Changes in ABA, IAA and JA levels during calyx, fruit and leaves development in cape gooseberry plants (Physalis peruviana L.).

Changes in abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and jasmonic acid (JA) content in developing calyx, fruits and leaves of Physalis peruviana L. plants were analysed. Plant hormones have been widely studied for their roles in the regulation of various aspects related to plant development and, in particular, into their action during development and ripening of fleshly fruits. The obtained evidences suggest that the functions of these hormones are no restricted to a particular development stage, and more than one hormone is involved in controlling various aspects of plant development. Our results will contribute to understand the role of these hormones during growth and development of calyx, fruits and leaves in cape gooseberry plants. This work offers a good, quickly and efficiently protocol to extract and quantify simultaneously ABA, IAA and JA in different tissues of cape gooseberry plants.

Parathyroid Hormone Polymorphism RS6254 is Associated with the Development and Severity of Osteoporosis in Asymptomatic but not Normocalcemic Hyperthyroidism.

Although normocalcemic and asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism (HPT) are becoming more common, they remain only partially understood. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) polymorphisms have been associated with disease severity in classical HPT. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical effect of PTH polymorphism (rs6254) in normocalcemic and asymptomatic HPT. A prospective study of 61 consecutive patients with normocalcemic or asymptomatic HPT was carried out. Secondary causes of HPT were ruled out. All patients were followed for≥1 year. Calcium and phosphorus metabolism parameters were assessed at least twice during the follow-up period to classify as normocalcemic or asymptomatic HPT. Bone mineral density (BMD) and the rs6254 polymorphism genotype were also assessed. Genotype rs6254GG was observed in 23 patients (37.7%) whereas GA and AA genotypes were presented in 29 (47.5%) and 9 (14.8%) patients, respectively. Age, sex and genotype distributions were comparable in both groups. In asymptomatic but not normocalcemic HPT patients, the GG genotype was associated with a significantly higher level of intact PTH [200.2 (SD 76.5) vs. 113.3 (SD 25.9) pg/ml; p<0.01], and significantly lower Z-score densitometry at the femoral neck, proximal femur, and lumbar spine. Both remained significant after adjusting for major confounding factors by multiple linear regression. The present study supports the independent pathogenic effect of rs6254GA polymorphism on the development and severity of BMD complications in patients with asymptomatic but not normocalcemic HPT. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding and to assess the effect of other polymorphisms in normocalcemic and asymptomatic HPT.

Clinical Expression of Calcium Sensing Receptor Polymorphism (A986S) in Normocalcemic and Asymptomatic Hyperparathyroidism.

Normocalcemic and asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism diagnosis are becoming more common. However, their pathophysiology is incompletely known. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical effect of calcium-sensing receptor polymorphism (A986S) in normocalcemic and asymtomatic HPT. Prospective study conducted with 61 consecutive normocalcemic and asymptomatic HPT patients was followed up during a minimum period of 1 year. Secondary causes of hyperparathyroidism were ruled out. Calcium and phosphorus metabolism parameters were evaluated in at least 2 determinations during follow-up to classify as normocalcemic or asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism. Bone mineral density and A986S polymorphism genotype were also analyzed. Thiry-eight patients (62.3%) had the genotype A986A, and 23 (36.7%) patients had A986S (20 patients, 32.8%) or S986S (3 patients, 4.9%). Age, sex, and genotype distributions were comparable in both normocalcemic and asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism. In normocalcemic patients, S allele genotype was associated to statistically significant higher level of intact PTH: 92.0 (SD 18.5) vs. 110.6 (SD 24.4) pg/ml, p<0.05; and remained significant after adjustment by multiple linear regression. In asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism, A986A genotype resulted in a statistically significant higher level of intact PTH, alkaline phosphatase and procollagen amino-terminal propeptide; but only serum calcium remained as an independent predictor of serum intact PTH levels after a multiple linear regression. Bone mineral densitometry between genotypes did not show statistically significant differences. A986S polymorphism of CaSR is an independent predictor of PTH level in normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism patients, but not in asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism. More studies are needed to evaluate the effect of other polymorphisms in normocalcemic and asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism.

Pirfenidone prevents rat esophageal stricture formation.

BACKGROUND: Accidental ingestion of caustic substances induces esophageal injuries and stenosis formation. The main aim for acute phase treatment is to prevent esophageal stenosis. Pirfenidone (PFD) is a pyridone with antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Esophagus stenosis takes place after a strong inflammation process where proinflammatory and profibrogenic cytokines play an important role. The present study investigates the efficacy of PFD on the prevention of stricture development after esophageal caustic injuries in a rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Caustic esophageal burn was produced by application of 32% of NaOH to the distal esophagus of healthy rats. PFD in the form of 8% gel was administered at a dose of 200 mg/kg/d. Animals were divided in three experimental groups as follows: healthy rats, animals injured with NaOH without PFD treatment, and rats injured with NaOH and treated with PFD. Efficacy of the treatment was assessed by measuring image esophagoscopy and esophagography with contrast barium at the 21st d. Histology staining with Sirius-red was performed to evaluate collagen deposition and stenosis area. Gene expression of transforming growth factor ß1, collagen-1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, connective tissue growth factor, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: There was significant difference in means of stenosis by esophagoscopy and esophagogram. Collagen deposition in the damaged area increased significantly when rats were burned with NaOH, and decreased notably in PFD treated group. Profibrogenic key molecules transforming growth factor ß1, collagen 1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and connective tissue growth factor expression were significantly lower respect to control group without PFD treatment where matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression was no different in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that PFD reduces stenosis on caustic esophageal burn by decreasing profibrogenic genes expression and ameliorates fibrosis significantly in the chronic phase.

Características nutricionales y estilo de vida en universitarios / Nutritional characteristics and lifestyle in university students

La obesidad y el estilo de vida característico de nuestra sociedad llevan a los jóvenes a situaciones de potencial riesgo cardiovascular. El objetivo de este estudio fue valorarla situación antropométrica y estilo de vida de una muestra de universitarios. Se realizó una valoración antropométrica completa, incluyendo un análisis por impedancia bioeléctrica (AIB), a 111 estudiantes de último curso de Nutrición Humana y Dietética, así como una encuesta sobre su estilo de vida (actividad física, tabaquismo y consumo de alcohol). Se encontró un dimorfismo sexual en la distribución del peso según la clasificación propuesta por la SEEDO: un 6,4% de mujeres presentaron un peso inferior al saludable (ningún hombre se encontraba en este grupo), mientras que un 27,8% hombres y un 6,5% mujeres estaban en rango de sobrepeso. Un 15,3% de casos presentó un perímetro de cintura excesivo. La masa grasa, hallada por AIB, fue superior en las mujeres. Por otro lado, un 67% de universitarios declararon realizar ejercicio físico habitualmente, un 16,7% se declararon fumadores, y un 55,6% declararon consumo de alcohol de alta graduación. En conclusión, nos encontramos ante una población de sujetos jóvenes y sanos donde, sin embargo, aparece un significativo porcentaje de mujeres en peso inferior al saludable, personas con sobrepeso, fumadores bebedores de alcohol de alta graduación de manera habitual. Estos datos deben poner en aviso de que el grupo de población universitaria está en riesgo de sufrir patologías cardiovasculares en un futuro si no se actúa, y no deben estar olvidados en los planes de promoción de la salud (AU)

Obesity and the lifestyle characteristic of our society lead young people to conditions of potential cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to assess the anthropometrical situation and the lifestyle in a sample of university students. A full anthropometrical evaluation was undertaken, including bioelectric impedance analysis(BIA), in 111 students in the last year of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, as well as a lifestyle questionnaire (physical activity, alcohol and cigarette consumption). A sexual dimorphism was found in weight distribution according to the classification proposed by SEEDO: 6.4% of women presented a weight lower than the health recommendations (there no men in this group) where as 27.8% of men and 6.5% of women were in the overweight range. 15.3% of the cases had excessive waist circumference. Fat mass by BIA was higher among women. On the other hand,67% of university students stated to perform regular physical activity, 16.7% stated being cigarette smokers, and 55.6% stated to consume high-grade alcohol. To conclude, we studied a sample population of young and healthy subjects with, however, a significant percentage of women with body weight lower than the healthy standards, over weighed people, and smokers usually taking high-grade alcohol. These data should elicit an alert of the potential cardiovascular risk in the university population if action is not taken. This population should be included in the health promotion plans (AU)

[Nutritional characteristics and lifestyle in university students]. / Características nutricionales y estilo de vida en universitarios.

Obesity and the lifestyle characteristic of our society lead young people to conditions of potential cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to assess the anthropometrical situation and the lifestyle in a sample of university students. A full anthropometrical evaluation was undertaken, including bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA), in 111 students in the last year of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, as well as a lifestyle questionnaire (physical activity, alcohol and cigarette consumption). A sexual dimorphism was found in weight distribution according to the classification proposed by SEEDO: 6.4% of women presented a weight lower than the health recommendations (there no men in this group) whereas 27.8% of men and 6.5% of women were in the overweight range. 15.3% of the cases had excessive waist circumference. Fat mass by BIA was higher among women. On the other hand, 67% of university students stated to perform regular physical activity, 16.7% stated being cigarette smokers, and 55.6% stated to consume high-grade alcohol. To conclude, we studied a sample population of young and healthy subjects with, however, a significant percentage of women with body weight lower than the healthy standards, overweighed people, and smokers usually taking high-grade alcohol. These data should elicit an alert of the potential cardiovascular risk in the university population if action is not taken. This population should be included in the health promotion plans.

Methodological aspects for metabolome visualization and characterization: a metabolomic evaluation of the 24 h evolution of human urine after cocoa powder consumption.

The LC-MS based metabolomics studies are characterized by the capacity to produce a large and complex dataset being mandatory to use the appropriate tools to recover and to interpret as maximum information as possible. In this context, a combined partial least square discriminat analysis (PLS-DA) and two-way hierarchical clustering (two-way HCA) using Bonferroni correction as filter is proposed to improve analysis in human urinary metabolome modifications in a nutritional intervention context. After overnight fasting, 10 subjects consumed cocoa powder with milk. Urine samples were collected before the ingestion product and at 0-6, 6-12, 12-24 h after test-meal consumption and analysed by LC-Q-ToF. The PLS-DA analysis showed a clear pattern related to the differences between before consumption period and the other three periods revealing relevant mass features in this separation, however, a weaker association between mass features and the three periods after cocoa consumption was observed. On the other hand, two-way HCA showed a separation of four urine time periods and point out the mass features associated with the corresponding urine times. The correlation matrix revealed complex relations between the mass features that could be used for metabolite identifications and to infer the possible metabolite origin. The reported results prove that combining visualization strategies would be an excellent way to produce new bioinformatic applications that help the scientific community to unravel the complex relations between the consumption of phytochemicals and their expected effects on health.

Soporte nutricional en los pacientes con trastornos del comportamiento alimentario / Nutritional support in patients with eating disorders

Los TCS (trastornos del comportamiento alimentario) son un grupo de enfermedades psiquiátricas que se caracterizan por tener una alteración definida del patrón de ingesta o de la conducta sobre el control de peso. En este grupo de enfermedades se incluyen fundamentalmente la anorexia nerviosa (AN) y la bulimia nerviosa (BN). Las manifestaciones clínicas de estas patologías son muy variadas debido a que puede afectar a todo el organismo como consecuencia de la malnutrición. El diagnóstico de los TCA es clínico, utilizándose esencialmente los criterios diagnósticos propuestos por la Asociación Americana de Psiquiatría (DSM-IV). La mejoría del estado nutricional es un objetivo primordial en estos pacientes malnutridos. Generalmente se establece una ganancia de peso de 250-500 g/sem en pacientes ambulatorios y 1.000-1.500 g/sem en pacientes ingresados. Según las recomendaciones de la Asociación Americana de Psquiatría, el tratamiento nutricional debería aportar inicialmente 30-40 kcal/kg/día (1.000-1.500 kcal/día) e irse incrementando durante la hospitalización. En la mayoría de las pacientes este aporte energético se realizará mediante soporte nutricional con dieta oral a la que añadiremos suplementos vía oral a medida que la paciente lo requiera. Suelen utilizarse dietas completas poliméricas, generalmente con una densidad calórica de 1,5 kcal/ml. No obstante, en algunos pacientes es necesario utilizar soporte nutricional artificial al no alcanzarse los objetivos necesarios. La nutrición enteral es la forma de nutrición artificial de elección en este tipo de pacientes

[Maple syrup disease: a rare entity that we must know. Review of its dietetic management]. / Enfermedad de jarabe de arce: una entidad rara que debemos recordar. A propósito de su manejo dietético.

Maple syrup disease is secondary to a deficiency of deshydrogenase complex of a cetoacid of branched-chain. This disease has a recessive autosomic inheritance, with an incidence of 1/200,000 newborns, without differences between male and female. Due to clinical presentation and biochemical response to tiamin, these patients can be classified in five clinical entities: classic, intermediate, intermittent, positive response to tiamin and deficiency of dihydrolipoyl deshydrogenase (E3). In these patients, an increase of seric branched-chain aminoacids is detected, it could be detected by (chromatography) during neonatal period. Valine, isoleucine, and aloisoleucine are increased in serum, orine, and cephaloraquideum liquid by ionic changed chromatography, chromatography of high resolution or high voltage electrophoresis. Patients have two phases in this disease (acute phase and maintaining phase). Objectives in acute phase are based in three topics: to eliminate toxic metabolites, nutritional support and to get anabolism. Utilization of hemodialysis/peritoneal dialysis/blood exchange is one of the first treatments. Dietetic support is the second treatment, with a minimum energy intake and controlling blood levels of aminoacids. Modified dietetic formulas is a main device to treat these patients.

Enfermedad de jarabe de arce: una entidad rara que debemos recordar. A propósito de su manejo dietético / Mapple syrup disease: a rare entity that we must know. Review of its dietetic management

La enfermedad de jarabe de arce o cetoaciduria de cadena ramificada es causada por una deficiencia en la actividad del complejo de la deshidrogenasa de los á cetoácidos de cadena ramificada. Esta enfermedad se hereda con carácter autósomico recesivo, afecta por igual a ambos sexos, siendo su incidencia de 1/200.000 recién nacidos. Basado en la presentación clínica y respuesta bioquímica a la administración de tiamina, estos pacientes se dividen en cinco fenotipos clínicos y bioquímicos diferentes: clásica, intermedia, intermitente, sensible atiamina y deficiencia de dihidrolipoil deshidrogenasa (E3). En los pacientes con esta enfermedad se detecta un aumento cualitativo de aminoácidos ramificados en plasma, se puede apreciar por métodos utilizados en screening (cromatografía en capa fina) durante el periodo neonatal. Los aminoácidos valina, isoleucina, y aloisoleucina se encuentran aumentados en plasma, orina, y líquido cefalorraquídeo determinados por cromatografía de intercambio iónico, cromatografía de alta resolucióno electroforesis alto voltaje. Es necesario diferenciar la fase en la que se encuentra el paciente (fase aguda o fase de mantenimiento). Los objetivos en la fase de descompensación metabólica aguda se basan en tres puntos: eliminar los metabolitos tóxicos, soporte nutricional y conseguir anabolismo. La utilización de exaguino transfusión/hemodiálisis/diálisis peritoneales una de las primeras medidas, junto con las modificaciones dietéticas que aportan un minimo energético y que intentan controlar los niveles de aminoácidos en sangre. La utilización de fórmulas dietéticas modificadas artificialmente constituye uno de los pilares del tratamiento en estos pacientes

Mapple syrup disease is secondary to a deficiency of deshidrogenase complex of á cetoacid of branched-chain. This disease has a recesive autosomic inheritance, with an incidence of 1/200.000 newborns, without differences between male and female. Due to clinical presentation and biochemical response to tiamin, these patients can be classified in five clinical entities: classic, intermediate,intermittent, positive response to tiamin and defficience of dihidrolipoil deshidrogenase (E3). In these patients, an increase of seric branched-chain aminoacids is detected, it could be detected by (cromathography) during neonatal period. Valine, isoleucine, andaloisoleucine are incresaed in serum, orine, and cephaloraquideum liquid by ionic changed cromathography, cromathography of high resolution or high voltage electrophoresis. Patients have two phases in this disease (acute phase and mantaining phase). Objectives in acute phase are based in three topics: to eliminate toxic metabolites, nutritional support and to get anabolism. Utilization of hemodyalisis/peritoneal dyalisis/blood exchange is one of the first treatments. Dietetic support is the second treatment, with aminimun energy intake and controlling blood levels of aminoacids. Modified dietetic formulas is a main device to treat these patients

[Enteral nutrition; direct costs in a tertiary care hospital]. / Nutrición enteral; costes directos en un hospital terciario.

INTRODUCTION: The studies in which the direct costs generated by enteral nutrition have been analyzed in hospitals of our country are limited. The objective of our study has been the analysis of costs incurred by this treatment in our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 449 consecutive patients who received nutritional support and that were hospitalized in the Hospital Río Ortega (Valladolid) since January 1999 to June 2001 has been studied. In this study only the direct costs were analyzed. RESULTS: The nutritional support was effective in the complete group with an improvement in the serum levels of albumin, prealbumin, and transferrin. In the analysis of direct costs generated by enteral nutrition the total median cost was of 598.4 +/- 761 euros/total treatment/patient, which represents a daily median cost of 36.3 +/- 8.8 euros/day/patient. In the analysis of costs by paragraphs, the expendable equipment constituted 36% of the total, representing the tubes 3%, the lines of nutrition 12%, the containers 21% and the nutritional preparations 64%. A cost analysis was also carried out in relation to the different groups of pathologies, and in this way the patients with hematological tumors and the patients with higher aereodigestive tract tumors showed some greater costs, due to their higher median hospital stay. The patients who received nutrition through a gastrostomy probe showed also higher costs, in addition due to a greater hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: The costs of the nutritional support were superior in the group of patients with hematological tumors and with higher aereodigestive tract, due to their greatest hospital stay. A greater cost in the patients whose access route was the gastrostomy was also observed.

Nutrición enteral; costes directos en un hospital terciario / Enteral nutrition; direct costs in a tertiary care hospital

Introducción. Los estudios que han analizado los costes directos generados por la nutrición enteral en hospitales en nuestro país son escasos. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue analizar el coste de este tratamiento en nuestro centro. Material y métodos. Estudiamos un total de 449 pacientes consecutivos con indicación de soporte nutricional que ingresaron en el Hospital del Río Hortega (Valladolid) desde enero de 1999 a junio de 2001.En este análisis sólo se analizaron los costes directos. Resultados. El soporte nutricional fue efectivo en el grupo global, mostrando una mejoría en los niveles de albúmina, prealbúmina y transferrina. En el análisis de costes económicos directos generados por la nutrición enteral el coste medio total fue de 99.348 ñ 126.462 pesetas por tratamiento completo por paciente (598,4 ñ 761 euros), representando un coste medio diario de 6.021 ñ 1.467 pesetas de tratamiento al día por paciente (36,3 ñ 8,8 euros). En el análisis de costes por apartados, el material fungible supuso un 36 por ciento del total, representando las sondas un 3 por ciento, las nutrilíneas un 12 por ciento, los contenedores un 21 por ciento y los preparados nutricionales un 64 por ciento. Se realizó también un análisis de costes en función del grupo de patologías; de este modo los pacientes con tumores hematológicos y los pacientes con tumores en vía aerodigestiva alta presentaron unos mayores costes en función de su mayor estancia media; del mismo modo que los pacientes nutridos a través de gastrostomía también influido el mayor coste por una estancia más larga. Conclusiones. El coste del soporte nutricional fue superior en el grupo de pacientes con tumores hematológicos y de vías aerodigestivas altas influido por la estancia. También existió un mayor coste en los pacientes cuya vía de acceso fue la gastrostomía (AU)

Triacylglycerol markers of mature human milk.

OBJECTIVES: To determine which triacylglycerol (TAG) species in mature human milk are less affected by external factors and may thus be considered as TAG markers, as well as to determine which species are most influenced by these external conditions. Furthermore, we examine the correlation between the TAG markers and their fatty acids (FAs). SETTING AND SUBJECTS: Six healthy women from Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain). DESIGN AND INTERVENTIONS: In order to obtain the maximum variability of sampling conditions, 40 mature human milk samples were collected from different mothers, on different days, at different times of the day, and from different breasts during and after both the baby's and mother's meal. TAG and FA profiles were determined and correlated. The TAG composition was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with an evaporative light-scattering detector, and also with atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry. FAs compositions were determined by gas chromatography. RESULTS: The results were analysed using the SPSS statistical package and proved to be more variable than might have been found in a more restrictive sample design. Nevertheless, despite these conditions, some TAG species were found in relatively constant levels in mature human milk, and could thus be considered as markers of the mature milk TAG profile. TAG species that we can classify in this group were: LaMO, CaPO, LaCaO, LaPCa, LaOL, MPLn, LLO, LaOO, MPL, and MOL. The names do not indicate the location of fatty acids in the glycerol molecule. On the other hand, concentrations of other TAG species vary considerably between samples and consequently these may be understood to be especially affected by the external factors. TAGs like PaLS, MPO, PaOO, PPP, MPS, SPP, LOO, PPO, MOS, SSP, POL, and SOS are in this second group. Correlation between the TAG markers and their FAs was examined by Pearson's test and a significant correlation was found for some FAs. CONCLUSIONS: The TAG species present in mature human milk are affected in different ways by external factors such as dietary intake, nutritional status, length of lactation, time of the day, etc. Some TAGs may be considered as markers of mature human milk as they are relatively constant under a wide range of sampling conditions and do not depend on the factors mentioned. SPONSORSHIP: This study was supported by the Fundació Mestres Jané.

Nutrición enteral domiciliaria, análisis de eficiencia en un Área de Salud / Home enteral nutrition: analysis of efficiency in a Healt District

Introducción. Los estudios que han analizado los costes directos generados por la nutrición enteral domiciliaria (NED) han sido escasos. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue realizar un análisis de costes directos de la nutrición enteral domiciliaria utilizando como referentes los valores de seguimiento nutricionales tanto bioquímicos como nutricionales. Material y métodos. Desde enero de 1999 hasta diciembre de 2001 estudiamos un total de 102 pacientes consecutivos con indicación de soporte nutricional domiciliario. A todos los pacientes se les registraron los siguientes datos epidemiológicos: edad, sexo y patología primaria que indicaba la nutrición enteral, realizándose una valoración antropométrica y una valoración bioquímica nutricional trimestralmente. Se registraron asimismo el número de episodios de diarrea, vómitos, neumonía por aspiración y fallecimientos durante el tratamiento. Resultados. La edad media de los pacientes fue 58,7 ñ 13,3 años. La distribución de pacientes por enfermedades fue: 71 (69,3 por ciento) tenían cáncer de cabeza y cuello; 14 (13,9 por ciento) tenían una alteración neurológica que afecta a la deglución (accidente cerebrovascular y/o demencia); 6 (5,9 por ciento) presentaban tumores en otras localizaciones, y 11 (10,9 por ciento) tenían un grupo de patologías que inducen disfagia o anorexia. La NED fue administrada vía oral a 81 pacientes (79,4 por ciento), por sonda nasogástrica (SNG) en 15 pacientes (14,7 por ciento), mediante gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea (GEP) en 5 pacientes (4,9 por ciento) y yeyunostomía en un paciente (1 por ciento). La duración media de la NED fue de 101ñ46,9 días. Existió una mejoría significativa en los parámetros bioquímicos y antropométricos de los pacientes con NED. En el análisis de costes económicos directos generados por la nutrición enteral; fórmulas nutricionales y material fungible utilizados (contenedores, sondas y nutrilíneas), el coste medio total fue de 300.033 ñ 599.203 ptas/tratamiento completo/paciente (1.803ñ3.601 euros), representando un coste medio diario de 2.970ñ5.932 ptas/día/paciente de tratamiento (17,8ñ35,6 euros). En el análisis de costes por apartados, el material fungible (nutrilínea, sonda nasogástrica y contenedor de fórmula nutricional) representó una media de 1.284ñ4.571 ptas/ tratamiento completo/paciente (7,7ñ27,4 euros) (5 por ciento en total) y los preparados nutricionales una media de 231.313ñ399.756 ptas/tratamiento completo/paciente (1.390,2 ñ 2.402 euros) (95 por ciento). Los pacientes con mayor consumo de recursos fueron los pacientes con tumores de cabeza y cuello. Para analizar la eficiencia de este tratamiento se realizó un análisis de coste por cada parámetro objetivo que indicaba mejoría en el estado nutricional, de este modo el aumento de 1 g/dl de albúmina supuso un gasto medio de 103.817ñ2.897 ptas (623,9ñ17,4 euros) y el aumento de 1 kg de peso supuso un gasto medio de 857.237ñ25.097 ptas (5.152,1ñ150,8 euros).Conclusiones. En resumen, la nutrición enteral domiciliaria se demostró efectiva en la mejora del estado nutricional en diferentes grupos de pacientes ambulantes. El coste del soporte nutricional fue superior en el grupo de pacientes con tumores de vías aerodigestivas altas, influido por la duración del tratamiento y la vía de acceso (AU)

[Home enteral nutrition: analysis of efficiency in a Health District]. / Nutrición enteral domiciliaria, análisis de eficiencia en un Area de Salud.

INTRODUCTION: Studies on the analysis of direct costs generated by household enteral nutrition (HEN) have been scant. The objective of our study was to carry out a direct costs analysis of household enteral nutrition using both the biochemical and nutritional monitoring values of the nutritional state as a point of reference. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since January 1999 until December 2001, we studied a total sample of 102 consecutive patients with indication of household nutritional support. The following epidemiological data were obtained in all patients: age, sex, and primary condition for which enteral nutrition was prescribed; we carried out an anthropometric assessment and a biochemical nutritional assessment quarterly. We recorded also the number of episodes of diarrhea, vomiting, aspiration pneumonia, and death during the treatment. RESULTS: Average age of the patients was 58.7 13.3 years. The number and proportion of patients according to primary conditions were the following: 71 (69.3%) with head and neck cancer, 14 (13.9%) with a neurological condition with swallowing disturbance (stroke and/or dementia), 6 (5.9%) with tumors in other locations, and 11 (10.9%) with a group of diseases associated with dysphagia or anorexia. HEN was administered by oral route in 81 patients (79.4%), by nasogastric tube (NGT) in 15 patients (14.7%), by PEG in 5 patients (4.9%) and by yeyunostomy in 1 patient (1%). Average duration of HEN was 101 46.9 days. We showed a significant improvement of biochemical and anthropometric parameters in patients with HEN. The economic analysis of direct costs generated by enteral nutrition showed that the total average cost of nutritional formulas and expendable equipment utilized (holders, probes and nutritional tubes) was 300,033 599,203 pesetas/full treatment/patient (1,803 3,601 euros), or a daily average cost of 2,970 5,932 pesetas/day/patient (17.8 35.6 euros). In the analysis of costs acording to different items, the expendable equipment (nutritional tubes, nasogastric tubes and nutritional formula holders) were an average of 1,284 4,571 pesetas/full treatment/patient (7.7 27.4 euros) (5% in total), and the nutritional preparations were an average of 231,313 399,756 pesetas/full treatment/patient (1,390.2 2,402 euros) (95%). The patients with greater resources expenditure were those with tumors of head and neck. In order to analyze the efficiency of this treatment an analysis of costs was carried out for each objective parameter indicating nutritional status improvement; that way, the increase of 1 g/dl of albumin was an average cost of 103,817 2,897 pesetas (623.9 17.4 euros), while the increase of 1 kg of weight was an average cost of 857,237 25,097 pesetas (5,152.1 150.8 euros). CONCLUSIONS. In summary, nutrition enteral household was an effective therapy for nutritional status improvement in different groups of ambulatory patients. The cost of the nutritional support was superior in the group of patients with tumors of the upper aereodigestive system because of the greater duration of the treatment and the complex access route.

[Oral diet in health personnel, fulfillment of daily recommendations]. / Dieta oral en personal sanitario, cumplimiento de las recomendaciones diarias.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional education is an essential issue for the proper approach to patients. One of the first issues to have in mind is the appropriate nutritional guidelines in theses professionals in their routine life. The aim of out work was to determine the oral intake pattern in a group of health professionals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 24-hours nutritional survey (encuesta) was performed in a group of 51 health professionals (including both medical and nurse personnel) who attended a course in specialized training in nutrition at Hospital Universitario Río Hortega. All participants had their weight, length, age, and profession recorded. Before complying with diet they received an identification session of alimentary rations. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 25.9 (5.4) years and they were all women (52.9% nurses and 47.1% physicians). Body mass index (BMI) was 21.9 (2.6). The intake of vitamin D was lower than international recommendations (RDA): 2.25 (3.27) g/day. However, the intake of vitamin C, 183.8 (118) mg/day; vitamin B12, 4.73 (3.18) mg/day; folic acid, 262.4 (126) g/day, and iodine, 310.3 (185) g/day were higher than international recommendations. The caloric intake was appropriate for the age of participants and protein intake was 2-fold above normality 1.66 (0.9) g/ kg/day. Differences were observed only between the group of nurses and physicians regarding iodine intake, slightly higher in the former individuals. CONCLUSION: In summary, the caloric intake in these health professionals is appropriate, and there is an excess in the intake of proteins, vitamin C, vitamin B12, folic acid and iodine, with a low intake of vitamin D.

Dieta oral en personal sanitario, cumplimiento de las recomendaciones diarias / Oral diet in health personnel, fulfillment of daily recommendations

Introducción. La importancia de la educación nutricional es fundamental para el correcto tratamiento de los pacientes. Uno de los primeros puntos que se han de tener en cuenta son las correctas normas nutricionales que puedan tener estos profesionales en su vida habitual. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue determinar el patrón de ingesta por vía oral en un grupo de profesionales de la salud. Material y métodos. Se realizó una encuesta nutricional de 24 horas a un grupo de 51 profesionales de la salud (médicos y enfermeras) que acudieron a un curso de formación especializada en nutrición en el Hospital Universitario Río Hortega. A todos los participantes se les recogió peso, talla, edad y profesión. Antes de cumplimentar la dieta recibieron una sesión de reconocimiento de raciones alimentarias. Resultados. La edad media de los pacientes fue 25,9 (5,4) años; todas fueron mujeres, un 52,9 por ciento eran enfermeras y un 47,1 por ciento médicos. El índice de masa corporal (IMC) fue de 21,9 (2,6). La ingesta de vitamina D fue inferior a las recomendaciones internacionales (RDA): 2,25 (3,27) µg/día; sin embargo, la ingesta de vitamina C, 183,8 (118) mg/día; vitamina B12, 4,73 (3,18) mg/día; ácido fólico, 262,4 (126) µg/día, y yodo, 310,3 (185) µg/día fueron superiores a las recomendaciones internacionales. La ingesta de calorías fue la adecuada para la edad de las participantes y la ingesta proteica se situaba dos veces por encima de la normalidad: 1,66 (0,9) g/kg/día. Sólo existieron diferencias entre el grupo de enfermeras y médicos en la ingesta de yodo, que fue significativamente superior en las primeras. Discusión. En resumen, el aporte calórico de este colectivo de profesionales de la salud es adecuado, existiendo un exceso en la ingesta de proteínas, vitamina C, vitamina B12, ácido fólico y yodo con una baja ingesta de vitamina D (AU)

Physicochemical characterization and antimicrobial properties of rhamnolipids produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 47T2 NCBIM 40044.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa 47T2, grown in submerged culture with waste frying oil as a carbon source, produced a mixture of rhamnolipids with surface activity. Up to 11 rhamnolipid homologs (Rha-Rha-C(8)-C(10); Rha-C(10)-C(8)/Rha-C(8)-C(10);Rha-Rha-C(8)-C(12:1); Rha-Rha-C(10)-C(10); Rha-Rha-C(10)-C(12:1); Rha-C(10)-C(10); Rha-Rha-C(10)-C(12)/Rha-Rha-C(12)-C(10); Rha-C(10)-C(12:1)/Rha-C(12:1)-C(10); Rha-Rha-C(12:1)-C(12); Rha-Rha-C(10)-C(14:1); Rha-C(10)-C(12)/Rha-C(12)-C(10)) were isolated from cultures of P. aeruginosa 47T2 from waste frying oil and identified by HPLC-MS analysis. This article deals with the production, isolation, and chemical characterization of the rhamnolipid mixture RL(47T2). The physicochemical and biological properties of RL(47T2) as a new product were also studied. Its surface tension decreased to 32.8 mN/m; and the interfacial tension against kerosene to 1 mN/m. The critical micellar concentration for RL(47T2) was 108.8 mg/mL. The product showed excellent antimicrobial properties. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated according to the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the lowest concentration of an antimicrobial agent that inhibits development of visible microbial growth. Low MIC values were found for bacteria Serratia marcescens (4 microg/mL), Enterobacter aerogenes (8 microg/mL), Klebsiella pneumoniae (0.5 microg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis (32 microg/mL), Bacillus subtilis (16 microg/mL), and phytopathogenic fungal species: Chaetonium globosum (64 microg/mL), Penicillium funiculosum (16 microg/mL), Gliocadium virens (32 microg/mL) and Fusarium solani (75 microg/mL).

Capillary electrophoresis-electrospray ion-trap mass spectrometry for the separation of chlorophenols.

Eighteen positional isomers of chlorophenols were separated by capillary electrophoresis (CE) and detected on-line by electrospray ionization ion-trap mass spectrometry (MS). Conditions for the coupling of CE to MS, e.g., the concentration of carrier electrolyte, the sheath liquid composition and the sheath gas flow-rate were optimized. Diethylmalonic acid (5 mM) at pH 7.25 and isopropanol-250 mM dimethylamine (80:20) as sheath liquid were used. The activation parameters for ion-trap mass spectrometric analysis of chlorophenols were optimized. The mass spectra, obtained for all the analytes, revealed that the [M-H]- ion was the base peak for all chlorophenols. Moreover, conditions for CE-MS-MS detection were established and [M-H-HCl]- ions were detected.