Comparison of Microcystis aeruginosa (PCC7820 and PCC7806) growth and intracellular microcystins content determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay anti-Adda and phosphatase bioassay

Cyanobacteria are able to produce several metabolites that have toxic effects on humans and animals. Among these cyanotoxins, the hepatotoxic microcystins (MC) occur frequently. The intracellular MC content produced by two strains of Microcystis aeruginosa, PCC7806 and PCC7820, and its production kinetics during the culture time were studied in order to elucidate the conditions that favour the growth and proliferation of these toxic strains. Intracellular MC concentrations measured by liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometer (MS) were compared with those obtained by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) anti-Adda and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) inhibition assays. It has been demonstrated there are discrepancies in the quantification of MC content when comparing ELISA and LC-MS results. However, a good correlation has been obtained between PP2A inhibition assay and LC-MS. Three MC were identified using LC-MS in the PCC7806 strain: MC-LR, demethylated MC-LR and a new variant detected for the first time in this strain, [MeSer7] MC-LR. In PCC7820, MC-LR, D-Asp3-MCLR, Dglu(OCH3)-MCLR, MC-LY, MC-LW and MC-LF were identificated. The major one was MC-LR in both strains, representing 81 and 79% of total MC, respectively. The total MC content in M. aeruginosa PCC7820 was almost three-fold higher than in PCC7806 extracts.Centro de Investigaciones Cietíficas y Técnicas AGL 2006–06523/ AL

Development of a New Method for the Determination of Manganese, Cadmium, Mercury and Lead in Whole Blood and Amniotic Fluid by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Environmental exposure to metals among women, revealed their adverse effects on pregnancy. During this stage, blood levels of some metals increase so research on heavy metals transference from the mother’s blood to the developing foetus is of special interest and much attention has been paid to this matter. The amniotic fluid can be considered as a valuable marker of this prenatal exposure to exogenous factors. The aim of this study was to develop a method for the simultaneous determination of Mn, Cd, Hg, and Pb in whole maternal blood and amniotic fluid by ICP-MS. Strategies were given to minimise memory effects related to mercury and two widespread digestion procedures (open-vessel and microwave-assisted) were compared. Several quality controls, such as methodological and reagent blanks, spiked samples and duplicates were used to test the goodness of the developed method. Once optimised, the method was applied for the monitoring of Mn, Cd, Hg and Pb in 15 maternal blood and amniotic fluid samples obtained at delivery after informed consent. This study establishes that heavy metals pass into and accumulate in amniotic fluid and maternal blood. Thus, mean concentrations of Mn were similar in the two biological fluids studied, 21.6 ng/mL in maternal blood and 20.5 ng/mL in amniotic fluid. Mean Cd and mercury levels in blood and amniotic fluid were 1.3 and 6.3 ng/mL and 3.4 and 3.8 ng/mL, respectively. Concentrations of Pb were 16.4 ng/mL in blood and 13.7 ng/mL in amniotic fluid. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term health effects derived from this exposure.Plan Propio of the University of SevilleFundación Farmacéutica Avenzoa

Alteration of oxidative stress biomarkers in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to repeated doses of Cylindrospermopsin by different exposure routes

Ejemplar dedicado a: Monográfico sobre Seguridad Alimentaria: Las cianobacterias tienen capacidad de sintetizar una gran variedad de metabolitos secundarios, identificándose entre ellos la Cilindrospermopsina (CYN), toxina principalmente citotóxica. En general, la exposición a esta molécula se caracteriza por una toxicidad tardía sobre múltiples órganos, principalmente hígado y riñón. Se han sugerido varios mecanismos de acción tóxica: inhibición de la síntesis de proteínas y de glutatión y más recientemente el estrés oxidativo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar la influencia del tiempo y de la vía de exposición sobre la inducción de estrés oxidativo como mecanismo de acción tóxica asociado a la patogenicidad de CYN, en pescados de consumo público, Tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus), expuestos a dosis repetidas de la toxina mediante inmersión en biomasa de Aphanizomenon ovalisporum o por vía oral con células liofilizadas de A. ovalisporum durante tres períodos de 7, 14 y 21 días. Los biomarcadores ensayados en hígado y riñón de los peces fueron: peroxidación lipídica, oxidación de proteínas, oxidación del ADN, las actividades glutatión-Stransferasa, glutatión peroxidasa, superóxido dismutasa, catalasa γglutamilcisteín sintetasa, y la relación glutatión reducido y oxidado (GSH/GSSG). Se observó una inducción de estrés oxidativo en hígado y riñón de las tilapias expuestas a dosis repetidas de CYN, manifestado por una alteración en los niveles de peroxidación lipídica, oxidación de proteínas y de ADN, así como en las actividades de las enzimas antioxidantes estudiadas y en los niveles de glutation a lo largo de los tres períodos de exposición. En general, las alteraciones más significativas se observaron en tilapias expuestas a CYN por inmersión en biomasa de A. ovalisporum durante un periodo de 21 días, demostrándose así que estos efectos se ven influenciados por la vía y el tiempo de exposición.Cyanobacteria are able to synthesize a large variety of secondary metabolites, including Cylindrospermopsin (CYN), a mainly cytotoxic toxin. In general, exposure to this molecule is characterized by late toxicity on multiple organs, mainly liver and kidney. Several mechanisms of action have been suggested; as inhibition of protein and glutathione synthesis and more recently oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of time and route of exposure on the induction of oxidative stress as a mechanism of toxic action associated with CYN pathogenicity in public-consumed fish exposed to repeated doses of CYN by immersion, containing a culture of A. ovalisporum or orally with lyophilized cells of Aphanizomenon ovalisporum for three periods of exposure: 7, 14 and 21 days. Fish biomarkers tested in liver and kidney were: lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, DNA oxidation, activities glutathione-Stransferase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, and glutathione reduced/glutathione oxidized ratio. An induction of oxidative stress was observed in liver and kidney of tilapia fishes exposed to repeated doses of CYN. Alterations in lipid peroxidation levels, protein and DNA oxidation process, as well as in the activity of the studied antioxidant enzymes and glutathione levels for all three periods of exposure tested, were observed. In general, the most significant changes were observed in tilapias exposed to CYN by immersion in a CYN-containing culture of A. ovalisporum over 21 days, thus demonstrates that these effects are influenced by the route and time of exposure.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (España) AGL2009-10026ALIJunta de Andalucía (España) P09-AGR-467

La imagen y la narrativa como herramientas para el abordaje psicosocial en escenarios de violencia. Departamentos de Antioquia, Risaralda y Chocó

No aplicaColombia es un país que por más de 60 años ha sido golpeado por el conflicto armado, que tuvo sus orígenes en la década del 40 a causa de intereses políticos y económicos. En este documento se analiza el caso de Amparo, quien luego de que su esposo es desaparecido por los grupos armados al margen de la ley, empieza una odisea de padecimientos desde el exilio y persecución, hasta lograr la superación del trauma. En el caso se analizan los emergentes psicosociales y estilos de afrontamiento que tuvo que utilizar Amparo de manera consciente e inconsciente para sortear las dificultades. A través de una serie de preguntas de tipo circular, reflexivo y estratégico; se pueden observar los recursos utilizados por ella. Posteriormente, se analiza la tristemente reconocida masacre del Salado, corregimiento ubicado en el municipio de El Carmen de Bolívar (departamento de Bolívar), donde surge una de las incursiones más violentas en la historia del País, llevada a cabo por el grupo armado Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC), donde la señora Edita Garrido y su hija Yirley Velasco, junto a su familia y comunidad, vivieron una de las más crueles violaciones a los Derechos Humanos. Para la intervención del caso se plantean una serie de estrategias que los orientarán para mejorar las estrategias de afrontamiento. A través de la foto-voz, se evidencia de manera más específica, como en cada región los individuos y colectivos han realizado acciones resilientes para hacerle frente al conflicto; pero contado desde la subjetividad del investigador.Colombia is a country that for more than 60 years has been hit by the armed conflict, which originated in the 1940s due to political and economic interests. This document analyzes the case of Amparo, who after her husband is disappeared by illegal armed groups, begins an odyssey of suffering from exile and persecution, until she overcomes the trauma. In the case, the psychosocial emergents and coping styles that Amparo used consciously and unconsciously to overcome the difficulties are analyzed. Through a series of circular, reflective and strategic questions; you can see the resources used by it. Subsequently, the sadly recognized massacre of El Salado is analyzed, a corregimiento located in the municipality of El Carmen de Bolívar (department of Bolívar), where one of the most violent incursions in the country's history, carried out by the armed group Autodefensas Unidas. In Colombia (AUC), where Mrs. Edita Garrido and her daughter Yirley Velasco and her family and community experienced one of the cruelest Human Rights violations. For the intervention of the case, a series of strategies are proposed that will guide them to improve coping styles. Through the photo-voice, it is evidenced in a more specific way, how in each region individuals and groups have carried out resilient actions to face the conflict, but counted from the researcher's subjectivity

Accurate Identification of ALK Positive Lung Carcinoma Patients: Novel FDA-Cleared Automated Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Scanning System and Ultrasensitive Immunohistochemistry

Background: Based on the excellent results of the clinical trials with ALK-inhibitors, the importance of accurately identifying ALK positive lung cancer has never been greater. However, there are increasing number of recent publications addressing discordances between FISH and IHC. The controversy is further fuelled by the different regulatory approvals. This situation prompted us to investigate two ALK IHC antibodies (using a novel ultrasensitive detection-amplification kit) and an automated ALK FISH scanning system (FDA-cleared) in a series of non-small cell lung cancer tumor samples. Methods: Forty-seven ALK FISH-positive and 56 ALK FISH-negative NSCLC samples were studied. All specimens were screened for ALK expression by two IHC antibodies (clone 5A4 from Novocastra and clone D5F3 from Ventana) and for ALK rearrangement by FISH (Vysis ALK FISH break-apart kit), which was automatically captured and scored by using Bioview's automated scanning system. Results: All positive cases with the IHC antibodies were FISH-positive. There was only one IHC-negative case with both antibodies which showed a FISH-positive result. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the IHC in comparison with FISH were 98% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: The specificity of these ultrasensitive IHC assays may obviate the need for FISH confirmation in positive IHC cases. However, the likelihood of false negative IHC results strengthens the case for FISH testing, at least in some situation

Effects of Depuration on HistopathologicalChanges in Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) AfterExposure to Cylindrospermopsin

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a highly water-soluble cytotoxin produced by several species of freshwater cyanobacteria and it is considered the second most studied cyanotoxin worldwide. CYN acts as a potent protein and glutathione synthesis inhibitor, as well as inducing genotoxicity, oxidative stress and histopathological alterations. Studies concerning the depuration of cyanobacterial toxins in aquatic organisms, especially in fish, are of great interest for fish economy and public health, but are scarce in the case of CYN. This is the first study reporting the ability of depuration (3 − 7 days) in reversing or ameliorating the histopathological lesions induced in liver, kidney, heart, intestines, and gills of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) due to exposure by immersion to repeated doses of a CYN-containing culture of A. ovalisporum for 14 days. The main histopathological changes induced by CYN were glucogenic degeneration and loss of the normal hepatic cord-structure (liver), hyperemia, dilated Bowman's capsule and cellular tumefaction (kidney), myofibrolysis, hemorrhages and edema (heart), necrosis and partial loss of microvilli (gastrointestinal tract), and hyperemia and inflammatory cells infiltrates (gills). After 3 days of depuration, gills were totally recovered, while the liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract required 7 days, and longer depuration periods may be needed for a full recovery of the heart. In addition, the morphometric study indicated that depuration managed to reverse the affectation in the hepatocytes nuclear diameters and cross sections of the proximal and distal convoluted tubules induced in CYN-exposed fish. In general, these results validate depuration as an effective practice for detoxification of fish contaminated with CYN.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (AGL2009-10026 y AGL2015-64558-R)Junta de Andalucía (P09-AGR-4672

Ultrasound findings in painful spastic hip. Muscle thickness in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract Background In cerebral palsy (CP), spasticity is the dominant symptom and hip pain is one of the most common secondary conditions. Aetiology is not clear. Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is a low-cost, non-invasive imaging technique that allows assessment of structural status, dynamic imaging, and quick contralateral comparison. Objective A retrospective case-matched-control study. To investigate associated factors with painful spastic hip and to compare ultrasound findings (focusing on muscle thickness) in children with CP vs. typically developing (TD) peers. Setting Paediatric Rehabilitation Hospital in Mexico City, from August to November 2018. Participants 21 children (13 male, 7 + 4.26 years) with CP, in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels IV to V, with spastic hip diagnosis (cases) and 21 children age- and sex-matched (7 + 4.28 years) TD peers (controls). Characteristically data Sociodemographic data, CP topography, degree of spasticity, mobility arch, contractures, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), GMFCS, measurements of the volumes of eight major muscles of the hip joint and MSUS findings of both hips. Results All children with CP group reported chronic hip pain. Associated factors for hip pain (high VAS hip pain score) were degree of hip displacement (percentage of migration), Ashworth Level, GMFCS level V. No synovitis, bursitis or tendinopathy was found. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in muscle volumes in all hip muscles (right and left) except in the right and left adductor longus. Conclusion Though possibly the most important issue with diminished muscle growth in CP children is the influence on their long-term function, it is likely that training routines that build muscle size may also increase muscle strength and improve function in this population. To improve the choice of treatments in this group and maintain muscle mass, longitudinal investigations of the natural history of muscular deficits in CP as well as the impact of intervention are needed

Anchuelo. Propuestas bioclimáticas en el espacio público

Anchuelo. Propuestas bioclimáticas en el espacio público. Publicación digital de los trabajos elaborados por los estudiantes del curso 2021/22 de la asignatura La Ciudad y el Medio de la Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Muestra una serie de propuestas elaboradas en la asignatura para mejorar bioclimáticamente diferentes espacios públicos municipales en el marco del acuerdo realizado entre el Departamento de Urbanística y Ordenación del Territorio y el Excmo. Ayuntamiento de Anchuelo (Madrid)

Evaluation of a quality improvement intervention to reduce anastomotic leak following right colectomy (EAGLE): pragmatic, batched stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized trial in 64 countries

Background Anastomotic leak affects 8 per cent of patients after right colectomy with a 10-fold increased risk of postoperative death. The EAGLE study aimed to develop and test whether an international, standardized quality improvement intervention could reduce anastomotic leaks. Methods The internationally intended protocol, iteratively co-developed by a multistage Delphi process, comprised an online educational module introducing risk stratification, an intraoperative checklist, and harmonized surgical techniques. Clusters (hospital teams) were randomized to one of three arms with varied sequences of intervention/data collection by a derived stepped-wedge batch design (at least 18 hospital teams per batch). Patients were blinded to the study allocation. Low- and middle-income country enrolment was encouraged. The primary outcome (assessed by intention to treat) was anastomotic leak rate, and subgroup analyses by module completion (at least 80 per cent of surgeons, high engagement; less than 50 per cent, low engagement) were preplanned. Results A total 355 hospital teams registered, with 332 from 64 countries (39.2 per cent low and middle income) included in the final analysis. The online modules were completed by half of the surgeons (2143 of 4411). The primary analysis included 3039 of the 3268 patients recruited (206 patients had no anastomosis and 23 were lost to follow-up), with anastomotic leaks arising before and after the intervention in 10.1 and 9.6 per cent respectively (adjusted OR 0.87, 95 per cent c.i. 0.59 to 1.30; P = 0.498). The proportion of surgeons completing the educational modules was an influence: the leak rate decreased from 12.2 per cent (61 of 500) before intervention to 5.1 per cent (24 of 473) after intervention in high-engagement centres (adjusted OR 0.36, 0.20 to 0.64; P &lt; 0.001), but this was not observed in low-engagement hospitals (8.3 per cent (59 of 714) and 13.8 per cent (61 of 443) respectively; adjusted OR 2.09, 1.31 to 3.31). Conclusion Completion of globally available digital training by engaged teams can alter anastomotic leak rates. Registration number: NCT04270721 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov)