Surface and aggregation properties of a plant-oil derived biosurfactant.

The plant-oil derived biosurfactant HeBra® shows a high surface activity combined with a versatile aggregation behavior. The hydrophilic protein head groups provide an excellent water solubility that still enables micelle formation due to the hydrophobic interactions of the fatty acid chains. The observed low CMC of 1 g L-1 allows an efficient utilization in different application fields already at very low concentrations. The mixture of low and high molecular weight components provides highly dynamic behavior during foam formation or dispersion processes combined with the formation of large and stable structures in solutions and at surfaces.

Effects of image-based and text-based active learning exercises on student examination performance in a musculoskeletal anatomy course.

Research on the benefits of visual learning has relied primarily on lecture-based pedagogy, but the potential benefits of combining active learning strategies with visual and verbal materials on learning anatomy has not yet been explored. In this study, the differential effects of text-based and image-based active learning exercises on examination performance were investigated in a functional anatomy course. Each class session was punctuated with an average of 12 text-based and image-based active learning exercises. Participation data from 231 students were compared with their examination performance on 262 questions associated with the in-class exercises. Students also rated the helpfulness and difficulty of the in-class exercises on a survey. Participation in the active learning exercises was positively correlated with examination performance (r = 0.63, P < 0.001). When controlling for other key demographics (gender, underrepresented minority status) and prior grade point average, participation in the image-based exercises was significantly correlated with performance on examination questions associated with image-based exercises (P < 0.001) and text-based exercises (P < 0.01), while participation in text-based exercises was not. Additionally, students reported that the active learning exercises were helpful for seeing images of key ideas (94%) and clarifying key course concepts (80%), and that the image-based exercises were significantly less demanding, less hard and required less effort than text-based exercises (P < 0.05). The findings confirm the positive effect of using images and active learning strategies on student learning, and suggest that integrating them may be especially beneficial for learning anatomy. Anat Sci Educ 10: 444-455. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.

A Phase II trial of a combination herbal supplement for men with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Men with biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer are typically observed or treated with androgen-deprivation therapy. Non-hormonal, non-toxic treatments to slow the rise of PSA are desirable. We studied a combination herbal supplement, Prostate Health Cocktail (PHC), in prostate cancer cell lines and in a population of men with BCR. METHODS: PC3, LAPC3 and LNCaP cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of PHC suspension. Men previously treated for prostate cancer with surgery, radiation or both with rising PSA but no radiographic metastases were treated with three capsules of PHC daily; the primary end point was 50% PSA decline. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were identified using parylene membrane filters. RESULTS: PHC showed a strong dose-dependent anti-proliferative effect in androgen-sensitive and independent cell lines in vitro and suppression of androgen receptor expression. Forty eligible patients were enrolled in the clinical trial. Median baseline PSA was 2.8 ng ml(-1) (1.1-84.1) and 15 men (38%) had a PSA decline on study (1-55% reduction); 25 (62%) had rising PSA on study. The median duration of PSA stability was 6.4 months. Two patients had grade 2/3 transaminitis; the only other grade 2 toxicities were hyperglycemia, hypercalcemia and flatulence. There were no significant changes in testosterone or dihydrotestosterone. CTCs were identified in 19 men (47%). CONCLUSIONS: Although the primary end point was not met, PHC was well tolerated and was associated with PSA declines and stabilization in a significant number of patients. We believe this is the first report of detecting CTCs in men with BCR prostate cancer. Randomized studies are needed to better define the effect of PHC in men with BCR.

Pregnancies in liver and kidney transplant recipients: a review of the current literature and recommendation.

In this article, we focus on the biggest groups of organ transplant recipients, patients with a kidney or liver graft. Among these patients, about one sixth included women of childbearing potential. Therefore, the wish of getting pregnant is frequent in these peculiar patients, and careful planning and management of the pregnancies requires the expertise of obstetricians, midwives and transplant experts. Altogether, the outcome of the pregnancies in these women is acceptable. About 75% off all pregnancies ended successfully with live births, and this is comparable if not superior to pregnancies in healthy women. This success might be caused not only by the special and intensive care provided to these high-risk pregnancies by the transplant centres but also by the low rate of unplanned pregnancies. The risk of rejections and organ loss after delivery is about 10%, and it is slightly enhanced in liver transplant recipients (LTRs) in comparison to kidney graft recipients (KTRs) but the number of organ losses in direct association with a pregnancy is rare. However, there is not only a higher frequency of pregnancy-associated disorders such as pre-eclampsia and preterm delivery but also an acceleration of hypertension, new-onset diabetes mellitus and newly arising infections also favoured by the maintained immunosuppressive therapy. This implies a specialized 'control system' for these pregnant women that comprises ultrasound and Doppler investigation for risk assessment, infection screening, suitable therapy and the choice of non-teratogenic immunosuppressives. Antihypertensive treatment must be well balanced and adjusted to the possible growth-retarding effect on the foetus as well as on the co-morbidity of the mother. Finally, supplementation of vitamin D and iron is much more important in these transplanted women than in healthy pregnant women as vitamin D deficiency and anaemia are discussed to have an impact on pre-eclampsia and preterm delivery. These claims are widely discussed. Furthermore, the current literature is systematically reviewed by Scopus analysis.

Neuroprotective effects of the sigma-1 receptor ligand PRE-084 against excitotoxic perinatal brain injury in newborn mice.

Excessive glutamate release followed by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activation plays a crucial role in perinatal brain injury. We have previously shown that dextromethorphan, a low-affinity NMDAR antagonist with anti-inflammatory properties, is neuroprotective against neonatal excitotoxic brain injury. Of interest, dextromethorphan is also a sigma-1 receptor (σ1R) agonist. The pharmacologic class of σ1R agonists has yielded propitious results in various animal models of adult central nervous system pathology. In an established neonatal mouse model of excitotoxic brain injury, we evaluated the effect of the selective σ1R agonist 2-(4-morpholinethyl) 1-phenylcyclohexanecarboxylate (PRE-084). A single intraperitoneal injection of 0.1 µg/g (low dose) or 10 µg/g (high dose) bodyweight (bw) PRE-084, given 1h after the excitotoxic insult, significantly reduced lesion size in cortical gray matter 24 h and 120 h after the insult. Repetitive injections of 0.1 µg/g PRE-084 proved to be equally effective. PRE-084 treatment resulted in a decrease in cell death indicated by reduced TUNEL positivity and caspase-3 activation. Furthermore, it lowered the number of isolectin B4-positive, activated microglial cells. PRE-084 had no effect on developmental apoptosis in the undamaged brain. In vitro findings in primary hippocampal neurons suggest that PRE-084 treatment provides partial protection against glutamate induced morphological and functional changes. For excitotoxicity as playing a crucial role in the pathogenesis of perinatal brain injury, we demonstrate for the first time that systemic treatment with the highly selective σ1R agonist PRE-084 protects against NMDAR-mediated excitotoxic brain damage.

[Midwife attendance during labour and its relation to interventions and outcome of birth]. / Zusammenhänge zwischen Anwesenheit der Hebamme, Interventionen und dem Outcome der Geburt.

BACKGROUND: Continuity of midwifery care during labour is beneficial. We investigated the relationship between midwife presence, interventions and outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From the overall sample of singleton pregnancies in cephalic presentation (n=4 438) we selected 541 prospectively documented hospital-based birth processes occurring at term without antenatal risks and spontaneous mode of birth. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Midwives were present for up to six hours in 66% of 247 births to primiparae, and for up to three hours in 61% of 294 births to multiparae. Midwives were present for more than 75% of the overall labour duration in 62% of all births in nulliparae and 63% in multiparae. Midwife presence for more than 75% of the total birth duration correlated positively to immersion in water (p<0.02), up to two CTG tracings (p<0.001), and up to three vaginal examinations (p<0.04). Midwives working in hospitals which contributed more than 50% of their eligible births were present for longer during labour than midwives in units with a lower participation rate (p<0.002). Multivariate regression revealed that up to two CTG tracings (p<0.001) and a participation rate of more than 50% (p<0.002) were significantly related to midwife presence. DISCUSSION: Intensive intrapartum midwife presence during spontaneous birth was associated neither with fetal outcome nor with interventions, except for up to two CTG tracings. This might be due to shorter labour or the later commencement of care. CONCLUSIONS: Intrapartum midwife presence covers a large portion of the birth process, but continues to be poorly understood.

99mTc-sestamibi radio-guided surgery of loco-regional 131Iodine-negative recurrent thyroid cancer.

AIM: We report here our experience in a larger series of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients who had been treated by (99m)Tc-sestamibi radio-guided surgery (RGS) for (131)Iodine ((131)I)-negative loco-regional recurrent disease. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with loco-regional (131)I-negative recurrent disease from DTC were studied with (99m)Tc-sestamibi directed RGS using a hand-held 11-mm gamma probe as an intra-operative detector. Patients were selected for RGS on the basis of (a) progressive increase of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) levels after first treatment during follow-up, (b) negative high dose (100 mCi, 3.7 GBq) (131)I whole-body scan, and (c) positive pre-operative (99m)Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy for the presence of loco-regional recurrent disease. There were 41 papillary (1 "tall" cell variant), 13 follicular and 4 Hürthle cells tumours. In 14 patients thyroid cancer recurred in the thyroid bed while cervical lymph node metastases were found in 37 patients, and 7 patients had recurrent disease both in the thyroid bed and in cervical lymph nodes. RESULTS: At bilateral neck exploration, 147 metastatic foci ranging from 4 mm to 51 mm in largest diameter (mean tumour diameter=17.3+/-9.5mm) were removed. Eighty-five of them (58%) had been pre-operatively identified at (99m)Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy. After RGS, serum Tg levels normalised in 43 of 58 patients (serum Tg<2 ng/ml--they were considered disease-free), serum Tg remained slightly increased in 12 patients without evidence of metastatic disease at scintigraphic and radiologic imaging (serum Tg<10 ng/mg--they were considered living with microscopic disease), while serum Tg significantly increased up to values>900 ng/ml in 3 patients who developed lung metastases. The mean lesion to background (99m)Tc-sestamibi uptake ratios decreased in all 58 patients (p<0.0001). Post-surgical follow-up ranged 6-72 months (mean+/-SD=29.6+/-13.5 months). The operating surgeon assessed RGS as very useful in 14 patients in whom metastatic foci were embedded in fibrotic tissues or located behind blood vessels, useful in 22 patients, moderately useful 17 patients and not useful in 5 patients. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that a (99m)Tc-sestamibi intra-operative gamma probe can be used to identify and guide resection of recurrent loco-regional tumour in DTC patients with (131)I-negative loco-regional metastatic foci.

Vitamin B6 status, deficiency and its consequences--an overview.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin B6 is thought to be a most versatile coenzyme that participates in more than 100 biochemical reactions. It is involved in amino acid and homocysteine metabolism, glucose and lipid metabolism, neurotransmitter production and DNA/RNA synthesis. Vitamin B6 can also be a modulator of gene expression. Nowadays, clinically evident vitamin B6 deficiency is not a common disorder, at least in the general population. Nevertheless, a subclinical, undiagnosed deficiency may be present in some subjects, particularly in the elderly. OBJECTIVE: This review gives a complete overview over the metabolism and interactions of vitamin B6. Further, we show which complications and deficiency symptoms can occur due to a lack of vitamin B6 and possibilities for public health and supplemental interventions. METHODS: The database Medline (www.ncvi.nlm.nih.gov) was searched for terms like "vitamin B6", "pyridoxal", "cancer", "homocysteine", etc. For a complete understanding, we included studies with early findings from the forties as well as recent results from 2006. These studies were summarised and compared in different chapters. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In fact, it has been proposed that suboptimal vitamin B6 status is associated with certain diseases that particularly afflict the elderly population: impaired cognitive function, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, and different types of cancer. Some of these problems may be related to the elevated homocysteine concentrations associated to vitamin B6 deficiency, but there is also evidence for other mechanisms independent of homocysteine by which a suboptimal vitamin B6 status could increase the risk for these chronic diseases.

B-vitamin status and intake in European adolescents. A review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: National and international recommendations for the intake of B vitamins in adolescents consist of estimates and extrapolations from adult values. Due to increasing growth and therefore relatively high energy and nutrient requirements adolescents are a vulnerable group from the nutritional point of view. In addition, a deficient intake of several B vitamins is strongly connected with the development of cancer, neural tube defects and cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to assess dietary intake and status of B vitamins and homocysteine of European adolescents on the basis of published data. METHODS: The database Medline (www.ncvi.nlm.nih.gov) was searched for terms like "Vitamin B", "homocysteine", "Europe", etc. Studies published between June 1980 and December 2004 were analysed for this review. Results of the intake of B vitamins were compared with the EAR or AI, respectively, as recommended by the U.S. Institute of Medicine. Due to lacking reference values for adolescents results of blood status as well as homocysteine were compared to different thresholds for adults. RESULTS: Considering the limitations of the comparability between the reviewed studies e.g. by different methodologies, sample size, age groups, the average intake of B vitamins surpassed the EAR and AI. Boys were better supplied with B vitamins than girls. The intake decreased with increasing age in both genders. A possible deficiency of folate was noticed and girls in particular seemed to be more at risk. Clear regional tendencies for the vitamin intake could not be observed. Results of vitamin B6, B12, folate in blood, and homocysteine were levelled in-between the thresholds. Though the great standard deviation of folate increased the probability of a deficient supply in parts of the population. CONCLUSIONS: European girls seem to be at risk of folate deficiency. Supplements and fortified food were not taken into consideration by most of the published studies which additionally distorts the real intake. Standardized methods of dietary surveys and reference values for B vitamins as well as homocysteine still must be established. Hence, further investigations are of great relevance. folate increased the probability of a deficient supply in parts of the population. CONCLUSIONS: European girls seem to be at risk of folate deficiency. Supplements and fortified food were not taken into consideration by most of the published studies which additionally distorts the real intake. Standardized methods of dietary surveys and reference values for B vitamins as well as homocysteine still must be established. Hence, further investigations are of great relevance.

B-Vitamin status and intake in European adolescents. A review of the literature / Estado vitamínico e ingesta de vitaminas en adolescentes europeos. Revisión bibliográfica

Background: National and international recommendations for the intake of B vitamins in adolescents consist of estimates and extrapolations from adult values. Due to increasing growth and therefore relatively high energy and nutrient requirements adolescents are a vulnerable group from the nutritional point of view. In addition, a deficient intake of several B vitamins is strongly connected with the development of cancer, neural tube defects and cardiovascular diseases. Objective: The aim of this work is to assess dietary intake and status of B vitamins and homocysteine of European adolescents on the basis of published data. Methods: The database Medline (www.ncvi.nlm.nih. gov) was searched for terms like “vitamin B”, “homocysteine”, “Europe”, etc. Studies published between June 1980 and December 2004 were analysed for this review. Results of the intake of B vitamins were compared with the EAR or AI, respectively, as recommended by the U.S. Institute of Medicine. Due to lacking reference values for adolescents results of blood status as well as homocysteine were compared to different thresholds for adults. Results: Considering the limitations of the comparability between the reviewed studies e.g. by different methodologies, sample size, age groups, the average intake of B vitamins surpassed the EAR and AI. Boys were better supplied with B vitamins than girls. The intake decreased with increasing age in both genders. A possible deficiency of folate was noticed and girls in particular seemed to be more at risk. Clear regional tendencies for the vitamin intake could not be observed. Results of vitamin B6, B12, folate in blood, and homocysteine were levelled in-between the thresholds. Though the great standard deviation of folate increased the probability of a deficient supply in parts of the population. Conclusions: European girls seem to be at risk of folate deficiency. Supplements and fortified food were not taken into consideration by most of the published studies which additionally distorts the real intake. Standardized methods of dietary surveys and reference values for B vitamins as well as homocysteine still must be established. Hence, further investigations are of great relevance

Antecedentes: Las recomendaciones, tanto nacionales como internacionales, sobre el consumo de vitamina B por adolescentes, se basan en valoraciones y extrapolaciones de datos de adultos. Los adolescentes debido a su crecimiento y desarrollo, y, por ello, a la necesidad relativamente alta de energía y nutrientes, son desde el punto de vista de la nutrición un grupo vulnerable. Además, una insuficiente ingesta de varias vitaminas B se relaciona con el desarrollo de cáncer, defectos del tubo neural y enfermedades cardiovasculares Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo es valorar el estado vitamínico y de homocisteina y la ingesta de vitaminas B en adolescentes europeos, basándose en datos publicados Método: La base de datos Medline (www.ncvi.nlm.nih. gov), se analizó en función de términos tales como “Vitamina B” “Homocisteina”, “Europa”…, etc. Para esta revisión se analizaron estudios publicados entre junio de 1980 y diciembre de 2004. Los resultados de ingesta de vitamina B se compararon, respectivamente, con los de EAR y AI, según recomendación del Instituto de Medicina de EEUU. Debido a las lagunas de valores de referencia para adolescentes, los resultados se compararon con los diferentes umbrales para adultos. Resultados: Considerando las limitaciones de la comparación en la revisión de estudios, por ejemplo: diferentes metodologías, tamaño de muestras, grupos de edad, etc., la media de ingesta de vitamina B sobrepasa a la de EAR y AI. Los chicos están mejor proveídos de vitamina B que las chicas. La ingesta decrecía con la edad en ambos géneros. Se apreciaba una posible deficiencia de fólico y las chicas, en particular, parecían padecer más riesgos. No se observaron claras tendencias regionales en la ingesta de vitaminas. Los niveles de vitaminas B6 y B12, fólico y homocisteina en sangre se encontraron dentro de los valores de referencia. No obstante, la enorme desviación estándar de fólico incrementaba la posibilidad de un deficiente consumo en parte de la población Conclusión: Las chicas europeas parecen estar a riesgo de deficiencia de fólico. Los suplementos y alimentos enriquecidos no fueron considerados en la mayoría de los estudios publicados, lo cual desvirtuaba la ingesta real. Todavía se deben establecer métodos estandarizados de registro dietético y valores de referencia, tanto para vitaminas del grupo B como para homocisteina. Por lo tanto, son necesarias investigaciones futuras

Effect of low intensity laser irradiation on surgically created bony defects in rats.

Low intensity lasers have been used by clinicians to improve healing and reduce pain in humans. Lasing also results in new bone formation around hydroxyapatite implants and a significant increase in the total bone area. However, the exact mechanism of cell biostimulation by laser is still unclear. This study biochemically assessed the effects of low intensity laser (Gallium-Arsenide) using 4 and 22.4 mW cm(-2) power density on the bone healing process after surgically creating bony cavities in rat mandibles. Rats (n = 24) were divided into two groups each treated with specific energy, 4 or 22.4 mW cm(-2), for 3 min each day post-surgery. Surgical cavities were created on both sides of the mandible: the left served as an untreated control, the right was treated with laser. All rats were sacrificed after 1, 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. In the newly formed callus, accumulation of radiocalcium and alkaline phosphatase activity was measured to indicate osteogenic activity. One-way anova with repeated measures showed that the low intensity laser using 4 mW cm(-2) power density significantly increased radiocalcium accumulation from 2 weeks post-surgery, whereas 22.4 mW cm(-2) had no effect. No changes were noted in the activity of alkaline phosphatase with the laser treatment. These results suggest that laser therapy of low power density is effective on the bone healing process in artificially created osseous cavities by affecting calcium transport during new bone formation.

Collaborative study for the validation of serological methods for potency testing of diphtheria toxoid vaccine (part 2).

The study is a contribution to the EDQM's efforts to meet some of the expectations of the 3 Rs: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal assays as proposed by Russell and Burch in 1959 and adopted by the European Union in 1986, and specifically to validate alternative assays to replace, for batch-release purposes, the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) in vivo direct challenge procedures for the potency determination of diphtheria toxoid vaccines. The study results may be used in support of the replacement of the multi-dilution direct challenge procedures in different animal models by a single dilution serology test, where appropriate, and to use sera from the same animals for potency testing of several components in combined vaccines. With regard to the latter, the present study explores the possibility of testing both diphtheria and tetanus toxoid potencies using serum from the same animals.

Thermo-chemotherapy for intermediate or high-risk recurrent superficial bladder cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined local hyperthermia and intravesical mitomycin-C (MMC) in a selected group of patients with intermediate or high-risk recurrent transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of bladder. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients with multiple or recurrent Ta or T1 TCC of the bladder were treated with intravesical MMC and local hyperthermia of the bladder wall. Patients were treated with either a prophylactic protocol (40 mg MMC) after complete transurethral resection of all tumours or with an ablative protocol (80 mg MMC) in patients with viable tumours. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were eligible for analysis. The prophylactic protocol was administered to 22 patients. After a mean follow-up of 289 days, 20 patients (91%) were recurrence free. Two patients (9%) had tumour recurrence after a mean period of 431 days. The ablative protocol was administered to 10 patients. Complete tumour ablation was achieved in eight patients (80%) after a mean follow up of 104.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: Our efficacy and safety results confirm those reported in previously published studies, suggesting the promising value of this combined treatment modality for both prophylactic and ablative patients. The ablative protocol offers an alternative therapy for a selected patient population for whom no other treatment option exists.

Possible roles of magnesium on the immune system.

During the last few years, magnesium (Mg) has been subject of research due to its functionality in the organism. It is one of the most important micronutrients, and therefore its role in biological systems has been extensively investigated. Particularly, Mg has a strong relation with the immune system, in both nonspecific and specific immune response, also known as innate and acquired immune response. The aim of this paper is to review the state of the art about the interactions between Mg and the immune system. We discuss the link between dietary Mg and inflammation, apoptosis and alterations in number and function of innate immune cell populations, described in animal models. Furthermore, the immune system can be compromised in human populations under certain circumstances, including athletes and elderly people. The importance of a balanced Mg homeostasis and its interaction with the immune system in these groups has also been reviewed. Although emerging data support the relevant role of Mg in the immune response, further research is needed; and special efforts should be made to establish the most adequate dose in nutritional supplements to reach beneficial effects on health.

Oral creatine supplementation and skeletal muscle metabolism in physical exercise.

Creatine is the object of growing interest in the scientific literature. This is because of the widespread use of creatine by athletes, on the one hand, and to some promising results regarding its therapeutic potential in neuromuscular disease on the other. In fact, since the late 1900s, many studies have examined the effects of creatine supplementation on exercise performance. This article reviews the literature on creatine supplementation as an ergogenic aid, including some basic aspects relating to its metabolism, pharmacokinetics and side effects. The use of creatine supplements to increase muscle creatine content above approximately 20 mmol/kg dry muscle mass leads to improvements in high-intensity, intermittent high-intensity and even endurance exercise (mainly in nonweightbearing endurance activities). An effective supplementation scheme is a dosage of 20 g/day for 4-6 days, and 5 g/day thereafter. Based on recent pharmacokinetic data, new regimens of creatine supplementation could be used. Although there are opinion statements suggesting that creatine supplementation may be implicated in carcinogenesis, data to prove this effect are lacking, and indeed, several studies showing anticarcinogenic effects of creatine and its analogues have been published. There is a shortage of scientific evidence concerning the adverse effects following creatine supplementation in healthy individuals even with long-term dosage. Therefore, creatine may be considered as a widespread, effective and safe ergogenic aid.

Functional foods and the immune system: a review.

In the last decade, preventive medicine has undergone a great advance, especially in developed countries. Research has demonstrated that nutrition plays a crucial role in the prevention of chronic diseases, as most of them can be related to diet. Functional food enters the concept of considering food not only necessary for living but also as a source of mental and physical well-being, contributing to the prevention and reduction of risk factors for several diseases or enhancing certain physiological functions. In reference to the immune system, many studies have pointed out that not only pre- and probiotics, but also single micronutrients incorporated into functional foods contribute to an enhancement of immunocompetence. In fact, one of the authorized claims consists of pointing out the immunomodulator properties of functional foods. In this article, the effect of some functional foods and ingredients such as probiotics, selenium and dietary antioxidants (vitamins A, E and C) on the immune function are reviewed. However, the optimum intake level and recommended amounts of functional foods have not yet been established. Thus, in order to remove the controversy surrounding functional food, further research studies are necessary, both in experimental animals and in humans. Finally: efforts should be directed towards the ultimate goal, that is, a 'functional diet'.

A G468-T AMPD1 mutant allele contributes to the high incidence of myoadenylate deaminase deficiency in the Caucasian population.

Myoadenylate deaminase deficiency is the most common metabolic disorder of skeletal muscle in the Caucasian population, affecting approximately 2% of all individuals. Although most deficient subjects are asymptomatic, some suffer from exercise-induced myalgia suggesting a causal relationship between a lack of enzyme activity and muscle function. In addition, carriers of this derangement in purine nucleotide catabolism may have an adaptive advantage related to clinical outcome in heart disease. The molecular basis of myoadenylate deaminase deficiency in Caucasians has been attributed to a single mutant allele characterized by double C to T transitions at nucleotides +34 and +143 in mRNA encoded by the AMPD1 gene. Polymerase chain reaction-based strategies have been developed to specifically identify this common mutant allele and are considered highly sensitive. Consequently, some laboratories preferentially use this technique over other available diagnostic tests for myoadenylate deaminase deficiency. We previously identified a G468-T mutation in one symptomatic patient who was only heterozygous for the common AMPD1 mutant allele. In this report, nine additional individuals with this compound heterozygous genotype are revealed in a survey of 48 patients with documented deficiency of skeletal muscle adenosine monophosphate deaminase and exercise-induced myalgia. Western blot analysis of leftover biopsy material from one of these individuals does not detect any immunoreactive myoadenylate deaminase polypeptide. Baculoviral expression of the G468-T mutant allele produces a Q156H substitution enzyme exhibiting labile catalytic activity. These combined results demonstrate that the G468-T transversion is dysfunctional and further indicate that AMPD1 alleles harboring this mutation contribute to the high incidence of partial and complete myoadenylate deaminase deficiency in the Caucasian population. Consequently, genetic tests for abnormal AMPD1 expression designed to diagnose patients with metabolic myopathy, and to evaluate genetic markers for clinical outcome in heart disease should not be based solely on the detection of a single mutant allele.

Survey on the use of complementary and alternative medicine among patients with headache syndromes.

The objective was to determine headache patients' knowledge, prevalence of use and perceived effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine. Seventy-three patients with headache syndromes attending a head and neck pain clinic were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. Alternative medical therapies were used by 85% of surveyed patients for the relief of their head pain. In 60%, the therapies were perceived to have a benefit. Almost 100% of the patients were familiar with one or more of the presented alternative treatments. Eighty-eight per cent perceived at least one of the complementary treatments to be an effective remedy for headache pain. Exposure to and interest in alternative treatments are common among patients with headache syndromes, despite the lack of scientific evidence of benefit and assessments of risks for many of the treatments. Neurologists and general physicians should be aware of the increasing role of alternative medicine in the healthcare system. There is still an urgent need for objective, integrative and critical research with regard to complementary and alternative medicine.

¿Podemos retrasar el envejecimiento? Nutrición o deporte / Can ageing be delayed? Nutrition or sports

Una revisión crítica de la bibliografía apoya el concepto de que la actividad deportiva y otros tipos de ejercicio físico son un factor esencial de un estilo de vida que tiene un efecto beneficioso sobre la salud, previniendo algunas enfermedades degenerativas ligadas al envejecimiento, particularmente la enfermedad coronaria, con el consiguiente aumento de la longevidad media de las poblaciones. Además, numerosos estudios sugieren que la práctica regular de ejercicio tiene un efecto favorable sobre la edad biológica, que predice más exactamente la longevidad que la edad cronológica. Los efectos anti-envejecimiento serían probablemente más marcados si la nutrición aportara suficientes vitaminas antioxidantes y precursores de glutation reducido para proteger al organismo contra los efectos del estrés oxidativo, que es un mecanismo clave tanto del envejecimiento como de ciertos efectos negativos del ejercicio “agotador”. Probablemente, una mejor comprensión de las relaciones entre ejercicio, nutrición y longevidad motivaría a un número creciente de personas a adoptar estilos de vida conducentes a más años de longevidad funcional (AU)

A biohybrid system to interface peripheral nerves after traumatic lesions: design of a high channel sieve electrode.

Peripheral nerve lesions lead to nerve degeneration and flaccid paralysis. The first objective in functional rehabilitation of these diseases should be the preservation of the neuro-muscular junction by biological means and following functional electrical stimulation (FES) may restore some function of the paralyzed limb. The combination of biological cells and technical microdevices to biohybrid systems might become a new approach in neural prosthetics research to preserve skeletal muscle function. In this paper, a microdevice for a biohybrid system to interface peripheral nerves after traumatic lesions is presented. The development of the microprobe design and the fabrication technology is described and first experimental results are given and afterwards discussed. The technical microprobe is designed in a way that meets the most important technical requirements: adaptation to the distal nerve stump, suitability to combine the microstructure with a containment for cells, and integrated microelectrodes as information transducers for cell stimulation and monitoring. Micromachining technologies were applied to fabricate a polyimide-based sieve-like microprobe with 19 substrate-integrated ring electrodes and a distributed counter electrode. Monolithic integration of fixation flaps and a three-dimensional shaping technology led to a device that might be adapted to nerve stumps with neurosurgical sutures in the epineurium. First experimental results of the durability of the shaping technology and electrochemical electrode properties were investigated. The three-dimensional shape remained quite stable after sterilization in an autoclave and chronic implantation. Electrode impedance was below 200 kOmega at 1 kHz which ought to permit recording of signals from nerves sprouting through the sieve holes.