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Background and purpose: Spain has been one of the countries more heavily stricken by SARS‐CoV‐2, which has had huge implications for stroke care. The aim was to analyse the impact of the COVID‐19 epidemic outbreak on reperfusion therapies for acute ischaemic stroke in the northwest of Spain. Methods: This was a Spanish multicentre retrospective observational study based on data from tertiary hospitals of the NORDICTUS network. All patients receiving reperfusion therapy for ischaemic stroke between 30 December 2019 and 3 May 2020 were recorded, and their baseline, clinical and radiological characteristics, extra‐ and intra‐hospital times of action, Code Stroke activation pathway, COVID‐19 status, reperfusion rate, and short‐term outcome before and after the setting of the emergency state were analysed. Results: A total of 796 patients received reperfusion therapies for ischaemic stroke. There was a decrease in the number of patients treated per week (46.5 patients per week vs. 39.0 patients per week, P = 0.043) and a delay in out‐of‐hospital (95.0 vs. 110.0 min, P = 0.001) and door‐to‐needle times (51.0 vs. 55.0, P = 0.038). Patients receiving endovascular therapy obtained less successful reperfusion rates (92.9% vs. 86.6%, P = 0.016). COVID‐19 patients had more in‐hospital mortality. Conclusion: A decrease in the number of patients benefiting from reperfusion therapies was found, with a delay in out‐of‐hospital and door‐to‐needle times and worse reperfusion rates in northwest Spain. COVID‐19 patients had more in‐hospital mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The existence of contraindications to intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is considered a criterion for direct transfer of patients with suspected acute stroke to thrombectomy‐capable centers in the prehospital setting. Our aim was to assess the utility of this criterion in a setting where routing protocols are defined by the Madrid – Direct Referral to Endovascular Center (M‐DIRECT) prehospital scale. Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of the M‐DIRECT study. Reported contraindications to IVT were retrospectively collected from emergency medical services reports and categorized into late window, anticoagulant treatment and other contraindications. Final diagnosis and treatment rates were compared between patients with and without reported IVT contraindications and according to anticoagulant treatment or late window categories. Results: The M‐DIRECT study included 541 patients. Reported IVT contraindications were present in 227 (42.0%) patients. Regarding final diagnosis no significant differences were found between patients with or without reported IVT contraindications: ischaemic stroke (any) 65.6% vs. 62.1%, ischaemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (LVO) 32.2% vs. 28.3%, hemorrhagic stroke 15.4% vs. 15.6%, stroke mimic 18.9% vs. 22.3% respectively. Amongst patients with LVO, endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) was performed less often in the presence of IVT contraindications (56.2% vs. 74.2%). M‐DIRECT‐positive patients had higher rates of LVO and EVT compared with M‐DIRECT‐negative patients independent of reported IVT contraindications. Conclusions: Reported IVT contraindications alone do not increase EVT likelihood and should not be considered to determine routing in urban stroke networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The methods for gypsum content determination in soils are summarized and their applicability discussed. Special attention is given to the critical step of sample preparation, stressing the elimination of the oven heating at temperatures surpassing 40°C. Wet methods are unsuitable for soils rich in gypsum or containing other sulfates. Instead, oven‐based methods playing on the mass variations due to the release of constitutional water of gypsum are preferable. Under laboratory settings, we recommend two existing methods: one directly measuring the loss of mass on heating and the other exploiting the gypsum–bassanite phase change under controlled conditions. Both reflectance and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) provide nondestructive methods for quick gypsum appraisal, and combining both methods increases the accuracy. The results are easily calibrated with gravimetric methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop and psychometrically test the Stanford Presenteeism Scale‐6 to assess presenteeism in the Spanish healthcare population. Background: Presenteeism, referring to going to work despite being ill, has been associated with job stress, productivity losses, reduced patient safety and increased health problems among the professionals who suffer from it. Introduction: The highest prevalence of presenteeism in the healthcare sector is among nurses. Their decision to attend work while ill has been related to role overload, lack of supervisor support, mental health and physical conditions. Methods: A cross‐sectional and validation study was conducted between September 2015 and June 2016 in a hospital in Asturias, Spain. Four hundred and ninety‐five healthcare professionals voluntarily agreed to participate (281 nurses, 122 physicians and 92 nursing assistants). Results: Presenteeism prevalence was high; the majority of it being in the nursing category. Bartlett's test and the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin test indicated that the data meet the conditions for factorial analysis, evidencing a small variability in the median of each sample item and a significant standard deviation. Adjustment rates obtained in the exploratory factor analysis showed adequacy, and reliability rates also showed adequacy for both factors. It was verified by a confirmatory analysis that the factors of presenteeism are positively associated with burnout. Conclusion: The Stanford Presenteeism Scale‐6 showed good psychometric properties to study presenteeism in the Spanish healthcare sector. Implications for Nursing and Health Policy: Nursing leaders must develop measurements to assess and control psychosocial risks in order to improve the physical and mental health of professionals and reduce patient safety risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine which contractile properties measured by tensiomyography (TMG) could better differentiate athletes with high- and low-power values, as well as to analyse the relationship between contractile properties and power production capacity. The contractile properties of the vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) of an Olympic women’s Rugby Sevens team (n = 14) were analysed before a Wingate test in which their peak power output (PPO) was determined. Athletes were then divided into a high-power (HP) and a low-power (LP) group. HP presented an almost certainly higher PPO (9.8 ± 0.3 vs. 8.9 ± 0.4 W kg−1, ES = 3.00) than LP, as well as a very likely lower radial displacement (3.39 ± 1.16 vs. 5.65 ± 1.50 mm, ES = 1.68) and velocity of deformation (0.08 ± 0.02 vs. 0.13 ± 0.03 mm ms−1, ES = 1.87) of the VL. A likely lower time of delay was observed in HP for all analysed muscles (ES > 0.60). PPO was very largely related to the radial displacement (r = −0.75, 90% CI = −0.90 to −0.44) and velocity of deformation (r = −0.70, 90% CI = −0.87 to −0.34) of the VL. A large correlation was found between PPO and the time of delay of the VL (r = −0.61, 90% CI = −0.84 to −0.22). No correlations were found for the contractile properties of RF or VM. These results highlight the importance of VL contractile properties (but not so much those of RF and VM) for maximal power production and suggest TMG as a practical technique for its evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most important viral pathogen in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. The role of secondary CMV prophylaxis in this population remains unclear. Methods: Retrospective cohort study in a single center. SOT recipients treated for CMV infection from 2007 to 2014 were studied to determine the efficacy and safety of secondary prophylaxis and its impact on graft loss and mortality. The outcome variable was CMV replication in the first 3 months after the end of therapy. Secondary variables were crude mortality and graft lost censored at 5 years after transplantation. Propensity score for the use of secondary prophylaxis was used to control selection bias. Results: Of the 126 treated patients, 103 (83.1%) received CMV secondary prophylaxis. CMV relapse occurred in 44 (35.5%) patients. The use of secondary prophylaxis was not associated with fewer relapses (34.0% in patients with prophylaxis vs 42.9% in those without prophylaxis, P = .29). After a mean follow‐up of 32.1 months, graft loss was not different between both groups but patient mortality was significantly lower in patients who received secondary prophylaxis (5.8% vs 28.6%, P = .003). Conclusion: Secondary prophylaxis did not prevent CMV infection relapse but it was associated with improved patient survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose For patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion, it has recently been shown that mechanical thrombectomy ( MT) with stent retrievers is better than medical treatment alone. However, few hospitals can provide MT 24 h/day 365 days/year, and it remains unclear whether selected patients with acute stroke should be directly transferred to the nearest MT-providing hospital to prevent treatment delays. Clinical scales such as Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation ( RACE) have been developed to predict large-vessel occlusion at a pre-hospital level, but their predictive value for MT is low. We propose new criteria to identify patients eligible for MT, with higher accuracy. Methods The Direct Referral to Endovascular Center criteria were defined based on a retrospective cohort of 317 patients admitted to a stroke center. The association of age, sex, RACE scale score and blood pressure with the likelihood of receiving MT were analyzed. Cut-off points with the highest association were thereafter evaluated in a prospective cohort of 153 patients from nine stroke units comprising the Madrid Stroke Network. Results Patients with a RACE scale score ≥ 5, systolic blood pressure <190 mmHg and age <81 years showed a significantly higher probability of undergoing MT (odds ratio, 33.38; 95% confidence interval, 12-92.9). This outcome was confirmed in the prospective cohort, with 68% sensitivity, 84% specificity, 42% positive and 94% negative predictive values for MT, ruling out 83% of hemorrhagic strokes. Conclusions The Direct Referral to Endovascular Center criteria could be useful for identifying patients suitable for MT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last 5 years, therapies for hepatitis C virus ( HCV) infection have improved significantly, achieving sustained virologic response ( SVR) rates of up to 100% in clinical trials in patients with HCV genotype 1. We investigated the effectiveness and safety of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir±dasabuvir in an early access programme. This was a retrospective, multicentre, national study that included 291 treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients with genotype 1 or 4 HCV infection. Most patients (65.3%) were male, and the mean age was 57.5 years. The mean baseline viral load was 6.1 log, 69.8% had HCV 1b genotype, 72.9% had cirrhosis and 34.7% were treatment-naïve. SVR at 12 weeks posttreatment was 96.2%. Four patients had virological failure (1.4%), one leading to discontinuation. There were no statistical differences in virological response according to genotype or liver fibrosis. Thirty patients experienced serious adverse events ( SAEs) (10.3%), leading to discontinuation in six cases. Hepatic decompensation was observed in five patients. Four patients died during treatment or follow-up, three of them directly related to liver failure. Multivariate analyses showed a decreased probability of achieving SVR associated with baseline albumin, bilirubin and Child-Pugh score B, and a greater probability of developing SAEs related to age and albumin. This combined therapy was highly effective in clinical practice with an acceptable safety profile and low rates of treatment discontinuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arid soil is common worldwide and has unique properties that often limit agronomic productivity, specifically, salinity expressed as soluble salts and large amounts of calcium carbonate and gypsum. Currently, the most common methods for evaluating these properties in soil are laboratory-based techniques such as titration, gasometry and electrical conductivity. In this research, we used two proximal sensors (portable X-ray fluorescence ( PXRF) and visible near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy ( Vis- NIR DRS)) to scan a diverse set ( n = 116) of samples from arid soil in Spain. Then, samples were processed by standard laboratory procedures and the two datasets were compared with advanced statistical techniques. The latter included penalized spline regression ( PSR), support vector regression ( SVR) and random forest ( RF) analysis, which were applied to Vis- NIR DRS data, PXRF data and PXRF and Vis- NIR DRS data, respectively. Independent validation (30% of the data) of the calibration equations showed that PSR + RF predicted gypsum with a ratio of performance to interquartile distance ( RPIQ) of 5.90 and residual prediction deviation ( RPD) of 4.60, electrical conductivity (1:5 soil : water) with RPIQ of 3.14 and RPD of 2.10, Ca content with RPIQ of 2.92 and RPD of 2.07 and calcium carbonate equivalent with RPIQ of 2.13 and RPD of 1.74. The combined PXRF and Vis- NIR DRS approach was superior to those that use data from a single proximal sensor, enabling the prediction of several properties from two simple, rapid, non-destructive scans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a steroid-free regimen with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (modified therapy) vs. a standard regimen of tacrolimus and steroids on the cardiovascular risk score of liver transplant recipients. Patients who received a liver transplant were randomized to a modified therapy (n = 58) or a standard regimen (n = 59). Both groups were balanced at baseline, except for a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus ( DM) (p < 0.01) and a higher serum creatinine concentration (p < 0.05) in the modified therapy group. After 12 months, the prevalence of new-onset DM, arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and changes in cardiovascular risk factors was similar in both groups. The increase in serum creatinine (mg/dL) compared to baseline at one yr post-transplantation was numerically lower in the modified therapy group (0.22 ± 0.42) than in the standard regimen group (0.41 ± 0.67) (p = 0.068). Although estimated cardiovascular risk score did not vary significantly compared to baseline in either group, there was a slight reduction in the modified regimen (−0.27 ± 2.87) vs. a mild increase (0.17 ± 2.94) in the standard regimen (p = 0.566). In conclusion, a steroid-free regimen with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil was associated with a trend toward better preservation of kidney function and reduction of cardiovascular risk score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims Radioembolization may rarely induce liver disease resulting in a syndrome that is similar to veno-occlusive disease complicating bone marrow transplantation where inflammation, endothelial cell activation and thrombosis are likely involved. We hypothesized that similar mechanisms could be implicated in radioembolization-induced liver disease ( REILD). Moreover, lobar radioembolization may induce hypertrophy of the non-treated hemiliver most probably by inducing liver regeneration. Methods In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, we prospectively studied serum levels of markers of liver regeneration, oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory pathways, endothelial activation and coagulation parameters over 2 months after radioembolization. Results Although REILD did not occur among 14 treated patients, a decrease in effective liver blood flow was observed. Radioembolization was followed by a persistent increase in pro-inflammatory (interleukin 6 and 8) and oxidative stress (malondyaldehide) markers, an induction of endothelial injury markers ( vW factor and PAI-1) and an activation of the coagulation cascade (factor VIII, PAI-1, D-Dimer) as well as a significant increase in factors related to liver regeneration (FGF-19 and HGF). Conclusion Radioembolization activates liver regeneration, produces oxidative stress, activates inflammatory cytokines and induces endothelial injury with partial activation of the coagulation cascade. These findings may have implications in the pathogenesis, prevention and therapy of REILD and in the development of new therapies to enhance hypertrophy with a surgical perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention affects neuronal processing and improves behavioural performance. In extrastriate visual cortex these effects have been explained by normalization models, which assume that attention influences the circuit that mediates surround suppression. While normalization models have been able to explain attentional effects, their validity has rarely been tested against alternative models. Here we investigate how attention and surround/mask stimuli affect neuronal firing rates and orientation tuning in macaque V1. Surround/mask stimuli provide an estimate to what extent V1 neurons are affected by normalization, which was compared against effects of spatial top down attention. For some attention/surround effect comparisons, the strength of attentional modulation was correlated with the strength of surround modulation, suggesting that attention and surround/mask stimulation (i.e. normalization) might use a common mechanism. To explore this in detail, we fitted multiplicative and additive models of attention to our data. In one class of models, attention contributed to normalization mechanisms, whereas in a different class of models it did not. Model selection based on Akaike's and on Bayesian information criteria demonstrated that in most cells the effects of attention were best described by models where attention did not contribute to normalization mechanisms. This demonstrates that attentional influences on neuronal responses in primary visual cortex often bypass normalization mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine whether a fast reduction in fat mass can be achieved in 4 days by combining caloric restriction ( CR: 3.2 kcal/kg body weight per day) with exercise (8-h walking + 45-min arm cranking per day) to induce an energy deficit of ∼5000 kcal/day, 15 overweight men underwent five experimental phases: pretest, exercise + CR for 4 days ( WCR), control diet + reduced exercise for 3 days ( DIET), and follow-up 4 weeks ( POST1) and 1 year later ( POST2). During WCR, the diet consisted solely of whey protein ( n = 8) or sucrose ( n = 7) (0.8 g/kg body weight per day). After WCR, DIET, POST1, and POST2, fat mass was reduced by a mean of 2.1, 2.8, 3.8, and 1.9 kg ( P < 0.05), with two thirds of this loss from the trunk; and lean mass by 2.8, 1.0, 0.5, and 0.4 kg, respectively. After WCR, serum glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced, and free fatty acid and cortisol increased. Serum leptin was reduced by 64%, 50%, and 33% following WCR, DIET, and POST1, respectively ( P < 0.05). The effects were similar in both groups. In conclusion, a clinically relevant reduction in fat mass can be achieved in overweight men in just 4 days by combining prolonged exercise with CR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Wetlands inventory is one of the goals of conservation plans on a national scale and a global scale. Inventories are needed for long-term monitoring or for identifying lost wetlands and those where restoration is feasible. In this article, we present an updated inventory of the saline wetlands of Southern Monegros, Spain. We depicted the evolution of these saline wetlands, locally named saladas with a unique long-term retrospective study based on aerial photographs from 1927. Their inventory has been accomplished through a map analysis based on a geographical information system using aerial photographs and orthophotographs, topographic maps, unpublished local studies and field surveys. Remaining vegetation, changes in soil moisture and colour, and geomorphology have been the key features in identifying the saladas. Their changes in number, size and shape have been driven by human pressure, the main modifier of landscape in the last 80 years. The information gathered will contribute to the awareness of stakeholders and decision makers for their conservation as natural resources. Moreover, our large retrospective approach is a consistent base from which to propose the inclusion of the saladas of Monegros in the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indium sulfide thin films were successfully deposited on soda lime glass substrates by modulated flux deposition (MFD) at significantly lower substrate temperatures than in previous experiments. The influence of both experimental parameters sulfur source temperature ( TS) and substrate temperature ( T) on the optical, structural, and chemical properties were studied. Amorphous indium sulfide layers were obtained at T = 100 °C and crystallized as β-In2S3 for T ≥ 150 °C. Quite high values were required for the TS parameter in order to ensure the formation of transparent β-In2S3 thin films. No other polycrystalline phases were detected. Direct optical bandgaps of 2.58 eV (amorphous In2S3) and 2.73 eV (β-In2S3) were estimated for film thicknesses of around 100 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CuAl xGa1− xSe2 (CAGS) is an attractive wide-bandgap chalcopyrite for buffer and top cell in tandem solar cells avoiding the use of expensive In. Polycrystalline CAGS thin films with chalcopyrite structure and strongly oriented along the (112) plane have been obtained by a sequential process of vacuum evaporation and selenization, with different x values ranging from 0 to 1. The temperature of selenization has been varied between 450 and 550 °C and it has resulted on a critical parameter in the complete and homogeneous formation and crystalline quality of the CAGS thin films. The proportion of Al( x) also affects the temperature required for selenization. At least 500 °C is necessary to obtain complete formation of CAGS for x > 0.1 whereas for x ≤ 0.1 the formation takes place in a wide range of annealing temperatures. Resistivity, roughness, band gap energy, texture coefficient C112 and crystallite size tend to increase as the selenization or annealing temperature increases. CAGS thin film properties are optimized at 525 °C for high Al proportions for which some deterioration proceeded at higher temperatures whereas at low Al proportions, a similar behaviour for 525 and 550 °C is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

De novo malignancies are frequent complications after liver transplantation. They are one of the leading causes of late death. Some authors have reported promising results following implementation of extensive cancer surveillance programs. Screening protocols might benefit patients by providing a diagnosis at an earlier stage when tumors may be cured. These protocols should be based on the specific risk factors of every patient. Unfortunately, the scientific evidence supporting screening protocols is still very weak both in the general population and in the transplant patients. On this basis, there is not enough evidence to recommend routine screening for all liver transplant recipients, apart from the recommendations accepted for the general population. Multicenter studies in selected groups of patients at high risk for malignancy may be the only way of defining the potential benefit of screening programs post-transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

. Congenital haemophilia A is a chromosome-linked recessive disorder caused by the deficiency or reduction of factor VIII (FVIII) pro-coagulant activity. During treatment, some patients develop alloantibodies (FVIII inhibitors) that neutralize the action of exogenously administered FVIII. Currently, the presence of these inhibitors is the most serious adverse event found in replacement therapy. Some studies have suggested that genetic factors influence the development of the FVIII coagulation inhibitors. To identify the class I and II alleles that may be influencing the formation of inhibitors in severe haemophilic patients. Genotyping of the class I (HLA-A, -B and -C) and class II (HLA-DRB1, -DQA1 and -DQB1) alleles of 122 patients with severe haemophilia A, including 36 who had developed antibodies to factor VIII, was performed. After the comparison of the group without inhibitors and the group with inhibitors, HLA-C*16 [Odds ratio (OR) = 7.73; P = 0.0092] and HLA-DRB1*14 (OR = 4.52; P = 0.0174) were found to be positively associated with the formation of the inhibitors. These results confirm that HLA alleles are involved in inhibitor production and could be used as a tool for recognition of groups at high risk of possible inhibitor development in Southern Brazilian haemophilic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water retention curve (θ(ψ)), which defines the relationship between soil volumetric water content (θ) and matric potential (ψ), is of paramount importance in characterizing the hydraulic behaviour of soils. However, few methods are so far available for estimating θ(ψ) in undisturbed soil samples. We present a new design of TDR-pressure cell (TDR-Cell) for estimating θ(ψ) in undisturbed soil samples. The TDR-Cell consists of a 50-mm-long and 50-mm internal diameter stainless steel cylinder (which constitutes the outer frame of a coaxial line) attached to a porous ceramic disc and closed at the ends with two aluminium lids. A 49-mm-long and 3-mm-diameter stainless steel rod, which runs longitudinally through the centre of the cylinder, constitutes the inner rod of a coaxial TDR probe. The TDR-Cell was used to determine the θ(ψ) curves of a packed sand and seven undisturbed soil samples from three profiles of agricultural soils. These θ(ψ) curves were subsequently compared to those obtained from the corresponding 2-mm sieved soils using the pressure plate method. Measurements of bulk electrical conductivity, σa, as a function of the water content, σa(θ), of the undisturbed soil samples were also performed. An excellent correlation ( R2 = 0·988) was found between the θ values measured by TDR on the different undisturbed soils and the corresponding θ obtained from the soil gravimetric water content. A typical bimodal θ(ψ) function was found for most of the undisturbed soil samples. Comparison between the θ(ψ) curves measured with the TDR-Cell and those obtained from the 2-mm sieved soils showed that the pressure plate method overestimates θ at low ψ values. The σa(θ) relationship was well described by a simple power expression ( R2 > 0·95), in which the power factor, defined as tortuosity, ranged between 1·18 and 3·75. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The familiarity of mankind with gypsum and its simple composition are in contrast with the frequent mistakes reported for its behavior and role in nature. Gypsum has been studied as a raw material, as a rock constituent, as an indicator of geological and archaeological conditions, and from other points of view. However, its role in Earth surface processes, its relationship to life through calcium in the equilibrium of carbonates and its structural water molecules, seems overlooked. Moreover, errors of gypsum formulation, analysis, and behavior obscure some of its roles within nature. The semi-solubility of gypsum explains its actions in many soils. The softness, fragility, and crystal water of gypsum are often not considered. Routinely drying at 105°C and pulverizing samples for lab analyses casts suspicion on all analytical results because gypsum becomes anhydrite and/or bassanite at this temperature. Specific physicochemical models are needed to predict the behavior of soils mainly composed of gypsum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

De novo malignancies are frequent complications after liver transplantation. Aim of the study is to evaluate whether a surveillance program for malignancy may improve patient survival. We have compared the survival after the diagnosis of malignancy (excluding cutaneous and hepatobiliary carcinomas and lymphoproliferative disease) of patients with symptomatic or incidental malignancies with patients with neoplasia diagnosed on screening. Two hundred and eighty patients with a follow-up greater than three months were followed for a median of 77.5 months (total follow-up: 1515 patient-yr). Thirty-three patients developed 41 malignancies. When compared with general population, the entire cohort of liver transplant recipients had a significantly higher risk of malignancy (relative risk: 2.34), gastrointestinal tract (relative risk: 2.52), urological tract (relative risk: 2.94) and head and neck cancer (relative risk: 4.14), and cancer-related death (relative risk: 2.35). All nine patients diagnosed with cancer with active screening are currently alive and free of malignancy after a median follow-up of 25 months. By contrast, 18/24 patients with diagnosis of cancer prompted by symptoms or incidentally diagnosed died as a consequence of the cancer (median survival: 13.5 months). The difference in survival between both groups was significant (p = 0.002). In conclusion, a close surveillance protocol for the diagnosis of malignancy could be life-saving in liver transplant recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of gypsum in soil, even in small amounts, is relevant from the genetic, taxonomic, and applied points of view. Moreover, those soils having gypsum as the main component, for example gypseous soils, host a number of rare and endangered organisms. Determining gypsum content in soils is crucial m understanding their behavior;, however, current methods of determination are cumbersome or imprecise. This study was conducted to develop an accurate new method to determine soil gypsum content by reducing the inaccuracies or poor assumptions in previous methods. We determined gypsum content hi samples using quartz sand and day minerals mixed with gypsum reagent powder to 0 and approximately 2, 5, and 50% gypsum content;, we also studied seven gypseous soil samples. Gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O), after heating at 105°C, dehydrates, losing the two water molecules of the gypsum crystal cell and becoming mostly anhydrite (CaSO4). Anhydtite is very hygroscopic, absorbing atmospheric water very quickly: this process has been found to occur even in desiccators where the relative humidity (RH) is between 12 and 20% depending on the desiccant. Anhydfite rehydtates under laboratory conditions to bassanite (CaSO4·0.5H2O), which is stable at RH values <100%. We propose exploiting this difference in mass between gypsum and bassanite to quantify the gypsum content of soils. We found that by equilibrating the soils at constant RH, e.g, 40%, before and after heating the samples, the day water content is constant, eliminating a major error with other thermogravimetric methods. This simple, yet effective method determined gypsum content to within 1% in all the mineralogies studied, whereas other oven-based methods overestimated gypsum content by as much as 36% in a pure Ca-montmorillonite sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the gypsum content in soil is lengthy and cumbersome using methods based on SO4 determination. Moreover, as these methods do not strictly titrate gypsum, inaccuracies can be produced by the presence of sulfate minerals other than gypsum. The thermogravimetric properties of gypsum, however, allow determination of its content in a rapid and easy way sufficiently accurate for many pedologic purposes. Our objective was to expand the lower limit of gypsum detection to make the test useful for soil classification and management. We have refined the differential water loss method by estimating the gypsum percentage from the loss of water in the soil sample between 70 and 90°C. Our results, compared with gravimetric determinations of precipitated BaSO4, found coefficients of determination of 0.98 for gypsum contents ranging from 2 to 50%, and 0.99 for contents >50%. The method is valid for gypsum contents >2% and thus improves previous estimation procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many land use decisions are made without the aid of soil maps in countries without National soil surveys. The purpose of this research was to create a soil survey delineating salinity phases at a regional scale that could serve as the basis for improved decision making, or highlight areas for further investigation. Soil salinity survey at a regional scale remains a challenge. We demonstrate a survey methodology suited to small fields, often found in Europe and developing countries, and present a streamlined survey methodology making this typically labor-intensive process more efficient. A regional soil survey was conducted at a scale of 1:25 000, mapping consociations and complexes of soil series. The soil survey information was then used to guide an electromagnetic induction (EMI) survey of the soils with observed salinity, to delineate phases. A calibration method for estimating the electrical condudivity of the extract of the saturated paste (ECe) from the EMI measurements was devised. After testing several statistical methods, a single calibration of the EM! data was found to be suitable using a nonparametric regression. The use of the EMI method reduced operation costs, where time, personnel, analysis time, and budget are limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose:In our previous study (see accompanying paper) we observed that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) p.o. induces changes in spinal cord neuronal responses similar to those observed in inflammation-induced sensitization. In the present study we assessed the it. effects of ATRA, and its mechanisms of action.Experimental approach:The effects of all drugs were studied after it. administration in nociceptive withdrawal reflexes using behavioural tests in awake male Wistar rats.Key results:The administration of ATRA in normal rats induced a dose-dependent enhancement of nociceptive responses to noxious mechanical and thermal stimulation, as well as responses to innocuous stimulation. The intensity of the responses was similar to that observed in non-treated animals after carrageenan-induced inflammation. The effect induced by ATRA was fully prevented by the previous administration of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) pan-antagonist LE540 but not by the retinoid X receptor (RXR) pan-antagonist HX531, suggesting a selective action on spinal cord RARs. The COX inhibitor dexketoprofen and the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist IL-1ra inhibited ATRA effect. The results indicate that COX and interleukin-1 are involved in the effects of ATRA in the spinal cord, similar to that seen in inflammation.Conclusions and implications:In conclusion, ATRA induces changes in the spinal cord similar to those observed in inflammation. The sensitization-like effect induced by ATRA was mediated by RARs and associated with a modulation of COX-2 and interleukin-1 activities. ATRA might be involved in the mechanisms underlying the initiation and/or maintenance of sensitization in the spinal cord.British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 149, 65–72. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706826; published online 17 July 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose:Retinoic acid is an active metabolite of vitamin A involved in the modulation of the inflammatory and nociceptive responses. The aim of the present study was to analyze the properties of spinal cord neuronal responses of male Wistar rats treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) p.o. in the normal situation and under carrageenan-induced inflammation. We also studied the expression and distribution of cyclooxygenases (COX) in the spinal cord.Experimental approach:Properties of spinal cord neurons were studied by means of the single motor unit technique. The expression of COX enzymes in the spinal cord was assessed by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry.Key results:Intensity thresholds for mechanical and electrical stimulation (C-fibers) were significantly lower in animals treated with ATRA than vehicle, either in normal rats or in rats with inflammation. The size of cutaneous receptive fields was also larger in animals treated with ATRA in the normal and inflammatory conditions. The expression of COX-2 enzyme, but not COX-1, was significantly higher in animals treated with ATRA. COX-2 labeling was observed in dorsal horn cells and in ventral horn motoneurons.Conclusions and implications:In conclusion, the oral treatment with ATRA in rats induces a sensitization-like effect on spinal cord neuronal responses similar to that observed in animals with inflammation and might explain the enhancement of allodynia and hyperalgesia observed in previously published behavioral experiments. The mechanism of action involves an over-expression of COX-2, but not COX-1, in dorsal and ventral horn areas of the lumbar spinal cord.British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 149, 56–64. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706829; published online 17 July 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weathering of lutites in aridic or near-aridic environments leading to soil horizons is not well known. Lutites are a common soil parent rock composed of silt and clay, that may be massive or may have their sedimentary origin marked by layers of alternating color or granulometry, or by fissility along planes. Lutites underlying soils are considered Cr horizons and show different alteration stages recognizable in the field by the degree of the layering disturbance or by the loss of coherence. In the study area, neither the dry climate nor the kind of clay minerals, mainly illite, can explain the weathering of lutites. This study was conducted to investigate the initial weathering reactions as encountered in Cr horizons, and to depict the processes responsible for pedogenesis from lutites in gypsiferous soils of the Ebro Valley (Spain). We described 12 soils in the field under two different soil moisture regimes, with further characterization through chemical analyses and micromorphology by thin section and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The microscopic study revealed two distinctive pedofeatures in the Cr horizons: (i) lenticular gypsum crystals; and (ii) "queras," sub-millimetric biotic features produced by calcification-decalcification processes. Growth of gypsum crystals in these horizons resulted in an "isles fabric," that is, isles of fine materials in a mass of gypsum crystals, with much greater porosity than the parent lutite. The growth of gypsum crystals and the development of queras result in a particle-size distribution change and an increased porosity of the Cr horizons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis of soil salinity and its spatial variability is required to establish control measures in irrigated agriculture. This article shows the usefulness of electromagnetic (EM) and soil sampling techniques to map salinity. We analysed the salinity of a 1-ha plot of surface-irrigated olive plantation in Aragon, NE Spain, by measuring the electrical conductivity of the saturation extract (ECe) of soil samples taken at 22 points, and by reading the Geonics EM38 sensor at 141 points in the horizontal (EMH) and vertical (EMV) dipole positions. EMH and EMV values had asymmetrical bimodal distributions, with most readings in the non-saline range and a sharp transition to relatively high readings. Most salinity profiles were uniform (i.e. EMH=EMV), except in areas with high salinity and concurrent shallow water tables, where the profiles were inverted as shown by EMH>EMV, and by ECe being greater in shallow than in deeper layers. The regressions of ECe on EM readings predicted ECe with R² > 84% for the 0-100 to 0-150 cm soil depths. We then produced salinity contour maps from the 141 ECe values estimated from the electromagnetic readings and the 22 measured values of ECe. Owing to the high soil sampling density, the maps were similar (i.e. mean surface-weighted ECe values between 3.9 dS m-1 and 4.2 dS m-1), although the electromagnetically estimated ECe improved the mapping of details. Whereas soil sampling is preferred for analysing the vertical distribution of soil salinity, the electromagnetic sensor is ideal for mapping the lateral variability of soil salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follows the kinetics of deposition of the Zn(Se,O) buffer during cell processing with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Study of thin-film solar cells of CuInS2/Zn(Se,O)/ZnO configuration from the point of view of their dependence on the Zn(Se,O) chemical bath deposition (CBD) conditions; Results that reflect a chemical modification of CuInS2, most probably caused by the ammonia of the bath solution.

Gives information on electromagnetic induction surveys which are used to estimate field-scale soil salinity patters and to infer changing salinity conditions with time. Materials and methods used in the survey; Information on the conditional regression approach; Results of the survey; Conclusions drawn form the survey.

The inhibitory effect of cyclosporin (CsA) was investigated on human lymphocytes stimulated by anti-T-cell antibodies (anti-CD3 and -CD2) or mitogenic lectins. Whereas inhibition of cell proliferation (50%) occurred at 10 ng/ml CsA after cell activation via CD3 or CD2, higher CsA concentrations (300 ng/ml) were necessary to inhibit lectin-mediated cell activation (PHA, Con A). Exogenous recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) partially reversed the inhibitory effect on antibody- stimulated cells only; however, at higher CsA concentrations (300 ng/ml) proliferation was again inhibited. Thus, CsA affected IL-2R expression and/or function at higher concentrations (300 ng/ml). CsA had no effect on receptor function as measured on 11-2-dependent cell growth of CTLL cells or preactivated lymphocytes. However, CsA inhibited both high and low affinity receptor expression as shown by [`251I]IL-2 equilibrium binding studies on anti-CD3-stimulated cells. Cross-linking studies revealed that both p55 (TAC) and p75 chains of the IL-2R were not induced at low CsA concentrations (10 ng/ml). However, addition of rIL-2 reversed CsA inhibition of IL-2R expression. It is concluded that CsA, at least in anti-CD3-stimulated cells, inhibits IL-2R expression and cell proliferation with similar potency. Exogenous rIL-2 reverses CsA inhibition of IL-2R expression. This might be due to binding of rIL-2 to receptors which escape CsA inhibition, thereby up- regulating receptor expression which is drug resistant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have integrated an STM unit with a conventional scanning electron microscope in order to perform STM-SEM correlative microscopy. The method is applied to an electrochemically facetted gold sample, which provides a surface structure suitable for this study. We discuss the factors which are relevant in order to obtain a quantitative resolution of the topographic surface structure, by taking advantage of the performances of both techniques. In particular we suggest the use of the STM height distribution as the best parameter for STM/SEM correlation. Finally, from the STM data we deduce that the main process during electrochemical etching is the formation of (111) faces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coexistence of sarcoidosis and pyoderma gangrenosum has rarely been reported. We have found only three cases in our review of the literature. Herein, we report a new case and discuss the role of trauma and immunosuppression in the development of PG, and the efficacy of cyclosporin A in PG and sarcoidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objectives of this study were to investigate sheep foragingbehaviour in mixed Atlantic woodland and to assess its impact on theforest understorey. We established 89 plots along four forest types:Fagus woodland, Quercus woodland, riparian gallery forest and conifer plantations. The presence of plant species in the forest understorey and their foraging damage was surveyed bimonthly from July 1996 to June 1997. In addition, we estimated the selection of woodland types by sheep through the pellet-group count technique. The intensity of foraging by sheep was negligible for most of the plant species, however several species showed substantial damage in some woodland types. Among the species that were abundant and widespread in the entire study area, Rubus ulmifolius, graminoids and Ilex aquifolium were consumed most. Sheep selected only larch plantations, where grasses and Rubus were very abundant. This grazing behaviour reduced browsing damage of the understorey of woodland stands with higher conservation value,such as Quercus and Fagus woodlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]