[Chronotaraxis as a harbinger of medial thalamic infarction]. / Cronotaraxis como síntoma guía de un infarto talámico medial.

INTRODUCTION: Chronotaraxis is an impairment of the perception of the sequencing of time. This alteration of temporality has been described as being characteristically associated with thalamic involvement, specifically in the dorsomedial nucleus. CASE REPORTS: We report the clinical cases of two patients with acute ischaemic strokes located in said territory, with a clinical presentation based on this symptom and the recognition of which was essential in the therapeutic approach. In the first and second cases, it is described how the perception of temporality was essential for the diagnosis of the ischaemic condition in both patients. DISCUSSION: Awareness and dissemination of this association may be vital in the management of patients with thalamic disorders. This is due to the possibility of influencing and modifying the initial approach, since the recognition of a specific symptom, such as chronotaraxis, can prevent the spread of thalamic damage, in addition to the long-term sequelae that it causes, especially those of a cognitive nature.

TITLE: Cronotaraxis como síntoma guía de un infarto talámico medial.Introducción. La cronotaraxis es una afectación de la percepción de la secuencia temporal. Esta alteración de la temporalidad se ha descrito asociada de forma característica a la afectación talámica, concretamente al núcleo dorsomediano. Casos clínicos. Presentamos los casos clínicos de dos pacientes con ictus isquémicos agudos de localización en dicho territorio, con una clínica basada en este síntoma y cuyo reconocimiento resultó esencial en el abordaje terapéutico. Tanto en el primero como en el segundo caso se describe cómo la percepción de la temporalidad fue esencial para el diagnóstico de la patología isquémica de ambos pacientes. Discusión. El conocimiento y la divulgación de esta asociación pueden resultar fundamentales en el manejo de los pacientes con alteraciones talámicas. Esto se debe a la posibilidad que surge de influir y modificar el abordaje inicial, puesto que el reconocimiento de un síntoma específico, como es la cronotaraxis, puede evitar la extensión del daño talámico, y prevenir de esta manera las secuelas, sobre todo cognitivas, que ocasiona a largo plazo.

Urinary and fecal incontinence in patients with advanced ovarian cancer treated with CRS + HIPEC.

PURPOSE: The objective of this work was to analyze the long-term prevalence of urinary and fecal incontinence and their impact on quality of life in patients with advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer treated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a series of patients with advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer treated by CRS + HIPEC, with a disease-free period of at least 12 months after the procedure. Urinary incontinence was evaluated using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF), fecal incontinence using the Wexner test and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) questionnaire and global quality of life using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) survey. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients were included in the study, with a median age of 55 years (range 28-78). The urinary incontinence rate was 45% and the fecal incontinence rate was 20%. Up to 14% of the patients presented both types of incontinence. The presence of urinary or fecal incontinence generated a significant negative impact on quality of life in relation to patients without incontinence. DISCUSSION: Urinary and fecal incontinence is frequent in the follow-up of ovarian cancer patients treated with CRS + HIPEC. Reconsidering the approach to the pelvis without peritoneal metastases in the peritoneum could modify the incidence of these pelvic floor dysfunctions.

Supplementation with liquid whey and ACIDAL® ML in drinking water affect gut pH and microflora and productive performance in laying hens.

1. As the use of antibiotics as growth promoters has been banned in many regions, there has been an on-going search for possible alternative compounds, such as prebiotics and organic acids. 2. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of liquid whey (LW) and organic acid (ACIDAL® ML) supplementation on performance, eggs characteristics, gut pH and health status in laying hens. 3. Seven hundred and fifty, Isa Brown chicks were randomly assigned to five treatments groups (n = 150) and each treatment had five replicates of 30 birds each. The birds were reared for 48 weeks. The treatments were administered in the drinking water at doses of: 250 ml/l of LW (Lacto25), 500 ml/l of LW (Lacto50) or 1 ml/l of ACIDAL® ML (Aci). A positive control group (T+) was treated with 500 mg/l of Tetracolivit (an antibiotic). The negative control group (T-) did not receive any treatment in the drinking water. 4. Administration of LW or ACIDAL® ML in the drinking water reduced (P < 0.05) the pH in the crop, proventriculus, ileum and caeca, as well as total coliform bacteria and E. coli, but increased Lactobacillus spp. in the ileum and caecum, compared to the negative control. 5. Oviposition was earlier in the birds in both the Lacto50 and Aci groups. The weight of birds at first lay and point of lay in the four treated groups was higher than those in negative control group. Furthermore, egg production was increased by 10.44% in birds receiving Lacto25, but the weight and quality traits were unaffected, while the egg shell ratio was higher in the Aci group compared to the other treatments. 6. The data indicated that addition of LW or ACIDAL® ML improved hens' performance by modifying gut pH and microflora.

Evaluation of hydrothermal pretreatment for biological treatment of lignocellulosic feedstock (pepper plant and eggplant).

Plant residues are an important source of organic matter that can be degraded by aerobic or anaerobic biological processes. However, due to the presence of lignocellulosic material, these residues are not easily biodegradable. Greenhouse crops, such as pepper and eggplant, generate large amounts of this type of waste after harvesting. In this study, a hydrothermal pretreatment was applied at 120 °C and different times to evaluate the enhancement of C and N solubilization in these residues. The highest solubilization of C was obtained at 40 min, as no significant increases were observed at higher times (100% and 68% for pepper plant [PP] and eggplant [EP], respectively). The solubilization of N shows a linear behavior (PP r2 = 0.9670 and EP r2 = 0.9395). Aerobic and anaerobic biodegradability were also evaluated, with better results found for the anaerobic digestion of the pretreated substrates. The nutrients balance with anaerobic co-digestion of both pretreated substrates (50:50% wt) improved methane production by 1.4 and 1.8 with respect to the substrates individually.

Identifying the incidence of respiratory complications following diaphragmatic cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC), the incidence of respiratory complications following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is not well established. We aimed to describe the center-specific incidence and patient characteristics associated with respiratory complications following CRS and HIPEC in patients receiving treatment for PC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the University Hospital of Arrixaca study database to identify patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC for PC. Patients who experienced a post-operative respiratory complication were categorized according to the National Cancer Institute-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Multivariable regression methods were used to identify independent risk factors for developing a respiratory complication following CRS and HIPEC. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2017, we identified 247 patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC for PC. A total of eight patients (3.2%) were categorized as having a post-operative respiratory complication. A diaphragmatic peritonectomy and a PC index of > 14 were identified as independent risk factors for developing a respiratory complication. Radiographic evidence of a pleural effusion was identified in 72 patients who had CRS of the diaphragmatic peritoneum; however, only 6 (8.3%) of these patients required pleural drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Only 3.2% of patients developed a symptomatic respiratory complication following CRS and HIPEC. A pleural effusion was identified in almost all patients requiring a diaphragmatic peritonectomy as part of their CRS; however, less than one in ten of these patients required pleural drainage. Prophylactic insertion of a pleural drainage tube is, therefore, not indicated following CRS and HIPEC.

First-line treatment in lymphomatoid papulosis: a retrospective multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Data regarding response to treatment in lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) are scarce. AIM: To assess the daily clinical practice approach to LyP and the response to first-line treatments. METHODS: This was a retrospective study enrolling 252 patients with LyP. RESULTS: Topical steroids, methotrexate and phototherapy were the most common first-line treatments, prescribed for 35%, 20% and 14% of the patients, respectively. Complete response (CR) was achieved in 48% of treated patients. Eczematous lesions significantly increased relative risk (RR) of not achieving CR (RR = 1.76; 95% CI 1.16-2.11). Overall median time to CR was 10 months (95% CI 6-13 months), and 78% of complete responders showed cutaneous relapse; both results were similar for all treatment groups (P > 0.05). Overall estimated median disease-free survival (DFS) was 11 months (95% CI 9-13 months) but DFS for patients treated with phototherapy was 23 months (95% CI 10-36 months; P < 0.03). Having the Type A LyP variant (RR = 2.04; 95% CI 0.96-4.30) and receiving a first-line treatment other than phototherapy (RR = 5.33; 95% CI 0.84-33.89) were significantly associated with cutaneous early relapse. Of the 252 patients, 31 (13%) had associated mycosis fungoides unrelated to therapeutic approach, type of LyP or T-cell receptor clonality. CONCLUSIONS: Current epidemiological, clinical and pathological data support previous results. Topical steroids, phototherapy and methotrexate are the most frequently prescribed first-line treatments. Although CR and cutaneous relapse rates do not differ between them, phototherapy achieves a longer DFS. Presence of Type A LyP and use of topical steroid or methotrexate were associated with an increased risk of early relapse.

Combined effect of shearing and cooling rate on the rheology of organogels developed by selected gelators.

In this study we investigated the combined effect of shearing and cooling rate in the rheology of organogels developed in high oleic safflower oil by (R)-12-hydroxystearic acid (HSA), its primary amide derivative [(R)-12-hydroxyoctadecanamide, HOA], and the N-octadecyl derivative of HOA [(R)-N-octadecyl-12-hydroxyoctadecanamide, OHOA]. The experimental set up to develop the organogels involved: 1). The use of quiescent (0s-1) or shearing (300, 600, and 1200s-1) conditions during cooling the gelator solutions (2%) just until achieving the gelator's melting temperature (TM) in the vegetable oil, to then continuing the cooling under static conditions until achieving 15°C) The use of cooling rate protocols involving a constant cooling rate of 1°C/min (CR1) or 10°C/min (CR10) in the shearing and static stages, or variable cooling rates in each stage (i.e., VR1-10 or VR10-1). The elasticity of the organogels (G') was measured while cooling under static conditions, once the systems achieved 15°C, and after 60min at this temperature. The rheological results obtained at 15°C showed a cooling rate and molecular weight-dependent effect of shearing on G'. We propose that the molecular relaxation time of gelator molecules, and its increase as molecular weight increases and as temperature decreases, plays an important role on the gelator's susceptibility to go through a shear induced crystallization process. Therefore, high molecular weight molecules like OHOA (551.97Da) would remain stretched by shearing longer times than HSA (300.49Da) and HOA (299.49Da). Thus, when shearing was applied while cooling at the higher cooling rate (i.e., CR10 and VR10-1), the stretched OHOA molecules would lead to the development of mesophase precursors that upon further cooling under quiescent conditions, crystallize developing a well-structured organogel. In contrast, stretched low molecular weight molecules (i.e., HSA and HOA) with shorter relaxation time would dissolve back to the isotropic state during cooling. Additionally, the rheological results of HSA and HOA organogels suggested that the shear induced crystallization process might be dependent on the gelator polarity also. These results show that the application of shear and the extent of its application as temperature decreases until achieving TM, have important implication on the self-assembly of gelator molecules, and therefore in the organization and rheology of the three-dimensional crystal network of the organogel.

Exercise, manual therapy, and use of booster sessions in physical therapy for knee osteoarthritis: a multi-center, factorial randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: (1) Do treatment effects differ between participants receiving manual therapy (MT) with exercise compared to subjects who don't, (2) are treatment effects sustained better when participants receive booster sessions compared to those who don't over a one year period in subjects with knee osteoarthritis (KOA)? DESIGN: Multi-center, 2 × 2 factorial randomized clinical trial. 300 participants with knee OA were randomized to four groups: exercise-no boosters (Ex), exercise-with boosters (Ex+B), manual therapy+exercise-no boosters (MT+Ex), manual therapy+exercise-with boosters (MT+Ex+B). The primary outcome was the Western Ontario and McMaster osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) at 1 year. Secondary outcomes included knee pain, physical performance tests, and proportions of participants meeting treatment responder criteria. RESULTS: There were no differences between groups on the WOMAC at 1 year or on any performance-based measures. Secondary analyses indicated a) better scores on the WOMAC and greater odds of being a treatment responder at 9 weeks for participants receiving MT, b) greater odds of being a treatment responder at 1 year for participants receiving boosters. Exploratory interaction analysis suggested knee pain decreases for participants receiving boosters and increases for participants not receiving boosters from 9 weeks to 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: MT or use of boosters with exercise did not result in additive improvement in the primary outcome at 1 year. Secondary outcomes suggest MT may have some short term benefit, and booster sessions may improve responder status and knee pain at 1 year. However, the role of booster sessions remains unclear in sustaining treatment effects and warrants further study. CLINICAL TRIALS: gov (NCT01314183).

[Decreased Serum Levels of Klotho Protein in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: Clinical Imortance].

Objective: To determine the role of serum Klotho (s-Klotho) protein levels changes in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: The study involved 130 patients with CKD stages 1­5D (mean age ­ 41±6.7 years). Serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus and s-Klotho protein (ELISA method) at baseline and after 1 year of follow-up were examined in all the patients so as the blood pressure (BP), including central (aortic), pulse wave velocity ­ with the help of «Sphygmоcor¼ (Australia), echocardiography, radiography of the abdominal aorta in a lateral projection were also performed. Results: Ehen comparing the s-Klotho levels in patients with different CKD stages, it was found that the level change associated with the reduction of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ahead of phosphorus and PTH increase in serum, stared at 3A CKD, whereas hyperphosphatemia and PTH increase started at 4­5 CKD stages. According to ROC analysis, decreasing of s-Klotho levels below 387 pg/ml was indicated a calcification risk of abdominal aorta increased with an 80% sensitivity and 75% specificity. In addition, a strong negative relationship of low s-Klotho levels and heart remodeling was found. When comparing the patients with hypertension who were receiving antihypertensive monotherapy, the highest serum levels of Klotho protein were observed in those of them whose target blood pressure level was achieved primarily through Angiotensin II Receptors Blockers (ARB), compared to those who was administered another drug group (p<0.01) or has not reached the target blood pressure level (p=0,008). Conclusion: The change of serum Klotho levels (decrease) in CKD progression is associated with the degree (increase) of cardiovascular calcification and remodeling (the development of left ventricular hypertrophy, and cardiomyopathy) and it can be seen as an early independent marker of the cardiovascular system lesions in CKD. Our preliminary data of the effect of blood pressure correction on s-Klotho levels may indicate the possibility of drug maintaining serum Klotho levels and it requires further research.

The role of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy using paclitaxel in platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer patients with microscopic residual disease after cytoreduction.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the role of hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) on the microscopic component of the disease in patients with a first recurrence of platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer after complete cytoreduction (CCR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the data of 54 patients who were operated on between January 2001 and July 2012 with the diagnosis of platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer. In all patients, it was possible to achieve a CCR. Patients were divided into two groups: group I (cytoreduction alone) consisted of 22 surgical patients and group II (cytoreduction and HIPEC) consisted of 32 patients. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in any of the preoperative variables studied. After a multivariate analysis of factors identified in the univariate analysis, only the presence of tumors with undifferentiated histology (hazard ratio 2.57; 95% CI 1.21-5.46; p < 0.05) was an independent factor associated with a reduced disease-free survival. The 1- and 3-year disease-free survival was 77 and 23% in patients from group I and 77 and 45% in patients from group II, respectively, with a tendency, but no significant differences (p = 0.078). There was no significant difference in postoperative morbidity between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of HIPEC in patients in whom it is possible to achieve a CCR of the disease has not increased postoperative morbidity and mortality rates in our center. HIPEC with paclitaxel is effective in the treatment of microscopic disease in platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer patients with microscopic residual disease after cytoreduction, although with no statistically significant difference.

Intervención grupal del síndrome subacromial en atención primaria / A group intervention for shoulder impingement syndrome in primary care

Introducción. El aumento de consultas por dolor de hombro en los servicios de rehabilitación impone buscar alternativas eficientes para mejorar su manejo. Objetivos. Evaluar la efectividad de un programa de rehabilitación grupal para mejorar la funcionalidad y el dolor en pacientes afectos de síndrome subacromial y ver qué variables se asocian a un mejor resultado funcional final. Métodos. Estudio longitudinal prospectivo de intervención antes/después. Muestra: 211 pacientes. La intervención consistió en 10 sesiones de electroterapia analgésica individual, 5 sesiones de cinesiterapia grupal y una sesión informativa: «escuela de hombro». El seguimiento fue de un año. Medimos la funcionalidad con el test de Constant y el dolor con la escala visual analógica. Pruebas estadísticas: chi cuadrado, T-test, ANOVA y regresión lineal múltiple (p < 0,05). Resultados. La funcionalidad mejoró significativamente en los 4 períodos estudiados respecto al valor inicial y se estabilizó a los 6 meses. El perfil de paciente que obtuvo mayor funcionalidad fue: mujer, mayor de 60 años, sin dolor en reposo inicial y laboralmente no activa. La mejora del dolor observada a largo plazo no fue significativa. El consumo de analgésicos se redujo significativamente a los 3 meses. La adherencia al tratamiento domiciliario de ejercicios fue del 81% a los 3 y 6 meses y del 70,6% al año. Conclusiones. La aplicación de un programa de rehabilitación grupal en pacientes afectos de síndrome subacromial se ha mostrado efectivo para mejorar la funcionalidad a largo plazo. Sin embargo, el dolor no ha mostrado mejoría significativa a lo largo del estudio (AU)

Introduction. Due to the increase in consultations for shoulder pain in rehabilitation services, there is a need for efficient alternatives to improve the management of this disorder. Objectives. To evaluate the effectiveness of a supervised group exercise program to improve functionality and pain in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome and to identify the variables that are associated with a better functional outcome. Methods. A prospective longitudinal, pre and post intervention study was carried out in a sample of 211 patients. The treatment consisted of 10 individual sessions of analgesic electrotherapy, 5 sessions of group exercise therapy and an educational session: «shoulder school». One year follow-up was performed. Shoulder function and pain were assessed using Constant's test and the visual analogue scale. The statistical analysis was carried out with the chi-square test, T-test, ANOVA and multiple linear regression (P < .05). Results. Functionality improved significantly in all periods studied compared with baseline and stabilized at 6 months. The profile of patients who achieved greater functionality was female, older than 60 years, with no initial rest pain and occupationally inactive. Long-term pain improvement was not significant. Analgesic use was significantly reduced at 3 months. Adherence to home exercise treatment was 81% at 3 and 6 months and 70.6% at one year. Conclusions. The application of a group rehabilitation program in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome was effective in improving long-term functionality. However, there was no significant pain improvement during the study (AU)

Treatment of microscopic disease with hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy after complete cytoreduction improves disease-free survival in patients with stage IIIC/IV ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: We analyze the efficacy of hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for microscopic residual disease in patients with stage IIIC/IV ovarian cancer after a complete cytoreduction of their disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the data of 87 consecutive patients diagnosed with stage IIIC/IV ovarian cancer operated between December 1998 and July 2011. In every patient it was possible to achieve a complete cytoreduction of their disease. (Since January 2008, our center has incorporated the use of HIPEC in patients with peritoneal surface malignancies, including patients with peritoneal dissemination of primary ovarian cancer.) RESULTS: Of 87 patients, 52 were treated with HIPEC (paclitaxel 60 mg/m(2), 60 min, 42 °C). After a univariate analysis, factors associated with lower disease-free interval were: performing a gastrointestinal anastomosis, operative time greater than 270 min, poorly differentiated histology, and not being treated with HIPEC. After multivariate analysis, independent prognostic factors included not being treated with HIPEC [hazard ratio (HR) 8.77, 95 % CI 2.76-14.42, p < 0.01] and the presence of poorly differentiated tumors (HR 1.98, 95 % CI 1.45-8.56, p < 0.05). Disease-free survival at 1 and 3 years was 66 and 18 %, respectively, in patients without HIPEC and 81 and 63 %, respectively, in patients treated with HIPEC (p < 0.01). HIPEC administration did not alter the results obtained for disease-free survival in patients with undifferentiated tumors. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of the microscopic disease following complete cytoreduction with HIPEC in patients with advanced ovarian cancer is effective and can prolong disease-free survival. This survival benefit was not seen in undifferentiated tumors.

Factores asociados al riesgo social en las personas de 85 años residentes en la comunidad / Factors associated with social risk in 85-year-old community residents

Objetivo. Valorar el riesgo social e identificar los posibles factores asociados en personas de 85 años residentes en la comunidad. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio transversal en el marco del estudio Octabaix. Se incluyeron los nacidos durante el año 1924 y se realizó la valoración del riesgo social con la escala Gijón (riesgo>9/25). Se categorizaron 2 grupos siendo punto de corte el valor 9. Resultados. De 328 personas, 202 (61,6%) eran mujeres, 174 (53%) viudos y 100 (30,5%) vivían solos. El valor medio (DE) de la escala Gijón fue de 9,8 (2,6), la prevalencia de riesgo social 172 (52,4%). Hallamos como factores independientes: ser mujer (OR: 3,49; IC 95%: 2,03-5,98), vivir solo (OR: 6,25; IC 95%: 3,57-12,5), discapacidad (OR: 0,80; IC 95%: 0,71-0,98) y peor calidad de vida (OR: 0,99; IC 95%: 0,97-1,00). Conclusiones. Existe una elevada prevalencia (52%) de riesgo social a los 85 años. El ser mujer multiplica por 3 dicho riesgo, y el vivir solo en la comunidad multiplica por 6(AU)

Aim. To evaluate the social risk and identify possible related factors among community-dwelling 85-year-old residents. Patients and methods. A cross-sectional study within the frame of the Octabaix study was conducted. Subjects born in 1924 were included. Social risk was evaluated using the Gijon test (risk>9/25). Two groups were formed, using the cutoff value of 9. Results. Of 328 subjects, 202 (61.6%) were women, 174 (53%) were widowed and 100 (30.5%) lived alone. The mean Gijon test was 9.8 (2.6) and social risk prevalence was 52.4% (172). Logistic analysis showed association with female (OR: 3.49; 95% CI: 2.03-5.98), living alone (OR: 6.25; 95% CI: 3.57-12.5), incapacity (OR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.71-0.89) and lower quality of life (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.97-1.00). Conclusions. The prevalence of social risk among 85-year-olds is high (52%). Being a woman multiplies this risk by 3 and living alone in the community by 6(AU)

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the ethanolic extract of Bougainvillea xbuttiana.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Bougainvillea xbuttiana is widely distributed in Mexico and it is used as an analgesic in folk medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: In the present study the in vivo antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the Bougainvillea xbuttiana ethanolic extract have been studied in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The phytochemical analysis was performed. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated through writhing and formalin test in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined with the carrageenan-induced mice paw oedema model. IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ levels were determined by enzyme-like immunosorbent assay, whereas TNF and nitrite levels were detected by standard assay with L929 cells and colorimetric Griess reactive, respectively. RESULTS: The results showed that the ethanolic extract of the Bougainvillea xbuttiana has significant anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, by inhibition of nociception induced by acetic acid and paw oedema. This extract also induced a decrease in TNF levels and an increase of IL-6, IFN-γ and NO levels that we observed up to 2h. The highest levels of IL-10 were observed up to 4h. The ratios of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines in sera from mice injected with the ethanolic extract, may be manifesting an anti-inflammatory status. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides convincing evidences that Bougainvillea xbuttiana extract possesses significant anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects.

Analysis of tissue bioimpedance as a measurement of liver steatosis: experimental model in large animals.

BACKGROUND: Electrical bioimpedance (BI) has been used to indirectly measure steatosis. This method has not yet been established in the clinics thus experimental studies are needed in big animals. We assessed BI to measure liver steatosis in porcine animals. METHODS: Twelve large-white × Landrace pigs weighing 35 kg were allocated to a study (n = 9) and a control group (n = 3). A special diet was used to promote steatosis among the study group: methionine deficient and choline-restricted diet that contains supplements of cholesterol, collate and excess of saturated fat. Control group animals were fed a normal diet. A new tetrapolar electrode model was used for BI measurement, which were performed during open laparotomy by inserting a probe into one of the lobes. Measurements were done in the third and fourth segments of the pig liver, placing the probe either on the surface or inserted into the parenchyma of the liver. Open biopsies were obtained at the end of the measurements. Histological samples were processed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin to estimate macrosteatosis. Pearson correlation coefficient between BI and percentage steatosis were calculated at different frequencies. RESULTS: After 4 months of the special diet all the animals in the study group developed steatosis (90% to 20%), whereas none of the control group was affected. Pearson correlation coefficients between BI and percentage of steatosis were significant (0.877-0.878) with the best correlations obtained with a probe placed on the fourth segment of the liver surface and the best frequency to perform the measurements being 50 and 75 kHz. CONCLUSIONS: BI is an accurate, fast method for steatosis measurements, that is easier and cheaper than either open or needle biopsy.

Complicaciones y preservación nerviosa de la prostatectomía en relación con el intervalo de tiempo desde la biopsia diagnóstica / Complications and Nerve Preservation in Prostatectomy According to the Time Interval from Diagnostic Biopsy

Objetivos: Sintetizar la evidencia disponible sobre las complicaciones y la capacidad de preservación nerviosa bilateral de la prostatectomía radical en pacientes con cáncer próstatico en función del tiempo transcurrido de la biopsia diagnóstica (superior o inferior a las seis semanas). Material y métodos: Se identificaron los estudios relevantes utilizando estrategias de búsqueda estructuradas y específicas para cada una de las bases de datos consultadas sin ninguna limitación. Se evaluó la calidad metodológica de cada uno de los estudios incluidos y se extrajeron los datos de forma independiente. Resultados: Para la prostatectomía radical abierta, dos de los estudios concluyeron que el intervalo de tiempo transcurrido entre la realización de la biopsia prostática y la cirugía inferior a las 4 o 6 semanas no influye en la tasa de complicaciones posquirúrgicas y la capacidad de preservación nerviosa durante la cirugía. En cuanto a la prostatectomía radical laparoscópica asistida por robot el estudio incluido concluye que la realización de este tipo de intervenciones dentro de un periodo de tiempo inferior a las cuatro o seis semanas posteriores a la biopsia diagnóstica, se asocia a un mayor riesgo de sufrir complicaciones postquirúrgicas. No obstante, estos estudios contaban con importantes limitaciones metodológicas. Conclusiones: El intervalo de tiempo entre la realización de la biopsia diagnóstica y la cirugía abierta no influye en la tasa de complicaciones o preservación nerviosa. En cambio, un periodo de tiempo inferior a las cuatro semanas entre la biopsia diagnóstica y la cirugía laparoscópica se asocia con mayor riesgo de complicaciones quirúrgicas (AU)

Objectives: To summarize the available evidence on complications and bilateral nerve preservation in radical prostatectomy in patients according to the time interval from diagnostic biopsy (more or less than six weeks). Material and methods: Relevant studies were identified by using structured and specific search strategies for each of the databases consulted, without limitations. The methodological quality of each of the studies included was evaluated and the data were extracted independently. Results: For open radical prostatectomy, two of the studies concluded that a time interval of less than 4 or 6 weeks between prostate biopsy and surgery had no influence on the postsurgical complications rate or on nerve preservation during surgery. For laparoscopic robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, the study included concluded that performing this type of intervention in an interval of less than 4 or 6 weeks after diagnostic biopsy was associated with a higher risk of postsurgical complications. However, all these studies had major methodological limitations. Conclusions: The time interval between diagnostic biopsy and open surgery has no influence on the complications rate or nerve preservations. In contrast, an interval of less than 4 weeks between diagnostic biopsy and laparoscopic surgery is associated with a higher risk of surgical complications (AU)

[Bibliometric and thematic analysis of the scientific literature about omega-3 fatty acids indexed in international databases on health sciences]. / Análisis bibliométrico y temático de la producción científica sobre ácidos grasos omega-3 indizada en las bases de datos internacionales sobre ciencias de la salud.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate by bibliometric and thematic analysis the scientific literature on omega-3 fatty acids indexed in international databases on health sciences and to establish a comparative base for future analysis. METHOD: Searches were conducted with the descriptor (MeSH, as Major Topic) "Fatty Acids, Omega-3" from the first date available until December 31, 2010. Databases consulted: MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, ISI Web of Knowledge, CINAHL and LILACS. RESULTS: The most common type of document was originals articles. Obsolescence was set at 5 years. The geographical distribution of authors who appear as first author was EEUU and the articles were written predominantly in English. The study population was 90.98% (95% CI 89.25 to 92.71) adult humans. The documents were classified into 59 subject areas and the most studied topic 16.24% (95% CI 14.4 to 18.04) associated with omega-3, was cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that the scientific literature on omega-3 fatty acids is a full force area of knowledge. The Anglo-Saxon institutions dominate the scientific production and it is mainly oriented to the study of cardiovascular disease.

Highly efficient Brønsted acidic ionic liquid-based catalysts for biodiesel synthesis from vegetable oils.

Biodiesel has been produced by transesterification of canola oil with methanol in the presence of highly Brønsted acidic ionic liquids based on 1-benzyl-1H-benzimidazole, and the effect of reaction temperature, type and amount of catalyst, molar ratio and reaction time investigated. The results show that the 4B ionic liquid has the highest catalytic activity and best recyclability under the optimised reaction conditions. Thus, this ionic liquid is able to catalyze the transesterification of canola oil to its methyl esters in 5 h with yields of more than 95%. Density functional calculations (B3LYP), using the 6-311G basis set, have been performed to have a better understanding on the reactivity of these catalysts. The catalytic activity of 4B for the transesterification of other vegetable oils and alcohols has also been studied.

Plant-derived health: the effects of turmeric and curcuminoids.

Plants contain numerous polyphenols, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and hereby to increase resistance to disease. Examples of such polyphenols are isothiocyanates in cabbage and broccoli, epigallocatechin in green tee, capsaicin in chili peppers, chalones, rutin and naringenin in apples, resveratrol in red wine and fresh peanuts and curcumin/curcuminoids in turmeric. Most diseases are maintained by a sustained discreet but obvious increased systemic inflammation. Many studies suggest that the effect of treatment can be improved by a combination of restriction in intake of proinflammatory molecules such as advanced glycation end products (AGE), advanced lipoperoxidation end products (ALE), and rich supply of antiinflammatory molecules such as plant polyphenols. To the polyphenols with a bulk of experimental documentation belong the curcuminoid family and especially its main ingredient, curcumin. This review summarizes the present knowledge about these turmericderived ingredients, which have proven to be strong antioxidants and inhibitors of cyclooxigenase-2 (COX-2), lipoxygenase (LOX) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) but also AGE. A plethora of clinical effects are reported in various experimental diseases, but clinical studies in humans are few. It is suggested that supply of polyphenols and particularly curcuminoids might be value as complement to pharmaceutical treatment, but also prebiotic treatment, in conditions proven to be rather therapy-resistant such as Crohn's, long-stayed patients in intensive care units, but also in conditions such as cancer, liver cirrhosis, chronic renal disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.