A model of traumatic brain injury in rats is influenced by neuroprotection of diurnal variation which improves motor behavior and histopathology in white matter myelin.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a significant public health concern and has been associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. TBI generates two types of brain damage: primary and secondary. Secondary damage originates a series of pathophysiological processes, which include metabolic crisis, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation, which have deleterious consequences for neuronal function. However, neuroprotective mechanisms are also activated. The balance among these tissue responses, and its variations throughout the day determines the fate of the damage tissue. We have demonstrated less behavioral and morphological damage when a rat model of TBI was induced during the light hours of the day. Moreover, here we show that rats subjected to TBI in the dark lost less body weight than those subjected to TBI in the light, despite no change in food intake. Besides, the rats subjected to TBI in the dark had better performance in the beam walking test and presented less histological damage in the corpus callosum and the cingulum bundle, as shown by the Klüver-Barrera staining. Our results suggest that the time of day when the injury occurs is important. Thus, this data should be used to evaluate the pathophysiological processes of TBI events and develop better therapies.

GK-1 peptide reduces tumor growth, decreases metastatic burden, and increases survival in a murine breast cancer model.

GK-1 is a parasite-derived peptide adjuvant of 18 amino acid-length that enhances T-cell function and increases survival in B16-F10 melanoma tumor-bearing mice. This study was designed to evaluate in vivo the antitumor efficacy of GK-1 on 4T1 mouse mammary carcinoma. BALB/c mice with palpable primary tumors were weekly intravenously injected three times with saline solution or three different concentrations (10, 50, or 100µg per mouse) of GK-1. GK-1 significantly increased lifespan (p<0.0001) and reduced the primary tumor weight (p=0.014) and volume (p<0.0001) with respect to control mice, with no statistically significant differences among GK-1 doses. At the primary tumor, we found increased necrotic areas associated with a reduction in tumor mass, as well as an increase in the antitumor cytokine IL-12. Especially encouraging is the ability of GK-1 to reduce the number of lung metastasis (p=0.006) disregarding the dose used. The participation of IL-6 in metastasis development and the decreased levels of CCL-2, CCL-3, TNF-α, CXCL-9, GM-CSF, and b-FGF found in lungs of GK-1-treated mice is discussed. Our study supports the effectiveness of GK-1 as an antineoplastic agent that merits further exploration in combination with other therapeutic approaches in future translational studies.

Evidence of respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza-3 virus in Mexican sheep.

This is a first report in Mexico of the presence of antibodies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza-3 virus in Mexican sheep in different productive stages. We determine the association of serological positivity with age and production system, and obtain molecular evidence of infection by both virus. RSV prevalence in adult sheep was 47% (49/105) at the tropic and 64% (63/99) at the uplands. A significant difference in RSV seropositivity between animals from the tropic and the uplands was observed (P < 0.05). Seropositivity correlated with production system (P = 0.003, OR = 2.042), with a risk of showing antibodies was 2.042 times higher in sheep under an extensive production system. A significant difference in PI3V seropositivity between animals from either provenance (P = 0.017, OR = 0.475) were also found, with a risk of showing antibodies 0.475 times higher in sheep under an extensive production system. Genetic material from RSV and PI3V was identified by RT-PCR in nasal swab samples from clinically healthy lambs and confirmed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Serological results show that sheep are susceptible to infection by both viruses, and molecular results suggest that the identified antibodies are result of natural infections and reinfections.

Effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania mexicana.

The most active metabolite of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3 is a steroid hormone implicated in a wide range of cell functions such as differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Leishmania mexicana causes two kinds of cutaneous leishmaniasis: localized or diffuse. In this work we explored the effect of treatment of 1,25(OH)2D3 on a susceptible leishmaniasis mice model. A significant reduction in the lesion size was found in animals treated with 1,25(OH)2D3. Well preserved tissue and presence of large numbers of eosinophils and fibroblasts was found in the group treated with 1,25(OH)2D3. By contrast, destroyed epidermis was observed with large amount of neutrophils and epithelioid macrophages, on infected groups without 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mice infected and treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 was lower than the animals infected without 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. Interestingly, there were no differences in the number of parasites in both groups. Finally, the amount of collagen was higher in animals with treatment compare with animals without 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. In summary, mice treated with 1,25 (OH) 2D3 reflect a healing process without elimination of L. mexicana.

Impact of two low-calorie meals with and without bread on the sensation of hunger, satiety and amount of food consumed.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to compare the differences in feelings of hunger and satiety in a group of overweight/obese women after eating a test meal with or without bread. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 122 women (BMI≥25<40 kg/m²) who were randomly assigned to consume one of the following test meals: NO BREAD meal (2.40 MJ, 46% carbohydrates, 26% protein, 28% fat; which included rice or pasta) and BREAD meal (2.39 MJ, with equal caloric distribution and the same foods except with bread instead of rice or pasta). A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used, with 5 questions to be answered at different times: 1) just before eating, 2) just after eating and exactly 3) 60 and 4) 90 minutes after eating the test meal. The test was performed at the start and after 16 weeks of following a lifestyle modification program based on a low-calorie diet (with or without bread). RESULTS: 104 women completed the study (48.4±9.0 years) with a baseline BMI of 29.8±3.5 kg/m². At the start of the study there were no significant differences in any of the VAS parameters measured between the groups. After 16 weeks, BREAD group obtained higher scores in question 3 (referring to the sensation of satiety) that were significant at time 3 (7 versus 5; p<0.05) and time 4 (8 versus 4; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of bread in a low-calorie meal may result in a greater sensation of satiety after eating. These results contradict the recommendation to exclude bread from a food plan aimed at weight loss.

Impact of two low-calorie meals with and without bread on the sensation of hunger, satiety and amount of food consumed / Repercusión de dos comidas hipocalóricas con y sin pan sobre la sensación de hambre, saciedad y cantidad de comida consumida

Background: The aim was to compare the differences in feelings of hunger and satiety in a group of overweight/obese women after eating a test meal with or without bread. Patients and methods: The study included 122 women (BMI ≥ 25 < 40 kg/m2) who were randomly assigned to consume one of the following test meals: NO BREAD meal (2.40 MJ, 46% carbohydrates, 26% protein, 28% fat; which included rice or pasta) and BREAD meal (2.39 MJ, with equal caloric distribution and the same foods except with bread instead of rice or pasta). A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used, with 5 questions to be answered at different times: 1) just before eating, 2) just after eating and exactly 3) 60 and 4) 90 minutes after eating the test meal. The test was performed at the start and after 16 weeks of following a lifestyle modification program based on a low-calorie diet (with or without bread). Results: 104 women completed the study (48.4 ± 9.0 years) with a baseline BMI of 29.8 ± 3.5 kg/m2. At the start of the study there were no significant differences in any of the VAS parameters measured between the groups. After 16 weeks, BREAD group obtained higher scores in question 3 (referring to the sensation of satiety) that were significant at time 3 (7 versus 5; p < 0.05) and time 4 (8 versus 4; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The inclusion of bread in a low-calorie meal may result in a greater sensation of satiety after eating. These results contradict the recommendation to exclude bread from a food plan aimed at weight loss (AU)

Objetivos: Analizar las diferencias en la sensación de hambre y saciedad en un grupo de mujeres con sobrepeso/obesidad en tratamiento tras el consumo de una comida prueba con o sin pan. Pacientes y métodos: El estudio incluyó a 122 mujeres con IMC ≥ 25 < 40 kg/m2 que fueron randomizadas asignándolas a consumir una de las siguientes comidas prueba: comida NO PAN (2,40 MJ -575 kcal-, 46% hidratos de carbono, 26% proteínas, 28% grasas; que incluía arroz o pasta) y comida PAN (2,39 MJ -571 kcal-, con igual distribución calórica y los mismos alimentos pero con pan en lugar de arroz o pasta). Se empleó una escala analógica visual (Visual Analogue Scale: VAS) de 5 preguntas que debía completarse en diferentes tiempos 1) antes: -1 min; 2) inicio: 0 min; 3) después: 60 min y 4) después: 90 min después de la comida prueba. El test se realizó al inicio del tratamiento y después de 16 semanas de seguir una dieta hipocalórica (con o sin pan), educación nutricional y promoción de actividad física. Resultados: Completaron el estudio 104 mujeres, edad media 48,4 ± 9 años e IMC basal 29,8 ± 3,5 kg/m2. Al inicio del estudio no existieron diferencias significativas en ninguno de los parámetros valorados por la VAS entre grupos. Al repetir el test tras la intervención el grupo comida PAN obtuvo una puntuación mayor en la pregunta 3 (referida a la sensación de saciedad) que fue significativa en los tiempos 3 (7 vs 5 p < 0,05) y 4 (8 vs 4 p < 0,01). Conclusiones: La inclusión del pan en una comida hipocalórica podría favorecer una mayor sensación de saciedad tras la comida. Estos resultados entran en contradicción con la recomendación de excluir el pan en un plan de alimentación orientado a la pérdida de peso (AU)

[Knowledge of nutrition labelling in general population. Assessment surveys conducted in La Paz University Hospital in Madrid during the 9th "National Nutrition Day 2010"]. / Análisis de las encuestas sobre etiquetado nutricional realizadas en el Hospital La Paz de Madrid durante la 9ª edición del "Día Nacional de la Nutrición (DNN) 2010".

INTRODUCTION: Nutrition labelling (NL) provides information on the energy and nutrients in a food and it represents a valuable tool to help consumers make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle. However, little is known about how consumers perceive the nutrition labelling information. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the knowledge of NL of a population survey and examine aspects such as attention, reading, understanding and utility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 200 volunteers were interviewed about NL on National Nutrition Day (NND) on May 28, 2010 at the La Paz University Hospital in Madrid. The questionnaire was self-administered and this contained 10 closed multiple choice questions. RESULTS: The surveyed group (66.7% women and 33.3% men) had a mean age of 42.0 ± 15 years and a BMI of 24.1 ± 3.8 kg/m². A percentage of 86.5% had completed secondary and higher education. The concept about NL was knocked by 77.1% of them. This percentage was significantly higher according to the level of their studies (primary 7.1%, secondary 32.1% and higher studies 60.9%; p < 0.0001) and also regarding the age range (42.3% vs. 25% of over that 50, p < 0.05). 73.8% always or almost always readied NL; 67.7% of those who declared that always readied were women and 71% had higher education. 53.8% of people over 50 years were not capable of reading labels due to the small letters. The most interesting information for the consumers was: calories (61%), fats (39%) and cholesterol (25.7%). Nutritional concepts questions had a low percentage of right answers, especially in volunteers with lower level of education and among older age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Results show that consumers have a low level of nutrition information that would enable a better choice to purchase food. Nutrition education is needed should be necessary to NL had a significant impact on the foods election. Therefore, this fact could contribute to the maintenance of health and disease prevention.

Análisis de las encuestas sobre etiquetado nutricional realizadas en el Hospital La Paz de Madrid durante la 9ª edición del 'Día Nacional de la Nutrición (DNN) 2010' / Knowledge of nutrition labelling in general population. assessment surveys conducted in la Paz University Hospital in Madrid during the 9th 'National Nutrition day 2010'

Introducción: El etiquetado nutricional es toda la información en relación con el valor energético y los nutrientes que componen al alimento y representa una valiosa herramienta para ayudar a los consumidores a tomar decisiones informadas acerca de su dieta y estilo de vida. Sin embargo, es poco conocido como percibe el consumidor esta información. Objetivos: Conocer el grado de información de la población encuestada sobre el etiquetado nutricional y evaluar aspectos como atención, lectura, comprensión y uso del mismo. Materiales y métodos: 200 voluntarios que asistieron el día 28 de mayo de 2010 (Día Nacional de la Nutrición DNN) al Hospital La Paz y completaron un cuestionario sobre etiquetado nutricional autoadministrado, consistente en 10 preguntas cerradas de opción múltiple. Resultados: El colectivo entrevistado (66,7% mujeres y 33,3% hombres) presentaba una edad media de 42,0 ± 15 años y un IMC de 24,1 ± 3,8 kg/m2. Un 86,5% tenía estudios medios y superiores. Un 77,1% conocía el concepto del etiquetado nutricional. El porcentaje fue significativamente mayor entre aquellos con estudios superiores (primarios 7,1%, medios 32,1% y superiores 60,9%; p < 0,0001) y en las edades comprendidas entre 30-49,9 años (42,3% vs 25% en mayores de 50 años, p < 0,05). Un 73,8% declaró que leía el EN siempre o casi siempre; entre aquellos que declararon que los leían siempre 67,7% fueron mujeres y 71% tenía estudios superiores. Un 53,8% de los mayores de 50 años declaró no poder leer el etiquetado debido al tamaño reducido de las letras. La información que despierta mayor interés sobre los consumidores son las calorías (61%), las grasas (39%) y el colesterol (25,7%). Las preguntas relacionadas con conocimientos nutricionales tuvieron un bajo porcentaje de respuestas correctas, sobre todo en el grupo con menor nivel de estudios y entre las personas mayores. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos muestran que la población presenta un nivel bajo de información nutricional que permita hacer una mejor elección de los productos que se compran. La educación nutricional es necesaria para que el etiquetado nutricional tenga impacto en la elección de los alimentos, ya que permite informar y concienciar a la población sobre como la dieta puede contribuir al mantenimiento de la salud y la prevención de la enfermedad (AU)

Introduction: Nutrition labelling (NL) provides information on the energy and nutrients in a food and it represents a valuable tool to help consumers make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle. However, little is known about how consumers perceive the nutrition labelling information. Objectives: Evaluate the knowledge of NL of a population survey and examine aspects such as attention, reading, understanding and utility. Material and methods: 200 volunteers were interviewed about NL on National Nutrition Day (NND) on May 28, 2010 at the La Paz University Hospital in Madrid. The questionnaire was self-administered and this contained 10 closed multiple choice questions. Results: The surveyed group (66.7% women and 33.3% men) had a mean age of 42.0 ± 15 years and a BMI of 24.1 ± 3.8 kg/m2. A percentage of 86.5% had completed secondary and higher education. The concept about NL was knocked by 77.1% of them. This percentage was significantly higher according to the level of their studies (primary 7.1%, secondary 32.1% and higher studies 60,9%; p < 0,0001) and also regarding the age range (42.3% vs. 25% of over that 50, p < 0.05). 73.8% always or almost always readied NL; 67.7% of those who declared that always readied were women and 71% had higher education. 53.8% of people over 50 years were not capable of reading labels due to the small letters. The most interesting information for the consumers was: calories (61%), fats (39%) and cholesterol (25.7%). Nutritional concepts questions had a low percentage of right answers, especially in volunteers with lower level of education and among older age groups. Conclusions: Results show that consumers have a low level of nutrition information that would enable a better choice to purchase food. Nutrition education is needed should be necessary to NL had a significant impact on the foods election. Therefore, this fact could contribute to the maintenance of health and disease prevention (AU)

Efecto de las plantillas conformadas en pacientes con algias plantares / Effect of custom-made insoles in patients with plantar pain

Propuesta: Correlacionar alivio sintomático, presiones plantares y fuerzas de reacción durante la deambulación de pacientes afectados de algias plantares tras colocación de plantillas conformadas. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron 35 pies afectados de metatarsalgia y 20 pies con talalgia (32 pacientes). Se utilizó la plataforma de marcha (NedAMH/Instituto de Biomecánica de Valencia [IBV]) y las plantillas instrumentadas (sistema Biofoot/IBV) de modo previo y posterior a la colocación de plantillas. Se obtuvieron las fuerzas anteroposteriores de frenado y propulsión, verticales de oscilación y despegue, y mediolaterales, así como los picos de presión máxima y presiones medias en cada zona. El dolor se valoró mediante la escala visual analógica (EVA). Se utilizó el paquete informático SPSS. 15 para el tratamiento de datos. Resultados: Las plantillas no consiguen una marcha más rápida o más estable, pero logran aumento de frenado y de propulsión. La significativa disminución del 30% en los picos de presión del antepié se correlaciona con la oscilación, el frenado y la propulsión. Igualmente se obtiene una disminución de las presiones medias de todas las zonas, que en la zona anterior se correlaciona con la diferencia en la fuerza de despegue. La EVA mejora significativamente (p<0,001), pasa de 67,4 a 32,2. En metatarsalgias, la variación de la EVA se correlaciona con los cambios en los picos de presión del retropié, el despegue y la propulsión. En las talalgias, también se relaciona con los cambios de presiones del antepié y el retropié y las variaciones en todas las fuerzas de reacción. Conclusión: Las plantillas logran una disminución efectiva de las presiones máximas del antepié en las metatarsalgias y del retropié en las talalgias, con aumento de las fuerzas de frenado y propulsión y una mejoría significativa de la EVA (AU)

Proposal: To correlate symptomatic relief, plantar pressures and ground reaction forces during ambulation in patients with painful plantar feet after placement of custom-made insoles. Material and methods: We studied 35 feet affected by metatarsalgia and 20 feet with painful heels (32 patients). We used a walking platform (NEDAMH/IBV) and instrumented insoles (Biofoot/IBV system) pre-and-post placement of custom-made insoles. Anteroposterior braking forces and propulsion, swing and vertical takeoff and medio lateral and peak maximum pressure (MP) and medium pressure (Pm) were obtained in each area. Pain was evaluated with the visual analogical scale (VAS). The SPSS software package 15 for data processing was used. Results: Insoles do not help to achieve a faster walk, or more stability, but they do achieve greater braking and propulsion forces. The significant decrease of 30% in forefoot peak pressures obtained is correlated with the swing, brake and propulsion forces. There is also a decrease in the average pressures for all areas, in which the forefoot's mean pressure is correlated with the take-off force's difference. Patients reported a significant relief of pain (p<0.001), in which the VAS significantly improved, changing from 67.4 to 32.2. In the metatarsalgias, the VAS variation correlates with the changes of the rearfoot pressure peaks, takeoff and propulsion. In painful heels, there is also a relationship between the pressures changes of the in the forefoot and heel and the variations in all ground reaction forces. Conclusion: Insoles achieve an effective reduction of peak pressures values in the forefoot metatarsalgias, and in the heel in painful heels, with an increase of brake and propulsion forces and a significant improvement in the VAS. The differences obtained in the VAS after the use of insoles maintained different correlations in metatarsalgias and painful heels, in peak pressures changes and in ground reaction forces variations (AU)

[Evaluation of the utility of a Nutrition Education Program with Eating Disorders]. / Evaluación de la utilidad de un Programa de Educación Nutricional en Trastornos de la Conducta Alimentaria.

INTRODUCTION: As eating disorders include both psychological and physiological components, appropriate management of these disorders requires input from a number of disciplines working together in a coordinated manner, following an integrated Programme. The Eating Disorders-Nutrition Education Programme has as its purpose achieving healthier habits and modifying eating behaviour. The Programme should take place as one part of Eating Disorders treatment. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of a Nutrition Education Programme about nutritional state and eating patterns in a group of patients diagnosed with Eating Disorders who follow the usual check-up protocol in the clinic for nutrition and mental health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 89 patients were included, including 5% men. They received individual nutritional education with weekly/fortnightly appointments during a period of 4-6 months. Educational counseling was carried out by a dietician. The mean age of the sample was 24 +/- 8 years and the diagnoses were: Anorexia Nervosa Restrictive (ANR) 32.5% Anorexia Nervosa Purgative (ANP) 26.5%, Bulimia Nervosa (BN) 18%, Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) 21% and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) 2%. The average evolution time since the diagnosis was 4.8 +/- 5 years. An anthropometric assessment, assessment of daily oral intake, 24-hour dietary recall, and Eating Attitudes Test (EAT26) questionnaires were completed at the first appointment and again at the end of the programme. RESULTS: The mean score of the EAT26 questionnaire was 32 +/- 15 initially, and after 4-6 months the score was 23.7 +/- 14 (p < 0.001). This change represents a significant improvement in the patients' symptoms after the Programme. Furthermore there were significant differences in the evaluation of the questionnaire by scales and by diagnosis. After 4-6 months, there was a meaningful reduction in episodes of vomiting per week (from 7.5 +/- 10 to 1 +/- 1.8 p < 0.001) in ANP and BN binge-purging (8 +/- 9.7 vs 2.2 +/- 3.2 p < 0,01). In addition, a favourable trend in the number of binges per week was observed for both diagnoses. The percentage of subjects that ate less than 4 meals per day decreased from 70% to 19% after the Education Programme (p < 0.001). Some 67% of the patients dedicated a specific time for eating and a 54% started to have complete meals. These results that show a very favourable tendency with respect to the normalization of eating patterns. There was improvement in the intake of dairy products, vegetables, fruits, cereals and oil (p < 0.05). At the beginning, 34% consumed at least 3 of the 6 food groups within the recommended range, but at the end 70% did (p < 0.001). After the nutritional education programme, an important increase in energy ingestion and carbonhydrate consumption took place (p < 0.001), as much with ANR as with ANP. With respect to micronutrients, the ingestion of vitamin B2 significantly increased, as well as folic acid and calcium (p < 0.001) in ANP, and magnesium and calcium (p < 0.001) in ANR. In ANR, we found a significant improvement in nutritional status (p < 0.001). Variables including weight, BMI, muscular circumference of the arm and tricipetal fold were at the limit of significance. Regarding ANP and EDNOS, the initial evaluation demonstrated that they were within normal limits, and they were maintained after nutritional education. In BN, progress towards normalization of BMI took place, increasing from 26.4 +/- 6.6 to 25.5 +/- 5.7 (-2.3 kg). CONCLUSIONS: The Nutritional Education Programme carried out by qualified professionals should be a part of Eating Disorders treatment, along with medical and psychological monitoring and as part of an interdisciplinary, multiprofessional team effort.

Evaluación de la utilidad de un Programa de Educación Nutricional en Trastornos de la Conducta Alimentaria / Evaluation of the utility of a nutrition education program with ealing disorders

Introducción: Los Trastornos de la Conducta Alimentaria incluyen componentes psíquicos y físicos, por lo que para un adecuado abordaje de los mismos se debe trabajar dentro de un Programa integral con la participación de diferentes disciplinas. La Educación Nutricional busca la modificación de la conducta alimentaria hacia patrones más saludables y debe formar parte del Programa de tratamiento de esta enfermedad. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de un programa de Educación Nutricional sobre el estado nutricional y el patrón alimentario de un grupo de pacientes con Trastornos de la Conducta Alimentaria que siguen con el protocolo habitual de seguimiento en consulta de Nutrición y deSalud Mental. Metodología: Se incluyeron 89 pacientes, 5% hombres, que recibieron Educación Nutricional individual con visitas semanales/quincenales por 4-6 meses, llevadas a cabo por una Dietista. La edad media 24 ± 8 años. La distribución por diagnóstico fue: Anorexia Nerviosa Restrictiva (ANR) 32,5% y Anorexia Nerviosa Purgativa (ANP) 26,5%, Bulimia Nerviosa (BN) 18%, Trastorno Alimentario No Específico (TANE) 21% y Trastorno por Atracón (TA) 2%. La media del tiempo de evolución desde el diagnóstico fue de 4,8 ± 5 años. Los pacientes completaban el cuestionario EAT26 (Eating Attitudes Test-26), se realizaba evaluación antropométrica, registro de 24 h y frecuencia habitual de consumo de alimentos en la primera consulta y tras recibir el programa de educación nutricional. Resultados: El valor medio del cuestionario EAT26 fue inicialmente 32 ± 15, tras la intervención fue 23,7 ± 14 (p < 0,001), lo que evidencia cambios significativos en la sintomatología de los pacientes muy positivos. También hubo diferencias significativas en el análisis del cuestionario por escalas y en la evaluación por diagnósticos. Tras los 4-6 meses del programa, disminuyó significativamente el número de vómitos/semana tanto en ANP (7,2 ± 10 vs 1 ± 1,8 p < 0,001) como en BN (8 ± 9,7 vs 2,2 ± 3,2 p < 0,01). También se observó una tendencia favorable en la disminución en el número de atracones/semana para ambos diagnósticos. El porcentaje de pacientes que consumían menos de 4 comidas/día se redujo de un 70% a un 19% (p < 0,001). El 67% de los pacientes logró dedicar un tiempo definido como correcto a comer y un 54% pasó a consumir una comida completa, resultados que muestran una tendencia muy favorable respecto a la normalización del patrón alimentario. Aumentó significativamente el consumo de lácteos, verduras, cereales, aceite (p < 0,001), carnes (p < 0,05) y frutas (p < 0,01). Inicialmente un 34% consumía por lo menos 3 de los 6 grupos de alimentos dentro del rango recomendado, al final lo hizo el 70% (p < 0,001). Tras la educación nutricional se produjo un incremento significativo en la ingesta energética y en el consumo de hidratos de carbono (p < 0,001) tanto en ANR como en ANP. Respecto a los micronutrientes aumentó significativamente la ingesta de vitamina B2, ácido fólico y calcio (p < 0,001) en ANP y de magnesio y calcio (p < 0,001) en ANR. Se produjo una mejoría significativa en el estado nutricional en ANR (p < 0,001) en las variables peso, IMC y circunferencia muscular del brazo y el pliegue tricipital estuvo en el límite de la significación. Para ANP y TANE su valoración inicial demostraba que se encontraban dentro de rangos de normalidad, situación que se mantuvo tras la educación nutricional. En BN se produjo una evolución hacia la normalización del IMC, que pasó de 26,4 ± 6,6 a 25,5 ± 5,7 (-2,3 kg). Conclusión: Los programas de educación nutricional llevados a cabo por profesionales cualificados y expertos, deben formar parte del tratamiento de los TCA, junto al seguimiento médico y psicológico y dentro del marco de la interdisciplina y el trabajo en equipo (AU)

Introduction: As eating disorders include both psychological and physiological components, appropriate management of these disorders requires input from a number of disciplines working together in a coordinated manner, following an integrated Programme. The Eating Disorders-Nutrition Education Programme has as its purpose achieving healthier habits and modifying eating behaviour. The Programme should take place as one part of Eating Disorders treatment. Objectives: To determine the efficacy of a Nutrition Education Programme about nutritional state and eating patterns in a group of patients diagnosed with Eating Disorders who follow the usual check-up protocol in the clinic for nutrition and mental health. Material and methods: 89 patients were included, including 5% men. They received individual nutritional education with weekly/fortnightly appointments during a period of 4-6 months. Educational counseling was carried out by a dietician. The mean age of the sample was 24 ± 8 years and the diagnoses were: Anorexia Nervosa Restrictive (ANR) 32.5% Anorexia Nervosa Purgative (ANP) 26.5%, Bulimia Nervosa (BN) 18%, Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) 21% and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) 2%. The average evolution time since the diagnosis was 4.8 ± 5 years. An anthropometric assessment, assessment of daily oral intake, 24-hour dietary recall, and Eating Attitudes Test (EAT26) questionnaires were completed at the first appointment and again at the end of the programme. Results: The mean score of the EAT26 questionnaire was 32 ± 15 initially, and after 4-6 months the score was 23.7 ± 14 (p < 0.001). This change represents a significant improvement in the patients' symptoms after the Programme. Furthermore there were significant differences in the evaluation of the questionnaire by scales and by diagnosis. After 4-6 months, there was a meaningful reduction in episodes of vomiting per week (from 7.5 ± 10 to 1 ± 1.8 p < 0.001) in ANP and BN binge-purging (8 ± 9.7 vs 2.2 ± 3.2 p < 0,01). In addition, a favourable trend in the number of binges per week was observed for both diagnoses. The percentage of subjects that ate less than 4 meals per day decreased from 70% to 19% after the Education Programme (p < 0.001). Some 67% of the patients dedicated a specific time for eating and a 54% started to have complete meals. These results that show a very favourable tendency with respect to the normalization of eating patterns. There was improvement in the intake of dairy products, vegetables, fruits, cereals and oil (p < 0.05). At the beginning, 34% consumed at least 3 of the 6 food groups within the recommended range, but at the end 70% did (p < 0.001). After the nutritional education programme, an important increase in energy ingestion and carbonhydrate consumption took place (p < 0.001), as much with ANR as with ANP. With respect to micronutrients, the ingestion of vitamin B2 significantly increased, as well as folic acid and calcium (p < 0.001) in ANP, and magnesium and calcium (p < 0.001) in ANR. In ANR, we found a significant improvement in nutritional status (p < 0.001). Variables including weight, BMI, muscular circumference of the arm and tricipetal fold were at the limit of significance. Regarding ANP and EDNOS, the initial evaluation demonstrated that they were within normal limits, and they were maintained after nutritional education. In BN, progress towards normalization of BMI took place, increasing from 26.4 ± 6.6 to 25.5 ± 5.7 (-2.3 kg). Conclusions: The Nutritional Education Programme carried out by qualified professionals should be a part of Eating Disorders treatment, along with medical and psychological monitoring and as part of an interdisciplinary, multiprofessional team effort (AU)

Identification of the source of histoplasmosis infection in two captive maras (Dolichotis patagonum) from the same colony by using molecular and immunologic assays.

Histoplasma capsulatum was isolated from the spleen of a first infected mara (Dolichotis patagonum) and from a second mara's liver and adrenal gland, both in the same colony at the Africam Safari, Puebla, Mexico. Studies of H. capsulatum isolates, using nested-PCR of a 100-kDa protein coding gene (Hcp100) fragment and a two-primer RAPD-PCR method, suggest that these isolates were spreading in the environment of the maras' enclosure. By using a Dot-ELISA method, sera from mice inoculated with three homogenates of soil samples from the maras' enclosed space developed positive brown spot reactions to a purified H. capsulatum antigen, which identified the probable source of the maras' infection.

Second case of histoplasmosis in a captive mara (Dolichotis patagonum): pathological findings.

A second case of histoplasmosis in a captive mara (Dolichotis patagonum) from a colony at the wildlife park Africam Safari, Puebla, Mexico, is described, and the mara died with disseminated clinical form of the disease, affecting mostly the large intestine and adrenal. The pathological findings of this case 2 revealed severe granulomatous typhlocolitis and moderate granulomatous gastrohepatic lymphadenitis with numerous yeast-like cells, 2-4 mum in diameter, with a clear halo surrounding them inside the cytoplasm of macrophages, suggesting the parasitic form of Histoplasma capsulatum. Adrenocortical cells had abundant similar microorganisms in their cytoplasm without any associated lesion. Gomori's methenamine silver and periodic acid Schiff stained positively these microorganisms. Immunohistochemistry, using a rabbit anti-H. capsulatum serum, and transmission electron microscopy supported the diagnosis of H. capsulatum infection.

Mast cells are activated by Leishmania mexicana LPG and regulate the disease outcome depending on the genetic background of the host.

The regulatory effect of mast cells on the pathogenesis of leishmaniasis is unclear. We report a comparative analysis of TLR2 membrane expression, TNF-α, IL-10 and MIP-1α production, and granule release of bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) from susceptible BALB/c and resistant C57BL/6 mice, stimulated in vitro with Leishmania mexicana lipophosphoglycan (LPG). We studied the kinetics of mast cell degranulation and parasite numbers in lesions of both mouse strains infected with L. mexicana. We found that BMMCs of C57BL/6 mice expressed more TLR2 and produced higher levels of both cytokines and MIP-1α, whereas BALB/c BMMCs significantly augmented their granule release. Lesions of BALB/c mice showed higher levels of degranulated mast cells at 3 h of infection, whereas after 3 days of infection, the number of degranulated mast cells in C57BL/6 was higher than in BALB/c lesions. Throughout infection, BALB/c mice harboured more parasites. The regulatory effect of mast cells seems to depend on the genetic background of the host: mast cells of BALB/c mice facilitate disease progression due to an augmented inflammatory response early in the infection, whereas mast cells of C57BL/6 mice produce cytokines that regulate inflammation and maintain an elevated number of immune cells in the lesions, promoting disease control.

A monoclonal antibody that inhibits Trypanosoma cruzi growth in vitro and its reaction with intracellular triosephosphate isomerase.

In parasites of the order Kinetoplastida, such as Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei, glycolysis is carried out by glycolytic enzymes in glycosomes. One of the glycolytic enzymes is triosephosphate isomerase (TIM), which in T. brucei is localized exclusively in glycosomes, whereas in T. cruzi, the localization of TIM has not been fully ascertained. In the present work, we made a monoclonal antibody (mAb 6-11G) against recombinant T. cruzi TIM (rTcTIM). Incubation of T. cruzi epimastigotes with the mAb inhibited parasite survival. Western blotting showed that the mAb recognized rTcTIM and a 27 kDa band in T. cruzi lysates that corresponded to TcTIM. Sera from patients with Chagas disease recognized rTcTIM and cross-reacted with human recombinant TIM. The cross reactivity between parasite and human TIM possibly contributes to the autoimmune pathogenesis of Chagas disease. Electron microscopy of T. cruzi epimastigotes with the mAb showed that TIM was located within glycosomes, in the cytoplasm, the nucleus, and the kinetoplast. Collectively, the data shed new light on T. cruzi TIM and opens perspectives for drug design.

Leishmania major : detection of membrane-bound protein tyrosine phosphatase.

PTPases have been reported as a virulence factor in different pathogens. Recent studies suggest that PTPases play a role in the pathogenesis of Leishmania infections through activation of macrophage PTPases by the parasite. We report here the presence of a membrane-bound PTPase in Leishmania major promastigotes. We detected differences in the PTPases present in the procyclic and metacyclic stages of promastigotes. In metacyclic promastigotes, the PTPase activity was totally inhibited by specific PTPase and serine/threonine inhibitors, whereas in procyclic promastigotes the PTPase activity was inhibited only with PTPase inhibitors. Two antibodies against the catalytic domains of the human placental PTPase1B and a PTPase from Trypanosoma brucei cross-reacted with a 55-60 kDa molecule present in the soluble detergent-extracted fraction of a Leishmania homogenate. Metacyclic promastigotes expressed more of this molecule than parasites in the procyclic stage. Yet the specific activity of the enzyme was lower in metacyclic than in procyclic promastigotes. Ultrastructural localization of the enzyme showed that it was more membrane-associated in metacyclic promastigotes, whereas in procyclic promastigotes it was scattered throughout the cytoplasm. This is the first demonstration of a PTPase present in Leishmania major promastigotes that differs in expression, activity and ultrastructural localization between the procyclic and metacyclic stages of the parasite's life-cycle.

Lack of acute pathogenicity and toxicity in mice of an isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae from spittlebugs.

A monospore strain of Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae (EH-479/2), isolated in Mexico from Aeneolamia sp., was tested for oral acute intragastric pathogenicity and toxicity in CD-1 mice, including a thorough histological study. Animals were inoculated by gavage with one dose (10(8) conidia/animal) of viable (72 mice) and nonviable (24 mice) conidia and compared to 18 control mice. Clinical observations were done daily; mycological and histological tests were performed during necropsies at days 3, 10, 17, and 21 after the inoculation. At the end of the study, no mice showed clinical symptoms of illness, and the animals' mean weight corresponded to that of healthy adults. No inflammatory reactions were identified in analyzed organs, suggesting the nonimmunogenic status of this fungal strain. Evidence of fungal germination was noted in two lymph nodes and in liver and lung of one dead mouse, out of 72 viable-conidia treated mice. There was no evidence of toxicity symptoms in mice inoculated with nonviable conidia. The results obtained support the nonpathogenic and nontoxic status of this fungal strain when administered in a sole intragastric dose in mice.

A novel synthetic adjuvant effectively enhances the immunogenicity of the influenza vaccine.

Influenza vaccination is a key intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality provoked by this disease. To date, the challenge of improving its efficacy remains unmet. The immunogenic synthetic peptide GK1 from Taenia crassiceps cysticerci was tested herein in its capacity as adjuvant, co-administered with the inactivated anti-influenza vaccine before and after challenge with influenza virus in both young and aged mice. Co-administration of GK1 with the influenza vaccine increased levels of anti-influenza antibodies in aged mice before and after infection, reduced the local inflammation that accompanied influenza vaccination itself and favored virus clearance after infection in both young and aged mice.

Demonstration of birbeck (Langerhans cells) granules in the normal chicken epidermis.

Mammalian Langerhans cells (LC) are epidermal dendritic cells which originate in bone marrow and migrate toward the T cell area of lymph nodes, where they act as professional antigen-presenting cells. A variety of cell surface markers, such as the ectoenzyme adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), Ia and CDla antigens, have been used extensively to identify LC. Ultrastructural identification of this cell type in the mammalian epidermis is made by the demonstration of a typical and unique cytoplasmic organelle, the Birbeck granule (BG). Although we had earlier demonstrated the coexpression of ATPase and Ia antigens on epidermal dendritic cells of the chicken epidermis, the presence of the BG has not previously been documented. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether chicken epidermal LC-like cells possess an organelle similar to the BG, and thus to complete their identification. Our findings are the first demonstration of characteristic rod-shaped, racket-shaped and disc-shaped intracytoplasmic organelles, morphologically similar to the mammalian BG, in avian LC.

Treatment of two patients with diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania mexicana modifies the immunohistological profile but not the disease outcome.

Two patients with diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania mexicana were treated with two leishmanicidal drugs (pentamidine and allopurinol) combined with recombinant interferon-gamma restoring Th-1 favouring conditions in the patients. Parasites decreased dramatically in the lesions and macrophages diminished concomitantly, while IL-12-producing Langerhans cells and interferon-gamma- producing NK and CD8 + lymphocytes increased in a reciprocal manner. The CD4+/CD8 + ratio in the peripheral blood normalized. During exogenous administration of interferon-gamma the parasites' capacity to inhibit the oxidative burst of the patients' monocytes was abolished. Even though Th-1-favouring conditions were restored, both patients relapsed two months after therapy was discontinued. We conclude that the tendency to develop a disease-promoting Th-2 response in DCL patients is unaffected by, and independent of, parasite numbers. Even though intensive treatment in DCL patients induced Th-1 disease restricting conditions, the disease-promoting immunomodulation of few persistent Leishmania sufficed to revert the immune response.