Future Tail Tales: A Forward-Looking, Integrative Perspective on Tail Research.

Synopsis Tails are a defining characteristic of chordates and show enormous diversity in function and shape. Although chordate tails share a common evolutionary and genetic-developmental origin, tails are extremely versatile in morphology and function. For example, tails can be short or long, thin or thick, and feathered or spiked, and they can be used for propulsion, communication, or balancing, and they mediate in predator-prey outcomes. Depending on the species of animal the tail is attached to, it can have extraordinarily multi-functional purposes. Despite its morphological diversity and broad functional roles, tails have not received similar scientific attention as, for example, the paired appendages such as legs or fins. This forward-looking review article is a first step toward interdisciplinary scientific synthesis in tail research. We discuss the importance of tail research in relation to five topics: (1) evolution and development, (2) regeneration, (3) functional morphology, (4) sensorimotor control, and (5) computational and physical models. Within each of these areas, we highlight areas of research and combinations of long-standing and new experimental approaches to move the field of tail research forward. To best advance a holistic understanding of tail evolution and function, it is imperative to embrace an interdisciplinary approach, re-integrating traditionally siloed fields around discussions on tail-related research.

Dietary intake and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women: a systematic review.

Despite literature pointing to a relation between dietary intake and menopausal symptoms, most studies have evaluated either only supplements or only specific nutrients or foods. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a systematic review of the literature regarding the association between dietary intake and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase to identify studies published between 2009 and 2019. We identified 3828 studies; after screening, 73 studies were reviewed and 19 of these investigated nutrient and food intake and eating patterns associated with the intensity of menopausal symptoms. Studies evaluating diet quality or dietary patterns showed an association between lower intensity of psychological symptoms, sleep disorders, and vasomotor, urogenital, and somatic symptoms and higher consumption of vegetables, whole grains, and unprocessed foods. Also, the intensity of these symptoms is associated with high-processed foods, saturated fats, and sugars. Regarding nutrient and/or specific food, the studies indicated an association between caffeine intake and type of fat intake and the intensity of menopausal symptoms. Dietary intake was found to be associated with the severity of menopausal symptoms; however, evidence for the association between dietary intake and menopausal symptoms is inconsistent and inconclusive, and is provided by a small number of studies.

Efectos de la estimulación interfibrilar contrairritante musculoesquelética en epicondilalgias de jugadores de pádel amateurs. Estudio piloto / Effects of the musculoskeletal interfibrillar counterirritattion stimulation technique on amateur paddle-tennis players’ epicondylalgia. Pilot study

Objetivo: Analizar la eficacia de la técnica de estimulación interfibrilar contrairritante musculoesquelética en jugadores de deportes de raqueta con epicondilalgia y puntos gatillo miofasciales (PGM) activos. Material y métodos: Se trata de un estudio piloto diseñado como ensayo clínico (prospectivo) aleatorizado a doble ciego. Se contó con jugadores de pala o raqueta que cumplían los siguientes criterios de inclusión: tener una edad comprendida entre 18 y 60 años (ambos incluidos), tener dolor en la zona del epicóndilo lateral y tener un PGM activo central en la musculatura epicondílea. La muestra fue de 68 sujetos, de los cuales 61 completaron el estudio; 30 del grupo intervención (aplicación de la técnica) y 31 del grupo control (aplicación de un vendaje simple). La variable principal fue la algometría (umbral de dolor a la presión sobre el PGM) y las secundarias fueron la escala analógica visual (EVA 0-10) y el Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation. Resultados: Los valores de algometría y los valores de EVA muestran que hubo una disminución del dolor en ambos grupos, aunque sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ellos. La comparación de los porcentajes iniciales y finales EVA≥4 tampoco muestra diferencias entre grupos, pero la comparación antes/después de ambos grupos es estadísticamente significativa (p<0,05). Conclusiones: La técnica de estimulación interfibrilar contrairritante musculoesquelética, aplicada en PGM centrales de la musculatura epicondílea en sujetos con epicondilalgia que practican deportes de raqueta/pala, no parece ser más efectiva que la aplicación de un vendaje simple sobre la zona

Objective: To analyse the effectiveness of the musculoskeletal interfibrillar counterirritattion stimulation technique (MICS) in racquet sports players with epicondylalgia and active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Material and methods: This is a pilot study designed as double-blind randomized clinical trial (prospective). It featured paddle or racquet sport players who met the following inclusion criteria: to be aged between 18 and 60 (inclusive), to have pain in the lateral epicondyle and to have a central active MTrP in the epicondylar musculature. The sample consisted of 68 subjects, of whom 61 completed the study; divided into 30 for the Intervention group (technique application) and 31 for the Control group (simple bandage). The primary variable was algometry (pain threshold to pressure on the MTrPs) and secondary variables were the VAS (visual analogue scale, 0-10) and the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation. Results: Algometry values and VAS values show that there was a decrease in pain in both groups, but no statistically significant differences between them. The comparison of the initial and final percentages VAS≥4 also do not show differences between groups, but improvement of both groups is statistically significant (P<.05). Conclusions: The musculoskeletal interfibrillar counterirritattion stimulation technique applied in the central MTrPs of epicondylar muscles in subjects with epicondylalgia who play racquet sports/paddle does not seem to be more effective than the application of a simple bandage over the area

Oral physiology, nutrition and quality of life in diabetic patients associated or not with hypertension and beta-blockers therapy.

The relationship between type 2 diabetes oral physiology, nutritional intake and quality of life has not been fully elucidated. We assessed the impact of type 2 diabetes - exclusive or associated with hypertension with beta-blockers treatment - on oral physiology, mastication, nutrition and quality of life. This cross-sectional study was performed with 78 complete dentate subjects (15 natural teeth and six masticatory units minimum; without removable or fixed prostheses), divided into three groups: diabetics (DM) (n = 20; 45·4 ± 9·5 years), diabetics with hypertension and receiving beta-blockers treatment (DMH) (n = 19; 41·1 ± 5·1 years) and controls (n = 39; 44·5 ± 11·7 years) matched for gender, age and socioeconomic status. Blood glucose, masticatory performance, swallowing threshold, taste, food intake, stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow, pH and buffering capacity of saliva were assessed. Glycemia was higher in DM than in controls (P < 0·01). No differences were observed between DM and controls for nutrition and quality of life. Both stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rate were lower in DMH (P < 0·01), which also presented the lowest number of teeth and masticatory units (P < 0·0001), and reduction in the number of chewing cycles (P < 0·01). Controls showed lower Decayed Missing Filled Teeth index (DMFT) scores in comparison with DMH (P = 0·021). Masticatory performance and saliva buffering capacity were similar among groups. Exclusive type 2 diabetes did not alter oral physiology, nutrition or quality of life. However, when hypertension and beta-blockers treatment were associated with diabetes, the salivary flow rate, chewing cycles and number of teeth decreased.

Protective effect of sulfurous water in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Alzheimer's disease patients.

AIMS: One of the main features of sulfurous water (SW) is the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which confers its antioxidant activity. Since oxidative stress plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) we hypothesize that SW could have a protective effect in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A therapeutic in vitro approach of SW was performed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of AD patients and in age-matched healthy non-demented controls using one modification of the comet assay (to measure oxidative DNA damage) and the MTT assay (as an indicator of cell viability). Hydrogen peroxide and homocysteine were used to induce oxidative DNA damage, and vitamin C, Trolox and N-acetyl-cysteine were selected as antioxidants of reference to compare SW treatment results. KEY FINDINGS: SW did not increase per se the oxidative DNA damage of PBMC. Furthermore, SW protected them against enhanced oxidative stress in AD and control populations after pro-oxidant stimuli, with similar results to those observed when using the antioxidants of reference. Nevertheless, SW was the only treatment that could avoid the loss of viability of PBMC for all pro-oxidant stimuli in both populations, suggesting that H2S could confer to SW a more antioxidant capacity than other known antioxidants. SIGNIFICANCE: The protective effect of SW was proved for the first time not only in DNA stability but also in cell viability preservation in AD, indicating that further research in other in vitro and in vivo models could lead to include SW as a possible therapy for AD.

Mastication and jaw motion of partially edentulous patients are affected by different implant-based prostheses.

The main goal of prosthetic treatment is to restore masticatory function. However, insufficient evidence supports the recommendation of one specific prosthetic intervention for partially edentulous patients. Function after the use of three different prostheses by the same partially edentulous subject. Mastication was assessed in 12 subjects (mean age 62.6 ± 7.8 years) after they had used removable partial dentures (RPDs), implant-supported partial dentures (IRPDs) and implant-fixed partial dentures (IFPDs). Masticatory ability (MA) was estimated by visual analogue scale questionnaire, while the mandibular chewing motion was evaluated by kinesiographic device, representing an objective measurement of masticatory function. Data were analysed by repeated-measures anova followed by Tukey-Kramer (P < 0.05). MA improved after IRPD and IFPD use (P < 0.05). Opening, closing and total cycle time duration were reduced after both IRPD and IFPD use (P < 0.05), irrespectively the implant prosthesis type. IFPDs and IRPDs restore the masticatory function of partially edentulous patients better than RPDs.

Influence of estrogen on pulmonary arterial hypertension: role of oxidative stress.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease that increases the pulmonary vascular resistance, causing hypertrophy and subsequent right heart failure. Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of PAH, and estrogen is considered an antioxidant. Thus, the aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that estrogen could attenuate PAH by modulating oxidative stress. Female Wistar rats were ovariectomized or suffered the surgery simulation (sham). After 7 days, subcutaneous pellets with 17ß-estradiol or sunflower oil were implanted. At this time, PAH was induced by means of a single dose of monocrotaline (MCT) (60 mg·kg(-1) i.p.). The experimental groups were as follows: (1) sham, (2) sham + MCT, (3) ovariectomy (O), (4) ovariectomy + MCT (OM), (5) ovariectomy + estrogen replacement + MCT (ORM). Hemodynamic measurements were performed 21 days after MCT or saline. Nonovariectomized animals were assessed in the stage of diestrus. Afterwards, the rats were killed to collect the heart, the lung and the liver to evaluate morphometry. Samples of the right ventricle were used to analyse the reduced glutathione : oxidized glutathione ratio. Lung congestion in the OM group, which was decreased in the ORM group, was observed. Right ventricle end-diastolic pressure was increased in the OM and the ORM groups. The glutathione ratio decreased in the groups O, OM and ORM. The data suggest that estrogen can exert great influence on the cellular redox balance. The maintenance of physiological estrogen levels may help to avoid the appearance of pulmonary oedema, characteristic of this model of PAH, and right ventricular failure.

Risk of urolithiasis in patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Introduction: It has been generally admitted that kidneys are not affected in Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Anyway, there are several studies demonstrating a higher prevalence of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis prevalence in CF patients compared to normal population. The aim of our study was to evaluate renal disease regional prevalence in CF patients Methods: Cross-sectional regional controlled study. Index group = 20 CF subjects4- 30 years old controlled in a CF outpatient clinic in atertiary hospital. Control group = 73 healthy subjects randomly selected among the 100 subjects who completed the follow-up visits of the RICARDIN study. Physical examination and renal function analysis were conducted in both groups. CF patients had their functional measurements repeated in a 20 month interval. Renal ultrasonography was performed only in CF patients. Results: Height estimated creatinine clearance in CF patients were not statistically different from controls. Oxaluria (0.77mg/kg/24 h, p = 0.001) and phosphate excretion (18.98 mg/kg/24 h, p = 0.04) were significantly higher while citrate (7.76mg/kg/24 h, p = 0.04) and magnesium (1.60mg/kg/24 h, p = 0.04) excretion were significantly lower in CF patients than normal population reference values. No signs of nephrolithiasis ornephrocalcinosis were found. Conclusions: CF patients showed a conserved renal function , without ecographic abnormalities. CF patients showed increased urinary elimination of phosphate and oxalate and lower citrate and magnesium elimination, findings that predispose these patients to suffer from urolithiasis in the future (AU)

Introducción: generalmente, se ha aceptado que el riñón no sea un órgano afectado en la Fibrosis Quística (FQ). Diferentes estudios han demostrado que los pacientes con FQ tienen una mayor predisposición a padecer nefrolitiasis por cálculos de oxalato cálcico que la población general. Objetivo: estudiar la prevalencia autonómica de enfermedad renal en pacientes con FQ. Pacientes y métodos: estudio transversal analítico de ámbito autonómico, con grupo control. Grupo índice: 20 pacientes con FQ de 4-30 años de edad. Grupo control: 73 sujetos sanos, seleccionados al azar entre los 100 individuos de 13-21años de edad que completaron el seguimiento longitudinal del estudio RICARDIN. Realización en ambos grupos de estudio de examen físico y pruebas analíticas de función renal, repitiendo en el grupo FQ la recogida de datos 20 meses después. Ecografía renal sólo en el grupo índice. Resultados: el filtrado glomerular estimado por la talla no alcanzó diferencias significativas en el grupo FQ respecto al control. Los pacientes del grupo FQ presentaron valores significativamente más altos de oxaluria (0,77mg/kg/24 h, p = 0,001) y fosfaturia (18,98 mg/kg/24 h, p =0,04), y valores más bajos de citraturia (7,76 mg/kg/24 h,p = 0,04) y magnesuria (1,60 mg/kg/24 h, p = 0,04) que los valores normales de referencia. La ecografía renal no demostró en ningún caso hallazgos sugerentes de nefrocalcinosis ni nefrolitiasis. Conclusiones: los pacientes con FQ presentan una función renal conservada, sin diferencias significativas con los controles. Estos pacientes presentan alteraciones en la excreción urinaria de solutos que pueden favorecer la formación futura de cálculos renales (AU)

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) decreases pulmonary microvascular leakage, neutrophil influx and IL-1beta levels in airway and lung from rat subjected to LPS-induced inflammation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a known anti-inflammatory therapy. Herein we studied the effect of LLLT on lung permeability and the IL-1beta level in LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation. STUDY DESIGN/METHODOLOGY: Rats were divided into 12 groups (n = 7 for each group). Lung permeability was measured by quantifying extravasated albumin concentration in lung homogenate, inflammatory cells influx was determined by myeloperoxidase activity, IL-1beta in BAL was determined by ELISA and IL-1beta mRNA expression in trachea was evaluated by RT-PCR. The rats were irradiated on the skin over the upper bronchus at the site of tracheotomy after LPS. RESULTS: LLLT attenuated lung permeability. In addition, there was reduced neutrophil influx, myeloperoxidase activity and both IL-1beta in BAL and IL-1beta mRNA expression in trachea obtained from animals subjected to LPS-induced inflammation. CONCLUSION: LLLT reduced the lung permeability by a mechanism in which the IL-1beta seems to have an important role.

Interacciones de los antiepilépticos en la práctica oncológica / The interactions of antiepileptic drugs in oncology practice

Objetivo. Los antiepilépticos, que con frecuencia se tienenque utilizar en el paciente oncológico, pueden interferir de formaimportante con los efectos de los antineoplásicos. Se revisa lainfluencia de los antiepilépticos sobre los antineoplásicos y la delos antineoplásicos sobre los antiepilépticos, y se sugieren medidaspara evitarlas. Desarrollo. Los antiepilépticos que inducen el citocromoP450, como carbamacepina, fenitoína y fenobarbital, puedenreducir los niveles y los efectos de los antineoplásicos que semetabolizan mediante esta enzima como taxanos, alcaloides de lavinca, metotrexato, tenipósido y camptotecina. Además, los antiepilépticosinductores reducen los niveles y los efectos de muchosotros fármacos que se pueden administrar en el paciente oncológico,como otros antiepilépticos utilizados en la politerapia, analgésicosnarcóticos, antidepresivos, antipsicóticos o antibióticos. Ensentido opuesto, el valproato puede aumentar la toxicidad del etopósidoo las nitrosureas. A su vez, los antineoplásicos como el cisplatinoo los corticoides pueden reducir la eficacia de la fenitoína yel metotrexato la del valproato. En sentido opuesto, el 5-fluoruracilo puede aumentar la toxicidad de la fenitoína. También hay posibilidadde interacciones farmacodinámicas. Conclusiones. La informaciónsobre las consecuencias clínicas de las interacciones entreantiepilépticos y antineoplásicos se basan con frecuencia en casoso series de casos, pero hay cada vez más estudios farmacocinéticosque demuestran una importante influencia de los antiepilépticosinductores sobre la eficacia de los antineoplásicos que hace recomendableevitarlos y sustituirlos por antiepilépticos no inductores,como gabapentina, lamotrigina, levetiracetam, pregabalina, topiramatoo zonisamida. Cuando sea necesario utilizar antiepilépticosinductores, es probable que haya que utilizar dosis mayores delos antineoplásicos o de otros fármacos que sean inducibles

Aims. Antiepileptic drugs, which often have to be used in patients with cancer, can have important effects on theresults offered by antineoplastic agents. Here, we review the influence of antiepileptic drugs on antineoplastic agents and theinfluence of antineoplastic agents on antiepileptic drugs; measures to prevent such interactions are also suggested.Development. Antiepileptic drugs that induce cytochrome P450, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital, canreduce the levels and effects of antineoplastics that metabolise by means of this enzyme, for example, taxanes, Vinca alkaloids,methotrexate, teniposide and camptothecin. Furthermore, enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs diminish the levels and effectsof many other drugs that can be administered to oncology patients, such as other antiepileptic drugs used in polytherapy,narcotic analgesics, antidepressants, antipsychotics or antibiotics. In contrast, valproate can increase the toxicity of etoposideor nitrosoureas. Moreover, antineoplastic agents like cisplatin or corticoids can lower the effectiveness of phenytoin andmethotrexate has a similar effect on valproate. In contrast, 5-fluorouracil can increase the toxicity of phenytoin. Pharmacodynamicinteractions are also possible. Conclusions. Information about the clinical consequences of the interactions betweenantiepileptics and antineoplastic agents is often based on cases or series of cases, but a growing body of evidence frompharmacokinetic studies shows that enzyme-inducing antiepileptics exert an important influence on the effectiveness of theantineoplastic agents. It is therefore recommendable to avoid them and replace them with non-enzyme-inducing antiepileptics,such as gabapentin, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, pregabalin, topiramate or zonisamide. When enzyme-inducing antiepilepticshave to be used, it is likely that higher doses of antineoplastic agents or other inducible drugs will have to be utilised

Benzoic acid derivatives from Piper species and their fungitoxic activity against Cladosporium cladosporioides and C. sphaerospermum.

Piper crassinervium, P. aduncum, P. hostmannianum, and P. gaudichaudianum contain the new benzoic acid derivatives crassinervic acid (1), aduncumene (8), hostmaniane (18), and gaudichaudianic acid (20), respectively, as major secondary metabolites. Additionally, 19 known compounds such as benzoic acids, chromenes, and flavonoids were isolated and identified. The antifungal activity of these compounds was evaluated by bioautographic TLC assay against Cladosporium cladosporioides and C. sphaerospermum.

Structural study of Cu(2-x)Se alloys produced by mechanical alloying.

The crystalline structures of the superionic high-temperature copper selenides Cu(2-x)Se (0 < x < 0.25) produced using mechanical alloying were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The measured XRD patterns showed the presence of peaks corresponding to the crystalline superionic high-temperature alpha-Cu(2)Se phase in the as-milled sample, and its structural data were determined by means of a Rietveld refinement procedure. After heat treatment in argon at 473 K for 90 h, this phase transforms to the superionic high-temperature alpha-Cu(1.8)Se phase, whose structural data were also determined by Rietveld refinement. In this phase, a very low occupation of the trigonal 32(f) sites ( approximately 3%) by Cu ions is found. In order to explain the evolution of the phases in the samples, two possible mechanisms are suggested: (i). the high mobility of Cu ions in superionic phases and (ii). the important diffusive processes in the interfacial component of samples produced by mechanical alloying.

Incisión transuretral de la próstata: una alternativa de tratamiento de la hiperplasia prostática obstructiva / Trans-urethral incisión of the prostate: an alternative for treatment of obstructive prostatic hyperplasia

La hiperplasia prostática benigna (HPB) es un problema común en el varón senil. La HPB es el crecimiento prostático estromal-glandular en varones con un efecto testicular hormonal asociado con la edad y que produce obstrución urinaria conocida como prostatismo. 50 por ciento de varones con evidencia histológica de HPB evolucionarán a una obstrucción clínica y 25 por ciento tendrá que recibir algún tipo de tratamiento para sus síntomas. Este estudio valoró hombres con prostatismo asociado a HPB con un bajo volumen de zona transicional (ZT), y la utilidad de la incisión transuretral de próstata (ITUP), al compararse con varones en vigilancia y otros que recibieron tratamiento con bloqueadores alfa. Material y métodos. Doce hombres fueron sometidos a ITUP después de evaluación con la puntuación de la AUA, índice de calidad de vida y tasa de flujo máximo y se compararon los resultados con 10 pacientes que recibieron bloqueadores alfa y otro grupo de 10 pacientes que se vigilaron en un tiempo de 24 semanas, cada grupo con una ZT prostática de 15 cc o menor. Resultados. Los pacientes sometidos a ITUP obtuvieron los beneficios de esta modalidad incrementando la tasa de flujo máximo 4.93 ml/s, los pacientes con bloqueadores alfa incrementaron 4.36 ml/s, y los pacientes vigilados sólo incrementaron 1.8 ml/s, la puntuación de la AUA disminuyó 10.4 puntos en los pacientes sometidos a ITUP, en los pacientes con bloqueadores alfa disminuyó 3.8 puntos y en los pacientes vigilados se incrementó 1.5, el índice de calidad de vida disminuyó 2.5 puntos en los pacientes sometidos a ITUP, 1.6 en los que recibieron bloqueadores alfa y 0.2 en los pacientes vigilados. Conclusiones. La ITUP es una excelente alternativa de tratamiento de la BPB con bajo volumen de ZT (< de 15 cc), con buenos resultados a mediano plazo valorando lo anterior con la puntuación de síntomas de la AUA, índice de calidad de vida y tasa de flujo máximo

[Asthma and the environment in the Lagunera district]. / Asma y medio ambiente en la Comarca Lagunera.

AIMS: The characteristics and real dimension of the environmental problems are frequently unknown. These results in a poor knowledge about health impact and deficient planning of the measures required for their protection. Asthma is a prior health problem at Comarca Lagunera. OBJECTIVE: The analysis of environment characteristics that could affect its presentation is the objective of this paper. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We took information form several official bureaus and regional records. It identified that the coexistence of some factors, like regional weather characteristics, with extreme temperature and frequent dust storm, growing deforest, dominant flora and acute and chronic contamination by particulates material, mainly at urban areas, could explain the epidemiological profile of the disease in this urban area so an interdisciplinary participation is required for solving this problem. RESULTS: In the Comarca Lagunera, several factors coexist which precipitate symptoms in asthmatic subjects: climatological features which favor the inflammatory process and increase susceptibility to respiratory tract infections which can set off asthmatic crises. CONCLUSION: The epidemiological behavior os asthma in this regions may be associated with its climatological characteristics.

Asthmatic exacerbations and environmental pollen concentration in La Comarca Lagunera (Mexico).

In order to determine the correlation between the concentration of environmental pollen and the frequency of asthmatic exacerbations in La Comarca Lagunera (México), a study in a cohort of a 104 diagnosed patients suffering allergic asthma was carried out monitoring monthly from July '93 to July '95 in order to register the existence of asthmatic exacerbations. Environmental samples were taken weekly during the same period of time through a PST high volume collector (Andersen Samplers Inc). The above mentioned samples were processed under acetolysis technics and the pollen grain count under light microscopy. Linear correlation measures were made between the rates of asthmatic exacerbations and the concentration of pollen grain in m3 of air by means of a statistical computer program SAS. There was a 1469 persons/month follow up ('X 15.5) and the correlation between the rates of asthmatic exacerbations and the concentration of environmental pollen was relevant (r = 0.63, r2 = 0.39, p < 0.01). The correlation increased (r = 0.70, r2 = 0.49 and p < 0.01) when the asthmatic exacerbations associated to infectious disease in the upper respiratory system were restricted. The conclusion reached is that the concentration of environment pollen has influence in the development of asthmatic exacerbations in patients with allergic asthma.

[Cutaneous hypersensitivity in patients with bronchial asthma in La Comarca Lagunera]. / Hipersensibilidad cutánea en pacientes con asma bronquial de La Comarca Lagunera.

A cross-sectional study was done to determine the frequency of cutaneous sensibility to aeroallergens and variations related to residence area. In a period of time from June 1994 to June 1995, we analyzed 101 patients residents in the Comarca Lagunera diagnosed as having allergic bronchial asthma. The patients were highly sensitive to pollen grains: Cynodon Dactylon (70%), Chenopodium (69%), Rusian Thistle (63%), Rye Grass (61%), Zea Maiz and Prosopis (57%). The sensitivity to molds was less: Candida (22%), Helmintosporium (18%) and Cephalosporium (16%). House Dust was positive in 55% and Dermatophagoides in 35%. Cotton hypersensitivity was poor (7%). There were not differences in cutaneous reactivity related with residence area.

[Hemispheric functional specialization in motor aphasia. Neurophysiologic findings with computerized electroencephalographic brain mapping during musical and oral sound stimulation. Study of 2 cases]. / Especialização funcional hemisférica na afasia motora. Achados neurofisiológicos ao mapeamento eletrencefalográfico computadorizado sob estimulação sonora musical e verbal. Estudo de dois casos.

This study concerns about brain electrical activity during auditory stimulation in 2 aphasic patients, one with classical (left hemisphere lesion) and another with cross aphasia (right hemisphere lesion). Both cases were submitted to dichotic listening test (consonant-vowel-consonant task) and music audition (gregorian chant), during brain mapping examination. We found, in both cases, a great proportion in delta frequency and power in non-lesional hemisphere during dichotic and musical stimulation. Besides, increasing in frequency of alpha activity was observed only in the non-lesional hemisphere restricted to temporal lobe region. Such findings suggest an interesting field of research about measurements of neurophysiological correlates of auditory stimulation and brain electrical activity in aphasia.

[Analysis of functional hemispheric asymmetry in children with partial epilepsy and normal IQ by performance in WISC subtests]. / Análise da assimetria funcional hemisférica de criancas com epilepsia parcial e QI normal pelo desempenho nos subtestes do WISC.

We studied 87 normal IQ children, 26 partial epileptic (epileptic group) and 61 non-epileptic children (control group) with mean age of 9 years in relation to cognitive performance in Wechsler Infant Scale for Children (WISC) battery. The epileptic group showed lower score in IQ performance and in three verbal subtests (Information, Digit span, Arithmetic) and three performance subtests (Block Design, Object Assembly and Coding). Patients with right hemisphere EEG focus showed low score in subtests related to spatial ability and non-verbal attention, whereas patients with left hemisphere EEG focus showed low score only in Digit span subtest (related to immediate memory and verbal attention). The authors suggest that cognitive deficits in partial non-lesional epileptic children is related to the side of EEG interictal abnormalities, even in children with normal IQ.

Dietary marine oil supplements fail to affect cholesterol metabolism or inhibit atherosclerosis in rabbits with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.

Dietary marine oil supplements may protect against atherosclerosis, although their influence on plasma lipids, in vivo cholesterol metabolism, and aortic cholesterol accumulation remains uncertain. The effects of daily administration of marine oil--delivering 100 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid, 59 mg of docosahexaenoic acid, and 221 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per kilogram--were assessed in 33 New Zealand white rabbits. Six animals (group I) were immediately killed. In the remaining animals stable hypercholesterolemia was induced with a 0.25% cholesterol-enriched diet. After 7 weeks on this diet, six animals were killed (group II). Total plasma cholesterol had increased significantly (982 +/- 119 mg/dl vs. 55.6 +/- 7.1 mg/dl, mean +/- SEM, p less than 0.001). The remaining animals randomly received a tap-water placebo (group III, n = 12) or marine oil (group IV, n = 9) daily. After 3 months, total plasma cholesterol was similar (p = NS) among group II (982 +/- 119 mg/dl), group III (965 +/- 54 mg/dl), and group IV (913 +/- 46 mg/dl). No significant differences in HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, or triglyceride levels developed between the placebo and marine oil groups. Two-hour, hepatic total lipid, neutral steroid, fatty acid, bile acid, and cholesterol synthesis rates were not significantly affected by marine oil treatment. Thoracic aortic cholesterol content increased during cholesterol feeding (5.7 +/- 0.9 mg/gm vs. 1.1 +/- 0.05 mg/gm, group II vs. group I, p less than 0.05). Marine oil supplementation had no effect on the progressive accumulation of cholesterol in the thoracic aorta (28.8 +/- 2.5 mg/gm vs. 29.4 +/- 1.8 mg/gm, group IV vs. group III, p = 0.84). The abdominal aortic cholesterol contents were also similar. These results do not support the use of dietary marine oil supplements for the amelioration of lipid metabolism or the prevention of atherosclerosis.