Nucleus accumbens functional connectivity and circulating endocannabinoids levels in anorexia nervosa

Introduction

Neuroimaging findings have reported aberrant functional connectivity in brain regions involved reward system in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) altering hedonic processing over food. Likewise, endocannabinoids such as Anandamide (AEA) and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) have been involved in rewarding aspects of food intake.

Objectives

To identify nucleus accumbens (NAcc) functional connectivity with whole-brain comparing between individuals with AN and controls. Furthermore, in a sub-study, to explore the interaction between NAcc functional connectivity and peripheral AEA and 2-AG levels.

Methods

A total of 60 adult women (18 to 56 years of age) took part in the present study. Twenty-six individuals belonged to the AN group (BMI<18) and 34 to the HC group (BMI=18-24.99). All participants underwent functional magnetic resonance in resting-state, and blood samples were obtained in fasting.

Results

Negative functional connectivity was observed in the AN group compared with the control group between the NAcc and the cerebellum (pFWE<.001), between the NAcc and the insula (pFWE<.001), between the NAcc and the supramarginal gyrus (pFWE=.019), and between the NAcc and the postcentral gyrus (pFWE=.010). Analyses exploring the association between NAcc functional connectivity and peripheral endocannabinoids levels displayed altered NAcc-cerebellum functional connectivity was negatively associated with peripheral 2-AG levels in the AN group (r= -.553; p=.011).

Conclusions

Understanding the interaction between the reward system and peripheral endocannabinoids in patients with AN could contribute to better elucidate the pathophysiology of this disorder. Future studies will need to further investigate the clinical and therapeutic implications of these findings in patients with AN.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Usefulness of carotid and femoral plaque burden quantification by 3-dimensional vascular ultrasound for cardiovascular risk assessment in the cardiovascular disease prevention unit

Introduction

Subclinical atherosclerosis improves cardiovascular risk assessment and is considered a risk modifier in individuals at borderline-to-intermediate estimated risk by clinical risk scores.

Purpose

We seek to propose a new decision algorithm for statin allocation based on the quantification of carotid and/or femoral atherosclerosis burden by novel 3-dimensional vascular ultrasound (3DVUS) and to explore its potential additive value when used in combination with conventional risk evaluation.

Methods

We conducted an observational study in all outpatients without previous history of cardiovascular events assessed in the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Unit during 2017–2020. Cardiovascular risk was assessed with the ACC/AHA 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk algorithm to establish the indication for initiating statin therapy following current clinical guidelines. All patients underwent 3DVUS evaluation for carotid plaque burden (CPB) calculated as the sum of all plaque volumes present in bilateral carotid arteries. Femoral 3DVUS evaluation was included later in the study protocol. Global plaque burden (GPB) was calculated in patients with both carotid and femoral 3DVUS as the sum of all plaque volumes present in bilateral carotid and femoral arteries. Carotid and global plaque burden was classified as high, moderate and low if a patient presented a percentile (p) &gt;75, p50–75 and p&lt;50, respectively, based on the age and sex-adjusted reference values reported by PESA study (1). We determined the percentage of patients reclassified for considering (p&gt;75) or discouraging (p&lt;50) statin therapy over clinical recommendation.

Results

One hundred sixty-three patients (age 51±8 years; 72,4% men; 10y-ASCVD 5,9%±4,8%) were included, being the most frequent reason for referral the presence of metabolic syndrome (37%), followed by intermediate or indeterminate estimated CV risk (33%), one markedly elevated single risk factor (15%) and family history of early CVD (13%). 10y-ASCVD score classified 80 (49%) patients as low-risk without recommendation for initiating statins, 18 (11%) as high-risk indicating statin therapy and 65 (40%) patients that needed clinical-patient risk discussion. Among patients under risk discussion, the CPB percentile re-stratified 51 (78%) of them, recommending statins in 26 (40%) and discouraging statins in 25 (38%). In addition, CPB re-stratified 24 (30%) low-risk patients to recommend statins. A sub-group of 114 patients additionally underwent femoral 3DVUS, and calculated GPB led to similar results of patient re-stratification (Figure).

Conclusions

Quantification of 3D atherosclerosis burden and its percentile would re-stratify a significant number of patients with intermediate risk, becoming a potentially useful tool for clinical decision making. In addition, it possibly improves the detection of low-risk patients who would benefit from statin therapy.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Dr. Lόpez-Melgar has received a grant from the Spanish Society of Cardiology “Proyecto de investigaciόn traslacional en Cardiología 2020” Patient re-stratification with CPB/GPB

Peripheral endocannabinoids in eating disorders and obesity and its relationship with clinical and anthropometric variables

Introduction

Anandamide (AEA) and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) play a pivotal role in food intake and reward aspects of feeding. Aberrant functioning in the endocannabinoid system has been observed in patients with eating disorders (EDs). This dysfunction may influence the incentive processes stimulating behaviors towards food acquisition or the hedonic evaluation of ingested food.

Objectives

The aims of this study are to compare fasting peripheral levels of AEA and 2-AG in ED patients, obese subjects (OB) and healthy controls (HCs), and to explore their association with clinical and anthropometric variables.

Methods

The sample included a total of 63 adult women. Peripheral blood samples were collected to investigate fasting levels of AEA and 2-AG in 31 ED patients: 22 Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and 9 Binge Eating Disorder (BED), compared to 21 OB and 11 HCs. Several clinical and anthropometric variables were also assessed.

Results

Comparing groups, significant differences in AEA levels were found (p=0.001). Specifically, individuals with AN exhibited lower AEA than OB (p<0.001) and BED (p=0.007), while OB showed higher AEA than HCs (p=0.015). 2-AG was positively correlated with hostility dimension in EDs and negatively associated with impulsive traits in OB. AEA showed a direct association with body dissatisfaction in AN, contrary to OB. Finally, in AN, AEA negatively correlated with the body mass index, while 2-AG was positively associated with the fat mass.

Conclusions

These results suggest an interaction between biological and clinical factors defining a vulnerability pathway that could help fitting personalized therapeutic approaches in each condition.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Insight into the role of copper in the promoted photocatalytic removal of NO using Zn2-xCuxCr-CO3 layered double hydroxide

In this work the ability of Zn_2-xCu_xCr-CO₃ layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as highly efficient DeNOx photocatalysts was studied. LDHs with x = 0, 0.2 and 0.4 were prepared using a coprecipitation method. The samples were characterized by different techniques such as XRD, XPS, FT-IR, ICP-MS, TG, SBET, SEM and Diffuse reflectance (DR). The increased amount of copper ions in the LDH layers gave rise to slight changes in the structure and morphology and an important variation of the optical properties of the LDHs. The prepared ZnCuCr-CO₃ photocatalysts exhibited favourable conversion efficiency (51%) and an extraordinary selectivity (97%) for the photochemical NO abatement. The photochemical mechanism was elucidated from DOS, EPR, Femtosecond transient absorption and in-situ DRIFTS studies. The results suggested that the presence of Cu²⁺ ions in the LDH framework introduced new states in the valence band states, thus favouring the production and mobility of e^-/h⁺ charge carriers and a greater production of ⋅O₂^- and ⋅OH.

Global CO2 emissions from dry inland waters share common drivers across ecosystems

Many inland waters exhibit complete or partial desiccation, or have vanished due to global change, exposing sediments to the atmosphere. Yet, data on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from these sediments are too scarce to upscale emissions for global estimates or to understand their fundamental drivers. Here, we present the results of a global survey covering 196 dry inland waters across diverse ecosystem types and climate zones. We show that their CO2 emissions share fundamental drivers and constitute a substantial fraction of the carbon cycled by inland waters. CO2 emissions were consistent across ecosystem types and climate zones, with local characteristics explaining much of the variability. Accounting for such emissions increases global estimates of carbon emissions from inland waters by 6% (~0.12 Pg C y-1). Our results indicate that emissions from dry inland waters represent a significant and likely increasing component of the inland waters carbon cycle.

Impact of intermittent voluntary ethanol consumption during adolescence on the expression of endocannabinoid system and neuroinflammatory mediators

The adolescent brain displays high vulnerability to the deleterious effects of ethanol, including greater risk of developing alcohol use disorder later in life. Here, we characterized the gene expression of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and relevant signaling systems associated with neuroinflammation and emotional behaviors in the brain of young adult control and ethanol-exposed (EtOH) rats. We measured mRNA levels of candidate genes using quantitative real time PCR in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), amygdala and hippocampus. EtOH rats were generated by maintenance on an intermittent and voluntary ethanol consumption during adolescence using the two-bottle choice paradigm (4 days/week for 4 weeks) followed by 2 week-withdrawal, a time-point of withdrawal with no physical symptoms. Mean differences and effect sizes were calculated using t-test and Cohen's d values. In the mPFC and hippocampus, EtOH rats had significantly higher mRNA expression of endocannabinoid-signaling (mPFC: Ppara, Dagla, Daglb and Napepld; and hippocampus: Cnr2, Dagla and Mgll) and neuroinflammation-associated genes (mPFC: Gfap; and hippocampus: Aif1) than in controls. Moreover, EtOH rats had significantly higher mRNA expression of neuropeptide Y receptor genes (Npy1r, Npy2r and Npy5r) in the hippocampus. Finally, EtOH rats also displayed higher plasma endocannabinoid levels than controls. In conclusion, these results suggest that adolescent ethanol exposure can lead to long-term alterations in the gene expression of the ECS and other signaling systems involved in neuroinflammation and regulation of emotional behaviors in key brain areas for the development of addiction.

Effects of isoquinoline alkaloids from Macleaya cordata on physiological, immunological and inflammatory parameters in healthy beagles: Alkaloids in dog nutrition

The aim of the study was to investigate nutritional, physiological and immunological effects of a plant-derived blend of isoquinoline alkaloids (Sangrovit® Extra) in healthy dogs. Two groups of healthy, adult beagles (N = 10) were tested in a cross-over experiment, lasting two consecutive three-week periods. The experimental group received 1.2 g additive/kg feed, according to the recommendation of 10-20 mg/kg live weight per day. The control group received the same feed without additive. Complete blood count, immunological parameters and amino acid concentrations in serum were assessed. Faeces were analysed for short-chain fatty acids, lactate and ammonium; moreover, their quantity and consistency were determined. Neither feed intake, total apparent nutrient digestibility (crude protein and fat, organic matter, sodium, potassium) were affected by intake of the product. Lymphocyte and monocyte counts were slightly increased in both groups. Elevation was not treatment dependant. IgA, IgG, haptoglobin in serum and flow cytometric phenotyping of peripheral lymphocytes were not affected by alkaloids supplementation. Numerically greater methionine concentrations in blood serum occurred in the experimental group (p = 0.182). Quantity and consistency of faeces and ammonium concentration in faeces were not affected by the additive. Faecal concentrations of short-chain organic acids differed between groups (acetic acid, % of total SCFA: control group 52.3 ± 5.2 vs. experimental group 57.1 ± 4.5, p = 0.042), lactate concentrations (d-, l- and total) did not. Due to the shift of SCFA proportions in faeces, an effect of isoquinoline alkaloids (IQs) on the metabolic activity of intestinal microbiota is probable. In conclusion, the addition of IQs in the given dose was well tolerated and did not have adverse effects in healthy dogs.

Peripheral endocannabinoid concentrations are not associated with verbal memory impairment during MDMA intoxication

BACKGROUND

Preclinical data have suggested involvement of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in MDMA-induced memory impairment. Clinical research has shown that blockade of the 5-HT2 receptor nulls memory impairment during MDMA intoxication. Interestingly, studies have demonstrated that the eCB and the 5-HT system interact. It was hypothesized that MDMA would cause an increase in eCB concentrations together with a decrease in memory performance, and that combining MDMA with a 5-HT2 receptor blocker ketanserin would lead to a counteraction of the MDMA effects on eCB concentrations and memory.

METHODS

Twenty healthy recreational polydrug users entered a double-blind placebo-controlled within-subject study. Participants received a pre-treatment (ketanserin 40 mg, placebo) followed 30 min later by a treatment (MDMA 75 mg, placebo). Verbal memory was tested by means of a 30-word learning test. Endocannabinoid concentrations (anandamide (2-AG); N-arachidonylethanolamine (AEA)) were assessed in blood at baseline, before (90 min post-treatment) and after cognitive tests (150 min post-treatment).

RESULTS

Findings showed that MDMA impaired memory 90 min post-treatment in the word learning task. This effect was a replication of previous studies using the same dose of MDMA (75 mg) and the same learning paradigm. Contrary to our hypothesis, MDMA did not affect eCB concentrations, nor did ketanserin block MDMA-induced memory impairment. Ketanserin caused an increase in AEA concentrations, 180 min after administration.

CONCLUSION

Current findings suggest that peripherally measured endocannabinoids are not associated with the verbal memory deficit during MDMA intoxication.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NTR3691.

Enhanced activity of α-Fe2O3 for photocatalytic NO removal

Unique electrospun α-Fe₂O₃ fibers of singular nano-architecture were obtained exhibiting a highly enhanced NO conversion photocatalytic efficiency

Gastrointestinal hemodynamics in dogs with nonfood induced atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Canine atopic dermatitis can be a result of exposure to aeroallergens or trophallergens. Hemodynamic alterations occur in dogs with food hypersensitivity.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

To evaluate if hemodynamic alterations occur in dogs with NFICAD with lowered resistance to diastolic flow at fasting, after feeding, or both.

ANIMALS

Ten healthy dogs and 22 dogs with NFICAD were included from the hospital population.

METHODS

Blinded prospective study. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), mean velocity (MV), pulsatility index (PI), resistive index (RI) and PSV/EDV ratio were measured at fasting for both arteries (cranial mesenteric artery [CMA], celiac artery [CA]) and at 40 minutes after feeding in CMA and at 60 minutes in CA. The results were analyzed statistically with a mixed model.

RESULTS

There was no difference detected between groups of dogs for any variable except EDV during fasting (P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

There is no decrease in resistance in NFICAD to diastolic flow. This observation could be explained by the absence intestinal inflammation in NFICAD.

Preliminary results on the use of leather chrome shavings for air passive sampling

A new passive sampler based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) layflat tube filled with chrome shavings from tannery waste residues was evaluated to determine volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor and outdoor areas. VOCs were directly determined by head space-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) without any pretreatment of the sampler and avoiding the use of solvents. Limit of detection values ranging from 20 to 75 ng sampler(-1) and good repeatability values were obtained for VOCs under study with relative standard deviation values from 2.8 to 9.6% except for carbon disulfide for which it was 22.5%. The effect of the amount of chrome shavings per sampler was studied and results were compared with those obtained using empty LDPE tubes, to demonstrate the capacity of chrome shavings to adsorb VOCs.

A multicenter study of valganciclovir prophylaxis up to day 120 in CMV-seropositive lung transplant recipients

Seventy-six cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seropositive lung transplant recipients receiving valganciclovir (900 mg/day) for CMV prophylaxis were compared with a group of 87 patients receiving oral ganciclovir (3000 mg/day). Prophylaxis was administered to day 120 post-transplantation and follow-up was 1 year. In addition, a study was conducted on risk factors for CMV infection/disease. CMV disease incidence was 7.9% and 16.1% for valganciclovir and oral ganciclovir, respectively (p = 0.11). Patients receiving valganciclovir had fewer viral syndromes (2.6% vs. 11.5%, p < 0.05), a similar rate of tissue-invasive disease (5.2% vs. 4.6%, p = ns), longer time-to-onset of CMV infection/disease (197.5 vs. 155.2 days, p < 0.05), and a lower probability of infection/disease while on prophylaxis (1.3% vs. 12.6%, p < 0.01). Nonetheless, leukopenia incidence was higher with valganciclovir (15.8% vs. 2.3%, p < 0.01), as was the need for treatment withdrawal due to adverse effects (11.8% vs. 1.1%, p < 0.01). CMV infection was similar in both groups (32.9% vs. 34.5%). Induction therapy with basiliximab and glucocorticosteroid treatment were independent risk factors for developing CMV infection/disease. In conclusion, valganciclovir prophylaxis results in a low incidence of CMV disease in lung transplant recipients and appears more effective than oral ganciclovir. Despite the comparatively higher incidence of adverse events with valganciclovir, the drug can be considered safe for prophylaxis.

Searching the most appropriate sample pretreatment for the elemental analysis of wines by inductively coupled plasma-based techniques

Different sample preparation methods were evaluated for the simultaneous multielement analysis of wine samples by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Microwave-assisted digestion in closed vessel, thermal digestion in open reactor, and direct sample dilution were considered for the determination of Li, Be, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Y, Mo, Cd, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Tl, Pb, and Bi in 12 samples of red wine from Valencia and Utiel-Requena protected designation of origin. ICP-MS allows the determination of 17 elements in most of the samples, and using ICP-OES, a maximum of 15 elements were determined. On comparing the sample pretreatment methodology, it can be concluded that the three assayed procedures provide comparable results for the concentration of Li, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Sr by ICP-OES. Furthermore, ICP-MS data found for Cu, Pb, and Ba were comparable. Digestion treatment provides comparable values using both total decomposition in open system and microwave-assisted treatment for Cu by ICP-OES and for Cr, Ni, and Zn by ICP-MS. Open vessel total digestion provides excess values for Cr, Mn, Fe, and Zn by ICP-OES and defect values for Se. However, direct measurement of diluted wine samples provided uncomparable results with the digestion treatment for Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ba, and Bi by ICP-OES and for Mg, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Zn by ICP-MS. Therefore, it can be concluded that microwave-assisted digestion is the pretreatment procedure of choice for elemental analysis of wine by ICP-based techniques.

Determination of acrylamide in coffee and chocolate by pressurised fluid extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A selective and sensitive procedure has been developed and validated for the determination of acrylamide in difficult matrices, such as coffee and chocolate. The proposed method includes pressurised fluid extraction (PFE) with acetonitrile, florisil clean-up purification inside the PFE extraction cell and detection by liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to atmospheric pressure ionisation in positive mode tandem mass spectrometry (APCI-MS-MS). Comparison of ionisation sources (atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (APCI), atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) and the combined APCI/APPI) and clean-up procedures were carried out to improve the analytical signal. The main parameters affecting the performance of the different ionisation sources were previously optimised using statistical design of experiments (DOE). PFE parameters were also optimised by DOE. For quantitation, an isotope dilution approach was used. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of the method was 1 microg kg(-1) for coffee and 0.6 microg kg(-1) for chocolate. Recoveries ranged between 81-105% in coffee and 87-102% in chocolate. The accuracy was evaluated using a coffee reference test material FAPAS T3008. Using the optimised method, 20 coffee and 15 chocolate samples collected from Valencian (Spain) supermarkets, were investigated for acrylamide, yielding median levels of 146 microg kg(-1) in coffee and 102 microg kg(-1) in chocolate.

Conversion From Cyclosporine to Tacrolimus Stabilizes the Course of Lung Function in Lung Transplant Recipients With Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) continues to be the main factor limiting the long-term survival of lung transplant recipients. The objective of this study was to prospectively assess the impact of conversion from cyclosporine (CsA) to tacrolimus on lung function in patients who developed BOS while receiving CsA-based immunosuppressive therapy. A total of 79 patients with BOS were included in the study. Sixty percent of patients had stage II or III BOS according to the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation criteria. Mean time from transplantation was 30.4 +/- 21.9 months and all patients were on CsA therapy at enrollment in the study, with mean trough levels of 232.75 +/- 98.26 ng/mL. After conversion, tacrolimus trough levels were 11.0 +/- 3.6 ng/mL at 3 months and 9.0 +/- 3.4 ng/mL at 12 months. Sixteen deaths occurred during the first year postconversion, 56% of which were due to respiratory failure. Comparison of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) preconversion versus postconversion showed a change in the slope of the FEV(1)-time curve. The slope of the preconversion curve was -0.44 versus a zero slope, whereas the slope of the postconversion curve was 0.005, with a statistically significant difference between both slopes. This change in slopes, which was also seen in FEV(1%), suggests that lung function loss closed after conversion from CsA to tacrolimus supporting this therapeutic strategy in lung transplant recipients with BOS treated with CsA.

La artrodesis de las cuatro esquinas con placa circular

Objetivo: La artrodesis de las cuatro esquinas del carpo fue descrita inicialmente para el tratamiento del colapso avanzado del carpo e incluye la extirpación del escafoides y la fusión de los huesos semilunar, piramidal, hueso grande y ganchoso. Se ha utilizado la fijación con placas circulares con el objetivo de conseguir una fijación estable inmediata. El propósito de este estudio es evaluar la efectividad de estas placas en esta artrodesis mediocarpiana y valorar sus indicaciones así como ciertas consideraciones técnicas.

Material y métodos: En este estudio se ha incluido una serie de 20 pacientes intervenidos para practicar una artrodesis de las cuatro esquinas con placa SpiderÒ que presentaban un estadio II ó III de proceso degenerativo avanzado del carpo. También se ha utilizado esta técnica para otras indicaciones como las lesiones osteocondrales de la cabeza del hueso grande, necrosis avascular de la cabeza del hueso grande, artrosis mediocarpiana o inestabilidad mediocarpiana. El seguimiento medio ha sido de 18 meses (R= 8-25).

Resultados y conclusiones: Se ha conseguido el 100% de consolidaciones, y una importante disminución del dolor en todos los casos, manteniéndose una flexión palmar postquirúrgica de 34º (R= 12-45º); una flexión dorsal de 29º (R= 12-45º); una desviación radial postoperatoria de 12º (R= 0-16º) y una desviación cubital de 17º (R= 0-20º). Se apreció un aumento de la fuerza de agarre tras la cirugía y todos los pacientes volvieron a sus actividades previas.

Esta técnica quirúrgica ofrece una fijación estable inmediata que permite una movilización precoz tras la cirugía. Es importante el relleno de injerto de escafoides o cresta iliaca en los espacios entre los huesos a artrodesar.

Headspace-mass spectrometry determination of benzene, toluene and the mixture of ethylbenzene and xylene isomers in soil samples using chemometrics

A simple and fast method has been developed for the determination of benzene, toluene and the mixture of ethylbenzene and xylene isomers (BTEX) in soils. Samples were introduced in 10 mL standard glass vials of a headspace (HS) autosampler together with 150 microL of 2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane, heated at 90 degrees C for 10 min and introduced in the mass spectrometer by using a transfer line heated at 250 degrees C as interface. The volatile fraction of samples was directly introduced into the source of the mass spectrometer which was scanned from m/z 75 to 110. A partial least squares (PLS) multivariate calibration approach based on a classical 3(3) calibration model was build with mixtures of benzene, toluene and o-xylene in 2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane for BTEX determination. Results obtained for BTEX analysis by HS-MS in different types of soil samples were comparables to those obtained by the reference HS-GC-MS procedure. So, the developed procedure allowed a fast identification and prediction of BTEX present in the samples without a prior chromatographic separation.

Development of a multianalyte method for the determination of anabolic hormones in bovine urine by isotope-dilution GC–MS/MS

A sensitive, specific and selective multianalyte GC-MS/MS method has been developed for the determination of 11 anabolic hormones in bovine urine. After adjusting the urine pH to 4.8, the samples were spiked with deuterated internal standards and submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis with beta-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase. Hormones were eluted with methanol through a C18 solid phase cartridge and submitted to a liquid-liquid extraction. Analytes were derivatized by adding N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) with 1% trimethylchlorosilane and GC-MS data were obtained in the positive electron impact tandem mass mode. Under these conditions, no matrix effects were observed and limit of detection values were in the range of 0.005 ng/mL (diethylstilbestrol) to 0.38 ng/mL (17alpha-methyltestosterone and 17alpha-ethynylestradiol). Recoveries from 81% (alpha-zeranol) to 149% (17alpha-methyltestosterone) were found under the selected conditions. These results were better than those found using heptafluorobutyric anhydride (HFBA) as derivative reagent and those measured in full scan and selective ion monitoring modes.

Determination of acrylamide in foods by pressurized fluid extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry used for a survey of Spanish cereal-based foods

An automated and rapid method for the determination of acrylamide in different food products is presented. The method involves pressurized fluid extraction (PFE) of foods with acetonitrile and precipitation with Carrez reagents. The final extract is analysed by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS-MS). The main parameters affecting the performance of ESI-MS-MS and PFE were optimized using a design of experiments approach. The limit of quantification of the method was 5 microg kg(-1), and recoveries from incurred samples ranged between 93 and 101%. The accuracy was evaluated using the reference test materials FAPAS T3002, T3005 and T3011. Using the optimized method, 62 food samples of potato chips, snacks, biscuits, breakfast cereals and crisp bread sampled from Valencia, Spain, supermarkets were surveyed for acrylamide levels. The levels were similar to those reported in the European Union and USA.

Steroid withdrawal in lung transplant recipients

OBJECTIVE

Many of the long-term complications in lung transplantations are secondary effects of immunosuppression. Corticosteroids are partially responsible for the development of osteoporosis, raised blood pressure, diabetes, muscular disorders, gastric ulcers, and other conditions. We analyzed the long-term result of steroid withdrawal in our lung transplant recipients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

When respiratory function stabilized, to avoid secondary effects, steroid treatment was withdrawn in 34 of the 375 lung transplant patients in our centers We evaluated the characteristics of the donors and recipients, their compatibility, the pre, and post-steroid withdrawal complications, and type of immunosuppressant.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 42 +/- 7 years and of donors, 25 +/- 9 years. The primary diseases were: 15 emphysema, six pulmonary fibrosis, 10 cystic fibrosis, and three primary pulmonary hypertension. Twenty seven patients had double lung transplants and seven single lung. The mean steroid withdrawal period was 881 +/- 237 days posttransplantation. The most frequent treatment regimen at the time of steroid withdrawal was cyclosporine, azathioprine, and minimal steroid doses. Six recipients had to be restarted on steroids one patient who required a kidney transplant, three cases due to an infectious process with a differential diagnosis of rejection, and two cases due to loss of FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 s), suggestive of chronic rejection. There was an improvement in blood pressure in five patients, in plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in eight patients, and insulin withdrawal in two diabetic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Steroid treatment may be suspended 2 to 3 years, posttransplant in selected lung transplant recipients. The usual patient profile shows few rejection episodes with cyclosporine and azathioprine immunosuppression. What is notable is the low mean age of donors. Close clinical monitoring and lung function testing are of major importance in the weeks following steroid withdrawal.

Pulmonary tuberculosis in lung and heart-lung transplantation: fifteen years of experience in a single center in Spain

The increase in the number of solid organ transplants has resulted in an increased incidence of opportunistic infections, including infection by typical and atypical mycobacteria, with risk of developing tuberculosis. Pretransplant chemoprophylaxis with isoniazid has become increasingly common in an attempt to prevent the disease. The source of infection in tuberculosis (TB) may be difficult to identify. Infection may be caused by reactivation of a primary infection in the recipient, reactivation of a lesion from the donor lung, or primary infection. There are few reports on TB in lung transplantation. Incidence in the reported series ranges from 6.5% to 10%. Our series of 7 patients out of a total 271 patients (2.58%) represents a rate higher than reported for the general Spanish population, 26.7/10(5) inhabitants and for lung transplant candidates (0.18%). Our aim was to evaluate the incidence, clinical signs, and outcome of TB in our series of patients undergoing lung transplantation in the 15 years since inception of the program (February 1990 to December 2004). Morbidity and mortality was high (42.8%), but limited to patients in whom treatment was not administered or could not be successfully completed. However, early detection and treatment are essential.

Comparative toxicokinetics of cadmium in Artemia

The toxicokinetics of cadmium was determined for five populations belonging to four species of Artemia (A. salina, A. parthenogenetica, A. franciscana, and A. persimilis) using a bicompartmental model. The effects of sublethal cadmium concentration on the kinetic parameters in A. parthenogenetica were determined. The BCF values are inversely related to the concentration, as is the uptake rate (ku), whilst the elimination rate (ke) constant seems to be directly related to the exposure concentration. Values corresponding to the rate of metal influx (I) remain relatively constant (0.2477 to 0.4455 microg/g.h) in the concentration range from 0.1 to 1 mg Cd/L, and are higher (1.098 microg/g.h) at an exposure to 10 mg Cd/L. The cadmium accumulation pattern seems well conserved in the genus and is characterized by a fast elimination of the metal with Ke ranging from 0.0050 to 0.0231 h(-1). A. persimilis displays a different model to that corresponding to the other studied species exposed to the same cadmium concentration, presenting a low uptake rate constant (1.0564 mL/g. h) and a low BCF (211.3 mL/g).