Tots som fills de Joan Fuster

Abstract not availabl

A fully automated flow injection atomic absorption system for the determination of copper traces in waters with on-line pre-concentration in an ion-exchange column

The paper describes the development of an automatic on-line column pre-concentration technique using a time based-flow injection atomic absorption spectrometry system. A manifold incorporating a micro-column containing 25 mg of Dowex 50W-X8 was used with a time-based injector for the pre-concentration and determination of copper in natural and drinking waters. The system features depend on the alternate positions of a solenoid valve. The 3σ detection limits, enrichment factors, sampling frequency, relative standard deviations and linear calibration graphs were, respectively, in the range 0.6-1.5 μg/l, 25-60, 15-30 measurements/h, 1.0-3.1% and 1-65 μg/ml for pre-concentration times of 1 min. The procedure was successfully applied to a range of water samples and the accuracy was assessed through recovery experiments, the analysis of certified reference water samples and by independent analysis by atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization

Long-Term Efficacy, Visual Performance and Patient Reported Outcomes with a Trifocal Intraocular Lens: A Six-Year Follow-up

(1) Background: To evaluate the efficacy at 6 years postoperative after the implantation of a trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) AT Lisa Tri 839MP. The secondary objective was to evaluate the contrast sensitivity defocus curve (CSDC), light distortion analysis (LDA), and patient reported outcomes (PROs). (2) Methods: Sixty-two subjects participated in phone call interviews to collect data regarding a visual function questionnaire (VF-14), a patient reported spectacle independence questionnaire (PRSIQ), and questions related to satisfaction and decision to be implanted with the same IOL. Thirty-seven of these subjects were consecutively invited to a study visit for measurement of their visual acuity (VA), CSDC, and LDA. (3) Results: The mean monocular distance corrected VA was −0.05, 0.08, and 0.05 logMAR at far and distances of 67 cm and 40 cm, respectively. These VAs were significantly superior to those reported in previous literature (p < 0.05). The total area under the CSDC was 2.29 logCS/m−1 and the light distortion index 18.82%. The mean VF-14 score was 94.73, with 19.4% of subjects requiring spectacles occasionally for near distances, and 88.9% considering the decision of being operated again; (4) Conclusions: Long-term AT LISA Tri 839MP IOL efficacy results were equal or better than those reported 12 months postoperatively in previous studies. The spectacle independence and satisfaction rates were comparable to those reported in short-term studies.This research was funded by grant support from Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

Intra-articular administration of hydrogen sulphide ameliorates severity of experimental osteoarthritis

Conference abstrac

Effect of balneotherapy in sulfurous water on an in vivo murine model of osteoarthritis

[Abstract] Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease that results in progressive cartilage destruction and subsequently joint dysfunction. Growing evidence indicates beneficial impact of balneological interventions in OA; however, their mechanisms of action are still unclear. Here, we evaluate the effect of balneotherapy in sulfurous water in an OA experimental model. Experimental OA was induced in Wistar rats by transection of the medial collateral ligament and removal of the medial meniscus of the left knee. Animals were randomized into three groups: non-treated (control) and balneotherapy using sulfurous water (SW) or tap water (TW). Macroscopic evaluation was performed, as well as evaluation of pain levels and analysis of motor function by rotarod test. Histopathological changes in articular cartilage and synovium were also evaluated. The presence of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and oxidative damage markers was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Joint destabilization induced joint thickening, loss of joint flexion, and increased levels of pain. At day 40, animals from SW group presented lower pain levels than those from control group. Experimental OA also affected motor function. Balneotherapy in sulfur-rich water significantly improved joint mobility in relation to that in tap water. Besides, we observed that cartilage deterioration was lower in SW group than in the other two groups. Likewise, SW group showed reduced levels of MMP-13 in the cartilage. Conversely, we failed to observe any modulation on synovial inflammation. Finally, balneotherapy in sulfurous water diminished the presence of oxidative damage markers. Our results suggest the beneficial effect of balneotherapy in sulfur-rich water on an experimental model of OA, showing a reduced cartilage destruction and oxidative damage. Thus, these findings support the use of balneotherapy as a non-pharmacological treatment in OA.Instituto de Salud Carlos III; PI16/02124Xunta de Galicia; AGRUP2015/05 CICA-INIBICXunta de Galicia; IN607A 2017/11(GPC

Intraarticular Administration Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide on an In Vivo Rat Model of Osteoarthritis

[Abstract] Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common articular chronic disease. However, its current treatment is limited and mostly symptomatic. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gas with recognized physiological activities. The purpose here was to evaluate the effects of the intraarticular administration of a slow-releasing H2S compound (GYY-4137) on an OA experimental model. OA was induced in Wistar rats by the transection of medial collateral ligament and the removal of the medial meniscus of the left joint. The animals were randomized into three groups: non-treated and intraarticularly injected with saline or GYY-4137. Joint destabilization induced articular thickening (≈5% increment), the loss of joint mobility and flexion (≈12-degree angle), and increased levels of pain (≈1.5 points on a scale of 0 to 3). Animals treated with GYY-4137 presented improved motor function of the joint, as well as lower pain levels (≈75% recovery). We also observed that cartilage deterioration was attenuated in the GYY-4137 group (≈30% compared with the saline group). Likewise, these animals showed a reduced presence of pro-inflammatory mediators (cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and metalloproteinase-13) and lower oxidative damage in the cartilage. The increment of the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) levels and Nrf-2-regulated gene expression (≈30%) in the GYY-4137 group seem to be underlying its chondroprotective effects. Our results suggest the beneficial impact of the intraarticular administration of H2S on experimental OA, showing a reduced cartilage destruction and oxidative damage, and supporting the use of slow H2S-producing molecules as a complementary treatment in OA.Instituto de Salud Carlos III; PI16/02124Xunta de Galicia; AGRUP2015/05 CICA-INIBICXunta de Galicia; IN607A 2017/1

cAMP/PKA Regulates Osteogenesis, Adipogenesis and Ratio of RANKL/OPG mRNA Expression in Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Suppressing Leptin

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a pluripotent cell type that can differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts and other cells. The reciprocal relationship between adipogenesis and osteogenesis was previously demonstrated; however, the mechanisms remain largely unknown. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We report that activation of PKA by 3-isobutyl-1 methyl xanthine (IBMX) and forskolin enhances adipogenesis, the gene expression of PPARgamma2 and LPL, and downregulates the gene expression of Runx2 and osteopontin, markers of osteogenesis. PKA activation also decreases the ratio of Receptor Activator of the NF-kappaB Ligand to Osteoprotegerin (RANKL/OPG) gene expression - the key factors of osteoclastogenesis. All these effects are mediated by the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway by suppressing leptin, and may contribute to PKA stimulators-induced in vivo bone loss in developing zebrafish. CONCLUSIONS: Using MSCs, the center of a newly proposed bone metabolic unit, we identified cAMP/PKA signaling, one of the many signaling pathways that regulate bone homeostasis via controlling cyto-differentiation of MSCs and altering RANKL/OPG gene expression

Hematology oncology practice in the Asia-Pacific APHCON survey results from the 6th international hematologic malignancies conference: bridging the gap 2015, Beijing, China

This report serves as a snapshot of the state-of-knowledge in the Asia Pacific (APAC) Hematology Oncology community, and establishes a baseline for longitudinal investigations to follow changes in best practices over time. The objective of this study was to understand the approach to hematologic diseases, common standards of care and best practices, issues that remain controversial or debated, and educational or resource gaps that warrant attention. We used mobile application to disseminate and distribute questionnaires to delegates during the 6th international hematologic malignancies conference hosted by the APAC Hematology Consortium at Beijing, China. User responses were collected in an anonymous fashion. We report survey results in two ways: the overall responses, and responses as stratified between Chinese physicians and 'Other' represented nationalities. Overall geographical concordance in survey responses was positive and strong. Perhaps more interesting than instances of absolute agreement, these data provide a unique opportunity to identify topics in which physician knowledge or opinions diverge. We assigned questions from all modules to broad categories of: patient information; diagnosis; treatment preference; transplantation; and general knowledge/opinion. On average, we observed a geographic difference of 15% for any particular answer choice, and this was fairly constant across survey modules. These results reveal utility and need for widespread and ongoing initiatives to assess knowledge and provide evidence-based education in real time. The data will be made more valuable by longitudinal participation, such that we can monitor changes in the state of the art over time.published_or_final_versio

Selenium in serum and neoplastic tissue in breast cancer: correlation with CEA

Trace element selenium (Se) is regarded to be a breast cancer preventive factor involved in multiple protective pathways. In all, 80 women with breast cancer who underwent a radical mastectomy were enrolled in the study. Serum Se and carcinoembryonic antigen levels were measured using a fluorometric and IRMA assay, respectively. Se tissue concentration was determined by a tissue extracting fluorometric assay. For statistical analysis purposes t-test was used and P-values <0.001 were regarded as statistically significant. Serum Se was 42.5±7.5 μg l−1 in breast cancer patients and 67.6±5.36 μg l−1 in the age-matched control group of healthy individuals. Serum carcinoembryonic antigen in patients was 10±1.7 U ml−1 (normal <2.5 U ml−1 in nonsmokers/<3.5 U ml−1 in smokers). A statistically significant difference was found for both serum Se and CEA between two groups studied (P<0.001). Neoplastic tissue Se concentration was 2660±210 mg g−1 tissue; its concentration in the adjacent non-neoplastic tissue was 680±110 mg g−1 tissue (P<0.001). An inverse relationship between Se and CEA serum levels was found in the two groups studied (r=−0.794). There was no correlation between serum/tissue Se concentration and stage of the disease. The decrease in serum Se concentration as well as its increased concentration in the neoplastic breast tissue is of great significance. These alterations may reflect part of the defence mechanisms against the carcinogenetic process