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Bárbara Fernández-Cidón,1–3 Ariadna Padró-Miquel,1 Pedro Alía-Ramos,1 María José Castro-Castro,1 Marta Fanlo-Maresma,4 Dolors Dot-Bach,1 José Valero-Politi,1 Xavier Pintó-Sala,4 Beatriz Candás-Estébanez1 1Clinical Laboratory, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; 2Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain; 3Department of Pharmacotherapy, Pharmacogenetics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; 4Cardiovascular Risk Unit, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain Background: High serum concentrations of small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sd-LDL-c) particles are associated with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Their clinical application has been hindered as a consequence of the laborious current method used for their quantification. Objective: Optimize a simple and fast precipitation method to isolate sd-LDL particles and establish a reference interval in a Mediterranean population. Materials and methods: Forty-five serum samples were collected, and sd-LDL particles were isolated using a modified heparin-Mg2+ precipitation method. sd-LDL-c concentration was calculated by subtracting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) from the total cholesterol measured in the supernatant. This method was compared with the reference method (ultracentrifugation). Reference values were estimated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine recommendations. sd-LDL-c concentration was measured in serums from 79 subjects with no lipid metabolism abnormalities. Results: The Passing–Bablok regression equation is y = 1.52 (0.72 to 1.73) + 0.07x (−0.1 to 0.13), demonstrating no significant statistical differences between the modified precipitation method and the ultracentrifugation reference method. Similarly, no differences were detected when considering only sd-LDL-c from dyslipidemic patients, since the modifications added to the precipitation method facilitated the proper sedimentation of triglycerides and other lipoproteins. The reference interval for sd-LDL-c concentration estimated in a Mediterranean population was 0.04–0.47 mmol/L. Conclusion: An optimization of the heparin-Mg2+ precipitation method for sd-LDL particle isolation was performed, and reference intervals were established in a Spanish Mediterranean population. Measured values were equivalent to those obtained with the reference method, assuring its clinical application when tested in both normolipidemic and dyslipidemic subjects. Keywords: sd-LDL-c, small dense lipoprotein, sd-LDL reference values

An abstract of the article "Benthic Microalgal Communities in a Spanish Karstic Stream With Different Sub-Environments," by D. Orgaz and colleagues is presented.

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by a wide range of neurological symptoms that begin with personality changes and psychiatric symptoms, progress to mild cognitive impairment, and eventually lead to dementia. Physical exercise is part of the non-pharmacological treatments used in Alzheimer's disease, as it has been shown to delay the neurodegenerative process by improving the redox state in brain tissue, providing anti-inflammatory effects or stimulating the release of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor that enhances the brain structure and cognitive performance. Here, we reviewed the results obtained from studies conducted in both animal models and human subjects to comprehend how physical exercise interventions can exert changes in the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiological processes in Alzheimer's disease: amyloid β-peptide pathology, tau pathology, neuroglial changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Physical exercise seems to have a protective effect against Alzheimer's disease, since it has been shown to induce positive changes in some of the biomarkers related to the pathophysiological processes of the disease. However, additional studies in humans are necessary to address the current lack of conclusive evidence.

Biological soil covers (BSCs) play a pivotal role in ecosystem functioning by enhancing soil stability, mediating nutrient cycling, and influencing soil hydrology. Recognized as ecosystem engineers, they can physically modify, maintain, or create habitats, facilitating plant community development. Through these intricate interactions, BSCs contribute significantly to ecological processes, highlighting their importance in the overall health and functionality of the ecosystems of the Iberian Peninsula. Here we present the results obtained from the contributions of the citizen scientists uploaded from November 2019 to January 2021 with eBryoSoil, an app that allows citizens to participate in mapping the BSC communities across the Iberian Peninsula. Here, we emphasize the importance of habitats and consequently, their interaction with climatic variables for the persistence of BSCs (lichens and bryophytes). Conservation efforts targeted at preserving diverse habitats are essential to ensure the continued presence of lichen and bryophyte communities. Despite challenges posed by the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, this citizen science project demonstrated success in utilizing a specifically tailored app to gather valuable information on BSC communities, providing insights into their vulnerability to climate change. This program serves as an illustrative example of how citizen science can effectively identify and study vulnerable habitats, offering a blueprint for future studies focused on understudied organisms., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The impact of cardiorespiratory fitness (VO 2max ) and obesity on indices of oxidative stress in plasma and circulating exosome-like extracellular vesicles (ELVs) were examined following acute exercise. Indices of oxidative stress in plasma and isolated plasma ELVs were examined in aerobically trained (NW-Tr; n = 15) and untrained (NW-UTr; n = 18) normal-weight individuals and aerobically untrained individuals with obesity (Ob-Utr; n = 10) prior to and immediately following acute maximal treadmill running. Following exercise, ELV flotillin-1 expression ( p = 0.008) and plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC; p = 0.010) increased more in NW-UTr compared to NW-Tr and Ob-UTr participants, whereas plasma protein carbonyls (PC) decreased more in Ob-UTr compared to NW-Tr and NW-UTr groups. ELV glutathione (GSH) concentrations decreased more in NW-Tr compared to NW-UTr and Ob-UTr participants ( p = 0.009), whereas lipid peroxidase (LPO) concentrations increased more in Ob-UTr compared to NW-Tr and NW-UTr participants ( p = 0.003). Body mass index (BMI) was associated negatively with plasma TAC and PC ( p < 0.05) and positively with ELV LPO concentration responses ( p = 0.009). Finally, plasma-to-total (plasma + ELV) GSH ratios decreased in Ob-UTr compared to NW-Tr and NW-UTr participants ( p = 0.006), PC ratios increased in NW-Tr and NW-UTr compared to Ob-UTr subjects ( p = 0.008), and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species ratios increased in NW-UTr and decreased in Ob-UTr participants ( p < 0.001). BMI, independently of VO 2max , differentially regulates indices of oxidative stress within plasma and circulating ELVs prior to and immediately following acute maximal treadmill exercise.

Introduction: Mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) reflects the adrenomedullin level, which has vasodilatory activity, decreases endothelial permeability, and downregulates proinflammatory cytokines. Sepsis diagnosis in these patients is difficult, and MR-proADM is a widely studied sepsis biomarker. This study evaluates MR-proADM levels during the resuscitation phase, considering the potential influence of haemodynamic changes and its usefulness for the early sepsis detection in burn patients., Methods: A prospective observational study performed in the Critical Burn Unit. Demographic data, burn characteristics, comorbidities, prognostic/severity scales, and haemodynamic parameters were collected. The resuscitation protocol guided by diuresis, transpulmonary thermodilution, and lactate levels was followed. Blood samples were collected at various time points for biomarker measurement. Biomarker levels, including MR-proADM, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were measured during the resuscitation phase and septic episodes., Results: Twenty-seven patients were included, with a mean age of 51 years, a mean total body surface area burn of 41.8%, a mean Abbreviated Burn Severity Index of 9.7, and a mean Baux score of 92. MR-proADM levels were elevated on admission (0.9 ± 0.5 nmol/l) and continued to increase slightly during the resuscitation phase (2.4 ± 2.2 nmol/l). Haemodynamic changes during resuscitation did not significantly affect MR-proADM levels. Twelve of the 27 patients developed sepsis, whose MR-proADM levels were significantly elevated on the day of clinical diagnosis (3.91 ± 2.99 nmol/l) and even the day before (2.57 ± 3.37). Higher MR-proADM levels were associated with greater severity as measured by the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. The mean MR-proadrenomedullin values during resuscitation in the patients who died was 3.51 ± 2.30 nmol/l, whereas in the survivors it was 1.28 ± 1.10 nmol/l (p = 0.0001)., Conclusion: MR-proadrenomedullin values are elevated after thermal injury but are not affected by haemodynamic changes. During septic episodes in burn patients, MR-proADM rises early (the day before sepsis diagnosis). Higher levels of MR-proADM are associated with greater organ dysfunction and mortality., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd and International Society of Burns Injuries. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aims: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is defined as a combination of low strength and muscle mass along with excess adiposity. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in candidates for bariatric surgery, according to ESPEN/EASO criteria using bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)., Methods: Retrospective study of adult patients (18-60 years) candidates for bariatric surgery (BMI ≥40 kg/m 2 or ≥35 kg/m 2 with associated complications). Adiposity was assessed by the percentage of fat mass by DXA, according to Gallagher's cut-off points. Muscle strength was measured by hand grip according to Sánchez-Torralvo, Dodds, and <-2SD cut-off points of healthy reference population. Muscle mass was determined by DXA (ALM/weight according to Batsis) and by BIA (SMM/weight according to Janssen and according to reference population). In addition, the agreement of the different diagnostic methods of sarcopenic obesity was analyzed., Results: A total of 124 subjects were included in the study, with 71.8 % being women. The overall mean age was 42.6 (SD 8.9) years. SO prevalence was found to be 13 %-22 % applying BIA with the SMM/weight equation according to Janssen, 14 %-23 % utilizing BIA with the SMM/weight equation according to the reference population, and 13 %-23 % employing DXA with the ALM/weight equation following Batsis criteria, depending on the specific hand grip strength cut-off points used. In general, we found good or very good concordances with the different diagnostic methods (with kappa values between 0.6 and 0.97)., Conclusions: The prevalence of SO according to ESPEN/EASO criteria in candidates for bariatric surgery was 13 %-23 % based on the diagnostic method and cut-off points used., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest None of the authors has a direct conflict of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.)

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with alterations of lipoprotein structure and function that can be characterized with advanced lipoprotein testing (ADLT). The effect of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and weight loss on the lipoprotein subclass profile has been scarcely studied. Within the PREDIMED-Plus randomized controlled trial, a sub-study conducted at Bellvitge Hospital recruiting center evaluated the effects of a weight loss program based on an energy-reduced MedDiet (er-MedDiet) and physical activity (PA) promotion (intervention group) compared with energy-unrestricted MedDiet recommendations (control group) on ADLT-assessed lipoprotein subclasses. 202 patients with MetS ( n = 107, intervention; n = 95, control) were included. Lipid profiles were determined, and ADLT was performed at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Linear mixed models were used to assess the effects of intervention on lipoprotein profiles. Compared to the control diet, at 12 months, the er-MedDiet+PA resulted in a significant additional 4.2 kg of body weight loss, a decrease in body mass index by 1.4 kg/m 2 , reduction in waist circumference by 2.2 cm, decreased triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol, and increased HDL-cholesterol. In er-MedDiet+PA participants, ADLT revealed a decrease in small dense-LDL-cholesterol (sd-LDL-C), intermediate-density lipoproteins, VLDL-triglyceride, and HDL-Triglyceride, and an increase in large LDL and large VLDL particles. In conclusion, compared to an ad libitum MedDiet (control group), er-MedDiet+PA decreased plasma triglycerides and the triglyceride content in HDL and VLDL particles, decreased sd-LDL-C, and increased large LDL particles, indicating beneficial changes against cardiovascular disease.

Exosome release varies depending on the physiological state of the cell, so they could play a fundamental role in obesity, the biggest pandemic in today's societies. The beneficial effects that physical activity has both on weight and cardiovascular parameters may be mediated by exosomes released in response to exercise. Thus, we aimed (I) to study the influence of a 12-week CT intervention on exosome cargo modifications in men with obesity and (II) to determine whether changes in exosomes after the intervention were related to changes in cardiometabolic health parameters in our cohorts. An experimental, controlled design was performed in twelve (nine with valid data) adult male obese patients (mean values: 41.6 years old, 97.6 kg and 32.4 kg/m 2 ) who were randomly divided into a control group ( n = 4) and a training group ( n = 5), which completed 36 sessions of CT (concurrent training) for 12 weeks. Before and after the training period, cardiometabolic health parameters were evaluated and blood samples to measure exosomes and proteins were drawn. No changes were observed in the levels of any exosomal markers and proteins; however, associations of changes between CD81 and both fat mass and weight, Flot-1 and VO 2max , HSP70 and both CRP and left ventricle diastolic diameter or CD14 and leptin were found (all p ≤ 0.05). Although the current CT was not able to clearly modify the exosome cargo, a certain medium to large clinical effect was manifested considering the nature of this study. Moreover, the associations found between the promoted changes in cardiometabolic parameters and exosome-carried proteins could indicate a relationship to be considered for future treatments in patients with obesity.

The current shortage of pediatric multivisceral donors accounts for the long time and mortality on the waiting list of pediatric patients. The use of donors after cardiac death, especially after the outbreak of normothermic regional perfusion, has increased in recent years for all solid organs except the intestine, mainly because of its higher susceptibility to ischemia-reperfusion injury. We present the first literature case of multivisceral donors after cardiac death transplantation in a 13-month-old recipient from a 2.5-month-old donor. Once exitus was certified, an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit was established, cannulating the aorta and infrarenal vena cava, while the supra-aortic branches were clamped. The abdominal organs completely recovered from ischemia through normothermic regional perfusion (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initially and beating heart later). After perfusion with the preservation solution, the multivisceral graft was uneventfully implanted. Two months later, the patient was discharged without any complications. This case demonstrates the possibility of reducing the time spent on the waiting list for these patients., (Copyright © 2022 American Society of Transplantation & American Society of Transplant Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The benefits of normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) in posttransplant outcomes after controlled donation after the determination of death by circulatory criteria (cDCD) has been shown in different international adult experiences. However, there is no information on the use of NRP in pediatric cDCD donors., Methods: This is a multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study describing the pediatric (<18 y) cDCD procedures performed in Spain, using either abdominal NRP or thoracoabdominal NRP and the outcomes of recipients of the obtained organs., Results: Thirteen pediatric cDCD donors (age range, 2-17 y) subject to abdominal NRP or thoracoabdominal NRP were included. A total of 46 grafts (24 kidneys, 11 livers, 8 lungs, 2 hearts, and 1 pancreas) were finally transplanted (3.5 grafts per donor). The mean functional warm ischemic time was 15 min (SD 6 min)' and the median duration of NRP was 87 min (interquartile range, 69-101 min). One-year noncensored for death kidney graft survival was 91.3%. The incidence of delayed graft function was 13%. One-year' noncensored-for-death liver graft survival was 90.9%. All lung and pancreas recipients had an excellent evolution. One heart recipient died due to a septic shock., Conclusions: This is the largest experience of pediatric cDCD using NRP as graft preservation method. Although our study has several limitations, such as its retrospective nature and the small sample size, its reveals that NRP may increase the utilization of cDCD pediatric organs and offer optimal recipients' outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no funding or conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Colonization of new habitat patches is a key aspect of metacommunity dynamics, particularly for sessile organisms. Mosses can establish in new patches through fragmentation, with different vegetative structures acting as propagules. Despite the importance of these propagules for successful colonization the specific aspects that favour moss colonization by vegetative propagules remain poorly understood, including the effect of propagule size. We examine the intra- and interspecific variation of establishment and colonization success in culture of propagules of different sizes in six widespread soil moss species of contrasting growth form (Dicranum scoparium, Homalothecium aureum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Ptychostomum capillare, Syntrichia ruralis and Tortella squarrosa). We obtained three different size classes of propagules from artificially fragmented vegetative material, and assessed their establishment under controlled light and temperature conditions. We characterize the size, shape, apparent viability, morphological type and size changes due to hydration states of the propagules, all of them traits with potentially significant influence in their dispersal pattern and establishment. Then we assess the effect of these traits on moss establishment, using indicators of surface establishment (number of established shoots and colonized surface) and biomass production (viable biomass) as proxies of colonization success. The establishment indicators related to colonization surface and biomass production differ among species and propagule sizes. The magnitude of the interspecific differences of all indicators of establishment success was larger at the smaller propagule size class. T. squarrosa was the most successful species, and D. scoparium showed the lowest performance. We also found interspecific differences in the hydration dynamics of the propagules. The process of establishment by vegetative fragments operates differently among moss species. Besides, differences between hydration states in propagules of some species could be part of syndromes for both dispersal and establishment. This study unveils several functional traits relevant for moss colonization, such as wet versus dry area and length of fragments, which may improve our understanding of their spatial dynamics., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Aging is related to changes in the redox status, low-grade inflammation, and decreased endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response (UPR). Exercise has been shown to regulate the inflammatory response, balance redox homeostasis, and ameliorate the UPR. This work aimed to investigate the effects of resistance training on changes in the UPR, oxidative status, and inflammatory responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of elderly subjects. Thirty elderly subjects volunteered to participate in an 8-week resistance training program, and 11 youth subjects were included for basal assessments. Klotho, heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), oxidative marker expression (catalase, glutathione, lipid peroxidation, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, protein carbonyls, reactive oxygen species, and superoxide dismutase 1 and 2), the IRE1 arm of UPR, and TLR4/TRAF6/pIRAK1 pathway activation were evaluated before and following training. No changes in the HSP60 and Klotho protein content, oxidative status markers, and TLR4/TRAF6/pIRAK1 pathway activation were found with exercise. However, an attenuation of the reduced pIRE1/IRE1 ratio was observed following training. Systems biology analysis showed that a low number of proteins (RPS27A, SYVN1, HSPA5, and XBP1) are associated with IRE1, where XBP1 and RPS27A are essential nodes according to the centrality analysis. Additionally, a gene ontology analysis confirms that endoplasmic reticulum stress is a key mechanism modulated by IRE1. These findings might partially support the modulatory effect of resistance training on the endoplasmic reticulum in the elderly.

Background: Genetic risk scores (GRSs) have partially improved the understanding of the etiology of moderate hypertriglyceridemia (HTG), which until recently was mainly assessed by secondary predisposing causes. The main objective of this study was to assess whether this variability is due to the interaction between clinical variables and GRS. Methods: We analyzed 276 patients with suspected polygenic HTG. An unweighted GRS was developed with the following variants: c.724C > G (ZPR1 gene), c.56C > G (APOA5 gene), c.1337T > C (GCKR gene), g.19986711A > G (LPL gene), c.107 + 1647T > C (BAZ1B gene) and g.125478730A > T (TRIB gene). Interactions between the GRS and clinical variables (body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption, age and gender) were evaluated. Results: The GRS was associated with triglyceride (TG) concentrations. There was a significant interaction between BMI and GRS, with the intensity of the relationship between the number of alleles and the TG concentration being greater in individuals with a higher BMI. Conclusions: GRS is associated with plasma TG concentrations and is markedly influenced by BMI. This finding could improve the stratification of patients with a high genetic risk for HTG who could benefit from more intensive healthcare interventions.

Objective: SLE is associated with increased cardiovascular risk (CVR). High serum concentrations of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and apolipoprotein B-rich particles constitute the characteristic dyslipidaemia of SLE., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to study the relationship between genetic variants involved in polygenic hypertriglyceridaemia, subclinical atherosclerosis and lipoprotein abnormalities. 73 women with SLE and 73 control women age-matched with the case group were recruited (age range 30-75 years). Serum analysis, subclinical atherosclerosis screening studies for the detection of plaque, and genetic analysis of the APOE , ZPR1 , APOA5 and GCKR genes were performed., Results: Triglyceride concentrations and the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and carotid atherosclerosis were higher in women with SLE than in the control group. Multivariate logistic regression showed that CC homozygosity for the GCKR rs1260326 gene (OR=0.111, 95% CI 0.015 to 0.804, p=0.030) and an increase of 1 mmol/L in triglyceride concentrations were associated with a greater risk of carotid plaque in women with SLE (OR=7.576, 95% CI 2.415 to 23.767, p=0.001)., Conclusions: GCKR CC homozygosity (rs1260326) and serum triglyceride concentrations are independently associated with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in women with SLE. Subclinical carotid atherosclerosis is also more prevalent in these women compared with the control group. The study of GCKR rs1260326 gene variants may contribute to more precise assessment of CVR and modulation of the intensity of lipid-lowering treatment in patients with SLE., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Childhood obesity is identified as one of the major public health issues to increase the risk for cardiometabolic diseases and related complications in adulthood. The literature has supported inflammation and oxidative stress as the primary underlying mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-related diseases. Epidemiological evidence consistently shows the benefits of physical activity in the improvement of obesity-mediated inflammation and oxidative stress status. In this narrative mini-review, the available scientific evidence on the potential effects of exercise in alleviating these susceptibilities in childhood obesity will be assessed., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Estébanez, Huang, Rivera-Viloria, González-Gallego and Cuevas.)

Ascorbic acid (AA) is a potent oxygen-free radical scavenger. We hypothesized that treating severe burn patients with high doses of AA (HDAA) can reduce fluid resuscitation requirements and prevent organ dysfunction. We performed a unicentric, retrospective case-control study of 75 burn patients: 25 patients admitted from 2018 to 2019 with more than 30% Total Surface Body Surface Area (TSBA) burned who received HDAA (66 mg/kg/h as soon as possible after admission until 36 h after injury), and 50 patients admitted from 2014 to 2017 with similar Abbreviated Burn Severity Index (ABSI)/Baux scores who were treated with the same protocol but did not receive HDAA. During the first 24 hours of burn resuscitation the HDAA group required less fluids than the control group (3.06 ± 0.87 ml/kg/%TBSA vs 4.32 ± 1.51 P < .05), but the overall reduction of fluid requirements during the first 72 hours was not significant. There were no significant differences in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), other hemodynamic parameters, complications, or mortality. We also did not find an increase acute kidney injury in patients who received HDAA even though the mean urine oxalate/creatinine ratio was 0.61 (0.02-0.96). We conclude that in severe burn patients treated with a restrictive fluid therapy protocol, administration of HDAA can decrease only the initial fluid requirements but not total fluid intakes. We did not find differences in severity score after resuscitation or in mortality. Nor did we find an increase in renal failure in patients administered with HDAA., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Burn Association. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)