Indoor lighting design for healthier workplaces: natural and electric light assessment for suitable circadian stimulus.

Light, especially daylight, plays a critical role in human health as the main timer for circadian rhythms. Indoor environments usually lack the correct exposure to daylight and are highly dependent on electric lighting, disrupting the circadian rhythm and compromising the health of occupants. The methodology proposed assesses the combination of natural and electric lighting on circadian rhythms for operational environments. The case study chosen examines a 24/7 laboratory area representing an open-plan shift-work area. Several electric lighting scenarios under different sky conditions have been assessed, considering a variable window size and resulting in a spectrum which establishes the indoor circadian regulation performance according to the amount of light perceived. A set of configurations is presented to determine optimal electric lighting configuration based on natural light conditions in order to ensure a suitable circadian stimulus and the electric lighting flux threshold for different scenarios, benefiting occupants' health while also ensuring energy conservation.

Discriminating olive and non-olive oils using HPLC-CAD and chemometrics.

This work presents a method for an efficient differentiation of olive oil and several types of vegetable oils using chemometric tools. Triacylglycerides (TAGs) profiles of 126 samples of different categories and varieties of olive oils, and types of edible oils, including corn, sunflower, peanut, soybean, rapeseed, canola, seed, sesame, grape seed, and some mixed oils, have been analyzed. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a charged aerosol detector was used to characterize TAGs. The complete chromatograms were evaluated by PCA, PLS-DA, and MCR in combination with suitable preprocessing. The chromatographic data show two clusters; one for olive oil samples and another for the non-olive oils. Commercial oil blends are located between the groups, depending on the concentration of olive oil in the sample. As a result, a good classification among olive oils and non-olive oils and a chemical justification of such classification was achieved.

Estimated pregnancy length from ovulation to parturition in the bitch and its influencing factors: a retrospective study in 162 pregnancies.

An accurate timing of parturition is very useful for managing canine parturition. It is generally accepted that parturition in bitches occurs between 64 and 66 days after the luteinizing hormone peak. In this retrospective study, we determined pregnancy length in different breeds and its influencing factors dating it from the estimated day of ovulation (EDO), defined as the day when peripheral plasma level of progesterone (P4) reaches 6 ng/ml. From January 2001 to December 2006, 162 pregnancies in 151 bitches of 53 different breeds were followed. Different parameters concerning the bitch, the litter, the type of semen and the type of reproduction were studied. The mean estimated pregnancy length in the bitch from EDO to parturition was 63.1±2.1 days. The main influencing factors for the pregnancies studied were the breed, the size of the bitch and the number of puppies within the litter.

Tissue factor induction by aggregated LDL depends on LDL receptor-related protein expression (LRP1) and Rho A translocation in human vascular smooth muscle cells.

OBJECTIVE: Low density lipoprotein (LDL) internalized in the vascular wall and modified by binding to extracellular matrix-proteoglycans (ECM) becomes aggregated (agLDL). AgLDL induces tissue factor (TF) expression and activity in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). TF expression in vascular cells promotes the prothrombotic transformation of the vascular wall. However, the mechanisms by which agLDL induces TF are not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms involved in TF activation by extracellular matrix-modified LDL in human VSMC. METHODS AND RESULTS: AgLDL significantly induces TF expression (real time PCR and Western blot analysis) and procoagulant activity (factor Xa generation test) in human VSMC. HMG-CoA reductase inhibition completely prevents agLDL-induced TF expression and partially inhibits agLDL-TF activation. These effects are reverted by geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) but not by farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), suggesting the involvement of a geranylated protein in agLDL-TF induction. AgLDL increases Rho A translocation (2-fold) from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane in control but not in simvastatin-treated VSMC. Exoenzyme C3, a specific Rho A inhibitor, completely prevents agLDL-induced TF overexpression and partially agLDL-TF activation. Blocking LRP1, the receptor of agLDL, with anti-LRP1 antibodies or inhibiting LRP1 expression by small interference RNA treatment (siRNA-LRP1) impairs agLDL-induced TF overexpression and activation. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that TF induction by agLDL depends on LRP1 expression and requires Rho A translocation to the cellular membrane.

Chemiluminescence determination of amikacin based on the inhibition of the luminol reaction catalyzed by copper.

A simple and sensitive method has been proposed for the amikacin sulphate determination. It is based on the inhibition of the chemiluminescence (CL) emission generated from the oxidation of luminol in alkaline medium by H2O2 catalyzed by Cu(II), due to the interaction caused by amikacin, which forms a robust complex with the catalyst. The optimization of the experimental and instrumental variables affecting this CL inhibition effect has been carried out using statistical models, based on the application of two-level full factorial and Box-Behnken designs. The performance characteristics of the proposed method have been established, showing that the method is efficient to determine amikacin sulphate in the linear range of 9.89-20 mg/L with a detection limit of 2.97 mg/L. It has been successfully applied to the amikacin sulphate determination in pharmaceutical formulations.

Linear correlation between stable intracranial pressure decrease and regional cerebral oxygenation improvement following mannitol administration in severe acute head injury patients.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relationship between stable decrease in intracranial pressure (ICP) following mannitol administration and variations in regional oxygenation (PtiO2) in severe traumatic brain injured (STBI) patients. METHODS: Fourteen STBI patients (Glasgow Coma Scale score < or = 8) admitted to the neurointensive care unit during a 12-month period were studied. Multiparameter data, including parenchymal tissue oxygen (PtiO2) and carbon dioxide tension, cerebral perfusion pressure, mean arterial pressure; temperature, pH and pressure reactivity index were measured. Point values from 53 mannitol administrations were extracted every five seconds and divided into five consecutive 30-minute epochs. Mean values and trends were identified. Postadministration epoch with maximum decrease in ICP was selected along with the means of the corresponding variables. These data were compared with baseline to derive the delta values. Mean deltaICP was then compared with deltaPtiO2 in each patient using linear correlation. FINDINGS: In patients with ICP0 > 20 mmHg (group A), PtiO2 increased in 69.6% of samples, whereas in group B (ICP0 < 20 mmHg), PtiO2 increased in only 50% of the samples. There was a significant negative correlation between mean deltaICP and deltaPtiO2 in both groups; Group A: r = -0.79 (P = 0.01); Group B: r = -0.92 (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong negative correlation between stable decrease in ICP following mannitol administration and improvement in regional oxygenation around the peri-contusional area. The data suggest a potentially favourable interaction between mannitol therapy and cerebral internal milieu in STBI patients.

Determination of vanadium by solid-phase spectrophotometry after its preconcentration as an Eriochrome Cyanine R complex on a dextran-type exchanger.

A method is described for the determination by solid phase spectrophotometry (SPS) of trace amounts of vanadium in natural water and crude petroleum samples. The procedure is based on fixation on a dextran-type anion exchanger of the complex V(IV)-Eriochrome Cyanine R. The absorbance of the gel, at 563 and 750 nm, packed in a 1 mm cell, is measured directly. Vanadium can be determined in the 0.6-25.0 mug l(-1) range with a relative standard deviation of 2.2%. The comparison of the SPS method and the gallic acid persulphate method shows that the linearity, analytical sensitivity and precision were better for the SPS method, and that the latter method has lower detection and quantification limits than the gallic acid persulphate method.

Determination of proteins in the presence of imidazole buffers.

Imidazole buffers were found to interfere with the determination of soluble proteins using Lowry's classical method. The influence of the constituent elements of the buffer on the calibration line was studied statistically. By combining the data corresponding to different experimental sequences, interserial calibration curves for different concentrations of imidazole buffer (10-30 mM) were obtained. The absorbance-buffer volume dependence curves produced a good fit to second-order polynomials. The accuracy of protein determination in a medium with imidazole buffer, using appropriate calibration curves, were tested by comparison with the technique of multiple standard addition and by means of recovery studies. These experiments were performed on chick brain homogenate samples. Other important aspects of validation, such as sensitivity and accuracy, were also studied.

C18 solid-phase isolation and high-performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet diode array determination of fully methoxylated flavones in citrus juices.

A new analytical methodology for the determination of fully methoxylated flavones (FMFs) in citrus juices is described. Isolation of the FMFs is carried out by percolation of 30 mL of clarified citrus juice (to which tetramethyl-o-kaempferol is previously added as internal standard) through a C18 Sep-Pak cartridge, washing with 3 mL of water followed by 5 mL of water/acetonitrile (3:1), and selective elution of the retained FMFs with 5 mL of water/acetonitrile (9:11). Determination of the isolated FMFs is carried out by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and UV diode array detection (DAD). Signals at wavelengths 320, 335, and 345 nm (bandwidth 4 nm) are simultaneously acquired, stored, plotted, and integrated. The column used is a microbore (200 x 2.1-mm) Hypersil ODS 5 microns. Elution is in gradient mode, using a ternary mobile phase (water/acetonitrile/tetrahydrofuran). Column temperature is 40 degrees C. Recovery yields are nearly 100% for all the FMFs detected and identified: isosinensetin, hexamethyl-o-gossypetin, sinensetin, tetramethyl-o-isoscutellarein, hexamethyl-o-quercetagetin, nobiletin, tetramethyl-o-scutellarein, heptamethoxyflavone, and tangeretin. Chromatographic separation of the FMFs is extremely dependent upon the minor changes of the mobile phase composition and percentages, gradient rate, and temperature. The UV spectra (230 to 400 nm) of the FMFs obtained under chromatographic conditions are given. The FMFs relative response factors at 320, 335, and 345 nm and their concentrations in hand-squeezed and commercial concentrated orange and mandarin juices are tabulated. The FMF concentration differences found among samples are discussed.

[Evolution of mortality from principal chronic diseases in Spain 1975-1988]. / Evolución de la mortalidad por las principales enfermedades crónicas en España, 1975-1988.

BACKGROUND: Most mortality in developed countries is attributable to chronic non transmittable diseases, many of which are theoretically susceptible to prevention. The tendency of mortality by the principal chronic diseases in Spain is reviewed with different prevention strategies of the same being discussed. METHODS: The 9 chronic diseases which presented the highest mortality rate in Spain in 1988 are included. The rates of mortality, adjusted by age/year in males and females was calculated from the data of deaths by age, sex and cause of death from death statistics. Moreover, the percentage of the mean annual change of these during the periods 1975-1981 and 1982-1988 have also been calculated. RESULTS: Except for mortality by malignant tumor of the colon and rectum, malignant lung tumor in males and malignant breast tumors in women, which had an increase, the remaining diseases in the adjusted mortality rate by age decreased between 1975-1988. CONCLUSIONS: Among the diseases in which the rate of mortality has increased there is only that of malignant lung tumors for which one factor has consistently been identified as responsible for this increase, that being smoking. The possible influence of the control of arterial hypertension in the decrease in mortality of cerebrovascular disease must be emphasized. Moreover, the impact which the ninth review of the International Disease Classification had in the reduction in mortality by chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma must also be pointed out.

[Aetiological diagnosis of cerebral infarction in a county hospital]. / Diagnóstico etiológico del infarto cerebral en el hospital comarcal.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral infarction (CI) can be classified aetiologically in several different ways using explicit diagnostic criteria. However, the extent to which these diagnostic criteria are actually implemented in clinical practice is unknown. Aims. The aim of this study was to analyse the management and use of diagnostic tests in the aetiological diagnosis of CI in two county hospitals and to compare this with the most common recommendations. We also sought to analyse the clinical and demographic variables that may help to explain why these guidelines are not followed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the discharge abstracts of 307 cases of CI attended in two county hospitals between 1999 and 2000 and we analysed the clinical data, diagnostic tests and the final diagnosis. The diagnoses were reorganised using the TOAST, Laussane, NINDS and SEN 98 classifications and we analysed the frequency with which the diagnostic tests were employed in each aetiological subtype. RESULTS: Average age: 71.3 years; 59.3% were males. CAT scans were performed in 97.1% of cases, neurosonology was used in 40.1% and echocardiography was performed in 8.5%. The aetiological diagnosis was: atherothrombotic 22.4%, cardioembolic 10.7%, lacunar 26%, unusual causes 0.3% and unknown causes 1.6%. In 37.4% of cases the diagnosis was given as unspecified CI. On reclassifying the diagnoses according to SEN 98 criteria, we obtained the following: atherothrombotic 19.5%, cardioembolic 2.8%, lacunar 13.7% and of unknown origin 63.5%. 0.6% of the cases were unclassifiable. Factors that exerted an influence on the fact that diagnostic tests were less frequently carried out included age, level of awareness and mortality. The most frequent cause of incomplete studies was the absence of carotid Doppler. CONCLUSIONS: The guidelines for aetiological diagnosis of CI are not often followed. Systematic performance of a neurosonological study would improve aetiological diagnosis of CI.

[Long-term functional results in ossicular reconstruction with cartilage]. / Resultados funcionales a largo plazo en reconstrucción osicular con cartílago.

Optimal hearing is one goal of otologic surgery. This study examines the long-term functional success rate of cartilage as graft material for ossicular chain reconstruction in type III tympanoplasty. A retrospective review of seventy-nine patients having undergone type III tympanoplasty (53 with closed techniques and 26 with open techniques) was made. Lateral graft ("onlay") techniques were used in almost all cases. All operations were performed by one of the authors, a well-established otologic surgeon. Seventy-four percent of the reconstructions were performed in an one-stage procedure. The mean period of follow-up was 54 months (range 1-17 years). The results of air-bone gap closure and complications of the surgery are presented. Our results show that a significant percentage of patients gain a long-term substantial improvement in their hearing with minimal risk. However, this hearing improvement tends to decline eventually in a progressive manner. A post-operative air-bone closure equal or < 30 dB was achieved in 92.2% of the all cases (n = 79) with a mean gain of 9.72 dB. Functional outcomes in closed techniques were slightly better than in open techniques. There were few complications. Perforation and retraction of the tympanic graft were the most common observed complications. In conclusion, cartilage is an available, costless, reliable and technically easy to use graft material for functional reconstructions of the ossicular chain. It is a well-tolerated element in middle ear space as well as by the tympanic membrane, it has a very low risk of extrusion and a good long-term functional viability. Therefore, update cartilage is an interesting option in functional restoration of the ossicular chain as graft placed on the stapes capitulum.

[Mathematical models and theories in population geography]. / Modelos y teorias matematicas en geografia de la poblacion.

PIP: The application of mathematical concepts to the study of population geography is reviewed. Forecasting techniques such as logistic function, multi-regional analysis, and demographic accounting are explained. Consideration is also given to theoretical approaches to the demographic analysis of fertility, mortality, and migration. (SUMMARY IN ENG AND FRE)^ieng

Olive oil quantification of edible vegetable oil blends using triacylglycerols chromatographic fingerprints and chemometric tools.

The present work studies the effectiveness of the use of triacylglycerols (TAGs) for the quantification of olive oil in blends with vegetable oils. The determinations were obtained using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to a Charged Aerosol Detector (CAD), in combination with Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression and using interval PLS (iPLS) for variable selection. Results revealed that PLS models can predict olive oil concentrations with reasonable errors. Variable selection through iPLS did not improve predictions significantly, but revealed the chemical information important in the chromatogram to quantify olive oil in vegetable oil blends.

Combining nanotechnology with current biomedical knowledge for the vascular imaging and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Activation of vasa vasorum (the microvessels supplying the major arteries) at specific sites in the adventitia initiates their proliferation or 'angiogenesis' concomitant with development of atherosclerotic plaques. Haemorrhagic, leaky blood vessels from unstable plaques proliferate abnormally, are of relatively large calibre but are immature neovessels poorly invested with smooth muscle cells and possess structural weaknesses which may contribute to instability of the plaque by facilitation of inflammatory cell infiltration and haemorrhagic complications. Weak neovascular beds in plaque intima as well as activated adventitial blood vessels are potential targets for molecular imaging and targeted drug therapy, however, the majority of tested, currently available imaging and therapeutic agents have been unsuccessful because of their limited capacity to reach and remain stably within the target tissue or cells in vivo. Nanoparticle technology together with magnetic resonance imaging has allowed the possibility of imaging of neovessels in coronary or carotid plaques, and infusion of nanoparticle suspensions using infusion catheters or implant-based drug delivery represents a novel and potentially much more efficient option for treatment. This review will describe the importance of angiogenesis in mediation of plaque growth and development of plaque instability and go on to investigate the possibility of future design of superparamagnetic/perfluorocarbon-derived nanoparticles for imaging of the vasculature in this disease or which could be directed to the adventitial vasa vasorum or indeed intimal microvessels and which can release active payloads directed against primary key external mitogens and intracellular signalling molecules in endothelial cells responsible for their activation with a view to inhibition of angiogenesis.