Superoxidase dismutases (SODs) in the European eel: Gene characterization, expression response to temperature combined with hormonal maturation and possible migratory implications

Superoxide dismutases (SODs) are antioxidant enzymes that protect cells from oxidation. Three SODs have been identified in mammals, but there is limited information in teleosts. This study investigates SODs in the European eel and their expression patterns during testis maturation. Phylogenetic and synteny analyses revealed SODs paralogs and their evolution in vertebrates. The eel possesses one SOD1 and two SOD2/3 (a and b), indicating SOD2 and SOD3 duplication in elopomorphs. SODs expression were then evaluated in various male and female tissues. SOD1 is more expressed in females, while SOD2a and SOD2b dominate brain-pituitary-gonad tissues in both sexes. SOD3a showed predominant expression in the ovary and the male livers, whereas SOD3b was found in the pituitary and brain of both sexes. The effects of different maturation protocols (standard hormonal treatment vs. same protocol preceded with cold seawater pre-treatment) on SODs expression during testis maturation were evaluated. Salinity increase at the onset of standard treatment at 20 °C, simulating early migration, upregulated SOD1, SOD2a, and SOD2b, coinciding with spermatogonia type A differentiated cells dominance. Thereafter, SOD2a and SOD3a decreased, while SOD2b increased during hormonal treatment-induced spermatogenesis. Pre-treatment with seawater at 10 °C, mimicking the conditions at the beginning of the seawater migration, downregulated SOD1 but increased SOD3a expression. Finally, the standard hormonal treatment, replicating spawning at higher temperatures, downregulated SOD1 in eels without any pre-treatment while SOD2a expression increased in pre-treated eels. This study revealed tissue-specific, sex-dependent, and maturation-related SOD expression patterns, predicting SODs dynamic expression profiles during their reproductive migration.

Accumulation of Inflammatory Mediators in the Normal Pericardial Fluid

There is paucity of studies that focus on the composition of pericardial fluid under resting conditions. The purpose of this study is to determine the levels of inflammatory mediators in pericardial fluid and their correlation with plasma levels in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. We conducted a prospective cohort study on candidates for elective aortic valve replacement surgery. Pericardial fluid and peripheral venous blood samples were collected after opening the pericardium. Levels of interleukin 1α (IL-1α); interleukin 1β (IL-1β); interleukin 2 (IL-2) interleukin 4 (IL-4); interleukin 6 (IL-6); interleukin 8 (IL8); interleukin 10 (IL10); tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) epidermal growth factor (EGF), soluble E-selectin, L-selectin, P-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were determined in both pericardial fluid and serum samples. A total of 45 patients with a mean age of 74 years were included of which 66% were males. Serum levels of all study mediators were within normal limits. Serum and pericardial levels of IL-1 α, IL-1 β, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 were similar. Levels of VEGF, EGF, VCAM-2, ICAM 1, E-selectin, P-selectin, and L-selectin were significantly lower in pericardial fluid than in serum. However, levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ, MCP-1, and MCP-1 were significantly higher in the pericardial fluid than in serum. Under normal conditions, the pattern of distribution of different inflammatory mediators in the pericardial fluid does not reflect serum levels. This may either reflect the condition of the underlying myocardium and epicardial fat or the activity of the mesothelial and mononuclear cells present in pericardial fluid.

Mathematical birth of Early Afterdepolarizations in a cardiomyocyte model

Early Afterdepolarizations (EADs) are abnormal behaviors that can lead to cardiac failure and even cardiac death. In this paper we investigate the occurrence and development of these phenomena in a reduced Luo-Rudy cardiac model. Through a comprehensive dynamical analysis, we map out the distinct patterns observed in the parametric plane, differentiating between normal beats without EADs and pathological beats with EADs. By examining the bifurcation structure of the model, we elucidate the dynamical elements associated with these patterns and their transitions. Using a fast-slow analysis, we explore the emergence and evolution of EADs in the model. Notably, our approach combines the two commonly used fast-slow approaches (1-slow-2-fast and 2-slow-1-fast), and we show how both approaches together provide a more complete understanding of this phenomenon.

The Use of Sensors to Prevent, Predict Transition to Chronic and Personalize Treatment of Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review

Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a highly prevalent condition that implies substantial expenses and affects quality of life in terms of occupational and recreational activities, physical and psychological health, and general well-being. The diagnosis and treatment are challenging processes due to the unknown underlying causes of the condition. Recently, sensors have been included in clinical practice to implement its management. In this review, we furthered knowledge about the potential benefits of sensors such as force platforms, video systems, electromyography, or inertial measure systems in the assessment process of NSLBP. We concluded that sensors could identify specific characteristics of this population like impaired range of movement, decreased stability, or disturbed back muscular activation. Sensors could provide sufferers with earlier diagnosis, prevention strategies to avoid chronic transition, and more efficient treatment approaches. Nevertheless, the review has limitations that need to be considered in the interpretation of results.

Empleo de N-BUTIL-2-CIANOACRILATO TISUACRYL® en traumatismos bucofaciales con dentición primaria. Reporte de caso

El traumatismo buco-facial puede afectar los tejidos blandos, los órganos dentarios y el hueso del complejo maxilofacial. Presentamos un caso de traumatismo en la dentición temporal de un paciente de 4 años con lesión de los tejidos bucales y faciales. El tratamiento se realizó con 2 cianoacrilato de n-butilo (Tisuacryl®), para cierre de heridas y sellador hemostático. La aplicación fue de acuerdo con los protocolos de estos materiales y tipos de lesiones, así como el respeto a los principios éticos, según la Declaración de Helsinki. Las heridas y los dientes afectados se examinaron de forma convencional y se colocó Tisuacryl® como único método, sin necesidad de anestesia. La evaluación se clasificó en Éxito o Fracaso, 10 minutos inmediatamente después del sellado y 5 y 10 días después del tratamiento. Los resultados inmediatos reflejaron correcto sellado y alto poder hemostático, a los cinco y diez días mostraron excelente recuperación de los tejidos blandos, sin dehiscencia, ni reacciones adversas. En las radiografías iniciales se observó un ligero engrosamiento del espacio periodontal, que fue desapareciendo paulatinamente hasta hacerse inapreciable a los 10 días. En la evaluación final se observó una evolución clínica y radiográfica satisfactoria, por lo que fue catalogado como Éxito. También, extraordinario bienestar al tratamiento y evolución en todas las etapas, fue manifestado por la paciente y la mama. Podemos concluir que el tratamiento exitoso convierte al 2 cianoacrilato de n-butilo, (Tisuacryl®) en una alternativa eficaz al tratamiento de heridas traumáticas buco-faciales. No hubo reacciones adversas en el tratamiento aplicado.

[Long-term survival of patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation]

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an effective and safe option for low, medium and high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (SAS).

AIM

To analyze the clinical results and long-term survival of TAVI in our center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective analysis of 53 patients aged 73 ± 10 years with a Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score of 7.3 ± 3.9%.

RESULTS

In 96% a transfemoral access was used and, in most patients, ProGlides™ as vascular closure device was used. General anesthesia and conscious sedation were used in 79 and 21% of cases, respectively. Fifty-three valves were implanted, 42 self-expandable (SEV) and 11 balloon-expandable (Edwards Sapiens). The implant was successful in 49 patients (92,4%). The transaortic gradient after TAVI was almost zero mmHg in all patients and one had a severe aortic regurgitation. Permanent pacemakers were needed in 17% of patients. Two patients had a pericardial effusion, and one had a major vascular complication. No strokes were recorded, and 30-day mortality was 3.7%. At long-term follow up (23.4 ± 21.6 months) the global survival was 85% and the rate of cardiovascular mortality was 5.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series of intermediate to high-risk patients, TAVI was associated with an excellent early and long-term survival.

1079The need for information among cancer patients and their caregivers in Colombia

Background

Cancer is a worldwide concern and a public health issue. Physical symptoms and psychological effects of cancer place a significant burden on the quality of life of cancer patients. Several studies have demonstrated the positive benefits of tailored therapeutic education for cancer patients and their caregivers. Colombian population has important disparities in cultural and educational backgrounds and health care access in cancer patients. The aim of this study is to identify the informational needs of cancer patients and caregivers in Colombia.

Methods

We performed a descriptive qualitative study among cancer patients and caregivers at the Hospital Universitario Mayor-Mederi. Between August and November 2019 we conducted 7-focus group discussions with a total of 47-participants to understand the informational needs of the participants in the context of their own oncology diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation in the Colombian health-system. The focus group discussion were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content-analyses technique, identifying the emerging categories by saturation.

Results

The most salient themes of informational needs identified were: causes of the disease; continuous information tailored to treatment; treatment goals; adverse effects of treatment; warning signs; self-learning of the disease; nutritional and physical activity recommendations; alternative therapies.

Conclusions

This study provides specific types of information that can be incorporated into existing health promotional campaigns in order to address the informational needs of cancer patients and their caregivers.

Key messages

Incorporation specific types of information according to local necessities in cancer care can potentially alleviate the stress and burden among cancer patients and their caregivers

Structure-function assessment of 3D-printed porous scaffolds by a low-cost/open source fused filament fabrication printer

Additive manufacturing encompasses a plethora of techniques to manufacture structures from a computational model. Among them, fused filament fabrication (FFF) relies on heating thermoplastics to their fusion point and extruding the material through a nozzle in a controlled pattern. FFF is a suitable technique for tissue engineering, given that allows the fabrication of 3D-scaffolds, which are utilized for tissue regeneration purposes. The objective of this study is to assess a low-cost/open-source 3D printer (In-House), by manufacturing both solid and porous samples with relevant microarchitecture in the physiological range (100-500 μm pore size), using an equivalent commercial counterpart for comparison. For this, compressive tests in solid and porous scaffolds manufactured in both printers were performed, comparing the results with finite element analysis (FEA) models. Additionally, a microarchitectural analysis was done in samples from both printers, comparing the measurements of both pore size and porosity to their corresponding computer-aided design (CAD) models. Moreover, a preliminary biological assessment was performed using scaffolds from our In-House printer, measuring cell adhesion efficiency. Finally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy - attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) was performed to evaluate chemical changes in the material (polylactic acid) after fabrication in each printer. The results show that the In-House printer achieved generally better mechanical behavior and resolution capacity than its commercial counterpart, by comparing with their FEA and CAD models, respectively. Moreover, a preliminary biological assessment indicates the feasibility of the In-House printer to be used in tissue engineering applications. The results also show the influence of pore geometry on mechanical properties of 3D-scaffolds and demonstrate that properties such as the apparent elastic modulus (E_app) can be controlled in 3D-printed scaffolds.

Centennial glacier retreat increases sedimentation and eutrophication in Subantarctic periglacial lakes: A study case of Lake Uruguay

High resolution XRF scanning documented inter-annual paleolimnological changes of a Subantarctic periglacial lake, during a process of centennial glacier retreat in King George Island, Antarctica. Two major paleoenvironmental stages were inferred from the combined analysis of elemental, molecular and isotopic biomarkers, with a boundary or transition set at about 3200 yr BP. The first stage was characterized by a relatively low allochthonous organic content, reduced productivity and nitrogen levels. Such paleoenvironmental conditions are interpreted as a terrestrial system under periglacial influence, where material influx was related to erosion process from the melt water discharge, because of the proximity to the Collins Glacier ice cap. After the major Holocene glacier advance dated at about 3500 yr BP, the ice cap retreat led to the formation of Lake Uruguay, which involved in filling processes leading to moraine deposits, proglacial meltwater channels, and lakes next to the land glacier. During the second stage, with the onset of the Current Warm Period, prior to 1900 CE the stabilization of the Zr/Rb ratio within the laminated sediments documented the origin of the lacustrine sedimentation system, with subsequent increases in the sedimentation rate and biomass content (total nitrogen and organic carbon). Time series analyses revealed that the lake displayed variability cycles related to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), as reflected by high resolution sedimentological proxies for grain size, weathering, allochthonous inputs from the watershed, increase of biomass and productivity, and changes in redox conditions, all of which displayed similar oscillation cycles from 2 to 6 yr. During this periglacial recession and associated eutrophication process, we detected a striking loss in both bacterial specific richness and diversity as inferred from preliminary selected ancient DNA analyses. Thus, the Antarctic warming scenario leading to glacier depletion appears to exert deterioration consequences on the Subantarctic microbial web.

SARS-CoV-2 spread across the Colombian-Venezuelan border

INTRODUCTION

Venezuela and Colombia both adopted measures of containment early in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Venezuela's ongoing humanitarian crisis has decimated its health care system, and forced millions of Venezuelans to flee through its porous border with Colombia. The extensive shared border, and illegal cross-border transit through improvised trails between the two countries are major challenges for public health authorities. We report the first SARS-CoV-2 genomes from Venezuela, and present a snapshot of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiologic landscape in the Colombian-Venezuelan border region.

METHODS

We sequenced and assembled viral genomes from total RNA extracted from nasopharyngeal (NP) clinical specimens using a custom reference-based analysis pipeline. Three assemblies obtained were subjected to typing using the Phylogenetic Assignment of Named Global Outbreak LINeages 'Pangolin' tool. A total of 376 publicly available SARS-CoV-2 genomes from South America were obtained from the GISAID database to perform comparative genomic analyses. Additionally, the Wuhan-1 strain was used as reference.

RESULTS

We found that two of the SARS-CoV-2 genomes from Venezuela belonged to the B1 lineage, and the third to the B.1.13 lineage. We observed a point mutation in the Spike protein gene (D614G substitution), previously reported to be associated with increased infectivity, in all three Venezuelan genomes. Additionally, three mutations (R203K/G204R substitution) were present in the nucleocapsid (N) gene of one Venezuelan genome.

CONCLUSIONS

Genomic sequencing demonstrates similarity between SARS-CoV-2 lineages from Venezuela and viruses collected from patients in bordering areas in Colombia and from Brazil, consistent with cross-border transit despite administrative measures including lockdowns. The presence of mutations associated with increased infectivity in the 3 Venezuelan genomes we report and Colombian SARS-CoV-2 genomes from neighboring borders areas may pose additional challenges for control of SARS-CoV-2 spread in the complex epidemiological landscape in Latin American countries. Public health authorities should carefully follow the progress of the pandemic and its impact on displaced populations within the region.

Comparative in silico design and validation of GPS™ CoVID-19 dtec-RT-qPCR test

AIMS

Providing a ready-to-use reverse transcriptase qPCR (RT-qPCR) method fully validated to detect the SARS-CoV-2 with a higher exclusivity than this shown by early published RT-qPCR designs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The specificity of the GPS™ CoVID-19 dtec-RT-qPCR test by analysis of sequence alignments was approached and compared with other RT-qPCR designs. The GPS™ CoVID-19 dtec-RT-qPCR test was validated following criteria of UNE/EN ISO 17025:2005 and ISO/IEC 15189:2012. Diagnostic validation was achieved by two independent reference laboratories, the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, (Madrid, Spain), the Public Health England (Colindale, London, UK), and received the label CE-IVD. The GPS design showed the highest exclusivity and passed all parameters of validation with strict acceptance criteria. Results from reference laboratories 100% correlated with these obtained by using reference methods and showed 100% of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

The CE-IVD GPS™ CoVID-19 dtec-RT-qPCR test, available worldwide with full analytical and diagnostic validation, is the more exclusive for SARS-CoV-2 by far.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Considering the CoVID-19 pandemic status, the exclusivity of RT-qPCR tests is crucial to avoid false positives due to related coronaviruses. This work provides of a highly specific and validated RT-qPCR method for detection of SARS-CoV-2, which represents a case of efficient transfer of technology successfully used since the pandemic was declared.

A7 Co-receptor tropism determined by genotypic assay in HIV-1 non-B subtypes circulating in Cuba: Implications for pathogenesis and Maraviroc resistance

The V3 loop of the HIV-1 envelope (env) gene is involved in binding to the chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR4, thus determining viral tropism. With the aim of genetically characterizing the C2V3 env region of HIV-1 samples from Cuban patients, naive to Maraviroc (MVC) therapy, 115 plasma samples were taken in the period of 2014–6 and analyzed by sequencing of the C2V3 region. HIV-1 subtyping was performed using COMET V.2 and Rega subtyping toolV.3 software. Subtypes were confirmed by phylogenetic analyses using Mega-6. Prediction of co-receptor tropism was performed using the geno2pheno algorithm. The viral mutations associated to MVC resistance were analyzed, as well as the association of the subtype with clinical, epidemiological, virological, and immunological variables. The subtypes detected using the C2V3 region were CRF20, 23, 24_BG (35 patients, 30.4%); Subtype B (33 patients, 28.7%); CRF19_cpx (30 patients, 26.1%); CRF18_cpx (10 patients, 8.7%); and others (7 patients, 6.1%). Overall, 60 per cent of the viruses exhibited R5 phenotype, 14.8 per cent were R5X4 and 25.2 per cent were X4. Interestingly, CRF19_cpx virus was associated with having phenotype X4 [46.7%, P = 0.0047, odds ratio (OR): 3.96, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.59–9.84], with infection in young individuals (39.1%, P = 0.025, OR: 3,548; 95% CI: 1,136–11,077) and with higher values of viral load (P ≤ 0.05). The comparison of the amino acid sequences of the V3 loop showed differences between the B and non-B subtypes (P = 0.0001). Mutations reported to be associated with MVC resistance, were detected in 75.7 per cent of the samples, in positions 11 (6.1%), 13 (49.6%), 25 (6.1%), 316 (7.0%), 323 (11.3%), and 319 (3.5%) of Gp120, particularly in the recombinant forms CRF19_cpx and CRF_BGs. HIV variants that use the CXCR4 co-receptor were associated with more than 10 years of diagnosis, with older individuals, in the AIDS stage, with low CD4 counts and higher viral load levels (P < 0.05). The results support the hypothesis previously stated that CRF19_cpx viruses could be more pathogenic and would have limitations for the use of MVC. The high rate of mutations associated to MVC among non-B Cuban subtypes should be further studied.

Epidemiology of tumors in dogs in the capital of the state of Mexico from 2002-2016

ABSTRACT A retrospective and cross-sectional study of canine tumors was performed in the capital of State of Mexico from 2002-2016. Since then, 393 tumors were remitted. Descriptive epidemiology was made from all data: breed, age, sex, and tumor features. Then the risk association between cutaneous and non-cutaneous tumors with variables such as sex, breed, and age were analyzed through an exact Fisher test and Odds ratio. In addition, some characteristics of the canine population were studied under a survey. Of all tumors, skin tumors were the most frequent (59.0%). The group of tumors related to ultraviolet radiation was the most common (15.1%). The frequency of tumors in females was 53%, nevertheless, males had more risk to develop cutaneous tumors (OR=1.88, 1.24-2.84) (0.003). The Pure breeds were the most common (82.5%) and the most frequent age range was > 7 years (54.7%). The survey showed that males (53%) and the age range 1-7 years (62.1%) were the most frequent. Conclusions, age, breed, and sex were identified as the major risk factors for tumorigenesis. Likewise, skin tumors were associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation, probably to the height of the locality (2667mamls).

Subjective and objective assessment of fish sperm motility: when the technique and technicians matter

Fish sperm motility is nowadays considered the best sperm quality biomarker in fish, and can be evaluated both by subjective and computerized methods. With the aim to compare the precision and accuracy of both techniques, fish sperm samples were assessed by subjective methods and by a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA-Mot) system, and simultaneously by three different technicians with different degrees of expertise on the sperm quality analysis. Statistical dispersion parameters (CV, coefficient of variation; and RG, range) were estimated in order to determine the precision and accuracy of the techniques and the influence of laboratory staff on sperm motion assessments. Concerning precision, there were not much significant differences between the technical support staff (high, medium, and low experimented technician), and statistical dispersion parameters were quite similar between them independent of the technique used and the sperm motility class analyzed. However, concerning accuracy, experimented technician reported subjective motility values very closed to the values provided by the CASA-Mot system, only 10 percentage points away from the data provided by a CASA-Mot system. However, medium and low experimented technicians often overestimate the CASA-Mot values, and amplitudes up to 30 percentage points were detected in several sperm assessments. To sum up, both the technique (subjective or objective) and the technician (degree of expertise) became key factors in order to reach accurate motility estimations, so the use of both qualified staff and novel CASA-Mot systems seems to be a critical requirement for obtaining satisfying results in fish species with similar motility patterns.

Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) Nk-lysin induces protection against the pathogenic parasite Philasterides dicentrarchi via membrane disruption

P. dicentrarchi is one of the most threatening pathogens for turbot aquaculture. This protozoan ciliate is a causative agent of scuticociliatosis, which is a disease with important economic consequences for the sector. Neither vaccines nor therapeutic treatments are commercially available to combat this infection. Numerous antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and even tumor cells; an example is Nk-lysin (Nkl), which is an AMP belonging to the saposin-like protein (SAPLIP) family with an ability to interact with biological membranes. Following the recent characterization of turbot Nkl, an expression plasmid encoding Nkl was constructed and an anti-Nkl polyclonal antibody was successfully tested. Using these tools, we demonstrated that although infection did not clearly affect nkl mRNA expression, it induced changes at the protein level. Turbot Nkl had the ability to inhibit proliferation of the P. dicentrarchi parasite both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, a shortened peptide containing the active core of turbot Nkl (Nkl71-100) was synthesized and showed high antiparasitic activity with a direct effect on parasite viability that probably occurred via membrane disruption. Therefore, the nkl gene may be a good candidate for genetic breeding selection of fish, and either the encoded peptide or its shortened analog is a promising antiparasitic treatment in aquaculture.

Evolution of Frying Oil Quality Using Fourier Transform Near-Infrared (FT-NIR) Spectroscopy

This study assesses the capacity of a Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectrometer operating in the range 4500-12 000 cm^-1 (833.33-2222.22 nm) to provide quantitative predictions for the parameters of acidity (AV), p-anisidine (pAV), total polar materials (TPM), peroxide value (PV), and oxidative stability index (OSI). 562 samples of frying oil were analyzed from 14 distinct types of oil. The calibrations obtained accounted for 96%, 95%, 99%, 92%, and 91% of the AV, pAV, TPM, PV, and OSI variations in the study set and the similarity between the standard error of laboratory (RMSEP) values and the reference method errors (RMSEL), enabling the authors to conclude that NIR technology has the capacity to replace traditional methods in thermo-oxidative degradation studies in frying oils.

Characterization and simulation of noise in PET images reconstructed with OSEM: Development of a method for the generation of synthetic images

INTRODUCTION

The goals of the study are to characterize imaging properties in 2D PET images reconstructed with the iterative algorithm ordered-subset expectation maximization (OSEM) and to propose a new method for the generation of synthetic images.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The noise is analyzed in terms of its magnitude, spatial correlation, and spectral distribution through standard deviation, autocorrelation function, and noise power spectrum (NPS), respectively. Their variations with position and activity level are also analyzed. This noise analysis is based on phantom images acquired from ¹⁸F uniform distributions. Experimental recovery coefficients of hot spheres in different backgrounds are employed to study the spatial resolution of the system through point spread function (PSF). The NPS and PSF functions provide the baseline for the proposed simulation method: convolution with PSF as kernel and noise addition from NPS.

RESULTS

The noise spectral analysis shows that the main contribution is of random nature. It is also proven that attenuation correction does not alter noise texture but it modifies its magnitude. Finally, synthetic images of 2 phantoms, one of them an anatomical brain, are quantitatively compared with experimental images showing a good agreement in terms of pixel values and pixel correlations. Thus, the contrast to noise ratio for the biggest sphere in the NEMA IEC phantom is 10.7 for the synthetic image and 8.8 for the experimental image.

CONCLUSIONS

The properties of the analyzed OSEM-PET images can be described by NPS and PSF functions. Synthetic images, even anatomical ones, are successfully generated by the proposed method based on the NPS and PSF.

Comparison of backing materials of screen printed electrochemical sensors for direct determination of the sub-nanomolar concentration of lead in seawater

An anodic stripping voltammetric method is reported in this study for the determination of sub-nanomolar Pb concentration using disposable sensors, each consisting of three (counter, working and reference) screen-printed electrodes. Sensor performance was optimized for the determination of Pb through several surface modifications, by using single-walled carbon nanotubes, electro-reduced graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles. A scanning electron microscopy study of the deposition of electrogenerated gold nanoparticles of various sizes on the working electrode surface showed that spherical nanoparticles of around 100 nm provided the best results. The modification of working electrodes with graphene and gold nanoparticles permitted the determination of Pb²⁺ in seawater (Detection Limit: 3.21·10^-10 M) without modifying the pH of the sample. The electrode systems were printed on both rigid and textile backing materials, to observe the influence of those materials on the final performance of the sensor.

Wastewater contamination in Antarctic melt-water streams evidenced by virological and organic molecular markers

Human activities in the Antarctica including tourism and scientific research have been raised substantially in the last century with the concomitant impact on the Antarctic ecosystems through the release of wastewater mainly from different scientific stations activities. The aim of this study was to assess the wastewater contamination of surface waters and sediments of three melt-water streams (11 sites) by leaking septic tanks located in the vicinity of the Uruguayan Scientific Station in the Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica, during summer 2015. For this purpose, we combined the analysis of fecal steroids in sediments by using gas chromatography and six enteric viruses in surface waters by quantitative and qualitative PCR. Coprostanol concentrations (from 0.03 to 3.31μgg^-1) and fecal steroids diagnostic ratios indicated that stations C7 and C8 located in the kitchen stream presented sewage contamination. Rotavirus was the only enteric virus detected in five sites with concentration ranging from 1.2×10⁵gcL^-1 to 5.1×10⁵gcL^-1 being three of them located downstream from the leaking AINA and Kitchen septic tanks. This study shows for the first time the presence of both virological and molecular biomarkers of wastewater pollution in surface waters and sediments of three melt-water streams in the vicinity of a scientific station in the Antarctica. These results highlight the importance of the complementation of these biomarkers in two different matrices (surface waters and sediments) to assess wastewater pollution in an Antarctic environment related to anthropogenic activities in the area.

[Pleural cavity concerns]

INTRODUCTION

Persistent air leak (PAL) is a common problem. We asses our experience in the management of these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective review of patients with chest tubes after bronchopulmonary pneumothorax (due to lung resections, spontaneous pneumothorax, necrotizing pneumonia) from 2010 to 2015. We studied clinical data, PAL incidence, risk factors and treatment, considering PAL ≥ 5 days.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven cases (28 patients) between 0-16years: 26 lung resections, 11 pneumothorax. We found no differences in the distribution of age, weight, indication or comorbidity, but we noticed a trend to shorter hospital stay in infants. Patients with staple-line reinforcement presented lower PAL incidence than patients with no mechanical suture (43% vs 37%), the difference is even apparent when applying tissue sealants (29% vs 50%) (p > 0.05). We encountered no relationship between the size of the tube (10-24 Fr) or the type of resection, with bigger air leaks the higher suction pressure. We performed 13 pleurodesis in 7 patients (2 lobectomies, 3 segmentectomies and 2 bronchopleural fistulas), with 70% effectiveness. We conducted 7 procedures with autologous blood (1.6 ml/kg), 2 with povidone-iodine (0.5 ml/kg), 2 mechanical thoracoscopic and 2 open ones. We repeated pleurodesis four times, 3 of them after autologous blood infusion: 2 infusions with the same dose (both effective) and the other 2 as thoracotomy in patients with bronchopleural fistulas. After instillation of blood 3 patients presented with fever. After povidone-iodine instillation, the patient suffered from fever and rash.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative technical aspects are essential to reduce the risk of PAL. Autologous blood pleurodesis, single or repeated, is a minimal invasive option, very safe and effective to treat the parenchymatous PAL.

Protein-repellent and antimicrobial nanoparticle coatings from hyaluronic acid and a lysine-derived biocompatible surfactant

Biofilm formation triggered by uncontrolled protein adsorption, on medical devices is the leading cause of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) during implantation. Herein, we report a water-based, green and one-step strategy to functionalize surfaces of silicone catheters, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), with antifouling and antimicrobial substances to avoid uncontrolled protein adsorption and microbial attachment. A novel synergetic formulation consisting of an anionic glycosaminoglycan (hyaluronic acid, HA) and a lysine-derived biocompatible cationic surfactant (N^ε-myristoyl-lysine methyl ester, MKM) was prepared, resulting in the formation of nanoparticles (NPs, ca. 100-250 nm). Besides their high stability and long-lasting hydrophilicity in ambient and aqueous environments for 60 days, the nanometric layers (48 ± 3 nm) of HA-MKM NPs on PDMS showed no adsorption of BSA and lysozyme and substantially lower adsorption of fibrinogen as revealed by a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). In vitro antimicrobial test with S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis, C. albicans microbes under dynamic conditions revealed that the microbial growth was hampered by 85% compared with unmodified PDMS. Given the multiple functionalities, charges and diverse physiochemical properties of polysaccharide-lysine-based surfactant mixtures, this approach can be easily extended to the development of novel coatings on other silicone-based materials, thereby broadening potential applicability of PDMS-based biomaterials/devices in microfluidics, diagnostic biosensors and others.

Is there a relationship between morbid obesity and depression?

Introduction

A considerable proportion of patients with morbid obesity require treatment with antidepressants.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of patients who are in antidepressant treatment and identify risk factors for the need of this treatment in patients with morbid obesity.

Materials and methods

Retrospective cohort study of 292 patients with morbid obesity who underwent bariatric surgery at Hospital del Mar from January 2010 to November 2015. The incidence of antidepressant treatment was analyzed, and also its possible relationship with the following variables: age, sex, BMI, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and age of onset of obesity. Chi2 test for categorical variables and Student t-test for quantitative variables were applied. Afterwards, a multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression.

Results

The mean age is 43.1 years. Most of the patients (76.4%) are women. Seventy-seven patients (26.4%) are receiving treatment with antidepressants. There is a statistically significant relationship between age and the need of treatment with antidepressants (P < 0.001). This relationship is still present when the variables are analyzed using logistic regression (P < 0.005, OR 1.049). We have not found any significant relationship with the rest of the variables.

Conclusions

Despite the large number of patients in the study, there are limitations, such as being a retrospective study and not being adjusted for confounding factors. From all the variables that have been analyzed we have found that as the age of the patients increase, there is a higher number of patients that receive treatment with antidepressants.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

A comparison of techniques for studying oogenesis in the European eel Anguilla anguilla

A multi-technique approach was used to study the changes occurring in European eel Anguilla anguilla ovaries during hormonally-induced vitellogenesis. Aside from classic techniques used to monitor the vitellogenic process, such as ovary histology, fat content analysis, sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and vitellogenin enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a new technique, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) microspectroscopy, was used to analyse A. anguilla ovaries. The results from the different techniques provided different ways of approaching the same process. Although it is considered a time consuming approach, of all the employed techniques, histology provided the most direct evidences about vitellogenesis. SDS-PAGE and ELISA were also useful for studying vitellogenesis, whereas fat analysis cannot be used for this purpose. The FT-IR analysis provided a representative IR spectrum for each ovarian stage (previtellogenic stage, early vitellogenic stage, mid-vitellogenic stage and late vitellogenic stage), demonstrating that it is a valid method able to illustrate the distribution of the oocytes within the ovary slices. The chemical maps obtained confirmed changes in lipid concentrations and revealed their distribution within the oocytes at different maturational stages. When the results and the accuracy of the FT-IR analysis were compared with those of the traditional techniques commonly used to establish the vitellogenic stage, it became evident that FT-IR is a useful and reliable tool, with many advantages, including the fact that it requires little biological material, the costs involved are low, analysis times are short and last but not least, the fact that it offers the possibility of simultaneously analysing various biocomponents of the same oocyte.

Diagnosis, gB genotype distribution and viral load of symptomatic congenitally infected CMV patients in Cuba

OBJECTIVE

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the leading cause of viral congenital infection. Some viral factors have been proposed to be CMV pathogenicity markers. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of congenital CMV infection in symptomatic patients and the possible association with the CMV glycoprotein B (gB) genotype and viral load.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 361 newborns (NB) and 158 pregnant women (PW) with clinically suspected CMV infection were enrolled. Studied samples included urine, saliva, serum, vaginal swabs and amniotic fluid. CMV infection was diagnosed by multiplex nested PCR. CMV gB genotyping was performed on infected samples, followed by viral load determination.

RESULTS

Overall, 18.7% of the tested patients were positive for CMV infection, 19.7% of NB were congenitally infected and 16.5% of PW showed active CMV infection. gB-2 was the most prevalent genotype detected (39/97 patients). gB CMV mixed infections were detected in 12 patients. gB-2 was associated with mono-infections (P<0.01). Mixed infections showed higher levels of viral load compared with gB mono-infection (P=0.03). Hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, jaundice, sepsis-like syndrome and malformations were the most prevalent clinical findings. gB-4 was more frequently associated with sepsis-like syndrome than other gB genotypes (P=0.04, odds ratio=4.3, confidence interval: 0.9 to 21.6). The difference in medians of CMV load was statistically significant among patients presenting different clinical signs (P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that CMV is a frequent cause of congenital infection in symptomatic Cuban patients. Despite gB2 being the most frequently detected, gB-4 was the only genotype associated with clinical features (sepsis-like syndrome in NB). No other associations among specific genotypes and clinical characteristics were found. Further studies are needed to clarify the role that viral load and genotype play in the outcome of congenital infection.

[Histochemistry of the digestive gland of the pearl oyster Pinctada imbricata (Pterioida: Pteriidae) during the gametogenic cycle, Venezuela]

Histochemical techniques today allow you to select areas of tissue and generate reliable information on the distribution of energy reserves in bivalve molluscs during their life cycle. The main objective of this study was to describe and relate the gametogenic cycle with the availability of energy reserves and the environmental parameters. For this, we sampled and examined the gonads and digestive glands (DG) of 15 individuals collected monthly during April 2012 and February 2013. We processed and analyzed the samples by standard histological and histochemical light microscopy techniques. Our results showed that for the gametogenic cycle, the monthly proportion of mature organisms was higher for males, between August (40 %) and November (53 %), while the females tend to have a shorter synchronized cycle and release of gametes in September (67 %) and October (60 %). The intense spawning periods in both sexes was the same (October to January). Between the periods April-August 2012 and January-February 2013, we observed the highest values of IGl and glucide index (instead, a decrease was observed in September, reaching minimum values during the period October-December). Besides, the maximum values of IL, lipid index, were observed in April-2012 and February-2013, with an intermediate value in August-2013. The results indicated that the reserves of the GD have a pattern of mobilization inversely related to the proliferation of gametes in both sexes; this was directly linked to the availability of nutrients such as chlorophyll a and the organic seston.

First Production of Larvae Using Cryopreserved Sperm: Effects of Preservation Temperature and Cryopreservation on European Eel Sperm Fertilization Capacity

Sperm cryopreservation is a useful tool in captive fish reproduction management, that is to synchronize gamete production, especially in the case of species as the European eel, where the time of female spawning readiness is unpredictable. Several protocols to cryopreserve sperm of this species have been described, but until recently fertilization trials were not feasible. This study evaluated the effect of cold storage of diluted sperm prior to fertilizations and tested whether a previously defined protocol for European eel sperm cryopreservation can be successfully applied in fertilization trials to produce viable offspring. In our experiment, the sperm motility was evaluated after the extraction and the best samples were selected and pooled. Until stripping of eggs and fertilization, diluted sperm samples were maintained at either 4 or 20°C, or cryopreserved, following existing protocols. Fertilization of two egg batches was attempted. Diluted sperm caused a similar percentage of fertilized eggs and a similar number of embryos and larvae, independently of storage temperature (4 or 20°C). The cryopreserved sperm resulted in a lower percentage of fertilized eggs, but embryos developed and a few larvae ('cryolarvae') were obtained 55 h after fertilization in one of the two egg batches. This result evidences that the tested cryopreservation protocol is applicable for eel reproduction management, although improvements will be required to enhance fertilization success.

Verminous Arteritis Due to Crassicauda sp. in Cuvier's Beaked Whales (Ziphius Cavirostris)

The vascular system of Cuvier's beaked whales (CBW) (Ziphius cavirostris; family Ziphiidae), an extremely deep, prolonged-diving cetacean, is increasingly receiving anatomic and physiologic study due to possible anthropogenic interactions; however, vascular pathology rarely has been reported in this species. Thirteen CBW stranded in the Canary Islands from June 2008 to June 2014 were autopsied. A careful dissection of the thoracic and abdominal vasculature was performed on these animals. All had moderate to severe and extensive chronic fibrosing arteritis with aneurysms, hemorrhages, and thrombosis primarily involving the mesenteric and gastroepiploic arteries and the thoracic and abdominal aorta. Microscopically, the lesions varied from subacute subintimal hemorrhages and severe neutrophilic, eosinophilic, and histiocytic dissecting arteritis with intralesional nematode larvae to marked, chronic, fibrosing arteritis with thickening and distortion of the vascular wall with calcification and occasional cartilage metaplasia. In addition, adult nematodes in renal arteries and veins, renal parenchyma and/or ureter were identified morphologically as Crassicauda sp. Nucleic acid sequenced from renal nematodes from 2 animals yielded closest nucleotide identity to C. magna The pathogenesis is proposed to involve a host response to larval migration from the intestine to the kidney through the mesenteric arteries, abdominal aorta, and renal arteries. Severe consequences for such lesions are possible and could vary from reduced vascular compliance to chronic renal disease and predisposition to the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiorgan failure. Severe chronic arteritis in CBW is associated with renal parasitism by Crassicauda spp.

Robot Guidance Using Machine Vision Techniques in Industrial Environments: A Comparative Review

In the factory of the future, most of the operations will be done by autonomous robots that need visual feedback to move around the working space avoiding obstacles, to work collaboratively with humans, to identify and locate the working parts, to complete the information provided by other sensors to improve their positioning accuracy, etc. Different vision techniques, such as photogrammetry, stereo vision, structured light, time of flight and laser triangulation, among others, are widely used for inspection and quality control processes in the industry and now for robot guidance. Choosing which type of vision system to use is highly dependent on the parts that need to be located or measured. Thus, in this paper a comparative review of different machine vision techniques for robot guidance is presented. This work analyzes accuracy, range and weight of the sensors, safety, processing time and environmental influences. Researchers and developers can take it as a background information for their future works.

Measuring biological responses at different levels of organisation to assess the effects of diffuse contamination derived from harbour and industrial activities in estuarine areas

To evaluate the effects of diffuse contamination, biological measurements were applied in a scrap cargo harbour, a marina and an industrial area. Metal accumulation and biomarkers (survival in air, digestive gland and gonad histopathology, lysosomal membrane stability, intralysosomal metal accumulation, transcription of vitellogenin and MT20, peroxisome proliferation and micronuclei formation) were measured in transplanted mussels, together with metrics of benthic invertebrates. Benthic species were classified into ecological groups and univariate indexes were calculated. The marina showed high richness (16) and percentage of opportunistic species (55.1%) and low metal accumulation. Mussels in the scrap cargo harbour showed high metal accumulation, up-regulation of MT20 transcription, reduced health status (LP<6 min) and increased micronuclei frequencies (up to 11.3‰). At the industrial area, low species richness (4) and badly organised assemblages were detected and chemical analyses indicated significant amounts of bioavailable metals. Overall, selected biological measurements showed potential for the assessment of diffuse contamination.

Amino acid–based surfactants: New antimicrobial agents

The rapid increase of drug resistant bacteria makes necessary the development of new antimicrobial agents. Synthetic amino acid-based surfactants constitute a promising alternative to conventional antimicrobial compounds given that they can be prepared from renewable raw materials. In this review, we discuss the structural features that promote antimicrobial activity of amino acid-based surfactants. Monocatenary, dicatenary and gemini surfactants that contain different amino acids on the polar head and show activity against bacteria are revised. The synthesis and basic physico-chemical properties have also been included.

Growth, structure and magnetism of ε-Fe2O3 in nanoparticle form

We present a novel and easy synthetic path to prepare ε-Fe₂O₃ (∼90%) with a small portion of α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles embedded in an amorphous silica matrix.