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INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic is a great burden worldwide, but its impact on patients with genitourinary cancer (GUC) is poorly characterized. This study aimed to characterize the clinical features and evolution of GUC patients affected by COVID-19 in Spain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: SOGUG-COVID-19 was an observational ambispective non-interventional study that recruited patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who had been treated for GUC in 32 Spanish hospitals. Data were collected from patients' medical records in a short period of time, coinciding with the first waves of COVID-19, when the mortality was also higher in the general population. RESULTS: From November 2020 to April 2021, 408 patients were enrolled in the study. The median age was 70 years, and 357 patients (87.5%) were male. Most frequent Cancer Origin was: prostate (40.7%), urothelial (31.4%) and kidney (22.1%). Most patients (71.3%) were diagnosed at the metastatic stage, and 33.3% had poorly differentiated histology. Anticancer treatment during the infection was reported in 58.3% of patients, and 21.3% had received immunotherapy prior to or concurrent with the infection. The most frequent COVID-19 symptoms were pyrexia (49.0%), cough (38.2%) and dyspnea (31.9%). Median age was higher for patients with pneumonia (p < 0.001), patchy infiltrates (p = 0.005), ICU admission (p < 0.001) and death (p < 0.001). Tumor stage was associated with complications (p = 0.006). The fatality rate was 19.9% and the 6-month COVID-19-specific survival rate was 79.7%. CONCLUSION: Patients with genitourinary cancers seem exceptionally vulnerable to COVID-19 regardless of tumor type or anticancer therapy. Age and tumor stage were the only identified risk factors for severe COVID-19.
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Treating nitrogenous compounds in wastewater is a contemporary challenge, prompting novel approaches for ammonium (NH4+) conversion to molecular nitrogen (N2). This study explores the classic anaerobic ammonium oxidation process (Anammox) coupled to the iron-dependent anaerobic ammonium oxidation process (Feammox) in a sequential discontinuous bioreactor (SBR) for NH4+ removal. Feammox and Anammox cultures were individually enriched and combined, optimizing the coupling, and identifying key variables influencing the enrichment process. Adding sodium acetate as a carbon source significantly reduces Fe3+ to Fe2+, indicating Feammox activity. Both Anammox and Feammox processes were successfully operated in SBRs, achieving efficient NH4+ removal (Anammox: 64.6 %; Feammox: 43.4 %). Combining these pathways in a single SBR enhances the NH4+ removal capacity of 50.8 %, improving Feammox efficiency. The Feammox process coupled with Anammox may generate the nitrite (NO2-) needed for Anammox. This research contributes to biotechnological advancements for sustainable nitrogenous compound treatment in SBRs.
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Compostos de Amônio , Oxidação Anaeróbia da Amônia , Oxirredução , Compostos de Amônio/metabolismo , Águas Residuárias , Anaerobiose , Reatores Biológicos , Nitrogênio/metabolismo , DesnitrificaçãoRESUMO
PURPOSE: We evaluated the prevalence of immune-related adverse events and anti-tumor efficacy in advanced/metastatic urothelial carcinoma following immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatment. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study of patients with advanced/metastatic urothelial carcinoma treated with ICIs in four Spanish institutions. irAEs were classified using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event (CTCAE) v.5.0 guidelines. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Other endpoints were overall response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS). irAEs were evaluated as a time-dependent covariate to avoid immortal time bias. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients were treated with ICIs between May 2013 and May 2019, 105 (92%) of whom received ICIs as monotherapy. irAEs of any grade were experienced in 56 (49%) patients and 21 (18%) patients had grade ≥ 3 toxicity. The most frequent irAEs were gastrointestinal and dermatological toxicities, reported in 25 (22%) and 20 (17%) patients, respectively. Patients with grade 1-2 irAEs had significantly longer OS compared to those without grade 1-2 irAEs (median 18.2 vs. 8.7 months, HR = 0.61 [95% CI 0.39-0.95], p = 0.03). No association with efficacy was observed for patients with grade ≥ 3 irAEs. No difference in PFS was observed after adjusting for the immortal time bias. ORR was higher in patients who developed irAEs (48% vs 17%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that development of irAEs was associated with higher ORR, and patients who developed grade 1-2 irAEs had longer OS. Prospective studies are necessary to confirm our findings.
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Antineoplásicos Imunológicos , Carcinoma de Células de Transição , Neoplasias da Bexiga Urinária , Humanos , Inibidores de Checkpoint Imunológico/efeitos adversos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Estudos Prospectivos , Carcinoma de Células de Transição/tratamento farmacológico , Prevalência , Antineoplásicos Imunológicos/efeitos adversosRESUMO
The tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L. is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world; nevertheless, it is affected by biotic and abiotic factors that reduce its productivity. The whitefly is globally considered as the main pest under protected crop conditions, where biologic control using endophytic fungi emerges as a sustainable alternative. We evaluated the indirect effects of five native endophytic strains of Beauveria bassiana on the reproduction of greenhouse whiteflies and the growth of tomatoes. The plant growth substrate was inoculated with five strains of this endophyte and the resulting plants were then exposed to whiteflies afterwards. The effect that endophytic strains had on phosphate solubilization, iron siderophore production, plant height, and plant biomass were evaluated. The evaluated endophytes reduced the number of eggs per cm2 on leaflets compared to the control and behaved similarly to the commercial synthetic insecticide. Leaflets inoculated with strains RGM-557, RGM-644 and RGM-731 showed fewer nymphs than the control and those treated with insecticide. RGM-557 and RGM-731 produced the greatest plant heights; RGM-731 obtained the greatest plant biomass. Our study provides evidence that native endophytic strains of B. bassiana have a biocontrol effect on whiteflies and could be used to promote tomato growth.
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BACKGROUND: In patients with hemophilia, radionuclide synoviorthesis, or the intra-articular injection of a radionuclide to decrease the synovial hypertrophy tissue, aims to decrease or avoid hemarthrosis. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of radionuclide synoviorthesis in hemophilia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational retrospective study of the evolution of 107 male patients aged 3 to 54 years who were subjected to radionuclide synoviorthesis between 2007 and 2015. RESULTS: Of 164 treated joints, in 65% treatment was successful, (defined as zero to two hemarthroses and absence of synovitis during the follow up period), in 17% it was partially successful (defined as two or less hemarthroses, but persistence of the synovitis) and failed in 18% of the procedures. No important complications were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Radionuclide synoviorthesis has an overall 82% success rate, is minimally invasive, can be used at any age and is inexpensive We recommend its implementation in Chilean hemophilia treatment centers.
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Hemartrose/terapia , Hemofilia A/terapia , Radioisótopos/administração & dosagem , Rênio/uso terapêutico , Sinovite/terapia , Radioisótopos de Ítrio/uso terapêutico , Adolescente , Adulto , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Hemartrose/diagnóstico por imagem , Hemartrose/fisiopatologia , Hemofilia A/fisiopatologia , Humanos , Injeções Intra-Articulares , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Estudos Retrospectivos , Sinovite/diagnóstico por imagem , Sinovite/fisiopatologia , Fatores de Tempo , Resultado do Tratamento , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Although several studies have assessed core training, specific prescription recommendations remain lacking. The purpose of the present study was to determine the association between the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and neuromuscular fatigue of the core muscles during the prone bridging endurance test. Fifteen healthy and moderately active subjects participated. Neuromuscular fatigue was assessed with surface electromyography on the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique, internal oblique, and lumbar erector spinae. Participants rated the RPE (Borg CR 10) every 5â¯s. The time to failure was 123.7⯱â¯58.1â¯s. From the midpoint of the time to failure, the RPE significantly increased (pâ¯<â¯0.05). The RA muscle showed increased neuromuscular fatigue during the second half of the time to failure (pâ¯<â¯0.05). The other core muscles showed increased neuromuscular fatigue during the last 30% of the time to failure (pâ¯<â¯0.05). The RA muscle showed a strong correlation between neuromuscular fatigue and the RPE (R2 0.85). The other core muscles showed a moderate correlation between neuromuscular fatigue and RPE (R2 0.50-0.69). The measured RPE and neuromuscular fatigue were closely linked for the RA muscle and moderately linked for the other core muscles during the prone bridging endurance test.
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Músculos Abdominais/fisiologia , Fadiga Muscular , Esforço Físico , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
Background: In patients with hemophilia, radionuclide synoviorthesis, or the intra-articular injection of a radionuclide to decrease the synovial hypertrophy tissue, aims to decrease or avoid hemarthrosis. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of radionuclide synoviorthesis in hemophilia. Material and Methods: Observational retrospective study of the evolution of 107 male patients aged 3 to 54 years who were subjected to radionuclide synoviorthesis between 2007 and 2015. Results: Of 164 treated joints, in 65% treatment was successful, (defined as zero to two hemarthroses and absence of synovitis during the follow up period), in 17% it was partially successful (defined as two or less hemarthroses, but persistence of the synovitis) and failed in 18% of the procedures. No important complications were recorded. Conclusions: Radionuclide synoviorthesis has an overall 82% success rate, is minimally invasive, can be used at any age and is inexpensive We recommend its implementation in Chilean hemophilia treatment centers.
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Humanos , Masculino , Pré-Escolar , Criança , Adolescente , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto Jovem , Radioisótopos/administração & dosagem , Rênio/uso terapêutico , Sinovite/terapia , Radioisótopos de Ítrio/uso terapêutico , Hemartrose/terapia , Hemofilia A/terapia , Sinovite/fisiopatologia , Sinovite/diagnóstico por imagem , Fatores de Tempo , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Estudos Retrospectivos , Resultado do Tratamento , Hemartrose/fisiopatologia , Hemartrose/diagnóstico por imagem , Hemofilia A/fisiopatologia , Injeções Intra-ArticularesRESUMO
Botrytis cinerea causes substantial losses in tomato and chili pepper crops worldwide. Endophytes have shown the potential for the biological control of diseases. The colonization ability of native endophyte strains of Beauveria bassiana and their antifungal effect against B. cinerea were evaluated in Solanaceae crops. Root drenching with B. bassiana was applied, and endophytic colonization capacity in roots, stems, and leaves was determined. The antagonistic activity was evaluated using in vitro dual culture and also plants by drenching the endophyte on the root and by pathogen inoculation in the leaves. Ten native strains were endophytes of tomato, and eight were endophytes of chili pepper. All strains showed significant in vitro antagonism against B. cinerea (30-36%). A high antifungal effect was observed, and strains RGM547 and RGM644 showed the lowest percentage of the surface affected by the pathogen. Native strains of B. bassiana colonized tomato and chili pepper tissues and provided important levels of antagonism against B. cinerea.
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We aimed to compare the mortality risk between patients with affective disorders and dementia under treatment with antipsychotics. To do this, a matched-cohort study based on an electronic database of a tertiary teaching hospital in Argentina was performed. Antipsychotic exposure was defined as any antipsychotic drug initiated by the patient. Primary outcome was defined as all-cause mortality during the 5-year follow-up period. To estimate the association between baseline diagnosis (affective disorders vs. dementia) and all-cause mortality, we used a multivariate generalized linear model with robust standard errors. Of 1008 eligible patients, 114 age-matched pairs were included in the present study. The primary event occurred in 23 patients (20%) and 17 patients (15%) in the dementia and affective disorder group respectively. In the adjusted model, the risk of all cause mortality for the affective disorders group was 0.92 times the risk for the dementia group (95%CI, 0.54-1.59, pâ¯=â¯0.77). In conclusion, older patients with affective disorders starting antipsychotic treatment presented with a similar risk of all-cause mortality during the 5-year follow-up when compared to older patients with dementia who were also initiating either typical or atypical antipsychotic medications. Closer medical attention to older patients with mental conditions under antipsychotic treatment remains warranted.
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Antipsicóticos/efeitos adversos , Demência/tratamento farmacológico , Demência/mortalidade , Transtornos do Humor/tratamento farmacológico , Transtornos do Humor/mortalidade , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Antipsicóticos/uso terapêutico , Argentina/epidemiologia , Causas de Morte/tendências , Estudos de Coortes , Bases de Dados Factuais/tendências , Demência/psicologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Transtornos do Humor/psicologia , Mortalidade/tendências , Estudos Retrospectivos , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
There is increasing evidence indicating that aquaporins (AQPs) exert an influence in cell signaling by the interplay with the TRPV4 Ca2+ channel. Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and plasma membrane hyperpolarization due to opening of Ca2+ -activated potassium channels (KCa) are events that have been proposed to take place downstream of TRPV4 activation. A major mechanism for Ca2+ entry, activated after depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores and driven by electrochemical forces, is the store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). The consequences of the interplay between TRPV4 and AQPs on SOCE have not been yet investigated. The aim of our study was to test the hypothesis that AQP2 can modulate SOCE by facilitating the interaction of TRPV4 with KCa channels in renal cells. Using fluorescent probe techniques, we studied intracellular Ca2+ concentration and membrane potential in response to activation of TRPV4 in two rat cortical collecting duct cell lines (RCCD1 ), one not expressing AQPs (WT-RCCD1 ) and the other transfected with AQP2 (AQP2-RCCD1 ). We found that AQP2 co-immunoprecipitates with TRPV4 and with the small-conductance potassium channel (SK3). We also showed that AQP2 is crucial for the activation of SK3 by TRPV4, leading to hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane. This seems to be relevant to modulate the magnitude of SOCE and is accompanied by TRPV4 translocation to the plasma membrane only in AQP2 expressing cells. These findings open the perspective to further investigate whether the interplay between different AQPs with TRPV4 and KCa channels can be an important mechanism to modulate SOCE with physiological relevance.
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Aquaporina 2/metabolismo , Sinalização do Cálcio , Cálcio/metabolismo , Potenciais da Membrana , Canais de Cátion TRPV/metabolismo , Animais , Aquaporina 2/genética , Linhagem Celular , Ratos , Canais de Cátion TRPV/genéticaRESUMO
The use of chemical signals in a sexual context is widespread in the animal kingdom. Most studies in spiders report the use of female pheromones that attract potential sexual partners. Allocosa brasiliensis and Allocosa alticeps are two burrowing wolf spiders that show sex-role reversal. Females locate male burrows and initiate courtship before males perform any detectable visual or vibratory signal. So, females of these species would be detecting chemical or mechanical cues left by males. Our objective was to explore the potential for male pheromones to play a role in mate detection in A. brasiliensis and A. alticeps. We designed two experiments. In Experiment 1, we tested the occurrence of male contact pheromones by evaluating female courtship when exposed to empty burrows constructed by males or females (control). In Experiment 2, we tested the existence of male volatile pheromones by evaluating female behaviour when exposed to artificial burrows connected to tubes containing males, females or empty tubes (control). Our results suggest the occurrence of male volatile pheromones that trigger female courtship in both Allocosa species. The sex-role reversal postulated for these wolf spiders could be driving the consequent reversal in typical pheromone-emitter and detector roles expected for spiders.
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Transtornos do Desenvolvimento Sexual , Identidade de Gênero , Feromônios/fisiologia , Aranhas/fisiologia , Comunicação Animal , Animais , Comportamento Animal/fisiologia , Tamanho Corporal , Ecossistema , Feminino , Abrigo para Animais , Masculino , Reprodução/fisiologia , Caracteres Sexuais , Comportamento Sexual Animal/fisiologia , Transdução de Sinais/fisiologia , Especificidade da Espécie , Aranhas/anatomia & histologiaRESUMO
Staphylococcus aureus continua siendo un patógeno de gran importancia clínica y el rol de la aportación nasal ha sido reconocida en la patogénesis de las infecciones estafilocócicas. Escasa información acerca de la portación en estudiantes de Escuelas de Salud es conocida. El propósito de este trabajo fue investigar la prevalencia de portación de S.aureus en estudiantes universitarios de escuelas de la salud y determinar la susceptibilidad a agentes antimicrobianos. Un total de 230 estudiantes de 5 escuelas de salud fueron incluídos en este estudio. Muestras de fosas nasales, manos y uñas fueron sembradas en caldo tripticasa y posteriormente en agar sangre (5 por ciento sangre de oveja). S. aureus fue identificado por técnicas bacteriológicas habituales. La susceptibilidad in vitro fue determinada por una técnica de difusión por discos. Noventa y tres estudiantes (40,4 por ciento) eran portadores nasales de S.aureus y la mitad de ellos, eran portadores en manos. La mayor colonización se presento en los estudiantes de enfermería y obstetricia (53,2 por ciento y 50,0 por ciento) y la más baja, en estudiantes de tecnología médica (24,5 por ciento). El 100 por ciento de las cepas de S. aureus fueron susceptibles a vancomicina y sulbactampicilina, actividad moderada se observó frente a la mayoría de los antimicrobianos y altos niveles de resistencia se encontraron frente a penicilina y bacitricina. La prevalencia de portación nasal de S. aureus en estudiantes de escuelas de salud fue muy cercana a la portación normal de la población. Las diferencias de colonización se atribuye a que los estudiantes de enfermería y obstetricia tienen un mayor contacto con pacientes hospitalizados, debido a que inician las prácticas clínicas más temprano que los otros estudiantes