Gastroprotective and cicatrizing activity of the Ziziphus joazeiro Mart. leaf hydroalcoholic extract.

Ziziphus joazeiro Mart., popularly known as 'juazeiro', is a species used in popular medicine for the treatment of bronchitis, gastric ulcers, skin wounds, and in the manufacture of cosmetic and food products. The objective of this study is to evaluate the gastroprotective and cicatrizing activity of the Z. joazeiro Mart. leaf hydroalcoholic extract (EHFZJ). The acute pre-clinical toxicity was determined by the single administration of the EHFZJ (2000 mg/kg/p.o.) and by assessing clinical signs of toxicity, according to established criteria by Malone, or mortality. Gastroprotective activity was identified through classical models of acute gastric lesions induced by indomethacin, absolute and acidified ethanol (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/per os) and the physical barrier mechanism (400 mg/kg/per os or intraperitoneally). The cicatrizing activity of the EHFZJ was investigated by measuring the speed of wound closure and the percentage of contraction. The acute pre-clinical toxicity of EHFZJ showed no signs of toxicity and mortality. The EHFZJ demonstrated a gastroprotective effect at the 400 mg/kg dose in the classical models of acute gastric injury induced by indomethacin, absolute and acidified ethanol. The EHFZJ administration (orally) demonstrated significant inhibition, suggesting a possible physical barrier mechanism exists. The EHFZJ showed no significant differences in terms of percentage of contraction or the speed of wound closure during the observation times (0, 3, 7, 11 and 14 days). The results obtained in this study provide evidence of a potential gastroprotective activity for the Ziziphus joazeiro Mart. Leaf hydroalcoholic extract.

Glutamine use in feeding juvenile pirarucu, Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822) / [Uso da glutamina na alimentação de juvenis de pirarucu, Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822)]

This study aimed to evaluate glutamine supplementation effects on variables of growth performance, body composition, intestinal morphology and enzymatic aspects of juvenile Arapaima gigas. Research was conducted at the Fish Nutrition and Feeding Laboratory, where 60 examples of pirarucu (initial average weight of 82.12g) were distributed over 15 polyethylene tanks (310L), in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and three repetitions (four fish per experimental unit). Experimental diets were prepared containing five inclusion levels of the amino acid glutamine (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%), supplied three times a day for 45 days. Quadratic effect was observed for the variables of growth performance, weight gain, food consumption, food conversion, and specific growth and protein efficiency rates. A significant effect was observed on intestinal villi at the height of the anterior portion and on activity of the enzyme's alkaline proteases, lipase, amylase and aspartate aminotransferase. However, glutamine supplementation had no significant effect on survival rate. Inclusion of 1.02% of glutamine in the diets of juvenile pirarucu improved growth performance and influenced intestinal villi height and activity of important digestive enzymes, favoring nutrient digestion and absorption.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da suplementação com glutamina sobre variáveis de desempenho produtivo, composição corporal, morfologia do intestino e aspectos enzimáticos de juvenis de Arapaima gigas. O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Nutrição e Alimentação de Peixes, onde 60 exemplares de pirarucu (peso médio inicial de 82,12g) foram distribuídos em 15 tanques de polietileno (310L), em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e três repetições (quatro peixes por unidade experimental). As dietas experimentais foram confeccionadas contendo cinco níveis de inclusão do aminoácido glutamina (0,0; 0,5; 1,0; 1,5 e 2,0%), fornecidas três vezes ao dia, ao longo de 45 dias. Foi observado efeito quadrático para variáveis de desempenho produtivo: ganho de peso, consumo alimentar, conversão alimentar, taxa de crescimento específico e taxa de eficiência proteica. Observou-se ainda efeito significativo sobre a altura das vilosidades da porção anterior do intestino e a atividade das enzimas: proteases alcalinas, lipase, amilase e aspartato aminotransferase. Entretanto, a suplementação com glutamina não influenciou significativamente a sobrevivência dos animais. A adição de 1,02% de glutamina nas dietas para juvenis de pirarucu melhorou o desempenho produtivo e influenciou a altura das vilosidades intestinais e a atividade de enzimas digestivas importantes, favorecendo a digestão e a absorção de nutrientes.(AU)

[Consultation/liaison addiction medicine: Tools and specificities]. / L'addictologie de liaison : outils et spécificités.

Since the 1970s, the concept of "consultation/liaison (CL) psychiatry" has pertained to specialized mobile teams which meet inpatients hospitalized in non-psychiatric settings to offer them on-the-spot psychiatric assessment, treatment, and, if needed, adequate referral. Since the birth of CL psychiatry, a long set of theoretical books and articles has aimed at integrating CL psychiatry into the wider scope of psychosomatic medicine. In the year 2000, a circular issued by the Health Ministry defined the organization of "CL addiction services" in France. Official CL addiction teams are named "Équipes de Liaison et de Soins en Addictologie" (ELSAs) which are separated from CL psychiatry units. Though this separation can be questioned, it actually emphasizes that the work provided by CL addiction teams has some very specific features. The daily practice of ELSAs somewhat differs from that of psychiatric CL teams. Addictive behaviors often result from progressive substance misuse. In this respect, the ELSAs' practice frequently involves screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) interventions, which are rather specific of addiction medicine and consist more of prevention interventions than actual addiction treatment. Moreover, for patients with characterized substance use disorders substantial skills in motivational interviewing are required in ELSA consultations. Though motivational interviewing is not specific to addiction medicine, its regular use is uncommon for other liaison teams in France. Furthermore, substance misuse can induce many types of acute or delayed substance-specific medical consequences. These consequences are often poorly known and thus poorly explored by physicians of other specialties. ELSAs have therefore the role of advising their colleagues for a personalized somatic screening among patients with substance misuse. In this respect, the service undertaken by ELSAs is not only based on relational skills but also comprises a somatic expertise. This specificity differs from CL psychiatry. Moreover, several recent studies have shown that in some cases it was useful to extend liaison interventions for addiction into outpatient consultations that are directly integrated in the consultation units of certain specialties (e.g., hepatology, emergency, or oncology). Such a partnership can substantially enhance patients' motivation and addiction outcome. This specificity is also hardly transposable in CL psychiatry. In France, addiction medicine is an inter-specialty that is not fully-integrated into psychiatry. This separation is also applied for CL services which emphasizes real differences in the daily practices and in intervention frameworks. Regardless, CL psychiatry units and ELSAs share many other features and exhibit important overlaps in terms of targeted populations and overall missions. These overlaps are important to conjointly address, with the aim to offer integrated and collaborative services, within the hospital settings of other medical specialties.

Modulation of antibiotic activity by the hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of Caryocar coriaceum WITTM.

The aim of this study was to identify the presence of tannins, phenols and flavonoids on the hydroalcoholic extract of Caryocar coriaceum leaves (HECCL) and to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of this extract. The extract was tested alone (1024-1 µg/mL) or associated (MIC/8) with several antibiotics in order to identify any antibacterial activity against multiresistant bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The existence of tannins, total phenols (901.31 mg/g) and flavonoids (89.68 mg/g) was confirmed in the HECCL. The presence of rutin and quercetin were confirmed by Thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, the antioxidant activity of the extract (9 µg/mL) was determined. Moreover, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value found for HECCL was 1024 µg/mL and the association between HECCL (MIC/8) with benzylpenicillin significantly changed its minimum inhibitory concentration from 2500 to 625 µg/mL against E. coli.

Acupuntura para el tratamiento de la artritis reumatoide / Acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis

Resumen INTRODUCCIÓN: La artritis reumatoide es la artritis inflamatoria más común a nivel mundial. El dolor crónico lleva a pacientes a usar terapias complementarias, entre las cuales se ha planteado la acupuntura MÉTODOS: Para responder esta pregunta utilizamos Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante búsquedas en múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, reanalizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resúmen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: Identificamos siete revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyeron 20 estudios primarios, todos correspondientes a ensayos aleatorizados. Concluimos que el uso de acupuntura probablemente tiene un impacto mínimo o nulo en la artritis reumatoide.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common inflammatory arthritis worldwide. Chronic pain leads patients to use complementary therapies, including acupuncture. METHODS: To answer this question we used Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We identified 7 systematic reviews including 20 studies overall, all of them randomized trials. We concluded the use of acupuncture probably has little or no impact in rheumatoid arthritis.

Immunogenicity and safety of influenza vaccination in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis on biological therapy using the microneutralization assay.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal influenza virus vaccination should be considered in all pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases. Few studies have addressed influenza vaccination safety and efficacy in this group. We aim to prospectively evaluate immunogenicity and safety of the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine including A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and B strains in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) receiving biological therapy. METHODS: Thirty-five children diagnosed with JIA and 6 healthy siblings were included. Serum samples were collected prior to, 4-8 weeks and one year after vaccination. Microneutralization assays were used to determine neutralizing antibody titers. The type and duration of therapy were analyzed to determine its effect on vaccine response. Clinical data of the participants were collected throughout the study including severe adverse events (SAE) and adverse events following immunization (AEFI). RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (74.3%) received biological treatment for JIA; anti TNF-α was prescribed in 15, anti IL-1 receptor in 4 and anti IL-6 receptor therapy in 6 children. The seroprotection rate 4-8 weeks after vaccination in the JIA group was 96% for influenza A/(H1N1)pdm and influenza A/H3N2, and 88% for influenza B. No differences were found in GMT, seroprotection and seroconversion rates for the three influenza strains between the control group and patients receiving biological therapy. Furthermore, long-term seroprotection at 12 months after vaccination was similar in patients receiving either biological or non-biological treatments. No SAEs were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, influenza vaccination was safe and immunogenic in children with JIA receiving biological therapy.

Effect of selenium supplementation on semen characteristics of Brazil's ram.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of oral supplementation with selenium (Se) upon ram sperm parameters. Thirty rams managed in stall under intensive system were used and divided into five groups (six animals per group) as follows: control group (G1) mineral mixture supplementation without Se, group 2 (G2) mineral mixture supplemented with 5 mg/kg Se, group 3 (G3) supplemented with 10 mg/kg Se, group 4 (G4) supplemented with 15 mg/kg Se and group 5 (G5) supplemented with 20 mg/kg Se. For each group, there was an adjustment period of 14 days. The experimental period was 350 days. Every 56 days, the animals were weighed and semen samples were collected by electroejaculation. Semen analysis included volume, mass moviment, total motility, vigour, concentration and morphology. For plasmatic and acrosomal membrane integrity evaluation and mitochondrial membrane potential were used a combination of fluorescent probes. Differences between means values obtained by analysis of variance were verified by Tukey test with 5% probability. There was no statistical difference between treatment groups in relation to volume, mass moviment, total motility, vigour, concentration, plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity (p > .05). Sperm morphology was different between treatment groups, the G1 (0 mg of selenium) had the highest percentage of major defects (11.11 ± 1.11a ; p < .05). It was concluded that selenium decrease the percentage of sperm defects and did not directly influence on ram sperm volume, mass moviment, total motility, vigour, concentration and membrane integrity.

[Differences in chronic back pain and joint disorders among health insurance funds : Results of a cross-sectional study based on the data of the Socioeconomic Panel from 2013]. / Kassenunterschiede bei chronischen Rückenschmerzen und Gelenkerkrankungen : Ergebnisse einer Querschnittsstudie auf Grundlage der Daten des sozioökonomischen Panels von 2013.

BACKGROUND: Health services research uses increasingly data from health insurance funds. It is well known that the funds differ with regard to sociodemographic characteristics and morbidity. It is uncertain if there are also differences in the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE: To compare the sociodemographic characteristics in various health insurance funds and the prevalence of joint disorders and chronic back pain. METHOD: The 30th wave (2013) of the German Socioeconomic Panel served as a database. Average age, sex distribution, nationality, education, and employment status were evaluated according to the health insurance funds. The prevalence of joint disorders and chronic back pain were also stratified according to the insurance funds and standardized according to age and sex. RESULTS: A total of 19,146 participants were included. Most participants (4,934) were insured by AOK, followed by BKK (2,632) and BARMER GEK (2,398). There were huge differences among the health insurance funds with regard to the sociodemographic characteristics. For example, the proportion of unemployed insurants was between 33.3 % (IKK) and 50.6 % (AOK). The prevalence of joint disorders standardized according to age and sex (20.7 %; 95 % CI: 20.1-21.3) was between 17.4 % (95 % CI: 15.8-19.0; PKV) and 22.4 % (95 % CI: 21.1-23.6; AOK). The prevalence of chronic back pain (18.0 %; 95 % CI: 17.4-18.5) was between 13.5 % (95 % CI: 12.2-14.9; PKV) and 20.6 % (95 % CI: 19.4-21.8; AOK). CONCLUSION: There are differences in the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among health insurance funds. The extrapolation of analyses of one health insurance fund to the German population is thus limited.

Cytotoxic activity of Secondary Metabolites from Marine-derived Fungus Neosartorya siamensis in Human Cancer Cells.

Compounds isolated from the marine sea fan-derived fungus Neosartorya siamensis (KUFA 0017), namely, 2,4-dihydroxy-3-methylacetophenon (1), chevalone C (2), nortryptoquivaline (4), tryptoquivaline H (6), tryptoquivaline F (7), fiscalin A (8), epi-fiscalin A (9), epi-neofiscalin A (11) and epi-fiscalin C (13) were tested for anti-proliferative activity by MTT assay, DNA damage induction by comet assay, and induction of cell death by nuclear condensation assay on colon HCT116, liver HepG2 and melanoma A375 cancer cell lines. Compounds 2, 4, 8, 9, 11 and 13 presented IC50 values ranging from 24 to 153 µM in the selected cell lines. Cell death was induced in HCT116 by compounds 2, 4 and 8. In HepG2, compounds 4, 8, 9 and 11 were able to induce significant cell death. This induction of cell death is possibly not related to genotoxicity because none of the compounds induced significant DNA damage. These results suggest that selected compounds present an interesting anti-proliferative activity and cell death induction, consequently showing potential (specifically epi-fiscalin C) as future leads for chemotherapeutic agents. Further studies on mechanisms of action should ensue. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effect of manganese supplementation on the membrane integrity and the mitochondrial potential of the sperm of grazing Nelore bulls.

The effect of dietary manganese (Mn(2+)) supplementation on the reproductive performance of Nelore bulls was evaluated by assessment of sperm membrane integrity. Sixty Nelore bulls (Bos taurus indicus) aged 18-20 mo were randomly divided into four groups (n=15) receiving dietary Mn(2+) supplementation at 540, 1300, 3800 and 6300mg/kg (treatments TC, T1300, T3800 and T6300, respectively). The diets were changed for the groups every 70d. Semen samples were obtained 15 and 56d after the diet change, which corresponded to the period of adjustment to the new diet and the time required for a complete spermatogenesis cycle, respectively. Sperm integrity was assessed by detection of: intact (IMe) or damaged (DMe) membranes, intact (IA) or damaged (DA) acrosomes, and high (HM) or low (LM) mitochondrial membrane potentials. Only bulls from the TC treatment showed a significant increase in the production of intact sperm [IMe/IA/LM] and decrease in the production of sperm with damaged acrosome [IMe/DA/LM] or completely damaged sperm [DMe/DA/LM] (P<0.05). The Mn(2+) concentrations in the semen were positively correlated with the incidence of sperm with IMe, DA, and LM and negatively correlated with number of sperm with DMe, IA, and LM. Therefore, dietary Mn(2+) supplementation for Nelore bulls must be limited to 540mg of Mn(2+)/kg given that higher doses are detrimental to the integrity of the plasma and acrosomal sperm membranes.

Characteristics of prosthetic joint infections due to Enterococcus sp. and predictors of failure: a multi-national study.

The objective of this study was to review the characteristics and outcome of prosthetic joint infections (PJI) due to Enterococcus sp. collected in 18 hospitals from six European countries. Patients with a PJI due to Enterococcus sp. diagnosed between January 1999 and July 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Relevant information about demographics, comorbidity, clinical characteristics, microbiological data, surgical treatment and outcome was registered. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. A total of 203 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean (SD) was 70.4 (13.6) years. In 59 patients the infection was diagnosed within the first 30 days (29.1%) from arthroplasty, in 44 (21.7%) between 31 and 90 days, in 54 (26.6%) between 91 days and 2 years and in 43 (21%) after 2 years. Enterococcus faecalis was isolated in 176 cases (89%). In 107 (54%) patients the infection was polymicrobial. Any comorbidity (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.18-5.40, p 0.01), and fever (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.23-5.69, p 0.01) were independently associated with failure. The only factor associated with remission was infections diagnosed later than 2 years (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.09-0.71, p 0.009). In conclusion, prosthetic joint infections due to Enterococcus sp. were diagnosed within the first 2 years from arthroplasty in >70% of the patients, almost 50% had at least one comorbidity and infections were frequently polymicrobial (54%). The global failure rate was 44% and patients with comorbidities, fever, and diagnosed within the first 2 years from arthroplasty had a poor prognosis.

Gram-negative prosthetic joint infection: outcome of a debridement, antibiotics and implant retention approach. A large multicentre study.

We aim to evaluate the epidemiology and outcome of gram-negative prosthetic joint infection (GN-PJI) treated with debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR), identify factors predictive of failure, and determine the impact of ciprofloxacin use on prognosis. We performed a retrospective, multicentre, observational study of GN-PJI diagnosed from 2003 through to 2010 in 16 Spanish hospitals. We define failure as persistence or reappearance of the inflammatory joint signs during follow-up, leading to unplanned surgery or repeat debridement>30 days from the index surgery related death, or suppressive antimicrobial therapy. Parameters predicting failure were analysed with a Cox regression model. A total of 242 patients (33% men; median age 76 years, interquartile range (IQR) 68-81) with 242 episodes of GN-PJI were studied. The implants included 150 (62%) hip, 85 (35%) knee, five (2%) shoulder and two (1%) elbow prostheses. There were 189 (78%) acute infections. Causative microorganisms were Enterobacteriaceae in 78%, Pseudomonas spp. in 20%, and other gram-negative bacilli in 2%. Overall, 19% of isolates were ciprofloxacin resistant. DAIR was used in 174 (72%) cases, with an overall success rate of 68%, which increased to 79% after a median of 25 months' follow-up in ciprofloxacin-susceptible GN-PJIs treated with ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin treatment exhibited an independent protective effect (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.23; 95% CI, 0.13-0.40; p<0.001), whereas chronic renal impairment predicted failure (aHR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.14-5.77; p 0.0232). Our results confirm a 79% success rate in ciprofloxacin-susceptible GN-PJI treated with debridement, ciprofloxacin and implant retention. New therapeutic strategies are needed for ciprofloxacin-resistant PJI.

Integrating mental health services into a general hospital in Puerto Rico.

The prevalence of mental health problems in the general population should be carefully considered. The literature has reported a high co-morbidity of medical and mental illnesses; therefore, collaborative efforts incorporating psychological services into medical settings are imperative. In Puerto Rico, this is not a regular practice in general hospitals. Improving access to mental health services is a challenge and requires the creation of new venues within the healthcare system. This paper describes the theoretical framework, mission, and objectives of the Clinical Psychology Services Program (CPSP) implemented at Damas Hospital in Puerto Rico. From December 2002 to December 2010, a total of 13,580 visits were made to inpatients in diverse clinical units of the hospital; 61% of all inpatients evaluated met the criteria for at least one mental health disorder based on the DSM-IV-TR. The CPSP's outcomes highlight the acceptance and relevance of incorporating mental health services and clinical psychologists into general hospitals.

Exposure assessment to ochratoxin A in Catalonia (Spain) based on the consumption of cereals, nuts, coffee, wine, and beer.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) was analysed in composite samples of cereal-based baby foods, beer, breakfast cereals (corn- and rice and wheat-based), loaf bread, peanuts and pistachios. Foodstuffs were collected in hypermarkets and supermarkets from 12 cities in the Spanish region of Catalonia, and composite samples were prepared for analysis involving liquid-liquid extraction, followed by immunoaffinity column clean-up and HPLC with fluorescence detection. Consumption data for the selected foodstuffs were collected by means of a food-frequency questionnaire. The studied population was grouped by age in infants, children, adolescents and adults; and exposure to OTA through the specified foodstuffs, and through wine and coffee, was assessed. Exposure assessment was done through deterministic and probabilistic modelling of the contamination and consumption data. OTA occurrence and mean of positive samples (ng g(-1) or ng ml(-1), for beer) were the following: 8.7% and 0.233 in baby foods; 88.7% and 0.022 in beer; 2.8% and 0.728 in corn-based breakfast cereals; 25% and 0.293 in wheat-based breakfast cereals; 12.9% and 0.283 in loaf bread; 41.7% and 0.241 in peanuts; and 2.9% and 0.228 in pistachios. The median estimated daily intake of OTA through the foodstuffs by each age group were below the latest provisional tolerable daily intakes (PTDIs) of 17 and 14 ng kg(-1) bw day(-1) recommended by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2006 and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) in 2007, respectively, ranging from 1% and 2% of those values in adolescents and children, to 3% and 11% in adults and infants.

Densitometry, radiography, and histological assessment of collagen as methods to evaluate femoral bones in an experimental model of osteoporosis.

SUMMARY: All methods to detect experimental loss of bone present technique limitations. The sensitivities of image and histological analyses to detect the effects of teriparatide in rats with bone loss after ovariectomy were evaluated. All methods were qualitatively valid. INTRODUCTION: The standardization of methods to assess bone loss after ovariectomy is crucial to establish the degree of experimental osteoporosis. In general, methods per image or histological techniques are used. To validate these two ways to determine the degree of bone loss in ovariectomized rats, we evaluated the sensitivities of bone densitometry, conventional radiography, and histological analysis of the area occupied by collagen, detecting the effects of teriparatide treatment in the femur of ovariectomized rats with bone loss. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into three groups: a control group, in which the animals were only subjected to laparotomy; an ovariectomized group, in which bilateral removal of the ovaries was performed; and an ovariectomized + teriparatide group, in which bilateral removal of the ovaries was performed, and the animals were treated with 3 µg/100 g/day of teriparatide. Three months following the ovariectomy, bone densitometry, radiographic densitometry, and histological analysis of the area occupied by collagen fibers were carried out in the femur diaphysis. RESULTS: The bone densitometry revealed 11.2% reduction in femur density; in the conventional radiography, the loss of bone mass was 14.5%, and with the histological analysis, a 40.9% reduction in the area occupied by collagen was detected in the femur diaphysis. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, histological analysis could not be quantitatively compared with the methods of bone densitometry and conventional radiography; however, all of these methods were qualitatively valid for assessing the loss of bone stemming from ovariectomy and the therapeutic effect of teriparatide in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Effect of Capsicum carotenoids on growth and aflatoxins production by Aspergillus flavus isolated from paprika and chilli.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a carotenoid mixture (Capsantal FS-30-NT), containing capsanthin and capsorubin, on growth and aflatoxins (AF) production of AF-producing Aspergillus flavus isolates. Each isolate, previously isolated from paprika and chilli, was inoculated on Czapek Yeast extract Agar (CYA) medium supplemented with different amounts of capsantal (0-1%) and incubated at 10, 15 and 25 °C during 21 days. Growth rates and lag phases were obtained, and AF production was determined at 7, 14 and 21 days. None of the isolates grew at 10 °C and one isolate (UdLTA 3.193) hardly grew at 15 °C. Capsantal addition had no effect over lag phases and growth rates at 15 °C. At 25 °C capsantal reduced growth rates and increased lag phases. However, the effect of capsantal on AF production was inconclusive, because it depended on temperature or time, and most of the times it was not significant. Low temperature has been a crucial factor in AF production, regardless of the capsantal concentration tested. Industrial storage temperature for paprika and chilli use to be approximately 10 °C, so if this temperature is maintained mould growth and AF production should be prevented.

Effect of Capsicum carotenoids on growth and ochratoxin A production by chilli and paprika Aspergillus spp. isolates.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a natural carotenoid mixture (Capsantal FS-30-NT), containing capsanthin and capsorubin, on growth and mycotoxin production of ochratoxin A-producing A. ochraceus, A. westerdijkiae, and A. tubingensis isolates. One isolate of each species, previously isolated from paprika or chilli, was inoculated on Czapek Yeast extract Agar (CYA) medium supplemented with different amounts of capsantal (0 to 1%) and incubated at 10, 15 and 25 degrees C for 21days. Growth rates and lag phases were obtained, and OTA production was determined at 7, 14 and 21days. The taxonomically related A. ochraceus and A. westerdijkiae showed the same behavior at 15 degrees C, but A. ochraceus was able to grow at 10 degrees C and had higher growth rates at 25 degrees C. A. tubingensis had the highest growth rates and lowest OTA production capacity of the assayed isolates, and it was not able to grow at 10 degrees C. Capsantal addition resulted in increased lag phases at 15 degrees C for all the strains, while growth rates remained rather constant. At 25 degrees C capsantal reduced growth rates, with rather constant lag phases. However, the effect of capsantal on OTA production was inconclusive, because it depended on temperature or time, and mostly was not significant. Low temperature has been a crucial factor in OTA production, regardless of the capsantal concentration tested, especially for A. tubingensis and A. westerdijkiae. Industrial storage temperature for paprika and chilli is approximately 10 degrees C. If this temperature is maintained, mould growth and OTA production should be reduced.

Selenium, copper, zinc, iron and manganese content of seven meat cuts from Hereford and Braford steers fed pasture in Uruguay.

Tenderloin (T), eye of rump (E), striploin (S), eye round (ER), tri-tip (TT), rib-eye roll (RR) and three rib plate-flank on (RP) meat cuts were evaluated. Selenium contents ranged between 0.42 and 1.20 mg/kg wet tissue (wt) in Hereford (H) breed and between 0.49 and 1.3 mg/kg wt in Braford (B) breed. In H and B breeds, T, TT and RP, and TT and RP were the richest cuts in selenium, respectively. Copper contents ranged between 0.25 and 1.04 mg/kg wt in H, and between 0.19 and 1.09 mg/kg wt in B. In H breed, RP had significantly more Cu than ER, TT, and RR. In B breed, ER and RR show a significant lower Cu level in comparison to the other meat cuts. Zinc contents ranged between 23 and 72.7 mg/kg wt in H, and between 23 and 63.9 mg/kg wt in B. RP is the richest cut in Zn compared to the other cuts in the two breeds. Iron contents ranged between 16.4 and 48.2 mg/kg wt in H, and between 14.2 and 47.9 mg/kg wt in B. In H breed, RR shows a lower content compared to the other cuts, except RP and S. In B breed, RR had the lowest level of Fe compared to the other cuts, except RP and T. Manganese contents ranged between 0.05 and 0.17 mg/kg wt in H, and between 0.04 and 0.48 mg/kg wt in B. In H no differences were detected between cuts. In B breed, ER cut shows the highest level of Mn.

[Two years' experience in a specific autonomic nervous system service]. / Experiencia de dos años en una consulta específica de sistema nervioso autónomo.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the high incidence and prevalence of pathologies affecting the autonomic nervous system (ANS), this part of neurology has received very little specific attention in clinical care in our country. AIM: To present the experience we have gained over a two-year period in an ANS-specific service. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our patients were referred to the ANS service by other colleagues, most of whom were neurologists, between April 2006 and April 2008, after proposing a set of eligibility and exclusion criteria. Clinical history, examination and general analysis were performed for all patients. The following tests were also carried out on an individualised basis: Ewing-Clarke test, the Spanish version of the autonomic symptom profile test, tilt table test, holter heart monitor, urodynamic study and reflex sympathetic test, among other complementary studies. RESULTS: Thirty-four first visits and 62 successive visits were registered. The most frequent diagnoses were neurologically mediated syncopes and diabetic autonomic neuropathies, but other less prevalent conditions were also diagnosed. The most cost-effective complementary tests were the Ewing-Clarke test and the autonomic symptom profile test. Apart from benzodiazepines, the most commonly prescribed pharmacological treatments were paroxetine and pyridostigmine. CONCLUSIONS: As expected, neurologically mediated syncopes and diabetic neuropathies with an autonomic component are the most frequent pathologies in an ANS service. Nevertheless, their diagnosis and individualised treatment, together with that of other less prevalent autonomic pathologies, may require specific attention. To our knowledge, this is the first service of its kind in our country.