Glucosinolates, Ca, Se Contents, and Bioaccessibility in Brassica rapa Vegetables Obtained by Organic and Conventional Cropping Systems.

In northwest Spain and Portugal, there is a long tradition of cultivating B. rapa subsp. rapa to obtain turnip greens and turnip tops. Brassica rapa L. subsp. rapa (turnip greens and turnip tops) were grown under conventional and organic conditions in two Farms in southern Spain. Glucosinolatescontents were higher in Brassicas grown under conventional conditions than those grown under organic ones. Average Ca total and bioaccessible contents ranged between 14.6-23.4 mg/g; 8.9-12.0 mg/g for turnip greens and 6.4-8.9 mg/g; 4.3-4.8 mg/g for turnip tops. According to these concentrations, an intake of 100-200 g (fresh weight) of the studied Brassica rapa fulfills Ca dietary reference intakes (DRI) (considering the total content data) and complies with 72-100% Ca DRI percentage (considering the bioaccessible data). Se concentrations ranged between 0.061-0.073 µg/g and 0.039-0.053 µg/g for turnip greens and turnip tops respectively. Se bioaccessibility values were high, with percentages of around 90%. Finally, the total glucosinolate content ranged between 13.23-21.28 µmol/g for turnip greens and 13.36-20.20 µmol/g for turnip tops. In general, the bioaccessibility of the total glucosinolates analyzed in this study was high, with mean values of around 73% and 66% for turnip greens and turnip tops, respectively. Brassica rapa vegetables grown under both organic and conventional conditions in southern Spain are an excellent dietary source of Ca, Se, and glucosinolates with a high bioaccessibility.

Role of Glucosinolates in the Nutraceutical Potential of Selected Cultivars of Brassica rapa.

Brassica rapa L. subsp. rapa (turnip greens), a traditionally consumed vegetable, is well-known due to its high content of glucosinolates, which are secondary metabolites with a positive biological activity for human health. Our hypothesis has been based on the relation between B. rapa glucosinolate content and its healthy properties, and our aim is to establish guidelines for safe B. rapa vegetable consumption. Three B. rapa cultivars (143N5, 143N7 and 163N7) have been characterized by HPLC analysis of purified extracts from leaf samples in order to determine their glucosinolate content and to relate this content to beneficial effects on DNA protection, lifespan extension and chemoprevention. In order to ascertain the heath properties in vitro and in vivo, toxicity activities were assayed in the Drosophila melanogaster and leukaemia cell models; genomic safety was also assessed in both models using genotoxicity, fragmentation and comet assay. The Drosophila model has also been used to study the antioxidative activity and the longevity induction. Our results showed a relationship between B. rapa glucosinolate content and its safety and benefices in its consumption. Gluconapin, the main B. rapa glucosinolate, was directly related with these wholesome effects. The relevant conclusion in the present research is focused on B. rapa cultivar 163N7 due to its high gluconapin content and low progoitrin content, which exert anti-cancer and DNA protection properties and could be recommended as being safe and healthy for human consumption.

Emotions of Orthopaedic Arthroplasty Patients: A European Survey.

METHODS: This was a pre/post-observational study examining patients' emotions before and during elective knee or hip replacement surgery for osteoarthritis in seven European Union countries to identify factors related to better emotional status at discharge. INSTRUMENTS: In addition to demographic data, information was collected on quality of life (EuroQoL five-dimension questionnaire), hospital expectations (Knowledge Expectations of Hospital Patients Scale), symptoms, and experienced emotions. ANALYSIS: Total negative emotions scores at baseline and discharge were transformed into median values. Multivariate analysis identified the baseline factors related to better emotional status at discharge. RESULTS: Patients (n = 1,590), mean age 66.7 years (SD = 10.6), had a significant reduction in the frequency of total negative emotions at discharge as compared with baseline. The multivariate model showed better health status (odds ratio [OR] = 1.012; p = .004), better emotional status at baseline (≥24 points), and shorter duration of hospital stay (OR = 0.960; p = .011) as independent factors associated with better emotional status at discharge (OR = 4.297; p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing elective knee or hip replacement surgery for osteoarthritis improve their emotional status during hospitalization, with fewer negative emotions at discharge. Good emotional status, feeling of higher health status at baseline, and shorter hospitalization were independently associated with better emotional status at discharge.

Breastfeeding abandonment causes and success factors in relactation / Causas de abandono de la lactancia materna y factores de éxito para la relactación / Causas de abandono do aleitamento materno e fatores de sucesso para a relactação

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the causes of breastfeeding abandonment and the success factors associated with relactation in mothers with children attended in a specialised health institution. Methodology: Descriptive transversal design through non-probabilistic convenience sampling, with 100 mothers and their children. A structured survey was used and central tendency measurements and frequencies were analysed. The study was approved by the Ethics committee of the School of Health Sciences at the University Pontificia Bolivariana. Results: The average age was 26.8 years; 73 % had a low socioeconomic level; 59 % were cohabitating; 46 % were housewives; 32 % had a high school degree; 57 % were first-time mothers; 74 % had a high obstetric risk; and 59 % had children by caesarean section. Causes of breastfeeding abandonment were newborn hospitalization (79 %) and low birth weight (52 %). Health professionals suggested substitutes for hypogalactia in 18 % of the mothers. Incorrect maternal posture: 66.1 and 61 % with no previous experience. Relactation success factors were: chronological age under one month (48 %); effective newborn breast sucking (89 %); good newborn breast grasping (71 %). During the non-breastfeeding period, 72 % received mixed milk, 82 % did not breastfeed between 8 and 30 days, 98 % of the mothers were willing to relactate, 91 % considered the support of their families and health professionals as good. Conclusion: Children hospitalization was the main cause of breastfeeding abandonment and the main success factors for relactation were effective breast sucking, mothers' readiness and support.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar las causas de abandono de la lactancia materna y los factores de éxito para la relactación en madres con hijos atendidos en una institución de salud. Metodología: descriptivo, transversal. Muestreo no probabilístico a conveniencia, con una muestra de cien madres y sus hijos. Se utilizó una encuesta estructurada y se analizaron las medidas de tendencia central y las frecuencias. El estudio fue aprobado por el comité de ética de la Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. Resultados: las participantes tenían una media de edad de 26,8 años; el 73 % era de estrato socioeconómico bajo; el 59 % se encontraba en unión libre; el 46 % eran amas de casa; el 32 % contaba con bachillerato completo; el 57 % eran primigestantes; el 74 % tenía un alto riesgo obstétrico; y el 59 % tuvieron a su hijo por cesárea. Causas de abandono de la lactancia: hospitalización de los neonatos (79 %) y bajo peso al nacer (52 %). El personal de salud sugirió sucedáneos por hipogalactia en el 18 % de las madres. Postura incorrecta de la madre: 66,1 y 61 %, sin experiencias previas. Factores de éxito para relactar: edad cronológica menor de un mes (48 %); el bebé succionó al ponerlo al pecho (89 %); buen agarre (71 %). Durante el periodo de no lactancia, el 72 % recibió leche mixta, el 82 % no lactó entre 8 y 30 días, el 98 % de las madres estuvieron dispuestas a relactar, el 91 % consideró bueno el apoyo de sus familias y del personal de salud. Conclusión: la hospitalización del hijo fue la principal causa de abandono de la lactancia, y los principales factores de éxito para la relactación fueron la succión efectiva, la disposición de las madres y el apoyo.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar as causas de abandono do aleitamento materno e os fatores de sucesso para a relactação em mães de filhos atendidos em uma unidade de saúde. Metodologia: descritiva e transversal. Amostragem não probabilística por conveniência, com 100 mães e seus filhos. Um questionário estruturado foi utilizado e as medidas de tendência central e as frequências foram analisadas. O estudo foi aprovado pelo comitê de ética da Escola de Ciências da Saúde da Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Colômbia. Resultados: as participantes tinham em média 26,8 anos de idade; 73 % eram de classe social baixa; 59 % estavam em união estável; 46 % eram donas de casa; 32 % contavam com ensino médio completo; 57 % eram primigestas; 74 % tinham alto risco obstétrico, e 59 % tiveram seu filho por cesariana. Causas de abandono do aleitamento: hospitalização dos recém-nascidos (79 %) e baixo peso ao nascer (52 %). A equipe de saúde sugeriu a hipogalactia como causa da substituição do leite materno em 18 % das mães; postura incorreta da mãe em 66,1 % e 61 % devido à falta de experiência. Fatores de sucesso para relactar: idade cronológica menor de um mês (48 %); sucção do peito por parte bebê (89 %); pega correta (71 %). Durante o período de não aleitamento materno, 72 % receberam aleitamento misto; 82 % não lactaram entre 8 e 30 dias; 98 % das mães estiveram dispostas a relactar; 91 % consideraram o apoio de suas famílias e da equipe de saúde como bom. Conclusões: o internamento do filho foi a principal causa do abandono do aleitamento materno, e os principais fatores de relactação foram a sucção efetiva, a disposição das mães e o apoio.

Analysis of the Acid Detergent Fibre Content in Turnip Greens and Turnip Tops (Brassica rapa L. Subsp. rapa) by Means of Near-Infrared Reflectance.

Standard wet chemistry analytical techniques currently used to determine plant fibre constituents are costly, time-consuming and destructive. In this paper the potential of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to analyse the contents of acid detergent fibre (ADF) in turnip greens and turnip tops has been assessed. Three calibration equations were developed: in the equation without mathematical treatment the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.91, in the first-derivative treatment equation R2 = 0.95 and in the second-derivative treatment R2 = 0.96. The estimation accuracy was based on RPD (the ratio between the standard deviation and the standard error of validation) and RER (the ratio between the range of ADF of the validation as a whole and the standard error of prediction) of the external validation. RPD and RER values were of 2.75 and 9.00 for the treatment without derivative, 3.41 and 11.79 with first-derivative, and 3.10 and 11.03 with second-derivative. With the acid detergent residue spectrum the wavelengths were identified and associated with the ADF contained in the sample. The results showed a great potential of NIRS for predicting ADF content in turnip greens and turnip tops.

Seed Oil Quality of Brassica napus and Brassica rapa Germplasm from Northwestern Spain.

The seed oil content and the fatty acid composition of a germplasm collection of Brassica napus and Brassica rapa currently grown in Galicia (northwestern Spain) were evaluated in order to identify potentially interesting genotypes and to assess their suitability as oilseed crops for either edible or industrial purposes. The seeds of the B. rapa landraces had higher oil content (mean 47.3%) than those of B. napus (mean 42.8%). The landraces of both species showed a similar fatty acid profile (12% oleic acid, 13% linoleic acid, 8-9% linolenic acid, 8-9% eicosenoic acid, and 50-51% erucic acid). They were very high in erucic acid content, which is nutritionally undesirable in a vegetable oil, and very low in oleic and linoleic acid contents. Therefore, they could be used for industrial purposes but not as edible oil. The erucic acid content ranged from 42% to 54% of the total fatty acid composition with an average value of 50% in the B. napus landraces whereas in B. rapa, it ranged from 43% to 57%, with an average value of 51%. Considering the seed oil and the erucic acid content together, three varieties within the B. napus collection and two varieties within the B. rapa one seem to be the most promising genotypes for industrial purposes.

Empowering education of arthroplasty patients' significant others in three Southern European countries.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between significant others' expected and received knowledge and their background characteristics in three Mediterranean countries (Cyprus, Greece, Spain), all of which deal with economic restrictions, have similar social support systems with the family members acting as family caregivers, and cultural similarities. BACKGROUND: Significant others' role is a key element in the older patients' postoperative recovery. However, people who take care of persons older than 65 years, as persons undergoing arthroplasty, are usually old themselves and need special support. DESIGN: Multicentre, descriptive, correlational study. METHODS: Data were collected preoperatively from 189 and postoperatively from 185 significant others using the Knowledge Expectations and the Received Knowledge of Significant Others Scales during 2010-2012. RESULTS: Approximately one-fourth of the significant others were older than 65 years. Their knowledge expectations were not adequately addressed in any of the countries; they expected to be educated more on biophysiological issues and received the lowest knowledge regarding financial issues. The highest difference between expected and received knowledge was found in Greece and the lowest in Cyprus. Significant others may be less prepared for dealing with situations at home due to the knowledge difference between expected and received knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Significant others receive less education comparing to what they expect; therefore, they are not prepared for dealing with problematic situations during their old relative's recovery. This is especially important in Mediterranean countries, where family members often provide patient care. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: As health care is changing towards active participation of patients and family, it is important that nurses provide the education needed, as lower education may lead to poor patient outcomes and higher education may lead to significant others' anxiety. Nurses may keep in mind that older significant others do not report higher knowledge difference, but may have lower expectations.

Rapid and Cost-Effective Quantification of Glucosinolates and Total Phenolic Content in Rocket Leaves by Visible/Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.

The potential of visible-near infrared spectroscopy to predict glucosinolates and total phenolic content in rocket (Eruca vesicaria) leaves has been evaluated. Accessions of the E. vesicaria species were scanned by NIRS as ground leaf, and their reference values regressed against different spectral transformations by modified partial least squares (MPLS) regression. The coefficients of determination in the external validation (R²VAL) for the different quality components analyzed in rocket ranged from 0.59 to 0.84, which characterize those equations as having from good to excellent quantitative information. These results show that the total glucosinolates, glucosativin and glucoerucin equations obtained, can be used to identify those samples with low and high contents. The glucoraphanin equation obtained can be used for rough predictions of samples and in case of total phenolic content, the equation showed good correlation. The standard deviation (SD) to standard error of prediction ratio (RPD) and SD to range (RER) were variable for the different quality compounds and showed values that were characteristic of equations suitable for screening purposes or to perform accurate analyses. From the study of the MPLS loadings of the first three terms of the different equations, it can be concluded that some major cell components such as protein and cellulose, highly participated in modelling the equations for glucosinolates.

Concepto de calidad en salud: resultado de las experiencias de la atención. Medellin,Colombia / The concept of health quality: results of the experiences of care.Medellín, Colombia / O conceito de qualidade em saúde: resultado das experiências da atenção. Medellín,Colombia

Este trabajo se realizó con usuarios del régimen subsidiado residentes en la comuna 16 de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia, 2010. Objetivo: comprender las experiencias y significados que tienen los beneficiarios del régimen subsidiado de la comuna 16 sobre calidad de la atención en los servicios de salud. Metodología: investigación cualitativa - etnográfica. Se entrevistaron 10 beneficiarios del régimen subsidiado, mayores de 18 años, de ambos sexos. Resultados: el significado de calidad surge por las experiencias de los usuarios al recurrir a los servicios de salud. Para facilitar su comprensión se dividió el proceso de atención en 4 fases: pre- atención, atención inicial, atención como tal y la post- atención. Para los usuarios la calidad depende de qué tan humano fue el trato que recibieron, si el problema fue resuelto o no y hasta qué punto sus expectativas se cumplieron. Conclusión: Las experiencias son diferentes en las distintas etapas del proceso y según sean ellas, serán los significados que a la calidad le dan los usuarios. Para los usuarios son fundamentales el trato humanizado, la equidad y la participación.

This study was conducted with users from the subsidized health regime living in district 16, in the city of Medellin, Colombia, 2010. Objective: to understand the experiences and meanings that users of the subsidized health regime living in district 16 have regarding the quality of care in health services. Methodology: qualitative and ethnographic research. Ten users of the subsidized regime were interviewed. They were over 18 and from either sex. Results: the meaning of quality emerges from the experiences of these users when using health care services. To facilitate their understanding, the health care process was divided into 4 stages: pre-care, initial care, care per se and post-care. For users, quality is dictated by three factors: how humanely they have been treated, whether the problem was solved or not and the extent to which their expectations have been met. Conclusion:Experiences vary throughout the stages of the process and condition the users' meaning of quality. For users, humane treatment, equity and participation are vital.

Este projeto realizou-se com usuários do regime subsidiado residentes na comuna 16 da cidade de Medellín, Colômbia, 2010. Objetivo: compreender as experiências e significados que têm os beneficiários do regime subsidiado da comuna 16 sobre qualidade da atenção nos serviços de saúde. Metodologia: pesquisa qualitativa - etnográfica. Entrevistaram-se 10 beneficiários do regime subsidiado, com mais de 18 anos, de ambos sexos. Resultados: o significado de qualidade surge pelas experiências dos usuários ao recorrer aos serviços de saúde. Para facilitar a compreensão do processo de atenção dividiu-se em 4 fases: pré- atenção, atenção inicial, atenção como tal e a pós- atenção. Para os usuários a qualidade depende de que tão humano foi o trato que receberam, se o problema foi resolvido ou não e até que ponto suas expectativas se cumpriram. Conclusão: As experiências são diferentes nas diferentes fases do processo e segundo sejam elas, serão os significados que à qualidade lhe dão os usuários. Para os usuários são essenciais o trato humanizado, a equidade e a participação.

Antigenotoxicity and Tumor Growing Inhibition by Leafy Brassica carinata and Sinigrin.

Cruciferous vegetables are well known and worldwide consumed due to their health benefits and cancer prevention properties. As a desirable cruciferous plant, Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) and its glucosinolate sinigrin were tested in the in vivo Drosophila melanogaster (SMART) and the in vitro HL60 (human promyelocytic leukaemia cell line) systems. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of plant samples confirmed the presence of sinigrin as principal B. carinata glucosinolate. SMART was performed by feeding D. melanogaster larvae either with different concentrations of plant/compound samples or combining them with hydrogen peroxide (a potent oxidative mutagen) being both antimutagenics. HL60 assays showed the tumoricidal activity of plant samples (IC50 = 0.28 mg·mL(-1)) and the breakdown products of sinigrin hydrolysis (IC50 = 2.71 µM). Our results enhance the potential of B. carinata as health promoter and chemopreventive in both systems and the leading role of sinigrin in these effects.

Factores asociados al maltrato del adulto mayor de Antioquia, 2012 / Associated factors of the abuse of the elderly people in Antioquia, 2012

OBJETIVO: determinar los factores asociados al maltrato del adulto mayor del departamento de Antioquia en el año 2012. METODOLOGIA:mediante estudio descriptivo transversal, se caracterizaron los factores demográficos, económicos y de salud mental de la población adulta mayor de Antioquia para el año 2012, con el fin de aportar al análisis de la situación de salud y condiciones de vida del adulto mayor. El estudio se basó en los resultados del instrumento aplicado por la universidad CES a 4.215 adultos de sesenta años y más de edad, en el cual se indagó sobre percepción de maltrato, funcionamiento cognitivo, nivel de depresión, nivel de ansiedad, apoyo social, escala de recursos sociales, entre otras; los resultados se expandieron a 654.473 adultos del departamento. RESULTADOS: el 72,8% de adultos del departamento son mujeres, 53,7% vive en Medellín, 55% tiene primaria incompleta, 72,9% pertenece a estratos socioeconómicos 1 y 2, 45,1% no registraron ingresos en el último mes, 26,3% tiene riesgo de depresión y 34,4% tiene riesgo de ansiedad, 2,5% reportó haber sufrido descuido, 5,0% necesidades afectivas ignoradas, 1,7% algún caso de agresión física, 0,4% agresión sexual y 1,3%, afirmó haber sufrido maltrato económico. Las variables estrato socioeconómico, tipo de vivienda, etnia, riesgo de depresión, riesgo de ansiedad, riesgo de deterioro cognitivo y red de apoyo fueron las que más ayudaron a explicar la presencia de maltrato. CONCLUSION: enfrentar este problema requiere de una atención integral a las necesidades de los adultos mayores, participación de todos los sectores de la sociedad y conciencia transgeneracional.

OBJECTIVE:to determine the demographic, social and economic factors associated with the abuse of elderly people in 2012. METHODOLOGY: using a descriptive and retrospective study, demographic, economic and mental health factors of the elderly population of Antioquia for 2012 were charaterized in order to contribute to the analysis of their health situation and living conditions. The study was based on the results of the instrument applied by the CES university to 4,215 adults aged 60 and older in which I inquire about perceived abuse, cognitive functioning, level of depression, anxiety level, social support scale, social resources, etc. Results expanded to 654,473 adults in the Department. RESULTS :72.8% of adults in the Department are women, 53.7% live in Medellin, 55% have not completed elementary school, 72.9% belonged to 1 and 2 socioeconomic strata, 45.1% reported no income in the last month, 26.3% are at risk of depression and 34.4% are at risk of anxiety, 2.5% reported having suffered neglect, 5.0% reported having emotional needs that are ignored, 1.7% suffered some form of physical assault, 0.4% had been assaulted sexually and 1.3% claimed to have suffered financial abuse. The socioeconomic variables housing type, ethnicity, risk of depression, anxiety, risk, risk of cognitive decline and support network were the most helpful in explaining the presence of abuse. CONCLUSION: addressing this problem requires comprehensive attention to the needs of older adults involving all sectors of society and transgenerational consciousness.

The meningococcal autotransporter AutA is implicated in autoaggregation and biofilm formation.

Autotransporters (ATs) are proteins secreted by Gram-negative bacteria that often play a role in virulence. Eight different ATs have been identified in Neisseria meningitidis, but only six of them have been characterized. AutA is one of the remaining ATs. Its expression remains controversial. Here, we show that the autA gene is present in many neisserial species, but its expression is often disrupted by various genetic features; however, it is expressed in certain strains of N. meningitidis. By sequencing the autA gene in large panels of disease isolates and Western blot analysis, we demonstrated that AutA expression is prone to phase variation at AAGC nucleotide repeats located within the DNA encoding the signal sequence. AutA is not secreted into the extracellular medium, but remains associated with the bacterial cell surface. We further demonstrate that AutA expression induces autoaggregation in a process that, dependent on the particular strain, may require extracellular DNA (eDNA). This property influences the organization of bacterial communities like lattices and biofilms. In vitro assays evidenced that AutA is a self-associating AT that binds DNA. We suggest that AutA-mediated autoaggregation might be particularly important for colonization and persistence of the pathogen in the nasopharynx of the host.

Knowledge expectations of surgical orthopaedic patients: a European survey.

Ageing population entails a growing international problem of osteoarthritis. Best practices for education of these patients are lacking. This study focused on empowering education in Northern (Finland, Iceland, Lithuania and Sweden) and Southern Europe (Cyprus, Greece and Spain). The aim was to analyse associations between expected knowledge and background factors. The data were collected from European arthroplasty patients with the Knowledge Expectations of hospital patients- scale, (KE(hp) - scale), including bio-physiological, functional, experiential, ethical, social and financial dimensions. Patients had essential bio-physiological and functional knowledge expectations. Women expected more than men, employed less than retired, unemployed or who worked at home. Generally, patients in Northern countries expected more than in Southern countries. However, highest expectations were found in Sweden and Greece, lowest in Spain and Cyprus. There are differences in knowledge expectations based on patients' backgrounds. Development of common standards in European patient education needs further research.

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of metal(oid)s bioactivated in rocket leaves (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa Miller).

Rocket is an important source of essential elements. However, it may also accumulate toxic elements such as metal(oids). The objectives of the present work were (i) to study the uptake of arsenic, lead, cadmium and zinc in rocket grown in contaminated soils, (ii) to establish the genotoxic and cytotoxic activities of this vegetable material, and (iii) to study the modulator role of the glucosinolate and metal contents in the genotoxic/cytotoxic activities. Lead, cadmium and zinc leaf concentrations in our study were over the concentrations allowed by the statutory limit set for metal(oid) contents in vegetables. The accessions were non genotoxic at the different concentrations studied, although one of the accessions showed the highest mutation rates doubling those of negative control. The cytotoxicity assays with HL60 human leukaemia cells showed that the tumouricide activities of rocket leaves decreased with the increasing of metal(oid) concentrations and also with the decreasing of glucosinolate concentrations in their tissues. An interaction between metal(oid)s and glucosinolate degradation products contained in rocket leaves is suggested as the main modulator agents of the biological activity of the plants grown in metal-contaminated soils.

An approach to the phytochemical profiling of rocket [Eruca sativa (Mill.) Thell].

BACKGROUND: Eruca sativa (rocket) contains a wide range of compounds with nutraceutical and organoleptical properties. This research aimed to characterise the nutraceutical interest of four rocket accessions by analysis of glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, phenolics, carotenoids and carbohydrates. Different methods based on chromatographic separation with ultraviolet absorbance or mass spectrometry detection were used. RESULTS: The total content of glucosinolates ranged from 14.02 to 28.24 µmol g(-1) of dry weight. Glucoraphanin represented up to 52% of the total glucosinolates in leaves of one accession. Accessions showed differences in the hydrolysis of glucoraphanin to the isothiocyanate sulforaphane. No correlation between these compounds was observed, which insisted differences in the myrosinase activity within accessions. Rocket leaves had variable phenolic profiles represented by quercetin-3-glucoside, rutin, myricetin, quercetin and ferulic and p-coumaric acids. A high variability was observed for the total carotenoids ranged from 16.2 to 275 µg g(-1) with lutein as the main carotenoid. Glucose was the predominant sugar, representing >70% of the total soluble carbohydrates. CONCLUSIONS: Some accessions could be candidates for future breeding programmes because of their pattern of beneficial compounds for human health. However, further research is essential to evaluate the biological activity of these accessions before designing functional food.

Trace elements in bipolar disorder.

INTRODUCTION: Trace elements may play an important role in bipolar disorders. The objective of this study is to determine serum copper and zinc, blood lead and cadmium and urine lead, cadmium and thallium concentrations in patients diagnosed with bipolar disorders and to compare these levels with those of a healthy control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 25 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder and 29 healthy subjects participated in this study. Serum copper and zinc concentrations were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry; the blood lead and cadmium concentrations were measured by electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction; urine lead, cadmium and thallium concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Median blood and urine lead and cadmium levels were significantly higher among the bipolar patients than among the control group: Blood lead (µg/dL): patient median: 3.00 (IQR: 1.40-4.20); control median (µg/dL): 2.20 (IQR: 0.90-3.00) p=0.040. Blood cadmium (µg/L): patient median: 0.39 (IQR: 0.10-1.15); control median: 0.10 (IQR: 0.10-0.17) p<0.001. The median of cadmium (µg/L) in patients who smoked (1.20 IQR: 0.44-2.30) was higher than that in non-smokers (0.12 IQR: 0.10-0.34) p<0.001. There was a statistically significant increase (p=0.001) in zinc levels among patients in the manic phase (mean 111.28, SD: 33.36 µg/dL) with respect to the control group (mean 86.07, SD: 12.39 µg/dL). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that there could be higher levels of some toxic trace elements in the group of patients with bipolar disorder than in the healthy control group.

Blood lead and cadmium levels in a six hospital employee population. PESA study, 2009.

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to lead and cadmium is a public health problem due to the broad exposure to these toxic substances among the general population. The objective of this study is to determine blood lead and cadmium concentrations in a working population drawn from six university hospitals in Madrid, Getafe, Cartagena, Santiago de Compostela, Santander and Palma de Mallorca (Spain) and to identify associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 951 individuals participated in the study and were administered the standardized PESA® questionnaire regarding exposure to lead and cadmium. The blood lead and cadmium concentrations were measured by electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction in Perkin-Elmer spectrometers, guaranteeing the transferability of the results. RESULTS: The median overall blood lead concentration was: 1.6 µg/dL (IQR: 0.9-2.7) and that of cadmium was: 0.21 µg/L (IQR: 0.10-0.50). There were significant differences in lead levels between men (2 µg/dL) and women (1.5 µg/dL), postmenopausal (2.6 µg/dL) and premenopausal women (1.1 µg/dL), and between participants who cooked in earthenware (2.1 µg/dL) and those who did not (1.5 µg/dL). The median of cadmium in women (0.24 µg/L) was higher than in men (0.11 µg/L) and was also higher in subjects who smoked (0.70 µg/L) than in non-smokers (0.13 µg/L). CONCLUSIONS: A reduction in blood lead and cadmium levels was observed with respect to previous studies carried out in Spain. Nevertheless, the results suggest there are certain factors which increase risk such as age, gender, menopause, age of housing, cooking in lead-glazed earthenware and exposure to cigarette smoke.

Efficacy and safety of drug-eluting stents in chronic total coronary occlusion recanalization: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of drug-eluting stent (DES) and bare-metal stent (BMS) use in chronic total occlusion (CTO) recanalization. BACKGROUND: The long-term effectiveness and safety of DES use in CTO recanalization are unclear, and performance of randomized clinical trials in the field is complex. METHODS: Major electronic information sources were explored for articles comparing outcomes with DES and BMS use among patients with CTO. Assessed clinical outcomes were death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, major adverse cardiac events, and stent thrombosis; angiographic outcomes were stent restenosis and stent reocclusion. RESULTS: Fourteen comparative studies were identified (a total of 4,394 patients). When compared with BMS, DES significantly reduced risk of major adverse cardiac events (relative risk [RR]: 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34 to 0.60, p < 0.001) and TVR (RR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.58, p < 0.001) without increasing death (RR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.66 to 1.16, p = 0.88) or myocardial infarction (RR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.54 to 1.46, p = 0.80). This benefit was sustained at >/=3 years of follow-up. Lower RRs for restenosis (RR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.41, p < 0.001) and stent reocclusion (RR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.49, p < 0.001) were also observed in the DES group. A strong trend toward a higher rate of stent thrombosis was documented in DES-treated patients (RR: 2.79, 95% CI: 0.98 to 7.97, p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: DES use in CTO recanalization is associated with significantly fewer major adverse cardiac events and fewer occurrences of target vessel revascularization, restenosis, and stent reocclusion than with BMS. Although a statistical trend toward a higher risk of stent thrombosis was observed, the use of DES in this context seems to be safe, with an overall benefit sustained in the long term.

[Gonorrhea diagnoses in a center for sexually transmitted disease (STD) and their relationship with HIV and other STD, Madrid, 2005]. / Diagnósticos de gonorrea en un centro de infecciones de transmisión sexual y su relación con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana y otras infecciones de transmisión sexual, Madrid 2005.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to describe the cases of gonorrhea infection recorded in a center for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and the factors associated with HIV coinfection. METHODS: Retrospective, descriptive study of all cases of gonorrhea infection diagnosed in 2005. RESULTS: Among 134 cases of gonorrhea, 124 occurred in men who have sex with men. The factors associated with HIV coinfection were a prior history of STD and sexual risk practices under the effects of alcohol and/or drugs (OR, 13.4; 95% CI 1.3-139.1; OR, 39.8; 95% CI 1.3-1194.3). CONCLUSION: An increase in the number of cases of gonorrhea infection is reported, predominantly in the population of men who have sex with men.