HIV bio-behavioural survey among men who have sex with men in Barcelona, Bratislava, Bucharest, Ljubljana, Prague and Verona, 2008-2009.

Data from 23 European countries show that the annual number of HIV diagnoses in men who have sex with men (MSM) increased by 86% between 2000 and 2006. This paper reports the main preliminary results of a bio-behavioural survey in MSM with a specific focus on HIV prevalence and use of United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) indicators in six cities in Southern and Eastern Europe. Time-location sampling (TLS) was used. A total number of 2,356 questionnaires and 2,241 oral fluid samples were collected (invalid samples 4.1%). The data show different socio-demographic patterns across countries regarding age, level of education, living conditions, living area and self-identity. Southern European cities had the highest percentage of people who had tested for HIV and collected the result. More than 50% of respondents in the sample from Barcelona reported having used a condom last time they had anal sex (57.2%), whilst in all other cities this proportion was below 50%. The cities with the highest HIV prevalence in MSM were Barcelona (17.0%) and Verona (11.8%) whilst lower percentages were reported in Bratislava (6.1%), Bucharest (4.6%), Ljubljana (5.1%) and Prague (2.6%). The low prevalence in Eastern European cities is encouraging. However, with the level of high-risk sexual behaviour documented and the lower frequency of HIV test seeking behaviour, there is a clear risk of an increase in HIV transmission.

Clinical Evaluation of Different Delivery Methods of At-Home Bleaching Gels Composed of 10% Hydrogen Peroxide.

OBJECTIVES:: This study aimed to compare the tooth sensitivity, gingival irritation, and bleaching efficacy of at-home whitening performed with 10% hydrogen peroxide (HP) using a conventional tray-delivered system or two different bleaching systems (strips or prefilled disposable trays). METHODS AND MATERIALS:: Sixty patients, with maxillary incisors darker than A2 were selected for this single-blind, parallel randomized clinical trial. Teeth were bleached during 14 days with a 30-minute gel contact with teeth per day. The 10% HP was delivered in a bleaching tray (White Class, FGM) in strips (White Strips, Oral-B) or prefilled disposable trays (Opalescence Go, Ultradent). The color changes were evaluated by subjective (Vita Classical and Vita Bleachedguide) and objective (Easyshade Spectrophotometer) methods at baseline and 30 days after the second bleaching session. Tooth sensitivity was recorded during 14 days with a five-point numeric rating scale (NRS) and 0-10 visual analog scale (VAS). The risk of gingival irritation was also recorded during 14 days on a dichotomous scale. All data were submitted to appropriate statistical analysis (α=0.05). RESULTS:: No significant difference was observed in the risks of tooth sensitivity among groups ( p>0.09). However, the conventional bleaching tray produced a higher intensity of tooth sensitivity when compared with the strips and prefilled disposable tray systems ( p<0.04). Regarding gingival irritation, the prefilled disposable tray system showed a lower risk of gingival irritation when compared with the conventional bleaching tray ( p=0.003). Significant whitening was observed in all groups after 30 days of clinical evaluation with no significant difference between them ( p>0.06). CONCLUSIONS:: All 10% HP bleaching systems showed similar whitening after a 14-day use. However, the strips and prefilled disposable trays produced lower intensity of tooth sensitivity than the conventional bleaching tray system. The prefilled disposable tray produced lower risk of gingival irritation when compared to the conventional bleaching tray.

Beta3-adrenoceptor agonist AJ-9677 reduces body fat in obese beagles.

A selective beta3-adrenoceptor agonist, AJ-9677, was reported to ameliorate obesity and insulin resistance in KK-Ay mice. We examined the acute and chronic effects of AJ-9677 on obese dogs. Oral administration of AJ-9677 (0.01 or 0.1 mg/kg) to overnight fasted obese beagles produced a dose-dependent rise in the plasma levels of non-esterified fatty acids and insulin in 1h, followed by a gradual drop of the plasma glucose level. It produced no apparent abnormal behaviors, but easily detectable cutaneous flushing. Daily treatment of AJ-9677 at a lower dose (0.01 mg/kg) for three weeks produced no notable change in body weight, but at a higher dose (0.1 mg/kg) it reduced the body weight compared to a placebo treatment after seven weeks. Computed tomographic examinations revealed a remarkable reduction of body fat after the AJ treatment, being consistent with the histological observations that the adipose tissue of AJ-9677-treated dogs consisted of smaller and some multilocular adipocytes. The plasma levels of leptin and adiponectin were decreased and increased, respectively, after the AJ treatment, reflecting the reduction of adiposity. It was concluded that AJ-9677 is useful for the treatment of obesity in the dog.

Comparison of the traditional pharmaceutical validation method versus an assisted pharmaceutical validation in hospitalized patients.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze pharmaceutical interventions that have been carried out with the support of an automated system for validation of treatments vs. the traditional method without computer support. METHOD: The automated program, ALTOMEDICAMENTOS® version 0, has 925 052 data with information regarding approximately 20 000 medicines, analyzing doses, administration routes, number of days with such a treatment, dosing in renal and liver failure, interactions control, similar drugs, and enteral medicines. During eight days, in four different hospitals (high complexity with over 1 000 beds, 400-bed intermediate, geriatric and monographic), the same patients and treatments were analyzed using both systems. RESULTS: 3,490 patients were analyzed, with 42 155 different treatments. 238 interventions were performed using the traditional system (interventions 0.56% / possible interventions) vs. 580 (1.38%) with the automated one. Very significant pharmaceutical interventions were 0.14% vs. 0.46%; significant was 0.38% vs. 0.90%; non-significant was 0.05% vs. 0.01%, respectively. If both systems are simultaneously used, interventions are performed in 1.85% vs. 0.56% with just the traditional system. Using only the traditional model, 30.5% of the possible interventions are detected, whereas without manual review and only the automated one, 84% of the possible interventions are detected. CONCLUSIONS: The automated system increases pharmaceutical interventions between 2.43 to 3.64 times. According to the results of this study the traditional validation system needs to be revised relying on automated systems. The automated program works correctly in different hospitals.

Objetivo: Analizar las intervenciones farmacéuticas realizadas con el apoyo de un sistema automático de validación de tratamientos vs. el método tradicional sin apoyo informático. Metodos: El programa automatizado, ALTOMEDICAMENTOS ® version 0, cuenta con 925.052 celdas con información de aproximadamente 20.000 medicamentos, analizando dosis, vías de administración, días de tratamiento, dosificación en insuficiencia renal y hepática, control de interacciones, de medicamentos semejantes y de medicamentos por vía enteral. Durante ocho días distribuidos en cuatro hospitales diferentes (alta complejidad con más de 1.000 camas, intermedio de 400 camas, geriátrico y monográfico), los mismos pacientes y tratamientos se analizaron mediante los dos sistemas. Resultados: Se han analizado 3.490 pacientes diferentes con 42.155 tratamientos. Por el sistema tradicional se han realizado 238 intervenciones (0,56% intervenciones/posibles intervenciones) vs. 580 (1,38%) con el automatizado. Las intervenciones farmacéuticas muy significativas fueron 0,14 vs. 0,46%, las significativas 0,38 vs. 0,90%, las no significativas 0,05 vs. 0,01%. Las intervenciones fueron del 1,85% al utilizar los dos sistemas vs. 0.56% usando solo el sistema tradicional. El sistema tradicional detectó el 30,5% de las posibles intervenciones, sin embargo con el sistema automático se detectaron el 84% de dichas intervenciones. Conclusiones: La automatización multiplica entre 2,43 a 3,64 veces las intervenciones farmacéuticas. En base a los resultados de este estudio el sistema tradicional de validación debería ser modificado, apoyándose en sistemas automatizados. El programa automático funciona en diferentes hospitales.

Effects of left ventricular asynchrony on time constant and extrapolated pressure of left ventricular pressure decay in coronary artery disease.

To elucidate the effects of ventricular asynchrony with or without myocardial ischemia on the time constant of left ventricular pressure decay and asymptote, that is, the level to which pressure would decrease if isovolumic pressure decrease continued infinitely, left ventriculography and pressure measurements were investigated in 14 normal subjects and 25 patients with coronary artery disease. Ventricular asynchrony was quantitated by the segmental area-time curve. This study consisted of two parts. 1) After a right atrial pacing stress test, the time constant and asymptote remained unchanged in eight normal subjects. In 18 patients with coronary artery disease and pacing-induced angina, asynchrony increased, the time constant was prolonged (64 +/- 13 to 94 +/- 17 ms, p less than 0.01) and the asymptote decreased (-22 +/- 10 to -46 +/- 20 mm Hg, p less than 0.01) after the pacing. 2) During right ventricular pacing at 80, 100 and 120 beats/min in the patients, asynchrony increased and the time constant was prolonged (55 +/- 7 versus 70 +/- 10, 47 +/- 11 versus 66 +/- 19, 36 +/- 7 versus 53 +/- 13 ms, respectively, p less than 0.01 versus right atrial pacing), whereas the asymptote was unchanged in six normal subjects compared with the value during right atrial pacing at each pacing rate. In seven patients with coronary artery disease, right ventricular pacing at 80, 100 and 120 beats/min also produced an increase in the time constant, while the asymptote was unchanged. Thus, prolongation of the time constant of left ventricular pressure decay may result from ventricular asynchrony even in the absence of myocardial ischemia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Synthesis of a molt-inhibiting hormone of the American crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, and determination of the location of its disulfide linkages.

A molt-inhibiting hormone (Prc-MIH) of the American crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, a member of the type II CHH family, was chemically synthesized and the location of its three disulfide linkages was determined. Prc-MIH consists of 75 amino acid residues and was synthesized by a thioester method. Two peptide segments, Boc-[Cys(Acm)(7,24,27), Lys(Boc)(19)]-Prc-MIH(1-39)-SCH(2)CH(2)CO-Nle-NH(2) and H-[Cys(Acm)(40,44,53), Lys(Boc)(42,51,67)]-Prc-MIH(40-75)-NH(2), were prepared using peptides obtained via the Boc solid-phase method. Condensation of the building blocks in the presence of silver chloride, 3,4-dihydro-3-hydroxy-4-oxo-1,2,3-benzotriazine, and N, N-diisopropylethylamine, followed by removal of the protecting groups, gave the reduced form of Prc-MIH(1-75)-NH(2). This product was converted to the native form of Prc-MIH (synthetic Prc-MIH) in a buffer which contained cysteine and cystine. The synthetic Prc-MIH showed the same behavior by RP-HPLC and biological activity assays as the natural Prc-MIH. The disulfide bond between Cys7 and Cys44 was determined by isolation of a fragment from an enzymatic digest of the synthetic Prc-MIH by RP-HPLC, followed by mass analysis. The disulfide bonds between Cys24 and Cys40 and between Cys27 and Cys53 were determined by comparing the elution position of an enzymatic digest of the synthetic Prc-MIH with authentic chemically synthesized samples, which contained three types of possible disulfide linkages.

Osteoblastoma of the nasal cavity invading the anterior skull base in a young child. Case report.

The benign osteoblastoma is rarely seen as a tumor of the facial bone in infancy or early childhood. Only five cases with nasal involvement have been reported in the literature. The authors present a case of osteoblastoma of the nasal cavity, the nasal bone, the ethmoid sinus, and the anterior cranial base. This 3-year-old girl presented with a tumor surrounding the left medial canthus. Imaging studies, including x-ray films, computerized tomography scans, magnetic resonance images, a (99m)Tc-scintigram, and angiograms, confirmed the location of the tumor. A biopsy specimen of tumor was obtained intranasally and the pathological diagnosis was an osteoblastic tumor suggestive of osteoblastoma. Although the tumor margin was well defined on the radiological images, it was difficult to determine the exact margin during the operation. Therefore, it is important to show how to excise the tumor completely under direct view. With the use of a "dismasking flap," it was possible to resect the benign osteoblastoma completely from the nasal cavity, even though it extended into the orbit, the maxilla, and the anterior cranial base.

Placental transfer of ochratoxin A and its cytotoxic effect on the mouse embryonic brain.

Pregnant ICR mice were given a single ip injection of 5 mg ochratoxin A/kg on day 11 or 13 of pregnancy. Concentrations of ochratoxin A in the maternal serum and tissues reached maximum levels within 2 hr of the injection and then decreased rapidly. The half-life of the toxin in serum was 28.7 hr on day 11 and 23.6 hr on day 13. On the other hand, the concentrations of ochratoxin A in the embryos were very low 2 hr after injection and then gradually increased up to 48 and 30 hr after injection on day 11 and 13, respectively. Pharmacokinetically, the embryo was found to be a 'deep' compartment. In mice treated with ochratoxin A on day 10 of pregnancy, the incidence of pyknotic cells in the telencephalon of the embryos began to increase 12 hr after injection to a peak between 36 and 48 hr, coinciding with the time of peak concentration of the toxin in the embryo.

Reduction of operating time and blood transfusion for craniosynostosis by simulated surgery using three-dimensional solid models.

Preoperative planning of craniofacial synostosis can be achieved through the use of two- or three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) images and by 3D solid models. The advantage of using 3D models was evaluated by calculating the amount of blood transfused and the operating time for 36 craniosynostosis procedures, 21 planned with 3D models and 15 with CT images performed in the past 7 years. The use of 3D models reduced both blood loss and operating time for fronto-orbital advancement with reshaping, LeFort III advancement, and LeFort IV minus Glabellar advancement; blood loss for fronto-orbital advancement without reshaping; and operating time for total cranial reshaping.

[Survey on parenteral nutrition preparation variability in pediatrics]. / Encuesta sobre la variabilidad en la elaboración de la nutrición parenteral en pediatría.

UNLABELLED: The prescription and preparation of paediatric parenteral nutrition in Spain are subject to great variability. AIM: To identify how paediatric parenteral nutrition is prescribed and prepared in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the first quarter of 2001, a telephone survey was carried out among most of the hospitals in which parenteral nutrition is habitually prepared. The survey included questions on who was in charge of the prescription, the use of different solutions, addition of supplements (carnitine, heparin and glutamine), as well as information on the shelf-life of the mixtures. Subsequently, the results of the survey were compared with the following guidance documents: "Enteral and parenteral nutrition in paediatrics", drafted under the auspices of the Spanish Association for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (2000) and the "Guidelines for the use of parenteral and enteral nutrition in adult and paediatric patients"/"Nutrition support practice manual" from the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (1998). RESULTS: Of the 48 hospitals surveyed, paediatric parenteral nutrition was not prepared in 12 of them. the number of food bags prepared daily correlated directly with the size of the hospital. In all cases, the paediatricians were responsible for prescription. In 87% of the centres, this prescription was customized (i.e. solutions adapted to each individual patient). All of the hospitals used dextrose as the source of carbohydrates and specific amino acid solutions for paediatric medicine. Basically, lipid emulsions with long chain triglycerides were used in 65% of cases and another 19% used physical mixtures of MCT and LCT. Only half of the hospitals routinely used all-in-one mixtures. Inorganic phosphate continued to be used in most cases (78%) versus sodium glycerol phosphate. Vitamins and trace elements were added daily in 65% of the hospitals, with alternate administration in the remainder. In half of the centres, heparin was added to the mixture and carnitine in 27%. For 40% of the centres responding to the survey, the solution had to be used within 24 hours of its preparation; 11% did not indicate the shelf-life. CONCLUSIONS: Although parenteral nutrition is prescribed by the paediatricians on all occasions, the preparation protocols differ significantly between hospitals. Standardization is exceptional. It is noteworthy that all-in-one mixtures are only used in half of the hospitals surveyed. We suggest the creation of a multidisciplinary working party (pharmacists, paediatricians, neonatologists) in order to draw up protocols for the preparation of paediatric parenteral nutrition.

[Effect of thiabendazole (TBZ) on glutathione (GSH) and GSH related enzymes in mice liver].

The present study examines the effects of thiabendazole (TBZ), its metabolites, 5-hydroxythiabendazole (5-OH TBZ) and 2-acetylbenzimidazole (ABI), and structural related compounds, thiazoles and thioamides on glutathione (GSH) concentration and GSH-related enzymes in the livers of ICR 11 week-old female mice. GSH concentration in liver and kidney of mice given orally TBZ 0.65 mol/kg (TBZ group) increased significantly compared with control mice from 24 h to 48 h after administration of TBZ. Even in mice to which TBZ at 0.175 mol/kg was administered in combination with L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) 4 mmol/kg (i.p.) (BSO-TBZ group), kidney GSH showed significant increase compared with BSO-control mice 48 h after the administration of TBZ. gamma-Glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS) activity in the livers of the TBZ group markedly increased at 48 h and that of BSO-TBZ group increased from 24 h to 48 h. gamma-GCS in mice liver is thus enhanced by TBZ regardless of BSO administration. Hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity of the TBZ group did not change in response to cumene hydroperoxide assubstrate. That of BSO-treated mice decreased by TBZ-coadministration and significant differences was noted between BSO-control and BSO-TBZ group from 1 h to 48 h later. Hepatic glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity toward 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene (DCNB) was significantly elevated 24 h after administrations of TBZ in TBZ and BSO-TBZ groups. GST activity toward 1,2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenoxy) propane of TBZ group increased from 0.5 h to 24 h. Hepatic GST activity toward DCNB and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene did not change by administration of 0.65 mol/kg 5-OH TBZ or ABI but increased by administrations of 0.33 mol/kg of thiazole, 4-methylthiazole, 4,5-dimethylthiazole or 2,4-dimethylthiazole. Increase in GSH concentration and GST activity in mice liver by TBZ administration may be considered to provide protection from TBZ or its active metabolites.

Methods for evaluation of masticatory efficiency in conventional complete denture wearers: a systematized review.

The objective of this study was to present a systematized review of different methods used to evaluate the masticatory efficiency in conventional complete denture wearers. A survey was conducted in the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane, seeking scientific articles according to the previously selected terms: "Masticatory performance", "Masticatory efficiency" and "Chewing ability complete denture". Moreover, complementary studies have been carried out with library manual search/databases, which included studies related to different ways to assess masticatory efficiency, specifically as it related to conventional complete denture wearers. Forty three papers were selected to be used in the present review. Despite the wide variety of methodologies in the literature, the sieves method is currently considered the gold standard method to evaluation of conventional complete denture wearers masticatory efficiency, since it is the simplest, does not depend on specific devices (beyond the set of sieves), allows for a rational assessment, and it has been widely reproduced in various types of oral rehabilitation. More, the almond, as natural test food, and the optocal (made from the molding material Optosil), as artificial test food, are the most constantly employed test foods to evaluate masticatory efficiency.

Comparison of the traditional pharmaceutical validation method versus an assisted pharmaceutical validation in hospitalized patients / Comparación entre el método de validación farmacéutica tradicional versus validación farmacéutica asistida en pacientes hospitalizados

OBJECTIVE: To analyze pharmaceutical interventions that have been carried out with the support of an automated system for validation of treatments vs. the traditional method without computer support. METHOD: The automated program, ALTOMEDICAMENTOS(R) version 0, has 925 052 data with information regarding approximately 20 000 medicines, analyzing doses, administration routes, number of days with such a treatment, dosing in renal and liver failure, interactions control, similar drugs, and enteral medicines. During eight days, in four different hospitals (high complexity with over 1 000 beds, 400-bed intermediate, geriatric and monographic), the same patients and treatments were analyzed using both systems. RESULTS: 3,490 patients were analyzed, with 42 155 different treatments. 238 interventions were performed using the traditional system (interventions 0.56% / possible interventions) vs. 580 (1.38%) with the automated one. Very significant pharmaceutical interventions were 0.14% vs. 0.46%; significant was 0.38% vs. 0.90%; non-significant was 0.05% vs. 0.01%, respectively. If both systems are simultaneously used, interventions are performed in 1.85% vs. 0.56% with just the traditional system. Using only the traditional model, 30.5% of the possible interventions are detected, whereas without manual review and only the automated one, 84% of the possible interventions are detected. CONCLUSIONS: The automated system increases pharmaceutical interventions between 2.43 to 3.64 times. According to the results of this study the traditional validation system needs to be revised relying on automated systems. The automated program works correctly in different hospitals

OBJETIVO: Analizar las intervenciones farmacéuticas realizadas con el apoyo de un sistema automático de validación de tratamientos vs. el método tradicional sin apoyo informático. MÉTODOS: El programa automatizado, ALTOMEDICAMENTOS(R) version 0, cuenta con 925.052 celdas con información de aproximadamente 20.000 medicamentos, analizando dosis, vías de administración, días de tratamiento, dosificación en insuficiencia renal y hepática, control de interacciones, de medicamentos semejantes y de medicamentos por vía enteral. Durante ocho días distribuidos en cuatro hospitales diferentes (alta complejidad con más de 1.000 camas, intermedio de 400 camas, geriátrico y monográfico), los mismos pacientes y tratamientos se analizaron mediante los dos sistemas. RESULTADOS: Se han analizado 3.490 pacientes diferentes con 42.155 tratamientos. Por el sistema tradicional se han realizado 238 intervenciones (0,56% intervenciones/posibles intervenciones) vs. 580 (1,38%) con el automatizado. Las intervenciones farmacéuticas muy significativas fueron 0,14 vs. 0,46%, las significativas 0,38 vs. 0,90%, las no significativas 0,05 vs. 0,01%. Las intervenciones fueron del 1,85% al utilizar los dos sistemas vs. 0.56% usando solo el sistema tradicional. El sistema tradicional detectó el 30,5% de las posibles intervenciones, sin embargo con el sistema automático se detectaron el 84% de dichas intervenciones. CONCLUSIONES: La automatización multiplica entre 2,43 a 3,64 veces las intervenciones farmacéuticas. En base a los resultados de este estudio el sistema tradicional de validación debería ser modificado, apoyándose en sistemas automatizados. El programa automático funciona en diferentes hospitales

Pulsed Doppler echocardiographic assessment of transmitral flow in pacing-induced angina pectoris.

We analyzed transmitral flow using pulsed Doppler echocardiography during anginal attack provoked by atrial pacing in 11 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Left ventricular (LV) filling period was divided into 4 time intervals (Tr1: the time interval to peak velocity of rapid filling (peak R), Tr2: the time interval from peak R to the end of rapid filling, Ts: the time interval of slow filling, Ta: the time interval of atrial contraction). The velocity in each interval was integrated by planimeter as IR1, IR2, IS or IA which indicates relative filling volume in each interval. During angina, IR1 was unchanged due to prolongation of Tr1 (82 +/- 21 to 102 +/- 23 msec, p less than 0.02), despite a decrease in peak R (54 +/- 11 to 43 +/- 11 cm/sec, p less than 0.005), while IR2 decreased (5.8 +/- 1.9 to 4.3 +/- 1.4 cm, p less than 0.005) and IA increased (6.7 +/- 1.4 to 7.3 +/- 1.3 cm, p less than 0.005). In conclusion, these results suggested that in acute myocardial ischemia in CAD a decrease in transmitral flow from the time of peak R to the end of rapid filling (IR2) reflected the impairment of the LV rapid filling, which was incompletely compensated by an increase in atrial contraction.

Three different types of congenital lacrimal sac fistulas.

Three different symptoms in 4 patients with congenital lacrimal sac fistulas are presented. The first symptom was epiphora since birth, the second symptom was infection of the lower eyelid, and the third symptom was tearing from the eye in a 76-year-old patient. This patient had nasolacrimal obstruction at the canal level and no symptoms of congenital lacrimal sac fistula. She had undergone excision, including dacryocystorhinostomy. Three of the 4 patients underwent excision of the fistulous tract. The fistula originated from the lacrimal sac in all patients. Symptomatic congenital lacrimal sac fistulas can be treated successfully with excision alone or with excision and dacryocystorhinostomy in cases of nasolacrimal obstruction.

A case of brain atrophy after fulminant hepatic failure.

We report a 26-year-old woman who survived fulminant hepatic failure but later developed permanent brain atrophy. After her recovery from fulminant hepatitis, her personality changed and mental abnormalities became obvious. Four years after the onset of fulminant hepatitis an epileptic attack occurred. At that time CT-scanning revealed generalized brain atrophy.