Immediate effect of quick massage on muscle tension and pressure pain threshold / Efeito imediato da quick massage sobre a tensão muscular e o limiar de tolerância de dor à pressão

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Massage is described as an effective complementary therapy for relieving muscle tension and pain. The aim of this study was to verify the benefits of quick massage on muscle tension and pressure pain tolerance threshold (PPT). METHODS: A randomized clinical study in which 40 professors participated and were randomly divided into control (CG) and experimental (EG) groups. They were assessed for the level of muscle tension in the shoulder and neck regions using the visual analogue scale (VAS). PPT was assessed through algometry at the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles and at the following anatomical areas: base of the occipital, scapular spine, thoracic (T6-T7) and lumbar (L4-L5) regions. The EG received a single session of quick massage for 20 minutes on the shoulders, neck and spine. RESULTS: Regarding pain, a significant difference was observed only at the base of the occipital, the EG presented greater tolerance to pressure pain both before and after the intervention when compared to the CG. Regarding muscle tension, after the intervention, there was a reduction in the perception in the EG compared to the CG group. CONCLUSION: Quick massage was efficient to decrease the perception of muscle tension assessed by VAS, however, PPT did not increase after the intervention.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A massagem é descrita como terapia complementar efetiva no alívio de dor e tensão muscular. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os benefícios da Quick Massage sobre a tensão muscular e o limiar de tolerância de dor à pressão (LTDP). MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico randomizado que incluiu 40 docentes divididos aleatoriamente em grupo controle (GC) e grupo experimental (GE). Eles foram avaliados quanto ao nível de tensão muscular na região dos ombros e pescoço por meio da escala analógica visual (EAV). O LTDP foi avaliado por algometria sobre os músculos trapézio superior e esternocleidomastóideo e nos seguintes pontos anatômicos: base do occipital, espinha da escápula, região torácica (T6-T7) e região lombar (L4-L5). O GE recebeu uma única sessão de Quick Massage por 20 minutos na região dos ombros, pescoço e coluna vertebral. RESULTADOS: Em relação à dor, somente na base do occipital foi verificada diferença significante, o GE apresentou maior tolerância de dor à pressão tanto antes quanto após a intervenção em relação ao GC. Em relação à tensão muscular, após a intervenção, houve redução da percepção no GE em relação ao grupo GC. CONCLUSÃO: A Quick Massage foi eficiente para diminuir a percepção da tensão muscular, contudo, o limiar de tolerância de dor à pressão não aumentou após a intervenção.

Geotherapy combined with kinesiotherapy is efficient in reducing pain in patients with osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with osteoarthritis (OA) suffer from a degenerative disease that causes several physical disabilities and pain. Despite the few studies involving exercise combined with geotherapy (a therapy using poultices made from earth materials such as clay or mud) for patients with OA, this subject is still under debate, as effect of the earth material remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare pain, joint stiffness and disability in patients who underwent kinesiotherapy (K) or geotherapy combined with kinesiotherapy (GK). METHOD: This was a clinical randomized single-blinded prospective study, in which 48 individuals participated. Volunteers were evaluated for pain perception, pressure pain tolerance thresholds, and responded to questionnaires about pain, joint stiffness and physical disability (WOMAC) and about symptoms and disability (Lequesne Algofunctional Index). Patients in K group underwent 15 twice-weekly sessions of kinesiotherapy consisting of stretching and strengthening exercises for lower limbs. GK patients received a poultice of powder dolomite mixed with hot water on the knees for 25 min before each of the 15 sessions of the same kinesiotherapy program. RESULTS: Both interventions were effective in reducing pain, joint stiffness and physical disability (p < 0.001), and in increasing pressure pain thresholds (p < 0.05); however, patients who underwent GK presented a more pronounced reduction in pain perception (p = 0.006) than those in K group. They also exhibited more tolerance to pain in all sites evaluated. CONCLUSION: Both interventions were effective in reducing pain, joint stiffness and physical disability, but GK produced significantly better results in pain perception.

Superficial temperature and pain tolerance in patients with chronic low back pain.

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain is a common and very prevalent disease and can impose limitations that negatively impact patients. The objective of this study was to verify and compare the association between lumbar superficial temperature and pressure pain tolerance thresholds in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain and healthy controls. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study involving 38 individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain and 19 healthy controls. Volunteers underwent thermographic (infrared sensor), pain perception (visual analog scale), and pressure pain tolerance thresholds (algometry) evaluations in the right and left paravertebral muscles and L4-L5 ligament. RESULTS: A lower tolerance to pressure pain was found in patients compared to controls at all evaluated sites (p ≤ 0.003). Superficial temperature was significantly higher in the sites evaluated in the low back pain group (p < 0.001). In patients with low back pain, pain perception was weakly and inversely correlated with pressure pain tolerance (r = -0.31; p = 0.05) and moderately correlated to the temperature of the evaluated sites (r = 0.51 to 0.59, p ≤ 0.001). Also, an inverse and weak to moderate association was observed between pressure pain tolerance thresholds and temperature in patients only (r = -0.36 to -0.49; p ≤ 0.02). CONCLUSION: Individuals with low back pain have lower pressure pain tolerance thresholds and higher superficial temperature in the lumbar region when compared to healthy individuals. The associations observed show that the higher the pain perception, the lower the pain tolerance and the higher the superficial temperature in the lumbar region. Also, the higher the temperature, the lower the pain tolerance.

Associations Between Skin Surface Temperature and Pressure Pain Tolerance Thresholds of Asymptomatic Individuals Exposed to Cryotherapy and Thermotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations between skin surface temperature and pressure pain tolerance thresholds (PPTs) of asymptomatic individuals exposed to cryotherapy and thermotherapy. METHODS: Twenty-two asymptomatic female university students aged between 18 and 35 years underwent thermography and algometry assessments at 6 points in both knees before, immediately after, and 20 minutes after the application of frozen (cryotherapy) or heated (thermotherapy) gel bags in the right knee for 20 minutes. Data were analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance, Student t test, and Pearson or Spearman correlation tests. RESULTS: There was a significant change in skin surface temperature after cryotherapy and thermotherapy, which was maintained after 20 minutes of withdrawal (P < .001). After the intervention, no significant differences were observed regarding PPT compared with the baseline measurements, nor between the experimental and control knees. CONCLUSION: Cryotherapy and thermotherapy produced significant changes in the temperature of the evaluated points after their application. No differences in pain tolerance were observed in these asymptomatic participants. There was little association between skin surface temperature and PPT in the knees of healthy women after application of the resources.

Pain Tolerance: The Influence of Cold or Heat Therapy.

OBJECTIVES: Resources of heat or cold therapies have been widely used for their low cost, analgesic action and for assisting the rehabilitation of acute or chronic injuries. The objective of this study was to search for associations between skin surface temperature and pressure pain tolerance thresholds (PPTs) of healthy individuals undergoing cryotherapy and thermotherapy. METHODS: This is an experimental clinical trial with 22 healthy university students aged between 18 and 35 years. Volunteers underwent thermography and algometry assessments at 6 points in both knees before, immediately after, and 20 minutes after the application of frozen (cryotherapy) or heated (thermotherapy) gel bags in the right knee for 20 minutes. Data were analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance, Student's t test, and Pearson or Spearman correlation tests. RESULTS: There was a significant change in skin surface temperature after cryotherapy and thermotherapy, which was maintained after 20 minutes of withdrawal (P < .001). After the intervention, no significant differences were observed regarding the PPT compared to the baseline measurements, nor between the experimental and control knees. CONCLUSION: Cryotherapy and thermotherapy produced significant changes in the temperature of the evaluated points after their application. Despite this, no differences in pain tolerance were observed, and there was little association between skin surface temperature and PPT in the knees of healthy women after application of the resources.

Influência de estímulos cutâneos plantares sobre a sensibilidade e controle postural em idosos / Influence of plantar cutaneous stimuli on sensitivity and postural control in the elderly / Influencia de los estímulos cutáneos plantares en la sensibilidad y el control postural en ancianos

A diminuição da sensibilidade cutânea plantar pode resultar na redução do controle postural em idosos, tornando-os mais suscetíveis a quedas. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a influência de um programa de estimulação cutânea plantar, sobre o limiar de sensibilidade e controle postural em indivíduos idosos. Este foi um estudo clínico prospectivo, randomizado e simples-cego, no qual participaram 36 indivíduos idosos acima de 60 anos de idade de ambos os sexos, submetidos ao teste Timed Up and Go (TUG), para mensurar a mobilidade funcional, teste de apoio unipodal para avaliar o equilíbrio estático, e avaliação da sensibilidade plantar por estesiometria com monofilamentos de nylon. Os idosos foram divididos em dois grupos. O grupo-controle não passou por nenhuma intervenção e foi orientado a não mudar o estilo de vida. Já o grupo-experimental foi orientado a realizar intervenções domiciliares por 3 semanas. Após esse período, todos os participantes foram reavaliados. Os resultados revelaram que ambos os grupos apresentaram maior sensibilidade cutânea plantar após 3 semanas; porém, não foram observadas alterações no controle postural. Ambos os grupos demonstraram melhora em relação à sensibilidade cutânea plantar, e não houve diferença entre eles.

Decreased plantar skin sensitivity may result in reduced postural control in the elderly, making them more susceptible to falls. The objective of this study was to verify the influence of a plantar cutaneous stimulation program on the sensitivity threshold and postural control in elderly individuals. This was a prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical study involving 36 elderly individuals older than 60 years of age of both sexes, submitted to the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test to measure functional mobility, unipedal stance test to evaluate static balance, and evaluation of plantar sensitivity by sensation threshold test with nylon monofilaments. Elderly were divided into two groups. The control group did not undergo any intervention and was instructed not to change their lifestyle. The experimental group was oriented to perform home interventions for 3 weeks. After this period, all participants were reassessed. Results revealed that both groups showed higher plantar skin sensibility after 3 weeks, but no changes were observed in postural control. Both groups showed improvement in plantar cutaneous sensitivity, and there was no difference between them.

La disminución de la sensibilidad cutánea plantar puede resultar en la reducción del control postural en ancianos, haciéndolos más susceptibles a caídas. El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la influencia de un programa de estimulación cutánea plantar sobre el umbral de sensibilidad y control postural en individuos ancianos. Este fue un estudio clínico prospectivo, aleatorizado y simple ciego en el que participaron 36 individuos mayores de 60 años de ambos sexos, sometidos a la prueba Timed Up and Go (TUG), para medir la movilidad funcional, prueba de apoyo unipodal para evaluar el equilibrio estático, y evaluar la sensibilidad plantar por estosiometría con monofilamentos de nylon. Los ancianos se dividieron en dos grupos. El grupo control no pasó por ninguna intervención y fue orientado a no cambiar el estilo de vida. El grupo experimental fue orientado a realizar intervenciones domiciliares por 3 semanas. Después de ese período, todos los participantes fueron reevaluados. Los resultados revelaron que ambos grupos presentaron mayor sensibilidad cutánea plantar después de 3 semanas, pero no se observaron alteraciones en el control postural. Ambos grupos demostraron una mejora en relación a la sensibilidad cutánea plantar, y no hubo diferencia entre ellos.

Solitary electromechanical pulses in lobster neurons.

Investigations of nerve activity have focused predominantly on electrical phenomena. Nerves, however, are thermodynamic systems, and changes in temperature and in the dimensions of the nerve can also be observed during the action potential. Measurements of heat changes during the action potential suggest that the nerve pulse shares many characteristics with an adiabatic pulse. First experiments in the 1980s suggested small changes in nerve thickness and length during the action potential. Such findings have led to the suggestion that the action potential may be related to electromechanical solitons traveling without dissipation. However, there have been no modern attempts to study mechanical phenomena in nerves. Here, we present ultrasensitive AFM recordings of mechanical changes on the order of 2-12Å in the giant axons of the lobster. We show that the nerve thickness changes in phase with voltage changes. When stimulated at opposite ends of the same axon, colliding action potentials pass through one another and do not annihilate. These observations are consistent with a mechanical interpretation of the nervous impulse.

Antibacterial effect of roselle extracts (Hibiscus sabadariffa), sodium hypochlorite and acetic acid against multidrug-resistant Salmonella strains isolated from tomatoes.

UNLABELLED: Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strains were isolated from saladette and red round type tomatoes, and an analysis done of the antibacterial activity of roselle calyx extracts against any of the identified strains. One hundred saladette tomato samples and 100 red round tomato samples were collected from public markets. Each sample consisted of four whole tomatoes. Salmonella was isolated from the samples by conventional culture procedure. Susceptibility to 16 antibiotics was tested for the isolated Salmonella strains by standard test. The antibacterial effect of four roselle calyx extracts (water, methanol, acetone and ethyl acetate), sodium hypochlorite and acetic acid against antibiotic-resistant Salmonella isolates was evaluated on contaminated tomatoes. Twenty-four Salmonella strains were isolated from 12% of each tomato type. Identified Salmonella serotypes were Typhimurium and Typhi. All isolated strains exhibited resistance to at least three antibiotics and some to as many as 12. Over contaminated tomatoes, the roselle calyx extracts produced a greater reduction (2-2·6 log) in antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strain concentration than sodium hypochlorite and acetic acid. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The presence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella in vegetables is a significant public health concern. Multidrug-resistant Salmonella strains were isolated from raw tomatoes purchased in public markets in Mexico and challenged with roselle Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extracts, sodium hypochlorite and acetic acid. On tomatoes, the extracts caused a greater reduction in the concentration of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strains than sodium hypochlorite and acetic acid. Roselle calyx extracts are a potentially useful addition to disinfection procedures of raw tomatoes in the field, processing plants, restaurants and homes.

Hyperbranched polyglycerol electrospun nanofibers for wound dressing applications.

This study reports on the performance of electrospun hyperbranched polyglycerol nanofibers capable of providing an active agent delivery for wound dressing applications. The aim of this work was to prepare electrospun HPGL nanofibers containing Calendula officinalis as a wound-healing and anti-inflammatory agent. The morphology of the electrospun HPGL-C. officinalis nanofibers was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the diameters of the fibers were in nanoscales. The release of C. officinalis from the electrospun HPGL fibers was determined by HPLC at a physiological temperature (37 degrees C). Rapid release of the C. officinalis from the electrospun HPGL-C. officinalis nanofibers was exhibited as result of the high swelling ability as well as the high porosity of the electrospun HPGL-C. officinalis membranes. The degree of swelling, and the mechanical and biocompatible properties of the electrospun HPGL fibers were determined. The results showed that, in physiological conditions, the water absorption into the HPGL electrospun fibers slowed down, governed by the rate at which the electrospun HPGL-C. officinalis membranes interacted with the physiological fluid. The rate of release of C. officinalis seemed to depend on the C. officinalis content in the HPGL nanofibers. From the elastic modulus, it could be seen that elastic electrospun HPGL fibers were obtained with increments of C. officinalis content in the HPGL-C. officinalis membranes. The results of in vivo experiments in rats suggested that HPGL-C. officinalis might be an interesting bioactive wound dressing material for clinical applications.

Enucleación prostática con láser holmium / Prostatic enucleation with holmium laser

Objetivo: La hipertrofia prostática afecta a partir de los 40 años a un porcentaje creciente de varones, aumentando este con la edad, actualmente contamos con una nueva arma terapéutica, el láser Holmium. Método: Recogemos de manera retrospectiva los datos obtenidos de forma retrospectiva de los 300 enfermos intervenidos mediante HoLEP prostático en nuestro centro. Resultados: Obtenemos: una estancia media hospitalaria de 1,8 días (Rango 1-15 días, mediana 1,8), un tiempo medio de cateterismo de 30,6h (Rango 12-312, Mediana 30,3), el tiempo quirúrgico total desde que el enfermo entra hasta que sale del quirófano es de 75 min. (Rango 38-150, Mediana 71), El flujo máximo es de 24,7 ml/seg a 6 meses y de 23,9 ml/seg a 12 meses. El rendimiento quirúrgico, los gramos resecados por minuto es de 0,48 en el grupo completo. Observamos una variación en los datos que afecta a los 20 primeros casos, con un empeoramiento de los resultados en este grupo Conclusiones: en nuestra opinión la enucleación con láser de Holmium es un método adecuado que garantiza unos resultados óptimos, perfectamente comparables a los obtenidos mediante técnicas quirúrgicas endoscópica clásicas y cirugía abierta, con un número de complicaciones bajo y que beneficia al enfermo al disminuir la necesidad de trasfusiones, el tiempo de sondaje vesical y de estancia hospitalaria, en contrapartida, presenta una curva de aprendizaje en torno a 20 procedimientos, en la que se pueden presentar complicaciones que desanimen al cirujano y que paralicen el proyecto de implantación de la técnica en un centro, al tener procedimientos fáciles y asequibles a su alcance ya establecidos (AU)

Objectives: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects a growing percentage of males over the age of 40 years, increasing with age. Currently, we have a new therapeutic tool available: the holmium laser. Methods: We retrospectively collected data of 300 patients undergoing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in our center. Results: The results are: mean hospital stay 1,8 days (range 1-15 days, median 1,8); mean bladder catheter time 30.6 hours (range 12-312, median 30.3), total operative room time 75 minutes (range 38-150, median 71), maximal flow rate at six months 24.7 ml/sec. and 23.9 ml/sec. at 12 months. Surgical performance, number of grams resected per minute, is 0.48 for the whole group. We observed a variation in data from the first 20 cases, with worse results in this group. Conclusions: In our opinion holmium laser enucleation is an adequate method that the guarantees optimal results, comparable to those obtained with classic endoscopic and open surgical techniques, with a low rate of complications, which benefits the patient by diminishing the need for transfusions, catheterization time, and hospital stay; conversely, it has a learning curve of around 20 procedures, which may be associated with complications that may discourage the surgeon and stop the project of technique implementation in a center, having easy, accessible, established alternative procedures (AU)

Dialysis outcomes in Colombia (DOC) study: a comparison of patient survival on peritoneal dialysis vs hemodialysis in Colombia.

The goal of the Dialysis Outcomes in Colombia (DOC) study was to compare the survival of patients on hemodialysis (HD) vs peritoneal dialysis (PD) in a network of renal units in Colombia. The DOC study examined a historical cohort of incident patients starting dialysis therapy between 1 January 2001 and 1 December 2003 and followed until 1 December 2005, measuring demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical variables. Only patients older than 18 years were included. As-treated and intention-to-treat statistical analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model. There were 1094 eligible patients in total and 923 were actually enrolled: 47.3% started HD therapy and 52.7% started PD therapy. Of the patients studied, 751 (81.3%) remained in their initial therapy until the end of the follow-up period, death, or censorship. Age, sex, weight, height, body mass index, creatinine, calcium, and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) variables did not show statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups. Diabetes, socioeconomic level, educational level, phosphorus, Charlson Co-morbidity Index, and cardiovascular history did show a difference, and were less favorable for patients on PD. Residual renal function was greater for PD patients. Also, there were differences in the median survival time between groups: 27.2 months for PD vs 23.1 months for HD (P=0.001) by the intention-to-treat approach; and 24.5 months for PD vs 16.7 months for HD (P<0.001) by the as-treated approach. When performing univariate Cox analyses using the intention-to-treat approach, associations were with age > or =65 years (hazard ratio (HR)=2.21; confidence interval (CI) 95% (1.77-2.755); P<0.001); history of cardiovascular disease (HR=1.96; CI 95% (1.58-2.90); P<0.001); diabetes (HR=2.34; CI 95% (1.88-2.90); P<0.001); and SGA (mild or moderate-severe malnutrition) (HR=1.47; CI 95% (1.17-1.79); P=0.001); but no association was found with gender (HR=1.03, CI 95% 0.83-1.27; P=0.786). Similar results were found with the as-treated approach, with additional associations found with Charlson Index (0-2) (HR=0.29; Cl 95% (0.22-0.38); P<0.001); Charlson Index (3-4) (HR=0.61; Cl 95% (0.48-0.79); P<0.001); and SGA (mild-severe malnutrition) (HR=1.43; Cl 95% (1.15-1.77); P<0.001). Similarly, the multivariate Cox model was run with the variables that had shown association in previous analyses, and it was found that the variables explaining the survival of patients with end-stage renal disease in our study were age, SGA, Charlson Comorbidity Index 5 and above, diabetes, healthcare regimes I and II, and socioeconomic level 2. The results of Cox proportional risk model in both the as-treated and intention-to-treat analyses showed that there were no statistically significant differences in survival of PD and HD patients: intention-to-treat HD/PD (HR 1.127; CI 95%: 0.855-1.484) and as-treated HD/PD (HR 1.231; CI 95%: 0.976-1.553). In this historical cohort of incident patients, there was a trend, although not statistically significant, for a higher (12.7%) adjusted mortality risk associated with HD when compared to PD, even though the PD patients were poorer, were more likely to be diabetic, and had higher co-morbidity scores than the HD patients. The variables that most influenced survival were age, diabetes, comorbidity, healthcare regime, socioeconomic level, nutrition, and education.

[Study of nutrition and health claims on labelling of fermented milk products]. / Estudio de declaraciones nutricionales y saludables en el etiquetado de leches fermentadas.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of fermented milk products in Spain has been increased for the last 40 years. In addition to yogurt, new varieties of milk products fermented by bifidobacteria or other Lactobacillus species have been introduced. The nutritional importance of these products, together with the likely beneficial effects of the fermentative strains, has propitiated labelling with nutritinal and health claims. Present regulations do not specifically regulate these wordings and a proposal for a European Regulation for standardization of these claims is currently under elaboration. OBJECTIVES: To study the nutrition and health claims on labelling of fermented milk products taking into account current legislation, the proposal for a European Regulation and the related literature. To compare labelling on yogurt with that of other fermented milk products, in relation to these claims. RESULTS: Ninety-four percent of the studied labelling has nutritional information. Nutritional claims have ben found on 38%, of which 20% have mentioned fat content, 12% calcium content, although 26% have less than 15% of the RDA, 7% mention dietary fiber content. Health claims has been presented in 32% of the studied labelling. CONCLUSIONS: Health claims have been more frequently found in fermented milk products other than yogurt, most of them mentioning the prebiotic or probiotic properties. A lack of information to consumers has been observed concerning the necessary amounts to be consumed and the real benefit provided by the product. Nutrition claims in products with normal content of certaint nutrients have been found; this fact might create confusion as regards to really enriches foods.

Estudio de declaraciones nutricionales y saludables en el etiquetado de leches fermentadas / Study of nutrition and health claims on labelling of fermented milk products

Antecedentes: El consumo de leches fermentadas en España ha aumentado enormemente en los últimos 40 años. Además del yogur, se han introducido nuevas variedades fermentadas por bifidobacterias u otras especies de lactobacilos. La riqueza nutricional de estos alimentos junto con los posibles beneficios de las cepas fermentadoras, han propiciado la presencia de declaraciones nutricionales y saludables en su etiquetado. La normativa vigente no regula expresamente estas frases y actualmente se está elaborando una propuesta de Reglamento Europeo para la normalización de dichas declaraciones. Objetivos: Estudiar las declaraciones nutricionales y saludables en el etiquetado de leches fermentadas en base a la legislación actual, la propuesta de Reglamento Europeo y la bibliografía relacionada. Comparar el etiquetado del yogur con el del resto de leches fermentadas en lo referente a declaraciones. Resultados: El 94% del etiquetado presenta información nutricional. El 38% posee declaraciones nutricionales, de las cuales el 20% aluden al contenido en materia grasa, el 12% al calcio, aunque el 26% contienen menos del 15% de la CDR, el 7% al aporte de vitaminas, cuyo 22% tiene menos del 15% de la CDR o no indica el contenido y el 7% al de fibra. Las declaraciones saludables están en el 32% del etiquetado. Conclusiones: Las declaraciones saludables se encuentran con mayor frecuencia en leches fermentadas distintas del yogur haciendo referencia mayoritariamente a la condición de probióticos y prebióticos. Se observa una falta de información al consumidor en cuanto a las cantidades necesarias a consumir o respecto a cual es el beneficio real que proporciona el alimento. Se realizan declaraciones nutricionales en productos con contenido normal de ciertos nutrientes lo que puede crear confusión respecto a los alimentos realmente enriquecidos (AU)

Background: The consumption of fermented milk products in Spain has been increased for the last 40 years. In addition to yogurt, new varieties of milk products fermented by bifidobacteria or other Lactobacillus species have been introduced. The nutritional importance of these products, together with the likely beneficial effects of the fermentative strains, has propitiated labelling with nutritional and health claims. Present regulations do not specifically regulate these wordings and a proposal for a European Regulation for standardization of these claims is currently under elaboration. Objectives: To study the nutrition and health claims on labelling of fermented milk products taking into account current legislation, the proposal for a European Regulation and the related literature. To compare labelling on yogurt with that of other fermented milk products, in relation to these claims. Results: Ninety-four percent of the studied labelling has nutritional information. Nutritional claims have ben found on 38%, of which 20% have mentioned fat content, 12% calcium content, although 26% have less than 15% of the RDA, 7% mention dietary fiber content. Health claims has been presented in 32% of the studied labelling. Conclusions: Health claims have been more frequently found in fermented milk products other than yogurt, most of them mentioning the prebiotic or probiotic properties.A lack of information to consumers has been observed concerning the necessary amounts to be consumed and the real benefit provided by the product. Nutrition claims in products with normal content of certain nutrients have been found; this fact might create confusion as regards to really enriches foods (AU)

Design of a sampling plan to detect ochratoxin A in green coffee.

The establishment of maximum limits for ochratoxin A (OTA) in coffee by importing countries requires that coffee-producing countries develop scientifically based sampling plans to assess OTA contents in lots of green coffee before coffee enters the market thus reducing consumer exposure to OTA, minimizing the number of lots rejected, and reducing financial loss for producing countries. A study was carried out to design an official sampling plan to determine OTA in green coffee produced in Brazil. Twenty-five lots of green coffee (type 7 - approximately 160 defects) were sampled according to an experimental protocol where 16 test samples were taken from each lot (total of 16 kg) resulting in a total of 800 OTA analyses. The total, sampling, sample preparation, and analytical variances were 10.75 (CV = 65.6%), 7.80 (CV = 55.8%), 2.84 (CV = 33.7%), and 0.11 (CV = 6.6%), respectively, assuming a regulatory limit of 5 microg kg(-1) OTA and using a 1 kg sample, Romer RAS mill, 25 g sub-samples, and high performance liquid chromatography. The observed OTA distribution among the 16 OTA sample results was compared to several theoretical distributions. The 2 parameter-log normal distribution was selected to model OTA test results for green coffee as it gave the best fit across all 25 lot distributions. Specific computer software was developed using the variance and distribution information to predict the probability of accepting or rejecting coffee lots at specific OTA concentrations. The acceptation probability was used to compute an operating characteristic (OC) curve specific to a sampling plan design. The OC curve was used to predict the rejection of good lots (sellers' or exporters' risk) and the acceptance of bad lots (buyers' or importers' risk).

Phlebotonics for venous insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common condition caused by inadequate blood flow through the veins, usually in the lower limbs. It can result in considerable discomfort with symptoms such as pain, itchiness and tiredness in the legs. Sufferers may also experience swelling and ulcers. Phlebotonics are a class of drugs that are often used to treat CVI. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of oral or topical phlebotonics. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group trials register (April 2005), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2005), MEDLINE (January 1966 to April 2005), EMBASE (January 1980 to April 2005) and reference lists of articles. We also contacted pharmaceutical companies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of rutosides, hidrosmine, diosmine, calcium dobesilate, chromocarbe, centella asiatica, disodium flavodate, french maritime pine bark extract, grape seed extract and aminaftone in CVI patients at any stage of the disease. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. The effects of treatment were estimated by relative risk (RR) or by standardised mean differences (SMD) by applying a random effects statistical model. Sensitivity analyses were also performed. MAIN RESULTS: Fifty-nine RCTs of oral phlebotonics were included, but only 44 trials involving 4413 participants contained quantifiable data for the efficacy analysis: 23 of rutosides, ten of hidrosmine and diosmine, six of calcium dobesilate, two of centella asiatica, one of french maritime pine bark extract, one of aminaftone and one of grape seed extract. No studies evaluating topical phlebotonics, chromocarbe, naftazone or disodium flavodate fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Outcomes included oedema, venous ulcers, trophic disorders, subjective symptoms (pain, cramps, restless legs, itching, heaviness, swelling and paraesthesias), global assessment measures and side effects. The results of many variables were heterogeneous. Phlebotonics showed some global benefit (i.e. oedema reduction) (relative risk 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.65 to 0.81). The benefit for the remaining CVI signs and symptoms must be evaluated by phlebotonic group. There were no quantifiable data on quality of life. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is not enough evidence to globally support the efficacy of phlebotonics for chronic venous insufficiency. There is a suggestion of some efficacy of phlebotonics on oedema but this is of uncertain clinical relevance. Due to the limitations of current evidence, there is a need for further randomised, controlled clinical trials with greater attention paid to methodological quality.

Estudio toxicológico y teratogénico del extracto metanólico de cinnamomun zeylanicum (canela) / Toxicológico and teratogénico study of the metanólico extract of cinnamomun zeylanicum (cinnamon)

Se realizó el estudio fitoquímico, toxicológico agudo y citotóxico del cinnamomum zeylanicum (canela). Para la determinación de la DL50 se utilizaron 30 ratones albinos, cuyos pesos oscilaron entre 25 y 30 gr., siguiendo el método de Probits. Igualmente se determinó la concentración letal media (CL-50) en artemia salina. La actividad citotóxica y teratogénica fue evaluada en huevos de Tetrapygus Níger (erizo de mar). Nos permite concluir, siguiendo los criterios de William, que el extracto metanólico de la canela es ligeramente tóxico y posee efecto citotóxico frente al erizo de mar, no evidenciándose efecto teratogénico, a las dosis empleadas.

We have performed a Phytochemic. Toxicologic and Cytotoxic study, of Cinamomum zeylanicum (canela) in laboratory. We have determinated the letal 50-doses (DLSO) in mice, the letal middle concentration (CL_50) in Artemia salina and the cytotoxic and teratogenic effect on Tetrapygus niger eggs (sea Hedgehog). We may conclude following the William Criterions that the metanolic extract of canela is lightly toxic and it has cytotoxic effects on sea Hedgehog at the doses studied.

Immunoaffinity column clean-up and thin layer chromatography for determination of ochratoxin A in green coffee.

An immunoaffinity clean-up-based method for determining ochratoxin A (OTA) in green coffee aiming at one-dimensional thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis was established. OTA was extracted with a mixture of methanol and aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution, purified through an immunoaffinity column, separated on normal or reversed-phase (RP) TLC plates and detected and quantified by visual and densitometric analysis. The linear equation of the standard calibration curve by densitometric analysis gave R(2) > 0.999 (0.04-84 ng). The mean recovery (R) of OTA from spiked samples (1.8-109 microg kg(-1)) by densitometric and visual analyses were 98.4 and 103.8%, respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSD) for densitometric and visual analysis varied from 1.1 to 24.9% and from 0.0 to 18.8%, respectively. The RSD for naturally contaminated samples by densitometry (three levels of contamination, n = 3) varied from 11.1 to 18.1%. The correlation (R(2)) between high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and densitometry, and between visual and densitometric analysis for spiked samples were > 0.99. The limit of detection (LOD) of the method was 0.5 microg kg(-1) for normal TLC. Toluene-ethyl acetate-88% formic acid (6:3:1 v/v/v) and acetonitrile-methanol-water-glacial acetic acid (35:35:29:10 v/v/v/v) were regarded as the suitable TLC solvents for eluting both standards and samples on normal and RP TLC plates, respectively. Toluene-acetic acid (99:1 v/v) was chosen as the spotting solvent among several others for giving the best sensitivity and resolution of OTA on TLC plates as well as the best recovery of OTA from standard and sample extract residues. Preliminary studies were carried out to investigate the reuse of the immunoaffinity column and the interference of caffeine in the OTA recovery.

Efectos del consumo tradicional de hojas de coca sobre la respiración / Efectos del consumo tradicional de hojas de coca sobre la respiración

La historia documentada sobre las hojas de coca se inicia en 1504 con una carta en la que Américo Vespucio describe sus primeros contactos con los utilizadores de hojas de coa, que había tenido ocasión de conocer en 1499 durante un viaje por las costas de la actual Venezuela. Posteriores a este documento existen muchos otros escritos por los cronistas españoles de la conquista. A través de estos testimonios se sabe que para los Incas, la coca constituía el centro de sus actividades religiosas y sus ritos. En la mayoría de estos documentos históricos, la coca era considerada como una planta inútil, perniciosa y demoniaca que impedía la difusión del cristianismo; sin embargo, algunos escritos hacían referencia a sus cualidades, señalando entre sus virtudes ­transmitidas por la creencia popular- el uso con fines medicinales y antifatigantes. Entre las crónicas de la conquista, se encuentra la del religioso jesuita José de Acosta quién describió con precisión los síntomas del "Mal de Montaña" o "Mal de altura", al relatar sus experiencias acompañando a las tropas españolas durante una travesía por los andes. En su obra "Historia Natural y Moral de las Indias" (1590) se encuentra una descripción detalladas de las molestias que sufren los recién llegados a la altura, que Acosta atribuyó a "la textura del aire delicado y sutil, que no está adaptado a la respiración del hombre…". Ya en esa época, también se mencionaba el efecto benéfico de la utilización de hojas de coca para contrarrestar este mal (Garcilazo de la Vega, 1609). (AU)

[A new alternative for estimating recommendations of protein intake in humans. Protein requirements of an adult population fed with a diet based on rice and beans]. / Nueva alternativa para el cálculo de recomendaciones de ingesta de proteína en humanos. Necesidades de proteína de una población adulta alimentada con dietas a base de arroz y frijol.

This paper proposes a new approach to estimate the protein needs of a population; recommendations are also made on the protein intake of adults fed diets based on rice and beans. For this purpose, the nitrogen balance data previously reported for 40 adult human subjects who had participated in 160 nitrogen balance periods fed diets based on rice and beans, with and without animal protein and/or energy supplementation were used. The proposed method is based on the curvilinear response between nitrogen intake and its nitrogen balance. The second degree equation describing the relationship between nitrogen balance and intake is calculated. Using the mathematical concept of the first and second derivatives, the point of inflexion is obtained, and interpreted as that condition wherein the individual utilizes with maximum efficacy the ingested nitrogen; nitrogen ingestion, which corresponds to that point, is therefore taken as the dietary nitrogen recommendation for the individual. When the values obtained by means of the quadratic equation are compared to those obtained by the traditional linear equation, values were found to be statistically equal (p less than 0.05) for both calculation methods. The recommended protein intake of an adult population fed a diet based on rice and beans was 0.80 and 0.77 g/kg/day for the quadratic approach, and for the conventional method, respectively. When this diet was supplemented with 10% milk protein and with the same energy level, the calculated values were 0.64 and 0.71 g protein/kg/day for both methods, in this same order. The essential amino acid intake and absorption values were also calculated from the protein levels recommended by both methods to be in nitrogen balance, from a diet based on rice and beans. Findings revealed, in all cases, that the intakes of each and all essential amino acids met those levels indicated by FAO/WHO, with the exception of isoleucine and the sulphur-containing amino acids, which apparently limit the quality of the diet.

[Biological evaluation of an infant food based on soybean, rice and banana]. / Evaluación biológica de un alimento infantil a base de soya, arroz y banano.

An infant food, a mixture of soy, rice and banana was biologically evaluated in three studies carried out in Sprague-Dawley rats. In the first assay, the caloric supplementation and milk protein complementation effect on the nutritive value of the product was studied. Results indicated that an equal nutritive value as that of milk is obtained when 50% of the vegetable protein is replaced by animal protein. The fact that caloric supplementation does not exert any positive effect on the nutritive value of the infant food, under the conditions of the study, was also confirmed. In the second assay, the effect of amino acid (lysine and methionine) supplementation was evaluated. Results revealed a significant improvement of the product quality with lysine supplementation, a finding that implies thermal protein damage caused by industrial processing. In the third study, whole milk supplementation effect at the levels that the product could be offered in school lunch programs and Nutrition and Education Centers was investigated. Such values, as determined, correspond to 343 to 655 ml of fluid milk per 100 g of the cereal product. It was also found that milk complements and improves the nutritive value of the product at equal statistical (P less than 0.05) values as those of milk.