El tratamiento de la inflamación en la retina: una nueva estrategia terapéutica en la retinopatía diabética

Retinal diseases linked to inflammation, including diabetic retinopathy (DR), are often accompanied by resident macrophage/microglial cells activation. During DR, there are substantial changes in the polarization status of the microglia from the M2 (anti-inflammatory) to the M1 (pro-inflammatory) stage. However, the dynamics between M1 and M2 polarization of microglia during DR has not been investigated and it might be therapeutically useful. In this study, we have characterized the evolution of microglia polarizarion during the early stages of DR in the retina of diabetic db/db mice. Moreover, we have analyzed microglia polarization in response to pro-(bacterial lipopolysaccharide; LPS) or anti-(IL4/IL13 cytokines or the bicyclic nojirimycin derivative (1R)-1-dodecylsulfinyl-5N,6O-oxomethylidenenojirimycin (R-DS-ONJ)) inflammatory stimuli. For this goal, we have performed in vitro experiments in Bv-2 murine microglial cells as well as ex vivo experiments in retinal explants from db/db mice. Treatment of Bv-2 cells with LPS together with IL4/IL13 or R-DS-ONJ switched the M1 response towards M2. In retinal explants from db/db mice, R-DS-ONJ induced a M2 response. In conclusion, the modulation of microglia polarization dynamics towards a M2 status at early stages of DR offers novel therapeutic interventions.Las enfermedades retinianas, entre las que se encuentra la retinopatía diabética (RD), están vinculadas a un contexto inflamatorio en el cual existe una activación de los macrófagos residentes en la retina (microglia). Durante la retinopatía diabética se producen cambios de polarización de la microglia, definiéndose éstos como transiciones entre el estado M1 (pro-inflamatorio) y el estado M2 (anti-inflamatorio), estando aún por determinar los tiempos de aparición y actuación de la microglia en cada uno de ellos. La identificación espacio-temporal de la transición de la microglía de un estado a otro podría constituir una potente herramienta clínica para diferentes abordajes terapéuticos.  En este trabajo se ha caracterizado el estado de polarización de la microgía en la retina durante las primeras fases de la RD en el modelo de ratón diabético db/db. Además,  se ha estudiado  la polarización de la microglia en presencia de estímulos pro-inflamatorios (lipopolisacárido bacteriano; LPS) o anti-inflamatorios (citoquinas IL4/IL13 o un compuesto natural derivado de la casternospermina, R-DS-ONJ). Para ello, se ha realizado un abordaje in vitro utilizando la línea celular de microglia murina Bv-2 y un abordaje ex vivo con explantes de retinas procedentes de ratones diabéticos db/db. El tratamiento de las células Bv-2 con LPS en combinación con IL4/IL13  o alternativamente con el compuesto R-DS-ONJ indujo la transición en la polarización de la microglia desde el estado pro-inflamatorio M1, inducido por el LPS, al estado anti-inflamatorio M2. En los explantes de retinas de ratones db/db, el compuesto R-DS-ONJ indujo la respuesta M2 disminuyendo la respuesta M1. En conclusión, la polarización de la microglia hacía un estado M2 durante los estadíos tempranos de la RD ofrece una nueva ventana terapéutica de actuación

Addicions al catàleg micològic d'Andorra. I

En el marc de les jornades de Micologia 2015 Els bolets d'Andorra, organitzades pel CENMA (Centre d'Estudis de la Neu i de la Muntanya d'Andorra) que es van celebrar a Andorra la Vella i a Sant Julià de Lòria els dies 9-11 d'octubre, es van realitzar una sèrie de prospeccions de camp per tal de completar el coneixement micològic del país. La majoria dels mostreigs es van realitzar a l'ecoparc Naturlandia, a la cota 2000 de la Rabassa. També es van mostrejar altres zones, com l'àrea recreativa de la Font dels Bullidors, vora del santuari de Canòlich; prop del poble de Pal (La Massana) i a la Vall del Serrat (Ordino). La present llista ve a complementar la informació que prèviament ha estat publicada a NIELL et al. (2008). Es citen 6 espècies noves per la micoflora andorrana: Amanita submembranacea, Cortinarius mucosus, Gyroporus cyanescens, Hygrocybe conica var. chloroides, Leucopaxillus gentianeus i Tricholoma sejunctum.In the context of the workshop "Mushrooms of Andorra" that took place in 2015 and were organized by CENMA (Centre of the Study of the Snow and the Mountain of Andorra), which were held in Andorra la Vella and Sant Julià de Lòria, the 9 to11th October, a series of field surveys was carried to complete the mycological knowledge of the country. Most of the samplings were performed in la Rabassa (Sant Julià de Lòria) in the Ecopark of Naturlandia, at 2000 m altitude. Other places were also sampled such the recreational area of Font dels Bullidors, close to the sanctuary of Canòlich; near the town of Pal (La Massana) and the Vall del Serrat (Ordino). This list will complement the information that has been previously published in NIELL et al. (2008). Also 6 citations of new species for the Andorran mycoflora are added: Amanita submembranacea, Cortinarius mucosus, Gyroporus cyanescens, Hygrocybe conica var. chloroides, Leucopaxillus gentianeus and Tricholoma sejunctum

Addicions al catàleg micològic d'Andorra. II.

Es presenten els resultats de les prospeccions realitzades durant els anys 2008-2009. També s'inclouen les dades de les jornades de Micologia 2016 organitzades pel CENMA (Centre d'Estudis de la Neu i de la Muntanya d'Andorra) de l'IEA (Institut d'Estudis Andorrans). En total s'esmenten 112 espècies de les quals 24 són noves per Andorra de les quals 4 són Ascomicots i 108 són Basidiomicots. S'han de destacar les següents espècies: Helvella acetabulum (L.) Quél., Agaricus moelleri Wasser, Arrhenia obscurata (D. A. Reid) Redhead, Lutzoni, Moncalvo & Vilgalys, Cantharellus amethysteus (Quél.) Sacc., C. subpruinosus Eyssart. & Buyck, Entoloma cetratum (Fr.) M.M. Moser, E. vernum S. Lundell, Hygrocybe coccineocrenata (P.D. Orton) M.M. Moser, Lactarius scrobiculatus (Scop.) Fr., Lepiota magnispora Murrill, Myxomphalia maura (Fr.) Hora, Neolentinus lepideus (Fr.) Redhead & Ginns, Pholiota flammans (Batsch) P. Kumm. i Ramaria botrytis (Pers.) Ricken.Se presentan los resultados de las prospecciones realizadas durante los años 2008-2009. También se incluyen los datos de las jornadas de Micología 2016 organizadas por el CENMA (Centro de Estudios de la Nieve y de la Montaña de Andorra) del IEA (Instituto de Estudios Andorranos). En total se mencionan 112 especies de las cuales 24 son nuevas para Andorra. De estas, 4 son Ascomicotes y 108 son Basidiomicotes. Se deben destacar las siguientes especies: Helvella acetabulum (L.) Quél., Agaricus moelleri Wasser, Arrhenia obscurata (D. A. Reid) Redhead, Lutzoni, Moncalvo & Vilgalys, Cantharellus amethysteus (Quél.) Sacc., C. subpruinosus Eyssart. & Buyck, Entoloma cetratum (Fr.) M.M. Moser, E. vernum S. Lundell, Hygrocybe coccineocrenata (P.D. Orton) M.M. Moser, Lactarius scrobiculatus (Scop.) Fr., Lepiota magnispora Murrill, Myxomphalia maura (Fr.) Hora, Neolentinus lepideus (Fr.) Redhead & Ginn, Pholiota flammans (Batsch) P. Kumm. y Ramaria botrytis (Pers.) Ricken.New records for the Mycobiota of Andorra are presented as a result of the research carried during the years 2008-2009 and the workshop "Mushrooms of Andorra" organized by CENMA (Centre of the Study of the Snow and the Mountain of Andorra) of the IEA (Andorran Research Center) that took place the 15-16th October 2016. A list of 112 species is presented, 24 of them are new citations for Andorra, 4 of them are Ascomycota and the other 108 are Basidiomycota. Some species are highlighted: Helvella acetabulum (L.) Quél., Agaricus moelleri Wasser, Arrhenia obscurata (D. A. Reid) Redhead, Lutzoni, Moncalvo & Vilgalys, Cantharellus amethysteus (Quél.) Sacc., C. subpruinosus Eyssart. & Buyck, Entoloma cetratum (Fr.) M.M. Moser, E. vernum S. Lundell, Hygrocybe coccineocrenata (P.D. Orton) M.M. Moser, Lactarius scrobiculatus (Scop.) Fr., Lepiota magnispora Murrill, Myxomphalia maura (Fr.) Hora, Neolentinus lepideus (Fr.) Redhead & Ginns, Pholiota flammans (Batsch) P. Kumm. and Ramaria botrytis (Pers.) Ricken

Changes in the content of chlorophylls and carotenoids in the rind of Fino 49 lemons during maturation and their relationship with parameters from the CIELAB color space

In the present work, the coordinates L*, a* and b* from the CIELAB color space, as well as the chlorophyll, total carotenoids and the content of the carotenoids Lutein and β-cryptoxanthin were measured in the skin of fruits from the Fino 49 lemon during its development, with the aim of understanding the relationship that exists between the color changes of the fruit’s skin (color coordinates) and the pigment content. Also, the understanding of the relative importance of the contents of lutein and β-cryptoxanthin with respect to the total content of carotenoids was sought. The period of study lasted three years; from September 2015 to January 2016, from September 2016 to January 2017, and from September 2017 to January 2018, the periods that comprised the color changes of the lemon fruit until its harvest. The fruits were measured every two weeks in the experimental plot of the IMIDA (Murcian Institute of Agricultural and Food Research and Development) located at La Alberca (Murcia, Spain) and in the experimental orchards from the CEBAS-CSIC, located in Santomera (Murcia). During he experiment, the color and chlorophyll, Lutein and β-cryptoxanthin concentrations were measured. The results showed that there was a good correlation between the color coordinates and the pigments responsible for the lemon’s skin color: all the color pigments were correlated with the a*, b* color coordinates and the Hue angle index. Throughout the fruit’s maturation, a degradation of the chlorophylls was observed, as well as an increase of β-cryptoxanthin, which is responsible for the green and yellow color of the fruits, respectively. Lutein, which was found in high concentrations, decreased with time, but did not contribute to the fruit’s color

Cardiovascular risk estimated after 13 years of follow-up in a low-incidence Mediterranean region with high-prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Murcia (south-east Spain) shows increased cardiovascular (CV) morbimortality as compared to other Spanish regions. Our objective was to assess the CV risk associated with major risk factors (RF) among adult population of Murcia.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cohort of 2314 subjects (18-70 years) with full biochemical and questionnaire data was followed-up for 13 years. Incident cases of ischemic heart disease and stroke were identified by record linkage, individual questionnaires and revision of medical records. Relative risks were obtained by multivariate Cox regression stratified by age and sex, and ischemic risk attributable to CVRF was calculated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After more than 26276 person-years of follow-up, 57 incident ischemic events (77% men) and 37 stroke cases (62% men) were identified. Independent risk factors of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and all CV events combined, with RR ranging from 1.6 to 2.6, were total serum cholesterol ≥ 240 mg/dl (HR = 2.6, 95%CI:1.3-5.1), blood pressure levels ≥ 140/90 mmHg (HR = 2.6, 95%CI:1.4-4.8), ever tobacco smoking (HR = 2.2; 95%CI:1.1-4.5), and diabetes (HR = 2.0; 95%CI: 1.0-3.8). No increased CV risk was detected for known participants under treatment who showed cholesterol and blood pressure values below the clinical risk threshold. Smoking was significantly associated with stroke. For all events combined, the major risk factors were hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and ever use of tobacco. Despite its high prevalence, obesity was not associated to CV risk. Most of the IHD cases were attributable to smoking (44%), hypertension (38%) and hypercholesterolemia (26%).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In the Region of Murcia, smoking accounted for the largest proportion of cardiovascular risk, whereas hypertension displaced hypercholesterolemia as the second leading cause of CV disease. Our study deepens in our understanding of the cardiovascular epidemiology in Spanish areas of Mediterranean Europe with relatively high cardiovascular morbimortality, that are poorly represented by the available risk equations.</p

How reliably can algorithms identify eosinophilic asthma phenotypes using non-invasive biomarkers?

Asthma is a heterogeneous respiratory disease that encompasses different inflammatory and functional endophenotypes. Many non-invasive biomarkers has been investigated to its pathobiology. Heany et al proposed a clinical algorithm that classifies severe asthmatic patients into likely-eosinophilic phenotypes, based on accessible biomarkers: PBE, current treatment, FeNO, presence of nasal polyps (NP) and age of onset.We assessed the concordance between the algorithm proposed by Heany et al. with sputum examination, the gold standard, in 145 asthmatic patients of the MEGA cohort with varying grades of severity.No correlation was found between both classifications 0.025 (CI = 0.013-0.037). Moreover, no relationship was found between sputum eosinophilia and peripheral blood eosinophilia count in the total studied population.In conclusion, our results suggest that grouping the biomarkers proposed by Heany et al. are insufficient to diagnose eosinophilic phenotypes in asthmatic patients. Sputum analysis remains the gold standard to assess airway inflammation.© 2022 The Authors. Clinical and Translational Allergy published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Trajectory planning of a quadrotor to monitor dependent people

This article introduces a framework for assisting dependent people at home through a vision-based autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Such an aircraft equipped with onboard cameras can be useful for monitoring and recognizing a dependent's activity. This work is focused on the problem of planning the flight path of a quadrotor to perform monitoring tasks. The objective is to design a trajectory planning algorithm that allows the UAV to position itself for the sake of capturing images of the dependent person's face. These images will be later treated by a base station to evaluate the persons emotional state, together with his/her behavior, this way determining the assistance needed in each situation. Numerical simulations have been carried out to validate the proposed algorithms. The results show the effectiveness of the trajectory planner to generate smooth references to our previously designed GPI (generalized proportional integral) controller. This demonstrates that a quadrotor is able to perform monitoring flights with a high motion precision.- This work has been partially supported by Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades, Agencia Estatal de Investigacion (AEI)/European Regional Development Fund (FEDER, UE) under DPI2016-80894-R grant. Lidia M. Belmonte holds FPU014/05283 scholarship from Spanish Ministerio de Educacion y Formacion Profesional

PRIMAGE project : predictive in silico multiscale analytics to support childhood cancer personalised evaluation empowered by imaging biomarkers

PRIMAGE is one of the largest and more ambitious research projects dealing with medical imaging, artificial intelligence and cancer treatment in children. It is a 4-year European Commission-financed project that has 16 European partners in the consortium, including the European Society for Paediatric Oncology, two imaging biobanks, and three prominent European paediatric oncology units. The project is constructed as an observational in silico study involving high-quality anonymised datasets (imaging, clinical, molecular, and genetics) for the training and validation of machine learning and multiscale algorithms. The open cloud-based platform will offer precise clinical assistance for phenotyping (diagnosis), treatment allocation (prediction), and patient endpoints (prognosis), based on the use of imaging biomarkers, tumour growth simulation, advanced visualisation of confidence scores, and machine-learning approaches. The decision support prototype will be constructed and validated on two paediatric cancers: neuroblastoma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. External validation will be performed on data recruited from independent collaborative centres. Final results will be available for the scientific community at the end of the project, and ready for translation to other malignant solid tumours

Acceptability and feasibility of a virtual community of practice to primary care professionals regarding patient empowerment: A qualitative pilot study

Background: Virtual communities of practice (vCoPs) facilitate online learning via the exchange of experiences and knowledge between interested participants. Compared to other communities, vCoPs need to overcome technological structures and specific barriers. Our objective was to pilot the acceptability and feasibility of a vCoP aimed at improving the attitudes of primary care professionals to the empowerment of patients with chronic conditions. Methods: We used a qualitative approach based on 2 focus groups: one composed of 6 general practitioners and the other of 6 practice nurses. Discussion guidelines on the topics to be investigated were provided to the moderator. Sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was performed using the ATLAS-ti software. Results: The available operating systems and browsers and the lack of suitable spaces and time were reported as the main difficulties with the vCoP. The vCoP was perceived to be a flexible learning mode that provided up-to-date resources applicable to routine practice and offered a space for the exchange of experiences and approaches. Conclusions: The results from this pilot study show that the vCoP was considered useful for learning how to empower patients. However, while vCoPs have the potential to facilitate learning and as shown create professional awareness regarding patient empowerment, attention needs to be paid to technological and access issues and the time demands on professionals. We collected relevant inputs to improve the features, content and educational methods to be included in further vCoP implementation. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02757781. Registered on 25 April 2016.This study was financed by Instituto de Salud Carlos III and Cofinanced by Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER). Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad. Gobierno de España. (PI15/00164, PI15/00586, PI15/00566

Assessing the congruence of thermal niche estimations derived from distribution and physiological data. A test using diving beetles.

A basic aim of ecology is to understand the determinants of organismal distribution, the niche concept and species distribution models providing key frameworks to approach the problem. As temperature is one of the most important factors affecting species distribution, the estimation of thermal limits is crucially important for inferring range constraints. It is expectable that thermal physiology data derived from laboratory experiments and species' occurrences may express different aspects of the species' niche. However, there is no study systematically testing this prediction in a given taxonomic group while controlling by potential phylogenetic inertia. We estimate the thermal niches of twelve Palaearctic diving beetles species using physiological data derived from experimental analyses in order to examine the extent to which these coincided with those estimated from distribution models based on observed occurrences. We found that thermal niche estimates derived from both approaches lack general congruence, and these results were similar before and after controlling by phylogeny. The congruence between potential distributions obtained from the two different procedures was also explored, and we found again that the percentage of agreement were not very high (~60%). We confirm that both thermal niche estimates derived from geographical and physiological data are likely to misrepresent the true range of climatic variation that these diving beetles are able to tolerate, and so these procedures could be considered as incomplete but complementary estimations of an inaccessible reality