GDF15 as a potential biomarker to distinguish fibrotic from non-fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) is an immune-mediated interstitial lung disease (ILD) characterized by fibrotic HP (fHP) or non-fibrotic HP (non-fHP). Fibrosis is associated with poor prognosis, emphasizing the need for biomarkers to distinguish fHP from non-fHP. This study aimed to determine the plasma levels of GDF15 in HP patients and assess its association with lung function and phenotype classification. GDF15 levels were quantified by ELISA in HP (n = 64), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (n = 54), and healthy control (n = 128) groups. Clinical, demographic, and functional data were obtained from medical records. High-resolution chest CT scans were used to classify HP patients into fHP and non-fHP groups. In addition, receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the cut-off point, sensitivity, and specificity. Our results revealed significantly elevated GDF15 levels in fHP compared to non-fHP (2539 ± 821 pg/ml versus 1783 ± 801 pg/ml; p = 0.009). The estimated cut-off point for plasma GDF15 levels to distinguish fHP from non-fHP was 2193.4 pg/ml (AUC 0.75). These findings suggest that GDF15 may serve as a valuable biomarker for differentiating between fHP and non-fHP, potentially indicating its involvement in lung fibrosis development in HP.

Traumatic brain injury in the new millennium: new population and new management.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability globally. We present a study describing epidemiological changes in severe TBI and the impact these changes have had on management and analysing alternatives that may improve outcomes in this new population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional analysis of patients presenting severe TBI at our hospital in the period of 1992-1996 and 2009-2013. We analysed demographic data, including age, sex, mortality, aetiology, anticoagulation, treatment, and functional outcome. RESULTS: We reviewed data from 220 patients. In the second cohort, there were 40% fewer patients, mean age was 12 years older, patients were more frequently receiving anticoagulation therapy, and the percentage of interventions was halved. Aetiology varied, with traffic accidents being the main cause in the first group, and accidental falls and being hit by cars in the second group. There were no intergroup differences for mortality or functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: The age of patients admitted due to severe TBI has increased. As a result of this, the main cause of severe TBI in our population is accidental falls in elderly, anticoagulated patients. Despite the low-energy nature of trauma, patients in the second cohort presented a poorer baseline status, and were less frequently eligible for surgery, with no improvement in mortality or functional outcomes.

Traumatic brain injury in the new millennium: A new population and new management. / El traumatismo craneoencefálico severo en el nuevo milenio. Nueva población y nuevo manejo.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability globally. We present a study describing epidemiological changes in severe TBI and the impact these changes have had on management and analysing alternatives that may improve outcomes in this new population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional analysis of patients presenting severe TBI at our hospital in the period of 1992-1996 and 2009-2013. We analysed demographic data, including age, sex, mortality, aetiology, anticoagulation, treatment, and functional outcome. RESULTS: We reviewed data from 220 patients. In the second cohort, there were 40% fewer patients, mean age was 12years older, patients were more frequently receiving anticoagulation therapy, and the percentage of interventions was halved. Aetiology varied, with traffic accidents being the main cause in the first group, and accidental falls and being hit by cars in the second group. There were no intergroup differences for mortality or functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: The age of patients admitted due to severe TBI has increased. As a result of this, the main cause of severe TBI in our population is accidental falls in elderly, anticoagulated patients. Despite the low-energy nature of trauma, patients in the second cohort presented a poorer baseline status, and were less frequently eligible for surgery, with no improvement in mortality or functional outcomes.

Histological changes in the rat brain and spinal cord following prolonged intracerebroventricular infusion of cerebrospinal fluid from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients are similar to those caused by the disease. / La infusión intracerebroventricular prolongada de líquido cefalorraquídeo procedente de pacientes con esclerosis lateral amiotrófica provoca cambios histológicos en el cerebro y la médula espinal de la rata similares a los hallados en la enfermedad.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients induces cytotoxic effects in in vitro cultured motor neurons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected CSF with previously reported cytotoxic effects from 32 ALS patients. Twenty-eight adult male rats were intracerebroventricularly implanted with osmotic mini-pumps and divided into 3 groups: 9 rats injected with CSF from non-ALS patients, 15 rats injected with cytotoxic ALS-CSF, and 4 rats injected with a physiological saline solution. CSF was intracerebroventricularly and continuously infused for periods of 20 or 43days after implantation. We conducted clinical assessments and electromyographic examinations, and histological analyses were conducted in rats euthanised 20, 45, and 82days after surgery. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical studies revealed tissue damage with similar characteristics to those found in the sporadic forms of ALS, such as overexpression of cystatinC, transferrin, and TDP-43 protein in the cytoplasm. The earliest changes observed seemed to play a protective role due to the overexpression of peripherin, AKTpan, AKTphospho, and metallothioneins; this expression had diminished by the time we analysed rats euthanised on day 82, when an increase in apoptosis was observed. The first cellular changes identified were activated microglia followed by astrogliosis and overexpression of GFAP and S100B proteins. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that ALS could spread through CSF and that intracerebroventricular administration of cytotoxic ALS-CSF provokes changes similar to those found in sporadic forms of the disease.

Diversity of human papillomavirus in the anal canal of men: the HIM Study.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are associated with the development of anogenital lesions in men. There are no reports describing the distribution of non-α HPV types in the anal canal of a sexually diverse group of men. The HPV Infection in Men (HIM) Study is a multicentre study on the natural history of HPV infection in Brazil, Mexico, and the USA. At baseline, 12% of anal canal PCR HPV-positive specimens were not typed by the Roche Linear Array, and were considered to be unclassified. Our goals were to characterize HPVs among these unclassified specimens at baseline, and to assess associations with participant socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics. Unclassified HPVs were typed by sequencing of amplified PGMY09/11 products or cloning of PGMY/GP + nested amplicons followed by sequencing. Further analysis was conducted with FAP primers. Of men with unclassified HPV in the anal canal, most (89.1%) were men who have sex with women. Readable sequences were produced for 62.8% of unclassified specimens, of which 75.2% were characterized HPV types. Eighteen, 26 and three different α-HPV, ß-HPV and γ-HPV types were detected, respectively. α-HPVs were more commonly detected among young men (18-30 years) than among older men (45-70 years), whereas ß-HPVs were more frequent among mid-adult men (31-44 years). ß-HPVs were more common among heterosexual men (85.0%) than among non-heterosexual men. All ß-HPVs detected among non-heterosexual men were ß2-HPV types. The high prevalence of ß-HPV in the anal canal of men who do not report receptive anal sex is suggestive of other forms of transmission that do not involve penile-anal intercourse.

The falling incidence of hematologic cancer after heart transplantation.

BACKGROUND: A number of changes in the management of heart transplantation (HT) patients have each tended to reduce the risk of post-HT hematologic cancer, but little information is available concerning the overall effect on incidence in the HT population. METHODS: Comparison of data from the Spanish Post-Heart-Transplantation Tumour Registry for the periods 1991-2000 and 2001-2010. RESULTS: The incidence among patients who underwent HT in the latter period was about half that observed in the former, with a particularly marked improvement in regard to incidence more than five yr post-HT. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in HT patient management have jointly reduced the risk of hematologic cancer in the Spanish HT population. Long-term risk appears to have benefited more than short-term risk.

Analysis of relapses in anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical characteristics of patients with relapsing anti-NMDA receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis are not well-defined. In this study, we report the clinical profile and outcome of relapses in a series of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. METHODS: We did a retrospective review of relapses that occurred in 25 patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Relapses were defined as any new psychiatric or neurologic syndrome, not explained by other causes, which improved after immunotherapy or, less frequently, spontaneously. RESULTS: A total of 13 relapses were identified in 6 patients. Four of them had several, 2 to 4, relapses. There was a median delay of 2 years (range 0.5 to 13 years) for the first relapse. Median relapse rate was 0.52 relapses/patient-year. Relapse risk was higher in patients who did not receive immunotherapy in the first episode (p = 0.009). Most cases (53%) presented partial syndromes of the typical anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Main symptoms of relapses were speech dysfunction (61%), psychiatric (54%), consciousness-attention disturbance (38%), and seizures (31%). Three relapses (23%) presented with isolated atypical symptoms suggestive of brainstem-cerebellar involvement. An ovarian teratoma was detected at relapse in only 1 patient (17%). Relapses did not add residual deficit to that caused by the first episode. CONCLUSIONS: Relapses in anti-NMDAR encephalitis are common (24%). They may occur many years after the initial episode. Relapses may present with partial aspects or with isolated symptoms of the full-blown syndrome. Immunotherapy at first episode reduces the risk of relapses.

Lung cancer after heart transplantation: results from a large multicenter registry.

In this study we analyzed Spanish Post-Heart-Transplant Tumour Registry data for adult heart transplantation (HT) patients since 1984. Median post-HT follow-up of 4357 patients was 6.7 years. Lung cancer (mainly squamous cell or adenocarcinoma) was diagnosed in 102 (14.0% of patients developing cancers) a mean 6.4 years post-HT. Incidence increased with age at HT from 149 per 100 000 person-years among under-45s to 542 among over-64s; was 4.6 times greater among men than women; and was four times greater among pre-HT smokers (2169 patients) than nonsmokers (2188). The incidence rates in age-at-diagnosis groups with more than one case were significantly greater than GLOBOCAN 2002 estimates for the general Spanish population, and comparison with published data on smoking and lung cancer in the general population suggests that this increase was not due to a greater prevalence of smokers or former smokers among HT patients. Curative surgery, performed in 21 of the 28 operable cases, increased Kaplan-Meier 2-year survival to 70% versus 16% among inoperable patients.

Central nervous system involvement in Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Central nervous system involvement in Hodgkin's lymphoma is extremely rare. We report three cases who had a relapse from the disease involving CNS. The most frequent causes are skull contiguity, meningeal invasion and via the hematogenous route. It is frequent that the association between Epstein-Barr Virus and Hodgkin's lymphoma, and a biopsy for confirmation, is always required. Diagnostic imaging tests like CT and MRI are useful. The standard treatment remains holocraneal radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy.

The prognosis of noncutaneous, nonlymphomatous malignancy after heart transplantation: data from the Spanish Post-Heart Transplant Tumour Registry.

INTRODUCTION: Malignancy is a major complication in the management of solid organ transplant patients. Skin cancers show a better prognosis than other neoplasms, but not all others are equal: Ideally, patient management must take into account the natural history of each type of cancer in relation to the transplanted organs. We sought to determine the prognosis of various groups of noncutaneous nonlymphomatous (NCNL) cancers after heart transplantation (HT). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of the Spanish Post-Heart-Transplant Tumour Registry, which collects data on posttransplant tumors in all patients who have undergone HT in Spain since 1984. Data were included in the study up to December 2008. We considered only the first NCNL post-HT tumors. RESULTS: Of 4359 patients, 375 developed an NCNL cancer. The most frequent were cancers of the lung (n=97; 25.9%); gastrointestinal tract (n=52; 13.9%); prostate gland (n=47; 12.5%; 14.0% of men), bladder (n=32; 8.5%), liver (n=14; 3.7%), and pharynx (n=14; 3.7%), as well as Kaposi's sarcoma (n=11; 2.9%). The corresponding Kaplan-Meier survival curves differed significantly (P<.0001; log-rank test), with respective survival rates of 47%, 72%, 91%, 73%, 36%, 64%, and 73% at 1 year versus 26%, 62%, 89%, 56%, 21%, 64%, and 73% at 2 years; and 15%, 51%, 77%, 42%, 21%, 64%, and 52% at 5 years post-diagnosis, respectively. CONCLUSION: Mortality among HT patients with post-HT NCNL solid organ cancers was highest for cancers of the liver or lung (79%-85% at 5 years), and lowest for prostate cancer (23%).

[Cell therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: science and controversy]. / Terapia celular en la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica: ciencia y controversia.

Stem cell therapy is seen as a possible alternative for the treatment of different degenerative diseases, among which includes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite there being basic research works with this therapy in ALS, the mechanism of action of the implanted cells are still unclear. It is also unclear which type of cells to use (bone marrow, fat, dental pulp, etc.), or the most ideal administration route. Furthermore, clinical trials with mesenchymal stem cells are not very conclusive, therefore it has not been convincingly established as an alternative therapy in ALS or any other neurodegenerative disease. Despite the scientific evidence, several clinical trials have been conducted in the last few years that offer stem cell treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, giving rise to what is known as "cellular tourism". This phenomenon has set off alarms and reactions in the scientific community. The application of these therapies must be performed following the good clinical practice guidelines in research, evidence based methodology and international ethical and scientific recommendations.

Cell death mechanisms induced by cytotoxic lymphocytes.

One of the functions of the immune system is to recognize and destroy abnormal or infected cells to maintain homeostasis. This is accomplished by cytotoxic lymphocytes. Cytotoxicity is a highly organized multifactor process. Here, we reviewed the apoptosis pathways induced by the two main cytotoxic lymphocyte subsets, natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells. In base to recent experimental evidence, we reviewed NK receptors involved in recognition of target-cell, as well as lytic molecules such as perforin, granzymes-A and -B, and granulysin. In addition, we reviewed the Fas-FasL intercellular linkage mediated pathway, and briefly the cross-linking of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and TNF receptor pathway. We discussed three models of possible molecular interaction between lytic molecules from effector cytotoxic cells and target-cell membrane to induction of apoptosis.

[Analysis of hospital consultations to Neurology in a tertiary hospital.]. / Análisis de la interconsulta hospitalaria a neurología en un hospital de tercer nivel.

Introduction. Neurology consultations requested by other services in in-patients are performed through intrahospital consultations. This study aims to make a descriptive study of the intrahospital consultations (IHC) requests received by a Neurology service. Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective study of the requests for consultations received in the Neurology Service in the Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos in Madrid during the year 2007. The following endpoints were analyzed: number of consultations, number of visits made, date, delay in attention, specialties involved, syndromic diagnosis, final diagnosis and complementary tests requested. Results. A total of 390 intrahospital consultations corresponding to 351 patients were made. Total number of visits was 687. Internal Medicine was the specialty making the most requests with 31%, followed by Psychiatry (13.4 %) and Oncology (8 %). The most frequent syndromic diagnoses were neurological deficit (31.6%), seizures (18.2%) and awareness level disturbance (11.7%). The most frequent final diagnoses were epilepsy (19.9 %), cerebrovascular disease (15%) and movement disorders (10.5 %). Complementary tests were requested for 37% of the patients, the most common ones being cranial and spinal magnetic resonance imaging, Head CT and EEG. Conclusions. Because of its complexity and care load, intrahospital consultation should be considered an independent unit in the organization of a neurological service. As it involves a significant number of patients, it should be subject to evaluation and quality improvement programs.

Improving the cadmium-induced centriacinar emphysema model in rats by concomitant anti-oxidant treatment.

1. The aim of the present study was to perform an evolutionary analysis of the morphometrical, biochemical and functional parameters of centriacinar emphysema induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in rats and to determine the effects of concomitant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administration. 2. Male Wistar rats were instilled orotracheally with either CdCl2 (n = 24) or saline (n = 24). One group of rats, consisting of both CdCl2- and saline-treated rats, was fed a normal diet (n = 24), whereas the other group received NAC (n = 24). 3. Changes in inspiratory capacity (IC), lung compliance (CL), expiratory flow at 75% (F75), forced vital capacity (FVC) and hydroxyproline content were assessed 2, 8, 21 and 45 days after instillation. Polymorphonuclear cells were evaluated 2 and 8 days after instillation and the mean linear intercept (Lm) was determined at 21 and 45 days. 4. Over time, CdCl2 instillation causes several changes that are bound up with centriacinar emphysema. The concomitant administration of NAC to CdCl2-treated rats partially reversed Lm at 21 days compared with CdCl2 alone (115 +/- 2 vs 127 +/- 2, respectively; P < 0.05). However, 45 days after instillation, NAC improved lung function in CdCl2-treated rats compared with that in the saline-treated control group (IC 14.64 vs 15.25, respectively (P = 0.054); FVC 16.94 vs 16.28, respectively (P = 0.052), F75 31.41 vs 32.48, respectively (P = 0.062)). In addition, 45 days after instillation, NAC reduced lung collagen content in both the saline-treated control (100 vs 81% alone and in the presence of NAC, respectively) and CdCL2-treated groups (213 vs 161% alone and in the presence of NAC, respectively). In addition, although the results were not significant, NAC tended to reduce Lm and enhance CL in NAC + CdCl2-treated rats. 5. In conclusion, NAC partially improved emphysematous changes and reduced collagen deposition, which diminished the CdCl2-induced fibrotic component of centriacinar emphysema.

[Cellular therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]. / Terapia celular en la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica.

INTRODUCTION: The possible role of stem cells transplantation in therapy for traumatic lesions or for diseases has been outlined in recent years. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is one of the diseases where cellular therapy may be useful. DEVELOPMENT: The authors make an analytic review of the studies carried out in humans with ALS and in G93A transgenic rodent model of ALS to evaluate the effect of stem cell transplantation. They also review cellular responses from NSC-EZ cells in the spinal cord. CONCLUSIONS: Research on the potential uses of cellular therapy for ALS is on-going, however, the different studies are not homogeneous. Thus, many questions need to be answered, such as which is the most appropriate type of cells or which should be the volume of cells to implant, which is the best method for the transplantation and in the case of spinal cord implant which is the best target for the implant, or if it is necessary to administer concomitant substances, such as immunosuppressant drugs.

Increased collagen deposition correlated with lung destruction in human emphysema.

BACKGROUND: To study the relationship between collagen amount and degree of emphysema as assessed by mean linear intercept (Lm) and correlating these with lung function test workup in patients with and without COPD. METHODS: Lung function tests were assessed in 16 smokers or ex-smokers and 1 non-smoker in order to separate them into two groups: COPD (FEV1/FVC lower than 70%) and non-COPD. A piece of lung tissue was used to analyse the collagen amount (HYP) by means of a colorimetric method. Morphometry was assessed to divide patients into two groups according to Lm: Lm > 260 micrometers was considered non-emphysema and Lm < 260 mm mild-emphysema. RESULTS: The non-emphysema group had a mean Lm value of 246.08+/-3.12 micrometers and the mild-emphysema group of 276.29+/-4.26 micrometers. The amount of hydroxyproline was significantly higher in the mild-emphysema group than in the non-emphysema group (7.82+/-0.67 vs. 5.50+/-0.54 microgram/g tissue). There was a clear positive correlation between Lm and HYP (r=0.55) and a negative correlation between Lm and DlCO (R=-0.5092). No correlation was found between the functional test and HYP, nor were there significant differences between COPD and non-COPD patients for Lm and HYP. CONCLUSIONS: Emphysema is associated with collagen deposition in the lungs, and air space size correlates with the amount of lung collagen even when there is no emphysema.

Sites of adsorption of adenine, uracil, and their corresponding derivatives on sodium montmorillonite.

Clay minerals are considered important to chemical evolution processes due to their properties, ancient origin, and wide distribution. To extend the knowledge of their role in the prebiotic epoch, the adsorption sites of adenine, adenosine, AMP, ADP, ATP, Poly A, uracil, uridine, UMP, UDP, UTP and Poly U on sodium montmorillonite are investigated. X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy studies indicate that these molecules distribute into the interlamellar channel and the edge of the clay crystals. Monomers are adsorbed predominantly in the interlamellar channel, whereas polymers adsorb along the crystal edges. Such behavior is discussed mainly in terms of bulk pH, pK(a) of the adsorbate, and Van der Waals interactions.

Evaluación del efecto antiulceroso del extracto acuoso y metanólico de las semillas de lupinus mutabilis sweet (tarwi, chocho) en ratas / Evaluation of the antiulcerous effect of the watery extract and metanólico of the seeds of lupinus mutabilis sweet (tarwi, chocho) in rates

En la presente investigación realizada con semilla de lupinus mutabilis sweet se ha podido evaluar el efecto del extracto acuoso y del extracto metanólico sobre las lesiones producidas en la mucosa gástrica de ratas de acuerdo a la técnica de Lee. La indometacina en dosis superiores a 50 mg/Kg de peso produce lesiones lineales, engrosamiento y dilatación del intestino delgado, adhesiones, obstrucción parcial, inflamación granulomatosa transmural aguda y crónica, absceso en las criptas y fibrosis. El extracto acuoso en cocimiento, de lupinus mutabilis sweet fue administrado a la dosis de 2000mg/Kg de peso y el extracto metanólico a una dosis de 400mg/Kg. Se utilizaron cuatro grupos de ratas machos de aproximadamente 250g de peso a las que se les acondicionó en el Bioterio de la Facultad y se les suministró alimento y agua ad libitum. Los animales fueron distribuidos en G1: Control, G2: Ranitidina, G3: Extracto acuoso en conocimiento del lupinus mutabilis sweet y G4: Extracto metanólico de lupinus mutabilis sweet. Las sustancias fueron administradas por vía oral, previo ayuno de 48 horas, media hora antes de la Indometacina. A las cinco horas, los animales fueron sacrificados, realizándose la laparotomía para extraer el estómago y observar las lesiones producidas. Macroscópicamente apreciamos un efecto antiulceroso estadísticamente significativo según la prueba del chi cuadrado, con una probabilidad de p=0.0013 y microscópicamente una probabilidad de p=0.0053. Para el extracto acuoso en cocimiento se obtuvo un efecto antiulceroso igual al 60 por ciento; para la Ranitidina 57 por ciento y en menor proporción para el extracto metanólico (40 por ciento), pudiendo observarse la normalización de la arquitectura de la mucosa y la atenuación de la infiltración de granulocitos...

In the present research, we have evaluated the effect of Lupinus mutabilis Sweet's seed, as watery and methanolic extracts on the gastric mucous of rats, following the Lee's method. Indometacin in doses higher than 50 mg per kg of weight causes lineal lesions, enlarging and dilatation of small intestine; partial obstruction, acute and chronic transmural granulomatous inflamation; abscess in the intestine's crypts and fibrosis. 2000 mg/kg of weight of the watery extract of the Lupinus was administered by mouth and 400 mk/kg of the methanolic extract by the same way. We use four groups of ten male rats each one with 250 g of weight approximately that were previously conditionated in our laboratory supplying food and water ad libitum. The animals were distributed in four groups in aleatory way and they received saline solution, ranitidine, watery extract of Lupinus and methanolic extract of Lupinus respectively. All substances were administered by oral route 30 minutes before to administer Indometacina to the animals that were in fast for 48 hours. Five hours later the animals were sacrificed and submitted to laparotomy in order to observe the macroscopically antiulcerogenic effect that was evident and statistically significant with a value of p= 0,0013; microscopically was p= 0,0053...

Evaluación del efecto antiinflamatorio del extracto acuoso de las semillas de Lupinus mutabilis sweet (Tarwi, Chocho), en animales de experimentación / Evaluation of the antiinflammatory effect of the watery extract of the seeds of Lupinus mutabilis sweet (Tarwi, Chocho), in experimentation animals

En la investigación realizada en la semilla de Lupinus mutabilis Sweet se ha podido identificar mediante un Screening Fitoquímico los principios activos presentes en el extracto acuoso, determinándose los alcaloides totales. Se ha evaluado la toxicidad aguda (DL50) tanto del extracto acuoso como de los alcaloides totales obtenidos de la semilla. En el extracto acuoso de las semillas se ha evidenciado la actividad antiinflamatoria (aguda y sub-crónica) en modelos experimentales, administrándose el Lupinus por vía oral a una dosis de 200 mg/Kg de peso. La inflamación fue evaluada por diferentes técnicas utilizando la técnica de Granuloma de Pouche con trementina en ratas (Inflamación sub-crónica) y edema plantar con formol al 1 por ciento y ovoalbúmina al 50 por ciento en S.S.I. (Inflamación aguda) en ratones, siguiendo las técnicas estándar del CYTED, obteniéndose el efecto máximo de inhibición de la inflamación a los 80 minutos en comparación con los 60 minutos correspondientes al diclofenaco (30 mg/Kg) mostrando un porcentaje de inhibición de 66 por ciento frente al 100 por ciento del fármaco estándar. La DL50 del extracto acuoso por vía oral fue de 3500 mg/Kg de peso y de los alcaloides totales administrados por vía oral fue de 600 mg/Kg. Los alcaloides han sido identificados por TLC (Cromatografía en capa fina) y HPLC comparándolo con estándar de esparteína.

In the investigation carried out in the seed of Lupinus mutabilis Sweet it has been possible to identify by means of a Screening Phitochemistry the present biologically active principIes in the watery extract in boiled, being determined the total alkaloids. The acute toxicity has been evaluated (LD50) so much of the watery extract as of the obtained total alkaloids of the seed. In the watery extract of the seeds the activity antiinflammatory has been evidenced (acute and subchronicle) in experimental models, being Administered the Lupinus for oral route to a dose of 2000 mg/Kg of weight. The inflammation was evaluated by different techniques using the technique of Granuloma of Pouche with trementin in rats (Inflammation sub-chronicle) and inflammatory to plant with formol to 1 % and ovoalbúmina to 50% in S.S.I. in mice, following the standard techniques of the CYTED, being obtained the maximum effect of inhibition from the inflammation to the 80 minutes in comparation with the 60 minutes corresponding to the dic10fenac (30 mg/Kg) showing a percentage of inhibition of 66% in front of 100% of the standard drug. The LD50 of the watery extract in boiled for oral route it was of 3500 mg/Kg of weight and of the complete alkaloids administered for oral route it was of 600 mg/Kg. The alkaloids have been identified by TLC (Thin layer chromatography) and HPLC comparing it with standard of Spartein.

[Cerebral cavernomas in childhood. clinical presentation and diagnosis]. / Cavernomas cerebrales en la infancia. Presentación clínica y diagnóstico.

INTRODUCTION: Intracranial vascular malformations are congenital lesions due to alterations in the development of the arteriolocapillary network. Traditionally they are divided into four types according to their histological characteristics: arteriovenous malformations, cavernous angiomas or cavernomas, venous angiomas and telangectasias. The cavernomas are multilobulated lesions which are clearly delimited and contain blood at different stages of evolution. Histologically they are composed of sinusoidal spaces lined by endothelium and closely interlinked, without intervening nervous tissue. They are usually found at a supratentorial level, and less frequently in the posterior fossa. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We made a retrospective review of the histories of 11 patients aged between 2 and 10 years, diagnosed as having intracranial cavernomas in which imaging techniques lead to the diagnosis of intracranial cavernoma. In two patients there were multiple cavernomas. We analysed the method of diagnosis and clinical features on presentation. RESULTS: The clinical features were varied. In six patients the onset of the disorder was with epileptic seizures, three had progressive neurological deficits, one patient had headache and vomiting which progressed to coma and another had a history of non specific fainting and deficit. All but one of the cavernomas were supratentorial. CONCLUSIONS: Cavernomas are a type of vascular malformation with specific histological features. The usual clinical features are convulsions and parenchymatous bleeding. They are generally supratentorial. The appearance of MR has permitted diagnosis of asymptomatic cavernomas and is currently considered to be the technique of choice for diagnosis.