Multifractal analysis application to the study of fat and its infiltration in Iberian ham: Influence of racial and feeding factors and type of slicing.

This paper explores the multifractal features of different commercial designations of Iberian ham (acorn 100% Iberian ham, acorn Iberian ham, feed/pasture Iberian ham and feed Iberian ham). This study has been done by taking as input the fatty infiltration patterns obtained from digital image analysis of ham cuts comparing mechanic and manual slicing. The yielded results show the multifractal nature of fatty connective tissue in Iberian ham, only when knife cutting is applied, confirming the differences between the designations according to their genetics and feeding. Thus, the multifractal parameters presented in this work could be considered as additional information for checking Iberian ham quality by using non-destructive methods based on the combination of image analysis and predictive techniques. Meat industry can take advantage of these methods to evaluate meat products, especially when fat-connective tissue with complex pattern distribution is involved.

Multifractal analysis application to the characterization of fatty infiltration in Iberian and White pork sirloins.

This paper applies the multifractal analysis based on the sandbox method to describe the distribution of fatty infiltration in Iberian and White pork meat with the aim of characterization and classification. This work was carried out by making photographs of sirloin cuts of both breeds and then treated with image analysis software. The obtained image data were stored in text format and constituted the input for multifractal analysis. The results obtained show that pork sirloin connective fatty tissue exhibits a multifractal type of scaling. Significant correlations were found between some of the parameters governing the multifractal behavior and fat percentage, especially in the case of Iberian sirloin. The differences found for the relationships between the generalized fractal dimensions and fat percentage provide information for the categorization of the studied meat pieces.

Successful kidney transplantation reduces hyperplastic parathyroid gland.

INTRODUCTION: In dialysis patients, the parathyroid glands (PTGs) may increase progressively, producing abnormal bone metabolism. Changes in PTG volume among patients with hyperplastic PTGs are not well known after kidney transplantation. This study investigated PTG volume by ultrasound (US). METHODS: US of PTG was performed immediately (US-0) and 12 months after (US-12) transplantation to identify glands in all recipients. We calculated the percentage reduction in PTG volume (R%PTG). We declared it significant when it was > or =35%. Bone biochemical markers and renal function were recorded sequentially. RESULTS: Among engrafted patients, parathyroid US-0 was performed in 47 and US-0 and US-12 in 36. Some visible gland was observed upon US-0 in 13 recipients, a group that showed higher pretransplantation parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels than the remaining 34 patients with no visible glands (627 +/- 360.0 vs 280 +/- 240.9 pg/mL; P < .05). Of 36 recipients with US-0 and US-12, the baseline study identified PTGs in 12 patients (p+ group), while the remaining 24 had no identified glands (p- group). In the p+ group, no PTG, at US-12 were visible in four patients, and a significant R%PTG was observed in three at this time, representing a reduction in gland volume after transplantation among 58.3% of p+ patients. There was a progressive reduction in PTH among both groups. Patients with glandular volume reduction displayed better renal function: serum creatinine 1.7 +/- .79 versus 2.9 +/- .74 mg/dL (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Transplantation reversed hyperparathyroidism and PTG volume among recipients who achieved nearly normal renal function.

Catecholamine levels in practitioners of the transcendental meditation technique.

With the aim of evaluating the sympathetic-adrenal medulla system in subjects practicing transcendental meditation (TM), their plasma catecholamine levels were determined at two different times of day. The study group consisted of 19 subjects who regularly practice either TM or Sidhi-TM technique, with a control group made up of 16 healthy subjects who had not previously used any relaxation technique. Catecholamine plasma levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography, at 0900 and 2000 h. Morning and evening norepinephrine (NE) levels and morning epinephrine (E) levels were significantly lower in the TM group than in the control subjects (morning NE levels, pg/ml, mean+/-S.E.: TM group 136.6+/-13.0, control 236.8+/-21.0, P=.0001; evening NE levels: TM group 119.7+/-10.8, control 175.6+/-17.4, P=.009; morning E levels, pg/ml: TM group 140.2+/-10.6, control 196.7+/-23.8, P=.019). No differences were recorded for evening E levels and dopamine (DA) levels. No significant differences were found for catecholamine levels measured at different times of day in the TM group, demonstrating a lack of daily hormonal rhythm. Anxiety levels were similar in both groups. Based on the results obtained, it can be considered that the regular practice of TM has a significant effect on the sympathetic-adrenal medulla system. A low hormonal response to daily stress caused by sympathetic tone regulation through regular TM could explain our results, as well as the physiological and other effects related to the field of health described in those who practice meditation.

ACTH and beta-endorphin in transcendental meditation.

We have evaluated the effect of Transcendental Meditation (TM) on the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenal axis diurnal rhythms through the determination of hormone levels. Blood samples were taken at 0900 hours. and at 2000 hours. These samples were taken from 18 healthy volunteers who regularly practice TM and from nine healthy non-meditators. Cortisol, beta-endorphin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were measured at both hours. TM practitioners showed no diurnal rhythm for ACTH and for beta-endorphin (ACTH, pg/mL, mean +/- SE; 13.8+/-1.2 - 12.1+/-1.5/beta-endorphin, pg/mL; 14.4+/-1.5 - 17.2+/-1.9, at 0900 hours and 2000 hours, respectively), in contrast to control subjects, who showed normal diurnal rhythm for these hormones and for cortisol (ACTH, pg/mL; 19.4+/-1.9 - 11.9+/-2.2/beta-endorphin, pg/mL; 25.4+/-1.7 - 17.7+/-1.1/Cortisol, ng/mL; 201.4+/-13.2 - 71.3+/-6.5, at 0900-2000 hours, respectively, p < 0.01 in the three cases). Practitioners of TM with similar anxiety levels to those of the control group showed a different pattern in the daytime secretion of pituitary hormones. TM thus appears to have a significant effect on the neuroendocrine axis. Because cortisol levels had a normal pattern in the TM group, these results may be due to a change in feedback sensitivity caused by this mental technique.

Lymphocyte subpopulations and catecholamines; daytime variations and relationships.

The diurnal variations and their possible relations with endogenous catecholamines have been studied in 16 apparently healthy subjects (8 women and 8 men, between 22-35 years of age). A butterfly cannula was inserted into the flexure vein of the elbow at 8 h and at 20 h, a blood sample being taken after three 15-minute intervals. Leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes were quantified in a cell counter while lymphocyte subpopulations were determined with flow cytometry in cells labelled with specific monoclonal antibodies. Plasma catecholamine concentrations were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Significant differences for leukocyte circulating levels were found, as well as for all subpopulations measured at different times of day, save NK cells and monocytes. A statistically significant correlation was also found both between leukocytes, all subpopulations and epinephrine save B lymphocytes and NK cells, and between total lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, CD4, CD4/45RA+ subtypes and norepinephrine. In conclusion, diurnal rhythms were proved to exist in leukocyte and lymphocyte subpopulations; the significant correlation between these cells and catecholamine plasma levels suggests the presence of a possible mechanism that connects the cellular immunity with determined hormones.

Changes in tissue calcium and phosphorus content and plasma concentrations of parathyroid hormone and calcitonin after long-term magnesium deficiency in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of dietary magnesium (Mg) deficiency on plasma levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin (CT), and the changes in tissue calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) content. METHODS: Wistar rats were fed an Mg-deficient diet. Plasma levels of PTH and CT, and Ca and P content in plasma, whole blood, skeletal muscle, heart, kidney, femoral bone and brain, were determined after 7, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63 and 70 days. RESULTS: Mg deficiency significantly increased plasma levels of ionic Ca after 1 week of deficiency, and significantly increased total Ca in plasma and whole blood after 5 weeks. Whole blood and plasma levels of P decreased significantly after 8 and 5 weeks, respectively, in comparison with values obtained in pair-fed control rats. Plasma levels of CT were not modified by hypercalcemia and hypomagnesemia. Plasma PTH decreased significantly during the first 3 weeks, then recovered gradually, reaching control values in week 7 and remaining stable thereafter, despite elevated levels of ionic Ca. The Mg-deficient diet led to calcification in skeletal muscle, heart, kidney and femur, detectable as early as week 5. However, P content increased only in kidney after 1 week, decreased in heart and femur after 5 weeks, and did not change in muscle. The Mg-deficient diet did not significantly modify Ca or P content in brain. CONCLUSION: Mg deficiency led to tissue calcification and decreased P levels in blood, heart, and femur. These changes did not affect CT secretion. PTH appeared to be more closely related with hypomagnesemia than with hypercalcemia.

CA 125, CA 15.3, CA 27.29, CEA, beta-hCG and alpha-fetoprotein levels in cyst fluid of breast macrocysts.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the tumoral markers CA 125, CA 15.3, CA 27.29, CEA, beta-hCG and alpha-fetoprotein in serum and breast cystic fluid in women with fibrocystic breast disease. METHODS: The study comprised 50 women diagnosed with fibrocystic breast disease but without breast macrocysts, and 60 women with macrocysts. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of CA 125, CA 27.29, beta-hCG and CEA were observed in the cyst fluid than in the serum of the same patients. According to their K+/Na+ quotient we found that when K+/Na+ was < 3, cyst fluid CA 125, CA 27.29, beta-hCG and CEA levels were significantly higher than serum levels. However, when K+/Na+ was > 3, only CA 27.29 and beta-hCG levels were significantly higher. Comparing cyst fluid marker levels with respect to the K+/Na+ ratio, the only difference observed was in CA 125 which was significantly greater when K+/Na+ was < 3. A negative correlation was found between CA 125 and the K+/Na+ quotient. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that CA 125 could be used as a marker to identify cyst type.

Upmodulation by estrogen of HLA class I expression in breast tumor cell lines.

The expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens was studied in five breast carcinoma cell lines before and after treatment with 17-beta estradiol. Increased HLA class I antigen expression correlated with the presence of estrogen receptors. The modulation of expression appeared to be mediated by transcriptional mechanisms, as revealed by class I mRNA levels. To elucidate the basis of MHC class I upregulation, we examined transcriptional factor binding activity to the class I regulatory element (CRE). Our results showed that 17-beta estradiol induced increases in factor binding activity to the CRE II probe, and decreases to the CRE I probe. In addition, our results suggested that factors that bind the CRE I region may modulate the binding of CRE II. Binding to CRE II was significantly increased in extracts pretreated with a competitor that contained the CRE I sequence, and that bound NF-kB/kBF1. In addition, induction of NF-kB binding activity by the tumor necrosis factor was accompanied by a decrease in nuclear factors that bind to the CRE II region.

[Evaluation of the hemodynamic and endocrino-metabolic response to tracheal intubation in patients anesthetized with thiopental or propofol]. / Valoración de la respuesta hemodinámica y endocrinometabólica a la intubación traqueal en pacientes anestesiados con tiopental o propofol.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of thiopental and propofol on hemodynamic and metabolic endocrine response to laryngoscopy and intubation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected two homogeneous groups of 14 healthy patients premedicated with midazolam i.m. (0.07 mg/kg). Induction was with diazepam (0.1 mg/kg), fentanyl (2 micrograms/kg), atropine 0.5 mg and thiopental or propofol (4-6.5 mg/kg and 1.5-2.5 mg/kg, respectively). Parameters recorded were direct arterial pressure, baseline heart rate, and heart rate after induction and at 2 and 5 minutes after intubation. We measured adrenaline (A), noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (Da), glucagon, beta-endorphines, ACTH, cortisol, glucose and amino acids in the baseline and post-intubation blood samples. RESULTS: We observed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in systolic and diastolic arterial pressure after intubation (10% and 22% respectively) in the thiopental group as compared with the propofol group. With both induction agents, heart rate was higher than baseline values at the three times (p < 0.001). In the thiopental group heart rate was higher after intubation than after induction (p < 0.05). Cortisol fell after intubation in the propofol group (p < 0.05); no other hormonal differences were observed. Hyperglycemia (p < 0.0001) was similar for both groups, while in the propofol group there were significant decreases in several amino acids. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol has a greater mitigating effect on the hyperdynamic response to intubation in healthy patients. For the two induction agents we measured no significant differences in stress hormone levels, apart from the drop in cortisol with propofol. We observed a change in energy-producing metabolites.

Distribution of free amino acids in human preovulatory follicles.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible role of intrafollicular amino acids in the human ovarian follicle. Follicular fluid (FF) and oocytes were obtained from 12 women for in vitro fertilization. Follicular development was induced with clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotropin. Thirty-six FF samples, free of visible blood contamination and containing mature oocytes were used to measure free amino acids, steroids and gonadotropins. The FF were divided into three groups: (1) follicles yielding oocytes that were unfertilized (n = 12); (B) follicles containing oocytes that were fertilized and cleaved to less than four cells (n = 12); (C) follicles yielding oocytes that were fertilized and cleaved to four or more cells (n = 12). The concentrations of histidine, phenylalanine and asparagine in FF were significantly greater than those in plasma at the time of follicle aspiration. However, amino acid concentrations in FF did not differ significantly between the three groups studied. No significant relationships were found between intrafollicular levels of amino acids and those of LH, FSH, estradiol, progesterone and testosterone. These results suggest that intrafollicular amino acids are not involved in the regulation of human preovulatory follicle.

Effects of halothane and isoflurane on beta-endorphin release in children.

We compared the effects of halothane and isoflurane with 50% nitrous oxide (seven children each) on plasma beta-endorphin concentrations in a group of 14 children aged 1 to 6 years. The findings were compared for four periods of anaesthesia: basal, induction, maintenance and recovery. Beta-endorphin release was most increased with isoflurane, especially during the maintenance period. Measurements of haemodynamic parameters (heart rate and blood pressure) showed diastolic blood pressure significantly lower after isoflurane anaesthesia. The findings suggest that the use of isoflurane for paediatric inhaled isoflurane anaesthesia leads to a more marked surgical stress adaptation effect than the use of halothane.

[Diurnal variations in circulating leukocytes and subsets: relation to plasma cortisol and ACTH]. / Variaciones diarias en leucocitos y subpoblaciones circulantes: relación con el cortisol y la ACTH plasmáticos.

Surface cellular antigens of leukocytes, lymphocytes and corresponding subpopulations have been analysed by using monoclonal antibodies marked with fluorescein (PITC), parallel to those marked with phycoerythrin (PE). Cortisol and ACTH plasmatics have also been determined through RIA, on two samples at 8am. and 8pm. During this twelve hour evolution, a highly significant dependence of the leukocytes, T, T4 and T8 lymphocytes on the circulating ACTH has also been found. In general during the experiment time leukocytes, lymphocytes and subpopulations, have experimented an increase which is significantly related to the pituitary hormone secretion. The existence of this significant correlation establishes the presence of a possible mechanism that connects the cellular immunity to determined hypothalamus hormones.

Adrenal hormones in human follicular fluid.

Considerable evidence indicates that adrenal hormones may affect gonadal function. To assess the role of some adrenal hormones in human follicular fluid and their relationship with the ability of the oocyte to be fertilized and then to cleave in vitro, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were measured in follicular fluid obtained at the time of oocyte recovery for in vitro fertilization from cycles stimulated by clomiphene citrate, human menopausal gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin. Thirty-six follicular fluid containing mature oocyte-corona-cumulus complexes and free of visible blood contamination were included in this study. There was no significant difference in follicular fluid dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentration between follicles with oocytes which did or did not fertilize (5.1 +/- 1.1 vs 5.8 +/- 2.0 mumol/l). However, follicular fluid from follicles whose oocytes were not fertilized had levels of cortisol significantly higher than those in follicular fluid from follicles containing successfully fertilized oocytes (406.0 +/- 75.9 vs 339.2 +/- 37.0 nmol/l; p < 0.005). No significant correlations were found between rates of embryo cleavage and cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone levels in follicular fluid. We conclude that cortisol levels in follicular fluid may provide an index of fertilization outcome, at least in stimulated cycles by clomiphene citrate, human menopausal gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin.

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor I in follicular fluid after induction of ovulation in women undergoing in vitro fertilization.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between concentrations of insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in follicular fluid and fertilization and cleavage of human oocytes fertilized in vitro. The concentration of oestradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, insulin and IGF-I was determined in 36 follicular fluids, free of visible blood contamination and containing mature oocyte-corona-cumulus complexes, obtained from 12 women undergoing in vitro fertilization. Follicular development was induced by clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotrophin, and follicular aspiration was performed 35 h after an ovulatory dose of human chorionic gonadotrophin. Concentrations of IGF-I were significantly higher in follicular fluids associated with mature oocytes that fertilized and cleaved, than in follicular fluid associated with mature oocytes that did not fertilize (P < 0.001). There was no difference in the concentration of insulin between follicular fluids from which fertilized oocytes were obtained and those with oocytes that remained unfertilized. No significant correlations were found between rates of embryo cleavage, concentrations of insulin and IGF-I. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the concentrations of IGF-I in follicular fluid were predicted statistically by a negative regression coefficient for the concentration of testosterone, and by a positive regression coefficient for the concentration of progesterone in follicular fluid. No candidate variable was included in the model to predict concentrations of insulin. These data suggest an important role for IGF-I in the mature follicle.

[Comparative study in pediatric inhalation anesthesia. Clinical characteristics and anesthetic complications with halothane and isoflurane]. / Estudio comparativo en anestesia inhalatoria pediátrica. Características clínicas y complicaciones anestésicas con halotano e isoflurano.

OBJECTIVES: Comparative study of clinical characteristics and complications during induction, maintenance, and recovery in pediatric inhalational anesthesia between two commonly used fluoride agents (halothane and isoflurane). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 66 children aged 1 month to 13 years undergoing general anesthesia for short lasting surgery who were divided into two groups of 33 patients each one: Isoflurane group and halothane group. Induction and maintenance anesthesia was performed with the corresponding inhalant agent. Parameters measured were duration of unconsciousness, time elapsed for intubation and recovery, heart rate, arterial blood pressure, and incidence of complications. RESULTS: Children anesthetized with isoflurane showed a shorter period of unconsciousness (1.55 +/- 0.11 min) than those anesthetized with halothane (1.91 +/- 0.12 min); whereas that the time required for intubation was significantly more prolonged (8.94 +/- 0.51 and 6.57 +/- 0.32 min, respectively). The incidence of complications was higher in the isoflurane group, mainly expressed as laryngeal spasm during the induction period. Both groups of patients showed a similar hemodynamic behaviour, although diastolic arterial pressure during maintenance anesthesia was significantly lower with isoflurane. Anesthesia recovery was faster and more predictable with isoflurane than with halothane. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthetic agent isoflurane is less appropriate than halothane for induction in pediatric anesthesia due to a high incidence of complications, specially laryngeal spasm.

Effect of external salinity changes on cellular composition of some ions and amino acids in Deleya halophila.

Changes in total cellular composition of some ions and amino acids of the moderate halophile Deleya halophila were studied in response to external salinity changes. Among the 14 amino acids investigated, the cellular glycine and aspartic acid content increased with increasing salinity. D. halophila also accumulated Na+ at the highest external salt concentrations.

Influence of hydrocortisone acetate administered to the lactating rat on protein and lactose content in milk and serum protein, glucose and insulin levels in dams and pups.

The influence of i.m. administration to the mother of hydrocortisone acetate (doses of 0.4, 0.8 or 2.0 mg/100 g body weight/day) during the first 15 days of lactation on milk protein and lactose composition and serum levels of protein, glucose and insulin in dams and pups is studied. Total serum proteins and albumin/globulin ratio in dams were unchanged by treatment. The daily injection of 0.4 or 0.8 mg/100 g body weight failed to alter serum levels of glucose or insulin in dams, whereas a dose of 2.0 mg/100 g body weight led to a rise in glucemia (from 118 +/- 3.2 to 133 +/- 5.3) which was accompanied by a sharp change in insulinemia (from 40.7 +/- 4.1 to 83.6 +/- 6.9). All three doses raised protein levels in milk. The smallest increase was recorded with 2.0 mg/100 g body weight; this dose also reduced milk lactose content. Total serum proteins in pups rose slightly but nonsignificantly, and no significant effects were noted on albumin/globulin ratio or serum glucose and insulin levels.

Influence of hydrocortisone acetate administered to the lactating rat on lipid composition of the milk and serum lipid levels in dams and pups.

The influence of i.m. administration of hydrocortisone acetate to the mother (doses of 0.4, 0.8 or 2 mg/100 g body weight/day) during the first 15 days of lactation on milk composition in fatty acids mother and pups serum levels of lipids and their effect on pups' growth is studied. Serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in mothers increase at any of the experimental doses. Daily injections of 2 mg/100 g bw to the mother cause an increase in the percentage of C16 as well as in the level of fatty acids derived from linoleic and linolenic acids while reducing the percentage of C18:1. The treatment brings about a higher level in total lipids in the milk which is proportional to the dose. Doses of 0.4 and 0.8 mg increase the percentage of C8 and C10, while the dose of 2 mg enhances the % of C16. A fall in the uptake of linoleic acid by the mammary gland is observed when using any of the experimental doses. No change is observed either in the weight of pups or in serum cholesterol levels while triglyceride level is increased by the effect of treatment. The higher dose increases the level of linolenic acid and some of its derivates.