Primer consenso cubano sobre el uso de terapia convencional y biológica en pacientes con artritis reumatoide / First Cuban consensus on the use of conventional and biological therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

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Introduction: The development of recommendations for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Cuban context may be one of the ways to achieve better control of this disease. Objective: To reach a consensus and update relevant aspects of conventional and biological RA modifier therapy in Cuba. Methods: 18 specialists from 8 Cuban provinces, experts in RA care, were summoned, according to the years of dedication to the specialty, the conferences on this topic and their publications. The first meeting took place in March 2016 in the provincial hospital of Villa Clara, Cuba, with the participation of all the experts. A review of the literature on conventional and biological therapy previously collected by the participants was developed, and two teams were formed: the first would address everything related to conventional therapy in RA (HRCT) and the other, biological therapy in RA (TBAR). Three questionnaires related to the use of corticosteroids, HRCT and TBAR, were prepared, answered by the participants via email. In a second meeting, held in October 2016 in Havana, the analysis of all the responses provided was carried out. Questions with a response of 90% or more votes were considered as recommendations. Results: The questionnaires were answered by 95% of the participants. 9 recommendations and 1 algorithm were established. The recommendations are as follows: methotrexate is the drug of choice in the treatment of RA after diagnosis; The administration of another conventional drug (DMARDc) (azathioprine, salazosulfapyridine, antimalarials and leflunomide) is recommended in patients with a diagnosis of active RA in whom methotrexate is contraindicated or there is a failure in response - consider the administration of low doses of prednisone or equivalent (<7.5 mg/d) associated with DMARDc in patients with active moderate to severe RA, for the shortest possible time; perform serological control including tests for hepatitis B and C viruses and screening for HIV in all patients diagnosed with RA before starting treatment with DMARDc and biologics; in patients in remission or, at least, with a DAS-28 below 3.2, consideration should be given to withdrawing one of the DMARDs or reducing, to the minimum possible expression, the dose of both disease modifiers; if methotrexate fails, tocilizumab in combination with methotrexate or as monotherapy will be indicated. Conclusions: Aspects related to conventional therapy with methotrexate, azathioprine, salazosulfapyridine, antimalarials and leflunomide were agreed. The value of early diagnosis and immediate initiation of DMARDc therapy and the use of glucocorticoids was analyzed. Treatment with tocilizumab, the only biological available in Cuba against RA, will be administered when there is a failure in the response to conventional therapy and combinations between these drugs. It is recommended to hold educational conferences through the mass media aimed at patientshttp(AU)

High frequency of gram-negative bacilli harboring blaKPC-2 in the different stages of wastewater treatment plant: A successful mechanism of resistance to carbapenems outside the hospital settings.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered to be a reservoir and a source of bacterial resistance. Worryingly, the presence of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (CRGNB) in WWTPs has recently been reported, but there are still many research gaps regarding its emergence and impact. The distribution of CRGNB in the different stages of a WWTP in Colombia and the relationship between the physicochemical factors involved with their presence are described in this paper. Additionally, given the impact on public health, the CRGNB detected were compared with isolates previously found in hospital patients. Residual water samples were taken from five different stages of a WWTP between January and July 2017. A total of 390 GNB were isolated, and a significant frequency of CRGNB harboring blaKPC-2 (38.2%, n = 149/390) was detected, of which 57% were Enterobacteriaceae, 41.6% Aeromonadaceae, and 1.3% Pseudomonadaceae. The Enterobacteriaceae were more frequent in the raw effluent compared to the Aeromonadaceae, which in turn were more prevalent in the recycled activated sludge and final effluent. Environmental variables such as pH, oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, and temperature were significantly correlated with the quantification of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) at specific points in the WWTP. Interestingly, isolated K. pneumoniae harboring blaKPC-2 from the WWTPs were diverse and did not relate genetically to the hospital strains with which they were compared. In conclusion, these results confirm the worrying scenario of the dissemination and persistence of emerging contaminants such as CRGNB harboring blaKPC-2, and reinforce the need to establish strategies aimed at containing this problem using multifocal interventions.

Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis consume high amounts of vegetables but insufficient dairy products and calcium to benefit from their virtues: the CoLaus/OsteoLaus cohort.

We evaluated the associations between nutrients, dietary patterns or compliance to dietary guidelines and bone health among postmenopausal women from the CoLaus/OsteoLaus cohort. Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis consume a high amount of vegetables but insufficient amount of dairy products and calcium to benefit from their adherence to dietary guidelines. INTRODUCTION: Diet plays a significant role in the prevention of osteoporosis (OP). We evaluated the associations between nutrients, dietary patterns or compliance (expressed in odds of meeting) to dietary Swiss guidelines and bone health (T score < - 2.5 SD, TBS < 1230) among postmenopausal women. METHODS: One thousand two hundred fifteen women (64.3 ± 7.5 years) from the CoLaus/OsteoLaus cohort (Lausanne, Switzerland) had their dietary intake assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular bone score (TBS) and vertebral fractures were evaluated with DXA. OP risk factors, calcium supplements (> 500 mg) and prevalent major OP fractures were assessed by questionnaire. RESULTS: One hundred eighty of 1195 women had OP according to BMD, 87/1185 a low TBS and 141/1215 prevalent major OP fractures. In multivariate analysis (adjusted for total energy intake, age, antiosteoporotic treatment, educational level, BMI, sedentary status and diabetes), OP women consumed more vegetable proteins (21.3 ± 0.4 vs 19.6 ± 0.2 g/day), more fibres (18.2 ± 0.5 vs 16.5 ± 0.2 g/day), less animal proteins (40.0 ± 1.1 vs 42.8 ± 0.4 g/day), less calcium (928 ± 30 vs 1010 ± 12 mg/day) and less dairy products (175 ± 12 vs 215 ± 5 g/day), all p ≤ 0.02. According to guidelines, OP women had a tendency to higher compliance for vegetables (OR (95% CI) 1.50 (0.99-2.26)) and a lower compliance for dairy (OR (95% CI) 0.44 (0.22-0.86)) than those without OP. Women taking calcium supplements consumed significantly higher amounts of dairy products. No association was found between TBS values or prevalent OP fractures and any dietary components. CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women with OP consume a high amount of vegetables but insufficient amount of dairy products and calcium. TBS does not seem to be influenced by diet.

Evaluation of in vitro bioactivity and in vitro biocompatibility of Polycaprolactone/Hyaluronic acid/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/Extract from Mimosa tenuiflora composites.

BACKGROUND: The development of biomaterial scaffolds and implementation of tissue engineering techniques are necessary. Therefore, Polycaprolactone/Sodium Hyaluronate/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/Extract of Mimosa tenuiflora composites have been produced by a thermally-induced phase separation method. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to evaluate the in vitro bioactivity and in vitro biocompatibility of the composites. METHODS: The in vitro bioactivity of the composites was assessed by soaking them in simulated body fluid for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The structure and composition of the composites were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Also, the in vitro biocompatibility of the composites was evaluated by means of alkaline phosphatase activity of the osteoblasts and by measuring the metabolic activity of the cells using MTT assay. RESULTS: The results show a porous and interconnected morphology with enhanced bioactivity. It was observed that the incorporation of Mimosa tenuiflora in the composites promotes increased viability of osteoblasts in the scaffolds. CONCLUSIONS: The results show the efficiency of bioactive and biocompatible composites and their potential as candidates for tissue engineering applications.

Indicaciones y seguimiento domiciliario de la tos asistida mecánica en el paciente neuromuscular / Indications and domiciliary follow-up of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation in patients with neuromuscular disorders

Introducción: La insuflación-exuflación mecánica (MI-E) es una importante terapia respiratoria para el enfermo neuromuscular, pero existen pocos datos publicados en relación con su uso en el domicilio. Objetivo: Evaluar las características clínicas de los pacientes en los que se prescribe la MI-E y analizar su cumplimiento, seguridad y causas de retirada a largo plazo. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de 78 adultos con enfermedad neuromuscular a los que se les prescribió MI-E a domicilio en un hospital de tercer nivel entre enero de 2009 y junio de 2015. Se describen las características clínicas y funcionales en el momento de la indicación de la terapia, la frecuencia y los parámetros de uso, los efectos secundarios, así como las causas de abandono de la terapia y la mortalidad. Resultados: La mayoría de los pacientes eran hombres (67%), con una mediana de edad de 58 años. El diagnóstico mayoritario fue la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (45% de los casos). Tenían afectación bulbar moderada-grave el 36% y el 22% utilizaba el dispositivo solo en fase insuflatoria. El 14% de los pacientes eran portadores de traqueostomía y el 69% de los casos utilizaban también ventilación mecánica. El cuidador era mayoritariamente quien realizaba la técnica (86%), diariamente en el 73% de los casos. Desde la prescripción fallecieron el 38% de los pacientes, la mayoría afectados de esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (96%), con una mediana de supervivencia de 8 meses. En un 6% la MI-E se retiró por ineficacia. Se describió un solo caso de efecto secundario, que no contraindicó el uso de la terapia. Conclusiones: La MI-E prescrita a domicilio es una técnica segura, con cumplimiento adecuado, incluso en pacientes con afectación bulbar y asociada a ventilación mecánica. Se constata la dependencia del enfermo hacia su cuidador para su práctica

Introduction: Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) is an important respiratory therapy for neuromuscular disorders, but there are few published data on its use at home. Objective: To assess the clinical characteristics of patients prescribed MI-E, and to analyse compliance, safety, and causes for long-term withdrawal. Material and methods: Retrospective observational study of 78 adults with neuromuscular disorders who were prescribed MI-E at home in a third level hospital from January 2009 to June 2015. The clinical and functional characteristics when the therapy was indicated, the frequency and parameters of use, adverse effects and causes of withdrawal and mortality were evaluated. Results: Most patients were men (67%) with a median age of 58 years. The main diagnosis was amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (45% of cases). Moderate-severe bulbar involvement was present in 36%, and 22% used the device only in the insufflation phase. Fourteen percent of patients had a tracheostomy and 69% of the patients underwent mechanical ventilation. MI-E was mostly performed by the caregiver (86%), on a daily basis in 73% of the patients. After prescription, 38% patients died; most of these patients had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (96%), with a median survival of 8 months. In 6%, MI-E was withdrawn due to ineffectiveness. An adverse effect was reported in only one patient and did not contraindicate the use of the therapy. Conclusions: In our experience, MI-E prescribed at home was well tolerated and safe, even in patients with bulbar involvement. Patients showed good compliance with MI-E alone or associated with mechanical ventilation, but required help from caregivers for its performance

Carotenoid intake and SCD genotype exert complementary effects over fat content and fatty acid composition in Duroc pigs.

Nutritional and genetic strategies are needed to enhance intramuscular fat (IMF) and MUFA content without altering carcass leanness. Dietary vitamin A restriction has been suggested to specifically promote IMF, whereas a polymorphism of the () gene has shown to specifically increase MUFA. The purpose of this study was to investigate the combined effects of provitamin A (PVA) carotenoid intake and genotype (>) on hepatic retinoid content and on the liver, muscle (LM and gluteus medius [GM]), and subcutaneous fat (SF) content and fatty acid composition. Following a split-plot design, 32 castrated Duroc pigs, half of each of the 2 homozygous genotypes (CC and TT), were subjected from 165 to 195 d of age to 2 finishing diets differing in the PVA carotenoid content (an enriched-carotene diet [C+] and a control diet [C-]). Both diets were identical except for the corn line used in the feed. The C+ was formulated with 20% of a carotenoid-fortified corn (M37W-Ph3) whereas the C- instead used 20% of its near isogenic M37W line, which did not contain PVA carotenoids. No vitamin A was added to the diets. The C- was estimated to provide, at most, 1,300 IU of vitamin A/kg and the C+ to supply an extra amount of at least 800 IU vitamin A/kg. Compared with the pigs fed the C-, pigs fed with C+ had 3-fold more retinoic acid ( < 0.01) and 4-fold more gene expression in the liver ( = 0.06). The diet did not affect performance traits and backfat thickness, but pigs fed the C+ had less fat (4.0 vs. 5.0%; = 0.07) and MUFA (18.3 vs. 22.5%; = 0.01) in the liver, less IMF (5.4 vs. 8.3%; = 0.04) in the GM, and more fat content (90.4 vs. 87.9%; = 0.09) and MUFA (48.0 vs. 46.6%; = 0.04) in SF. The TT genotype at the gene increased MUFA ( < 0.05) in all tissues (21.4 vs. 19.5% in the liver, 55.0 vs. 53.1% in the LM, 53.9 vs. 51.7% in the GM, and 48.0 vs. 46.7% in SF for TT and CC genotypes, respectively). Liver fat and MUFA content nonlinearly declined with liver all- retinoic acid, indicating a saturation point at relatively low all- retinoic acid content. The results obtained provide evidence for a complementary role between dietary PVA and genotype, in the sense that the TT pigs fed with a low-PVA diet are expected to show higher and more monounsaturated IMF without increasing total fat content.

Respuesta a valores de referencia de la proteína S100β en población pediátrica / Response to serum S100β protein reference values in a paediatric population

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Augmentation with amisulpride for schizophrenic patients non-responsive to risperidone monotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: The combination of antipsychotic drugs is a therapeutic resource in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and security of adding amisulpride in patients who at least partially responded to risperidone. METHODS: A 3-month, open, observational study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of adding amisulpride in subjects who scored at least 25 on the brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS) after risperidone monotherapy. Patients were evaluated with BPRS, the Clinical Global Impressions Severity of Illness scale (CGI-S) and the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser Side Effect Rating Scale (UKU) at baseline, 1 and 3 months. RESULTS: Coadjuvant treatment with amisulpride achieves a statistically significant improvement in mental status over a period of 3 months when measured with BPRS, CGI and UKU scales. The response rate was 70 (45%) in the oral risperidone and 74 (28%) in the parenteral risperidone groups. DISCUSSION: The addition of amisulpride could lead to an improvement in schizophrenia symptoms in patients that do not, or only partially, respond to risperidone. Further research is required into alternative therapies for poor responders.

Calidad Formal de nuestra guía clínica de pancreatitis aguda: evaluación mediante el instrumento agree / Methodological quality of our clinical practice guideline for acute pancreatitis assessed using the agree tool

Introdución: El Instrumento para la Evaluación de Guías de Práctica Clínica (AGREE) ofrece un marco para el examen de la calidad de estas guías. Objetivos. Nos propusimos identificar y evaluar el nivel de calidad de nuestra Guía de Práctica Clínica para la pancreatitis aguda (CPGAP) a través de la herramienta AGREE antes de su aplicación en nuestro medio. Material y Método: Nuestra CPGAP fue evaluada por 5 revisores utilizando la herramienta AGREE adaptada al español. Se examinaron seis áreas de evaluación y se realizó una evaluación global definitiva sobre la base de la puntuación para cada área. Resultados: En la evaluación definitiva nuestra CPGAP se consideró " no recomendada". La guía de práctica clínica fue modificada y después de una segunda evaluación, la guía fue finalmente clasificada como "recomendada" Conclusiones: la evaluación de la calidad de nuestra CPGAP ha puesto de manifiesto un amplio margen de mejora

The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) Instrument evaluates the process of practice guideline development and the quality of reporting. Objective: to evaluate the quality level of our Clinical Practice Guideline for Acute Pancreatitis (CPGAP) assessed using the AGREE tool prior to its application in our setting. Material and methods: Our CPGAP was evaluated by 4 reviewers using the Spanish adapted AGREE tool. Six assessment areas were examined and a definitive global assessment was performed based on score standardization for each area. Results. In the definitive assessment our CPGAP was deemed "non-recommended". The clinical practice Guideline was modified and after a second evaluation, the guide was finally classified as "recommended". Conclusions: the quality assessment of our CPGAP has revealed a wide margin for improvement

Nanoparticles for photothermal therapies.

The current status of the use of nanoparticles for photothermal treatments is reviewed in detail. The different families of heating nanoparticles are described paying special attention to the physical mechanisms at the root of the light-to-heat conversion processes. The heating efficiencies and spectral working ranges are listed and compared. The most important results obtained in both in vivo and in vitro nanoparticle assisted photothermal treatments are summarized. The advantages and disadvantages of the different heating nanoparticles are discussed.

Selenium status in a group of schoolchildren from the region of Madrid, Spain.

BACKGROUND: To assess the selenium status of a group of schoolchildren from the Region of Madrid, Spain. METHODS: Study subjects comprised 483 children (216 boys and 267 girls) aged between 8 and 13 years. Selenium intake was determined using a 3-day food record. The foods consumed were transformed into energy and nutrients, and the selenium intake was compared with that recommended. Serum selenium levels were also recorded. RESULTS: Mean (SD) selenium intake [91.0 (25.2) µg day(-1) ] was above the recommended level in 99.4% of subjects; the main dietary sources were cereals, meats, fish and milk products. The serum selenium concentration [mean (SD) 71.1 (14.4) µg L(-1) ], however, was <60 µg L(-1) in 13.9% of subjects, and <45 µg L(-1) in 5.6%. The serum selenium concentration correlated with the selenium intake (r = 0.169; P < 0.05). Children with a serum selenium concentration of <75 µg L(-1) had significantly smaller selenium intakes than those with a serum concentration of ≥75 µg L(-1) . CONCLUSIONS: Although selenium intake was generally above that recommended, the serum selenium concentration of the children could be improved. This could be achieved by increasing the relative consumption of cereals and other selenium rich foods such as fish.

What is the optimal number of treatment sessions of vestibular rehabilitation?

Vestibular rehabilitation is effective and safe in patients with instability. However, there is insufficient evidence for distinguishing between efficacies of different dosage of therapies. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to verify whether there were differences between two computerised dynamic posturography (CDP) therapies of different numbers of sessions, in order to establish the optimal strategy. We conducted a prospective, comparative study of two different dosage of CDP therapy (a 5-session group and another of 10-session group) in patients with instability due to chronic unilateral peripheral vestibular disorder. We used balanced block randomisation to include 13 patients in each group. Improvement was assessed using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and the CDP with the sensorial organisation test (SOT) and limits of stability (LOS). We found a statistically significant improvement in both groups in composite score, visual and vestibular input (SOT); and in reaction time, distance and directional control (LOS). If we compare the groups regarding these improvements, we found that 10-session group showed a greater benefit in distance covered and directional control of LOS. Since significant improvement is obtained with only five sessions, we believe this to be the optimal number of treatment sessions for most patients with chronic unilateral peripheral vestibular disorder. Nevertheless, those patients with more reduced limits of stability, and consequently greater likelihood of falling as a result of their diminished base of support, are candidates for rehabilitation protocols with a greater number of sessions.

Conversion of high and low pollen protein diets into protein in worker honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae).

Adequate protein levels are necessary to maintain strong honey bee [Apis mellifera (L.)] colonies. The aim of this study was to quantify how pollens with different crude protein contents influence protein stores within individual honey bees. Caged bees were fed one of three diets, consisting of high-protein-content pollen, low-protein-content pollen, or protein-free diet as control; measurements were made based on protein content in hemolymph and fat body, fat body weight, and body weight. Vitellogenin in hemolymph was also measured. Bees fed with high crude protein diet had significantly higher levels of protein in hemolymph and fat bodies. Caged bees did not increase pollen consumption to compensate for the lower protein in the diet, and ingesting approximately 4 mg of protein per bee could achieve levels of 20 microg/microl protein in hemolymph. Worker bees fed with low crude protein diet took more time in reaching similar protein content of the bees that were fed with high crude protein diet. The data showed that fat bodies and body weight were not efficient methods of measuring the protein status of bees. The determination of total protein or vitellogenin concentration in the hemolymph from 13-d-old bees and protein concentration of fat bodies from 9-d-old bees could be good indicators of nutritional status of honey bees.

[New oral anticoagulants in the treatment of venous thromboembolic disease]. / Nuevos anticoagulantes orales en el tratamiento de la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa.

Rivaroxaban is a direct inhibitor of activated factor X, and dabigatran is a direct inhibitor of thrombin. These new oral anticoagulants have demonstrated to be effective and safe in clinical trials on the treatment of venous thromboembolic disease (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism).

[Food sources and average intake of calcium in a representative sample of Spanish schoolchildren]. / Ingesta y fuentes de calcio en una muestra representativa de escolares españoles.

INTRODUCTION: There is controversy about the adequacy of calcium intake to that recommended in Spanish schoolchildren. Some studies indicate that the intake is inadequate in a variable percentage of children, while others insist on the danger of an excessive intake in a huge percentage of this population. AIM: To assess calcium intake and food sources of this nutrient in a representative sample of Spanish children and to judge the adequacy of its contribution to the coverage of recommended intakes. METHODS: 903 schoolchildren (7 to 11 years) from 10 Spanish provinces (Tarragona, Caceres, Burgos, Guadalajara, Valencia, Salamanca, Cordoba, Vizcaya, Lugo and Madrid) were studied. They constituted a representative sample of the Spanish schoolchildren population. The energy and nutrient intake was determined using a "Food record questionnaire" for 3 days, including a Sunday. Calcium intake was compared with the recommended intakes (RI) for the mineral. Weight and height were recorded and body mass index (BMI) calculated. RESULTS: In the studied group (55.3% girls and 44.7% of children), 30.7% had an excess body weight (23.3% overweight and 7.4% obesity). Calcium intake was 859.9 ± 249.2 mg / day (79.5% of the recommendations). 76.7% of children had intakes below 100% of those recommended and 40.1% below of 67% of RI. The ratios calcium/phosphorus (0.74 ± 0.21) and calcium/protein (10.1 ± 2.8) and the index of nutritional quality for calcium (0.78 ± 0.29) were lower than recommended in 91.6%, 99.8% and 81.1% of children, respectively. Dietary calcium came from dairy products (64.7%), dietetic products and infant formulae (7.6%), cereals (7.3%), vegetables (3.5%), fruits (3.4%), pre-cooked meals (3.3%), meats (2.8%), fishes (2.8%) and pulses (2.2%), with no differences by gender. CONCLUSION: Calcium intake was lower than recommended in 76.7% of the children and 40.1% had insufficient intake (< 67% of RI). Having in mind that the main calcium source was dairy products (64.7%), increase consumption of this food group is recommended, especially in the 37.1% of children who did not reach the 2 recommended servings per day.

[Arterial blood pressure circadian rhythm: significance and clinical implications]. / Implications cliniques du cycle circadien de la pression artérielle.

Arterial blood pressure circadian rhythm: significance and clinical implications Arterial blood pressure exhibits a circadian rhythm characterized by a decrease during the sleep period and a steep increase in the early morning hours that can be characterized by 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). The absence of a nocturnal dipping or an excessive morning surge, commonly observed in hypertensive patients, is associated with an increased cardiovascular and renal risk. Numerous studies show that a better control of nocturnal blood pressure can be obtained by the administration of anti-hypertensive medication at the evening time, improving microalbuminuria, left heart hypertrophy, or arterial intima-media thickness, but only one study has so far demonstrated a decrease of major cardiovascular events. In this context, the decision on restoring or not the nocturnal dipping should be left to the judgement of the clinician, and applied in an individual manner to each patient.

Defensin like peptide from Panulirus argus relates structurally with beta defensin from vertebrates.

Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides take place in the first line of host defense against pathogen as part of the humoral innate immune response. ß-defensins are among the most abundant antimicrobial peptides in mammals, and thought to be solely found in vertebrates until a recent report describing the cloning and sequencing of defensin like peptides in the spiny lobster Panulirus japonicus. In the current study, we cloned and sequenced two genes from the hemocytes of the spiny lobster Panulirus argus encoding for two isoforms of defensin-like peptides, thus confirming the presence of this protein in the Panulirus genus. The 44 amino acids mature peptides showed the conservation of cysteine pattern characterizing the ß-defensins, as well as known amino acids residues critical to exert their antimicrobial activity. They are also amphipathics, hydrophobics, and display an overall positive charge (+1) located at the C-terminus. The tertiary structure obtained by homology modeling indicated that likely conformations of lobster peptides are highly similar to ß-defensins from vertebrates. The phylogenetic study carried out by probabilistic methods confirmed the relation with ancestral ß-defensin from vertebrates. The finding of a putative defensin-like peptide in the expressed sequence tag (EST) of the lobster Homarus americanus with high homology with those of P. argus described in this study, would indicate the presence of this peptides in Palinuridae family. Taking into account all similarities between these peptides with ß-defensins from vertebrates, it is conceivable to further support the finding of a new family of ß-defensins in invertebrate.

Effects of omega 3 fatty acids supplementation in behavior and non-neurodegenerative neuropsychiatric disorders.

This work provides a systematic review of all published randomised, controlled clinical trials (RCT) investigating the effects of n-3 PUFA intake on the prevention and treatment of non-neurodegenerative neuropsychiatric disorders. Five databases (PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, CINAHL and The Cochrane Database) were searched for RCT in this area published up to April 2011. The selected studies all involved human participants and included a comparison group. Thirty eight studies were identified, which examined the influence of n-3 PUFA supplementation on the prevention/treatment of depression (non-perinatal) (n 23), perinatal depression (n 6) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (n 9). Great heterogeneity was noticed in terms of study design, the doses of n-3 PUFA administered, and study duration. Some benefit was noted with respect to the treatment of hyperactivity and depression in over half the examined studies, although the evidence was not conclusive. For any firm conclusions to be drawn, further studies will be needed that take into account the initial n-3 PUFA status of the subjects. Excessive n-3 PUFA intakes might be associated with a greater risk of peroxidation events and therefore neuropsychiatric deterioration. Indeed, some studies only recorded benefits when lower doses were administered. It is therefore important that the dose required to achieve any potential benefit be determined.