Redox Status, Dose and Antioxidant Intake in Healthcare Workers Occupationally Exposed to Ionizing Radiation.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between blood redox status, dose and antioxidant dietary intake of different hospital staff groups exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation (LDIR) (Interventional Radiology and Cardiology, Radiation Oncology, and Nuclear Medicine) and non-exposed. Personal dose equivalent (from last year and cumulative), plasma antioxidant markers (total antioxidant capacity, extracellular superoxide dismutase activity, and glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio), oxidative stress markers (nitrites and nitrates, and lipid peroxidation) and dietary intake (antioxidant capacity using ORAC values) were collected and analyzed from 28 non-exposed healthcare workers and 42 healthcare workers exposed to LDIR. Hospital staff exposed to LDIR presented a redox imbalance in blood that seems to correlate with dose. Workers from the Nuclear Medicine Unit were the most affected group with the lowest value of plasma antioxidant response and the highest value of plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS (indicator of lipid peroxidation) of all four groups. Cumulative personal dose equivalent positively correlated with nitrites and negatively correlated with total antioxidant capacity in blood. The diet of healthcare workers from Nuclear Medicine Unit had higher ORAC values than the diet of non-exposed. Therefore, occupational exposure to LDIR, especially for the Nuclear Medicine Unit, seems to produce an imbalanced redox status in blood that would correlate with cumulative personal dose equivalent.

Assessment of the dicentric chromosome assay as a biodosimetry tool for more personalized medicine in a case of a high risk neuroblastoma 131I-mIBG treatment.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to estimate the whole - body absorbed - dose with the Dicentric Chromosome Assay (DCA) (biodosimetry) for 131I - metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I - mIBG) therapy for high - risk neuroblastoma, and to obtain an initial correlation with the physical dosimetry calculated as described by the Medical Internal Radiation Dosimetry formalism (MIRD). Together both objectives will aid the optimization of personalized targeted radionuclide therapies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 12 year-old child with relapsed high-risk neuroblastoma was treated with 131I-mIBG: a first administration with activity <444 MBq/kg was used as a tracer in order to calculate the activity needed in a second administration to achieve a whole body prescribed dose of ∼4 Gy. Blood samples were obtained before and seven days after each administration to analyze the frequency of dicentrics. Moreover, consequent estimations of retained activity were done every few hours from equivalent dose rate measurements at a fixed position, two meters away from the patient, in order to apply the MIRD procedure. Blood samples were also drawn every 2- to -3 days to assess bone marrow toxicity. RESULTS: For a total activity of 22,867 MBq administered over two phases, both biological and physical dosimetries were performed. The former estimated a whole-body cumulated dose of 3.53 (2.58-4.41) Gy and the latter a total whole-body absorbed dose of 2.32 ± 0.48 Gy. The patient developed thrombocytopenia grade 3 after both infusions and neutropenia grade 3 and grade 4 (based on CTCAE 4.0) during respective phases. CONCLUSION: The results indicate a possible correlation between biodosimetry and standard physical dosimetry in 131I-mIBG treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma. A larger cohort and refinement of the DCA for internal irradiation are needed to define the role of biodosimetry in clinical situations.

Searching trans-resveratrol in fruits and vegetables: a preliminary screening.

Resveratrol is a phytoalexin with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic effects. The object of this work was to determine whether this promising compound was present in the typical fruits and vegetables used in the Mediterranean diet. Our results indicated the presence of trans-resveratrol in concentrations ranging from 0.2 µg/g in tomatoes and 3 lg/g. in strawberries.

RENEB - Running the European Network of biological dosimetry and physical retrospective dosimetry.

PURPOSE: A European network was initiated in 2012 by 23 partners from 16 European countries with the aim to significantly increase individualized dose reconstruction in case of large-scale radiological emergency scenarios. RESULTS: The network was built on three complementary pillars: (1) an operational basis with seven biological and physical dosimetric assays in ready-to-use mode, (2) a basis for education, training and quality assurance, and (3) a basis for further network development regarding new techniques and members. Techniques for individual dose estimation based on biological samples and/or inert personalized devices as mobile phones or smart phones were optimized to support rapid categorization of many potential victims according to the received dose to the blood or personal devices. Communication and cross-border collaboration were also standardized. To assure long-term sustainability of the network, cooperation with national and international emergency preparedness organizations was initiated and links to radiation protection and research platforms have been developed. A legal framework, based on a Memorandum of Understanding, was established and signed by 27 organizations by the end of 2015. CONCLUSIONS: RENEB is a European Network of biological and physical-retrospective dosimetry, with the capacity and capability to perform large-scale rapid individualized dose estimation. Specialized to handle large numbers of samples, RENEB is able to contribute to radiological emergency preparedness and wider large-scale research projects.

RENEB intercomparisons applying the conventional Dicentric Chromosome Assay (DCA).

PURPOSE: Two quality controlled inter-laboratory exercises were organized within the EU project 'Realizing the European Network of Biodosimetry (RENEB)' to further optimize the dicentric chromosome assay (DCA) and to identify needs for training and harmonization activities within the RENEB network. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The general study design included blood shipment, sample processing, analysis of chromosome aberrations and radiation dose assessment. After manual scoring of dicentric chromosomes in different cell numbers dose estimations and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were submitted by the participants. RESULTS: The shipment of blood samples to the partners in the European Community (EU) were performed successfully. Outside the EU unacceptable delays occurred. The results of the dose estimation demonstrate a very successful classification of the blood samples in medically relevant groups. In comparison to the 1st exercise the 2nd intercomparison showed an improvement in the accuracy of dose estimations especially for the high dose point. CONCLUSIONS: In case of a large-scale radiological incident, the pooling of ressources by networks can enhance the rapid classification of individuals in medically relevant treatment groups based on the DCA. The performance of the RENEB network as a whole has clearly benefited from harmonization processes and specific training activities for the network partners.

Investigation of the influence of calibration practices on cytogenetic laboratory performance for dose estimation.

PURPOSE: In the frame of the QA program of RENEB, an inter-laboratory comparison (ILC) of calibration sources used in biological dosimetry was achieved to investigate the influence of calibration practices and protocols on the results of the dose estimation performance as a first step to harmonization and standardization of dosimetry and irradiation practices in the European biological dosimetry network. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Delivered doses by irradiation facilities used by RENEB partners were determined with EPR/alanine dosimetry system. Dosimeters were irradiated in the same conditions as blood samples. A short survey was also performed to collect the information needed for the data analysis and evaluate the diversity of practices. RESULTS: For most of partners the deviation of delivered dose from the targeted dose remains below 10%. Deviations larger than 10% were observed for five facilities out of 21. Origins of the largest discrepancies were identified. Correction actions were evaluated as satisfactory. The re-evaluation of some ILC results for the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and premature chromosome condensation (PCC) assays has been performed leading to an improvement of the overall performances. CONCLUSIONS: This work has shown the importance of dosimetry in radiobiology studies and the needs of harmonization, standardization in irradiation and dosimetry practices and educational training for biologists using ionizing radiation.

Web based scoring is useful for validation and harmonisation of scoring criteria within RENEB.

PURPOSE: To establish a training data set of digital images and to investigate the scoring criteria and dose assessment of the dicentric assay within the European network of biodosimetry (RENEB), a web based scoring inter-comparison was undertaken by 17 RENEB partners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two sets of 50 high resolution images were uploaded onto the RENEB website. One set included metaphases after a moderate exposure (1.3 Gy) and the other set consisted of metaphases after a high dose exposure (3.5 Gy). The laboratories used their own calibration curves for estimating doses based on observed aberration frequencies. RESULTS: The dose estimations and 95% confidence limits were compared to the actual doses and the corresponding z-values were satisfactory for the majority; only the dose estimations from two laboratories were too low or too high. The coefficients of variation were 17.6% for the moderate and 11.2% for the high dose. Metaphases with controversial results could be identified for training purposes. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the web based scoring of the two galleries by the 17 laboratories produced very good results. Application of web based scoring for the dicentric assay may therefore be a relevant strategy for an operational biodosimetry assistance network.

Dose assessment intercomparisons within the RENEB network using G0-lymphocyte prematurely condensed chromosomes (PCC assay).

PURPOSE: Dose assessment intercomparisons within the RENEB network were performed for triage biodosimetry analyzing G0-lymphocyte PCC for harmonization, standardization and optimization of the PCC assay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comparative analysis among different partners for dose assessment included shipment of PCC-slides and captured images to construct dose-response curves for up to 6 Gy γ-rays. Accident simulation exercises were performed to assess the suitability of the PCC assay by detecting speed of analysis and minimum number of cells required for categorization of potentially exposed individuals. RESULTS: Calibration data based on Giemsa-stained fragments in excess of 46 PCC were obtained by different partners using galleries of PCC images for each dose-point. Mean values derived from all scores yielded a linear dose-response with approximately 4 excess-fragments/cell/Gy. To unify scoring criteria, exercises were carried out using coded PCC-slides and/or coded irradiated blood samples. Analysis of samples received 24 h post-exposure was successfully performed using Giemsa staining (1 excess-fragment/cell/Gy) or centromere/telomere FISH-staining for dicentrics. CONCLUSIONS: Dose assessments by RENEB partners using appropriate calibration curves were mostly in good agreement. The PCC assay is quick and reliable for whole- or partial-body triage biodosimetry by scoring excess-fragments or dicentrics in G0-lymphocytes. Particularly, analysis of Giemsa-stained excess PCC-fragments is simple, inexpensive and its automation could increase throughput and scoring objectivity of the PCC assay.

Capabilities of the RENEB network for research and large scale radiological and nuclear emergency situations.

PURPOSE: To identify and assess, among the participants in the RENEB (Realizing the European Network of Biodosimetry) project, the emergency preparedness, response capabilities and resources that can be deployed in the event of a radiological or nuclear accident/incident affecting a large number of individuals. These capabilities include available biodosimetry techniques, infrastructure, human resources (existing trained staff), financial and organizational resources (including the role of national contact points and their articulation with other stakeholders in emergency response) as well as robust quality control/assurance systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was prepared and sent to the RENEB partners in order to acquire information about the existing, operational techniques and infrastructure in the laboratories of the different RENEB countries and to assess the capacity of response in the event of radiological or nuclear accident involving mass casualties. The survey focused on several main areas: laboratory's general information, country and staff involved in biological and physical dosimetry; retrospective assays used, the number of assays available per laboratory and other information related to biodosimetry and emergency preparedness. Following technical intercomparisons amongst RENEB members, an update of the survey was performed one year later concerning the staff and the available assays. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of RENEB questionnaires allowed a detailed assessment of existing capacity of the RENEB network to respond to nuclear and radiological emergencies. This highlighted the key importance of international cooperation in order to guarantee an effective and timely response in the event of radiological or nuclear accidents involving a considerable number of casualties. The deployment of the scientific and technical capabilities existing within the RENEB network members seems mandatory, to help other countries with less or no capacity for biological or physical dosimetry, or countries overwhelmed in case of a radiological or nuclear accident involving a large number of individuals.

In vitro cellular radiosensitivity in relationship to late normal tissue reactions in breast cancer patients: a multi-endpoint case-control study.

PURPOSE: A minority of patients exhibits severe late normal tissue toxicity after radiotherapy (RT), possibly related to their inherent individual radiation sensitivity. This study aimed to evaluate four different candidate in vitro cellular radiosensitivity assays for prediction of late normal tissue reactions, in a retrospective matched case-control set-up of breast cancer patients. METHODS: The study population consists of breast cancer patients expressing severe radiation toxicity (12 cases) and no or minimal reactions (12 controls), with a follow-up for at least 3 years. Late adverse reactions were evaluated by comparing standardized photographs pre- and post-RT resulting in an overall cosmetic score and by clinical examination using the LENT-SOMA scale. Four cellular assays on peripheral blood lymphocytes reported to be associated with normal tissue reactions were performed after in vitro irradiation of patient blood samples to compare case and control radiation responses: radiation-induced CD8+ late apoptosis, residual DNA double-strand breaks, G0 and G2 micronucleus assay. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed for all cellular endpoints when matched cases and controls were compared both pairwise and grouped. However, it is important to point out that most case-control pairs showed a substantial overlap in standard deviations, which questions the predictive value of the individual assays. The apoptosis assay performed best, with less apoptosis seen in CD8+ lymphocytes of the cases (average: 14.45%) than in their matched controls (average: 30.64%) for 11 out of 12 patient pairs (p < .01). The number of residual DNA DSB was higher in cases (average: 9.92 foci/cell) compared to their matched control patients (average: 9.17 foci/cell) (p < .01). The average dose response curve of the G0 MN assay for cases lies above the average dose response curve of the controls. Finally, a pairwise comparison of the G2 MN results showed a higher MN yield for cases (average: 351 MN/1000BN) compared to controls (average: 219 MN/1000BN) in 9 out of 10 pairs (p < .01). CONCLUSION: This matched case-control study in breast cancer patients, using different endpoints for in vitro cellular radiosensitivity related to DNA repair and apoptosis, suggests that patients' intrinsic radiosensitivity is involved in the development of late normal tissue reactions after RT. Larger prospective studies are warranted to validate the retrospective findings and to use in vitro cellular assays in the future to predict late normal tissue radiosensitivity and discriminate individuals with marked RT responses.

Analysis of the Possible Persistent Genotoxic Damage in Workers Linked to the Ardystil Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: A combination of several factors including a change in the paint application system; a lack of proper hygiene; and inadequate safety measures caused a severe health impact in the workers of some textile painting factories. This outbreak, mainly characterized by respiratory disorders, caused the death of six people and it has been classified as Ardystil syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two workers involved in the outbreak and 48 healthy subjects not known to have exposed to the potentially mutagenic agents participated in the study. The program evaluated possible genotoxic damage through the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) cytogenetic biomarker assay. We determined the frequency of SCE, high-frequency cells (HFCs), and a ratio, which can be considered as a new parameter, allowing for the study of the SCE distribution pattern among the chromosomes. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the SCE frequency and in the mean number of HFCs between the control and the Ardystil-affected groups. However, smoking increased the incidence of all parameters studied in both the case and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that workers involved in the Ardystil syndrome did not suffer genotoxic damage as measured by SCE and HFCs when compared with the control group.

[Dietopro.com: a new tool for dietotherapeutical management based on cloud computing technology]. / Dietopro.com: una nueva herramienta de gestión dietoterapéutica basada en la tecnología cloud computing.

INTRODUCTION: dietotherapeutical softwares are now a basic tool in the dietary management of patients, either from a physiological point of view and / or pathological. New technologies and research in this regard, have favored the emergence of new applications for the dietary and nutritional management that facilitate the management of the dietotherapeutical company. OBJECTIVES: To comparatively study the main dietotherapeutical applications on the market to give criteria to the professional users of diet and nutrition in the selection of one of the main tools for these. RESULTS: Dietopro.com is, from our point of view, one of the most comprehensive management of patients dietotherapeutical applications. CONCLUSION: Based on the need of the user, it has different dietary sofwares choice.We conclude that there is no better or worse than another application, but applications roughly adapted to the needs of professionals.

Introducción: Los softwares dietoterapéuticos constituyen actualmente una herramienta básica en el tratamiento dietético de pacientes, ya sea desde un punto de vista fisiológico y/o patológico. Las nuevas tecnologías y la investigación en este sentido, han favorecido la aparición de nuevas aplicaciones de gestión dietético-nutricional que facilitan la gestión de la empresa dietoterapéutica. Objetivos: Estudiar comparativamente las principales aplicaciones dietoterapéuticas existentes en el mercado para dar criterio a los usuarios profesionales de la dietética y nutrición en la selección de una de las principales herramientas para éstos. Resultados: Desde nuestro punto de vista, dietopro. com resulta, junto con otras de las aplicaciones dietoterapéuticas analizadas, una de las más completas para la gestión de la clínica nutricional. Conclusión: En función de la necesidad del usuario, éste dispone de diferentes softwares dietéticos donde elegir. Se concluye que la selección de una u otra, depende de las necesidades del profesional.

Dietopro. com: una nueva herramienta de gestión dietoterapéutica basada en la tecnología cloud computing / Dietopro. com: a new tool for dietotherapeutical management based on cloud computing technology

Introducción: Los softwares dietoterapéuticos constituyen actualmente una herramienta básica en el tratamiento dietético de pacientes, ya sea desde un punto de vista fisiológico y/o patológico. Las nuevas tecnologías y la investigación en este sentido, han favorecido la aparición de nuevas aplicaciones de gestión dietético-nutricional que facilitan la gestión de la empresa dietoterapéutica. Objetivos: Estudiar comparativamente las principales aplicaciones dietoterapéuticas existentes en el mercado para dar criterio a los usuarios profesionales de la dietética y nutrición en la selección de una de las principales herramientas para éstos. Resultados: Desde nuestro punto de vista, dietopro.com resulta, junto con otras de las aplicaciones dietoterapéuticas analizadas, una de las más completas para la gestión de la clínica nutricional. Conclusión: En función de la necesidad del usuario, éste dispone de diferentes softwares dietéticos donde elegir. Se concluye que la selección de una u otra, depende de las necesidades del profesional (AU)

Introduction: dietotherapeutical softwares are now a basic tool in the dietary management of patients, either from a physiological point of view and / or pathological. New technologies and research in this regard, have favored the emergence of new applications for the dietary and nutritional management that facilitate the management of the dietotherapeutical company. Objectives: To comparatively study the main dietotherapeutical applications on the market to give criteria to the professional users of diet and nutrition in the selection of one of the main tools for these. Results: Dietopro.com is, from our point of view, one of the most comprehensive management of patients dietotherapeutical applications. Conclusion: Based on the need of the user, it has different dietary sofwares choice.We conclude that there is no better or worse than another application, but applications roughly adapted to the needs of professionals (AU)

Sister chromatid exchange, (SCE), High-Frequency Cells (HFCs) and SCE distribution patterns in peripheral blood lymphocytes of Spanish adult smokers compared to non-smokers.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, smoking tobacco is a major cause of cancer in humans. It causes about half of all male cancer deaths and an ever increasing number of cancer deaths in females. The aim of this study was to establish whether cigarette smoking increases sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in peripheral blood lymphocytes in two Spanish population groups; light and heavy smokers. The mean number of High-Frequency Cells (HFCs) was determined and, the SCE distribution pattern among the chromosomes was analysed represented by a ratio described below. A local sample of 101 adult smokers (n=48) and non-smokers (n=53), aged from 18 to 49 years, was studied using SCE levels in peripheral lymphocytes. Heavy smoking (≥ 10 cigarettes per day) increased significantly the SCE frequency and the HFC parameters. Neither age nor sex significantly influenced the frequencies in the groups studied.

Estudio prospectivo del efecto del periodo vacacional sobre la influenciadel peso durante el tratamiento dietoterapeútico hipocalórico / Prospective study on the effect of the influence of holiday periods in the weight during a low-calory dietetic treatment

Introducción: El sobrepeso y la obesidad constituyen, tanto en Europa como en España, uno de los mayores problemas de Salud Pública puesto que se asocian a factores de riesgo cardiovascular y a la aparición de otras patologías. Según la SEEDO la prevalencia de obesidad en la sociedad española está cerca del 25%. Además del estudio de nuestro estilo de vida y hábitos incorporados a las costumbres cotidianas, resultaría interesante evaluar cómo influyen en la ganancia de peso total anual los excesos realizados durante muchas festividades, que en muchos casos se suelen prolongar más allá de los días oficialmente festivos. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo, de carácter descriptivo a un total de 258 pacientes (95 varones y 163 mujeres) correspondientes a personas con un tratamiento para la reducción del peso corporal, como mínimo, de un mes. Se estudiaron siete periodos festivos. Resultados: Considerando todos los pacientes, se observó una correlación lineal significativa (p < 0,05) entre la diferencia de pérdida de peso y el tiempo vacacional estudiado con mayor prevalencia en el periodo de Navidades. No se observó relación estadística entre pérdida de peso y edad o sexo (AU)

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are both in Europe and in Spain, one of the major public health problems since they are associated with cardiovascular risk factors and the occurrence of other diseases. Nowadays, the prevalence of obesity SEEDO in Spanish society is about 25%. In addition to evaluating how our lifestyle habits influence in our weight, it would be interesting to assess how the festivity days, which in many cases are often extended beyond officially holidays, can influence the total annual weight gain. Methods: A prospective and descriptive study was conducted in a total of258 patients (95 men and 163 women) undergoing a treatment for weight reduction, at least during one month ago. We studied seven holiday periods. Results: In all patients, there was a significant linear correlation (p < 0.05) difference between weight loss and vacational time studied with greater prevalence in the Christmas period. No statistically significant association was found between weight loss and age or sex (AU)

Frequency of dicentrics and contamination levels in Ukrainian children and adolescents from areas near Chernobyl 20 years after the nuclear plant accident.

PURPOSE: To survey the possible presence of chromosomal damage and internal contamination in a group of Ukrainian children and adolescents, 20 years after the Chernobyl accident at the Nuclear Power Plant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cytogenetical procedures were performed according to dicentric assay in 55 Ukrainian children and adolescents (29 boys and 26 girls), living near Chernobyl. In addition, a whole body detector and urinalysis were used to detect internal contamination. RESULTS: 36 dicentrics were found in a total of 53,477 metaphases scored in these children, which reflected a frequency of dicentrics below the background level. On the other hand, internal contamination was not detected in any subject studied. CONCLUSIONS: Since the estimated absorbed dose is below the detection limit, according to both biological and physical dosimetry, radiation overexposure during the last 3-5 years has not been detected in the considered subjects.

Cuantificación de cafeína en orina de triatletas españoles / Quantification of caffeine from urine in Spanish triathletes

Introducción: La ingesta de cafeína sigue siendo común entre los atletas con el objetivo de mejorar su rendimiento deportivo, aunque desde el 1 de enero de 2004, la cafeína ha sido eliminado de la lista de sustancias prohibidas de la Agencia Mundial Antidopaje, aunque está consensuado no sobrepasar ciertos límites (12 μg mL-1) por los efectos secundarios producidos por esta. El uso de una rápida y fácil extracción en fase sólida para la cafeína seguido de cromatografía líquida es útil para evaluarla presencia en muestras de orina. Propósito: Investigar la presencia de cafeína urinaria de triatletas españoles usando una nueva extracción en fase sólida rápida y fácil seguido de cromatografía líquida acoplada a detección de ultravioleta (CL-UV). Métodos: Las muestras urinarias se extrajeron con un cartucho Sep-Pak de fase extractiva C18 seguido por CL-UV siendo utilizada la β-hidroxiteofilina como estándar interno. Se estudió veintiséis triatletas españoles de nivel competitivo de edades comprendidas entre 24,4 y 25,9 años. Las muestras urinarias se recogieron después de la competición. Resultados: El método de extracción optimizado tiene un límite de detección una recuperación de 0,05 μg mL-1 y 92,8%, respectivamente. Se detectó la presencia de cafeína urinaria en un 80,8% de los triatletas estudiados con un rango de 0,06 a 1,99 μg mL-1. El porcentaje de muestras urinarias por debajo del LD (expresado como muestras negativas) fue de un 19,2%. Conclusiones: El método optimizado es útil para el análisis de cafeína urinaria proporcionando una adecuada relación coste beneficio para el análisis rutinario de este compuesto; las características del método son su adecuada robustez, precisión y manejo de la muestra mínima. Su aplicación en muestras reales ha demostrado la presencia de cafeína en orina, pero ninguno de los triatletas superaba el punto de corte establecido por la Agencia Mundial Antidopaje (12 μg mL-1) (AU)

Introduction: The ingestion of caffeine is also common in a specific group of people as are athletes, in order to improve athletic performance although from January 1st 2004, caffeine has been removed from the World Anti Doping Agency list of prohibited substances. The use of rapid and easy solid-phase extraction for caffeine extraction followed by liquid chromatography is useful to evaluate the presence in urine samples. Purpose: To investigate the presence of caffeine in urine samples from Spanish competitive triathletes using a new easy and fast caffeine extraction method followed HPLC-UV detection. Methods: Samples were extracted from urine in a reversed-phase C18 Sep-Pak Classic cartridge followed by HPLC coupled in the UV detector. β-hydroxyteofiline was used as internal standard. Twenty-six Spanish elite men triathletes with age 24.4–25.9were studied. Urine samples were collected after competition. Results: The extraction method followed HPLC-UV detection has a limit of detection and recovery of 0.05 μg mL-1 and 92.8%, respectively. Twenty-six urine samples from triahtletes were analyzed after competitions detecting in 80.8% values of caffeine that ranged from 0.06 to 1.99 μg mL-1. The percentage of urine samples below the LOD (reflected as negative samples) was 19.2%.Conclusions: The optimized method is useful for the analysis of caffeine in human urine which provided an adequate cost-benefits ratio for routine analysis of this compound; its valuable features are sufficient sample throughput, robustness, precision and minimal sample handling. Its application in reals samples demonstrated the presence of caffeine in urine but any studied triathletes showed values above the former WADA cut-off (12 μg mL-1) (AU)

[Prospective study on the effect of the influence of holiday periods in the weight during a low-calory dietetic treatment]. / Estudio prospectivo del efecto del periodo vacacional sobre la influencia del peso durante el tratamiento dietoterapeútico hipocalórico.

INTRODUCTION: Overweight and obesity are both in Europe and in Spain, one of the major public health problems since they are associated with cardiovascular risk factors and the occurrence of other diseases. Nowadays, the prevalence of obesity SEEDO in Spanish society is about 25%. In addition to evaluating how our lifestyle habits influence in our weight, it would be interesting to assess how the festivity days, which in many cases are often extended beyond officially holidays, can influence the total annual weight gain. METHODS: A prospective and descriptive study was conducted in a total of 258 patients (95 men and 163 women) undergoing a treatment for weight reduction, at least during one month ago. We studied seven holiday periods. RESULTS: In all patients, there was a significant linear correlation (p < 0.05) difference between weight loss and vacational time studied with greater prevalence in the Christmas period. No statistically significant association was found between weight loss and age or sex.

Introducción: El sobrepeso y la obesidad constituyen, tanto en Europa como en España, uno de los mayores problemas de Salud Pública puesto que se asocian a factores de riesgo cardiovascular y a la aparición de otras patologías. Según la SEEDO la prevalencia de obesidad en la sociedad española está cerca del 25 %. Además del estudio de nuestro estilo de vida y hábitos incorporados a las costumbres cotidianas, resultaría interesante evaluar cómo influyen en la ganancia de peso total anual los excesos realizados durante muchas festividades, que en muchos casos se suelen prolongar más allá de los días oficialmente festivos. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo, de carácter descriptivo a un total de 258 pacientes (95 varones y 163 mujeres) correspondientes a personas con un tratamiento para la reducción del peso corporal, como mínimo, de un mes. Se estudiaron siete periodos festivos. Resultados: Considerando todos los pacientes, se observó una correlación lineal significativa (p.

Radioprotective activity and cytogenetic effect of resveratrol in human lymphocytes: an in vitro evaluation.

Trans-resveratrol is a natural occurring polyphenol, obtained from grapes and other berries. This compound has shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant or anti-carcinogenic properties. Our aim was to evaluate the radioprotective efficacy, in vitro, of trans-resveratrol against radiation-induced chromosomal damage and to study the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of this polyphenol in cell cultures without irradiation. The study was carried out by the pre-treatment of human lymphocytes at concentrations from 0 to 219µM of trans-resveratrol. The results showed that all concentrations tested reduced radiation-induced chromosomal damage compared with cells with any treatment. Maximum damage protection was observed at the concentration of 2.19µM. Concerning genotoxic results, all tested trans-resveratrol concentrations increased the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) index compared with no trans-resveratrol treatment. Cytotoxic indexes (Mitotic and Proliferation Index) showed that the lowest concentrations could enhance the cell proliferation rates and the highest ones could negatively affect to human peripheral lymphocytes growth.

A preliminary study of presence of resveratrol in skins and pulps of European and Japanese plum cultivars.

BACKGROUND: Resveratrol is a polyphenol with health properties being mainly present in the skins of several foods. However, any study has been carried out to analyze the presence of this stilbene in the plum fruit from the genus Prunus in European and Japanese cultivars. RESULTS: The analysis of resveratrol from the skin in different cultivars of plums from Spanish markets with liquid chromatography coupled to ultraviolet (LC-UV) detector with subsequent confirmation by LC-MS/MS has been demonstrated that contents of this compound in plums ranged from 0.1 to 6.2 µg/g. CONCLUSIONS: Values of resveratrol in European plum cultivars is higher than in Japanese cultivars.