Impact of chitosan based edible coatings functionalized with natural compounds on Colletotrichum fragariae development and the quality of strawberries.

The antifungal effect of chitosan edible coatings (ChEC) functionalized with cinnamon essential oil and aqueous extract of Roselle calyces on Colletotrichum fragariae growth and physical-chemical, physiological and nutraceutical features of strawberries at 5 and 20 °C were evaluated. ChEC was characterized with respect to its water vapor permeability (WVP) and mechanical properties. Results indicated that C. fragariae grew from the third day in strawberries stored at 20 °C, whilst at 5 °C disease symptoms were observed after 10 days in fruit inoculated and treated with ChEC after 24 h. The weight loss was reduced 15 times and firmness was higher by 33% in fruit treated with ChEC and stored at 5 °C. The antioxidant capacity of strawberries increased at the end of the storage only in control group. In conclusion, ChEC can be an effective technology for preserving quality strawberries for 17 days at 5 °C.

Developmental landmarks during floral ontogeny of jalapeño chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and the effect of gibberellin on ovary growth.

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important horticultural crop in many regions of the world. The final shape and size of the fruit are known to be determined at a very early step of flower development. During flower development hormonal treatments using gibberellins seem to promote growth resulting in higher yield and fruit quality. However, the morphological changes that occur in the pepper flowers after these treatments are largely unknown. In the present study, we provide a description of floral development landmarks of jalapeño chili pepper (cultivar Huichol), divided in nine representative stages from its initiation until the opening of the bud. We established a correlation among external flower development and the time and pattern of reproductive organogenesis. Male and female gametogenesis progression was used to define specific landmarks during flower maturation. The pattern of expression of key genes involved in gibberellin metabolism and response was also evaluated in the nine flower stages. The proposed development framework was used to analyze the effect of gibberellin treatments in the development of the flower. We observed both an effect of the treatment in the histology of the ovary tissue and an increase in the level of expression of CaGA2ox1 and CaGID1b genes. The developmental stages we defined for this species are very useful to analyze the molecular and morphological changes after hormonal treatments.

High-Throughput Yeast-Based Reporter Assay to Identify Compounds with Anti-inflammatory Potential.

The association between altered proteostasis and inflammatory responses has been increasingly recognized, therefore the identification and characterization of novel compounds with anti-inflammatory potential will certainly have a great impact in the therapeutics of protein-misfolding diseases such as degenerative disorders. Although cell-based screens are powerful approaches to identify potential therapeutic compounds, establishing robust inflammation models amenable to high-throughput screening remains a challenge. To bridge this gap, we have exploited the use of yeasts as a platform to identify lead compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. The yeast cell model described here relies on the high-degree homology between mammalian and yeast Ca(2+)/calcineurin pathways converging into the activation of NFAT and Crz1 orthologous proteins, respectively. It consists of a recombinant yeast strain encoding the lacZ gene under the control of Crz1-recongition elements to facilitate the identification of compounds interfering with Crz1 activation through the easy monitoring of ß-galactosidase activity. Here, we describe in detail a protocol optimized for high-throughput screening of compounds with potential anti-inflammatory activity as well as a protocol to validate the positive hits using an alternative ß-galactosidase substrate.

Life cycle assessment of nutrient removal technologies for the treatment of anaerobic digestion supernatant and its integration in a wastewater treatment plant.

The supernatant resulting from the anaerobic digestion of sludge generated by wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) is an attractive flow for technologies such as partial nitritation-anammox (CANON), nitrite shortcut (NSC) and struvite crystallization processes (SCP). The high concentration of N and P and its low flow rate facilitate the removal of nutrients under more favorable conditions than in the main water line. Despite their operational and economic benefits, the environmental burdens of these technologies also need to be assessed to prove their feasibility under a more holistic perspective. The potential environmental implications of these technologies were assessed using life cycle assessment, first at pilot plant scale, later integrating them in a modeled full WWTP. Pilot plant results reported a much lower environmental impact for N removal technologies than SCP. Full-scale modeling, however, highlighted that the differences between technologies were not relevant once they are integrated in a WWTP. The impacts associated with the WWTP are slightly reduced in all categories except for eutrophication, where a substantial reduction was achieved using NSC, SCP, and especially when CANON and SCP were combined. This study emphasizes the need for assessing wastewater treatment technologies as part of a WWTP rather than as individual processes and the utility of modeling tools for doing so.

Minimum inhibitory concentrations of medicinal plants used in Northern Peru as antibacterial remedies.

AIM: The plant species reported here are traditionally used in Northern Peru to treat bacterial infections, often addressed by the local healers as "inflammation". The aim of this study was to evaluate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of their antibacterial properties against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antimicrobial activity of ethanolic and water extracts of 141 plant species was determined using a deep-well broth microdilution method on commercially available bacterial strains. RESULTS: The ethanolic extracts of 51 species inhibited Escherichia coli, and 114 ethanolic extracts inhibited Staphylococcus aureus. In contrast, only 30 aqueous extracts showed activity against Escherichia coli and 38 extracts against Staphylococcus aureus. The MIC concentrations were mostly very high and ranged from 0.008 to 256 mg/ml, with only 36 species showing inhibitory concentrations of <4 mg/ml. The ethanolic extracts exhibited stronger activity and a much broader spectrum of action than the aqueous extracts. Hypericum laricifolium, Hura crepitans, Caesalpinia paipai, Cassia fistula, Hyptis sidifolia, Salvia sp., Banisteriopsis caapi, Miconia salicifolia and Polygonum hydropiperoides showed the lowest MIC values and would be interesting candidates for future research. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of antibacterial activity could be confirmed in most species used in traditional medicine in Peru which were assayed in this study. However, the MIC for the species employed showed a very large range, and were mostly very high. Nevertheless, traditional knowledge might provide some leads to elucidate potential candidates for future development of new antibiotic agents.

Growth performance, carcass quality, and noncarcass components of indigenous Caribbean goats under varying nutritional densities.

Studies were conducted to determine the effects of feeding regimens on growth and carcass quality of the Creole goat, a genotype indigenous to the Caribbean. Forty kids weighing 9.0 +/- 1.2 kg of BW were reared indoors after weaning. Four supplement amounts were compared (10 kids per treatment): the G0 group received the basal diet (tropical forage, 8.8 MJ of ME and 108 g of CP/kg of DM) without concentrate, whereas the G100, G200, and G300 groups were offered 130, 230, and 310 g/d of concentrate (13.6 MJ of ME and 209 g of CP/kg of DM), respectively, in addition to the basal diet. The kids were slaughtered according to the standard procedure at 22 to 24 kg of BW for assessment of carcass traits and meat quality. Total DMI increased significantly, from 51 to 78 g/kg of BW(0.75), for G0 to G300 kids, whereas their ADG doubled from 42 to 84 g/d (P < 0.01; P < 0.01, respectively). The G:F values reached 125 to 130 for the G200 and G300 diets and were satisfactory compared with literature values. The carcass weight and dressing percentage (P < 0.01) increased from group G0 to G300, from 9 to 13 kg and from 42 to 51%, respectively. The proportions of the different cuts (related to the carcass weight) did not vary by diet. The conformation score increased significantly (P < 0.05) among the 4 groups from an average score of 3.2 to 4.0 (score/5). There was a significant effect (P < 0.01) of supplement amount on the accumulation of internal fat tissues: the kidney fat weight increased from 113 to 253 g from the G0 to the G300 group. Regardless of the feeding level and amount of internal fat, the carcasses had an acceptable fat cover score, which remained less than 2.6 (score/5). A significant effect was not observed for the ultimate pH and the main color variables of the meat. The cooking loss and the shoulder DM content varied (P < 0.05) with the supplement amount. By increasing the nutritional density of the diet, it was possible to obtain well-conformed and heavy carcasses, with no excessive fattening. Indigenous Creole goats have potential as meat animals when fed to gain more than 80 g/d. The optimal supplement supply with good-quality grass would be approximately 3.69 MJ of ME/d in our conditions. Further studies are required on meat sensory parameters and fatty acid profiles.

Valoración no virtual con tomografía computarizada multidetector de los trastornos del colon / Multidetector computed tomography of the colon disease: non virtual evaluation

Ampliamente conocidas, las otras técnicas para evaluar el colon, como son el colon por enema y la colonoscopia directa, sólo se limitan al estudio de la mucosa y la luz de este órgano. La colonoscopia virtual se estableció con el advenimiento de la tecnología multicorte, principalmente como método de tamizaje en cáncer de colon, dedicada a la búsqueda de pólipos. Actualmente los estudios con equipo multicorte dan información completa, incluida la anatomía vascular, así como de los procesos asociados locales y a distancia, que en conjunto resuelven la mayoría de los procesos intraabdominales generados por la patología del colon.

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma-Results from the International Expanded Access Program using pemetrexed alone or in combination with a platinum agent.

AIM: Peritoneal mesothelioma (PM) has rarely been studied. The Expanded Access Program (EAP) provided access to 109 patients with PM. METHODS: This was a nonrandomized, open-label study conducted in chemo-naïve or previously treated patients with PM not amenable to curative surgery. Patients received pemetrexed (PEM) 500 mg/m2 alone or with cisplatin (CIS) 75 mg/m2 or carboplatin (CARBO) AUC 5 every 21 days, supplemented with standard vitamin B(12), folate, and dexamethasone. RESULTS: Response rates (95% CI) for PEM, PEM/CIS, and PEM/CARBO were 12.5% (3.5, 29.0), 20.0% (7.7, 38.6), and 24.1% (10.3, 43.5), respectively. Median survival for PEM was 10.3 months. One-year survival rates for PEM/CIS and PEM were 57.4% (95% CI: 10.3, 100) and 41.5% (95% CI: 4.6, 78.4), respectively, and were not available for PEM/CARBO. Anemia was the most common serious adverse event (6.4%). Neutropenia (34.6%) was the most frequent CTC grade 3 or 4 toxicity reported. CONCLUDING STATEMENT: PEM with or without a platinum agent was both active and well tolerated in patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Cultivos genéticamente modificados: las promesas y las buenas intenciones no bastan

Genetically modified crops: promises and good intentions are not enough (refutation to Espinoza et al. 2004, Rev. Biol. Trop. 52 (3): 727-732). The arguments presented by Espinoza et al. in their paper "Relationship of genetically modified crops with the environment and health of the Costa Rican human population" published in this journal (Rev. Biol. Trop. 52: 727-732, 2004) are questioned and refuted. The arguments are confronted with evidence offered by scientists and national and international independent organizations around the world (e.g. World Health Organization, Consumers international, Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Application of Science and Technology, international Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, the Council of the University of Costa Rica, and the independent Science Panel) showing the current uncertainty and limitations of science in this area, as well as those of proposed and applied biosafety approaches. Environment, biodiversity and food security are so important and basic matters, that there is need of serious testing, particularly when promises seem to be based on environmentally dangerous ideas promoted half a century ago by the so called "green revolution". Debate should continue, based on a holistic analysis of facts and with ethical reasoning, avoiding emotional positions that can confuse virtual reality with reality. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (2): 347-364. Epub 2007 June, 29.

Se refutan y cuestionan los razonamientos expuestos por las autoras en el artículo "Relación de los cultivos modificados genéticamente con el ambiente y la salud de la población costarricense" publicado en esta revista por Espinoza et al. (52: 727-732, 2004). Para ello se contraponen éstos con las evidencias expuestas y analizadas tanto por científicos como por organizaciones nacionales e internacionales independientes de diverso tipo en diferentes lugares del mundo (e.g. Organización Mundial de la Salud, internacional de Consumidores, Médicos y Científicos por una Aplicación Responsable de la Ciencia y la Tecnología, Unión internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza, Consejo Universitario de la Universidad de Costa Rica y el Panel de Ciencias independiente), que confirman la incertidumbre y limitaciones actuales de la ciencia en esta área, así como de los mecanismos de bioseguridad propuestos y puestos en vigor. En materias tan importantes y básicas para la supervivencia como las que nos ocupan -el ambiente, la biodiversidad y la seguridad alimentaria- no es prudente apostar a promesas basadas en la misma lógica promocionada desde hace poco más de cinco décadas por la denominada "revolución verde". Es necesario continuar este debate basado en el análisis holístico de los hechos, así como en razonamientos éticos, evitando caer en posiciones emocionales que llegan a confundir la realidad virtual con la verdadera realidad.

Análisis morfológico, biomecánico y textural de imágenes de densitómetro central DEXA como complemento diagnóstico de la osteoporosis / Morphological, textural and biomechanical analysis of central DXA images as a diagnostic complement of osteoporosis

Objetivo: analizar asistido por ordenador, imágenes densitométricas digitalizadas de cadera mediante DEXA, para determinar su utilidad en el análisis textural óptico-fractal del hueso, y diferenciar poblaciones con densidad mineral ósea (DMO) de rango normal, osteopénico u osteoporótico. Una única prueba diagnóstica, obtendría además de la DMO, otros parámetros relacionados con la estructura y resistencia ósea. Material y método: se seleccionaron imágenes densitométricas DEXA de cadera de 18 pacientes con DMO en rango normal, 16 pacientes osteopénicos y otros 16 pacientes osteoporóticos, efectuando sobre ellas un análisis morfológico, biomecánico y textural-fractal mediante el programa informático Q-Bone®. Resultados: Las variables morfológicas y biomecánicas analizadas proporcionan una información complementaria y discriminadora entre los referidos grupos. Sin embargo, el análisis textural fractal uni o multidireccional aportó escasa información adicional, aunque asociado a variables ópticas (densidad lumínica) permitió una mayor capacidad de diferenciación entre grupos de pacientes con DMO en rango normal y patológico

Objective: the computational analysis of digitized hip densitometric DXA images to determining if this type of images are useful for the optical-fractal textural analysis of bone, and, to differentiate better among populations with normal, osteopenic or osteoporótic bone mineral density (BMD) levels. Material and methods: DXA densitometric hip images of 18 patients with normal BMD, 16 patients with osteopenic BMD levels and 16 patients with osteoporotic BMD levels were selected. Morphological, biomechanical and texturalfractal analyses of these images were carried out by means of Q-Bone® software. Results: the analyzed morphological and biomechanical variables give complementary and discriminating information between the referred groups. Nevertheless, the unidirectional and multidirectional fractal textural analysis give only a little additional information, although when associated to optical variables (luminic density) seem to add a greater capacity of differentiation between groups of patients with normal and pathological BMD

Sobre la necesidad del rasurado de la región púbica en los pacientes que van a ser sometidos a cirugía urológica endoscópica / On the need of pubic region shaving in patients undergoing endoscopic urologic surgery

OBJETIVO: El objetivo del estudio es determinar, mediante un ensayo clínico aleatorio controlado, si se produce algún aumento en el número de bacteriurias postoperatorias de un grupo de pacientes sometidos a cirugía urológica endoscópica, a los que no se rasura la región púbica (práctica inhabitual en la preparación quirúrgica actual). MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: El estudio se realizó distribuyendo a los pacientes que iban a ser intervenidos mediante cirugía urológica endoscópica de forma aleatoria en dos grupos. A un grupo se le rasuró la región púbica, según las técnicas habituales, mientras que al otro grupo no se le rasuró dicha región; el resto de la preparación fue igual para ambos grupos. Se recogieron muestras de orina para su cultivo antes de la administración del antibiótico profiláctico y se volvieron a tomar a la semana de retirar la sonda vesical, ya sin tratamiento antibiótico. Se prestó especial atención a las incidencias del postoperatorio, sobre todo, a las de naturaleza infecciosa. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 449 pacientes, de los cuales 149 fueron retirados del estudio por diferentes causas. De estos, 149 fueron rasurados y 151 no lo fueron. En el grupo de pacientes no rasurados se observó una tasa de bacteriuria postoperatoria del 19,5%, mientras que en el otro grupo fue del 16,6%, no observándose diferencias estadísticamente significativas. CONCLUSIÓN: La conclusión a la que se llegó es que no se produce un aumento de bacteriurias postoperatorias en los pacientes sometidos a cirugía urológica endoscópica, a los que no se les rasura la región púbica, en comparación con el grupo de pacientes que son rasurados con cuchillas desechables

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to assess the effects of preoperative shaving of the pubic region on postoperative bacteriuria after endoscopic urological surgery. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was carried out distributing the patients undergoing endoscopic urological surgery in a controlled randomized way in two groups. In a group the pubic region was shaved, according to the habitual techniques, while the other group was not shaved; the rest of the preparation was the same for both groups. Urine samples were collected for their culture before the administration of the prophylactic antibiotic and a week after the removal of the Foley catheter, yet without antibiotic treatment. Special attention was paid to the postoperative incidences, mainly, those of infectious nature. RESULTS: They were included a total of 449 patients, of which 149 were removed from the study by different causes. Of these, 149 were shaved and 151 were not it. In the group of unshaved patients a 19,5% of postoperative bacteriurias was observed, while in the other group it was of 16,6%. Differences in both groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that there is no an increase of postoperative bacteriurias in the unshaved patients undergoing endoscopic urological surgery, compared with the group of patients shaved with disposable bladders

Effect of an EGF-cancer vaccine on wound healing and inflammation models.

BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGF-R) are attractive targets for cancer immunotherapy. Tolerance has been broken with an EGF-vaccine and antibodies against EGF have been produced in animals and in cancer patients. EGF also plays an important role in the inflammation stage of wound healing. Because this therapeutic approach may be of importance after surgery procedures in cancer patients, we decided to investigate the possible role of the EGF-vaccine in the croton-oil-induced ear edema and in the wound healing experimental animal models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were immunized with an EGF-vaccine by intramuscular injections and serum titers against EGF were measured through ELISA techniques. Control animals received saline. RESULTS: Immunized mice produced antibodies against EGF while no antibody titers could be measured in control animals. Croton oil applied to the inner ear surface of EGF-vaccine treated mice caused a 61.3% lower ear punch weight and a 60.2% lower myeloperoxidase activity than control mice. In the EGF-vaccine treated animals, planimetry measurements and histological analysis did not led to significant impairment in tissue repair. CONCLUSIONS: The EGF-vaccination in mice decreased the normal croton-oil-induced inflammation response, without apparent impairment in tissue healing.

[Nutritional effect of bariatric surgery with Scopinaro operation. Analysis of 40 cases]. / Repercusión nutricional de la cirugía bariátrica según técnica de Scopinaro: análisis de 40 casos.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the influence of bariatric surgery over nutritional status in patients with morbid obesity after 1 year of following. To know the influence of specific factors as age, sex and common channel's length. DESIGN: Retrospective study from 1998-2001. SUBJECT: All patients suffering from morbid obesity that had been operated during this period of time, 40 subjects: 28 women and 12 men with a mean age of 38 +/- 12 years old. Were studied. METHODS: We analyzed the variations of weight and other anthropometric measures, biochemical parameters and the micronutrient (vitamins A, D, E, B12, folate, C, zinc, Calcium, Magnesium) status during 1 year of following after surgery. RESULTS: Percentage weight loss was 29.7 +/- 2.9% without sex differences. A significant (p < 0.005) descent of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid level as well as liver function markers was observed. All the hyperglycemic disturbances were reverted. 97% and 48% of the patients developed hypovitaminosis A and D respectively, that was correlated to steatorrhea. Vitamin E deficiency was found in 72% of the patients, and zinc deficiency in 68% CONCLUSIONS: Our expected weight loss 1 year after bariatric surgery is 30%, irrespective of sex and age. This loss is accompanied by a significant improvement in metabolic parameters, but the high prevalence of micronutrients deficiency that was found makes an early supplementation and close follow-in of these patients very advisable.

Repercusión nutricional de la cirugía bariátrica según técnica de Scopinaro: análisis de 40 casos / Nutritional effect of bariatric surgery with scopinaro operation: analysis of 40 cases

Objetivos: Analizar la repercusión de la cirugía bariátrica sobre los valores de antropometría absoluta y relativa, parámetros bioquímicos y niveles vitamínicos tras un año de seguimiento y estudiar la posible influencia del sexo, la longitud del canal común y el grado de esteatorrea en estos pacientes. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron retrospectivamente 40 pacientes (28 mujeres y 12 varones) de edad media de 38 ñ 12 años (18-62) a los que se les practicó derivación biliopancreática según técnica de Scopinaro dejando 70120 cm de canal común y seguidos durante el año posterior a la realización de esta cirugía. Se procedió a control de parámetros antropométricos: índice de masa corporal (IMC), cincunferencia cintura cadera (CC); parámetros bioquímicos: glucosa, ácido úrico, lípidos plasmáticos, proteínas de vida media corta, transaminasas y hemograma; niveles de vitaminas A, E, D, B12, C y ácido fólico y el grado de esteatorrea, que se realizaron antes y un año después de la cirugía. Resultados: Se logró una pérdida de peso del 29,7 por ciento ñ 2,9 sin diferencia entre ambos sexos. En cuanto a los parámetros bioquímicos se constató una reducción estadísticamente significativa en las cifras de colesterol total, triglicéridos, ácido úrico y transaminasas (p < 0,005). Asimismo, se logró la corrección de las alteraciones del metabolismo hidrocarbonato en todos los pacientes. Todos los pacientes presentaron esteatorrea, lo que se correlacionó con déficit de vitamina D (p < 0,005) y A (p = 0,07). También se objetivaron descenso en los niveles zinc, magnesio y fósforo. Conclusiones: Con nuestra técnica la pérdida porcentual esperada de peso al año es de un 30 por ciento sin influencia del sexo ni la edad, lo que se acompaña de una mejoría metabólica significativa. La longitud del canal común influye en la esteatorrea y la pérdida absoluta de peso, condicionando un importante descenso de los niveles de zinc plasmáticos. El porcentaje de pacientes que presentan niveles deficitarios de vitaminas liposolubles es muy elevado, sugiriendo la necesidad de tratamiento suplementario desde el inicio. Esta precaución debería ser mayor en los pacientes que presentan un mayor grado de esteatorrea (AU)

Objectives: To analyze the influence of bariatric surgery over nutritional status in patients with morbid obesity after 1 year of following. To know the influence of specific factors as age, sex and common channel´s length. Design: Retrospective study from 1998-2001. Subject: All patients suffering from morbid obesity that had been operated during this period of time, 40 subjects: 28 women and 12 men with a mean age of 38 ± 12 years old. Were studied. Methods: We analyzed the variations of weight and other anthropometric measures, biochemical parameters and the micronutrient (vitamins A, D, E, B12, folate, C, zinc, Calcium, Magnesium) status during 1 year of following after surgery. Results: Percentage weight loss was 29.7 ± 2.9% without sex differences. A significant (p < 0.005) descent of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid level as well as liver function markers was observed. All the hyperglycemic disturbances were reverted. 97% and 48% of the patients developped hypovitaminosis A and D respectively, that was correlated to steatorrhea. Vitamin E deficiency was found in 72% of the patients, and zinc deficiency in 68%. Conclusions: Our expected weight loss 1 year after bariatric surgery is 30%, irrespective of sex and age. This loss is accompanied by a significant improvement in metabolic parameters, but the high prevalence of micronutrients deficiency that was found makes an early supplementation and close follow-in of these patients very advisable (AU)

Evaluation of CD4+ T cells proliferating to grass pollen in seasonal allergic subjects by flow cytometry.

Our objective was to characterize T-cell responses to Phleum pratense in grass pollen allergic individuals and healthy controls using the fluorescent dye PKH26. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with P. pratense, or with recall antigens, and CD3+/CD4+ and CD3+/CD8+ T-cells that had proliferated were analysed by flow cytometry. In the presence of P. pratense CD4+/CD3+ T-cells proliferated more in grass pollen sensitive atopic patients than in nonallergic controls or in nongrass pollen sensitive atopic subjects. PPD and TT recall antigens elicited uniformly high proliferation in all T-cell subsets. Only half of pollen sensitive patients also had an increased proliferation of CD3+/CD8+ T-cells in response to P. pratense. We determined precursor frequency of CD4+ T cells in the original population that responded to P. pratense and found values ranging from 1 x 10-3 to 0.6 x 10-1, in the same range as those measured for PPD and TT. In conclusion, grass pollen sensitive atopic patients show enhanced CD4+ T-cell reactivity to P. pratense, and this could be related to the presence of elevated numbers of circulating allergen-specific CD4+ T cells. This flow cytometric method should allow the identification of other phenotypic markers such as intracellular cytokines in allergen specific responding CD4+ T cells.

In vitro metabolism of gestodene in target organs: formation of A-ring reduced derivatives with oestrogenic activity.

Gestodene (13beta-ethyl-17alpha-ethynyl-17beta-hydroxy-4,5-gonadien-3-one), the most potent progestin ever synthesized, stimulates breast cancer cell growth through an oestrogen receptor-mediated mechanism, and its use in hormonal contraception has been associated with side effects attributable to oestrogenic actions. These observations have remained controversial, since gestodene does not bind to the oestrogen receptor or exert oestrogen-like activities. Recently, we have demonstrated that non-phenolic gestodene derivatives interact with oestrogen receptors and induce oestrogenic effects in cell expression systems. To assess whether gestodene is biotransformed to metabolites with intrinsic oestrogenic potency, [3H]- and [14C]-labelled gestodene were incubated in vitro with rat anterior pituitary, hypothalamus and ventral prostate homogenates under different experimental conditions. The most remarkable finding was the isolation and identification of 3beta,5alpha-tetrahydrogestodene and 3alpha,5alpha-tetrahydrogestodene as metabolic conversion products of gestodene, presumably with 5alpha-dihydrogestodene as intermediate. The overall results seem to indicate that the weak oestrogenic effects attributable to gestodene could be mediated by its tetrahydro metabolites.

Effect of a hydrolytic/acidogenic pre-stage on the organic matter content of wastewater treated in a sequencing batch reactor for biological phosphorous removal.

An increase of 52.7% in acetate concentration was observed when urban wastewater was used to feed a pilot-scale upflow-type, fixed-bed fermentor under a hydraulic retention time of 0.78 h. The fermentor influent and effluent were successively used to feed a laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR) using similar operational variables of wastewater volume, sludge purging volume and retention times during the anaerobic and aerobic phase, giving a nominal 4 h hydraulic retention time. The fermentor effluent contained an organic substrate, with a volatile fatty acid content higher than 50mg L(-1), which was appropriate for the growth of the type of microorganisms characteristically found in biological phosphorous removal (BPR) systems, and showed the behaviour of an easily and rapidly biodegradable wastewater. The specific rate of phosphorous release at the anaerobic stage was found to be higher than 0.04mg Pr g VSS(-1) min(-1), when the fermentor effluent is used as feed of the SBR, which demonstrated its favourable conditions for an efficient processing in this type of systems.

Tratamiento conservador del síndrome del túnel carpiano mediante inmovilización con férulas / Conservative treatment of the carpal tunnel syndrome with immobilization by splinting

El síndrome del túnel carpiano (STC) es la neuropatía por compresión más frecuente. Varios estudios han demostrado la eficacia de las férulas de muñeca en el alivio de los síntomas del STC. Se ha confirmado que los pacientes con STC tienen una presión intracanal de reposo elevada, y que las férulas en flexión y extensión incrementan la presión de tres a seis veces más que la encontrada en la posición neutra. La inmovilización de la muñeca en posición neutra maximiza el espacio disponible del túnel del carpo, minimiza la compresión del nervio mediano y proporciona mayor alivio sintomático que las férulas en flexión o extensión.El objetivo del trabajo es realizar una revisión bibliográfica acerca del tratamiento del síndrome del túnel del carpo mediante inmovilización con férulas.Tras realizar dicha revisión bibliográfica, los autores del presente artículo sugieren la inmovilización de la muñeca en posición neutra, con una férula de termoplástico perforado en forma de canal cubital, de uso nocturno y diurno, que permite la funcionalidad de la mano (actividades laborales y actividades de la vida diaria) a la vez que alivia los síntomas (AU)

[Eight year history of neuroblastoma in an adult patient. Value of 123I-MIBG and 111In-DTPA-D-Phe-octreotide scintigraphy]. / Neuroblastoma de 8 años de evolución en paciente adulto: valor de la gammagrafía con 123I-MIBG y con 111In-DTPA-D-Phe-octreótido.

A case of a 30 year old male with an eight year history of neuroblastoma and whose general health was good is presented. After his last check-up, which included a CT scan and 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy, a 123I-MIBG and 111In-DTPA-D-Pheoctreotide scintigraphy was performed and provided us with complementary data that contributed to a more precise diagnosis of the location and extension of the neuroblastoma and to the biological features of the tumor. Thus, this report deals with an adult neuroblastoma patient whose general health is good in whom the exact extension of the lesion was determined by a combination of diagnostic imaging techniques.