fetuses, respectively. Linear regression analysis showed a significant progressive increase in PSV in the umbilical artery (r = 0.49, p < 0.0001) and intracranial vessels (r = 0.36, p = 0.018) simultaneous to a significant decrease in PI in both vessels (umbilical artery r = -0.37, p = 0.0007; intracranial vessels r = -0.56, p < 0.0001). No significant change was noted in the abdominal aorta in PSV (r = 0.06, p > 0.05) or in PI (r = -0.15, p > 0.05).

Transvaginal color Doppler sonography in adnexal masses: which parameter performs best?

The aim of this study was to establish which of several commonly used parameters performs best in the evaluation of adnexal masses by transvaginal color Doppler sonography. A total of 79 adnexal masses in 73 consecutive patients were included in the study. There were 43 (58.9%) premenopausal and 30 (41.1%) postmenopausal patients. The median age was 45 years (range 20-78 years). The parameters compared were: number of vessels detected in each tumor, tumor vessel location (central vs. peripheral), peak systolic velocity (PSV), lowest resistance index (RIlowest), mean resistance index (RImean), lowest pulsatility index (PIlowest) and mean pulsatility index (PImean). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to analyze the test performance of the parameters, except for tumor vessel location, and to estimate the best cut-off value of the parameters studied to differentiate between malignant and benign tumors. Definitive histopathological diagnosis was obtained in every case and used as the 'gold standard'. There were 20 (25.3%) malignant and 59 (74.7%) benign masses. Color Doppler signals were detected in 100% of the malignant masses (20 out of 20) and 74.6% (44 out of 59) of the benign masses, and the difference was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). Tumor vessel location was central in 18 out of 20 (90%) malignant masses, whereas it was peripheral in 39 out of 44 (88.6%) benign masses. ROC analysis showed that the best cut-off values for number of vessels, PSV, RIlowest, RImean, PIlowest and PImean were three vessels, 25 cm/s, 0.45, 0.55, 0.90 and 1.50, respectively. However, for all these parameters except RIlowest, there was a considerable overlap between benign and malignant tumors, with a high false-positive rate. In conclusion, in our experience, the parameters that performed best were the RIlowest with a cut-off value of 0.45 (sensitivity 100%; false-positive rate 11.4%) and central tumor vessel location (sensitivity 90%; false-positive rate 11.4%).