Sensor de nivel de líquido multipunto basado en pérdidas de curvatura basadas en FOP

RESUMEN: Se presenta un nuevo sensor de nivel de líquido multipunto basado en las pérdidas por curvatura y pulido de una parte del núcleo de fibras ópticas plásticas. El pulido de la fibra en la zona curvada pone al descubierto el núcleo de la fibra, aumentando para el haz de luz que se propaga, la sensibilidad con el medio exterior. Sobre un mismo trozo de fibra se han practicado 8 puntos de zonas curvadas de 180º, cada una de las cuales presenta una atenuación característica, que es detectada. Los resultados experimentales en presencia de agua y la unidad electrónica son igualmente presentados.ABSTRACT: In this paper we present a novel multipoint liquid level sensor based on radiation losses in bends of partially polished plastic optical fibers (POF). When a POF is partially polished at a bend, light propagation along the fiber core is more sensitive to outer media changes. 8 turns of 180º located along a POF piece yield a well defined attenuation that is detected by the sensor. Experimental results of the sensor for water as an outer media are given

Physical and Numerical Modeling of an Innovative Vertical Breakwater for Sustainable Power Generation in Ports: SE@PORTS Project

This work has been supported by the OCEANERA-NET project, SE@PORTS (Sustainable Energy at Sea Ports); reference OCEANERA/0003/2016, under the frame of Sociedad para el Desarrollo Regional de Cantabria S.A. (SODERCAN)

Rituximab in the treatment of interstitial lung disease associated with autoimmune diseases: experience from a single referral center and literature review

ABSTRACT: In the present study, we aimed to report our experience with rituximab (RTX) in the treatment of patients with ILD associated with AD (AD-ILD) at a single center. For this purpose, clinical characteristics, radiological findings, and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) of RTX-treated AD-ILD-patients seen from May 2016 until March 2020 at a referral center for individuals with ILD were retrospectively reviewed. Additionally, an updated literature review was conducted. A total of 26 patients (mean age 58.3 ± 11.1 years at ILD diagnosis) was included. The most common ADs related to ILD were systemic sclerosis, idiopathic inflammatory myositis (including anti-synthetase syndrome) and rheumatoid arthritis. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia (n = 12) and usual interstitial pneumonia (n = 11) were the predominant radiological patterns. The sustained improvement in PFTs was observed from the start of RTX, with a statistically significant increase in DLCO from basal to one year after RTX (mean + 4.2%, p = 0.024). Overall, there were no differences when comparing PFT outcome according to the radiological pattern or the specific type of AD. In conclusion, RTX constitutes a good therapeutic option to preserve lung function in patients with AD-ILD, regardless of the radiological pattern or the underlying AD.This research received no external funding. B.A.-M. is recipient of a and “López Albo” Post-Residency Programme funded by Servicio Cántabro de Salud. S.R.-M. is supported by funds of the RETICS Program (RD16/0012/0009) (Instituto de Salud Carlos III, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund)

The Spectrum of Interstitial Lung Disease Associated With Autoimmune Diseases: Data of a 3.6-Year Prospective Study From a Referral Center of Interstitial Lung Disease and Lung Transplantation

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) may occur in patients with a rheumatic autoimmune disease (AD), increasing their risk of morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the prevalence of AD in patients diagnosed with an ILD. In this prospective study, we determined the spectrum of ILD associated with AD (AD-ILD) among patients sent for assessment to a single clinic of ILD and lung transplantation from a referral center between May 2016 and December 2019. ILD diagnosis was made by pneumologists based on clinical and radiological findings and pulmonary function test abnormalities. All patients with ILD were also assessed by experienced rheumatologists. During the period of assessment, 338 patients were diagnosed with ILD. Among them, 32.8% fulfilled definitions for an AD. Most cases with AD-ILD had a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (27.0%), systemic sclerosis (26.1%) or anti-synthetase syndrome (17.1%). Interestingly, 18% of the patients with AD-ILD were diagnosed as having an interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features. Antinuclear antibodies and non-specific interstitial pneumonia were the most frequent positive autoantibodies and radiological pattern found in AD-ILD patients, respectively. In conclusion, our study indicates that a high number of ILD patients have a related AD. Consequently, close collaboration among rheumatologists and pneumologists is needed.This research received no external funding. SR-M is supported by funds of the RETICS Program (RD16/0012/0009) (Instituto de Salud Carlos III, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund)

Angiogenic T Cells: potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of interstitial lung disease in autoimmune diseases?

Background: We explored, for the first time, the contribution of angiogenic T cells (TAng) in interstitial lung disease associated to autoimmune disease (AD-ILD+) as potential biomarkers of the disease, evaluating their role in the underlying vasculopathy and lung fibrosis. Additionally, the relationship of TAng with clinical manifestations and cellular and molecular endothelial dysfunctionrelated biomarkers was assessed. (2) Methods: We included 57 AD-ILD+ patients (21 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-ILD+, 21 with systemic sclerosis (SSc)-ILD+ and 15 with other AD-ILD+) and three comparative groups: 45 AD-ILD-- patients (25 RA-ILD-- and 20 SSc-ILD--); 21 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients; 21 healthy controls (HC). TAng were considered as CD3+CD184+CD31+ by flow cytometry. (3) Results: A similar TAng frequency was found between AD-ILD+ and IPF, being in both cases lower than that observed in AD-ILD- and HC. A lower TAng frequency was associated with negative Scl-70 status and lower FEV1/FVC ratio in SSc-ILD+, as well as with men in RA-ILD+ and non-specific interstitial pneumonia radiological pattern in other AD-ILD+. No relationship between TAng and endothelial progenitor cells, endothelial cells and vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression and protein levels was disclosed. (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest TAng as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ILD in AD.Funding: V.P.-C. and S.R.-M. are supported by funds of RETICS Program [RD16/0012/0009, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), co-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); FG is supported by funds of the RICORS Program (RD21/0002/0025) from ISCIII, co-funded by the European Union; OG is staff personnel of Xunta de Galicia (Servizo Galego de Saude (SERGAS) through a research-staff stabilization contract (ISCIII/SERGAS) and his work is funded by ISCIII and ERDF [RD16/0012/0014 (RIER) and PI17/00409]. He is the beneficiary of project funds from the Research Executive Agency of the European Union in the framework of MSCA-RISE Action of the H2020 Programme, project 734899—Olive-Net. RL-M is a recipient of a Miguel Servet type II Program fellowship from ISCIII, co-funded by the European Social Fund, ‘Investing in your future’ (CPII21/00004)

Endothelial Progenitor Cells: Relevant Players in the Vasculopathy and Lung Fibrosis Associated with the Presence of Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis Patients

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), which are key effectors in the physiologic vascular network, have been described as relevant players in autoimmune diseases. We previously showed that EPC frequency may help to identify the presence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Given that ILD constitutes the main cause of mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, we aimed to determine the EPC contribution to the pathogenic processes of vasculopathy and lung fibrosis in SSc-ILD+. EPC quantification was performed by flow cytometry on blood from 83 individuals: 21 SSc-ILD+ patients and subjects from comparative groups (20 SSc-ILD- and 21 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and 21 healthy controls (HC)). EPC were considered as CD34+, CD45low, CD309+, and CD133+. A significant increase in EPC frequency was found in SSc-ILD+ patients when compared to HC (p < 0.001). SSc-ILD+ patients exhibited a higher EPC frequency than SSc-ILD- patients (p = 0.012), whereas it was markedly reduced compared to IPF patients (p < 0.001). EPC frequency was higher in males (p = 0.04) and negatively correlated to SSc duration (p = 0.04) in SSc-ILD+ patients. Our results indicate a role of EPC in the processes of vasculopathy and lung fibrosis in SSc-ILD+. EPC frequency may be considered as a biomarker of ILD in SSc patients.V.P.-C. is supported by a pre-doctoral grant from IDIVAL [PREVAL 18/01]. S.R.-M. is supported by funds from the RETICS Program [RD16/0012/0009, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)]. B.A.-M. is a recipient of a ‘López Albo’ Post-Residency Programme funded by Servicio Cántabro de Salud. L.L.-G. is supported by funds from INNVAL20/06 (IDIVAL). R.P.-F. is supported by funds from the START project [FOREUM18/34]. O.G. is staff personnel of Xunta de Galicia (Servizo Galego de Saude (SERGAS) through a research-staff stabilization contract (ISCIII/SERGAS), and his work is funded by ISCIII and the ERDF [grants RD16/0012/0014 (RIER) and PI17/00409]. He is a beneficiary of project funds from the Research Executive Agency (REA) of the European Union in the framework of MSCA-RISE Action of the H2020 Programme, project 734899—Olive-Net. R.L.-M. is a recipient of a Miguel Servet type I fellowship [ISCIII, co-funded by the European Social Fund, ‘Investing in your future’, CP16/00033]

Endothelial Progenitor Cells as a Potential Biomarker in Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) increases morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although the pathogenesis of ILD associated with RA (RA-ILD+) remains poorly defined, vascular tissue is crucial in lung physiology. In this context, endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) are involved in endothelial tissue repair. However, little is known about their implication in RA-ILD+. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the potential role of EPC related to endothelial damage in RA-ILD+. EPC quantification in peripheral blood from 80 individuals (20 RA-ILD+ patients, 25 RA-ILD? patients, 21 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients, and 14 healthy controls) was performed by flow cytometry. EPC were considered as CD34+, CD45low, CD309+ and CD133+. A significant increase in EPC frequency in RA-ILD+ patients, as well as in RA-ILD? and IPF patients, was found when compared with controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.02 and p < 0.001, respectively). RA-ILD+ patients exhibited a higher EPC frequency than the RA-ILD? ones (p = 0.003), but lower than IPF patients (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that EPC increase may represent a reparative compensatory mechanism in patients with RA-ILD+. The degree of EPC frequency may help to identify the presence of ILD in RA patients and to discriminate RA-ILD+ from IPFThis work was partially supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and ‘Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria’ [PI18/00043] from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Health Ministry, Spain. VP-C is supported by a pre-doctoral grant from IDIVAL [PREVAL 18/01]. SR-M is supported by funds of RETICS Program [RD16/0012/0009, ISCIII, co-funded by ERDF]. BA-M is a recipient of a ‘López Albo’ Post-Residency Programme funded by Servicio Cántabro de Salud. LL-G is supported by funds of ISCIII, co-funded by ERDF [PI18/00042]. OG is beneficiary of a grant funded by Xunta de Galicia, Consellería de Educación, Universidade Formación Profesional and Consellería de Economía, Emprego e Industria (GAIN), GPC IN607B2019/10. RL-M is a recipient of a Miguel Servet type I fellowship [ISCIII, co-funded by European Social Fund—ESF, CP16/00033]

Elevated VCAM-1, MCP-1 and ADMA serum levels related to pulmonary fibrosis of interstitial lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction: Early diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) constitutes a challenge for the clinicians. Pulmonary vasculopathy is relevant in the development of interstitial lung disease. Accordingly, we aimed to explore the role of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), key molecules in the vasculopathy, as potential biomarkers of pulmonary fibrosis in RA-ILD+. Methods: We included 21 RA-ILD+ patients and two comparative groups: 25 RA-ILD- patients and 21 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients. Serum levels of the molecules were determined by ELISA, and mRNA expression was quantified by qPCR. Results: VCAM-1, MCP-1 and ADMA serum levels were increased in RA-ILD+ patients in relation to RA-ILD- and IPF patients. Additionally, RA-ILD+ patients exhibited increased CCL2 (gene encoding MCP-1) and decreased PRMT1 (gene related to ADMA synthesis) mRNA expression in relation to RA-ILD- patients. A lower expression of VCAM1, CCL2, and PRMT1 was observed in RA-ILD+ patients when compared with those with IPF. Furthermore, MCP-1 serum levels and PRMT1 mRNA expression were positively correlated with RA duration, and ADMA serum levels were positively associated with C-reactive protein in RA-ILD+ patients. Conclusion: Our study suggests that VCAM-1, MCP-1 and ADMA could be considered as useful biomarkers to identify ILD in RA patients, as well as to discriminate RA-ILD+ from IPF, contributing to the early diagnosis of RA-ILD+.Funding: VP-C is supported by funds of PI18/00042 from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), co-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). SR-M is supported by funds of RETICS Program (RD16/0012/0009) from ISCIII, co-funded by ERDF; FG is supported by funds of the RICORS Program (RD21/ 0002/0025) from ISCIII, co-funded by the European Union; OG is staff personnel of Xunta de Galicia (Servizo Galego de Saude (SERGAS) through a research-staff stabilization contract (ISCIII/SERGAS) and his work is funded by ISCIII and ERDF [RD16/0012/0014 (RIER) and PI17/00409]. He is beneficiary of project funds from the Research Executive Agency of the European Union in the framework of MSCA-RISE Action of the H2020 Programme, project 734899—Olive-Net. RL-M is a recipient of a Miguel Servet type II Program fellowship from ISCIII, co-funded by the European Social Fund, ‘Investing in your future’ (CPII21/00004)