Automated assays for trace elements and ferritin measurement in saliva of pigs: Analytical validation and a pilot application to evaluate different iron status.

The aim of this study was to validate automated methods to measure iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and ferritin in pig saliva samples. A complete analytical validation was performed of all assays. In addition, these methods were applied to saliva of Fe supplemented (n = 22) and non-supplemented (n = 20) piglets. All assays were able to measure these biomarkers in pig saliva with adequate precision, accuracy and high sensitivity and, in case of trace elements without needing a deproteinization pre-process. The group of piglets supplemented with Fe presented significantly higher levels of ferritin and Zn in saliva. In conclusion, the automated assays evaluated were able to measure Fe, Zn, Cu and ferritin in saliva of pigs, and in case of trace elements, they have the advantage of not needing a deproteinization pre-treatment and thus these analytes can be measured in a simple and fast manner.

Could pulmonary low-dose radiation therapy be an alternative treatment for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia? Preliminary results of a multicenter SEOR-GICOR nonrandomized prospective trial (IPACOVID trial).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lung low-dose radiation therapy (LD-RT) for pneumonia in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inclusion criteria comprised patients with COVID-19-related moderate-severe pneumonia warranting hospitalization with supplemental O2 and not candidates for admission to the intensive care unit because of comorbidities or general status. All patients received single lung dose of 0.5 Gy. Respiratory and systemic inflammatory parameters were evaluated before irradiation, at 24 h and 1 week after LD-RT. Primary endpoint was increased in the ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) or the pulse oximetry saturation (SpO2) to fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio of at least 20% at 24 h with respect to the preirradiation value. RESULTS: Between June and November 2020, 36 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and a mean age of 84 years were enrolled. Seventeen were women and 19 were men and all of them had comorbidities. All patients had bilateral pulmonary infiltrates on chest X­ray. All patients received dexamethasone treatment. Mean SpO2 pretreatment value was 94.28% and the SpO2/FiO2 ratio varied from 255 mm Hg to 283 mm Hg at 24 h and to 381 mm Hg at 1 week, respectively. In those who survived (23/36, 64%), a significant improvement was observed in the percentage of lung involvement in the CT scan at 1 week after LD-RT. No adverse effects related to radiation treatment have been reported. CONCLUSIONS: LD-RT appears to be a feasible and safe option in a population with COVID-19 bilateral interstitial pneumonia in the presence of significant comorbidities.

[Reliability and validity of the mental evocation of images, movements and activities questionnaire: a pilot study]. / Fiabilidad y validez del Cuestionario de evocación mental de imágenes, movimientos y actividades: estudio piloto.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Motor imaging is a widely used technique in neurological rehabilitation. Its utility and results are influenced by the ability to imagine a movement, which can be evaluated by various instruments. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of a recently-designed instrument for assessment of the hand and arm: the Mental Evocation of Images, Movements and Activities Questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed 29 patients (41% men and 59% women) with a mean age of 45 years. At a first visit, all were administered the Mental Evocation of Images, Movements and Activities Questionnaire and the Spanish version of the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-Revised. At a second visit, the patients underwent a retest of the Mental Evocation of Images, Movements and Activities Questionnaire. We calculated descriptive statistics, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, reproducibility and concurrent validity between the two instruments. RESULTS: Reliability/internal consistency: we found good indexes of internal consistency both for the global scale and for its two subscales: evocation and sensation. Reliability/test-retest: we found no significant differences in a 1-week interval. Reproducibility: we found an excellent intraclass correlation coefficient. Concurrent validity: the Mental Evocation of Images, Movements and Activities Questionnaire showed a strong correlation with the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-Revised. CONCLUSIONS: The Mental Evocation of Images, Movements and Activities Questionnaire is a psychometrically robust instrument that can be used to measure the ability to form visual and kinesthetic mental images of the hand/arm. The instrument also provides information on the imaging process in the person under evaluation.

Minimally invasive treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Our initial experience with Urolift® under local anaesthesia and sedation. / Tratamiento mínimamente invasivo de los síntomas del tracto urinario inferior por hiperplasia benigna de próstata. Nuestra experiencia inicial con Urolift® bajo anestesia local y sedación.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia with the Urolift® system has been carried out since 2005 with good results in the medium term. In this work, we present our experience performing this technique under local anaesthesia and sedation in 2 Spanish centres. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted with 20 patients treated with Urolift® under local anaesthesia and sedation between April 2017 and April 2018. The anaesthesia protocol consisted in the placement of 2 lubricants with cold lidocaine (the first one, 10min before the intervention, and the second one, just before introducing the cystoscopy). A prostate block (similar to the one employed in prostate biopsies) was administered to one third of the patients and 1mg of intravenous midazolam was added if required during the procedure. Our primary objective is to evaluate the tolerability of this procedure under local anaesthesia using the validated Visual Analogue Scale measurement instrument. RESULTS: The procedure has been performed under the same anaesthetic protocol to 20 patients from 2 different centres. The average pain scores on the Visual Analogue Scale were 1.37 for the cystoscopy procedure and 1.19 for the placement of the implants. When asked whether the pain sensations had been higher, lower or the same during the procedure or at the preoperative cystoscopy, only 18% of the patients responded it was higher. In all cases there was a good tolerance to the procedure, and changes to the anaesthesia protocols were never required. CONCLUSIONS: We consider that the Urolift® system under local anaesthesia and sedation is a well-tolerated, safe and effective method for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Placental levels of metals and associated factors in urban and sub-urban areas of Seville (Spain).

Environmental exposure to metals among women, revealed their adverse effects on pregnancy. The fetus is exposed to these toxic elements only via the placenta which are able to accumulate there or cross it, compromising the protective functions of this organ. Numerous studies have shown associations between the prenatal exposition to some metals and an impact on cognitive, motor and intellectual development of the child. Sixty two placental samples were taken at delivery to determine the mineral content (Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn) by ICP-OES. Among these metals, essential ones (B, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Zn) can have health beneficial effects at low levels however, in high concentration are potentially toxic. On the other hand, elements such as Al, Cd, Pb, are classified as toxic metals, no matter what its concentration is. The aim of this study is to find the potential relationships between these metals levels, newborn's parameters, pregnancy details and the epidemiologic information obtained using a questionnaire data from the participant pregnant women from Seville (Spain). The main maternal determinant of detectable placenta Cd levels was smoking during pregnancy. Other maternal factors that may affect placenta metal levels were gestational age (Al, B, Ba, and Pb) or dietary supplement (Fe). It has to be stressed that our results have to be interpreted with caution, because of the small study group and the low exposure levels, along with the lack of information on potential sources of exposure to these metals. The use of placenta samples obtained at delivery can be considered strength of this study since the concentration of some metals in placenta can indicate the extent of maternal exposure during gestation.

Intervención breve basada en ACT y mindfulness: estudio piloto con profesionales de enfermería en UCI y Urgencias / Brief intervention based on ACT and mindfulness: pilot study with nursing staff in intensive care unit and emergency services

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Nurses develop their work in a highly stressful context, where their emotional, attentional and well-being resources are frequently impaired. Because the health care work context is a dynamic and changing context, it is necessary to continue implementing and evaluating the efficacy of brief interventions that consider the organizational needs. The aim of the current paper is showing the result of a pilot study, which implemented and assessed the efficacy of a brief intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness to improve nurses levels of psychological flexibility, mindfulness and well-being. Intervention was conducted in a public and tertiary-level hospital in Madrid, specifically in their Intensive Care Units and Emergency Room. For this pilot study, 50 nurses were randomly selected of a total professional population of 164. They were assigned to two groups: the experimental and the waiting-list group. Between-group comparison showed that the intervention had significant benefits in terms of vitality and purpose of life among participants when compared with controls. Intra-group comparisons also showed significant benefits on nurses’ psychological flexibility and negative affect when both groups received the intervention. The intervention also significantly changed nurses’ vitality at follow-up. These results were discussed in terms of strengths and limitations that a brief intervention of these characteristics could have in the work context (AU)

Metformina asociada a insulinoterapia en pacientes diabéticos tipo 1 / Metformin associated with insulin therapy in type 1 diabetic patients

In patients with diabetes type 1 (T1D) glycemic control remains suboptimal, despite the availability of new insulin analogues and continuous infusion systems. Metformin may be a complementary therapy regarding to intensified insulin therapy since a significant percentage of T1D have insulin resistance (IR). Objective: To analyze the clinical, anthropometric and metabolic effects of the combination of metformin to insulin therapy in T1D patients. Subjects and Method: 34 T1D patients, 15 men and 19 women, mean age 41 years (range 20-64) metformin 850 mg / day was associated for 6 months (group 1) and retrospectively evaluated 18 T1D, 9 men and 9 women, age average 34 years (range 17-58), who received metformin for 36 months (group 2). It was recorded before and after treatment with metformin: nutritional status, waist circumference, index waist / hip, glucose fasting, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), glucose uptake (UG) and insulin dose (U/kg). Statistical analyses. Clinical and biochemical parameters were expressed as median, range or percentage (percent). For the statistical significance were used chi2and Fisher exact and Mann Whitney test; and was established as significant at p <0.05. Results: In group 1 significantly decreased waist circumference in men and women and improved fasting glucose, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure and triglycerides. In group 2, waist circumference and systolic blood pressure was also reduced. Conclusion: In T1D patients with clinical signs of IR the association of metformin to insulin therapy may be useful.

Evaluation of content and estimation of daily intake of cadmium and lead in several varieties of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivated in the Canary Islands (Spain).

Monitoring the metal content in foods such as potatoes is an important aspect of food safety and regulation. Samples of nine varieties of potatoes (73 samples of local potatoes and 77 samples of imported potatoes) were randomly obtained from supermarkets, farmers markets, and farmer plots in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). The edible portion (pulp) was the only part considered for analysis because Spaniards traditionally eat only peeled potatoes. Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Cd concentrations ranged from 0.006 mg/kg in the Cara and Negra varieties to 0.019 mg/kg in the Bonita variety, and Pb concentrations ranged from 0.007 mg/kg in the Up-to-date variety to 0.023 mg/kg in the Recara variety. The mean concentrations of Cd (0.01 mg/kg) and Pb (0.014 mg/kg) were below the limits established by European regulations for potatoes (0.1 mg/kg of wet weight for each metal). Based on a mean consumption of 143.2 g of potato per person per day for the Canary Islands population, the mean daily intakes of Cd (0.015 mg/day) and Pb (0.023 mg/day) were below the legislated respective tolerable weekly intakes. Thus, the samples analyzed were considered safe to eat with regard to the metal concentrations found.

Evaluation of metal concentrations in mentha herbal teas (Mentha piperita, Mentha pulegium and Mentha species) by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry.

Phytopharmaceuticals are gaining popularity worldwide; however, cases of adverse effects and drug interactions have also increased. One reason is in the high metal content both as ingredients but also as contaminants. Metal monitoring in food, like herbal teas, provides basic information on safety aspects in regulatory processes as well as nutritional values. In the present work, Cd, Pb, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Li, Ni, and Mo were determined by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICPS) in 36 samples of Mentha sp. Mint tea bags and loose leaves were randomly obtained from supermarkets, traditional markets, herbal stores, and pharmacies in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). Metal contents varied significantly, dependent on the stores the products were purchased in and on tea packaging (loose leaves versus tea bags). Pb analyses revealed levels (0.65±0.71mg/kg) below legal limits. The maximum permissible limit for Cd, 0.3mg/kg, set by the WHO for medicinal plants, was exceeded by 19.44% of the samples (0.22±0.13mg/kg), but all values were below the limit given in the European Pharmacopoeia for this metal (4mg/kg). We observed high Al (151.24±162.73mg/kg) and Li (5.46±3.94mg/kg) levels. B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Mo mean levels were 20.51, 14.15, 0.26, 1.65, 10.65, 406.00, 55.05, 1.72, 33.67, and 0.73mg/kg, respectively. Mean Ca, Mg, K, and Na were detected in concentrations of 10.32, 3.83, 7.23 and 1.17g/kg, respectively. In conclusion, metal exposure through herbal mint teas does not seem to be of health concern, as to most of the studied metals, but regulatory limits for Al contents should be imposed.

Palm tree syrup: nutritional composition of a natural edulcorant.

INTRODUCTION: Palm syrup is a typical product from the Canary Islands, traditionally produced from the sap of the tropical palm tree Phoenix canariensis. Its high caloric content has led to its increasing use as a health food supplement for athletes, children and elderly. Furthermore, demand for this natural syrup is continuously increasing due also to its medicinal uses in homeopathic medicine. OBJECTIVE: Palm Tree syrup samples prepared with palm sap from primary producers in La Gomera island (Canary Islands, Spain) were analyzed for their nutritional composition (moisture, ash, sugars, fat, vitamins and minerals). METHODS: 35 syrup samples from five different producing regions in La Gomera island were analyzed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine sugars and vitamins and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS) was used to analyze the minerals. RESULTS: Major carbohydrates were sucrose (37.8%), glucose (9.50%) and fructose (4.80%), respectively. The presence of arabinose could not be confirmed. Niacin was the water-soluble vitamin with the highest concentration with an average content of 0.003%. Fat content was found to be under 0.20%. Potassium was the mineral with highest contents (0.45%). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that palm tree syrup can play an important role as a sugar and mineral source in human nutrition, suggesting that future applications for this product could be developed.

Palm tree syrup; nutritional composition of a natural edulcorant / Miel de palma; composición nutricional de un edulcorante natural

Introduction: Palm syrup is a typical product from the Canary Islands, traditionally produced from the sap of the tropical palm tree Phoenix canariensis. Its high caloric content has led to its increasing use as a health food supplement for athletes, children and elderly. Furthermore, demand for this natural syrup is continuously increasing due also to its medicinal uses in homeopathic medicine. Objective: Palm Tree syrup samples prepared with palm sap from primary producers in La Gomera island (Canary Islands, Spain) were analyzed for their nutritional composition (moisture, ash, sugars, fat, vitamins and minerals). Methods: 35 syrup samples from five different producing regions in La Gomera island were analyzed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine sugars and vitamins and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS) was used to analyze the minerals. Results: Major carbohydrates were sucrose (37.8%), glucose (9.50%) and fructose (4.80%), respectively. The presence of arabinose could not be confirmed. Niacin was the water-soluble vitamin with the highest concentration with an average content of 0.003%. Fat content was found to be under 0.20%. Potassium was the mineral with highest contents (0.45%). Conclusions: Results suggest that palm tree syrup can play an important role as a sugar and mineral source in human nutrition, suggesting that future applications for this product could be developed (AU)

Introducción: La miel de palma es un producto típico de las Islas Canarias, tradicionalmente producido a partir de la savia de la palmera Phoenix canariensis. El alto contenido calórico lo convierte en un producto cada vez más utilizado como suplemento alimenticio para atletas, niños y mayores. Además, la demanda de este sirope natural, está en constante crecimiento debido también a sus usos medicinales en la medicina homeopática. Objetivo: Analizar la composición nutricional (humedad, cenizas, azúcares, grasa, vitaminas y minerales) de las muestras de miel de palma preparadas con la savia de las palmeras de los productores de la isla de La Gomera (Islas Canarias, España). Métodos: 35 muestras de miel de palma procedentes de cinco regiones productoras de la isla de La Gomera fueron analizadas. Los azúcares y las vitaminas fueron medidos mediante cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (CLAR) y la espectrofotometría de absorción atómica por llama (FAAS) se usó para determinar los minerales. Resultados: Los hidratos de carbono mayoritarios fueron sacarosa (37,8%), glucosa (9,50%) y fructosa (4,80%), respectivamente. La presencia de arabinosa no pudo ser confirmada. La niacina es la vitamina hidrosoluble con la mayor concentración con un contenido promedio de 0,003%. Los contenidos en grasas se encontraron por debajo de 0,20%. El potasio era el macroelemento con los contenidos más altos (0,45%). Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren que la miel de palma puede jugar un papel importante como una fuente de azúcar y minerales en la nutrición humana y se pueden desarrollar futuras aplicaciones para este producto (AU)

Copper reduces striatal protein nitration and tyrosine hydroxylase inactivation induced by MPP+ in rats.

Striatal administration of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)), the active metabolite of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), causes nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway damage similar to that observed in Parkinson's disease. Copper acts as a prosthetic group of several antioxidant enzymes and recent data show that copper attenuated MPP(+)-evoked neurotoxicity. We evaluated the effect of copper (as a supplement) upon proteins nitration (60 kDa) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) inactivation induced by MPP(+) (10 microg/8 microL) injection into the rat striatum. Copper pretreatment (10 micromol/kg i.p.) prevented both MPP(+)-induced proteins nitration and TH inactivation. Copper treatment also prevented the dopamine-depleting effect of MPP(+) injection. Those results were accompanied by a significant reduction of enzymatic activity of the constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS), whereas, the protein levels of the three isoforms of NOS remained unchanged. Results indicate that the effect of copper against MPP(+)-induced proteins nitration and TH inactivation in the striatum of rat may be mediated by a reduction of cNOS activity.

Butyric acid-based feed additives help protect broiler chickens from Salmonella Enteritidis infection.

Sodium butyrate is a sodium salt of a volatile short-chain fatty acid (butyric acid) used to prevent Salmonella Enteritidis infection in birds. Three groups of fifty 1-d-old broilers each were fed the following diets: T0 = standard broiler diet (control); T1 = standard broiler diet supplemented with 0.92 g/kg of an additive with free sodium butyrate (Gustor XXI B92); and T2 = standard broiler diet supplemented with 0.92 g/kg of an additive with sodium butyrate partially protected with vegetable fats (Gustor XXI BP70). Twenty percent of the birds were orally infected with Salmonella Enteritidis at d 5 posthatching and fecal Salmonella shedding was assessed at d 6, 9, 13, 20, 27, 34, and 41 of the trial. At d 42, all birds were slaughtered and 20 of them dissected: crop, cecum, liver, and spleen were sampled for bacteriological analyses. Both butyrate-based additives showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) of Salmonella Enteritidis infection in birds from d 27 onward. However, the partially protected butyrate additive was more effective at the late phase of infection. Partially protected butyrate treatment successfully decreased infection not only in the crop and cecum but also in the liver. There were no differences in the spleen. These results suggest that sodium butyrate partially protected with vegetable fats offers a unique balance of free and protected active substances effective all along the gastrointestinal tract because it is slowly released during digestion.

Efectividad de la punción seca en los puntos gatillo miofasciales en la lumbalgia crónica / Effectiveness of the dry needling in the treatment of chronic low back pain

Introducción. Nadie duda hoy de que el tratamiento actual de la lumbalgia crónica inespecífica es multidisciplinario y debe abordarse desde varias perspectivas. Muchos autores consideran el dolor de la lumbalgia crónica inespecífica como un dolor miofascial con la existencia de puntos gatillo activos (PGM). Objetivo. El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar la efectividad del tratamiento del dolor lumbar crónico con punción seca (PS) y ayudar a determinar la posible importancia de los puntos gatillo miofasciales en la lumbalgia crónica. Metodología. Se trataron 58 personas con lumbalgia crónica inespecífica elegidas aleatoriamente mediante punción sin introducir ninguna sustancia (punción seca) del punto gatillo miofascial de los rotadores profundos lumbares, cuadrado lumbar y glúteo medio. Se midieron cuatro variables: el dolor percibido o subjetivo y la calidad del sueño mediante escala visual análoga (EVA), el dolor medido de forma objetiva mediante presión tolerada en los puntos gatillo activos con algómetro; y la calidad de vida con la escala de disfunción para la lumbalgia de Oswestry. Resultados. Se realizó un ensayo clínico antes-después en el que se encontró en todos los pacientes, al menos, un punto gatillo activo, que frecuentemente se situaba en el cuadrado lumbar. La mejoría obtenida fue significativa en todas las variables medidas, en tan sólo tres sesiones de tratamiento. Conclusiones. Se puede concluir que la punción seca podría constituir una herramienta útil dentro del abordaje multidisciplinario que requiere el manejo de la lumbalgia crónica inespecífica

Introduction. There is no doubt that current treatment for non-specific chronic lower back pain (cLBP) is multidisciplinary and should be approached from a number of different perspectives. Many authors consider the pain of non-specific chronic low back pain (cLBP) to be myofascial, with the existence of active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Objetive. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment with dry needling (DN) and to contribute to the elimination of the non-specific nature of cLBP by identifying its cause in relation to myofascial pain. Methods. 58 people suffering from non-specific cLBP, randomly selected, were treated with DN of MTrPs on the deep lumbar paraspinal muscles (multifidi and rotators), quadratus lumborum and gluteus medius. Four variables were measured: perceived pain and quality of sleep using a visual analogue scale (VAS), pressure-pain tolerance threshold on MTrPs with an algometer, and quality of life with the Oswestry Disability Index. Results. A clinical trial before-after was done. In which study, at least one MTrP was found in all patients, most commonly situated on the quadratus lumborum muscle. The improvement achieved was similar in all the measured variables in only three sessions of treatment. Conclusion. It can be concluded that the effectiveness of dry needling may be considered a useful tool within the multidisciplinary approach required in the management of non-specific cLBP

Direct determination of carnosic acid in a new active packaging based on natural extract of rosemary.

A new antioxidant film is being developed that incorporates a natural extract of rosemary and is intended for contact with food. The rosemary extract has been screened and carnosic acid and carnosol have been determined as the major antioxidant components (6.96% and 0.88%, respectively) that are responsible for the antioxidant properties of the whole extract. Thus, a fast method for the direct determination of carnosic acid in the packaging material, in order to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the new active plastic, has been developed and optimized. The method consists of extraction from the plastic with methanol, followed by anion exchange solid-phase extraction and final analysis by UPLC-MS. Using this process, the recovery of carnosic acid is about 99%. The complete analytical performance of the method developed here is also assessed. The analytical features of the method, such as the relative standard deviation, reproducibility, repeatability, linear range, and detection and quantification limits, are shown. This method can be subsequently modified to monitor other active components in different packages, and it constitutes a crucial step forward in research into new and improved commercial antioxidant packages.

Allergic reaction after ingestion of orange blossom pollen.

A 31-year-old atopic subject with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis with sensitization to several pollens, presented with urticaria and angioedema after ingestion of orange blossom pollen (Citrus sinensis). A positive skin prick test for orange blossom pollen extract (BIAL-Aristegui, Bilbao, Spain) at a concentration of 1.2 mg/ml was obtained. Serum specific IgE antibodies to orange blossom pollen were shown (Unicap Pharmacia System, Uppsala, Sweeden). A conjunctival provocation test was negative with orange blossom pollen extract dilutions of 1:1000, 1:100 and 1:10 w/v. We describe a patient with an IgE-mediated reaction caused by hypersensitivity to orange blossom pollen. Although the pollen is an aeroallergen and the way of sensitization and entrance is the airway, and therefore the symptoms appear in this location, when contact is through some other route such as the digestive tract, it is also able to sensitize reporting urticaria and angioedema like in our case, instead of respiratory symptoms.

Botulismo y toxina botulínica / Botulism and botulinum toxin

El botulismo es una toxi-infección producida por la bacteria anaerobia Clostridium botulinum por medio de una potentísima toxina, la toxina botulínica, de la cual existen ocho serotipos diferentes. Ésta es capaz de provocar en humanos al menos cuatro cuadros clínicos diferentes por bloqueo de la transmisión neuromuscular, y que pueden variar en gravedad desde la casi ausencia de síntomas hasta la muerte por parálisis respiratoria. Paradójicamente, la toxina botulínica se presenta también como un arma terapéutica eficaz y segura en decenas de enfermedades, si bien gran parte de estas potenciales aplicaciones está aún en fase de investigación. (AU)

Nuevas perspectivas terapéuticas de los compuestos cannabinólicos / New therapeutic perspectives for the cannabinoid compounds

Aunque la planta Cannabis sativa ha sido empleada desde la más remota antigüedad con fines medicinales, uno de sus derivados, la marihuana, se ha convertido en la droga de uso ilegal más consumida en el mundo, siendo su componente psicoactivo más importante el tetrahidrocannabinol (THC).Asimismo, tanto el Cannabis como sus cannabinoides se usan terapéuticamente en un reducido número de patologías generalmente neurológicas. Sin embargo, en la actualidad se perfila un nuevo horizonte terapéutico para estos compuestos cannabinólicos ya que tanto el delta-9-tetrahidrocannabinol (delta -9-THC) como el extracto de cannabis han sido cambiados recientemente al grupo III en Estados Unidos y al grupo II en el Reino Unido, lo que facilitará los ensayos clínicos de estos compuestos y el desarrollo de nuevos usos terapéuticos, principalmente aquellos relacionados con la capacidad analgésica (AU)

Tratamiento manipulativo articular de columna cervical / Manipulative join treatment in cervical spine

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The heparin-glutathione test: an alternative to the hypo-osmotic swelling test to select viable sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the heparin-glutathione test (HEGLUT) for the selection of viable sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). DESIGN: A prospective study. SETTING: Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia and Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad. PATIENT(S): Semen samples from healthy donors and patients with infertility. INTERVENTION(S): Sperm samples were kept in culture for different periods in Ham's F-10 medium supplemented or not supplemented with heparin, reduced glutathione (GSH), or a heparin-GSH mixture. Control and heparin-GSH-treated spermatozoa were injected into hamster oocytes. The HEGLUT and ICSI were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Sperm nuclear decondensation, progressive and nonprogressive motility, and male pronucleus formation. RESULT(S): The maximum proportion of sperm nuclear decondensation (28.7%+/-2.1% versus 2.6%+/-0.5% in the control group) was reached after 60 minutes of incubation in the presence of a heparin-GSH mixture. Differences in the percentages of progressive and nonprogressive motility among treatments and times of incubation, although statistically significant, were biologically negligible. No statistically significant differences were observed in the rate of sperm head decondensation (8.2% [4/49] versus 11.1% [6/54]) and male pronucleus formation (18.4% [9/49] versus 22.2% [12/541) after the injection of control and treated spermatozoa into hamster oocytes. CONCLUSION(S): The HEGLUT may offer an alternative to the hypo-osmotic swelling test for the selection of viable sperm for ICSI.