The extent and nature of the Archaean–Palaeoproterozoic craton of Río de la Plata of southern South America, a major but poorly understood crustal component in Neoproterozoic plate reconstructions, ...as well as the depositional, metamorphic and magmatic history of the surrounding orogenic belts, are reviewed and reassessed, in part through the analysis of material recovered from deep boreholes in western Argentina that penetrated Palaeozoic cover into basement. U–Pb SHRIMP zircon ages for these samples of 2162
±
6 Ma (diorite), 2189
±
14 Ma (amphibolitic schist) and 2088
±
6 Ma (granite) encompass the range of ages determined for the major Palaeoproterozoic orogenic events in the exposed parts of the craton close to the Atlantic coasts of Uruguay and Argentina. Taken together with the geochemical and Nd-isotope characteristics of these samples and an olivine gabbro from a further borehole that failed to yield zircon, these results strongly suggest that the Río de la Plata craton is extremely uniform in its dominant chrono-tectonic and lithological make-up, and that it extends westwards as far as the 535–520 Ma Pampean orogenic belt, against which it probably has a fault contact.
U–Pb SHRIMP zircon detrital age patterns are presented for representative metasedimentary samples from the craton cover in the Tandilia belt of eastern Argentina, and from the Pampean (Cambrian) and Famatinian (Ordovician) belts to the west of the craton. Whereas the oldest cover rocks in Tandilia clearly show material derived from the underlying craton, such detritus only appears in the younger (Ordovician) units to the west. Sedimentary protoliths in the Pampean belt were dominated by Neoproterozoic (broadly ∼
600 Ma) and late Mesoproterozoic (broadly ∼
1100 Ma) provenance, and derivation from the Río de la Plata craton is highly unlikely. Regional considerations, including previously published zircon data, palaeocurrent and structural data, suggest that these rocks must have had an origin within Gondwana-forming blocks, for which the closest identifiable sources are ‘Brazilian’ and ‘African’ (Namaqua–Natal). Consequently, the preferred model for the Pampean orogeny is that the Río de la Plata craton reached its present position by large-scale dextral strike-slip movement against fore-arc sedimentary sequences that had developed on the southern and western margins of the Kalahari craton during the Early Cambrian. In the final stage the displaced sedimentary sequences outboard of the RPC collided with the Mesoproterozoic Western Sierras Pampeanas terrane, which was at the time attached to the large Amazonia craton and other smaller continental blocks, such as Arequipa–Antofalla and Río Apa. Protracted relative displacement of the RPC after the Pampean Orogeny led to its final position.
Dredged material contamination was assessed in different commercial ports from Spain: Port of Cádiz and Huelva, South West; Bilbao and Pasajes, North; Cartagena and Barcelona, East; Coruña, North ...West. Sediment from different locations of these ports was sampled and was characterized following the Spanish recommendations for dredged material management. This characterization included grain size distribution, organic matter content and concentration of the chemical compounds included in the list of pollutants and hazardous substances (As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn; PCB congeners IUPAC number 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180; PAHs were also analyzed). The results were compared to the limit values of Spanish Action Levels that define the different categories for assessment and management. A set of empirically derived sediment quality guidelines (SQG) was used to assess the possible toxicity of the dredged materials and to improve the use of the chemical approach to characterize dredged material for its management.
Background
Most of large epidemiological studies on melanoma susceptibility have been conducted on fair skinned individuals (US, Australia and Northern Europe), while Southern European populations, ...characterized by high UV exposure and dark‐skinned individuals, are underrepresented.
Objectives
We report a comprehensive pooled analysis of established high‐ and intermediate‐penetrance genetic variants and clinical characteristics of Mediterranean melanoma families from the MelaNostrum Consortium.
Methods
Pooled epidemiological, clinical and genetic (CDKN2A, CDK4, ACD, BAP1, POT1, TERT, and TERF2IP and MC1R genes) retrospective data of melanoma families, collected within the MelaNostrum Consortium in Greece, Italy and Spain, were analysed. Univariate methods and multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association of variants with characteristics of families and of affected and unaffected family members. Subgroup analysis was performed for each country.
Results
We included 839 families (1365 affected members and 2123 unaffected individuals). Pathogenic/likely pathogenic CDKN2A variants were identified in 13.8% of families. The strongest predictors of melanoma were ≥2 multiple primary melanoma cases (OR 8.1; 95% CI 3.3–19.7), >3 affected members (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.3–5.2) and occurrence of pancreatic cancer (OR 4.8; 95% CI 2.4–9.4) in the family (AUC 0.76, 95% CI 0.71–0.82). We observed low frequency variants in POT1 (3.8%), TERF2IP (2.5%), ACD (0.8%) and BAP1 (0.3%). MC1R common variants (≥2 variants and ≥2 RHC variants) were associated with melanoma risk (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0–2.0 and OR 4.3; 95% CI 1.2–14.6, respectively).
Conclusions
Variants in known high‐penetrance genes explain nearly 20% of melanoma familial aggregation in Mediterranean areas. CDKN2A melanoma predictors were identified with potential clinical relevance for cancer risk assessment.
This paper summarises the performance of simple multivariate exploratory analyses to investigate on their potential application for dredged material characterization and management. The data from 25 ...sampling stations located at 7 different Spanish ports, produced a matrix consisting of 300 observations on 10 variables: the metals Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn, the metalloid As, the sum of PAHs and PCB congeners, and the proportion of fines and organic matter content. The cluster analysis was suitable to separate the sediments according to the extent of contamination while the PCA indicated that the data was defined by two principal factors: a first one that accounts for 56.4% of the total variance, describing the metallic contaminants except Ni and Cr, and a second one that accounts for 14.4% of the total variance describing the organic contaminants PAHs and PCBs. The use of these two simple and untutored multivariate techniques seems a cost-effective approach for future pre-dredging investigations in the studied areas providing useful information for dredged material characterization and management with little additional effort.
The use of lysed microalgae in the diet of carnivorous fish can increase the bioavailability of proteins and bioactive compounds, such as unsaturated fatty acids or vitamins in the digestive tract. ...These are essential molecules for the proper physiological development of fish in aquaculture. However, some antinutritional components and other undesirable molecules can be released from an excess of microalgae supplied, compromising the integrity of the intestine. The inclusion of small amounts of hydrolized microalgae in the fish diet can be a good strategy to avoid negative effects, improving the availability of beneficial compounds. Nannochloropsis gaditana is an interesting microalgae as it contains nutraceuticals. Previous studies reported beneficial effects after its inclusion in the diet of Sparus aurata, a widely cultured species in Europe and in all Mediterranean countries. However, administration of raw microalgae can produce intestinal inflammation, increased intestinal permeability, bacterial translocation and disturbance of digestion and absorption processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the intestinal microbiota and barrier stability of S. aurata fed with low inclusion (5%) hydrolysed N. gaditana. Intestinal microbiota was analyzed using Illumina MiSeq technology and libraries were constructed using variable regions V3-V4 of 16S rDNA molecules. Analysis were based in the identification, quantification and comparison of sequences. The predictive intestinal microbial functionality was analyzed with PICRUSt software. The results determined that the intestinal microbiota bacterial composition and the predictive intestinal microbiota functionality did not change statistically after the inclusion of N. gaditana on the diet. The study of gene expression showed that genes involved in intestinal permeability and integrity were not altered in fish treated with the experimental diet. The potential functionality and bacterial taxonomic composition of the intestinal microbiota, and the expression of integrity and permeability genes in the intestine of the carnivorous fish S. aurata were not affected by the inclusion of hydrolysed 5% N. gaditana microalgae.
IntroductionCatatonia is a clinical syndrome characterized by behavioral alterations, which may include motor immobility or excitation. As a symptom, catatonia may be present in several mental ...disorders, primarily schizophrenia and mood disorders. Symptoms can be severe and can lead to dangerous and lethal conditions if not diagnosed and treated properly.ObjectivesTo describe the complicated evolution of a case of major depression with psychotic symptoms, which developed catatonic status. We discuss the psychopharmacological approach and non-pharmacological therapies (ECT).MethodsCase summary. We have conducted a systematic review of the descriptions published to date, regarding this case.ResultsWe present a case of extreme severity, in a 55-year-old male, with a broad differential diagnosis with organic pathology, which required multidisciplinary management in conjunction with other specialties and multiple complementary tests.Eventually diagnosed with major depression with psychotic symptoms evolving into a catatonic state. During more than one year of follow-up, multiple drugs have been tested sequentially: SSRI antidepressants, dual action, low-dose antipsychotics (caripracin, lurasidone, aripiprazole, olanzapine).Finally, a good response was obtained in the treatment with lorazepam 1mg /6h and 12 sessions of ECT administered concomitantly.In this case, the patient presented a refusal to eat and weight loss with a BMI of malnutrition. We had to be coordinated with the endocrinology service for a nutritional restitution strategy through dietary supplements. Once nutritional restitution was achieved, we started treatment with clomipramine, with good results on affective symptoms.ConclusionsNowadays, the origin and treatment of catatonia are still unclear.We present the case of a man with melancholic depression with psychotic symptoms, who evolved into a catatonic syndrome. A good response was achieved with the combination of ECT and benzodiazepines.We want to highlight nutritional recovery as an important point to achieve good absorption of antidepressant drugs. Once achieved, we started treatment with clomipramine with good results.During the treatment, he has presented multiple difficulties and finally, he was able to leave after five months of hospitalization in the acute mental health unit.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Taxanes and anthracyclines improve the outcome of early breast cancer, although the benefit is limited to a small proportion of patients and are toxic. We prospectively looked for predictors of ...response to these drugs. Experimental design: Four cycles of doxorubicin (75 mg/m
2
) or docetaxel (100 mg/m
2
) were compared as presurgical chemotherapy for breast cancer. Biomarkers were determined by immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization using prechemotherapy core biopsies. Tumors were also classified into one of the molecular intrinsic subtypes using an immunohistochemical panel of five biomarkers and genomic profiles. Single genes and intrinsic subtypes were correlated with response to doxorubicin versus docetaxel. Among the 204 evaluable patients, significant predictors of sensitivity in multivariate analysis were low topo2a expression and ER-negative status for doxorubicin and small tumor size and ER-negative status for docetaxel. Predictors of resistance in multivariate analysis were triple-negative status (ER/PgR/HER2 negative by IHC/FISH) for doxorubicin, and high TNM stage for docetaxel. Triple-negative tumors were associated with topo2a overexpression more than the other subtypes. In 94 patients with gene expression profiles, docetaxel was superior to doxorubicin in the basal-like subtype (good pathological response rate − PCR + class I of 56 vs. 0%;
P
= 0.034); no significant differences were observed in the other subtypes when comparing these two drugs. Low topo2a expression and ER-negative status were predictors of response to doxorubicin, while small tumor size and ER-negative status predicted response to docetaxel. Docetaxel was superior to doxorubicin in triple-negative/basal-like tumors, while no significant differences were seen in the remaining intrinsic subtypes.
Abstract Background Cytoreductive surgery with peritonectomy procedures and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC) represents a radical therapeutic approach to achieve complete ...cytoreduction in ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis. The aim of the present study was to analyze the outcomes obtained by the application of these procedures in a single center with extensive experience treating peritoneal carcinomatosis. Patients and methods A series of 218 consecutive patients diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis from primary or recurrent ovarian cancer (FIGO stage IIIC–IV) and treated with CRS + HIPEC between January 1996 and June 2012 were included in this observational study. Results Peritoneal carcinomatosis was treated primarily in 56% (124/218) of the cases and recurrently in 43% (94/218). A total of 42/218 patients (19%) presented with FIGO stage IV. Compared to recurrent cases, patients with primary ovarian carcinomatosis were older and presented higher Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) and percentage of FIGO stage IV; however, no significant differences in survival (5-year overall survival in patients with R0 cytoreduction, 63% and 56%, respectively) were observed. Cytoreduction score, PCI, lymphatic involvement and surgical morbidity ≥Grade III were statistically significant prognostic factors for survival in both univariate and multivariate analysis. Conclusions CRS + HIPEC treating macroscopic and microscopic disease is currently an excellent surgical approach to achieve high rates of complete cytoreduction and improve survival in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from ovarian cancer. In order to minimize the high potential morbidity of these procedures, CRS + HIPEC should be performed in highly experienced centers.
Highly luminescent nanoparticles based in Silicon quantum dots, coated by hydroxyl PAMAM dendrimer (PAMAM-OH) of 5th generation, were obtained by one step process by hydrothermal treatment of ...3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) in aqueous solution. Previous to the optimization of the synthesis procedure, different dendritic molecules of 5th generation were tested to obtain the most intense fluorescence signal. The influence of different parameters such ratio APTES/PAMAM-OH, pH and ionic strength on the fluorescence intensity was studied. The fluorescence spectra showed maximum excitation and emission wavelengths at 370 and 446nm, respectively. The obtained silicon nanoparticles (SiQDs@PAMAM-OH) were characterized by TEM, DLS and XPS, and were found to detect selectively Cr(VI) in aqueous solutions at 2.7μM level of detection, sensitivity of 0.2μM with a RSD of 0.16% (n=10). To study the feasibility of the proposed system for Cr(VI) detection, it was tested in real electrochemical solution bath and a tanning effluent obtained from electrochemical industry and with two certified waters, demonstrating promising outcomes as nano-sensor.
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•Novel synthesis of fluorescent SiQDs@PAMAM-OH from APTES assisted by hydrothermal treatment.•SiQDs-PAMAM-OH has been characterized and analyzed by DLS, XPS and fluorescence techniques.•The quenching caused by Cr(VI) proposed analytical method.•The static mechanism was demonstrated by fluorescence lifetime analysis.•The wide range of interferences studied make suitable for sensor.
As new sources of organs are needed, liver transplantation using donors after cardiac death (DCD) is progressively increasing, but outcomes with this method are still questioned. This study was ...accomplished to verify that DCD outcomes are comparable to those seen in donation after brain death (DBD).
This was a prospective cohort study including 100 liver transplantation performed between 2014 and 2017, divided according to donor type in 75 DBD and 25 DCD.
DCD donors were younger (mean age: DCD 56 years, DBD 59 years; P = .009). Mean Modified End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was lower for DCD (DCD 16, DBD 19; P < .001). No differences were found regarding ischemia times and development of postreperfusion syndrome or coagulopathy. Primary graft dysfunction was more frequent in DCD (60%, DCD 29.3%; P = .006). Rates of primary graft nonfunction (DCD 0%, DBD 1.3%; P = .562) and acute rejection (DCD 20%, DBD 16.4%; P = .685) were similar. Acute kidney injury occurred more often in DBD (DCD 32%, DBD 12%; P = .051). Length of stay was comparable. Rates of biliary complications (DCD 20%, DBD 26.7%; P = .505) were similar, unlike ischemic cholangiopathy (DCD 12%, DBD 1.3%; P = .018). Retransplantation rates were also similar (DCD 8%, DBD 4%; P = .427) as was survival rate after 3 years (DCD 84%, DBD 86.7%; P = .739).
DCD represents an additional graft source with results that are encouraging and may be comparable to DBD with a careful donor and recipient selection.
•Donation after cardiac death (DCD) can have similar postoperative and long-term outcomes than donation after brain death (DBD) in liver transplantation.•Ischemic cholangiopathy is the most feared complication related to DCD.•Acute kidney injury is not necessarily increased by using this kind of donors.•Graft and patient survival from DBD and DCD are comparable.•A proper selection to match donors and recipients must be done.
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