Interactions of a standardized flavonoid fraction from Tilia americana with Serotoninergic drugs in elevated plus maze.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tilia americana var. mexicana (Schltdl) Hardin (Tiliaceae) aerial parts (bracts and flowers) are used in the traditional Mexican medicine to treat nervous disorders, as sedative and to treat insomnia. A fraction of this species called FC1 (organic fraction from this plant) was proposed, described as anxiolytic and characterized by the presence of flavonoids. In the present work, this fraction was standardized, and its interaction with different serotonergic drugs was tested. We used the elevated plus maze model as anxiety test and the open field test so as to observe a possible effect on mice׳s motor behavior. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: HPLC technique was used to quantify the flavonoids contained in a fraction called F1C. Different doses of F1C were administered to ICR mice (12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50mg/kg, oral pathway) then they were exposed to elevated plus maze or open field test. After, each dose of F1C fraction was co-administered with different drugs, in order to evaluate the animal׳s behavior: DOI agonist (2.0mg/kg) and KET antagonist (0.03mg/kg) of 5-HT2A receptors; 8-OH-DPAT (0.1mg/kg) selective agonist and WAY100635 (0.5mg/kg) antagonist of 5HT1 receptors. RESULTS: The HPLC quantitative analysis revealed the F1C composition (mg/g of extract): tiliroside (28.56), glucoside of quercetin (16.25), quercitrin (7.96), rutin (3.93), Kaempferol (2.83). The Emax for F1C curve was 80.6% for time to open arms with an ED50 of 15.09 mg/kg. The combination of F1C with DOI gives a significant increase of the F1C anxiolytic effect (Emax=111% and ED50=13.51 mg/kg), while KET blocks it completely (Emax=12.25% and ED50=2.4 mg/kg). The administration of F1C with 8-OH-DPAT does not generate significant changes on the time to open arms, although it does induce a decrement in F1C potency (Emax=83.3% and ED50=33.3mg/kg). When F1C and WAY-100365 are combined, the anxiolytic activity of the fraction decreases (Emax=33.3% and ED50=102.10mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: The medicinal use attributed to Tilia americana for their effect on central nervous system, could be in part in the flavonoid fraction (F1C) with anxiolytic activity which is dose dependent, and has the ability to interact with the serotonergic system. It is necessary to advance in the study of the mechanism of action, using other techniques such in vitro analysis.

Metal release from ceramic coatings for dental implants.

OBJECTIVES: Two types of ceramic coatings on commercially pure titanium for dental implant applications with different Ca/P ratios in the range from 1.5 to 4.0, and two different thicknesses (∼5 and ∼15µm) were examined with the aim of underpinning the effect of coating composition, thickness and microstructure on the corrosion behavior and hydroxyapatite forming ability in SBF. METHODS: Bioactive coatings were formed on Ti by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO). The composition, structure, and morphology of the materials were characterized before and after the immersion in simulated body fluid solution (SBF) at 37°C for up to 4 weeks. All the materials were screened with respect to metal ion release into SBF. RESULTS: Only thick PEO coating with overstoichiometric Ca/P ratio of 4.0 exhibited capacity to induce the precipitation of hydroxyapatite over the short period of 1 week. Long term Ti(4+) ion release from all PEO-coated materials was 2-3 times lower than from the uncoated Ti. Metal ion release is attributed mostly to chemical dissolution of the coating at initial stages of immersion. SIGNIFICANCE: The long term stability was greater for thin PEO coating with overstoichiometric Ca/P ratio of 2.0, which exhibited ∼95ngcm(-2) of Ti(4+) ions release over 4 weeks. Thin PEO coatings present economically more viable option.

Stability of plasma electrolytic oxidation coating on titanium in artificial saliva.

Bioactive PEO coating on titanium with high Ca/P ratio was fabricated and characterized with respect to its morphology, composition and microstructure. Long-term electrochemical stability of the coating and Ti(4+) ion release was evaluated in artificial saliva. Influence of the lactic acid and fluoride ions on corrosion protection mechanism of the coated titanium was assessed using AC and DC electrochemical tests. The PEO-treated titanium maintained high passivity in the broad range of potentials up to 2.5 V (Ag/AgCl) for up to 8 weeks of immersion in unmodified saliva and exhibited Ti(4+) ion release <0.002 µg cm(-2) days(-1). The high corrosion resistance of the coating is determined by diffusion of reacting species through the coating and resistance of the inner dense part of the coating adjacent to the substrate. Acidification of saliva in the absence of fluoride ions does not affect the surface passivity, but the presence of 0.1 % of fluoride ions at pH ≤4.0 causes loss of adhesion of the coating due to inwards migration of fluoride ions and their adsorption at the substrate/coating interface in the presence of polarisation.

Echinococcus granulosus glycoconjugates induce peritoneal B cell differentiation into antibody-secreting cells and cytokine production.

Helminth parasite infections are associated with predominant Th2-type cytokine responses, and parasite glycoconjugates have been recognized as partially responsible for such immune bias. It has been proved that Echinococcus granulosus evokes a Th2-type cytokine pattern characterized by a high production of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10, and no or mild IFN-γ levels in animal models and in patients with cystic echinococcosis, respectively. Here, we show that E4(+) (a glycoconjugate-enriched fraction from E. granulosus protoscolex) stimulated the secretion of a high concentration of IL-6, followed by IL-10 and TNF-α by normal peritoneal B cells. We determined that E4(+) bound to the surface of peritoneal B cells and induced their activation and, also, triggered the differentiation of peritoneal B cells into IgM-, IgG2b- and IgG3-secreting cells in a T-independent way. Interestingly, the IgM released by E4(+) -stimulated peritoneal B cells from normal mice recognized protoscolex antigens. Results showed that, after the encounter with antigens from E. granulosus protoscolex, peritoneal B cells are a source of Th2-type cytokines and polyclonal antibodies, some of which recognize parasite antigens, suggesting that peritoneal B cells can condition the outcome of the infection.

Trypanosoma cruzi infection beats the B-cell compartment favouring parasite establishment: can we strike first?

Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas' disease, may sabotage humoral response by affecting B cells at the different stages of its development. The present review highlights the contributions of our laboratory in understanding how T. cruzi hinders B-cell generation and B-cell expansion limiting host defence and favouring its chronic establishment. We discuss how homoeostatic mechanisms can be triggered to control exacerbated B-cell proliferation that favour T. cruzi infection by eliminating parasite-specific B cells. Specific targeting of evasion mechanisms displayed in T. cruzi infection, as in vivo Fas/FasL blockade or Gal-3 expression inhibition, allowed us to modulate B-cell responses enhancing the anti-parasite humoral immune response. A comprehensive understanding of the biology of the B cell in health and disease is strictly required to devise immunointervention strategies aimed at enhancing protective immune responses during infections.

Toxocara infection seroprevalence and its relationship with atopic features in a general adult population.

BACKGROUND: The relationship of helminth infection with atopy is controversial. Toxocariasis is the most common helminth infection in industrialized countries. The study aimed to investigate the association between Toxocara exposure and atopic features. METHODS: The study is based on a cross-sectional survey of 463 subjects, randomly selected (stratified by decades of age) from a general adult population. Toxocara exposure was defined by the presence of serum Toxocara antibodies. Main outcome measures included total serum IgE levels, skin prick tests (SPT) to a panel of 13 relevant aeroallergens, specific IgE to aeroallergens (Phadiatop test), and respiratory symptoms evaluated by means of a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 134 subjects (weighted proportion 28.6%, 95% CI 26.5-30.7%) showed Toxocara exposure. Pet ownership, rural habitat, farming, and low educational level were associated with Toxocara exposure. Toxocara exposure was associated with both positive SPT (particularly to mites) and positive specific IgE (Phadiatop test) after adjusting for potential confounders. The effect of Toxocara exposure on total serum IgE levels and blood eosinophil count was different in SPT-positive subjects and SPT-negative individuals. In SPT-negative individuals, Toxocara exposure was associated with an increase in both serum IgE levels and eosinophil counts, whereas an opposite trend was observed in SPT-positive individuals. Toxocara exposure was not associated with respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In this adult population, Toxocara exposure is associated with allergic sensitization, particularly to mites. There is evidence of an intriguing interaction between Toxocara exposure and allergic sensitization for both total serum IgE levels and blood eosinophil counts.

Evaluation of the phadiatop test in the diagnosis of allergic sensitization in a general adult population.

BACKGROUND: Phadiatop is a commercially available qualitative serological test employed for screening of allergic sensitization in patients with suspected allergic diseases. AIM: The study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of Phadiatop for the diagnosis of allergic sensitization in a general adult population. METHODS: A total of 469 subjects from the population of A-Estrada (Spain) were selected by age-stratified random sampling (age range, 18-92 years). Phadiatop test (Uni-CAP method) was performed in serum samples from 465 of these subjects. Skin prick tests to a panel of 13 relevant aeroallergens in the studied area (including mites, pollens, moulds, and animal dander) were employed as the reference diagnostic procedure. Subjects with at least a positive skin prick test (> or =4 mm, n= 120) were considered to have allergic sensitization. RESULTS: Phadiatop sensitivity was 70.8% (95% CI 61.7-78.6%), specificity 90.7% (95% CI 87.0-93.5%), positive predictive value 72.6% (95% CI 63.5-80.3%), negative predictive value 89.9% (95% CI 86.2-92.8%), global accuracy 85.6% (95% CI 82.0-88.6%), negative likelihood ratio 0.3 (95% CI 0.2-0.4), and positive likelihood ratio 7.6 (95% CI 5.4-10.8). A high proportion of false-positive Phadiatop cases showed (a) increased total serum IgE levels, (b) significant alcohol consumption, and (c) small-sized (below the diagnostic cut-off) wheal reactions on SPT. A high proportion of false-negative Phadiatop cases showed exclusive storage mite sensitization. Sensitivity and positive predictive value of Phadiatop were somewhat higher among individuals with a history of nasal or bronchial symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Phadiatop is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of allergic sensitization in a general adult population. However, limitations of the test should be taken into account in similar surveys.

Association of hepatitis A virus infection with allergic sensitization in a population with high prevalence of hepatitis A virus exposure.

BACKGROUND: An inverse association between allergic sensitization and markers of exposure to food-borne and orofecal infections (particularly hepatitis A virus, HAV) has been reported. The prevalence of HAV exposure and allergic sensitization vary widely in different areas, and vary along with age within a given area. AIM: To investigate the association between HAV exposure and allergic sensitization in adults from a mostly rural area of Spain. METHODS: An age-stratified random sample of 720 subjects was drawn from the population older than 18 years of A-Estrada, Spain. From 697 eligible subjects, 469 (67.2%, median age 54 years, range: 18-92) participated in the study. Positive skin prick tests to a panel of aeroallergens defined allergic sensitization. Positive serum HAV antibodies (assayed in 465 subjects) defined HAV exposure. RESULTS: The prevalence of HAV exposure was 83.6% (95% CI: 80.7-86.5). The prevalence of allergic sensitization was lower in subjects with HAV exposure than in patients without it (25.0%vs 40.0%, OR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.25-0.77, P=0.004), but this association became substantially altered after adjusting for age, which was closely linked to both allergic sensitization and HAV exposure (adjusted OR 1.15, 95% CI: 0.60-2.19, P=0.66). CONCLUSIONS: In a population with high prevalence of HAV exposure, no significant association between HAV exposure and allergic sensitization is observed after controlling for the confounding effect of age.

High prevalence of storage mite sensitization in a general adult population.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Occupational and nonoccupational storage mite (SM) allergy has received considerable attention in recent years. The study aimed to evaluate both the prevalence and factors associated with sensitization to SMs in a general adult population from a warm and humid area where mites are the predominant allergens. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An age-stratified random sample of 720 subjects was drawn from the population older than 18 years of A-Estrada (Galicia, Spain). From 697 eligible subjects, 469 (67%, median age 54 years, range 18-92 years, 44% males, 75% of cases from a rural environment) agreed to participate. Skin prick tests to SMs (Lepidoglyphus destructor and Tyrophagus putrescentiae), house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), pollens, moulds and animal danders were performed in all cases. Wheals >or= 4 mm were considered positive. Epidemiological data were assessed by questionnaire. A design-based analysis was performed and all calculations were weighted to give unbiased estimates. RESULTS: Tyrophagus putrescentiae and L. destructor were the leading causes of allergic sensitization throughout all ages. SM sensitization was found in 104 cases (weighted value 24.4%, 95% CI 20.6-28.2). SM sensitization was inversely associated with age. Multivariate analysis showed that SM sensitization was not significantly associated with sex, smoking, educational level, farming profession, rural environment, indoor humidity, presence of pets, livestock or grain storage facilities near home. CONCLUSIONS: SMs (T. putrescentiae and L. destructor) are major aeroallergens in adults in the region studied, even in subjects without occupational exposure.

Autopercepción de la salud en ancianos y mortalidad a los 5 años. Estudio en una comunidad rural / Self-rated health in the elderly and 5-year mortality. Study in a rural community

Introducción: Investigar la relación existente entre la autopercepción de la salud y la mortalidad a los 5 años de seguimiento en los ancianos de una comunidad rural. Diseño: Estudio de supervivencia con un seguimiento de 5 años. Participantes: Una muestra representativa de 408 personas mayores de 65 años que viven en un municipio rural del noroeste de España. Resultados: La supervivencia fue significativamente más baja entre los que refirieron encontrarse "mal" o "muy mal" de salud (razón de riesgo [RR] = 1,56; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95 por ciento, 1,04-2,33). Sin embargo, después de ajustarla según otras variables, como la edad, el sexo, el nivel de educación, la presencia de enfermedad grave, los hábitos tóxicos y la movilidad, la probabilidad de supervivencia de estas personas que se encontraban "mal" o "muy mal" de salud era similar a la de aquellas que referían una autopercepción de la salud "regular", "buena" o "muy buena" (RR = 1,15; IC del 95 por ciento, 0,71-1,87). Sólo la edad, el hábito tabáquico habitual y la movilidad permanecieron como predictores significativos de mortalidad en el análisis multivariable. Conclusiones: La autopercepción de la salud no tiene un efecto directo sobre la mortalidad después de ajustarla según factores demográficos, socieconómicos y el estado objetivo de salud. El grado de movilidad sí parece ser útil para predecir la mortalidad (AU)

[A population study of the efficacy of pulsioxymetry in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome]. / Eficacia de la pulsioximetría en el diagnóstico del síndrome de apnea obstructiva durante el sueño en un estudio poblacional.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use at home of night-time pulsioxymetry to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in the general population. DESIGN: Cros-sectional study of diagnostic tests. PARTICIPANTS: Random sample of 70 individuals chosen from a Health Centre´s appointment records. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Anamnesis concerning sleep and respiratory disorders during sleep, anthropometric measurements, Epworth´s sleepiness scale, home night-time pulsioxymetry and polysomnography. RESULTS: Visual inspection by oxymetry gave 82% sensitivity (95% CI, 62-93) and 69% specificity (95% CI, 53-82) for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. Other indices such as the time with oxygen saturation below 90% and the number of desaturations above 4% gave a sensitivity of 82% and 86% and specificity of 63% and 65%, respectively. All the cases of clinically significant obstructive apnoea were diagnosed by pulsioxymetry. CONCLUSIONS: Night-time pulsioxymetry is a useful test for general screening of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Association of alcohol consumption with total serum immunoglobulin E levels and allergic sensitization in an adult population-based survey.

BACKGROUND: Chronic alcoholism is associated with increased total serum IgE levels. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between alcohol intake and both total serum IgE levels and allergic sensitization in a general adult population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 720 subjects was randomly selected (stratified by age) from the population older than 18 years of A-Estrada (Spain) and invited to participate in the study. From 697 eligible subjects, 469 (67%, median age 54 years, range 18 to 92 years, 44% males, 75% of cases from a rural environment) agreed to participate. A battery of 13 skin prick tests to common aeroallergens was performed in all subjects. Cases with at least one positive test (n = 121, 26%) were considered to have allergic sensitization. The most frequent sensitisers were mites and pollens (24% and 10% of subjects, respectively). Total serum IgE was measured in 465 subjects (99%). Alcohol consumption was registered as the number of standard (approximately 10 g) drinking units habitually consumed per week. A total of 244 subjects (52%) were alcohol consumers (median intake, 14 units/week, range 1 to 147 units/week). Abstainers (n = 225, 48%) constituted the reference category. RESULTS: Alcohol consumption of more than 14 units/week was associated with an increase in serum IgE levels after adjusting for age, gender, allergic sensitization and smoking (P = 0.02). Alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with either overall allergic sensitization or mite sensitization after adjusting for age, gender and smoking. However, alcohol consumption of more than 14 units/week was associated with an increased prevalence of pollen sensitization (adjusted OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.19 to 8.34, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Alcohol consumption above a certain threshold is associated with an increase in total serum IgE levels. Alcohol consumption may also be associated with an increased prevalence of pollen sensitization.

[Robert R. Macintosh and Spain: a productive relationship]. / Robert R. Macintosh y España: una relación fecunda.

Through his visit to Spain in 1946, Robert R. Macintosh exercised considerable influence on the introduction and development of modern anesthesia in this country. This paper reviews the technical advances Mackintosh introduced and considers how his visit was one of the most important factors in unleashing the development of the profession here. Also reviewed are the other visits Mackintosh made in the course of his career. Those trips were less important, with the exception of a 1937 visit that inspired the design of the Oxford vaporizer, a technical concept based on simplicity, safety and the anesthesiologist's experience.

[A new toy: upswing in curare use in Spanish anesthesia]. / A new toy: la irrupción del curare en la anestesia española (1946).

The introduction of curare for general anesthesia by Harold Griffith in 1942 was one of the most important moments in the development of anesthesiology. However, several years passed before curare came to be used in Spain. We review the early application of curare and the role played by Robert Macintosh, Professor of Anaesthesia at Oxford, in introducing the drug to Spain.

[Self-perception of health and mortality in elderly from a rural community]. / Autopercepción de la salud y mortalidad en ancianos de una comunidad rural.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between self-perception of their health and mortality in a representative sample of persons over 65 in a rural community. DESIGN: Survival study of population with three years observance. SETTING: A non-coastal and rural borough in Galicia. PARTICIPANTS: 408 people over 65, chosen by random sampling. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The demographic, social and health (objective and subjective) parameters were determined through an initial survey, with subsequent follow-up to find the date and cause of death should this have occurred. Of the 404 elderly people observed, 67 (16%) died. The main causes of death were diseases of the circulatory apparatus (48%) followed by tumours. Mortality was higher in people who were older, unmarried, didn't drink alcohol, were seriously ill, had restricted mobility, consumed more medicines and had a perception of their health as poor. We found an association between self-perceived health and mortality, after adjustment for age, sex, marital status, educational level and consumption of medicines, only when we looked at the elderly without restricted mobility (RR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.0-5.3). CONCLUSIONS: We think that self-perception of health status can be an overall indicator of health, linked to mortality, and that in the elderly with good mobility, this association can be independent of age, sex, educational level, marital status and consumption of medicines.

Dental anomalies caused by oncological treatment: case report.

In infancy, the oncological treatment is at times chemoradiotherapy. This treatment may cause dental development anomalies that can affect the form and structure of the tooth. A case report with this type of dental damage is presented.

[María Oliveras: pioneer of neuroanesthesia in Catalonia]. / María Oliveras: pionera de la neuroanestesia en Cataluña.

María Oliveras Collelmir (1910) was the first woman to practice anesthesiology in Catalonia and one of the first physicians to receive formal training in the specialty at the important Nuffield Department of Anaesthetics in Oxford. She pioneerèd the use of general anesthesia with tracheal intubation for neurosurgery. This article relates how Dr. Oliveras introduced general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation for neurosurgery in Catalonia and pays well-deserved homage to this enterprising woman, who overcame family obstacles and social prejudices of the time to become the first female anesthesiologist in Catalonia.

[Chronic morbidity and self-perception of health in the elderly of a rural community]. / Morbilidad crónica y autopercepción de salud en los ancianos de una comunidad rural.

OBJECTIVES: To find chronic morbidity, self-perception of health status and its relationship with different socio-economic and health variables, among the elderly in our health area. DESIGN: A crossover study using a home questionnaire. SETTING: A rural area in Galicia. PARTICIPANTS: 408 people over 65, chosen by simple random sampling from the census. INTERVENTIONS: Data referring to socio-demographic features, chronic morbidity, self-perception of health, use of health services and drugs consumption, were extracted from a previously validated questionnaire containing 100 items. RESULTS: A high prevalence of chronic pathologies was found. 72% of those surveyed stated that they had some chronic illness, with eye disorders (71%), arthrosis (71%) and hypoacusia (44%) being the most common. 73% said they had taken medicine during the previous fortnight. 32% had consulted a health professional in the previous two weeks. Almost a quarter (23.8%) of those surveyed had self-perception of poor health, which was associated with feminine gender (p = 0.001), drug consumption (p = 0.0002), considering their economic resources insufficient (p = 0.02) and getting on badly with their family (p = 0.008). However, we found no association with living alone, nor with consulting health professionals. CONCLUSIONS: There is high prevalence of chronic illnesses among the elderly. Self-perception of poor health is related not only to health problems, but also to economic and family problems.