An intense and long-lasting Saharan dust outbreak crossed
the Iberian Peninsula (IP) from the southwest (SW) to the northeast (NE)
from 25 March until 7 April 2021. This work aims to assess the ...optical and
mass contribution of both fine and coarse dust particles along their
transport. Five Iberian lidar stations were monitoring the transport and
evolution of the Saharan dust particles, i.e. El Arenosillo/Huelva,
Granada, Torrejón/Madrid and Barcelona in Spain, and Évora in
Portugal. The particular meteorological conditions determined the aerosol
scenario along the overall dust event, differing in the first part of the
event (25–31 March), in which the strongest dust incidence occurred on 29–31 March at the south and central stations and 1 April at Barcelona, from the
second one (1–7 April). The use of the two-step POLIPHON algorithm showed
the relevance of using polarized lidar measurements for separating the
aerosol properties of dust fine and coarse particles as an added value.
Both the fine dust (Df) and coarse dust (Dc) components of the total
particle backscatter coefficient (total dust, DD = Dc + Df) were
separately derived. The dust plume was well-mixed with height and no
significant differences were found in the vertical structure of both the Dc
and Df particle backscatter coefficients. From the beginning of the dust
outbreak until 1 April, the vertical Df / DD mass ratio was nearly constant in time at each station and also in altitude with values of ∼ 10 %. Moreover, the mean dust optical depth at 532 nm was decreasing along that dust pathway, reporting values from SW to NE stations of 0.34 at El Arenosillo/Huelva, 0.28 at Granada, 0.20 at Évora, 0.28 at
Torrejón/Madrid, and 0.14 at Barcelona, although its Df / DD ratio remained almost constant (28 %–30 %). A similar pattern was found for the total dust mass loading and its Df / DD ratio, i.e. mostly decreasing mean mass values
were reported, being constant in its Df / DD ratio (∼ 10 %)
along the SW–NE dust pathway. In addition, the episode-mean centre-of-mass
height increased with latitude overall, showing a high variability, being
greater than 0.5 km at the southern sites (El Arenosillo/Huelva, Granada,
Évora) and ∼ 1.0 km at Torrejón/Madrid and Barcelona.
However, despite the relatively high intensity of the dust intrusion, the
expected ageing of the dust particles was hardly observed, by taking into
account the minor changes found in the contribution and properties of the
coarse and fine dust particles. This is on the basis that the IP is
relatively close to the Saharan dust sources and then, under certain dust
transport conditions, any potential ageing processes in the dust particles
remained unappreciated. The following must be highlighted: the different relative
contribution of the fine dust particles to the total dust found for their
optical properties (∼ 30 %) associated with the radiative
effect of dust, with respect to that for the mass features (∼ 10 %) linked to air quality issues, along the overall dust event by
crossing the IP.
Worldwide, measures are being implemented to eradicate hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses, which can be transmitted from the mother during childbirth. This study aims to determine the prevalence ...of HBV and HCV in pregnant women in Spain, focusing on country of origin, epidemiological factors and risk of vertical transmission (VT).
Multicentre open-cohort study performed during 2015. HBV prevalence was determined in 21870 pregnant women and HCV prevalence in 7659 pregnant women. Epidemiological and risk factors for VT were analysed in positive women and differences between HBV and HCV cases were studied.
HBV prevalence was 0.42% (91/21870) and HCV prevalence was 0.26% (20/7659). Of the women with HBV, 65.7% (44/67) were migrants. The HBV transmission route to the mother was unknown in 40.3% of cases (27/67) and VT in 31.3% (21/67). Among risk factors for VT, 67.7% (42/62) of the women had viraemia and 14.5% (9/62) tested HBeAg-positive. All of the neonates born to HBV-positive mothers received immunoprophylaxis, and none contracted infection by VT. In 80% (16/20) of the women with HCV, the transmission route was parenteral, and nine were intravenous drug users. Viraemia was present in 40% (8/20) of the women and 10% (2/20) were HIV-coinfected. No children were infected. Women with HCV were less likely than women with HBV to breastfeed their child (65% vs. 86%).
The prevalences obtained in our study of pregnant women are lower than those previously documented for the general population. Among the women with HBV, the majority were migrants and had a maternal family history of infection, while among those with HCV, the most common factor was intravenous drug use. Despite the risk factors observed for VT, none of the children were infected. Proper immunoprophylaxis is essential to prevent VT in children born to HBV-positive women.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract
Exercise modulates both brown adipose tissue (BAT) metabolism and white adipose tissue (WAT) browning in murine models. Whether this is true in humans, however, has remained unknown. An ...unblinded randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02365129) was therefore conducted to study the effects of a 24-week supervised exercise intervention, combining endurance and resistance training, on BAT volume and activity (primary outcome). The study was carried out in the Sport and Health University Research Institute and the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital of the University of Granada (Spain). One hundred and forty-five young sedentary adults were assigned to either (i) a control group (no exercise,
n
= 54), (ii) a moderate intensity exercise group (MOD-EX, n = 48), or (iii) a vigorous intensity exercise group (VIG-EX
n
= 43) by unrestricted randomization. No relevant adverse events were recorded. 97 participants (34 men, 63 women) were included in the final analysis (Control;
n
= 35, MOD-EX;
n
= 31, and VIG-EX;
n
= 31). We observed no changes in BAT volume (Δ Control: −22.2 ± 52.6 ml; Δ MOD-EX: −15.5 ± 62.1 ml, Δ VIG-EX: −6.8 ± 66.4 ml; P = 0.771) or
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake (SUVpeak Δ Control: −2.6 ± 3.1 ml; Δ MOD-EX: −1.2 ± 4.8, Δ VIG-EX: −2.2 ± 5.1;
p
= 0.476) in either the control or the exercise groups. Thus, we did not find any evidence of an exercise-induced change on BAT volume or activity in young sedentary adults.
In a prospective global study, extravascular implantable cardioverter–defibrillators with a substernal lead were implanted safely and were able to detect and terminate induced ventricular arrhythmias ...at the time of implantation.
A laser-induced graphene (LIG) surface modified with Prussian blue (iron hexacyanoferrate) is demonstrated as a novel electrochemical sensing platform for the sensitive and selective detection of ...hydrogen peroxide. Electrochemical Prussian blue (PB) modification on porous graphene films engraved by infrared laser over flexible polyimide was accomplished. Scanning electron microscopy images combined with Raman spectra confirm the formation of porous graphene and homogenous electrodeposition of PB over this porous surface. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy reveals a substantial decrease in the resistance to charge transfer values (from 395 to 31.4 Ω) after the PB insertion, which confirms the formation of a highly conductive PB-graphene composite. The synergistic properties of PB and porous graphene were investigated for the constant monitoring of hydrogen peroxide at 0.0 V vs
.
Ag|AgCl|KCl
(sat.)
, under high-flow injections (166 µL s
−1
) confirming the high stability of the modified surface and fast response within a wide linear range (from 1 to 200 µmol L
−1
). Satisfactory detection limit (0.26 µmol L
−1
) and selectivity verified by the analysis of complex samples confirmed the excellent sensing performance of this platform. We highlight that the outstanding sensing characteristics of the developed sensor were superior in comparison with other PB-based or LIG-based electrochemical sensors reported for hydrogen peroxide detection.
Graphical abstract
The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of dose reduction in patients with SLE treated with belimumab (BEL) in Spain, analyze treatment modalities, and determine impact on control ...of disease activity.
Retrospective longitudinal and multicentre study of SLE patients treated with BEL. Data on disease activity, treatments and outcomes were recorded before and after reduction (6-12 months), and they were compared.
A total of 324 patients were included. The dose was reduced in 29 patients (8.9%). The dosing interval was increased in 9 patients receiving subcutaneous BEL and in 6 patients receiving intravenous BEL. The dose per administration was reduced in 16 patients.Pre-reduction status was remission (2021 DORIS) in 15/26 patients (57.7%) and LLDAS in 23/26 patients (88.5%). After reduction, 2/24 patients (8.3%) and 3/22 patients (13.6%) lost remission at 6 months and 12 months, respectively (not statistically significant NS). As for LLDAS, 2/23 patients (8.7%) and 2/21 patients (9.5%) lost their status at 6 and 12 months, respectively (NS). Significantly fewer patients were taking glucocorticoids (GCs) at their 12-month visit, although the median dose of GCs was higher at the 12-month visit (5 0.62-8.75 vs 2.5 0-5 at baseline).
Doses of BEL can be reduced with no relevant changes in disease activity-at least in the short term-in a significant percentage of patients, and most maintain the reduced dose. However, increased clinical or serologic activity may be observed in some patients. Consequently, tighter post-reduction follow-up is advisable.
Sulfanilamide (SFL) is used to prevent infections in honeybees. However, many regulatory agencies prohibit or establish maximum levels of SFL residues in honey samples. Hence, we developed a low-cost ...and portable electrochemical method for SFL detection using a disposable device produced through 3D printing technology. In the proposed approach, the working electrode was printed using a conductive filament based on carbon black and polylactic acid and it was associated with square wave voltammetry (SWV). Under optimized SWV parameters, linear concentration ranges (1–10 μmol L–1 and 12.5–35.0 μmol L–1), a detection limit of 0.26 μmol L–1 (0.05 mg L–1), and suitable RSD values (2.4% for inter-electrode; n = 3) were achieved. The developed method was selective in relation to other antibiotics applied in honey samples, requiring only dilution in the electrolyte. The recovery values (85–120%) obtained by SWV were statistically similar (95% confidence level) to those obtained by HPLC, attesting to the accuracy of the analysis and the absence of matrix interference.
The extracellular matrix (ECM) composition greatly influences cancer progression, leading to differential invasion, migration, and metastatic potential. In breast cancer, ECM components, such as ...fibroblasts and ECM proteins, have the potential to alter cancer cell migration. However, the lack of in vitro migration models that can vary ECM composition limits our knowledge of how specific ECM components contribute to cancer progression. Here, a microfluidic model was used to study the effect of 3D heterogeneous ECMs (i.e., fibroblasts and different ECM protein compositions) on the migration distance of a highly invasive human breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231. Specifically, we show that in the presence of normal breast fibroblasts, a fibronectin-rich matrix induces more cancer cell migration. Analysis of the ECM revealed the presence of ECM tunnels. Likewise, cancer-stromal crosstalk induced an increase in the secretion of metalloproteinases (MMPs) in co-cultures. When MMPs were inhibited, migration distance decreased in all conditions except for the fibronectin-rich matrix in the co-culture with human mammary fibroblasts (HMFs). This model mimics the in vivo invasion microenvironment, allowing the examination of cancer cell migration in a relevant context. In general, this data demonstrates the capability of the model to pinpoint the contribution of different components of the tumor microenvironment (TME).
South American (SA) societies are highly vulnerable to droughts and pluvials, but lack of long-term climate observations severely limits our understanding of the global processes driving climatic ...variability in the region. The number and quality of SA climatesensitive tree ring chronologies have significantly increased in recent decades, now providing a robust network of 286 records for characterizing hydroclimate variability since 1400 CE. We combine this network with a self-calibrated Palmer Drought Severity Index (scPDSI) dataset to derive the South American Drought Atlas (SADA) over the continent south of 12°S. The gridded annual reconstruction of austral summer scPDSI is the most spatially complete estimate of SA hydroclimate to date, and well matches past historical dry/wet events. Relating the SADA to the Australia–New Zealand Drought Atlas, sea surface temperatures and atmospheric pressure fields, we determine that the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) are strongly associated with spatially extended droughts and pluvials over the SADA domain during the past several centuries. SADA also exhibits more extended severe droughts and extreme pluvials since the mid-20th century. Extensive droughts are consistent with the observed 20th-century trend toward positive SAM anomalies concomitant with the weakening of midlatitude Westerlies, while low-level moisture transport intensified by global warming has favored extreme rainfall across the subtropics. The SADA thus provides a long-term context for observed hydroclimatic changes and for 21st-century Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projections that suggest SA will experience more frequent/ severe droughts and rainfall events as a consequence of increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Graphene-based materials present unique properties for electrochemical applications, and laser-induced conversion of polyimide to graphene is an emerging route to obtain a high-quality material for ...sensing. Herein we present compact and low-cost equipment constructed from an open-source 3D printer at which a 3.5-W visible (449 nm) laser was adapted to fabricate laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes from commercial polyimide, which resulted in electron transfer kinetic (
k
0
) of 5.6 × 10
−3
cm s
−1
and reproducibility calculated by relative standard deviation (RSD < 5%) from cyclic voltammograms of Fe(CN)
6
3−/4−
using 5 different electrodes. LIG electrodes enabled the simultaneous voltammetric determination of uric acid (+ 0.1 V vs. pseudo-reference) and nitrite (+ 0.4 V vs pseudo-reference), with limit of detection (LOD) values of 0.07 and 0.27 µmol L
−1
, respectively. Amperometric measurements for the detection of H
2
O
2
(applying + 0.0 V vs. Ag|AgCl|KCl
(sat.)
) after Prussian blue (PB) modification and ciprofloxacin (applying + 1.2 V vs. Ag|AgCl|KCl
(sat.)
) were performed under flow conditions, which confirmed the high stability of LIG and LIG-PB surfaces. The LOD values were 1.0 and 0.2 µmol L
−1
for H
2
O
2
and ciprofloxacin, respectively. The RSD values (< 12%) obtained for the analysis using three different electrodes attested the precision of LIG electrodes manufactured in two designs. No sample matrix effects on the determination of ciprofloxacin in milk samples were observed (recoveries between 84 and 96%). The equipment can be built with less than $300 and each LIG electrode costs less than $0.01.
Graphical abstract
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