Diagnosis and outcome of patients with idiopathic pleural effusions

INTRODUCTION

Long-term follow-up course for patients with idiopathic pleural effusions has not been established.

METHODS

From October 2013 to June 2021 all patients with idiopathic effusion were prospectively followed up with clinical examination and imaging at 1, 3, 6 and every 6 months for a minimum of 1 year.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients were diagnosed with idiopathic effusion and followed up. Mesothelioma was detected during the follow-up in two patients at 7 and 18 months, one of whom had blood-tinged pleural fluid and the other reported a 10% weight loss. Mesothelioma was not diagnosed in any of the patients with effusion covering less than two thirds of the hemithorax, and without constitutional symptoms or a blood-tinged fluid appearance. Most of the effusions resolved or showed a clear improvement in the first six months.

CONCLUSION

Patients without weight loss and with small, non-hematic effusions, may benefit from conservative treatment and clinical-radiological follow-up.

Order-disorder charge density wave instability in the kagome metal (Cs,Rb)V3Sb5

The origin of the charge density wave phases in the kagome metal compound AV₃Sb₅ is still under great scrutiny. Here, we combine diffuse and inelastic x-ray scattering to identify a 3-dimensional precursor of the charge order at the L point that condenses into a CDW through a first order phase transition. The quasi-elastic critical scattering indicates that the dominant contribution to the diffuse precursor is the elastic central peak without phonon softening. However, the inelastic spectra show a small broadening of the Einstein-type phonon mode on approaching T_CDW. Our results point to the situation where the Fermi surface instability at the L point is of order-disorder type with critical growth of quasi-static domains. The experimental data indicate that the CDW consists on an alternating Star of David and trihexagonal distortions and its dynamics goes beyond the classical weak-coupling scenario and is discussed within strong-electron phonon coupling and non-adiabatic models.

HEMORRHOIDS AGAIN?

Introduction

Anal cancer represents 4% of digestive tract tumors, although its incidence is increasing due to the growing number of patients with HPV infection, who are immunosuppressed or who practice anal sex. The most common histological type is carcinoma and the usual standard treatment is the combination of radiotherapy with chemotherapy. Survival at 5 years exceeds 50% even in patients with nodal disease.

Clinical case

We present the case of a 54-year-old man, with a history of anal intercourse, referred to General Surgery for hemorrhoids. During the examination in consultation, an ulcerated excrescent anal lesion was observed. A rectal swab was taken for sexually transmitted diseases and a biopsy of the lesion was HPV+, genotype 16. In the pathology study, anal squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed. An extension study was performed, objectifying bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathies (N1a) and treatment with radiochemotherapy was started after a decision made by the multidisciplinary tumor committee.

Discussion

Anal squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequent histological variety of malignant tumors of the anus. The first-line treatment is radiotherapy (which must be to the inguinal region) associated with chemotherapy (5-FU and mitomycin C). A clinical follow-up should be carried out in all cases at 8–12 weeks and, in addition, an annual extension radiological study in locally advanced cases. Rescue surgery will be reserved for those patients with confirmed locoregional recurrence, with abdominoperineal amputation being the indicated technique in most cases.

Results of a multidisciplinary strategy to improve the management of cardiovascular risk factors after liver transplantation

Although liver transplantation (LT) recipients are at high cardiovascular risk (CVR), the management of CVR factors (CVRF) after LT is far from optimal and needs to be improved. For this reason, we developed a multidisciplinary protocol to standardize the identification, risk stratification, management, and targets of therapy of CVRF during the first post-LT year. The grade of identification and control of CVRF 12 months after LT in the postintervention cohort (LT January 2018-January 2020, n = 150) were compared with a control cohort who underwent LT between July 2015 and December 2016 (n = 100). Before LT, the prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease as the indication of LT and the presence of obesity were significantly higher in the postintervention cohort, whereas the prevalence of other CVRF and renal dysfunction tended to be higher. Cyclosporine A was used less frequently in the postintervention cohort, whereas everolimus tended to increase. At 12 months after LT, the proportion of patients with measured blood pressure (88% vs. 56%), glycosilated hemoglobin (HbA1c; 96% vs. 72%), and high-density lipoprotein/low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (67% vs. 33%) was higher in the postintervention than in the control cohort (all p < 0.001). Blood pressure (64% vs. 36%, p = 0.02) and HbA1c (85% vs. 70%, p = 0.1) were within target in more individuals with hypertension and diabetes mellitus, respectively, in the postintervention cohort. Median total cholesterol levels were lower in the postintervention (184 mg/dl; interquartile range [IQR], 160-210 mg/dl) than in the control cohort (212 mg/dl; IQR, 186-240 mg/dl; p = 0.02). At 2 years after LT, the incidence of cardiovascular events was 14% in the control cohort and 6% in the postintervention cohort (p = 0.063). In conclusion, a multidisciplinary, multiprofessional strategy can achieve a higher grade of assessment and management of post-LT CVR despite a worsening metabolic profile of LT recipients.

O-250 Strong differences in surface molecule expression profile in both microvesicles and exosomes between patient and semen donor groups: new fertility biomarker?

Study question

Are the extracellular vesicles (exosomes and microvesicles) presented in seminal plasma a potential novel biomarkers of male infertility?

Summary answer

There are significant differences in surface molecules (CD9, CD29, CD40, CD49d, CD73, CD282 and CD284) expressed in extracellular vesicles of patient and control groups

What is known already

Male infertility has been progressively increasing in recent decades. Therefore, it is essential to find new tools that help us to diagnose the male factor. One of the potential markers could be the study of the extracellular vesicles (EV), mainly exosomes (EXO) and microvesicles (MV), present in the seminal plasma. Recent works have shown that these extracellular vesicles would have an important role in the modulation of the maternal immune system, as well as in regulating the sperm activation. Therefore, the study of the extracellular vesicles can be a useful model to increase the diagnosis of the infertile male

Study design, size, duration

This prospective study, performed between March 2019 to January 2022, included 44 semen samples from healthy semen donors (control group) and 44 semen samples from infertile males seeking infertility treatment with their partners (study group). Men under drug treatment and/or with infectious or chronic diseases were excluded from the study

Participants/materials, setting, methods

After conventional semen analysis, semen samples were ultra-centrifuged to obtain EVs enriched plasma seminal. The samples were then stained with fluorescent antibodies against the following surface molecules: CD81, CD63, CD9, CD40, CD44, CD49d, CD73, CD284 and CD29. After incubation, samples were analyzed by flow cytometry (Cytoflex cytometer) The percentage and mean expression of each molecule in EVs populations (EXOs and MVs) were determined. Statistical analysis was performed by t-Student test; significance established under 0.05

Main results and the role of chance

Conventional semen analysis showed significant differences between control and patient group in sperm concentration (77.2 · 106 vs 40.2 · 106 cells / ml, respectively, p &lt; 0.01), percentage of progressive sperm (60 vs 40.3 %, respectively, p &lt; 0.01) and total progressive sperm cells (170 · 106 vs 69 · 106 spermatozoa, respectively, p &lt; 0.01). Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that the MVs population is larger than the EXOs population in both control and patient group. With respect to the surface molecule expression in EXOs population, patient group showed significant higher expression of CD9 (31.18 vs 20.1 % control group, p &lt; 0.01), CD40 (8.94 vs 3.84 % control group, p &lt; 0.001), CD49d (69.07 vs 46.73 %, control group, p &lt; 0.001), CD73 (68.17 vs 51.41 % control group, p &lt; 0.001) and CD284 (61.48 vs 53.45 % control group, p &lt; 0.01), and significant lower expression of CD29 (19.49 vs 29.54 % control group, p &lt; 0.01) molecules compared to control group. When MVs populations were analyzed, significant differences between patient and control group were found in the expression of CD63 (13.01 vs 1.65 %, respectively p &lt; 0.001), CD40 (9.23 vs 1.34 %, respectively p &lt; 0.001), CD282 (17 vs 10.22 %, respectively p &lt; 0.01) and CD29 (17.11 vs 7.8 %, respectively p &lt; 0.001) molecules

Limitations, reasons for caution

This study enrolled male partners of couples seeking infertility treatment with dissimilar disorders and seminal diagnosis (astheno, oligo, and teratozoospermia). Therefore, further studies are needed lowering the heterogeneity of the study group. No data about reproductive outcome of these patients are available at this moment

Wider implications of the findings

These results suggest that the differences found in the expression profiles between men with proven fertility and infertile men may be related to molecular mechanisms implicated in sperm function, and/or female immune system modulation and, for that reason, may be used as a new potential marker of male fertility

Trial registration number

1904-MAD-045-AP

Recalculating the staff required to run a modern assisted reproductive technology laboratory

STUDY QUESTION

What number of staff is sufficient to perform increasingly complicated processes in today's modern ART laboratories?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The adequate number of personnel required for the efficient and safe operation of modern ART laboratories needs to be calculated.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

In today's modern ART laboratories, the amount of time required to perform increasingly complicated processes has more than doubled, with a downward trend in the amount of work an embryologist can do. Different workload unit values have been used to evaluate each workload task and efficiency in a particular ART laboratory, as well as to occasionally compare one laboratory with another.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Seven senior embryologists working at different IVF centers, three public and four private centers, participated in this multicenter study conducted between 2019 and 2020. We prepared a survey to create a calculator for staff using the average (of three attempts) time spent in every laboratory by each embryologist of the center to perform any ART process.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Different laboratory processes and activities related to quality control, time spent and conventional human double witnessing were included in the survey. To calculate the number of processes that each embryologist can perform per year, an embryologist was considered to be having a full-time contract and working 7 or 8 h/day. The times included in the calculation of each task were those corresponding to the 95th percentile. For the calculations, Microsoft® Office Excel® Professional Plus 2019 was used.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The survey showed that the time needed per embryologist to perform the different processes necessary for a classic IVF cycle without time lapse (TL) was 8.11 h, and with TL, it was 10.27 h. The calculated time also considered the time spent in documentation handling, cycle preparation, database management and conventional human double witnessing verification. An ICSI without TL needed 8.55 h, and with TL, it needed 10.71 h. An ICSI-PGT without a TL cycle needed 11.75 h, and with TL, it needed 13.91 h. Furthermore, 1.81 h should be added for every vitrification support needed. The time needed to control more than 200 critical steps, including equipment control and culture parameters, was 30 min per day plus 3.9 min per device to control.The time spent in semen analysis (including documentation handling, cycle preparation and database management) or intrauterine insemination with a partner sperm was 2.7 h. For donor sperm, an additional hour was required for the management involved. The time required to perform a testicular biopsy and cryopreserve the sample was 4 h. Similarly, the time required to perform seminal cryopreservation was 3.7 h.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The study was conducted considering a full-time contract embryologist working 7 or 8 h/day, 5 days a week, with days off according to the Spanish regulations. However, our findings can be adapted to foreign regulations using the developed online calculation platform.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

A new advanced staff calculator allows any IVF laboratory to estimate the minimum number of embryologists necessary without compromising the security or success of the results. Nevertheless, we recommend a minimum of two qualified embryologists in every laboratory, regardless of the workload.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was funded by the Asociación para el Estudio de la Biología de la Reproducción (ASEBIR). None of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Use of LDH- chromate adsorption co-product as an air purification photocatalyst

This work deals with the use of layered double hydroxides for a double environmental remediation. The residue obtained in the use of these materials as a chromate sorbent in water, was subsequently studied as a photocatalyst for the removal of NO_x gases. With this aim, MgAl-CO₃ layered double hydroxides were synthesized by the coprecipitation method with a divalent/trivalent metal ratio of 3. After its calcination at 500 °C, the mixed oxide was obtained and MgAl-CrO₄ were synthesized by the reconstruction method. A complete chemical, morphological and photochemical study of the samples was carried out with techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, TGA, XRF, PL, DRIFTS and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Results showed that LDH materials presented no significant changes in their structure after their use as a sorbent. Photocatalytic tests of the samples showed a very good NO removal efficiency, as well as a high selectivity (low NO₂ emissions) through complete oxidation of these oxides to nitrate. The incorporation of chromate into the LDH structure improved the absorption of light in the visible region of the spectra, producing an improvement of 20% in the NO elimination compared with the LDH without chromate.

Insight into the role of copper in the promoted photocatalytic removal of NO using Zn2-xCuxCr-CO3 layered double hydroxide

In this work the ability of Zn_2-xCu_xCr-CO₃ layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as highly efficient DeNOx photocatalysts was studied. LDHs with x = 0, 0.2 and 0.4 were prepared using a coprecipitation method. The samples were characterized by different techniques such as XRD, XPS, FT-IR, ICP-MS, TG, SBET, SEM and Diffuse reflectance (DR). The increased amount of copper ions in the LDH layers gave rise to slight changes in the structure and morphology and an important variation of the optical properties of the LDHs. The prepared ZnCuCr-CO₃ photocatalysts exhibited favourable conversion efficiency (51%) and an extraordinary selectivity (97%) for the photochemical NO abatement. The photochemical mechanism was elucidated from DOS, EPR, Femtosecond transient absorption and in-situ DRIFTS studies. The results suggested that the presence of Cu²⁺ ions in the LDH framework introduced new states in the valence band states, thus favouring the production and mobility of e^-/h⁺ charge carriers and a greater production of ⋅O₂^- and ⋅OH.

Environmental performance of an industrial biofilter: Relationship between photochemical oxidation and odorous impacts

Biological techniques are widely used to treat gaseous streams derived from waste treatment plants. The generation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is one of the principal pollution sources in composting facilities from which nuisance odours are released. In addition, the generation of photochemical smog with other gases such as NO_X can produce ozone at ground level due to their photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP). In this work, the performance of an industrial biofilter was evaluated from an environmental point of view. Specifically, this study evaluated the potential impact in terms of photochemical oxidation and odour emission derived from composting in a vessel under four different aeration conditions. Gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS) was used to perform the chemical characterisation of the gaseous streams, while dynamic olfactometry was used to carry out the sensorial analysis. A total of 95 compounds belonging to 12 different families of VOCs were selected. Principal component analysis revealed the influence of each VOC family on each impact category and explained 88% of the total variance. Multivariate regression was used to study the correlation between photochemical oxidation and odour impact, which has never been reported before. The correlations obtained (r ≥ 0.97) evidenced the direct relationship between these two impacts. Photochemical oxidation and odour emission were proven to be important environmental impacts derived from composting facilities, whose abatement might be carried out by biofiltration systems.

Increased incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis associated with routine administration of Infloran™ in extremely preterm infants

We aimed to evaluate the isolation of strains contained in the Infloran™ probiotic preparation in blood cultures and its efficacy in reducing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and late-onset sepsis (LOS) in extremely preterm infants. Routine use of probiotics was implemented in 2008. Infants born at <28 weeks gestational age were prospectively followed and compared with historical controls (HC) born between 2005 and 2008. Data on sepsis due to any of the two probiotic strains contained in Infloran and rates of LOS and NEC were analysed. A total of 516 infants were included. During the probiotic period (PC), none of the strains included in the administered probiotic product were isolated from blood cultures. Probiotic administration was associated with an increase in NEC stage II or higher (HC 10/170 [5.9%]; PC 46/346 [13.3%]; P=0.010). Surgical NEC was 12.1% in PC (42/346) versus 5.9% (10/170) in HC (P=0.029). Adjusting for confounders (sex, gestational age, antenatal steroids and human milk) did not change those trends (P=0.019). Overall, clinical LOS and the incidence of staphylococcal sepsis were lower in PC (172/342, 50.3, and 37%, respectively) compared with HC (102/169, 60.3 and 50.9%, respectively) (P=0.038 and P=0.003, respectively). No episodes of sepsis attributable to the probiotic product were recorded. The period of probiotic administration was associated with an increased incidence of NEC after adjusting for neonatal factors, but also with a reduction in the LOS rate.

Contribuição de fatores não-genéticos para o desempenho reprodutivo de vacas Mirandesa

Conhecer as características reprodutivas da raça bovina Mirandesa é fundamental para o melhoramento e conservação desta raça de carne, sobretudo pela sua baixa diversidade genética. A depressão por consanguinidade acompanha-se frequentemente de desempenhos individuais e maternais mais fracos, que podem agravar os efeitos ambientais. Neste trabalho utilizaram-se 7386 registos do Livro Genealógico para caracterizar alguns indicadores reprodutivos: a idade ao primeiro parto (AFC), a duração da gestação (PL), o intervalo entre partos (CI), a distribuição partos no ano (CD) e a longevidade produtiva (PLf). Testaram-se ainda efeitos não genéticos na sua expressão, através de métodos não-paramétricos, por não estarem cumpridos os pressupostos de normalidade. A mediana para a AFC aproximou-se dos 32 meses, variando com o sistema de produção, a exploração, e o ano e estação de nascimento. A média de PL (287±8.9 dias) foi afetada pela paridade e sexo da cria. A mediana do CI foi de 378 dias, e variou apenas com o programa de reprodução, paridade, ano e estação. Os partos, irregularmente distribuídos ao longo do ano, mostraram padrões distintos segundo o sistema de produção. A longevidade produtiva desta raça foi de 6,45 anos, e 20% da população apresentou uma PLf superior a dez anos. Este trabalho sugere serem a estratégia do agricultor e a nutrição os principais efeitos não genéticos limitando o desempenho reprodutivo nesta raça, a considerar para aumentar o número de vitelos produzidos anualmente em paralelo com uma cuidada seleção de reprodutores para reduzir o inbreeding da raça.

TG/HDL-C RATIO AS CARDIO-METABOLIC BIOMARKER EVEN IN NORMAL WEIGHT WOMEN

CONTEXT

Despite that the Triglycerides/High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio has been associated with insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease, some outcomes differ between populations.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between TG/HDL-C ratio and cardio-metabolic risk factors in both obese and normal weight women.

DESIGN

Cross sectional, from January to December of 2015.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Two hundred and fifty three women aged 40 to 60 years. Anthropometric and laboratory measurements were performed. Insulin resistance was measured by the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). All participants underwent a Doppler ultrasound to measure intima-media thickness of carotid artery (cIMT).

RESULTS

TG/HDL-C ratio correlated with body mass index (r=0.194, p=0.01), and visceral adipose tissue (r=0.193, p=0.002). Additionally, TG/HDL-C correlated with glucose (r=0.367, p=0.001), insulin (r=0.354, p=0.001) and HOMA-IR (r=0.396 p=0.001). TG/HDL-C was associated with prediabetes, Odds Ratio (OR) was 1.83 (95%CI 1.07-3.13) and insulin resistance 3.27 (95%CI 1.78-6.01), and this risk remains in normal weight women 4.7 (95%CI 1.2-17.81) for prediabetes and 4.38 (95%CI 1.42-13.84) for insulin resistance. No significant risk for cIMT.

CONCLUSION

A TG/HDL-C ratio ≥ 3.0 is a potential risk factor for prediabetes and insulin resistance in women 40-60 years, even in normal weight women.

Sarcoidal granulomatous reaction due to tattoos: report of two cases

Numerous infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic complications secondary to tattoo placement have been reported in the literature. Within inflammatory complications sarcoidal granulomatous reactions have been described. We report two cases, a 55-year-old woman with yellowish infiltrated plaques on bilateral ciliary region, 16 years after the placement of a permanent tattoo in the eyebrows, and a 20-year-old tattoo artist who developed orange papules on 3 of his tattoos. Histopathology in both cases confirmed diagnosis of sarcoidal granulomatous reaction due to tattoo pigment.

The Potential of Zebrafish as a Model Organism for Improving the Translation of Genetic Anticancer Nanomedicines

In the last few decades, the field of nanomedicine applied to cancer has revolutionized cancer treatment: several nanoformulations have already reached the market and are routinely being used in the clinical practice. In the case of genetic nanomedicines, i.e., designed to deliver gene therapies to cancer cells for therapeutic purposes, advances have been less impressive. This is because of the many barriers that limit the access of the therapeutic nucleic acids to their target site, and the lack of models that would allow for an improvement in the understanding of how nanocarriers can be tailored to overcome them. Zebrafish has important advantages as a model species for the study of anticancer therapies, and have a lot to offer regarding the rational development of efficient delivery of genetic nanomedicines, and hence increasing the chances of their successful translation. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent advances in the development of genetic anticancer nanomedicines, and of the zebrafish models that stand as promising tools to shed light on their mechanisms of action and overall potential in oncology.

Ultra-high risk psychosis. A case report

Introduction

There is much debate on whether patients who are at high risk of developing a psychotic disorder in the near future (such as patients suffering of attenuated psychotic symptoms, brief limited intermittent psychotic symptoms or personality trait vulnerability) should be treated with antipsychotic drugs to prevent possible psychotic breaks from happening.

Aim

To review articles from the existing medical literature about treatment of patients in ultra-high risk of developing psychosis.

Methods

We describe the case of a 19-year-old male who was hospitalized after a suicide attempt in April 2015. He had been diagnosed of different psychiatric disorders such as mixed anxiety-depressive disorder, adjustment disorder and probable borderline personality disorder. During his stay at the hospital, we observed that he had schizoid personality traits. In the initial anamnesis, he denied ever having psychotic symptoms, but a few days later he admitted that the previous year he suffered throw a period of brief self-limiting psychotic symptoms.

Results

Prophylactic treatment was started with oral aripiprazole 15 mg/day, which was well tolerated by the patient. He has been free of psychotic symptoms for the last 17 months (from April 2015 to September 2016). No relevant side effects were detected.

Conclusions

Oral aripiprazole 15 mg/day can be a good therapeutic option in patients at ultra-high risk of developing a psychotic episode.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Hepatic comorbidity in psychiatry. A case report

Introduction

Comorbidity between mental and physical illnesses is very common and their possible interactions must always be taken into account. Hepatic disorders in particular, can affect the blood levels of antipsychotic drugs altering their effects on patients. Therefore, it is very important to assess in each case which treatment might be the most beneficial for the patient to avoid iatrogenic complications.

Aim

To review articles in Pub-Med and UpToDate about the possible iatrogenic complications that can arise using antipsychotic drugs in patients with hepatic disorders.

Methods

We describe the case of a 52-year-old male with Schizophrenia who was diagnosed of HCV infection ten years ago, for which he rejected any kind of treatment due to delirious ideation. In the past he was treated with oral Paliperidone with good tolerance, which he discontinued because of pour insight and stopped attending Psychiatric consultation. In April 2016 the patient was hospitalised suspecting a hepatocellular carcinoma.

Results

During hospitalization he began treatment with long-acting injectable formulation of Paliperidone Palmitate that improved his insight. The patient agreed to perform the necessary tests to verify the suspected diagnosis, which was sadly confirmed. He achieved psychopathological stability, but unfortunately the patient died 6 months later because of his hepatocellular carcinoma.

Conclusions

Paliperidone is a good therapeutic option in patients with hepatic disorders because it is not metabolised by the liver. It also has a depot formulation that improves adherence in patients with low insight, reducing the danger of future psychotic decompensation and improving the long-term prognosis.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Vortioxetine Efficiency in Controlling Obsessive Symptoms in Patients with Depression. A Case Report

Introduction

Obsessive symptomatology can sometimes be worsened when a patient with this personality trait suffers through a period of increased stress.

Aim

To review articles in PubMed related to how vorticoxetine affects obsessive symptoms in patients with depression.

Methods

We review the case of a 45-year-old male with obsessive personality traits diagnosed of recurrent depression. He was going through a period of stress at work that had worsened his obsessive symptoms (primarily obsessive thoughts). In a previous depressive episode, he was treated with an antidepressant that triggered sexual dysfunction as a side effect. Trying to prevent another antidepressant-induce sexual dysfunction, we decided to use voricoxetine because of its low tendency to interact with the sexual function.

Results

We started treatment with vorticoxetine reaching a dose of 10 mg/day. Three weeks later the patient reported a decrease in his levels of anxiety, a slight upturn of his mood and a relieve of his obsessive symptoms.

Conclusions

Vorticoxetine can be considered a good therapeutic option in the treatment of obsessive symptoms in a depressive episode with patients with a history of antidepressant-induce sexual dysfunction.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Heteroleptic mononuclear compounds of ruthenium(ii): synthesis, structural analyses, in vitro antitumor activity and in vivo toxicity on zebrafish embryos

The limitations of platinum complexes in cancer treatment have motivated the extensive investigation into other metal complexes such as ruthenium. We herein present the synthesis and characterization of a new family of ruthenium compounds 1a-5a with the general formula [Ru(bipy)₂L][CF₃SO₃]₂ (bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine; L = bidentate ligand: N,N; N,P; P,P; P,As) which have been characterized by elemental analysis, ES-MS, ¹H and ³¹P-{¹H} NMR, FTIR and conductivity measurements. The molecular structures of four Ru(ii) complexes were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. All compounds displayed moderate cytotoxic activity in vitro against human A2780 ovarian, MCF7 breast and HCT116 colorectal tumor cells. Compound 5a was the most cytotoxic compound against A2780 and MCF7 tumor cells with an IC₅₀ of 4.75 ± 2.82 μM and 20.02 ± 1.46 μM, respectively. The compounds showed no cytotoxic effect on normal human primary fibroblasts but rather considerable selectivity for A2780, MCF7 and HCT116 tumor cells. All compounds induce apoptosis and autophagy in A2780 ovarian carcinoma cells and some nuclear DNA fragmentation. All compounds interact with CT-DNA with intrinsic binding constants in the order 1a > 4a > 2a > 3a > 5a. The observed hyperchromic effect may be due to the electrostatic interaction between positively charged cations and the negatively charged phosphate backbone at the periphery of the double helix-CT-DNA. Interestingly, compound 1a shows a concentration dependent DNA double strand cleavage. In addition in vivo toxicity has been evaluated on zebrafish embryos unveiling the differential toxicity between the compounds, with LC₅₀ ranging from 8.67 mg L^-1 for compound 1a to 170.30 mg L^-1 for compound 2a.

Enhanced activity of α-Fe2O3 for photocatalytic NO removal

Unique electrospun α-Fe₂O₃ fibers of singular nano-architecture were obtained exhibiting a highly enhanced NO conversion photocatalytic efficiency

Self-assembly of T-shape 2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]-triazoles. Optical waveguide and photophysical properties

T-Shaped 2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole derivatives have been synthesized by Sonogashira coupling reactions under microwave irradiation.

Nanomaterials to Combat NO(x) Pollution

The presence of NO9x) gases (NO+NO2) in the atmosphere is a major concern of society because of their associated adverse and harmful effects. In order to remove the NO(x) gases from the air, photocatalysis arises as an innovative and promising technique. Through the use of photochemical oxidation processes the NO and NO2 gases are oxidised to NO3- form and thus removed from the air. In recent years new nanomaterials are being developed by researchers with the aim to enhance their photocatalytic activity to combat the NO(x) pollution. The main focus is devoted to preparing new TiO2 based compounds with the highest specific surface area (SSA), different morphology and chemical modifications. In order to increase the SSA, different substrates were used to disperse the TiO2 nanoparticles: organic and carbon fibres, mesoporous materials, clays composites and nanoporous microparticles. In the other hand, high photocatalytic performances were obtained with nanotubes, self-orderer nano-tubular films and nanoparticles with the lowest size. Conversely, when TiO2 is doped with ions the oxide exhibited a better photocatalytic performance under visible light, which is related to the creation of intermediate energy states between the conduction band and the valence band. Alternatively, visible light photocatalysts different from titanium oxide have been studied, which exhibit a good De-NO(x) efficiency working under λ > 400 nm visible light irradiation.

Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for thermal denaturation of ovine milk lactoferrin determined by its loss of immunoreactivity

Lactoferrin is a protein with important biological functions that can be obtained from milk and by-products derived from the dairy industry, such as whey. Although bovine lactoferrin has been extensively studied, ovine lactoferrin is not quite as well known. In the present study, the effect of several heat treatments in 3 different media, over a temperature range from 66 to 75°C, has been studied on lactoferrin isolated from sheep milk. Denaturation of lactoferrin was determined by measuring its immunoreactivity with specific polyclonal antibodies. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters obtained indicate that lactoferrin denatures by heat more rapidly in whey than in phosphate buffer or milk. The value of activation energy found for the denaturation process of lactoferrin when treated in whey is higher (390kJ/mol) than that obtained in milk (194kJ/mol) or phosphate buffer (179kJ/mol). This indicates that a great amount of energy is necessary to start denaturation of ovine lactoferrin, probably due to the interaction of this protein with other whey proteins. The changes in the hydrophobicity of lactoferrin after heat treatments were determined by fluorescence measurement using acrylamide. The decrease in the hydrophobicity constant was very small for the treatments from 66 to 75°C, up to 20min, which indicates that lactoferrin conformation did not experienced a great change. The results obtained in this study permit the prediction of behavior of ovine lactoferrin under several heat treatments and show that high-temperature, short-time pasteurization (72°C, 15 s) does not cause loss of its immunoreactivity and, consequently, would not affect its conformation and biological activity.

Ultra-compact TE and TM pass polarizers based on vanadium dioxide on silicon

Vanadium dioxide (VO(2)) is a metal-insulator transition (MIT) oxide recently used in plasmonics, metamaterials, and reconfigurable photonics. Because of the MIT, VO(2)shows great change in its refractive index allowing for ultra-compact devices with low power consumption. We theoretically demonstrate a transverse electric (TE) and a transverse magnetic (TM) pass polarizer with an ultra-compact length of only 1 μm and tunable using the MIT of the VO₂. During the insulating phase, both devices exhibit insertion losses below 2 dB at 1550 nm. Changing to the metallic phase, the unwanted polarization is attenuated above 15 dB while insertion losses are kept below 3 dB. Broadband operation over a range of 60 nm is also achieved.

Computer aided diagnosis system for retinal analysis: automatic assessment of the vascular tortuosity

The tortuosity of a vessel, that is, how many times a vessel curves, and how these turns are, is an important value for the diagnosis of certain diseases. Clinicians analyze fundus images manually in order to estimate it, but there is many drawbacks as it is a tedious, time-consuming and subjective work. Thus, automatic image processing methods become a necessity, as they make possible the efficient computation of objective parameters. In this paper we will discuss Sirius (System for the Integration of Retinal Images Understanding Service), a web-based application that enables the storage and treatment of various types of diagnostic tests and, more specifically, its tortuosity calculation module.

Sex-determining mechanisms in insects based on imprinting and elimination of chromosomes

As a rule, the sex of an individual is fixed at fertilization, and the chromosomal constitution of the zygote is a direct consequence of the chromosomal constitution of the gametes. However, there are cases in which the chromosomal differences determining sex are brought about by elimination or inactivation of chromosomes in the embryo. In Sciaridae insects, all zygotes start with the XXX constitution; the loss of either 1 or 2 X chromosomes determines whether the zygote becomes XX (female) or X0 (male). In Cecydomyiidae and Collembola insects, all zygotes start with the XXXX constitution. If the embryo does not eliminate any X chromosome, this remains XXXX and develops as female, whereas if 2 X chromosomes are eliminated, the embryo becomes XX0 and develops as a male. In the coccids (scale insects), the chromosomal differences between the sexes result from either the elimination or the heterochromatinization (inactivation) of half of the chromosomes giving rise to haploid males and diploid females. The chromosomes that are eliminated or inactivated are those inherited from the father. Therefore, in the formation of the sex-determining chromosomal signal in those insects, a marking ('imprinting') process must occur in one of the parents, which determines that the chromosomes to be eliminated or inactivated are of paternal origin. In this article, the sex determination mechanism of these insects and the associated imprinting process are reviewed.

Broadband 8 μm long hybrid silicon-plasmonic transverse magnetic-transverse electric converter with losses below 2 dB

A novel ultracompact (8 μm length) hybrid silicon-plasmonic TM-TE converter is reported. The conversion is achieved during a partial power coupling between a waveguide and a hybrid plasmonic parallel waveguide. The impact of different types of metals is also analyzed. At a wavelength of 1.55 μm, the device has an extinction ratio (ER) of 27.6 dB and insertion loss (IL) of 1.75 dB. Furthermore, an optical bandwidth as large as 100 nm is achieved with ERs higher than 25 dB and ILs below 2 dB.

Quantitative analysis of the variability of nucleolar organizer regions in Salmo trutta

A quantitative analysis combined with Ag staining was carried out to study the size variation of the main nucleolar organizer region (NOR) bearing chromosome pair 11 of Salmo trutta. A standardized NOR size measurement was developed by comparing the length of the short arm (NOR-bearing region) to the total chromosome length. Statistical procedures support arguments for the existence of a large and structural polymorphism within this species for this chromosome region. A minimum of five different chromosome classes were identified, which account for the total variation found. Size variation among classes was due both to changes in the number of NOR clusters as well as to the amount of rDNA genes within each cluster. NOR size values were normally distributed in the sample analyzed.

Molecular analysis of a NOR site polymorphism in brown trout (Salmo trutta): organization of rDNA intergenic spacers

Using restriction endonuclease mapping, we have analyzed the organization of rDNA (DNA coding for ribosomal RNA (rRNA)) units in the salmonid fish Salmo trutta, as an initial step toward understand the molecular basis of a nucleolar organizer region (NOR) site polymorphism detected in this species. The size of the rDNA units ranged between 15 and 23 kb, with remarkable variation both within individuals and between populations. Three regions of internal tandem repetitiveness responsible for this length polymorphism were located to the intergenic spacers. NOR site polymorphic individuals showed a higher number of length classes, in some cases forming a complete 1 kb fragment ladder. The amount of rRNA genes was as much as 8-fold higher in polymorphic individuals compared with standard individuals. All individuals from the most polymorphic population showed a 14-kb insertion of unknown nature in a small proportion (below 25%) of the 28S rRNA genes.

On the performances of CuxO-TiO2 (x = 1, 2) nanomaterials as innovative anodes for thin film lithium batteries

CuxO-TiO2 (x = 1, 2) nanomaterials are synthesized on polycrystalline Ti substrates by a convenient chemical vapor deposition (CVD) approach, based on the initial growth of a CuxO matrix (at 400 and 550 °C for x = 1 and 2, respectively) and the subsequent overdispersion of TiO2 at 400 °C. All CVD processes are carried out in an oxygen atmosphere saturated with water vapor. The obtained systems are investigated by means of glancing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and electrochemical experiments. Galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements indicate that Cu2O-TiO2 nanomaterials exhibit very attractive high-rate capabilities (∼400 mA h g(-1) at 1 C; ∼325 mA h g(-1) at 2 C) and good stability after 50 operating cycles, with a retention of 80% of the initial capacity. This phenomenon is mainly due to the presence of TiO2 acting as a buffer material, i.e., minimizing volume changes occurring in the electrochemical conversion. In a different way, CuO-TiO2 systems exhibit worse electrochemical performances as a consequence of their porous morphology and higher thickness. In both cases, the obtained values are among the best ever reported for CuxO-based systems, candidating the present nanomaterials as extremely promising anodes for eventual applications in thin film lithium batteries.