Evaluation of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in the soil, in a potential area for unconventional reservoirs in the Rancheria Sub-Basin.

Naturally occurring radioactive elements depend on lithology geogenic characteristics, such as depositional, environmental, or diagenetic. Thus, evaluating these elements constitutes a tool to define ionizing radiation effect from rocky sequences. This study carried out in the Rancheria Sub-Basin establishes both characterization and assessment of this kind of material, known as NORM. The sampling included uranium-238, thorium-232, potassium-40, radon-226, and radon-222 in soil samples, cutting samples from the Molino-1 well, and radon in surface water. Bases on a radiometric methodology with a gamma-ray spectrometer for uranium-238, thorium-232, and potassium-40 and emanometric with ionizing chambers for radio-226 and radon-222. The analysis and results of the activity concentrations in soil samples of U-238, Th-232, K-40, and Ra-226 are 11.7 BqKg-1, 33.0 BqKg-1, 424.5 BqKg-1, and 15.59 BqKg-1, respectively, among the acceptable global averages. However, in some areas, observed values indicate high activity concentrations of U-238, Th-232, K-40, Ra-226, and Rn-222 in the soil of 50.2 BqKg-1, 62.8 BqKg-1, 1596.3 BqKg-1, 44.25 BqKg-1, and 112546.79 Bqm-3, respectively. Those activity concentrations were associated with zone lithology.

ZnO-based nanofungicides: Synthesis, characterization and their effect on the coffee fungi Mycena citricolor and Colletotrichum sp.

In this work we compare the antifungal capacity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized by a chemical route and a ZnO-based nanobiohybrid obtained by green synthesis in an extract of garlic (Allium sativum). To find out the characteristics of the materials synthesized, X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR spectroscopy and absorption in UV-Vis were used, as well as both scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. The results showed that the samples obtained were of nanometric size (<100 nm), with a predominance of the wurtzite crystal phase of ZnO and little crystallization of the nanobiohybrids. Their antifungal capacity on two pathogenic fungi of coffee, Mycena citricolor (Berk and Curt) and Colletotrichum sp. was also evaluated. Both nanomaterials showed an efficient antifungal capacity, particularly the nanobiohybrids, with ~97% inhibition in growth of M. citricolor, and ~93% for Colletotrichum sp. The microstructural study with high resolution optical (HROM) and ultra-structural microscopy (using TEM) carried out on the fungi treated with the synthesized nanomaterials showed a strong nanofungicidal effect on the vegetative and reproductive structures and fungal cell wall, respectively. The inhibition of the growth of the fungi and micro and ultra-structural affectations were explained considering that the size of the nanomaterials allows them to pass easily through the cell membranes. This indicates that they can be absorbed easily by the fungi tested here, causing cellular dysfunction. Nanofungicide effects are also attributable to the unique properties of nanomaterials, such as the high surface-to-bulk ratio of atoms and their surface physicochemical characteristics that could directly or indirectly produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which affect the proteins of the cell wall.

Neutral high-generation phosphorus dendrimers inhibit macrophage-mediated inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo.

Inflammation is part of the physiological response of the organism to infectious diseases caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Innate immunity, mediated by mononuclear phagocytes, including monocytes and macrophages, is a first line of defense against infectious diseases and plays a key role triggering the delayed adaptive response that ensures an efficient defense against pathogens. Monocytes and macrophages stimulation by pathogen antigens results in activation of different signaling pathways leading to the release of proinflammatory cytokines. However, inflammation can also participate in the pathogenesis of several diseases, the autoimmune diseases that represent a relevant burden for human health. Dendrimers are branched, multivalent nanoparticles with a well-defined structure that have a high potential for biomedical applications. To explore new approaches to fight against the negative aspects of inflammation, we have used neutral high-generation phosphorus dendrimers bearing 48 (G3) or 96 (G4) bisphosphonate groups on their surface. These dendrimers show no toxicity and have good solubility and chemical stability in aqueous solutions. Here, we present data indicating that neutral phosphorus dendrimers show impressive antiinflammatory activities both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, these dendrimers reduced the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines from mice and human monocyte-derived macrophages. In addition, these molecules present efficient antiinflammatory activity in vivo in a mouse model of subchronic inflammation. Taken together, these data suggest that neutral G3-G4 phosphorus dendrimers have strong potential applications in the therapy of inflammation and, likely, of autoimmune diseases.

Effects of feeding ground pods of Enterolobium cyclocarpum Jacq. Griseb on dry matter intake, rumen fermentation, and enteric methane production by Pelibuey sheep fed tropical grass.

An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of supplementing ground pods of Enterolobium cyclocarpum in a basal ration of Pennisetum purpureum grass on feed intake, rumen volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and protozoa and methane (CH4) production by hair sheep. Four male sheep (Pelibuey × Katahdin) with a mean live weight of 27.0 kg (SD ± 0.5) were supplemented with 0.00, 0.15, 0.30, and 0.45 kg of dry matter (DM) of E. cyclocarpum pods daily; equivalent to 0.00, 4.35, 8.70, and 13.05 g of crude saponins, respectively. Dry matter intake (DMI), organic matter intake (OMI), and molar proportions of propionic acid increased linearly (P < 0.05) as pods of E. cyclocarpum in the ration were increased. Higher intakes of DM and OM were found when lambs were fed 0.45 kg DM per day of E. cyclocarpum, and the highest proportion of propionic acid (0.21 and 0.22, respectively) was obtained with 0.15 and 0.30 kg of DM per lamb of E. cyclocarpum, while apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and molar proportion of acetic acid were reduced (P < 0.05). Rumen CH4 production decreased (P < 0.05) when 0.30 and 0.45 kg of DM/lamb/day of E. cyclocarpum were fed (21.8 and 25.3 L CH4/lamb/day, respectively). These results suggest that to improve the feeding of sheep fed tropical grass, it is advisable to supplement the basal ration with up to 0.30 kg DM of E. cyclocarpum pods.

Neuropatía óptica hereditaria de Leber: ¿de qué perspectivas terapéuticas disponemos? / Leber hereditary optic neuropathy: what are the therapeutic perspectives?

No disponible

Initial management of necrotizing external otitis: errors to avoid.

OBJECTIVES: Diagnostic and therapeutic practice guidelines have been established for classical forms of benign otitis externa. However, these guidelines do not include unusual forms of the disease, especially "invasive" otitis externa. No consensual diagnostic flow diagram has been published in the literature, which frequently results in delayed diagnosis and inappropriate primary care management. The objective of this study was to analyse the primary care management practices of malignant otitis externa (MOE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 22 cases of MOE managed in our tertiary care centre over a 6-year period (2004-2010). RESULTS: All but one of the patients presented a systemic or local predisposing factor. The mean interval between onset of the first symptoms and referral to our tertiary care centre was 13weeks (range: 1 to 12months); 77% of patients were referred by a private ENT specialist, 14% were referred by a an emergency department and 9% were referred by a hospital department. Seventeen patients (81%) had received one or more courses of inappropriate systemic antibiotics during this interval (oral in 15 cases, parenteral in two cases, multiple treatments in 13 cases). The mean duration of each course of antibiotics was 12days (range: 7 to 21days). All patients also received local antibiotic ear drops (aminoglycosides or fluoroquinolones). CONCLUSIONS: The practice audit constantly revealed delayed management of MOE, often resulting in inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions. Publication of practice guidelines for primary and secondary care practitioners therefore appears to be essential.

Antibiotic therapy in necrotising external otitis: case series of 32 patients and review of the literature.

Necrotising external otitis (NEO) is a rare but severe bone infection, usually due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the management of which is not standardised. Systemic antibiotic therapy is usually prescribed for at least 6 weeks, but no review has been published on this topic. We report our experience and have reviewed the literature regarding antibiotic therapy in NEO. Here we describe a case-series of consecutive NEO cases seen over an 8-year period (2004-2011) in a French tertiary-care teaching hospital. Since 2009 we have shortened the duration of antibiotic therapy to 6 weeks. We also present a review of the literature regarding antibiotic therapy in NEO. We include 32 NEO cases, with positive microbiological cultures in 30 cases. Among the 30 patients with suspected or proven P. aeruginosa infections, 27 received an initial combination therapy of ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin. The duration of antibiotic therapy and length of hospital stay were significantly reduced after 2009 (9.4 ± 3.2 weeks versus 5.8 ± 0.7, P < .0.001; and 18.2 ± 8.7 days versus 11.6 ± 6.9, P = .0.03, respectively). Patient outcomes were favorable in all cases, with a 14-month median duration of follow-up. Our literature review (30 case series) shows that initial combination therapy is associated with better outcomes as compared with single therapy (97 % versus 83 %, P < .0.001). We suggest 3 weeks of initial combination therapy (ceftazidime + ciprofloxacin, high doses) followed by 3 weeks single therapy with ciprofloxacin in susceptible P. aeruginosa NEO. A close collaboration between ear, nose and throat and infectious diseases specialists is needed.

[Folate and breast cancer risk: a systematic review]. / Folatos y riesgo de cáncer de mama: revisión sistemática.

An increased folate intake may be beneficial in deficient populations. However, in women with adequate levels it may not deliver additional benefits while it may increase the risk for some forms of cancer. A systematic literature review of benefits or risks of folate in the development of breast cancer was performed using MEDLINE, systematic review of selected articles and references of the selected articles looking specifically at serum folate levels, dietary folate intake or total folate intake and the risk of developing breast cancer. Fourteen case-control studies, fourteen cohort studies, seven case-control nested studies, two randomized trials and two meta-analyses were selected for analysis based on pre-established criteria. The reviewed evidence does not support the hypothesis that higher intakes of dietary folate reduce the risk for breast cancer. Some studies showed a higher risk of breast cancer in populations exposed to high folate intake post fortification, especially when folic acid is used. The results support the need to be cautious and to limit the exposure of women to high intakes of folic acid, especially in countries with mandatory food fortification.

Folatos y riesgo de cáncer de mama: revisión sistemática / Folate and breast cancer risk: A systematic review

An increased folate intake may be beneficial in deficient populations. However, in women with adequate levels it may not deliver additional benefits while it may increase the risk for some forms of cancer. A systematic literature review of benefits or risks of folate in the development of breast cancer was performed using MEDLINE, systematic review of selected articles and references of the selected articles looking specifically at serum folate levels, dietary folate intake or total folate intake and the risk of developing breast cancer. Fourteen case-control studies, fourteen cohort studies, seven case-control nested studies, two randomized trials and two meta-analyses were selected for analysis based on pre-established criteria. The reviewed evidence does not support the hypothesis that higher intakes of dietary folate reduce the risk for breast cancer. Some studies showed a higher risk of breast cancer in populations exposed to high folate intake post fortification, especially when folic acid is used. The results support the need to be cautious and to limit the exposure of women to high intakes of folic acid, especially in countries with mandatory food fortification.

Evaluación de la efectividad del renikan: extracto del pelargonium sidoides estandarizado EPs7630 en el tratmiento de las infecciones de las vías respiratorias superiores de etiología viral / Evaluation of the effectiveness of renikan: standardized extract of Pelargonium sidoides tratmiento EPs7630 in infections of the upper respiratory tract viral etiology

Las infecciones respiratorias, uno de los síndromes más frecuentes a nivel comunitario pueden ser de dos tipos: infecciones del tracto respiratorio superior o inferior. En su gran mayoría son inicadas por una infección viral transformando el terreno vulnerable a la sobre infección bacteriana. Hasta 2/3 de los pacientes son tratados desde el inicio de los síntomas con antibióticos, aunque este tratamiento no influye positivamente sobre el curso de la enfermedad. Renikan, fitofármaco extraído de la raíz del Pelargonium Sidoides, posee un triple mecanismo de acción: antiviral, antibacteriano y mucolítico, antiviral, porque activa los mecanismos de defensa antivirales orgánicos, antibacetriano, por su actividad bacteriostática directa e indirecta, y mucolítico, por sus propiedades secretomotoras y expectorantes. El objetivo fue comprobar la efectividad y tolerabilidad de Renikan en el tratamiento de las infecciones respiratorias. Diseño abierto y multicéntrico. Se seleccionaron niños de 6 a12 años y adultos de cualquier sexo o raza, con infecciones del tracto respiratorio superior. A los cuales se le suministró Renikan durante 7 días continuos, se evaluó: evolución de los síntomas, necesidad de uso de antibióticos y la escala de resultados integraticos IMOs. Ingreason un total 305 pacientes, 156 adultos y 149 niños distribuidos en tres grupos de estudio: Rinosinusitis, 97 pacientes, los cuales presentaron mejoría de sus síntomas en un 86% en los adultos y no utilizaron antibióticos en un 86%; los niños mejoraron en un 80%, y no usaron antibióticos en 91%. En el caso de las Amigdalitis hubo 108 pacientes con una mejoría sintomatológica en adultos del 92% y en los niños el 89%, no antibióticoterapia en el 86% de los adultos y 93% de los niños. El uso de Renikan en pacientes con infecciones del tracto respiratorio superior, demuestra ser seguro y efecivo tanto en adultos como en niños mayores de 6 años

Respiratory tract infections are the most common syndromes at community, there are two types: upper and lower respiratory tract infections. The vast majoritary are stared by a viral infection transforming the land vulnerable into a bacterial infection. The 2/3 o patients is treated from the onset of symptoms with antibiotics, although it is known that this treatment not positively influences the course of the disease. Renikan, herbal extrated fron the root of pelargonium sidoides has a threefold mechanism of action: antibiotic and mucolytic, antiviral, because it activates the natural antiviral mechanism of defense; antibacterial, due to its direct and indirect bacterostatic action and mucolytic, owing to its secretomotory and expectorant properties. To test the effectiveness and tolerability of renikan in the treatment of respiratory infections. Open desing, multicenter study. We selected children 6-12 years'age and adults of any sex orrance with upper respiratory tract infecctions. Theyreceived renikan for 7 consecutive days, changes in symptoms; necessity of antibiotic use and the integrative medicine outcome scale (IMOS) were evaluated. Of total of 305 patients, 156 adults and 149 children were divided into three groups: 97 rhinosinusitis patients, who showed symptoms improvement in 86% of adults and 91% of children, in 108 tonsillitis patients, an improvement of symptoms was found in 92% of adults and 89% of children, no antibiotic use were in 86% of adults and 93% of children, and, in a third group consistng of 100 patients with bronchitis, improvement was report in 98% od adults and in 73% of children, no antibiotics were used in 88% of adults and 96% of children. The use of concomitant therapy decreasedin 50% of cases and only 0.02% of patients had adverse events. The use of renikan use in patients with upper respiratory tract infections was shown to be safe and effective in both adults and children over 6 years of age

Fortificación de la harina de trigo con ácido fólico en Chile: Consecuencias no intencionadas / Flour fortifcation with folic acid in Chile: Unintended consequences

Background: High daily intake of folic acid (FA) could determine health risks in some populations. Aim: To review the Chilean FA wheat four fortifcation and to identify the existence of populations at risk. Material and Methods: We categorized the FA levels in four samples (percentil P) (2005-2008) and estimated intake of FA (mg/d) in adults from apparent bread consumption according to different levels (P20, 50 and 95) and children consumption (8-13 years) considering socioeconomic status (SES), bread/g/d intake (P20, 50 and 75) and regulated level of four fortifcation (2.2 mg FA/100 g). Daily Dietary Folate Equivalent (DFE) consumption was estimated from serum folate in adults and elderly people (both sexes). We calculated the percentage of population with FA intakes over the estimated average requirement (EAR) and maximum level (UL) pre and post-fortifcation. Results: There is great variability in FA four: 10-20 percent samples without FA and 10-30 percent with levels > 2.2 mg/100 g. Adult daily consumption (2-4 day/loaves) could determine FA intakes close to UL. Children daily bread consumption (low socioeconomic level) > P75 have intakes close to UL. Post-fortifcation estimated daily DFE from serum folate in women, men and elderly people show: 99 percent of women, 100 percent of men and the elderly people have intakes higher than EAR. Additionally 2.3 percent of women and 6 percent of men would have intakes near the UL. Conclusions: The four FA levels and serum folate levels in some populations show increased FA post-fortifcation intakes, which could lead to greater risk suggesting a revision of the fortifcation level.

Mucormycosis--early diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the data of patients with rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis for predisposing factors, diagnosis, treatment and survival rate. The role of frozen section in early diagnosis and use of nasal endoscopy in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients has also been examined. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: University Teaching Hospital. METHODS: The case notes of 9 patients with diagnosis of mucormycosis who presented from 1973 to 2001 were examined. The data for predisposing factors, signs/symptoms, histological diagnosis, radiological intervention, medical and surgical treatment and final outcome was analysed. RESULTS: There were 9 patients with mucormycoses. Early diagnosis was made by endoscopic examination and frozen section in 5 patients, which was later confirmed by histology. Treatment included parental and/or local amphotericin, hyperbaric oxygen and debridement either by endoscopic or external approach, with or without orbital exenteration. This resulted in an overall survival of 5 patients. CONCLUSION: Frozen section diagnosis allows for early therapy since successful treatment depends on systemic amphotericin, surgical debridement and treatment of underlying predisposing factors. Nasal endoscopy is useful in diagnosis, endoscopic debridement and follow up of patients.

Influence of polymeric enteral nutrition supplemented with different doses of glutamine on gut permeability in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of glutamine-supplemented polymeric enteral formulas on the recovery of gut-permeability abnormalities in critically ill patients. METHODS: Twenty-three patients were randomized to receive a conventional casein-based enteral formula (ADN), ADN plus glutamine in a dose of 0.15 g x kg(-1) x d(-1) or ADN plus 0.30 g x kg(-1) x d(-1) of glutamine for 8 d. The lactulose mannitol permeability test (L/M) was performed at baseline and at the end of the study. Nineteen healthy volunteers served as controls for the L/M test. RESULTS: An increase in permeability compared with control subjects was observed in patients at baseline (mean +/- standard error of the mean; L/M ratio: 0.11 +/- 0.03 and 0.025 +/- 0.004, respectively; P < 0.02). The L/M ratio improved after the period of enteral nutrition as a whole (initial L/M: 0.11 +/- 0.03, final L/M: 0.061 +/- 0.01; P < 0.03), but no difference was found between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Even though polymeric enteral nutrition was associated with a significant improvement in the L/M ratio, glutamine supplementation did not show a specific influence in improving recovery of gut permeability in critically ill patients.

Phytochemical analysis of Phillyrea latifolia L., a new source of oleuropeoside.

As a part of our studies on the biologically active substances from Spanish plants, we have undertaken an investigation of the chemical constituents of a typical mediterranean species, Phillyrea latifolia L. (Oleaceae). Two secoiridoid glycosides, three phenylpropanoid glycosides, one lignane and two triterpenic acids were isolated from the leaves of this species and identified. The phytochemical analysis of the aerial parts of P. latifolia revealed that it is a rich source of oleuropeoside.

Lignan and phenylpropanoid glycosides from Phillyrea latifolia and their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity.

Three phenylpropanoid glycosides (salidroside, syringin and coniferin) and one lignan (phillyrin) isolated from the leaves of Phillyrea latifolia L. (Oleaceae) were tested for interactions with the cyclo-oxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonate metabolism in calcium-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages and human platelets, and for their effects on cell viability. These compounds are capable of exerting inhibitory actions on enzymes of the arachidonate cascade. Phillyrin, salidroside and syringin exert a preferential effect on the cyclo-oxygenase pathway, inhibiting release of the cyclo-oxygenase metabolites prostaglandin E2 (IC50 values 45.6 microM, 72.1 microM and 35.5 microM, respectively) and to a lesser extent reducing thromboxane B2 levels (IC50 values 168 microM, 154 microM and 29.3 microM, respectively). In contrast, coniferin can be classified as a "dual inhibitor", since it produces reduction in generation of both cyclo-oxygenase (IC50 values 75.2 microM for prostaglandin E2 and 619 microM for thromboxane B2) and 5-lipoxygenase metabolites, but the effects are greater against leukotriene C4 (IC50 value 63.6 microM). Structure-activity relationships of the three phenylpropanoid glycosides are discussed. Thus, like some other compounds found in medicinal herbs, our molecules possess an array of potentially beneficial anti-eicosanoid properties which may, alongside other constituents, contribute to the claimed therapeutic properties of the plant from which they are derived.

Seasonal variations in the harpagoside content of Scrophularia scorodonia L.

Seasonal variations on the content of harpagoside in Scrophularia scorodonia L. (Scrophulariaceae) were investigated using plants collected monthly from January to December in 1995. During growth of this species the percentage of harpagoside was the highest during the maximum development of the plant, specially in July. Harpagoside levels differed among leaves, stems and flowers of S. scorodonia. Leaves were distinguished from other plant parts by higher levels of harpagoside. Drying at ambient temperature influenced the yield of harpagoside compared with the results of plant drying by microwave.

Urea cycle intermediate kinetics and nitrate excretion at normal and "therapeutic" intakes of arginine in humans.

We investigated the effects of a high dietary supplement of arginine on plasma arginine, ornithine, and leucine kinetics and on urea production and excretion in five healthy young adult men. Subjects received either 56 or 561 mg arginine.kg-1.day-1 for 6 days via a complete L-amino acid diet, and on day 7 a tracer protocol (first 3 h fasted; next 5 h fed) was conducted, involving primed constant intragastric infusions of L-[15N2-guanidino,5,5-2H2]arginine, L-[5-13C]ornithine, L-[5,5,5-2H3]leucine, and [15N2]urea, with a prime of H13CO3. Plasma arginine and ornithine fluxes increased significantly (P < 0.05) with arginine supplementation, as did the rate of conversion of plasma labeled arginine to ornithine (P < 0.05) and rate of ornithine oxidation (P < 0.001). However, absolute changes in ornithine kinetics were less than those for arginine or those based on changes expected from the change in arginine intake, implying a complex compartmentation in both whole body arginine and ornithine metabolism. The plasma NO3 concentration, daily output of total NO3, and conversion of [15N]arginine to NO3 did not differ between the diets. Urea production and excretion were reduced significantly with arginine supplementation, suggesting an anabolic effect on the whole body nitrogen economy, possibly via the raised plasma insulin levels (P = 0.013) during the prandial phase.