S-p-bromobenzyl-glutathione cyclopentyl diester (BBGC) as novel therapeutic strategy to enhance trabectedin anti-tumor effect in soft tissue sarcoma preclinical models.

Trabectedin, approved for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma (STS), interferes with cell division and genetic transcription processes. Due to its strong anti-tumor activity in only certain histotypes, several studies on trabectedin combinations are currently ongoing to improve its efficacy. In this study, we aimed to investigate novel potential therapeutic strategies to enhance the anti-tumor effect of trabectedin using integrated in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches. For in silico analysis, we screened two public datasets, GSEA M5190 and TCGA SARC. Fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, dedifferentiated, and myxoid liposarcoma cell lines were used for in vitro studies. For in vivo experiments, fibrosarcoma orthotopic murine model was developed. In silico analysis identified Glo1 as the only druggable target upregulated after trabectedin treatment and correlated with poor prognosis. The specific Glo1 inhibitor, S-p-bromobenzylglutathione cyclopentyl diester (BBGC), increased trabectedin cytotoxicity in STS cells, and restored drug sensitivity in myxoid liposarcoma cells resistant to trabectedin. Moreover, the combined treatment with BBGC and trabectedin had a synergistic antitumor effect in vivo without any additional toxicity to mice. Based on these results, we believe that BBGC warrants further investigation to evaluate its potential clinical use in combination with trabectedin.

Scintillation and structural properties of copolymers and mixtures of styrene, 9-vinylcarbazole and 4-vinylbenzyl chloride based plastic scintillators.

The research team has developed new plastic scintillators in the form of microspheres, called PSm, by combining styrene, 9-vinylcarbazole (VK), and 4-vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC). The primary objective of this study was to explore the feasibility of incorporating the fluorescent solute (VK) into the polymer structure to prevent its leaching out when PSm are utilized in liquid flow through detection systems or organic solvents. The secondary aim was to examine the impact of adding the chlorine functional group to the scintillation polymer, with the intention of replacing it with an extractant in the future to create covalently linked PSresins. The findings of the study reveal that the homopolymer of polyvinylcarbazole (PVK) performs poorly while used as a unitary scintillator system for plastic scintillation measurements. However, the incorporation of monomers in the form of copolymers with styrene has a more significant impact on scintillation properties compared to the mixture of homopolymers. In the case of 9-vinylcarbazole (VK), its presence at a weight proportion of 10% leads to an increase in scintillation efficiencies, although it is still inferior to the classical PS. Conversely, the situation is different for 4-vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC), where the chlorine in the copolymer results in higher quenching, and the polymer is also less resistant to organic solvents due to the formation of short polymer chains. For VBC, the mixture of polymers yields better results and enables the production of covalently linked PSresins.

Bioaccessibility, Intestinal Absorption and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Curcuminoids Incorporated in Avocado, Sunflower, and Linseed Beeswax Oleogels.

Beeswax oleogels (OGs), with a mechanical strength similar to pork backfat, were formulated with avocado (A), sunflower (S), and linseed (L) oils, applying a central composite design plus star point, and were evaluated as oral delivery vehicles of curcuminoids (OGACur, OGSCur, OGLCur). The incorporation of curcumin into the OG matrix significantly delayed both the formation of peroxides and conjugated trienes (K268 values), and the degradation rate of curcumin decreased with the increase of the oil polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content. The oil structuring did not affect the bioaccessibility of curcuminoids (>55% in all the OGs, regardless of the oil type), but it did reduce the release of fatty acids (~10%) during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The intestinal absorption, evaluated in Caco-2 cell monolayers, was higher for the micelle-solubilized curcumin from the digested OG than from unstructured oils, and it showed high anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production compared to the positive control, both before and after the stimulation of ThP-1 cells with LPS. Regardless of the oil type, these beeswax-based OGs with gel-like behavior designed as fat replacers may be promising vehicles for the oral delivery of curcuminoids.

[Ictal nystagmus: acquired nystagmus of infrequent cause in pediatrics]. / Nistagmo ictal: causa infrecuente de nistagmo adquirido en pediatría.

Ictal nystagmus is a rare phenomenon secondary to an epileptic seizure, usually in the temporo- occipital region. For its characterization, we must rely on clinical history, examination, and ideally observation of the episodes. OBJECTIVES: To describe a case of this unusual entity and highlight the characteristics that should increase diagnostic suspicion in order to avoid treatment delay. CLINICAL CASE: An 8-year-old schoolboy, with no relevant history, consulted due to 5-6 episodes a day in the last year of conjugate horizontal eye movements with rapid jerks and associated slight miosis, lasting 5-10 seconds, with doubtful disconnection from the environment or consciousness impairment in some of the episodes, with no other accompanying signs or symptoms. Neurological examination between episodes was normal. He was evaluated by ophthalmology and otolaryngology, which ruled out pathology in these areas. Video-electroencephalogram showed electro-clinical correlations, with epileptiform activity in the left temporal and occipital region, which subsequently generalized during episodes. Brain MRI showed no pathological findings. After initiation of carbamazepine treatment, the patient had a good evolution, without recurrence of the episodes at 2 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: When faced with a case of acquired nystagmus, epileptic etiology should be included in the differential diagnosis, especially if the frequency of episodes is high, of short duration, and associated with consciousness impairment. The diagnosis is based on a video-electroencephalogram with electro-clinical correlations and a good response to treatment with antiepileptic drugs is expected.

Extraction and characterization of Argentine red shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) phospholipids as raw material for liposome production.

Phospholipids rich in omega-3 fatty acids from Argentine red shrimp waste were explored as a source to produce food-grade liposomes. Partially purified phospholipids (PL-AS), hexane-soluble (HxSE) and acetone-soluble (Ac-SE) lipid co-extracts, were characterized in terms of extraction yield (2.0%, 1.46% and 4.51%, respectively), chemical composition (fatty acids, tocopherols, sterols, astaxanthin) and thermal stability. Based on lipid fractionation, PL-AS presented 85% phospholipids, while neutral lipids were mostly present in HxSE (75%) and free FA in AcSE (34%), the latter suggesting significant fat hydrolysis. Palmitic, oleic, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids predominated in the phospholipid fraction of PL-AS, mainly constituted by phosphatidylcholine (PC) (96%). The most abundant phospholipid was identified at m/z 760.59, composed of PC, with C16:0/C18:1 as the most probable FA combination. Unilamellar spherical liposomes were successfully made of PL-AS (≈140 nm, 0.248 PDI, -68.5 mV ζ potential), showing high stability for 28 days at 4 °C.

Characterization, Bioactivity and Application of Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles in a Food Emulsion Model.

In this study, chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared by the ionic gelation technique with tripolyphosphate (TPP), and the effect of CNP composition and physicochemical characteristics were evaluated. After the synthesis optimization, CNPs were used as carriers for a fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) with bioactive properties (CNPH). The physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial, antihypertensive and emulsifier properties of unloaded and loaded CNPs in a food system model were studied. CNPH showed a uniform particle distribution, size ~200 nm, high stability (zeta potential around 30 mV), radical scavenging activity and increased antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella sonnei and Aeromonas hydrophila. Additionally, CNPH showed an angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity of 63.6% and, when added to a food emulsion model, this system containing CNPs, with or without FHP, exhibited improved food emulsion stability. Thus, CNPs were able to carry the FPH while maintaining their bioactive properties and can be an alternative to the delivery of bioactive peptides with potential as an emulsion stabilizer for food applications.

Variables related to chronic immune thrombocytopenia: experience from a single center and comparison to a meta-analysis.

Classically, several variables have been related to the disease course of chronic primary immune thrombocytopenia (cITP), though to date, there is no consensus on their clinical relevance. In a recent systematic review, a meta-analysis was made and confirmed the existence of certain cITP-related variables that may be related to prognosis in pediatric patients. We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of patients diagnosed with ITP, identified prognostic variables, and compared our results to the variables described by the authors. A multivariate study revealed that older age at diagnosis and higher platelet count were the only independent variables related to cITP. Children up to age 4 years and those with lower platelet counts (below 20 × 109/L) were at lower risk for cITP.Conclusion: We therefore concluded that only age and platelet count at diagnosis are independent variables that should be considered when evaluating the risk of developing cITP. What is Known: • Around 20% of patients with immune thrombocytopenia progress to chronic disease as determined by a sustained platelet count below 100×109/L for more than 12 months. • A number of variables potentially related to the development of cITP are being studied, such as age, sex, cell count, and previous treatment. What is New: • This is a new group of patients diagnosed with ITP in which the platelet count and age at diagnosis are the only independent variables closely related to cITP. • In this new series, we could not confirm other variables previously related to cITP such as total leukocyte count or the absence of treatment at diagnosis.

Entrapment of natural compounds in spray-dried and heat-dried iota-carrageenan matrices as functional ingredients in surimi gels.

Two drying methods (spray drying and heat drying) were used to entrap various natural compounds within a matrix of iota-carrageenan. The natural compounds were, namely, collagen hydrolysate (CH), pomegranate polyphenolic extract (PP) and shrimp lipid extract (SL). The resulting dry powders were compared in terms of water solubility, entrapment efficiency, hydrodynamic particle properties, ζ potential and antioxidant properties (ABTS radical scavenging capacity, ferric ion reducing power and Folin-reactive substances). Dry powders and plain compounds were incorporated into squid surimi gels, and after in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion (sGID), the residual antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activities were evaluated. All powders showed antioxidant properties, electronegative ζ potential and great entrapment efficiency after rehydration (ranging from ∼70 to 97%). The heat-dried powders were composed of microparticles ranging from 177 to 380 µm resulting in low water solubility (21.6-36.1%), while the average particle size and solubility values of spray-dried preparations were 2.9-13.2 µm and >86%, respectively. In contrast to the plain compounds, the addition of any of the microparticle dried preparations allowed obtaining well-conformed surimi gels. The ACE-inhibitory capacity of the surimi gels after sGID was increased by the addition of any of the compounds studied, but to a lesser extent by their entrapment forms (except with the entrapped SL). The antioxidant activities of gels with the entrapped compounds were even lower than those of gels without bioactives in some cases. In conclusion, the addition of dried microparticles did not increase the biological activity as compared to the plain compounds; however, they were beneficial to ensure adequate gel consistency.

Predictors of mortality and clinical characteristics among carbapenem-resistant or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae bloodstream infections in Spanish children.

BACKGROUND: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are an emerging problem in the paediatric population worldwide with high mortality rates in bloodstream infection (BSI). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate predictors of 30 day mortality in CRE BSI in a paediatric cohort. METHODS: A retrospective observational single-centre study (December 2005-August 2018) was conducted. Cases of CRE BSI in children 0 to 16 years were included. Microbiological identification (MALDI Biotyper) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (Vitek2® and MicroScan panel NBC44) according to EUCAST breakpoints were performed. PCR OXVIKP® was used to confirm carbapenemase genes (OXA-48, VIM, KPC, NDM). Demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, source of bacteraemia, antimicrobial therapy and outcomes were collected from medical records. Survival analysis to establish predictors of 30 day mortality was performed. RESULTS: Thirty-eight cases were included; 76.3% were hospital-acquired infections and 23.7% related to healthcare. All patients had at least one underlying comorbidity and 52.6% were recipients of an organ transplant. VIM carbapenemase was the predominant mechanism (92.1%). Previous CRE colonization or infection rate was 52.6%. Intestinal tract (26.3%) and vascular catheter (21.1%) were the most common sources of infection. Crude mortality within 30 days was 18.4% (7/38); directly related 30 day mortality was 10.5%. Conditions associated with an increment in 30 day mortality were intensive care admission and inadequate empirical therapy (P < 0.05). Combination-antibiotic targeted treatment and a low meropenem MIC were not related to improved survival. CONCLUSIONS: CRE BSI mortality rate is high. The most important factor related to 30 day survival in our CRE BSI cohort in children was empirical treatment that included at least one active antibiotic.

Neurological improvement predicts clinical outcome after acute basilar artery stroke thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Early neurological improvement (ENI), defined as a reduction of ≥ 8 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) compared with baseline score, or an NIHSS score of 0 or 1 at 24 h after MT, is a strong predictor of 3-month favorable outcome in such patients. The impact of ENI after MT in stroke patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) on 3-month outcome is not clear. We aimed to study the effects of ENI in patients with BAO. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort of all consecutive stroke patients with BAO who underwent MT. We compared clinical outcomes between BAO patient groups according to ENI status. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine the impact of ENI on favorable 90-day outcome (modified Rankin scale score 0-3) and to report factors contributing to ENI. RESULTS: A total of 237 patients were included. ENI was observed in 70 patients (30%). Outcomes were significantly better in ENI-positive patients, with 84% achieving favorable outcome (mRS score 0-3) at 3 months versus 30% for ENI-negative patients (P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, ENI was an independent predictive factor associated with higher rates of favorable outcome {odds ratio (OR) 18.12 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.95-83.10]; P = 0.0001}. Higher number of passes [OR 0.62 (95% CI 0.43-0.89); P = 0.010] and need for stenting [OR 0.27 (95% CI 0.07-0.95); P = 0.041] were negatively associated with ENI. CONCLUSION: Early neurological improvement on day 1 following MT for BAO is a strong independent predictor of a favorable 3-month clinical outcome.

Leishmania infantum asymptomatic infection in inflammatory bowel disease patients under anti-TNF therapy.

BACKGROUND: In recent years anti-TNF therapy has been associated with leishmaniasis in immunocompromised patients from endemic areas. Nevertheless, data on asymptomatic Leishmania infection in such patients is scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic infection in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients treated with TNF inhibitors living in an endemic area (Catalonia) and to follow up them to study how the infection evolved. METHODS: 192 IBD patients (143 Crohn's disease; 49 ulcerative colitis) from Catalonia (Spain), an area endemic for L. infantum, were recruited. Peripheral blood samples were collected and tested for anti-Leishmania antibodies by Western blotting (WB). Leishmania kinetoplast DNA was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by a quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Serology was positive in 3.1% and Leishmania DNA was found in 8.8%, with a low parasitic load and humoral response. The prevalence was 10.9%, patients being considered infected if they tested positive by at least one of the techniques. Eight out of the 21 patients with asymptomatic leishmaniasis were monitored for 3-8 months after the first test. None of them showed an increased parasitemia or humoral response, or developed leishmaniasis during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Leishmania asymptomatic infection detected in our IBD cohort is similar to that found in healthy population in close endemic areas. Due to the short monitoring period, it is not possible to reach a conclusion about the risk of Leishmania reactivation from this study.

Wild mammals as potential silent reservoirs of Leishmania infantum in a Mediterranean area.

A molecular survey of wild mammals was performed to assess their potential as reservoirs of L. infantum. A total of 156 specimens of wild mammalian fauna were obtained for analysis from areas in Catalonia with a reported incidence of canine leishmaniasis. They consisted of 124 small mammals: 35 Mus spretus (Muridae); 64 Erinaceus europaeus (Erinaceidae), 25 Sciurus vulgaris (Sciuridae) and 32 carnivores: 11 Vulpes vulpes (Canidae), 1 Felis catus (Felidae), 15 Meles meles, 4 Martes foina and 1 Mustela vison (Mustelidae). The analysis was performed on samples of liver, spleen, skin (ear) and blood extracted from the heart. Leishmania DNA was determined by a qPCR and specific anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected by an in-house (ELISA). Among the 156 specimens studied, 29.48% were positive in at least one of the samples studied and considered infected. In M. spretus, Leishmania DNA was detected in the liver, spleen or skin of 37.1% of 35 specimens, and 2 of the 13 specimens tested serologically were positive (15.38%). In E. europaeus, 34.4% of the 64 specimens were infected. Leishmania DNA was detected in 19/51 spleens and 5/50 skins; 2 of the 37 specimens analysed in both spleen and skin gave positive results in both samples. Serology was positive in 12.8% (6/47) by ELISA; 3 specimens were positive by both ELISA and qPCR. In S. vulgaris, Leishmania DNA was detected in 5 of 25 specimens (20%). Of the 32 carnivore specimens analysed, Leishmania DNA was detected in both samples studied (spleen and liver) of 4 (12.5%) (2 M. foina, 1 M. vison and 1 F. catus), which were not studied serologically. The data obtained indicate that small mammals, above all wild rodents and carnivores, could act as naturally infected hosts of L. infantum in this endemic area. Among the rodents, M. spretus stands out with the highest prevalence of infection. In E. europaeus, the presence of L. infantum DNA in spleen and skin, and antibodies in heart blood, reported here for the first time, indicates this small mammal could be a possible reservoir. Additionally, S. vulgaris, not previously studied as an L. infantum reservoir, showed non-negligible prevalence values, indicating a potential role in leishmaniasis transmission.

Functional aptitude of hake minces with added TMAO-demethylase inhibitors during frozen storage.

The ability of compounds of natural origin (black, white, red, and green tea extracts, phytic acid) to inhibit TMAO-demethylase enzyme was assayed. Black tea and phytic acid exerted the highest inhibiting activities, similar to the already known inhibitor sodium citrate. Hake minces incorporating these three compounds were prepared and stored frozen (150 days, -12 °C). TMAO-demethylase enzyme was partially inhibited (lower enzyme activity, reduction of formaldehyde accumulation). The study of physicochemical properties of the minces (salt-soluble proteins, water holding capacity, structural water associated with myofibrils) pointed to evident protein aggregation and loss of functionality when phytic acid was added, whereas black tea and sodium citrate did not have a negative effect. Consequently, the salt-ground mince with phytic acid showed worse viscoelastic properties than the others. In conclusion, black tea polyphenols and sodium citrate can be used as additives to inhibit TMAO-demethylase enzyme during frozen storage of fish minces.

Correlación del umbral de potencial evocado auditivo de tronco cerebral con el umbral de potencial evocado auditivo de estado estable en pacientes hipoacúsicos / Correlation of the threshold of auditory brainstem response with the auditory steady state response in hearing loss patients

RESUMEN Introducción: El avance de los dispositivos de ayuda auditiva han ocasionado a su vez el desarrollo de las técnicas electrofisiológicas destinadas al diagnóstico de la sordera. Objetivo: Comparar los umbrales del potencial evocado auditivo de tronco cerebral (PEATC) y del potencial evocado auditivo de estado estable (PEAee) en niños con hipoacusia. Material y método: Estudio observacional descriptivo de una serie de casos de pacientes de 0 a 6 años de edad con hipoacusia, diagnosticada mediante PEATC y PEAee. Se compara el umbral de la onda V en el PEATC y la media del valor registrado en 2 y 4 kHz en el PEAee mediante la correlación de Spearman y se utiliza el índice Kappa para conocer la concordancia entre las mismas. Resultados: Se diagnosticaron 89 oídos con hipoacusia, 23 con hipoacusia profunda. Se obtiene un valor de rho de Spearman de 0,64 (p <0,001). El índice de Kappa obtenido es del 0,59 con un IC al 95% entre 0,52 y 0,66 (p <0,001). La diferencia media de umbrales entre el PEAee y el PEATC es de −2,42 dB con una desviación estándar de 13,11 dB. Conclusión: Se obtiene un grado de relación y acuerdo moderado entre las pruebas, influido sobre todo por los pacientes con hipoacusia profunda. Los umbrales del PEAee son mayores que los del PEATC.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The advancement of hearing aid devices has led to the development of electrophysiological techniques for the diagnosis of hearing loss. Aim: To compare the thresholds of auditory brainstem response (ABR) with the auditory steady state response (ASSR) in hearing loss children. Material and method: A descriptive observational study of cases from 0 to 6 years of age with hearing loss, diagnosed by ABR and ASSR was performed. The Spearman correlation test is used to compare the threshold obtained for the V wave in the ABR and the average value recorded in 2 and 4 kHz in the ASSR. To know the concordance between the two tests, the Kappa index is used. Results: 89 ears were diagnosed with hearing loss, 23 with profound hearing loss. The Spearman's rho value is 0.64 (p <0.001). The Kappa index obtained is 0.59 with a 95% CI between 0.52 and 0.66 (p <0.001). The mean difference thresholds between the ASSR and the ABR is −2.42 dB with a standard deviation of 13.11 dB. Conclusion: A moderate relationship and agreement between the tests is obtained, influence especially in patients with profound hearing loss. The thresholds of ASSR are higher than those of ABR.

The key role of ovalbumin in lipid bioaccessibility and oxidation product profile during the in vitro digestion of slightly oxidized soybean oil.

The behaviour of slightly oxidized virgin and refined soybean oils during in vitro digestion was studied by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The main objectives were to analyze lipolysis extent and oxidation during digestion, and to assess the impact of two different proportions of ovalbumin on both processes. At the same time γ-tocopherol fate was monitored, when possible, by 1H NMR. The results reveal that the initial oxidation degree of the oils negatively influences the lipolysis extent, reducing the bioaccessibility of the major oil components, which include some essential fatty acids. Although the low ovalbumin proportion tested does not significantly affect lipolysis, this is greatly enhanced when ovalbumin is added at a high level, improving lipid bioaccessibility. It has also been shown that oxidation does not seem to have occurred to a great enough extent during digestion for it to be detected from polyunsaturated acyl group degradation. Moreover, the changes observed in the oxidation product profile of the starting oils after digestion can be considered to be due mainly to the transformation of the initially present hydroperoxides, whose concentration diminishes in the digested samples to give hydroxy-dienes, epoxides and aldehydes. In presence of a high ovalbumin proportion, hydroperoxide reduction to hydroxy-dienes is favoured and lower levels of aldehydes and epoxides are observed. This latter could be due to a diminution in their generation and/or to their reaction with ovalbumin. A high proportion of this protein in the system also increases γ-tocopherol bioaccessibility.

Discriminant ability of phenolic compounds and short chain organic acids profiles in the determination of quality parameters of Brandy de Jerez.

Brandy de Jerez is the most produced spirit in Spain. The rules of its Regulatory Council require the spirit to age in American oak casks that have previously contained any kind of sherry wine. This use, called seasoning, releases wine compounds into the spirit. Because of the differences among sherries, the organoleptic features of a brandy will be significantly different from any other depending on the seasoning. In addition, its specific features make it different from any other spirit. The chromatographic profiles of Brandy de Jerez are reported to be different depending on the seasonings through their ageing process. Different types of Brandy de Jerez have been characterised, regarding their seasoning, using chromatographic techniques. Applying statistical analysis, correlations between the chromatographic profiles and the seasonings have risen up. In addition, the profiles have demonstrated to possess a high degree of correlation with the ageing time of the samples.

Development of a new method for the quantitation of metabolites in the absence of chemically synthetized authentic standards.

A new method for the quantification of metabolites in the absence of a chemically synthetized authentic standard is described herein. Metabolites to be used as reference standards were obtained biologically from microsomes incubation. The method is a stepwise process in which, only the radiolabeled (14C) and non-radiolabeled parent compound are required. Briefly, the separation and principles of equimolar detection of LC-radioactivity were applied and, a calibration curve of the 14C-parent compound was used to quantify the formation of its 14C-metabolite. In turn, serial dilutions of this 14C-metabolite were the base for the calibration curve that allowed the quantification of the non-radiolabeled metabolite. This method was applied in plasma samples obtained from a dog pharmacokinetic study in which, a PharmaMar compound (lurbinectedin) and its N-desmethylated metabolite were quantified and, the results compared to those obtained by the classical approach (with the chemically synthetized N-desmethylated metabolite). Plasma concentrations obtained with the two methods were very similar, with standard relative errors between -11% to -4%. Similar, main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with the concentrations obtained either thru this method or by using a chemically synthetized authentic standard.

Encapsulation of antioxidant sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum) aqueous and ethanolic extracts in freeze-dried soy phosphatidylcholine liposomes.

Soy phosphatidylcholine liposomes encapsulating increasing concentrations of two sea fennel extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) prepared by ultrasonication were freeze-dried, using glycerol as lyoprotectant. Particle properties, water dispersibility, colour, thermal properties and antioxidant capacity (radical scavenging capacity, ferric ion reducing power, Folin-reactive substances) of the liposomal preparations were determined. The freeze-drying process caused an overall increase in particle size and polydispersity index, while the zeta-potential became more electronegative. Both sea fennel extracts were rich in chlorogenic acid (42.61 and 58.48 mg/g for the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively) and showed great antioxidant activity. Vitamin C was identified in the aqueous extract, whereas rutin and rosmarinic acid in the ethanolic one. The entrapment efficiency, determined in the liposomes prepared at the highest extract concentration, was 65.6% and 49.1% for the aqueous extract and the ethanolic extract, respectively. The liposomal antioxidant activity and total phenolic content followed a linear increasing tendency as a result of increasing the extract concentration, irrespective of the type of extract. Higher antioxidant activity was found in the liposomes loaded with the ethanolic extract, in a clear relationship to the greater amount of highly antioxidant phenolic compounds extracted, and also to their lower entrapment efficiency, which caused a greater amount of extract to remain outside the liposome. Both extracts were suitable for producing liposomes with antioxidant properties which could be dried and used to design functional foods.

Programa cognitivo conductual para fortalecer habilidades de comunicación enfermera paciente / Cognitive-behavioral program to strengthen the nurse-patient communication / Programa cognitivo comportamental para fortalecer habilidades de comunicação enfermeira paciente

Introducción: La comunicación enfermera paciente es eje articulador de los cuidados, requiere habilidades específicas de comunicación verbal y no verbal. El entrenamiento con estrategias cognitivo conductuales para el fomento de estas habilidades coadyuva en forma importante en el establecimiento de relaciones terapéuticas de la práctica profesional de enfermería; estas técnicas han sido ampliamente aplicadas, en el presente caso se utilizó el Aprendizaje Estructurado, cuyo objetivo se centra en el cambio de comportamiento, sin dejar de reconocer que también propicia cambios favorables en sentimientos y actitudes. Este artículo se enfoca en dar a conocer la aplicación práctica de un programa para enfermeras sobre el fortalecimiento de habilidades de comunicación. Desarrollo: Las habilidades seleccionadas en el desarrollo de este programa con el apoyo de la estrategia Aprendizaje Estructurado fueron: Escuchar, Expresar aliento, Expresar un cumplido, Responder a los sentimientos del otro, Responder a una queja, Responder al enojo y Expresar afecto. Se registraron conductas verbales y no verbales individuales durante el entrenamiento, para mostrar la presencia o ausencia del comportamiento, en su caso la adquisición y el número de ensayos necesarios para lograrlo. Se presentan los registros de tres de las siete habilidades incluidas en el programa, con la finalidad de dar a conocer el desarrollo del aprendizaje durante la implementación. Conclusiones: El programa de entrenamiento dio la oportunidad de fortalecer habilidades de comunicación en las enfermeras, especialmente en el ámbito de la comunicación verbal, elemento que favorecerá una mayor identificación entre enfermeras y pacientes con el indudable beneficio para la detección de necesidades del paciente y establecimiento de planes de cuidado.

Introduction: Nurse-patient communication is the axis of care provision, and thus requires specific verbal and non-verbal abilities. Training using cognitive behavioral strategies can help establish the appropriate therapeutic relationships of the nursing professional practice. These methodologies have been broadly utilized, and we used the Structured Learning approach which promotes behavior changes, including improvements in the feelings and attitudes. This article focuses on publicizing the practical application of a program for nurses on strengthening communication skills. Development The skills of interest were: Listening; Expressing value; Expressing compliment; Responding to the feelings of others; Responding to a complaint; Responding to anger; and Expressing affection. Individual verbal and non-verbal behaviors were registered during the training sessions to acknowledge the absence of the desired behaviors, as well as number of trials needed to acquire the abilities of interest. In order to show the development of the program, registers of three of the seven abilities considered are displayed. Conclusions: The training program provided the opportunity to strengthen the communication abilities of nurses, particularly around verbal communication. The resulting improvements will favor a greater identification and interaction between nurses and patients and will allow the design and execution of better plans of care.

Introdução: A comunicação enfermeira-paciente é eixo articulador dos cuidados, requer habilidades específicas de comunicação verbal e não verbal. O treinamento com estratégias cognitivo-comportamentais para o fomento destas habilidades contribui em forma importante no estabelecimento de relações terapêuticas da prática profissional de enfermagem; estas técnicas foram largamente aplicadas, no presente caso utilizou-se a Aprendizagem Estruturada, cujo objetivo centra-se na mudança de comportamento, sem deixar de reconhecer que também propicia câmbios favoráveis em sentimentos e atitudes. Deste artigo focaliza-se em dar a conhecer a aplicação prática de um programa para enfermeiras sobre o fortalecimento de habilidades de comunicação. Desenvolvimento As habilidades escolhidas no desenvolvimento deste programa com o apoio da estratégia Aprendizagem Estruturada foram: Escutar, Encorajar, Expressar um elogio, Responder aos sentimentos do outro, Responder a uma queixa, Responder à raiva e Expressar afeto. Realizaram-se registros de comportamentos verbais e não verbais individuais durante o treinamento, com o fim de mostrar a presença ou ausência do comportamento, em seu caso a aquisição e o número de ensaios necessários para consegui-lo. Apresentaram-se os registros de três das sete habilidades incluídas no programa, com a finalidade de dar a conhecer o desenvolvimento da aprendizagem durante a implementação. Conclusões: A execução do programa de treinamento deu a oportunidade de fortalecer habilidades de comunicação nas enfermeiras, especialmente no âmbito da comunicação verbal, elemento que favorecerá uma maior identificação entre enfermeiras e pacientes com o indubitável benefício para a detecção de necessidades do paciente e estabelecimento de planos de cuidado.