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The spatial and temporal distribution of selected endocrine disrupting compounds (4- tert -octylphenol, 4- n -octylphenol, 4- n -nonylphenol, nonylphenol, and bisphenol A) in two coastal areas of the Iberian Peninsula (Ria de Vigo and Mar Menor lagoon) were evaluated for the first time. Seawater and sediment samples collected during spring and autumn of 2015 were analysed using greener extraction techniques and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The presence of branched isomers (4- tert -octylphenol and nonylphenol) and bisphenol A in almost all seawater and sediment samples demonstrated their importance as pollutants in the frame of water policy, while no concentrations of linear isomers (4- n -octylphenol and 4- n -nonylphenol) were found. Higher seawater levels were observed in Mar Menor lagoon, especially in spring, associated with wastewater treatment plant effluents and nautical, agricultural and industrial activities. Similar sediment concentrations were measured in both studied areas, being nonylphenol levels five times higher than those measured for the other EDCs. Experimental sediment–water partition coefficients showed a moderate sorption of target compounds to sediments. Risk quotients for water compartment evidenced a moderate risk posed by nonylphenol, considering the worst-case scenario. For sediments, moderate risk related to 4- tert -octylphenol and high risk to nonylphenol were estimated. Image 1 • 4-alkylphenols and bisphenol A important pollutants in Ria de Vigo and Mar Menor lagoon. • The highest concentration measured in seawater corresponding to bisphenol A. • Sediment concentrations of nonylphenol five times higher than other compounds. • Wastewater treatment plant effluents and nautical activities main sources of pollution. • Potential risk posed by nonylphenol in both estuaries was indicated by risk quotient estimations. Occurrence, distribution and environmental impact of selected endocrine disrupting compounds in marine environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this review is to summarize information on microfibers in seawater and sediments from available scientific information. Microfibers were found in all reviewed documents. An heterogeneous approach is observed, with regard to sampling methodologies and units. Microfibers in sediments range from 1.4 to 40 items per 50 mL or 13.15 to 39.48 items per 250 g dry weight. In the case of water, microfibers values ranges from 0 to 450 items·m − 3 or from 503 to 459,681 items·km − 2 . Blue is the most common color in seawater and sediments, followed by transparent and black in the case of seawater, and black and colorful in sediments. Related with polymer type, polypropylene is the most common in water and sediments, followed by polyethylene in water and polyester in water and sediments. Some polymers were described only in water samples: high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene and cellophane, whilst only rayon was reported in sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild mussels ( Mytilus galloprovincialis ) were selected as bioindicators of chemical pollution to evaluate the occurrence and spatial distribution of five endocrine disrupting compounds in the Spanish Atlantic coast and Bay of Biscay. A total of 24 samples were collected in May, 2011 and analysed by selective pressurized liquid extraction followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry determination. Branched alkylphenols (4- tert -octylphenol and nonylphenol) were determined in more than 90% of the analysed samples whereas the presence of linear alkylphenols (4- n -octylphenol and 4- n -nonylphenol) was scarcely detected (< 12% of the samples). Wastewater treatment plants discharges and nautical, fishing and shipping activities were considered the primary sources of contamination by alkylphenols. Bisphenol A was found in 16% of the analysed samples associated to punctual industrial discharges. A total endocrine disrupting compound (alkylphenols and bisphenol A) average concentration of 604 ng g − 1 dw was calculated and nonylphenol was the main contributor in almost all sampling points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Physicians have observed ventilation disorders in patients with COVID-19. The possible impairment of the diaphragm could be related to the systemic inflammatory response that typifies this infection. We aimed to assess the diaphragmatic function in patients with severe COVID-19. Methods: We recruited patients admitted with pneumonia and positive PCR for SARS-CoV-2, differentiating two groups according to their respiratory symptoms. The cases group consisted of 9 inpatients with moderate-severe dyspnea, pain with diaphragmatic origin or hiccup. The control group consisted of 10 inpatients who suffered from mild dyspnea. We performed phrenic nerve electroneurogram and diaphragmatic ultrasound to assess the diaphragmatic function. Results: We observed differences in the amplitude of evoked potentials, being 25.92% (SEM:7.22) in the cases group vs 19.81% (SEM:5.27) in the control group (p = 0.711). The right diaphragm thickness mean was 46.67% (SEM:8.86) in the cases group vs 62.15% (SEM:5.58) in the control group (p = 0.432), the left diaphragm thickness mean was 57.89% (SEM:15.36) in the cases group vs 73.34% (SEM:6.74) in the control group (p = 0.730), the right expiratory fraction mean was 0.53 (SEM:0.11) in the cases group vs 0.59 (SEM:0.05) in the control group (p = 0.674), and the left expiratory fraction mean was 0.58 (SEM:0.15) in the cases group vs 0.73 (SEM:0.07) in the control group (p = 0.195). Conclusion: Although diaphragmatic dysfunction is difficult to detect, our combined functional and morphological approach with electroneurograms and ultrasounds could improve diagnostic sensitivity. We suggest that diaphragmatic dysfunction could play a relevant role in respiratory failure in patients with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: One of the most relevant findings of COVID-19 is the respiratory damage that leads to an impairment in tissue oxygenation during the course of the disease. To study this disease's physiopathology, we have analyzed the respiratory patterns and the hemodynamic variations related to postural changes in inpatients with COVID-19. Methods: We performed a prospective study including 11 polygraph and hemodynamic studies from inpatients admitted for COVID-19 who benefited from positional changes. To assess the respiratory parameters, we conducted polygraph studies. To evaluate the hemodynamic variables, we used a thoracic electrical bioimpedance. Results: We observed a minimum oxygen saturation median of 85.00% (IQR: 7.00) in the supine position vs 91.00% (IQR: 8.00) in the prone position (p=0.173). The airflow restriction in the supine position was 2.70% (IQR: 6.55) vs 1.55% (IQR: 2.80) in the prone position (p=0.383). We observed a slight tendency to decrease in all parameters in the prone position concerning the hemodynamic variables, although they were no statistically significant. We show a decrease in vascular resistance mean in the prone position, being 18.2% vs 36.4% in the supine position (p=0.871). Conclusion: Our report shows an improvement in oxygen saturation and airflow restriction related to the placement of the patient in the prone position. Also, we observed a mild enhancement in hemodynamic variables. The data shown is relevant because early identification of the more severe cases could help anticipate the clinical progression using the therapeutic oxygen measures necessary to avoid the disease's fatal progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons were determined in three species of commercial shellfish, namely razor shells (Ensis arcuatus and Ensis siliqua), goose barnacle (Pollicipes cornucopia) and sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus), living in different habitats and exhibiting different feeding behaviors. The samples were collected monthly, from January 2003 to October 2004, in three stations of the Galicia coast (NW Spain), following the Prestige oil spill, with the aim of assessing their response to the spill and, therefore, their suitability for monitoring purposes. The aliphatic fractions were mostly dominated by biogenic hydrocarbons, reflecting the diet composition of the organisms and their low metabolic capacity. The presence of oil was assessed by the determination of chemical markers. The analysis of the aromatic fractions revealed the occurrence of 3–6 ring parent and alkylated PAHs, consistent with a mixed petrogenic–pyrolytic origin, with the common feature of the predominance of chrysene in all samples collected after the spill. However, the distributions exhibited both temporal and interspecies variations. The PAH concentrations (Σ13) increased significantly after the spill and decreased 6–7 months later close to background levels for the region. One year after the accident, the median values were: 58μg/kg for razor shells, 26μg/kg for barnacles, and 25μg/kg for sea urchins. The temporal evolution of the PAH concentrations along the survey period was used to estimate loss rates for bioavailable PAHs in barnacles and sea urchins after the spill. Half-life values were in the order of 30 and 60d, respectively. The results of the study demonstrate that barnacles can be suitable species for oil spill monitoring. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in tissues of wild mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from the Galicia coast (NW Spain) in order to assess the extent of the environmental impact caused by the Prestige oil spill (November 13, 2002). Three sampling campaigns were carried out in February, June and November 2003 at 24 stations along the Galicia coast, from La Guardia (Pontevedra) to Ribadeo (Lugo). The spatial distribution of PAHs found in the first sampling period, clearly revealed the central area (Costa da Morte) as the most affected by the oil spill. In these stations, concentrations up to 7780 μg/kg dw of the sum of 13 parent PAHs were found 2–3 months after the spill. Molecular parameters within the aliphatic and aromatic fractions confirmed the presence of the Prestige oil in these samples. The levels markedly decreased at most of the stations in the second sampling and recovered to levels found before the spill in November 2003, 1 year after the accident (29–279 μg/kg dw, av. 133±83 μg/kg dw). However, a certain increase was observed in some sites which could be related to the remobilization of oil residues from still unclean intertidal spots or sediments due to the winter marine weather conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the effects of repeated capture on physiological, haematological and biochemical parameters of mouflon. Increase in body temperature, mature neutrophil count and lactate; Decline in red blood cells, hemoglobin, total lipid and zinc; Relation between the changes and stress.

Examines the suitability of the Sysmex F-800 hematological analyser for use with equine blood samples. Stability of the red blood count and hemoglobin concentration; Decrease in platelet count; Modifications needed to improve the system.

A semiautomatic electronic system for counting blood cells in veterinary haematology (Sysmex F-800) was evaluated. A total of 100 samples of canine blood were analysed. The results for leucocyte (WBC), erythrocyte (RBC), and platelet (PLT) counts, the haemoglobin concentration (Hb), and haematocrit value (Hct) obtained using the autoanalyser were compared with those obtained using a manual method as a reference. The results show very high levels of correlation for WBC (r = 0.96), Hb (r = 0.97) and Hct (r = 0,95) and high levels for RBC (r = 0.85) and PLT (r = 0.72). The precision is satisfactory in all the parameters studied with the exception of the platelet count (CV= 10.2 %) where it is unsatisfactory. Taking into consideration the margin of error associated with manual cell counting methods, we conclude that this haematological analyser is sufficiently accurate for work with blood samples from dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurological complications associated with COVID-19 are a significant cause of morbidity, affecting both central and peripheral nervous systems. We aim to assess the electrophysiological features of peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) in patients with COVID-19. Methods: We included 31 patients between March 2020 and April 2021 with a suspected diagnosis of PNI with COVID-19. We performed motor and sensory nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) in the upper and lower extremities. Results: The mean age was 66.8±3.1 years (21 males, 10 females). A 96.7% (30 patients) were admitted to ICU, with a mean stay of 32.9±5.1 days. The neurophysiological examination showed, in descending order: mixed polyneuropathies 22.6% (7 patients), motor axonal polyneuropathies 19.4% (6 patients), sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathies 19.4% (6 patients), peroneal mononeuropathies 12.9% (4 patients), brachial plexopathies 12.9% (4 patients), Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) 6.4% (2 patients), Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) 3.2% (1 patient) and femoral mononeuropathy 3.2% (1 patient). The low amplitude in both motor and sensory conduction studies was the most common neurophysiological finding except in GBS and MFS that showed prolonged distal latency and slow conduction velocity. EMG showed spontaneous activity in all patients. Conclusion: Our study shows the main neuropathy damage related to COVID-19 was critical illness polyneuropathy; however, we must consider mononeuropathies in these patients. There is broad evidence concerning the peripheral nervous system injury as a complication in patients hospitalized by COVID-19, being the neurophysiological tests a valuable tool to assess the peripheral nerve function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis type 3 (FHL3) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in UNC13D gene, coding the granule priming factor Munc13-4 that intervenes in NK and T cell cytotoxic function. Here we report the case of a 17-month-old girl with prolonged symptomatic EBV infectious mononucleosis and clinical symptoms of hemophagocytic syndrome. In vitro functional analysis pointed to a degranulation defect. The genetic analysis of UNC13D gene identified initially a heterozygous mutation (c.753 + 1G > T) in the donor splice-site that resulted in exon 9 skipping (maternal allele). Mutations in other genes were considered, but additional analysis of UNC13D cDNA revealed in the paternal allele a heterozygous transition from G to A (c.2448 - 13G > A) at the 3' acceptor splice-site in intron 25, generating a new acceptor splice-site that leads to a frameshift and a premature STOP codon. Allele specific amplification of the cDNA confirmed the absence of a functional mRNA from the paternal allele. This case illustrates an atypical compound heterozygous UNC13D mutation affecting the RNA splicing that generates a typical FHL3 phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]