Validación externa del algoritmo InShape II para la exclusión de la enfermedad tromboembólica crónica en los pacientes con tromboembolismo pulmonar / External validation of the InShape II study algorithm for exclusion of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism

Antecedentes y objetivo La complicación a largo plazo más grave del embolismo pulmonar (EP) es la hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica (HPTEC), cuyo diagnóstico precoz implica la realización de un gran número pruebas. El estudio InShape II propone un algoritmo de cribado precoz que pretende disminuir el número de estudios ecocardiográficos. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es validar este algoritmo en nuestra cohorte de pacientes. Material y métodos Se analizaron retrospectivamente los pacientes ingresados con diagnóstico de EP por angio-TC, en el Hospital Rey Juan Carlos entre noviembre del 2017 y febrero del 2020, seguidos durante al menos un año. Se recogieron datos clínicos, analíticos, y pruebas complementarias a los 3 meses y al año. Se aplicó a estos pacientes el algoritmo del estudio InShape II para validar sus resultados. Resultados En el periodo de estudio fueron diagnosticados de EP 236 pacientes, de los cuales 137 fueron excluidos. Se validó el algoritmo en 99 pacientes. Aplicando el score del InShape II hubiéramos realizado 19 ecocardiogramas (3 de ellos con probabilidad intermedia/alta de HPTEC) y no se hubieran hecho en 80 (2 de ellos con probabilidad intermedia/alta), por lo que se estableció una sensibilidad del score de un 60%, con una especificidad de un 83%, y un área bajo la curva (AUC) de 0,715 (IC 95%: 0,472-0,958). Conclusiones Nuestros resultados apoyan que el algoritmo del estudio InShape II podría ser una herramienta útil en el cribado inicial del estudio de HPTEC en entornos de baja incidencia, ya que evitaría la realización de ecocardiogramas que no aportan valor (AU)

Background and aim The most severe long-term complication of pulmonary embolism (PE) is chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), and its early diagnosis often requires numerous diagnostic tests. The InShape II study proposes an early screening algorithm that aims to reduce the number of echocardiographic studies. The objective of our study is to validate this algorithm in our patient cohort. Materials and methods We retrospectively analyzed patients admitted to Hospital Rey Juan Carlos between November 2017 and February 2020, who were diagnosed with PE based on computed tomography angiography (CTA). Patients were followed for at least one year, and clinical, laboratory, and complementary test data were collected at three months and one year. The InShape II algorithm was applied to these patients to validate its results. Results During the study period, 236 patients were diagnosed with PE, of which 137 were excluded. The algorithm was validated in 99 patients. Applying the InShape II score, 19 echocardiograms would have been performed (three of them with intermediate-high probability of CTEPH), while 80 echocardiograms would have been avoided (two of them with intermediate-high probability). This yielded a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 83% for the score, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.715 (95% CI: 0.472-0.958). Conclusions Our results support the notion that the InShape II algorithm could be a useful tool for initial screening of CTEPH in low-incidence settings, as it would avoid unnecessary echocardiograms that do not provide additional value (AU)

External validation of the InShape II study algorithm for exclusion of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The most severe long-term complication of pulmonary embolism (PE) is chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), and its early diagnosis often requires numerous diagnostic tests. The InShape II study proposes an early screening algorithm that aims to reduce the number of echocardiographic studies. The objective of our study is to validate this algorithm in our patient cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients admitted to Hospital Rey Juan Carlos between November 2017 and February 2020, who were diagnosed with PE based on computed tomography angiography (CTA). Patients were followed for at least one year, and clinical, laboratory, and complementary test data were collected at three months and one year. The InShape II algorithm was applied to these patients to validate its results. RESULTS: During the study period, 236 patients were diagnosed with PE, of which 137 were excluded. The algorithm was validated in 99 patients. Applying the InShape II score, 19 echocardiograms would have been performed (three of them with intermediate-high probability of CTEPH), while 80 echocardiograms would have been avoided (two of them with intermediate-high probability). This yielded a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 83% for the score, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.715 (95% CI: 0.472-0.958). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the notion that the InShape II algorithm could be a useful tool for initial screening of CTEPH in low-incidence settings, as it would avoid unnecessary echocardiograms that do not provide additional value.

Predicting Daily Aerobiological Risk Level of Potato Late Blight Using C5.0 and Random Forest Algorithms under Field Conditions.

Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is a major disease of the potato crop with a strong negative impact on tuber yield and tuber quality. The control of late blight in conventional potato production systems is often through weekly application of prophylactic fungicides, moving away from a sustainable production system. In support of integrated pest management practices, machine learning algorithms were proposed as tools to forecast aerobiological risk level (ARL) of Phytophthora infestans (>10 sporangia/m3) as inoculum to new infections. For this, meteorological and aerobiological data were monitored during five potato crop seasons in Galicia (northwest Spain). Mild temperatures (T) and high relative humidity (RH) were predominant during the foliar development (FD), coinciding with higher presence of sporangia in this phenological stage. The infection pressure (IP), wind, escape or leaf wetness (LW) of the same day also were significantly correlated with sporangia according to Spearman's correlation test. ML algorithms such as random forest (RF) and C5.0 decision tree (C5.0) were successfully used to predict daily sporangia levels, with an accuracy of the models of 87% and 85%, respectively. Currently, existing late blight forecasting systems assume a constant presence of critical inoculum. Therefore, ML algorithms offer the possibility of predicting critical levels of Phytophthora infestans concentration. The inclusion of this type of information in forecasting systems would increase the exactitude in the estimation of the sporangia of this potato pathogen.

Trombosis venosa de retina. Auditoría de un programa de atención especializada / Retinal vein occlusion. Audit of a specialized care program

Background and objectives Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most frequent cause of retinal vascular disease and is related to classic cardiovascular risk factors. A specific program was designed to detect and treat risk factors in patients with RVO. The aim of this study is to audit the results of this program. Patients and methods The program consisted of a multidisciplinary clinical evaluation by the Ophthalmology and Internal Medicine Departments. All patients with RVO were screened, at minimum, for hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, overweight, and antiphospholipid syndrome. New risk factors or poor control of known risk factors were expected to be found in at least one-third of the patients. Among them, therapeutic measures were expected to be taken in at least two-thirds. A dissociated automated search of the data of all patients who entered the program between April 2021 and April 2022 was performed. Results Fifty-six patients were included for analysis. Of these, 39 (69.6%) had at least one new or poorly controlled risk factor and 43 (76.8%) had their treatment modified in some way. Antiphospholipid syndrome was detected in five (8.9%). Only one patient had low-risk hereditary thrombophilia. After an exhaustive examination, no risk factors were found in 11 patients. Conclusion This specific program has been effective in detecting new or poorly controlled risk factors and improving their treatment (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivo La trombosis venosa de retina (TVR) es la segunda causa más frecuente de enfermedad vascular de la retina y se relaciona con factores de riesgo cardiovascular clásicos. Se diseñó un programa específico para detección y tratamiento de factores de riesgo en pacientes con TVR. El objetivo de este estudio es auditar los resultados de dicho programa. Pacientes y métodos El programa consistió en una evaluación clínica multidisciplinar por parte de Oftalmología y Medicina Interna. A todos los pacientes con TVR se les realizó cribado, al menos, de hipertensión arterial, diabetes, dislipidemia, tabaquismo, sobrepeso y síndrome antifosfolípido. Se esperó encontrar nuevos factores de riesgo o pobre control de los ya conocidos en, al menos, un tercio de los pacientes. Entre ellos, se esperó tomar alguna medida terapéutica en, al menos, dos tercios. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda automatizada disociada de los datos de todos los pacientes que entraron en el programa entre abril de 2021 y abril de 2022. Resultados Cincuenta y seis pacientes se incluyeron para el análisis. De ellos, 39 (69,6%) tenían al menos un factor de riesgo nuevo o mal controlado, y 43 (76,8%) vieron modificado en algún modo su tratamiento. Se detectó síndrome antifosfolípido en 5 (8,9%). Solo un paciente tenía una trombofilia hereditaria de bajo riesgo. Tras un examen exhaustivo no se encontró factor de riesgo alguno en 11 pacientes. Conclusión Este programa específico ha sido efectivo para detectar factores de riesgo nuevos o mal controlados y mejorar su tratamiento (AU)

Retinal vein occlusion. Audit of a specialized care program.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most frequent cause of retinal vascular disease and is related to classic cardiovascular risk factors. A specific program was designed to detect and treat risk factors in patients with RVO. The aim of this study is to audit the results of this program. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The program consisted of a multidisciplinary clinical evaluation by the Ophthalmology and Internal Medicine Departments. All patients with RVO were screened, at minimum, for hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, overweight, and antiphospholipid syndrome. New risk factors or poor control of known risk factors were expected to be found in at least one-third of the patients. Among them, therapeutic measures were expected to be taken in at least two-thirds. A dissociated automated search of the data of all patients who entered the program between April 2021 and April 2022 was performed. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were included for analysis. Of these, 39 (69.6%) had at least one new or poorly controlled risk factor and 43 (76.8%) had their treatment modified in some way. Antiphospholipid syndrome was detected in five (8.9%). Only one patient had low-risk hereditary thrombophilia. After an exhaustive examination, no risk factors were found in 11 patients. CONCLUSION: This specific program has been effective in detecting new or poorly controlled risk factors and improving their treatment.

Authenticity of Honey: Characterization, Bioactivities and Sensorial Properties.

Honey is a natural product well known for its beneficial properties, which depend on its composition [...].

Assessment of the In Vivo and In Vitro Release of Chemical Compounds from Vespa velutina.

Vespa velutina has been rapidly expanding throughout Galicia since 2012. It is causing human health risks and well-known losses in the beekeeping sector. Control methods are scarce, unspecific, and ineffective. Semiochemicals are insect-derived chemicals that play a role in communication and they could be used an integrated pest management tool alternative to conventional pesticides. A previous determination of the organic chemical profile should be the first step in the study of these semiochemicals. HS-SPME in living individuals and the sting apparatus extraction followed by GC-MS spectrometry were combined to extract a possible profile of these compounds in 43 hornets from Galicia. The identified compounds were hydrocarbons, ketones, terpenes, and fatty acid, and fatty acid esters. Nonanal aldehyde appeared in important concentrations in living individuals. While pentadecane, 8-hexyl- and ethyl oleate were mainly extracted from the venom apparatus. Ketones 2-nonanone, 2-undecanone and 7-nonen-2-one, 4,8-dimethyl- were identified by both procedures, as was 1,7-Nonadiene, 4,8-dimethyl-. Some compounds were detected for the first time in V. velutina such as naphthalene, 1,6-dimethyl-4-(1-methylethyl). The chemical profile by caste was also characterized.

Staging Parkinson's Disease Combining Motor and Nonmotor Symptoms Correlates with Disability and Quality of Life.

INTRODUCTION: In a degenerative disorder such as Parkinson's disease (PD), it is important to establish clinical stages that allow to know the course of the disease. Our aim was to analyze whether a scale combining Hoehn and Yahr's motor stage (H&Y) and the nonmotor symptoms burden (NMSB) (assessed by the nonmotor symptoms scale (NMSS)) provides information about the disability and the patient's quality of life (QoL) with regard to a defined clinical stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study in which 603 PD patients from the COPPADIS cohort were classified according to H&Y (1, stage I; 2, stage II; 3, stage III; 4, stage IV/V) and NMSB (A: NMSS = 0-20; B: NMSS = 21-40; C: NMSS = 41-70; D: NMSS ≥ 71) in 16 stages (HY.NMSB, from 1A to 4D). QoL was assessed with the PDQ-39SI, PQ-10, and EUROHIS-QOL8 and disability with the Schwab&England ADL (Activities of Daily Living) scale. RESULTS: A worse QoL and greater disability were observed at a higher stage of H&Y and NMSB (p < 0.0001). Combining both (HY.NMSB), patients in stages 1C and 1D and 2C and 2D had significantly worse QoL and/or less autonomy for ADL than those in stages 2A and 2B and 3A and 3B, respectively (p < 0.005; e.g., PDQ-39SI in 1D [n = 15] vs 2A [n = 101]: 28.6 ± 17.1 vs 7.9 ± 5.8; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The HY.NMSB scale is simple and reflects the degree of patient involvement more accurately than the H&Y. Patients with a lower H&Y stage may be more affected if they have a greater NMS burden.

Sleep Problems Are Related to a Worse Quality of Life and a Greater Non-Motor Symptoms Burden in Parkinson's Disease.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to examine the frequency of self-reported sleep problems and their associated factors in a large cohort of PD patients. METHODS: PD patients and controls, recruited from 35 centers of Spain from the COPPADIS cohort were included in this cross-sectional study. Sleep problems were assessed by the Spanish version of the Parkinson's disease Sleep Scale version 1 (PDSS-1). An overall score below 82 or a score below 5 on at least 1 item was defined as sleep problems. RESULTS: The frequency of sleep problems was nearly double in PD patients compared to controls: 65.8% (448/681) vs 33.5% (65/206) (p < 0.0001). Mean total PDSS score was lower in PD patients than controls: 114.9 ± 28.8 vs 132.8 ± 16.3 (p < 0.0001). Quality of life (QoL) was worse in PD patients with sleep problems compared to those without: PDQ-39SI, 19.3 ± 14 vs 13 ± 11.6 (p < 0.0001); EUROHIS-QoL8, 3.7 ± 0.5 vs 3.9 ± 0.5 (p < 0.0001). Non-motor symptoms burden (NMSS; OR = 1.029; 95%CI 1.015-1.043; p < 0.0001) and impulse control behaviors (QUIP-RS; OR = 1.054; 95%CI 1.009-1.101; p = 0.018) were associated with sleep problems after adjustment for age, gender, disease duration, daily equivalent levodopa dose, H&Y, UPDRS-III, UPDRS-IV, PD-CRS, BDI-II, NPI, VAS-Pain, VAFS, FOGQ, and total number of non-antiparkinsonian treatments. CONCLUSION: Sleep problems were frequent in PD patients and were related to both a worse QoL and a greater non-motor symptoms burden in PD. These findings call for increased awareness of sleep problems in PD patients.

Description of the volatile fraction of Erica honey from the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula.

Heather honey is highly appreciated by consumers for its sensorial profile, which varies depending on the flora used by the honeybees. Volatile compounds contribute to these qualities. Characterisation of the volatile profile related to the botanical origin is of great interest for the standardization of unifloral honey. For this reason, 33 heather honey samples from northwest of the Iberian Peninsula were analysed by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) to identify the key volatile compounds in this type of honey. The aim of this research was to provide a descriptive analysis of these compounds, and to find whether there is any relationship with the main Erica species. A total of 58 volatile organic compounds were found, with hotrienol, phenylacetaldehyde, and cis-linalool being the most abundant. A principal component analysis and Spearman's rank correlation showed the homogeneity of the volatile profile in the samples, and their close relationship with the main pollen types.

Quality of life and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients with subthreshold depression.

BACKGROUND: The role of subthreshold depression (subD) in Parkinson's Disease (PD) is not clear. The present study aimed to compare the quality of life (QoL) in PD patients with subD vs patients with no depressive disorder (nonD). Factors related to subD were identified. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PD patients and controls recruited from the COPPADIS cohort were included. SubD was defined as Judd criteria. The 39-item Parkinson's disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and the EUROHIS-QOL 8-item index (EUROHIS-QOL8) were used to assess QoL. RESULTS: The frequency of depressive symptoms was higher in PD patients (n = 694) than in controls (n = 207) (p < 0.0001): major depression, 16.1% vs 7.8%; minor depression, 16.7% vs 7.3%; subD, 17.4% vs 5.8%. Both health-related QoL (PDQ-39; 18.1 ±â€¯12.8 vs 11.6 ±â€¯10; p < 0.0001) and global QoL (EUROHIS-QOL8; 3.7 ±â€¯0.5 vs 4 ±â€¯0.5; p < 0.0001) were significantly worse in subD (n = 120) than nonD (n = 348) PD patients. Non-motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) total score was higher in subD patients (45.9 ±â€¯32 vs 29.1 ±â€¯25.8;p < 0.0001). Non-motor symptoms burden (NMSS;OR = 1.019;95%CI 1.011-1.028; p < 0.0001), neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPI; OR = 1.091; 95%CI 1.045-1.139; p < 0.0001), impulse control behaviors (QUIP-RS; OR = 1.035; 95%CI 1.007-1063; p = 0.013), quality of sleep (PDSS; OR = 0.991; 95%CI 0.983-0.999; p = 0.042), and fatigue (VAFS-physical; OR = 1.185; 95%CI 1.086-1.293; p < 0.0001; VAFS-mental; OR = 1.164; 95%CI 1.058-1.280; p = 0.0001) were related to subD after adjustment to age, disease duration, daily equivalent levodopa dose, motor status (UPDRS-III), and living alone. CONCLUSIONS: SubD is a frequent problem in patients with PD and is more prevalent in these patients than in controls. QoL is worse and non-motor symptoms burden is greater in subD PD patients.

Botanical Origin, Pollen Profile, and Physicochemical Properties of Algerian Honey from Different Bioclimatic Areas.

The palynological and physicochemical analysis of 62 honey samples produced in different biogeographical areas of Algeria was conducted. Results showed high variety in the botanical origin of samples and their physicochemical profile. Twenty-six samples were polyfloral honey, 30 were unifloral honey from different botanical sources such as Eucalyptus, Citrus, Apiaceae, Punica, Erica, Rosmarinus, Eriobotrya, or Hedysarum, and 6 were characterized as honeydew honey. Pollen analysis allowed the identification of 104 pollen types belonging to 51 botanical families, whereas the physicochemical profile showed important variations between samples. Multivariate techniques were used to compare the characteristics of samples from different biogeographical areas, showing significant differences between humid-area samples, located in the northeast of the country, and samples taken in semiarid, subhumid, and arid zones. Principal-component analysis (PCA) extracted nine components explaining 72% of data variance, being 30%, the sum of Component 1 and Component 2. The plot of both components showed samples grouped upon botanical and geographical origin. The results of this paper highlighted the great variability in honey production of Algeria, evidencing the importance of honey characterization to guarantee authenticity and to valorize local production.

Honey: Chemical Composition, Stability and Authenticity.

This Special Issue contains innovative research papers on the characterization, chemical composition and physical properties of honey. This constitutes very useful information to avoid frauds and to guarantee the authenticity of this food product. The knowledge of the particularities of honey is increasingly demanded by beekeepers and consumers, and also by labs to typify honeys according to their botanical origin and to check their quality. Melissopalynological, sensorial and physicochemical techniques are being used to study the characteristics of honeys samples from different plant sources and geographical areas. The combination of these analytical techniques with mathematical and statistical methods or chemometrics allows researchers to identify a set of variables or individual parameters that define independent samples, providing a practical solution to classify honey according to the geographical or the botanical origin.

Differentiation of oak honeydew and chestnut honeys from the same geographical origin using chemometric methods.

Oak honeydew and chestnut honeys often share the same production area in Atlantic landscapes. Consequently these honeys have common physicochemical properties and pollen composition, making their differentiation by routine methods, a difficult task. The increase in the demands of consumers for clear honey labelling, identifying floral make-ups and the substantial health properties of both honey types, make it necessary to improve methods to differentiate the honeys. Statistical multivariate techniques were used to study the differences in the physicochemical composition and pollen spectra between chestnut honey and oak honeydew honey. Palynological analysis, moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, hydroxymethylfurfural, diastase number, colour, phenolic content, minerals and sugars were used for this purpose. The variables that had more weight in the differentiation by principal component analysis were Castanea, Cytisus type, CIELab coordinates (a* and L), RSA, Mg and trehalose; 97.6% of the honey samples were correctly classified by linear discriminant analysis.

COPPADIS-2015 (COhort of Patients with PArkinson's DIsease in Spain, 2015): an ongoing global Parkinson's disease project about disease progression with more than 1000 subjects included. Results from the baseline evaluation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In Parkinson's disease (PD), the course of the disorder is highly variable between patients. Well-designed, prospective studies for identifying PD progression biomarkers are necessary. Our aim was to show the results of baseline evaluations of an ongoing global PD project, COPPADIS-2015 (Cohort of Patients with PArkinson's DIsease in Spain, 2015). METHODS: This was an observational, descriptive, nationwide study (Spain). The recruitment period ended in October 2017. Baseline evaluation included more than 15 validated scales and complementary studies in a subgroup of participants. RESULTS: In total, 1174 subjects from 35 centres were considered valid for baseline analysis: 694 patients (62.6 ± 8.9 years old, 60.3% males), 273 caregivers (58.5 ± 11.9 years old, 31.8% males) and 207 controls (61 ± 8.3 years old, 49.5% males). The mean disease duration was 5.5 ± 4.4 years. Hoehn and Yahr stage was 1 or 2 in 90.7% of the patients whilst 33.9% and 18.1% of them presented motor fluctuations and dyskinesias, respectively. The mean Non-Motor Symptoms Scale total score was 45.4 ± 38.1, and 30.4% of the patients presented cognitive impairment, 16.1% major depression, 12.7% impulse control disorder, 7.2% compulsive behaviour, 57.2% pain and 13.2% falls. Compared to the control group, PD patients presented a significantly higher burden of non-motor symptoms and a worse quality of life. More than 300 subjects conducted complementary studies (serum biomarkers, genetic and neuroimaging). CONCLUSIONS: Parkinson's disease is a complex disorder and different non-motor symptoms are frequently present and are more prevalent than in controls. In real clinical practice it is important to ask for them.

Índice de masa corporal materno y resultados del embarazo en dos provincias argentinas / Maternal body mass index and pregnancy results in two Argentine province

INTRODUCCIÓN El sobrepeso y la obesidad tienen implicancias en las mujeres. La nutrición preconcepcional y materna es un importante problema de salud pública. OBJETIVOS Evaluar la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en las mujeres en etapa preconcepcional durante cuatro años y su repercusión sobre la salud materna y perinatal. MÉTODOS Se realizó un estudio de tipo ecológico basado en el análisis de datos secundarios. Se llevó a cabo en hospitales públicos de las provincias de Corrientes y Santiago del Estero, en el marco del proyecto para el Registro de Salud Materna y Neonatal de la Red Global para la Investigación en Salud de Mujeres y Niños. Para el análisis estadístico se realizaron t-test y chi2, además de un modelo de regresión logística con STATA 16.0. RESULTADOS La obesidad antes del embarazo aumentó en ambas provincias si se analiza su porcentaje por año de estudio. El aumento fue mayor en Santiago del Estero. Aunque no se observaron cambios en el porcentaje de casos de hipertensión del embarazo durante los cuatro años de estudio, el modelo de regresión logística mostró una asociación significativa de esta variable con un valor de índice de masa corporal (IMC) >= 30 kg/m2. Discusión Resultados La obesidad antes del embarazo aumentó en ambas provincias si se analiza su porcentaje por año de estudio. El aumento fue mayor en Santiago del Estero. Aunque no se observaron cambios en el porcentaje de casos de hipertensión del embarazo durante los cuatro años de estudio, el modelo de regresión logística mostró una asociación significativa de esta variable con un valor de índice de masa corporal (IMC) >= 30 kg/m2.

Vitamin D3 seems more appropriate than D2 to sustain adequate levels of 25OHD: a pharmacokinetic approach.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The superiority of cholecalciferol (D3) over ergocalciferol (D2) in sustaining serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) levels is controversial. To compare D2 with D3 we performed a single-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial spanning 11 weeks. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Healthy volunteers (n=33, aged 33.4±6 years) were divided into three groups (n=11, each): D2, D3 and placebo. Treatment started with a loading dose (100,000 IU) followed by 4800 IU/day (d) between d7 and d20 and follow-up until d77. Serum samples were obtained at baseline and at days 3, 7, 14, 21, 35, 49, 63 and 77. RESULTS: Baseline 25OHD values in the D2 group were lower than those in the D3 and placebo groups (P<0.01). Placebo 25OHD levels never changed. As after the loading dose both D2 and D3 groups had reached similar 25OHD levels, we tested equivalence of the area under the concentration × time curve (AUC) between d7 and d77. The AUC was 28.6% higher for D3 compared with D2, and both were higher with respect to placebo. At d77, D2 25OHD levels were higher than those at baseline, but similar to placebo; both were lower than D3 (P<0.04). According to raw data, the elimination half-life of 25OHD was 84 and 111 days under D2 and D3 supplementation, respectively; after subtracting the placebo values, the corresponding figures were 33 and 82 days. CONCLUSIONS: D2 and D3 were equally effective in elevating 25OHD levels after a loading dose. In the long term, D3 seems more appropriate for sustaining 25OHD, which could be relevant for classic and non-classic effects of vitamin D.

Assessment of physicochemical and antioxidant characteristics of Quercus pyrenaica honeydew honeys.

Consumers are exhibiting increasing interest in honeydew honey, principally due to its functional properties. Some plants can be sources of honeydew honey, but in north-western Spain, this honey type only comes from Quercus pyrenaica. In the present study, the melissopalynological and physicochemical characteristics and the antioxidant properties of 32 honeydew honey samples are described. Q. pyrenaica honeydew honey was defined by its colour, high pH, phenols and flavonoids. Multivariate statistical techniques were used to analyse the influence of the production year on the honey's physicochemical parameters and polyphenol content. Differences among the honey samples were found, showing that weather affected the physicochemical composition of the honey samples. Optimal conditions for oak growth favoured the production of honeydew honey.

Near infrared spectroscopy applied to the rapid prediction of the floral origin and mineral content of honeys.

Consumers demand to know the floral origins of honeys. Therefore, the use of simple and reliable techniques for differentiating among honeys by their origins is necessary. Multivariate statistical techniques and near infrared spectroscopy applied to palynological and mineral characteristics make it possible to differentiate among the types of honey collected from Northwestern Spain. Prediction models using a modified partial least squares regression for the main pollen types (Castanea, Eucalyptus, Rubus and Erica) in honeys and their mineral composition (potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus) were established. Good multiple correlation coefficients (higher than 0.700) and acceptable standard errors of cross-validation were obtained. The ratio performance deviation exhibited a good prediction capacity for Rubus pollen and for Castanea pollen, whereas for minerals, for Eucalyptus pollen and for Erica pollen the ratio performance deviation was excellent. Near infrared spectroscopy was established as a rapid and effective tool to obtain equations of prediction that contribute to the honey typification.

Contribution of botanical origin and sugar composition of honeys on the crystallization phenomenon.

The present work provides information regarding the statistical relationships among the palynological characteristics, sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose, melezitose and maltose), moisture content and sugar ratios (F+G, F/G and G/W) of 136 different honey types (including bramble, chestnut, eucalyptus, heather, acacia, lime, rape, sunflower and honeydew). Results of the statistical analyses (multiple comparison Bonferroni test, Spearman rank correlations and principal components) revealed the valuable significance of the botanical origin on the sugar ratios (F+G, F/G and G/W). Brassica napus and Helianthus annuus pollen were the variables situated near F+G and G/W ratio, while Castanea sativa, Rubus and Eucalyptus pollen were located further away, as shown in the principal component analysis. The F/G ratio of sunflower, rape and lime honeys were lower than those found for the chestnut, eucalyptus, heather, acacia and honeydew honeys (>1.4). A lower value F/G ratio and lower water content were related with a faster crystallization in the honey.