Milk intake and incident stroke and CHD in populations of European descent: a Mendelian randomisation study.

Higher milk intake has been associated with a lower stroke risk, but not with risk of CHD. Residual confounding or reverse causation cannot be excluded. Therefore, we estimated the causal association of milk consumption with stroke and CHD risk through instrumental variable (IV) and gene-outcome analyses. IV analysis included 29 328 participants (4611 stroke; 9828 CHD) of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-CVD (eight European countries) and European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Netherlands (EPIC-NL) case-cohort studies. rs4988235, a lactase persistence (LP) SNP which enables digestion of lactose in adulthood was used as genetic instrument. Intake of milk was first regressed on rs4988235 in a linear regression model. Next, associations of genetically predicted milk consumption with stroke and CHD were estimated using Prentice-weighted Cox regression. Gene-outcome analysis included 777 024 participants (50 804 cases) from MEGASTROKE (including EPIC-CVD), UK Biobank and EPIC-NL for stroke, and 483 966 participants (61 612 cases) from CARDIoGRAM, UK Biobank, EPIC-CVD and EPIC-NL for CHD. In IV analyses, each additional LP allele was associated with a higher intake of milk in EPIC-CVD (ß = 13·7 g/d; 95 % CI 8·4, 19·1) and EPIC-NL (36·8 g/d; 95 % CI 20·0, 53·5). Genetically predicted milk intake was not associated with stroke (HR per 25 g/d 1·05; 95 % CI 0·94, 1·16) or CHD (1·02; 95 % CI 0·96, 1·08). In gene-outcome analyses, there was no association of rs4988235 with risk of stroke (OR 1·02; 95 % CI 0·99, 1·05) or CHD (OR 0·99; 95 % CI 0·95, 1·03). Current Mendelian randomisation analysis does not provide evidence for a causal inverse relationship between milk consumption and stroke or CHD risk.

Meal patterns across ten European countries - results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) calibration study.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize meal patterns across ten European countries participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) calibration study. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study utilizing dietary data collected through a standardized 24 h diet recall during 1995-2000. Eleven predefined intake occasions across a 24 h period were assessed during the interview. In the present descriptive report, meal patterns were analysed in terms of daily number of intake occasions, the proportion reporting each intake occasion and the energy contributions from each intake occasion. SETTING: Twenty-seven centres across ten European countries. SUBJECTS: Women (64 %) and men (36 %) aged 35-74 years (n 36 020). RESULTS: Pronounced differences in meal patterns emerged both across centres within the same country and across different countries, with a trend for fewer intake occasions per day in Mediterranean countries compared with central and northern Europe. Differences were also found for daily energy intake provided by lunch, with 38-43 % for women and 41-45 % for men within Mediterranean countries compared with 16-27 % for women and 20-26 % for men in central and northern European countries. Likewise, a south-north gradient was found for daily energy intake from snacks, with 13-20 % (women) and 10-17 % (men) in Mediterranean countries compared with 24-34 % (women) and 23-35 % (men) in central/northern Europe. CONCLUSIONS: We found distinct differences in meal patterns with marked diversity for intake frequency and lunch and snack consumption between Mediterranean and central/northern European countries. Monitoring of meal patterns across various cultures and populations could provide critical context to the research efforts to characterize relationships between dietary intake and health.

Magnetic properties of TbAl2 nanometric alloys.

The magnetic properties of nanometric TbAI2 alloys have been investigated. The Curie temperature (T(c)) of these nanometric alloys is strongly size dependent and decreases from 103 K for the bulk alloy down to 98 K for the 14 nm alloy, as the particle volume is reduced. This reduction of T(c) has been explained by a finite-size scaling law of type [T(c)(D) -T(c)(infinity)]/T(c)(infinity) = -(D/D0)-(1/vp), with v = 0.7 and D0 = 2.2a (a, the lattice parameter), in agreement with the three-dimensional Heisenberg model. The size dependence of the coercivity has also been established. An increase of the coercivity from 0.08 kOe (bulk) to 1 kOe for 10 h milled alloy, indicates the crossover from multidomain to single domain behavior around 85 nm, as expected from the estimate of the critical size of monodomain particles. The field dependence of the magnetization indicates a faster thermal reduction of the magnetization of the nanosized alloys (17% in 300 h milled alloy with mean particle size of 14 nm) related to the bulk (3%), in the temperature range between 5 K and 30 K. The results can be explained as a direct consequence of the competing effects of the surface and the purely finite-size effects, in an ensemble of nanometric particles suffering interactions.

Super large cardiac hemangioma in right atrium and inferior vena cava: case report.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac hemangiomas are rare cardiac neoplasia usually diagnosed in autopsies, from being asymptomatic to debuting with sudden death. The largest hemangioma published in the literature is of 130 mm size, we present the following case of a successful cardiac hemangioma excision of 280 × 35 mm in size, diagnosed due to recurrent cardiac symptoms. CASE PRESENTATION: A 48-year-old female patient, Jehovah's Witness, with no previous diagnoses, is admitted due to recurrent syncopal episodes in the previous months. A transthoracic echocardiogram diagnosed a tumor in the right atrium and inferior vena cava producing a diastolic right ventricular, with preservation of the left ventricular ejection fraction at 55%. Given the high mortality risk, a surgical intervention was performed immediately. Successful excision was completed confirming a 280 × 35 mm mass without any complications, consistent with hemangioma on histopathology. Postoperative recovery showed no recurrence or complications. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac hemangiomas are rare and its clinical course can be varied from patient to patient. We present excision of a large cardiac mass with a high mortality risk due to its size and the patient's spiritual beliefs.

Breakdown of the coherence effects and Fermi liquid behavior in YbAl3 nanoparticles.

A change in the Kondo lattice behavior of bulk YbAl3 has been observed when the alloy is shaped into nanoparticles (≈12 nm). Measurements of the electrical resistivity show inhibited coherence effects and deviation from the standard Fermi liquid behavior (T 2-dependence). These results are interpreted as being due to the effect of the disruption of the periodicity of the array of Kondo ions provoked by the size reduction process. Additionally, the ensemble of randomly placed nanoparticles also triggers an extra source of electronic scattering at very low temperatures (≈15 K) due to quantum interference effects.

Aplicación de la cura en ambiente húmedo en la gangrena simétrica periférica asociada a fármacos vasoactivos para evitar amputación. Caso clínico / Healing in humid environment in symmetric peripheral gangrene associated with vasoactive drugs to avoid amputation. Clinical case

Objetivo: Exponer un abordaje terapéutico conservador para el abordaje de lesiones necróticas periféricas secundarias a la administración de fármacos vasoactivos. Metodología: A través de un caso clínico se describe el planteamiento de curas realizadas. Resultados: El caso se resolvió en 28 semanas y se evitó la amputación de todos los dedos de manos y pies, a excepción de 1 dedo de la mano y 2 dedos del pie, lo que minimizó las secuelas al paciente y se preservó su estado funcional. Conclusión: La aplicación en ambiente húmedo en este tipo de lesiones necróticas secundarias a fármacos vasoactivos, resultó efectiva en este caso clínico y evitó tratamientos más agresivos que pudieran repercutir negativamente en la calidad de vida del paciente (AU)

Objective: To present a conservative therapeutic approach for the approach of peripheral necrotic lesions secondary to the administration of vasoactive drugs. Methodology: Through a clinical case, the approach to cures carried out is described. Results: The case was resolved in 28 weeks avoiding the amputation of all fingers and toes except for 1 finger and 2 toes, minimizing the sequelae to the patient and preserving their functional status. Conclusion: The application of most environment treatment in this type of necrotic lesions secondary to vasoactive drugs was effective in this clinical case and avoided more aggressive treatments that could negatively affect the quality of life of the patient (AU)

Effects of stray capacitance to ground in three electrode monopolar needle bioimpedance measurements.

Positive phase angle is documented and analyzed in a three electrode monopolar needle measurement. Inductance equivalent behavior of the stray capacitance to ground is described as error source in a non-inductive sample measurement.

Quiste óseo solitario / No disponible

INTRODUCCIÓN: El quiste óseo solitario representa el 1% de todos los quistes maxilares. Es una lesión ósea benigna que aparece de forma fortuita en una radiografía de control en la primera/segunda década de la vida, aunque la lesión carezca de trascendencia en la vida del paciente requiere de abordaje quirúrgico para confirmar el diagnóstico. CASO CLÍNICO: Se presenta un caso clínico de una paciente mujer de 11 años de edad y raza negra, remitida al Servicio de Cirugía Bucal del Hospital Virgen de la Paloma tras observarse imagen radiotransparente apical a nivel de 43 y 44. Una vez realizada la exploración clínica y radiológica se propone cirugía exploratoria ante diagnóstico de presunción de quiste óseo solitario. Bajo anestesia local se procedió al abordaje quirúrgico observándose cavidad vacía en maxilar inferior sin contenido alguno, legrándose profusamente las paredes de la cavidad e introduciendo plasma rico en plaquetas obtenido previamente de la paciente. CONCLUSIONES: La cirugía exploratoria confirma el diagnóstico de presunción de quiste óseo solitario vacío al no poderse mandar a analizar a anatomía patológica

No disponible

Magnetic phase diagram of superantiferromagnetic TbCu2 nanoparticles.

The structural state and static and dynamic magnetic properties of TbCu2 nanoparticles are reported to be produced by mechanical milling under inert atmosphere. The randomly dispersed nanoparticles as detected by TEM retain the bulk symmetry with an orthorhombic Imma lattice and Tb and Cu in the 4e and 8h positions, respectively. Rietveld refinements confirm that the milling produces a controlled reduction of particle sizes reaching ≃6 nm and an increase of the microstrain up to ≃0.6%. The electrical resistivity indicates a metallic behavior and the presence of a magnetic contribution to the electronic scattering which decreases with milling times. The dc-susceptibility shows a reduction of the Néel transition (from 49 K to 43 K) and a progressive increase of a peak (from 9 K to 15 K) in the zero-field-cooled magnetization with size reduction. The exchange anisotropy is very weak (a bias field of ≃30 Oe) and is due to the presence of a disordered (thin) shell coupled to the antiferromagnetic core. The dynamic susceptibility evidences a critical slowing down in the spin-disordered state for the lowest temperature peak associated with a spin glass-like freezing with a tendency of zv and ß exponents to increase when the size becomes 6 nm (zv ≃ 6.6 and ß ≃ 0.85). A Rietveld analysis of the neutron diffraction patterns 1.8 ≤ T ≤ 60 K, including the magnetic structure determination, reveals that there is a reduction of the expected moment (≃80%), which must be connected to the presence of the disordered particle shell. The core magnetic structure retains the bulk antiferromagnetic arrangement. The overall interpretation is based on a superantiferromagnetic behavior which at low temperatures coexists with a canting of surface moments and a mismatch of the antiferromagnetic sublattices of the nanoparticles. We propose a novel magnetic phase diagram where changes are provoked by a combination of the decrease of size and the increase of microstrain.

Benzyl derivatives of 2,1,3-benzo- and benzothieno[3,2-a]thiadiazine 2,2-dioxides: first phosphodiesterase 7 inhibitors.

The synthesis of a new family of benzyl derivatives of 2,1,3-benzo- and benzothieno[3,2-a]thiadiazine 2,2-dioxides was achieved. The biological data revealed the first heterocyclic family of compounds with PDE 7 inhibitory properties appearing to be a new objective for the treatment of T-cell-dependent disorders. The IC(50) values or percent inhibition values of the compounds against PDE 7 were calculated by testing them against human recombinant PDE 7 expressed in S. cerevisiae. In this expression system the only cyclic nucleotide hydrolyzing activity present in cell extracts corresponded to human PDE 7. Isoenzyme selectivity PDE 7 versus PDE 4 and PDE 3 was also measured. Considering simultaneously inhibition of the three different isoenzymes, monobenzyl derivatives 15 and 23 showed interesting PDE 7 potency (around 10 microM); although not statistically significant, a trend toward selectivity with respect to PDE 3 and PDE 4 was obtained. Benzothiadiazine 16, although less potent at PDE 7 (IC(50) = 25 microM), also showed a trend of selectivity toward PDE 3 and PDE 4. These compounds are considered the best leads for further optimization.

Evolution of alpha-fetoprotein serum levels throughout life in humans and rats, and during pregnancy in the rat.

PIP: A radioimmunoassay method (RIA) with specific antisera for human and rat alpha fetoprotein (AFP) was used to study the evolution of AFP levels in humans and rats, respectively, throughout the life span. Sera of 66 rats, aged 3-70 weeks, as well as sera of 201 clinically well children, 192 healthy blood donors, and 16 persons aged 70-98 were assayed. In humans, AFP levels decreased steeply during the 1st year of life, reaching a low basal range by the end of the 2nd year which is maintained throughout adulthood. Rats showed a similar pattern, but concentrations were higher at every stage of life. Puberty occurs in rats while AFP is still decreasing, whereas in humans the adult basal level is stabilized long before puberty. Maternal serum AFP was studied in 29 rats, and the levels were found to begin a sharp increase on the 10th-13th day of gestation. From Day 13-19, a deceleration of AFP increase was observed which led to a decrease between Day 17 and 19. From Day 19-21, AFP levels increased sharply again. A significant correlation was observed on Day 21 of pregnancy between the number of rat fetuses and the maternal AFP level. Hemihysterectomy led to a reduction of AFP level that was grossly proportional to the number of remaining fetuses. The stable level of AFP that persists throughout adult life is attributed to the stability of this protein's synthesis. Conversely, in pregnancy the evolution of serum AFP curve is dependent on the fetal synthesis, maternal and fetal catabolism, and permeability of the placental barrier.^ieng

Chromosomal and in vitro culture studies in a case of primary plasma cell leukemia.

We present a cytogenetic study of a case of primary plasma cell leukemia (PCL) whose plasma cells were cultured in vitro with different mitogens. Cytogenetic studies demonstrated a reduction of the genome, monosomy of chromosomes 8, 13, and 22 being the most frequent. Neither structural changes nor marker chromosomes were observed. The hypodiploid karyotype was confirmed and confined to the neoplastic clone (lambda positive cells) by the MAC (Morphology, Antibody, Chromosome) method, which allows a simultaneous study of chromosomes, cell morphology, and immunologic phenotype. Stimulating the culture of plasmocytes in vitro with IL-6 + PHA, only normal metaphases could be obtained; on the other hand, a large number of abnormal metaphases were observed with the use of LPS as a mitogen. A surprisingly high yield of metaphases was obtained in this case, contrary to the rule in the in vitro growth of plasmocytic proliferations. Possible explanations of this fact are considered.

[Smoking habits in nursing students: prevalence, attitudes and knowledge]. / El tabaquismo en los estudiantes de enfermería: prevalencia, actitudes y conocimientos.

The purpose of this study has been to evaluate the prevalence of smoking habit, knowledge on the adverse health effects and attitudes towards it among nurses students in their three years of study (University School of Girona). A self-administrated questionnaire was used. A total of 135 questionnaires were answered (88%) from an estimated available population of 154 students (94% females with 21 years old of mean age). The prevalence of current smoking was 34.3%; ex smokers 23.3% and non smokers 42.5%. The mean of tobacco consumption was 367.6 cigarettes/month. 92% no smokers, 91% ex smokers and 76% smokers thought that smoking has adverse health effects (p less than 0.001). They consider the health protection like the first reason to give up smoking. 38% will advise their healthy smokers patients about the risk of their habit. We conclude: 1.-Low prevalence of smoking habit; 2.-Nurses should know methods aimed at lowering smoking rates, assuming that they have determined influence on the population behavior.

Influence of age on the physiological serum alpha-fetoprotein levels in man and rat.

PIP: The physiological serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels in humans and rats throughout the life cycle were characterized from 201 blood smaples from children (0-15 years); 192 sera from blood donors aged 20-60 years; and 16 samples from people aged 60-98 years. Males and females were about equally divided. Radioimmunoassay was used for determinations, and its sensitivity was .1 ng for human and 1 ng/ml for rat AFP. A table gives normal AFP levels as determined by different workers. The results led to the following conclusions: 1) AFP levels declined steeply during the 1st year of life, with normal adult levels reached by the end of the 2nd year; 2) 1st year values were highly scattered, but this was unrelated to prematurity; 3) normal adult levels were stable from 20-60 years of age, and no significant change during this period was observed by other workers (average level: 2.6+ or -l.6 ng/ml); 4) AFP level was not influenced by sex nor puberty; 5) the average level in a group of 15 normal people aged 60-98 years was 2 ng/ml (+or-l.l ng), whereas for people over 74 years it was l.4 ng (+ or-.5), which is significantly different (P .05); 6) rat AFP behaved differently, varying by weight more than age though these 2 factors may be correlated, suggesting that the decrease of AFP levels reflected the influence of age rather than weight. This study confirms that the postnatal reduction of AFP biosyntheses is not complete and shows that it is a gradual process both in the rat and humans.^ieng

[A basic health care center. Care oriented at the community]. / Examen de salud de un área básica. Enfermería orientada a la comunidad.

Principle problems of a basic health care area (Lérida) are identified. This area, which has a patient case load of 22,244 people, was studied during the winter of 1993-94 by using information from various sources. Results indicate that the population of this community are basically young, urban, have a high cultural and social level, and are mostly employed. The principle causes of mortality are the same as in the rest of Cataluña. Diseases that cause the most working days lost to illness are: respiratory, mental and bone-joint problems. The most frequent diseases seen in the clinic are: hypertension, respiratory infections, endocrine and mental. An overall look at the state of health of these patients show that the principle problems are: tobacco use, high blood pressure, arthritis, lumbago, depression, stroke, diabetes and breast cancer.

Encuesta sobre las inquietudes y el grado de conocimientos percibido por la profesión dental en gerodontología / A survey of concerns and grade of knowlegdes perceived by dental profession about gerodontology

Introducción: El aumento de la población geriátrica en España demanda preparar a los odontólogos para poder ofrecer a este grupo de pacientes una atención específica en función de sus capacidades y necesidades. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar el conocimiento e inquietudes en Gerodontología con la finalidad de tener una visión amplia y comprensiva de las actitudes y aptitudes que presentan los profesionales dentales para ofrecer una mejor asistencia a estos pacientes. Material y métodos: Se realizó una encuesta online a odontólogos y estudiantes de quinto curso de odontología para identificar los conocimientos e inquietudes que presentan ante la población mayor de 65 años. El cuestionario constaba con 13 ítems que se distribuyeron a 177 participantes, colegiados de la Primera Región y estudiantes de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Resultados: La mitad de los encuestados (53%) afirmaron haber tenido una formación específica en Gerodontología, el 41,8% consideraron que hubiese sido necesaria y la mayoría (94,4%) que esa formación debería ser impartida de manera reglada. La mayor preocupación de los participantes a la hora de tratar a estos pacientes fue la farmacoterapia, principalmente los bifosfonatos, considerando el tratamiento implantológico el de mayor complejidad y la necesidad de consulta interprofesional. Conclusiones: Los profesionales de la salud oral consideran necesario una formación reglada en Gerodontología, considerando la mayor preocupación a la hora de tratar a estos pacientes la farmacoterapia, principalmente los bifosfonatos, y el tratamiento implantológico

Introduction: The increase of the geriatric population in Spain demands to prepare the dentists to be able to offer this group of patients a specific dental care according to their capacities and needs. The objective of this work is to analyze the knowledge and concerns in Gerodontology in order to have a broad and comprehensive view of the attitudes and skills presented by dental professionals to offer a better assistance to these patients. Material and methods: An online survey was conductued to dentists and fifth-year dentistry students to identify knowledges and concerns which they present about the population over 65 years of age. The questionnaire consisted of 13 items that were distributed to 177 participants, mainly members of the First Region and students of the Faculty of Dentistry of the Complutense University of Madrid. Results: Half of the respondents (53%) said that they had a specific training in Gerodontology, 41.8% considered that it should have been necessary and the majority (94.4%) that this training should be provided in a ruled way. The main concern of the participants when treating these patients was pharmacotherapy, mainly bisphosphonates, considering the implant treatment the most complex and the need for interprofessional consultation. Conclusions: Oral health professionals consider a regulated training in Gerodontology necessary, considering the main concerns when treating these patients pharmacotherapy, mainly bisphosphonates, and implant treatment

Essential role of microphthalmia transcription factor for DNA replication, mitosis and genomic stability in melanoma.

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive cancer known for its notorious resistance to most current therapies. The basic helix-loop-helix microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) is the master regulator determining the identity and properties of the melanocyte lineage, and is regarded as a lineage-specific 'oncogene' that has a critical role in the pathogenesis of melanoma. MITF promotes melanoma cell proliferation, whereas sustained supression of MITF expression leads to senescence. By combining chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to high throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) and RNA sequencing analyses, we show that MITF directly regulates a set of genes required for DNA replication, repair and mitosis. Our results reveal how loss of MITF regulates mitotic fidelity, and through defective replication and repair induces DNA damage, ultimately ending in cellular senescence. These findings reveal a lineage-specific control of DNA replication and mitosis by MITF, providing new avenues for therapeutic intervention in melanoma. The identification of MITF-binding sites and gene-regulatory networks establish a framework for understanding oncogenic basic helix-loop-helix factors such as N-myc or TFE3 in other cancers.