Risk and vulnerability assessment in coastal environments applied to heritage buildings in Havana (Cuba) and Cadiz (Spain)

In this paper, diagnostic tools are utilized to conduct a vulnerability analysis of monuments located in a coastal environment in accordance with a raft of standards drawn up by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 31000, in order to identify the main risks for Cultural Heritage in Havana (Cuba) and Cadiz (Spain). Vulnerability analysis is based on a Leopold matrix, which models the relationship between major hazards and pathologies in order to evaluate coastal influence and the risks for the conservation of cultural heritage. The quantitative matrix allows for a cause-effect analysis to be conducted for the main scenarios, related to the state of conservation. These relationships are a key step in risk assessment and treatment strategies. Major hazards have been identified by different public bodies and agencies to provide information about the probability and intensity of these variables in the vulnerability matrix. The combination of vulnerability index assessment, which depends on intrinsic variables and environmental scenarios, and knowledge of the main hazards in Havana and Cadiz, has provided useful tools to conduct risk assessments for cultural heritage conservation in coastal environments, where climate conditions, geomorphology and social issues are the main hazards, while vulnerability is associated with conservation plans. These tools provide information that will enable decision-makers in different coastal environments to prioritize strategies for cultural heritage preservation.

Effectiveness of the Sex Pheromone for Monitoring Stenoma catenifer (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) in Avocado Orchards

The sex pheromone of the avocado moth Stenoma catenifer Walsingham has potential use in the detection of S. catenifer males in the Antillean race avocado in Chiapas, Mexico, although the study of local parameters that influence its effectiveness is required. In this study, trap type, trap height, pheromone release rate and duration of pheromone activity were evaluated to determine the effectiveness of this pheromone in field conditions in the Antillean race avocado crops of the coast of Chiapas, Mexico. The results obtained indicate that the capture of moths with the traps Pherocon III (delta type) and Pherocon 1C (wing type) was higher than that with the boat-type traps. The frequency of capture of S. catenifer males was higher when the traps were placed 4 and 6 m above ground level than that when they were 2 m high. The septum releases 85% of the amount of pheromone during the first 4 weeks, and there were no differences between the number of moth captures during the first 3 weeks, only between the fourth and the first 2 weeks. Our results suggest that the efficiency of the pheromone in Antillean race avocado depends on trap placement height and type as well as on the time of use of the pheromone septum.

Nitrogen losses and chemical parameters during co-composting of solid wastes and liquid pig manure

The aim of this research was to study nitrogen losses during the treatment of the liquid fraction (LF) of pig manure by co-composting and to establish the best conditions for compost production with higher nitrogen and low heavy metal contents. Windrows were constituted with the solid fraction (SF) of pig manure, different organic waste (SF of pig manure, sawdust and grape bagasse) as co-substrate and Populus spp. wood chips as bulking material and watered intensely with the LF. Results show that nitrogen losses ranged from 30% to 66% of initial nitrogen and were mainly governed by substrate to bulking mass ratio and liquid fraction to substrate (LF/S) ratio, and only secondarily by operational parameters. Nitrogen losses decreased from 55-65% at low LF/S ratios (1.7-1.9 m³/t total solids (TS)) to 30-39% at high LF/S ratios (4.4-4.7 m³/t TS). Therefore, integrating the LF in the composting process at high LF/S ratios favoured nitrogen recovery and conservation. Nitrogen in the fine fraction (ranging from 27% to 48% of initial nitrogen) was governed by operational parameters, namely pH and temperature. Final compost showed low content in most heavy metals, but Zn was higher than the limits for compost use in agriculture. Zn content in the obtained compost varied from 1863 to 3269 mg/kg dm, depending on several factors. The options for obtaining better quality composts from the LF of pig manure are selecting co-substrates with low heavy metal content and using them instead of the SF of pig manure.

The efficiency of home composting programmes and compost quality

The efficiency of home composting programmes and the quality of the produced compost was evaluated in eight rural areas carrying out home composting programmes (up to 880 composting bins) for all household biowaste including meat and fish leftovers. Efficiency was analysed in terms of reduction of organic waste collected by the municipal services. An efficiency of 77% on average was obtained, corresponding to a composting rate of 126kg/person·year of biowaste (or 380kg/composter·year). Compost quality was determined for a total of 90 composting bins. The operation of composting bins by users was successful, as indicated by a low C/N ratio (10-15), low inappropriate materials (or physical contaminant materials, mean of 0.27±0.44% dry matter), low heavy metal content (94% of samples met required standards for agricultural use) and high nutrient content (2.1% N, 0.6% P, 2.5% K, 0.7% Mg and 3.7% Ca on average, dry matter). The high moisture (above 70% in 48% of the samples) did not compromise the compost quality. Results of this study show that home composting of household organic waste including meat and fish leftovers is a feasible practice. Home composting helps individuals and families to reduce the amount of household waste at the same time gaining a fertiliser material (compost) of excellent quality for gardens or vegetable plots.

Influence of high glucose and advanced glycation end-products (ages) levels in human osteoblast-like cells gene expression

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic fracture. Several factors have been identified as being potentially responsible for this risk, such as alterations in bone remodelling that may have been induced by changes in circulating glucose or/and by the presence of non-oxidative end products of glycosylation (AGEs). The aim of this study is to assess whether such variations generate a change in the gene expression related to the differentiation and osteoblast activity (OPG, RANKL, RUNX2, OSTERIX, and AGE receptor) in primary cultures of human osteoblast-like cells (hOB).

METHODS

We recruited 32 patients; 10 patients had osteoporotic hip fractures (OP group), 12 patients had osteoporotic hip fractures with T2DM (T2DM group), and 10 patients had hip osteoarthritis (OA group) with no osteoporotic fractures and no T2DM. The gene expression was analyzed in hOB cultures treated with physiological glucose concentration (4.5 mM) as control, high glucose (25 mM), and high glucose plus AGEs (2 μg/ml) for 24 h.

RESULTS

The hOB cultures from patients with hip fractures presented slower proliferation. Additionally, the hOB cultures from the T2DM group were the most negatively affected with respect to RUNX2 and OSX gene expression when treated solely with high glucose or with high glucose plus AGEs. Moreover, high levels of glucose induced a major decrease in the RANKL/OPG ratio when comparing the OP and the T2DM groups to the OA group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicates an altered bone remodelling rate in the T2DM group, which may, at least partially, explain the reduced bone strength and increased incidence of non-traumatic fractures in diabetic patients.

Physico-chemical and biological characteristics of compost from decentralised composting programmes

Composts that originated from small-scale composting programmes including home, community and canteen waste composters were studied. Heavy metals concentration indicated compliance with current regulations for conventional and organic agriculture. Compost from canteen waste showed high organic matter content (74% VS), while community (44 ± 20% VS) and home composts (31 ± 16% VS) had moderate levels. N content increased from home compost (1.3 ± 0.9% dm) to community (2.0 ± 0.9%) and canteen compost (2.5-3.0%) while P content ranged from 0.4% to 0.6% dm. C/N, absorbance E4/E6 and N-NH4(+)/N-NO3(-) ratios as well as respiration index indicated well-stabilized final products. Culturable bacterial and fungal cfu linkage to composting dynamics were identified and higher diversity of invertebrates was found in the smaller scale static systems. With similar process evolution indicators to industrial systems, overall results support the sustainability of these small-scale, self-managed composting systems.

Response to Denosumab Treatment for 2 Years in an Adolescent With Osteoradionecrosis

Radiotherapy, an essential component of cancer treatment, is not without risk to bone, particularly to the immature or growing skeleton. Known side effects range from post-radiation osteitis to osteoradionecrosis. We report the case of a 14-year-old male patient undergoing denosumab treatment, a new antiresorptive agent, for osteoradionecrosis. The patient exhibited fractures and associated pain and functional limitations secondary to radiation for the treatment of an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of prostate grade III administered at age 5 years. After treatment with denosumab, the pain disappeared, bone remodeling markers dramatically declined, bone mass increased, and pathological bone scan findings resolved without adverse effects or new fractures.

Methane potential and anaerobic treatment feasibility of Sargassum muticum

The aim of this research was to study the feasibility of anaerobic digestion of the alga Sargassum muticum with special attention to its biodegradability, potential toxicity caused by its salt content, alga components and intermediate process compounds, and potential limitations to continuous treatment. Specific methane potential (SMP) for three samples of S. muticum collected from the Galician coast (Northwest Spain) at different seasons ranged from 166 to 208 mLCH4/gVS while accumulation of toxic compounds was not observed at alga concentrations of up to 100 gTS/L, except for one of the samples in which inhibition started at 80-100 gTS/L. Continuous digestion is feasible at alga concentration up to 100 gTS/L with methane production rates ranging from 0.14 to 0.26 LCH4/Ld at organic loading rates of 3.2 gTS/Ld, but SMP dropped to 113-159 mLCH4/gVS.

Microstructural trabecular bone from patients with osteoporotic hip fracture or osteoarthritis: its relationship with bone mineral density and bone remodelling markers

Osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA) are the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders in the elderly but the relationship between them is unclear. The purposes of this study are to analyze the bone turnover markers (BTM), bone mineral density (BMD) and the structural and mechanical properties of trabecular bone in patients with OP and OA, and to explore the relationship between these two diseases. We studied 12 OP patients and 13 OA patients. We analyzed BTM (β-CrossLaps and PINP), BMD and microstructural and biomechanical parameters (micro-CT). Our results were: OP group has higher levels of β-CrossLaps and lower BMD at the femoral neck. Also, OP patients have a decreased volume of trabecular bone and less trabecular number, with architecture showing prevalence of rod-like trabeculae and worse connectivity than OA patients. The biomechanical parameters were worse in OP patients. BMD was correlated with almost all the structural and biomechanical parameters. Moreover, β-CrossLaps was negatively correlated with hip BMD and with bone surface density and positively with trabecular separation. BTM, BMD and bone microstructural changes in osteoporosis are opposite to those of OA. These findings justify a less resistant bone with higher risk of fragility fractures in OP patients. These histomorphometric and biomechanical changes may be suspected by measuring of BMD and β-CrossLaps levels.

Stability of Schiff bases of amino acids and pyridoxal-5'-phosphate

Stability of Schiff bases from Pyridoxal-5'-phosphate andα- and nonα-amino acids and amines have been studied in a wide range of pH. Furthermore the transamination process for the PLP-serine Schiff base and the cyclization reaction of PLP-histidine Schiff base have also been studied.Results show that theα-position on carboxyl group of amino acids plays an important role on the mechanism of hydrolysis of imine bond. Absence of ionic groups in the surroundings of that bond seems to be an important fact of stability.In the transamination reaction, the rate-determining step is the isomerization of the Schiff base to ketoimine, since the rate constants for disappearance of Schiff base coincide with the rate constants for PMP formation. This process is catalyzed by the OH(-)/H2O system and the monoprotonated amino acid.

Study of bone mass in young daughters of women with fracture of the distal end of the radius

The main aim was to assess whether young and healthy daughters of women with fractures of the distal end of the radius (DER) had less bone mass than the control group. In an observational study of cases and controls (1:1), the daughters of women with fractures of DER (96) were selected at the age of reaching the peak of bone mass and compared with a control group (91). All women underwent medical history, analytical determinations, and densitometry. In the case group, we found lower bone mass values at the spine and femoral neck than the control group. We also found a lower bone mass at the hips of daughters of women with 1 or more osteoporotic fractures associated with DER and at the lumbar spine in those whose mothers had densitometric osteoporosis. In conclusion, young daughters of women with fractures of DER had lower levels of bone mass density, with a possible "location-specific" occurrence based on the presence of 1 or more osteoporotic fractures associated with DER or on the presence of maternal densitometric osteoporosis.

Modifying RANKL/OPG mRNA expression in differentiating and growing human primary osteoblasts

The OPG/RANKL system in primary cultures of human osteoblasts has been studied by different authors. However, very few studies have been performed on gene expression of RANKL and OPG at different stages of maturation on human osteoblast cultures. The effect of 17- beta-estradiol and 1,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 on the OPG/RANKL system is not known during the different states of cellular maturation. In this work we quantified OPG and RANKL protein levels (ELISA) and the mRNA of OPG, RANKL, collagen type I, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin (semi-quantitative RT-PCR) in human osteoblasts. We analyzed these in basal conditions and after incubation with 17- beta-estradiol and 1,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 in the first and second phases. We found that OPG secretion and expression levels increased throughout cellular growth. RANKL proteins were detected only in the first stage, and the expression increased throughout the first phase. Thus, the RANKL/OPG ratio was higher in immature osteoblasts than in mature osteoblasts. The evolution of RANKL gene expression was related to collagen I and alkaline phosphatase, while OPG was related to osteocalcin. We observed no modifications after estradiol and 1,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 treatment. Our results suggest that the OB is a positive stimulator at precocious stages of differentiation on osteoclastogenic modulates.

Anthropometric, bone age, and bone mineral density changes after a family-based treatment for obese children

Our objective was to identify anthropometric, bone age, and bone mineral density (BMD) changes after a family-based treatment program for obese children. We conducted a longitudinal prospective study of 50 obese children (body mass index percentage [BMI%] > or =120%) aged 9.12 +/- 1.72 years (range 6-13) at baseline. A family-based treatment program, based on inadequate feeding style with progressive modification, aerobic physical exercise increase, active parental involvement, and the use of behavioural strategies (contracting, self-monitoring, social reinforcement), was developed during a 12-month period. Anthropometric data, lumbar spine (L2-L4) BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, bone age (BA), bone age to chronological age ratio (BA/CA), and predicted adult height (PAH) were determined at baseline and 12 months. The statistical method used was analysis of variance and the paired Student t-test. Mean BMI standard deviation score (SDS) loss was -0.61 +/- 0.76 and BMI% loss was -5.17 +/- 9.73%. Height SDS significantly decreased, BA/CA ratio also decreased significantly, and PAH change was not significant. Lumbar spine BMD SDS and BMD% did not significantly change. A family-based treatment program was effective in obese children by reducing by 5% the BMI in 1 year and increasing the activity level. Treatment reduced growth velocity and delayed bone maturation rate without affecting PAH, reflecting a situation of previous early maturation. The treatment did not modify gaining bone mass.

[Comparison between two 13C-urea breath tests for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection: isotope ratio mass spectrometer versus infrared spectrometer]

OBJECTIVES

To compare the accuracy of the breath test using the isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) versus the nondispersive isotope-selective infrared spectrometer (NDIRS) in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection.

METHOD

Multicenter study in 4 Spanish hospitals. One group of dyspeptic patients who had not undergone prior eradication therapy and another group of patients with gastric ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastroduodenal ulcer receiving H. pylori eradication therapy were included in the study. A reference standard based on histology and the rapid urease test was used. The breast test (TAU-KIT, Isomed S.L., Madrid, Spain) was performed with citric acid and 100 mg of 13C-urea. Samples of expired air were collected in tubes and bags for reading with the IRMS (ABCA, PDZ, Crewe, Manchester, England) and the NDIRS (UBiT-IR200, Otsuka Electronics, Co, Osaka, Japan), respectively. The endoscopist, pathologist and person responsible for reading the urease test and both breath tests were blinded to the results of the other diagnostic methods.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients were included. The prevalence of H. pylori was 26%. No differences were found on comparing the mean values obtained with the IRMS and the NDIRS: 13 (standard deviation) (24) and 14 (25) delta units, respectively. The area under the ROC curve for the IRMS and the NDIRS was 0.96. The diagnostic accuracy for the best cut-off point with the IRMS and the NDIRS was, respectively: sensitivity (90 and 100%), specificity (96 and 89%), positive predictive value (90 and 77%), negative predictive value (96 and 100%), + likelihaod ratio (25 and 9.3) and (0.1 and 0). A close correlation was found between the values of the IRMS and those of the NDIRS (lineal regression equation, Y = 1.1 + 1.004. X; r = 0.97).

CONCLUSION

Both the spectrometers used to evaluate the breath test, the IRMS and the NDIRS, offer a high degree of accuracy in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection.

Validation of the 13c-urea breath test for the initial diagnosis of helicobacter pylori infection and to confirm eradication after treatment

OBJECTIVES

the breath test with 13C-urea (UBT) is a method widely used in Spain, but its diagnostic accuracy has not been evaluated in a clinical trial until now. Our objective was to validate the UBT (TAU-KIT) both as an initial diagnostic method for the detection of H. pylori infection and as a method to confirm eradication.

METHODS

a multi-centre study in 7 Spanish hospitals was performed. A group of dyspeptic patients who had not previously received eradication treatment was included, and a second group of patients with gastric ulcer or upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to peptic ulcer was also included (eradication of H. pylori was confirmed 6 to 8 weeks after treatment completion with omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxycillin). In both groups an endoscopy was performed with biopsies for histology and rapid urease test. Patients were considered infected if both tests yielded positive results, and not infected when both tests were negative. The UBT 13C-urea (TAU-KIT, Isomed S.L., Madrid, Spain) was performed with citric acid and 100 mg of 13C-urea. The pathologist and persons responsible for endoscopy, urease test and UBT were all unaware of the results from the other diagnostic methods.

RESULTS

in the pre-treatment group (36 patients) the prevalence of H. pylori was 72%, the area under the ROC curve for the diagnosis of infection with the UBT was 0.99, and the best cut-off point was 5 units, with the following results: sensitivity= 96% (95% CI = 81-99%), specificity= 100% (69-100%), positive predictive value (PPV) = 100% (87-100%), negative predictive value (NPV) = 92% (59-100%), likelihood ratio (LR) + = infinity, and LR- = 0.04. In the post-treatment group (85 patients) the prevalence of H. pylori was 16%, the area under the ROC curve was 0.99, and the best cut point was 4.6, with the following results: sensitivity= 100% (77-100%), specificity = 97% (90-99%), PPV = 88% (62-98%), NPV = 100% (95-100%), LR+ = 35, and LR- = 0.

CONCLUSION

UBT provides excellent accuracy both for the initial diagnosis of H. pylori infection and to confirm eradication after treatment.

[Study of the validity of "rapid" serology in diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate prospectively the validity of a <<rapid>> serology diagnosis method (using capillary blood) in our ambit, taking for reference a combination of standard diagnostic methods.

DESIGN

Prospective. The endoscopist, pathologist and those responsible for interpreting the rapid urease test, the breath test and <<rapid>> serology did not know the results of the other diagnostic methods.

SETTING

Gastro-enterology service of a tertiary hospital.Participants. 30 consecutive patients with symptoms attributable to the upper digestive tract and who underwent an oral gastroscopy. Main measurements. Gastric biopsies for histology examination and for the rapid urease test and a breath test with 13C-urea were conducted. For <<rapid>> serology, the commercial SureStep HP WB test kit was used. A patient was considered infected when at least two of the three validated techniques (rapid urease test, histology, breath test) were positive; and not infected, when all three were negative.

RESULTS

30 patients, 30% male, with a mean age of 51, were included. The reference standard indicated 61% prevalence of infection, with two cases classed as undetermined. <<Rapid>> serology was positive in 8 patients and negative in 22. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were, respectively, 41% (95% CI, 18-65), 91% (74-100), 87% (65-100) and 50% (28-72). The positive probability quotient was 4.5; and the negative, 0.65.

CONCLUSION

The <<rapid>> serology used in the current study has deficient diagnostic accuracy. Therefore, it should not be used in clinical practice to identify H. pylori infection.

Application of population pharmacokinetics to the optimization of theophylline therapy

The aim of this study was to determine theophylline clearance (Cl) values in adult patients using serum concentrations gathered from routine clinical care. This information was used to estimate an a priori dosing regimen that would permit steady-state concentrations of 5-15 mg/litre, now recommended for the treatment of chronic asthma, and to evaluate the need to establish monitoring strategies when theophylline is given at these lower doses and when it can be expected that almost no adverse effects are likely. Retrospective data from 204 asthmatic and COPD patients, with a total of 517 serum concentrations, were studied. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed with the MULTI(ELS) computer program according to a one-compartment model. The influence of the following factors on theophylline Cl were investigated: body weight (TBW, IBW and LBM) and age as continuous variables, and gender, smoking habit and the presence of congestive heart failure (CHF) as indicator variables. To validate the results of the population pharmacokinetic analysis, a second independent group of 63 patients was studied prospectively. Hypothesis testing to evaluate potentially significant factors produced a final model in which Cl was based on IBW (kg) and age (years), and was reduced by 25% in patients with moderate CHF and increased by 28% in patients who smoked (Cl (litres/h) = (0.037 IBW-0.006 age) x 1.284 smoke x 0.751 CHF). The variability in Cl, expressed as the coefficient of variation, was 36%. In adult non-smoker and non-CHF patients, application of a maintenance dosing regimen calculated from IBW and age using the final model for Cl would theoretically afford only 1.5% of patients with potentially toxic concentrations. Thus, measurement of serum theophylline concentrations (STC) would only be required when other conditions known to alter theophylline metabolism exist, such as smoking or disease factors. These appreciations could have important clinical implications at a time when the potential immunomodulatory activity of theophylline is being emphasized and health resources should be allocated properly.

Spectroscopic study of the Schiff bases of dodecylamine with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and 5'-deoxypyridoxal. A model for the Schiff bases of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate in biological systems

We recorded the absorption spectra of the Schiff bases of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) and 5'-deoxypyridoxal (DPL) with dodecylamine (DOD) at different pH values. By applying deconvolution techniques to the spectra and analysing their different components we found that the above-mentioned Schiff bases in aqueous solutions of pH 7 adopted a conformation in which the pyridine ring is embedded in a very hydrophobic medium from which water is virtually completely excluded. This conformation in the same as that adopted by PLP when it acts as coenzyme for some enzymes such as glycogen phosphorylase. The experimental results obtained also show such a conformation to be highly favoured but sensitive to the protonation of the pyridine nitrogen, which makes the aromatic ring more readily accessible to the solvent.