Immunological mechanisms involved in the human response to a dog dander allergoid.

BACKGROUND: Dog allergens are a common cause of allergic sensitisation and trigger respiratory symptoms worldwide. However, clinical evidence regarding dog immunotherapy is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the immunomodulatory properties of a new allergoid from dog dander, thereby deepening the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the reestablishment of the tolerogenic response. METHODS: Three independent batches of dog dander native and allergoid allergen extracts were manufactured and characterised. Allergenic profiles were analysed by the identification of all dog allergens and quantification of the major allergens Can f 1 and Can f 5. The allergenicity profile of the allergoid was studied using biological potency and basophil activation tests. In vitro immunomodulatory parameters was evaluated as the capacity of the allergoid to induce IgG antibodies that block IgE binding to the allergen and cytokine promotion (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, and TNF-α) in PBMCs from allergic donors. RESULTS: The presence of all dog allergens, including Can f 1 and Can f 5, was confirmed in both types of extracts. The new allergoid showed a low IgE binding capacity, which significantly affected the activation of effector cells, such as basophils. The IgG antibodies induced by the allergoid in rabbits blocked human IgE binding epitopes on the dog native extract and induced Th1 and Treg responses by increasing IFN-γ and IL-10 levels in PBMCs from allergic donors. CONCLUSION: This new dog dander allergoid containing Can f 1 and Can f 5 showed a low capacity to bind IgE and to activate basophils in dog allergic patients. Furthermore, it showed potent activation of Th1 mediators and induction of tolerance through Treg activation. This allergoid could offer a safer profile than the native extract and could be an effective immunotherapy treatment for dog allergic patients.

Clinical nutrition as part of the treatment pathway of pancreatic cancer patients: an expert consensus.

PURPOSE: Malnutrition is a common problem among pancreatic cancer (PC) patients that negatively impacts on their quality of life (QoL) and clinical outcomes. The main objective of this consensus is to address the role of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) into the comprehensive therapeutic management of PC patients. METHODS: A Spanish multidisciplinary group of specialists from the areas of Medical Oncology; Radiation Oncology; Endocrinology and Nutrition; and General Surgery agreed to assess the role of MNT as part of the best therapeutic management of PC patients. RESULTS: The panel established different recommendations focused on nutritional screening and nutritional screening tools, MNT strategies according to PC status, and MNT in palliative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: There is an unmet need to integrate nutritional therapy as a crucial part of the multimodal care process in PC patients. Health authorities, health care professionals, cancer patients, and their families should be aware of the relevance of nutritional status and MNT on clinical outcomes and QoL of PC patients.

Efficacy of bio- and neurofeedback for depression: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: For many years, biofeedback and neurofeedback have been implemented in the treatment of depression. However, the effectiveness of these techniques on depressive symptomatology is still controversial. Hence, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies extracted from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase. METHODS: Two different strings were considered for each of the two objectives of the study: A first group comprising studies patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and a second group including studies targeting depressive symptomatology reduction in other mental or medical conditions. RESULTS: In the first group of studies including patients with MDD, the within-group analyses yielded an effect size of Hedges' g = 0.717, while the between-group analysis an effect size of Hedges' g = 1.050. Moderator analyses indicate that treatment efficacy is only significant when accounting for experimental design, in favor of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in comparison to non RCTs, whereas the type of neurofeedback, trial design, year of publication, number of sessions, age, sex and quality of study did not influence treatment efficacy. In the second group of studies, a small but significant effect between groups was found (Hedges' g = 0.303) in favor of bio- and neurofeedback against control groups. Moderator analyses revealed that treatment efficacy was not moderated by any of the sociodemographic and clinical variables. CONCLUSIONS: Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback and neurofeedback are associated with a reduction in self-reported depression. Despite the fact that the field has still a large room for improvement in terms of research quality, the results presented in this study suggests that both modalities may become relevant complementary strategies for the treatment of MDD and depressive symptomatology in the coming years.

Risk factors associated with valvular calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease. Analysis of NEFRONA study.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Subclinical cardiac structural alterations have prognostic value in these patients. The aim was to analyse the prevalence of valvular calcification, the evolution and the relationship with different risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Part of the sample of the NEFRONA study was randomly selected. Aortic and mitral valve calcification were analysed in echocardiograms performed at the baseline visit and at 24 months. RESULTS: We included 397 patients, the estimated basal glomerular filtrate (eGFR) was 33 ml/min with significant decrease to 30.9 ml/min. There was an increase in the area of carotid and femoral plaque, as well as an increase in patients with aortic and mitral calcification at 24 months. A positive association of mitral calcification at 24 months with age, ankle-brachial index (ABI) and calcium-phosphorus product (CaxP) at baseline visit was observed, without association with eGFR. Aortic calcification at 24 months was positively associated with age, phosphorous and total carotid plaque area at baseline, with no relationship to eGFR. CONCLUSIONS: A significant prevalence of valvular calcification was observed in patients with CKD without known cardiovascular disease.Two-year progression was observed independently of the eGFR. Patients with higher risk of mitral valve calcification were those with older age, higher ABI and CaxP product. Patients with a higher risk of aortic calcification were those with older age, higher phosphorous levels and larger area of carotid plaque. Identifying these higher risk patients would help to avoid future cardiovascular events intensifying follow-ups.

Hydrolytic anaerobic reactor and aerated constructed wetland systems for municipal wastewater treatment - HIGHWET project.

The HIGHWET project combines the hydrolytic up-flow sludge bed (HUSB) anaerobic digester and constructed wetlands (CWs) with forced aeration for decreasing the footprint and improving effluent quality. The HIGHWET plant in A Coruña (NW of Spain) treating municipal wastewater consists of a HUSB and four parallel subsurface horizontal flow (HF) CWs. HF1, HF2 and HF3 units are fitted with forced aeration, while the control HF4 is not aerated. All the HF units are provided with effluent recirculation, but different heights of gravel bed (0.8 m in HF1 and HF2, and 0.5 m in HF3 and HF4) are implemented. Besides, a tobermorite-enriched material was added in the HF2 unit in order to improve phosphorus removal. The HUSB 76-89% of total suspended solids (TSS) and about 40% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD). Aerated HF units reached above 96% of TSS, COD and BOD at a surface loading rate of 29-47 g BOD5/m2·d. An aeration regime ranging from 5 h on/3 h off to 3 h on/5 h off was found to be adequate to optimize nitrogen removal, which ranged from 53% to 81%. Average removal rates of 3.4 ± 0.4 g total nitrogen (TN)/m2·d and 12.8 ± 3.7 g TN/m3·d were found in the aerated units, being 5.5 and 4.1 times higher than those of the non-aerated system. The tobermorite-enriched HF2 unit showed a distinct higher phosphate (60-67%) and total phosphorus (54%) removal.

Potato Psyllid (Hemiptera: Triozidae) Response to Insecticides Under Controlled Greenhouse Conditions.

Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) is a common pest of solanaceous crops largely known for vectoring "psyllid yellows" in potatoes. In recent years, however, this pest has attracted considerable attention for vectoring Zebra Chip, a devastating bacterial disease that was first reported in the United States in 2004 and has spread across the southern and northwestern states, causing significant economic losses to potato growers and the industry. Management of the disease is mainly achieved by reducing the psyllid population using insecticides, including pyrethroids and neonicotinoids; however, new insecticides with different modes of action are needed to avoid the acquisition of resistance. In the current study, the immediate and residual effects of conventional and new materials were tested under greenhouse conditions against adults and nymphs. Cyantraniliprole at a high rate and spinetoram showed the highest immediate and residual activity against adults, whereas cyantraniliprole and oxamyl (low and high rates) were effective against nymphs, with no differences between rates. Soil applications of cyantraniliprole, oxamyl, and imidacloprid were still toxic to adults and nymphs 7 and 14 d after treatment. Also, cyantraniliprole and tolfenpyrad were detrimental to psyllid reproduction. The incorporation of new chemistry in rotation programs may provide a useful management tool against this pest.

HKUST-1 as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Synthesis of Vanillin.

Vanillin (4-hydoxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) is the main component of the extract of vanilla bean. The natural vanilla scent is a mixture of approximately 200 different odorant compounds in addition to vanillin. The natural extraction of vanillin (from the orchid Vanilla planifolia, Vanilla tahitiensis and Vanilla pompon) represents only 1% of the worldwide production and since this process is expensive and very long, the rest of the production of vanillin is synthesized. Many biotechnological approaches can be used for the synthesis of vanillin from lignin, phenolic stilbenes, isoeugenol, eugenol, guaicol, etc., with the disadvantage of harming the environment since these processes use strong oxidizing agents and toxic solvents. Thus, eco-friendly alternatives on the production of vanillin are very desirable and thus, under current investigation. Porous coordination polymers (PCPs) are a new class of highly crystalline materials that recently have been used for catalysis. HKUST-1 (Cu3(BTC)2(H2O)3, BTC = 1,3,5-benzene-tricarboxylate) is a very well known PCP which has been extensively studied as a heterogeneous catalyst. Here, we report a synthetic strategy for the production of vanillin by the oxidation of trans-ferulic acid using HKUST-1 as a catalyst.

Effect of Cyantraniliprole on Probing Behavior of the Potato Psyllid (Hemiptera: Triozidae) as Measured by the Electrical Penetration Graph Technique.

Zebra chip (ZC), an economically important disease of potato, is caused by 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (Lso) transmitted by the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae). Currently, using insecticides against potato psyllid is the only means to manage ZC. However, the ability of the potato psyllid to rapidly transmit Lso represents a substantial challenge in preventing the spread of ZC. Cyantraniliprole, a novel second-generation anthranilic diamide insecticide has been shown to deter insect feeding and reduce disease transmission. During this study, the effect of cyantraniliprole on potato psyllid probing behavior was assessed using electrical penetration graph technology and compared with abamectin, a commonly used insecticide to control potato psyllid. Results showed that both cyantraniliprole and abamectin significantly deterred probing behavior of the potato psyllid. Average duration of intercellular stylet penetration on cyantraniliprole- and abamectin-treated and untreated control plants was 2.36, 1.80, and 9.15 h, respectively. It took psyllids 1.82, 1.10, and 2.42 h to reach the xylem of cyantraniliprole- and abamectin-treated and untreated plants, respectively. Xylem sap ingestion duration averaged 0.53, 0.57, and 3.66 h on cyantraniliprole- and abamectin-treated and untreated controls, respectively. None of the psyllids exposed to insecticide-treated plants reached the phloem tissue, except one that bypassed the xylem. The insects completely ceased probing after 4.44 and 3.64 h on cyantraniliprole- and abamectin-treated plants, respectively, in contrast with those on untreated plants that probed throughout the entire 24-h experiment duration. These results indicate that cyantraniliprole is as effective as abamectin in deterring potato psyllid feeding and could significantly reduce transmission of Lso and the spread of ZC.

Supplementation of IVF medium with melatonin: effect on sperm functionality and in vitro produced bovine embryos.

Gamete co-incubation generates high free radical levels surrounding growing zygotes which may impair subsequent embryo viability. Melatonin eliminates a wide variety of free radicals; hence, we tried to improve in vitro embryo production by adding melatonin to in vitro fertilisation (IVF) media in high (Exp. 1) and low concentrations (Exp. 2), and we evaluated its effect on bull sperm function during IVF co-incubation time (Exp. 3). In Experiment 1, we supplemented IVF media culture with 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mmol of melatonin, along with a no melatonin control group. In Experiment 2, melatonin levels were reduced to 10, 100 and 1000 nmol, with a no melatonin control group. In Experiment 3, spermatozoa were incubated in IVF media with melatonin (as Exp. 2) and functional parameters were analysed at 0, 4 and 18 h. In Experiment 1, only 1 mmol melatonin showed lesser blastocyst rates than control (C: 23.2 ± 6.7% versus 1 mmol: 2.0 ± 1.7%). In Experiment 2, no statistical differences were found in cleavage percentage, blastocyst percentage and total cell count for any melatonin treatment. In Experiment 3, sperm samples with 1000 nmol melatonin had a significantly higher wobbler (WOB) coefficient, a lower percentage of intact acrosomes, a lower percentage of viable spermatozoa with ROS, greater DNA fragmentation and higher DNA oxidation than controls. Total fluorescence intensity for ROS at 10 nmol melatonin was significantly greater than controls (P < 0.05). IVF media with 1 mmol melatonin is deleterious for embryo development, and in lower concentrations, it modulated sperm functionality, but had no effects on embryo production.

The effect of a single, large bolus of vitamin D in healthy adults over the winter and following year: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although single, high doses of vitamin D effectively maintain vitamin D sufficiency in several populations, no studies have evaluated healthy adults over winter, during which vitamin D status declines. This study investigated whether high-dose vitamin D3 given once to healthy adults before winter will (1) prevent the wintertime decline in vitamin D status, (2) promote vitamin D sufficiency 1 year following the dose and (3) prevent the rise of parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we assessed plasma 25(OH)D and PTH concentrations at baseline, 5, 90 and 365 days after drug administration in 28 healthy adults. In all, >80% of subjects returned at each time point. RESULTS: At baseline, the young, healthy participants had a mean plasma 25(OH)D concentration of 17.5±6.1 ng/ml. Only two subjects exhibited plasma 25(OH)D concentrations >30 ng/ml. At 5 days, subjects randomized to vitamin D3 had a higher mean plasma 25(OH)D concentration compared with the placebo group (39.1 vs 19.1 ng/ml, P<0.001). Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations returned to baseline at 90 and 365 days in the vitamin D3 group and remained unchanged in the placebo group. PTH and calcium concentrations were unrelated to changes in 25(OH)D levels and similar between groups over time. CONCLUSIONS: A dose of 250,000 IU of vitamin D3 given once in November resulted in a robust increase in plasma 25(OH)D after 5 days, but it was unable to sustain this increase after 90 days. A larger or more frequent dosing regimen may be needed for long-term vitamin D sufficiency.

Effect of date palm coproducts and annatto extract on lipid oxidation and microbial quality in a pork liver pâté.

Dates are an interesting source of bioactive compounds, and coproducts from the date industry are of potential use in the manufacturing of meat products. In the present research, spreadable pork liver pâtés were made using fresh date coproducts (2.5% and 7.5%) as a potential functional ingredient and an ethanolic annatto extract (128 mg/kg) as colorant. The effect of these 2 ingredients on the lipid oxidation and microbial quality of the pâtés was assessed during 21 d of storage. The pâtés containing 7.5% date paste were seen to have the highest content of phenolic compounds during storage. The combination of 2.5% date paste and annatto protected pâtés against lipid oxidation throughout the 21 d of storage, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances values being 0.47 mg MDA/kg at the end of this period, while other combinations increased oxidation compared to the control pâté. The control and those made with 2.5% date paste alone showed the highest counts of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, while the addition of annatto and/or 7.5% date paste reduced this count. The results suggest that a combination of both ingredients is necessary to reduce oxidation and microbial growth, but whereas the concentration of 2.5% is more appropriate to reduce oxidation, the combination with 7.5% date paste reduces the microbial counts. Both ingredients could have an opportunity of valorization in the meat industry for improving the quality.

[Neonatal morbidity in early-term newborns]. / Morbilidad neonatal en los recién nacidos a término precoz.

INTRODUCTION: In the last decades has increased significantly The birth of children from 37 to 38 weeks of gestation, a period called early term, has significantly increased in the past twenty years or so, parallel to the increase in induced deliveries and the cesarean rate. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective cohorts population study, which included those babies born between 37 and 41 weeks of gestation in the period 1992-2011 (n=35.539). This population was divided into two cohorts, early term newborn (RNTP) of 37-38 weeks (n=11,318), and full term newborn (RNTC), of 39-41 weeks of gestation (n=24,221). The rates of cesarean section, neonatal unit admission, respiratory morbidity, apnea and need for assisted ventilation, hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy, hypoglycemia, seizures, hypoxic-ischemia encephalopathy, need for parenteral nutrition and early sepsis were all reviewed. RESULTS: There was a progressive increase in the number of caesarean sections throughout the period studied (from 30.9% to 40.3%). The cesarean section rate was higher in RNTP than in the RNTC (38.3% vs 31.3%, P<.0001). On comparing the two groups, significant differences were found in the rate of admission to neonatal unit, 9.1% vs 3.5% (P<.0001); respiratory morbidity (hyaline membrane 0.14% vs 0.007% [P<.0001], transient tachypnea 1.71% vs 0.45% [P<.0001], mechanical ventilation 0.2% vs 0.07% [P<.009], continuous positive airway pressure 0.11% vs 0.01% [P<.0001]), phototherapy 0.29% vs 0.07% (P<.0001), hypoglycemia 0.54% vs 0.11% (P<.0001), parenteral nutrition 0.16% vs 0.04% (P<.0001). There were no significant differences in the rate of early sepsis, pneumothorax, aspiration syndromes, seizures and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. CONCLUSIONS: In our environment, there is a significant number of RNTP, which have a significantly higher morbidity than newborns RNTC registered. After individualizing each case, it is essential not end a pregnancy before 39 weeks of gestation, except for maternal, placental or fetal conditions indicating that continuing the pregnancy may increase the risk for the fetus and/or the mother.

Effect of tiger nut fibre addition on the quality and safety of a dry-cured pork sausage ("Chorizo") during the dry-curing process.

There is a growing interest in the revalorization of co-products from the food industry. Co-products from tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus) milk production are a suitable fibre source. "Chorizo" is the most popular dry-cured meat product in Spain. The aim of this work was to study the effect of the tiger nut fibre addition (0, 5, and 7.5%) on the quality (composition, physicochemical, and sensorial properties) and safety (oxidation and microbial quality) of a Spanish dry-cured sausage, during the 28days of its dry-curing process. Tiger nut fibre (TNF) addition decreased fat and increased moisture content. The addition of TNF significantly increased (p<0.05) the total dietary fibre content of "Chorizo". Lightness (L*), yellowness (b*) and redness index (a*/b*) were significantly (p<0.05) affected by the fibre content. The addition of 5% and 7.5% TNF to chorizo provided rich fibre and a healthier product. Although there were slight changes in the physicochemical properties, its quality (traditional characteristics) and its safety remained.

Paricalcitol reduces proteinuria but does not modify peritoneal protein loss in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Paricalcitol, a selective activator of Vitamin D receptors, is successfully used as a treatment of hyperparathyroidism secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition, it has been proposed for reducing proteinuria in patients with CKD. Nonetheless, little is known about its effect on peritoneal protein loss in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). OBJECTIVES: To analyse the efficiency of oral paricalcitol in secondary hyperparathyroidism control in PD patients and to verify its effect on urinary and peritoneal effluent protein loss. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Prospective study with a 12-month follow-up on a cohort of PD patients. Invention consisted of the introduction of paricalcitol for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Paricalcitol was dosed according to parathyroid hormone (PTH): 1mg/day for patients with PTH < 500 pg/ml, and 2mg/day for those with higher PTH levels. Epidemiological, clinical and analytical data were analysed. RESULTS: 38 patients (56 ± 19 years, 55% women, 16% diabetics, technique time (14 ± 10 months) were included in the study. Thirty-three of them received 1mg/day of paricalcitol; the rest received 2mg/day. The use of paricalcitol was associated with a PTH decrease of 30.7 ± 6.8% (P<.001) after 12 months of treatment with no changes in calcium (8.82 ± 0.96 vs. 9.02 ± 0.91; P = .153) and phosphate levels (4.78 ± 0.63 vs. 4.93 ± 0.77; P = .693). Patients did not modify treatment concurrent with phosphate binders over the study period, nor did they change the cinacalcet dosage. However, fewer patients needed it by the end of the study. The PTH baseline levels were independent indicators of its decrease (b = 0.689, P = .018), and the rest of the analysed parameters were not affected. Over the study period there was a proteinuria decrease (0.79 ± 0.41 vs. 0.64 ± 0.36 g/day, P = .034) with no changes in renal function (7.2 ± 1.1 vs. 6.3 ± 0.9 ml/min, P =.104). Similarly, no differences were found in in the percentages of patients taking renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (71 vs. 68 %, P = .472) or the doses needed. There was no significant change in peritoneal protein loss (5.8 ± 1.9 vs. 6.0 ± 2.2g/24h, P = .731) nor in serum albumin levels (3.7 ± 1.1 vs. 3.7 ± 1.2g/dl, P = .697). CONCLUSIONS: The use of oral paricalcitol reduces PTH levels safely and substantially in patients on PD. Their use is associated with a proteinuria decrease and is not linked to a decrease of glomerular filtration rate or changes in the medication that could modify it. We have found no modification in the amount of peritoneal protein loss.

Effects of high-dose cholecalciferol on serum markers of inflammation and immunity in patients with early chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties. We aimed to determine if high-dose cholecalciferol supplementation for 1 year in subjects with early chronic kidney disease (CKD) improved circulating markers of inflammation and immunity. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 46 subjects with early CKD (stages 2 and 3) were supplemented with oral cholecalciferol (50 000 IU weekly for 12 weeks followed by 50 000 IU every other week for 40 weeks) or a matching placebo for 1 year. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interferon gamma-induced protein-10 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin were measured at baseline, 12 weeks and 1 year. Serum cathelicidin (LL-37) was measured at baseline and 12 weeks. An in vitro experiment was performed to investigate the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) treatment on MCP-1 secretion in THP-1 monocytes activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. RESULTS: By 12 weeks, serum MCP-1 decreased in the cholecalciferol group (66.2±2.5 to 60.8±2.6 pg/ml, group-by-time interaction P=0.02) but was not different from baseline at 1 year. Other markers of inflammation and immunity did not change. In vitro, LPS- and Pseudomonas-activated monocytes treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 had significantly less MCP-1 secretion compared with untreated cells. CONCLUSIONS: High-dose cholecalciferol decreased serum MCP-1 concentrations by 12 weeks in patients with early CKD, although the decrease was not maintained for the remainder of the year. In vitro results confirm an MCP-1-lowering effect of vitamin D. Future studies should determine if vitamin D-mediated reductions in MCP-1 concentrations reflect improved clinical outcomes.

Effect of aracnotoxin from Latrodectus mactans on bovine sperm function: modulatory action of bovine oviduct cells and their secretions.

Latrodectus mactans' aracnotoxin (Atx) induces changes in sperm function that could be used as a co-adjuvant in male contraceptive barrier methods. This effect includes the suppression of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), an event necessary for capacitation, chemotaxis and acrosome reaction (AR). The sperm that are not trapped by the barrier method can reach the oviduct before fertilisation and be exposed to the secretions of the oviducts. This study evaluated the effect of bovine tubal explants (TU) and conditioned media (CM) from the ampullar and isthmal regions on spermatozoa exposed to Atx. Thawed bovine sperm were incubated with Atx, TU and CM from the ampullar and isthmal regions for 4 h and then DNA integrity, intracellular ROS and lysophosphatidylcholine-induced AR were determined. Spermatozoa exposed to Atx and co-incubated with TU and CM for 4 h produced an increase in sperm DNA damage, a decrease in ROS production and a decrease in %AR, compared with the control. A similar result was obtained from the co-incubation of spermatozoa with Atx. In conclusion, the effect of Atx is not modified by tubal cells or their secretions and this opens the door to future studies to evaluate the application of synthetic peptides obtained from Atx as a co-adjuvant of contraceptive barrier methods.

Ecotoxicological diagnosis of a sealed municipal landfill.

Assessing the environmental impact of a soil-topped landfill requires an accurate ecotoxicological diagnosis. This paper describes various diagnostic protocols for this purpose and their application to a real case: the urban solid waste (USW) municipal landfill of Getafe (Madrid, Spain). After their initial sealing with soil from the surroundings about 20 years ago, most USW landfills in the autonomous community of Madrid have continued to receive waste. This has hindered precise assessment of their impact on their environment and affected ecosystems. The procedure proposed here overcomes this problem by assessing the situation in edaphic, aquatic and ecological terms. The present study focused on the most influential soil variables (viz. salinity due largely to the presence of anions, and heavy metals and organic compounds). These variables were also determined in surface waters of the wetland most strongly affected by leachates running down landfill slopes. Determinations included the characterization of plant communities and microbial biodiversity. The study was supplemented with a bioassay under controlled conditions in pots containing soil contaminated with variable concentrations of Zn (as ZnCl(2)) intended to assess ecochemical actions in a population of Bromus rubens, which grows profusely in the landfill.

Circadian rhythms, melatonin and depression.

The master biological clock situated in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the anterior hypothalamus plays a vital role in orchestrating the circadian rhythms of multiple biological processes. Increasing evidence points to a role of the biological clock in the development of depression. In seasonal depression and in bipolar disorders it seems likely that the circadian system plays a vital role in the genesis of the disorder. For major unipolar depressive disorder (MDD) available data suggest a primary involvement of the circadian system but further and larger studies are necessary to conclude. Melatonin and melatonin agonists have chronobiotic effects, which mean that they can readjust the circadian system. Seasonal affective disorders and mood disturbances caused by circadian malfunction are theoretically treatable by manipulating the circadian system using chronobiotic drugs, chronotherapy or bright light therapy. In MDD, melatonin alone has no antidepressant action but novel melatoninergic compounds demonstrate antidepressant properties. Of these, the most advanced is the novel melatonin agonist agomelatine, which combines joint MT1 and MT2 agonism with 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonism. Adding a chronobiotic effect to the inhibition of 5-HT(2C) receptors may explain the rapid impact of agomelatine on depression, since studies showed that agomelatine had an early impact on sleep quality and alertness at awakening. Further studies are necessary in order to better characterize the effect of agomelatine and other novel melatoninergic drugs on the circadian system of MDD patients. In summary, antidepressants with intrinsic chronobiotic properties offer a novel approach to treatment of depression.

Spices as functional foods.

Spices and aromatic herbs have been used since antiquity as preservatives, colorants, and flavor enhancers. Spices, which have long been the basis of traditional medicine in many countries, have also been the subject of study, particularly by the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries, because of their potential use for improving health. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated how these substances act as antioxidants, digestive stimulants, and hypolipidemics and show antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancerigenic activities. These beneficial physiological effects may also have possible preventative applications in a variety of pathologies. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the potential of spices and aromatic herbs as functional foods.