GASMoC method: a phenol-free technique to detect acid-fast bacilli.

The genre Mycobacterium includes a series of pathological species, such as M. tuberculosis, which is important for pathology laboratories to detect for a correct diagnosis. The Ziehl-Neelsen technique (ZNT) is the most commonly histochemical method used to detect these bacilli and uses a heated mixture of carbol-fuchsine, which contains basic fuchsine and phenol. Whereas the former component is responsible for the pinkish staining of acid-fast mycobacteria, the role of phenol is not completely understood and it has been suggested that its exclusion does not impact the detection ability of the ZNT. Since phenol is highly toxic and induces several injuries, the goal of this study is to determine the detection capacity of mycobacteria through a method that excludes the use of phenol. Accordingly, the GASMoC method, a modified ZNT that employs a solution of aqueous basic fuchsine heated at 37 °C, was tested on histological samples positive for mycobacteria and the results were compared to that of the ZNT. Data demonstrated that the GASMoC method was able to detect acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in all analyzed cases. Remarkably, microscopic inspection of mycobacteria was easier when the GASMoC method was applied. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that AFB detection does not require phenol and that the GASMoC method, a phenol-free technique, may substitute the ZNT in pathology laboratories.

Implicación pronóstica de la expresión de telomerasa en adenomas hipofisarios / Prognostic implications of telomerase expression in pituitary adenomas

Objetivos. Analizar el valor pronóstico de la expresión de telomerasa en pacientes con adenomas hipofisarios (AH) seguidos durante al menos 8 años. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de las muestras de 51 AH (40 típicos y 11 atípicos) de pacientes sometidos a cirugía transesfenoidal entre 2006 y 2008, y de 10 hipófisis normales obtenidas por autopsia. Se evaluó la expresión de telomerasa por inmunohistoquímica correlacionándola con la de Ki-67 y p53. Resultados. Se observó expresión de telomerasa en 43 AH (84,3%, 32 de los 40 típicos y en los 11 atípicos), siendo mayor en los casos clínicamente no funcionantes (p=0,0034) y muy escasa en los pacientes con acromegalia (p=0,0001). Hubo una asociación significativa entre el porcentaje de células tumorales (>10%) y la recurrencia del adenoma (p=0,039). No hubo correlación con la expresión de Ki-67 y p53 (p=0,4986) ni se observaron diferencias en función de la edad, el sexo, el tamaño o la invasividad tumoral. Conclusiones. Un índice de expresión de telomerasa mayor del 10% en el tejido hipofisario tumoral se asoció a recurrencia o progresión del AH, especialmente en los no funcionantes

Objectives. To analyse the prognostic value of telomerase expression in patients with pituitary adenomas (PAs) followed-up for at least 8 years. Patients and methods. A retrospective study was conducted of samples from 51 PAs (40 typical and 11 atypical) from patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery between 2006 and 2008 and from 10 normal pituitary glands obtained by autopsy. Telomerase expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry, correlating the expression with that of Ki-67 and p53. Results. We observed telomerase expression in 43 PAs (84.3%, 32 of the 40 typical PAs and in the 11 atypical PAs), which was higher in the clinically nonfunctioning cases (P=.0034) and very rare in the patients with acromegaly (P=.0001). There was a significant association between the percentage of tumour cells (>10%) and the recurrence of the adenoma (P=.039). There was no correlation with the expression of Ki-67 and p53 (P=.4986), and there were no differences according to age, sex, tumour size and invasiveness. Conclusions. A telomerase expression rate greater than 10% in the pituitary tumour tissue was associated with recurrence or progression of the PA, especially in the nonfunctioning cases

Prognostic implications of telomerase expression in pituitary adenomas. / Implicación pronóstica de la expresión de telomerasa en adenomas hipofisarios.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the prognostic value of telomerase expression in patients with pituitary adenomas (PAs) followed-up for at least 8 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of samples from 51 PAs (40 typical and 11 atypical) from patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery between 2006 and 2008 and from 10 normal pituitary glands obtained by autopsy. Telomerase expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry, correlating the expression with that of Ki-67 and p53. RESULTS: We observed telomerase expression in 43 PAs (84.3%, 32 of the 40 typical PAs and in the 11 atypical PAs), which was higher in the clinically nonfunctioning cases (P=.0034) and very rare in the patients with acromegaly (P=.0001). There was a significant association between the percentage of tumour cells (>10%) and the recurrence of the adenoma (P=.039). There was no correlation with the expression of Ki-67 and p53 (P=.4986), and there were no differences according to age, sex, tumour size and invasiveness. CONCLUSIONS: A telomerase expression rate greater than 10% in the pituitary tumour tissue was associated with recurrence or progression of the PA, especially in the nonfunctioning cases.

Very late presentation of a disorder of sex development.

Disorders of sex development generally present in the neonatal period with ambiguity of external genitalia. We report a very old male patient presenting at 75 years because of panhypopituitarism and a large nonsecreting pituitary macroadenoma secondary to long-standing primary hypogonadism due to 46,XX sex reversal disorder now first diagnosed. Sex development disorders may go unrecognised for the entire life span, despite infertility and long-standing primary gonadic failure may lead to uncommon complications.

[Prognostic implications of folliculo-stellate cells in pituitary adenomas: relationship with tumoral behavior]. / Implicacion pronostica de las celulas foliculo-estrelladas en adenomas hipofisarios: relacion con el comportamiento tumoral.

INTRODUCTION: Despite progress in understanding its pathogenesis, there has not yet been found any independent predictive marker of aggressive behavior of pituitary adenomas, to facilitate the treatment and monitoring of patients. AIM: To analyze the expression of folliculo-stellate cells by immunostaining with S-100 protein, in a series of patients with pituitary adenomas followed for at least seven years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 51 patients diagnosed with a pituitary adenoma between 2006 and 2008 was performed, according to current criteria established by the World Health Organization. The S-100 expression in folliculo-stellate cells was immunohistochemically evaluated, correlating it with clinico-radiological and histopathological tumor parameters and post-operative progression/recurrence. RESULTS: Of 51 tumors, 40 were classified as typical and 11 as atypical pituitary adenomas. Most typical pituitary adenomas showed positive folliculo-stellate cells for S-100 (mean: 3.93%); atypical had little/no cell S-100 positive (mean: 0.83%). There were no significant differences in the expression of S-100 with respect to age or sex of the patient, size, invasiveness or post-operative tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In our study group, with the exception of non-functioning adenomas immunopositive for prolactin, with the lowest and highest average of all subtypes in both groups (typical 0.25% vs atypical 9.24%; p = 0.0028), the predictive factor of tumor aggressiveness for pituitary adenomas, is not represented by a low value of S-100 in folliculo-stellate cells, not allowing select patients for intensive post-operative treatment.

TITLE: Implicacion pronostica de las celulas foliculo-estrelladas en adenomas hipofisarios: relacion con el comportamiento tumoral.Introduccion. A pesar del progreso en la comprension de su patogenia, no se ha encontrado ningun marcador predictivo independiente del comportamiento agresivo de los adenomas hipofisarios que facilite el tratamiento y seguimiento de pacientes afectados. Objetivo. Analizar la expresion de celulas foliculo-estrelladas, mediante inmunomarcacion con proteina S-100, en una serie de pacientes con adenomas hipofisarios seguidos durante al menos siete años. Pacientes y metodos. Estudio retrospectivo de 51 pacientes diagnosticados de adenoma hipofisario entre 2006 y 2008, segun los criterios vigentes de la Organizacion Mundial de la Salud. Se evaluo inmunohistoquimicamente la expresion de S-100 en celulas foliculo-estrelladas, y se correlaciono con parametros clinicorradiologicos e histopatologicos del tumor y la progresion/recurrencia postoperatoria. Resultados. De 51 tumores, 40 se clasificaron como adenomas hipofisarios tipicos y 11 como atipicos. La mayoria de los tipicos mostro celulas foliculo-estrelladas positivas para S-100 (media: 3,93%); los atipicos tenian pocas o ninguna celula S-100 positivas (media: 0,83%). No hubo diferencias significativas en la expresion de S-100 con respecto a la edad o sexo del paciente, tamaño, invasividad o recidiva tumoral posquirurgica. Conclusiones. En el grupo de estudio, a excepcion de los adenomas no funcionantes inmunopositivos para prolactina, con la media mas baja y mas alta de todos los subtipos en ambos grupos (tipicos, 0,25%, frente a atipicos, 9,24%; p = 0,0028), el factor predictivo de agresividad tumoral para los adenomas hipofisarios no esta representado por un bajo valor de S-100 en las celulas foliculo-estrelladas, lo que no permite seleccionar a pacientes para un tratamiento postoperatorio intensivo.

Adenomas hipofisarios atípicos: experiencia de 10 años en un centro de referencia de Portugal / Atypical pituitary adenomas: 10 years of experience in a reference centre in Portugal

Introducción: Los tumores hipofisarios primarios son clasificados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud como adenoma típico, adenoma atípico y carcinoma. Existen datos limitados sobre la incidencia y la prevalencia de tumores hipofisarios, siendo en Portugal escasos, obsoletos o inexistentes. Presentamos un estudio que evalúa los adenomas hipofisarios (AH) basado en la población de Lisboa, cuyo objetivo es describir la prevalencia de todos los subgrupos, revisando la incidencia de este tipo histopatológico «atípico» y su correlación con el subtipo de tumor, invasión y recurrencia. Pacientes y métodos: Se realizó un análisis descriptivo retrospectivo de pacientes diagnosticados de AH entre 2004 y 2013, en el Hospital Universitario de Santa Maria (Lisboa), un centro de referencia nacional. Resultados: De 220 AH diagnosticados, 28 (12,7%) cumplían criterios de lesiones atípicas, 23 de los cuales (82,1%) fueron macroadenomas y 13 (46,4%) mostraron radiológicamente evidencia de invasión. La edad osciló entre 29-81 años (media 53,4 años). Once pacientes (39,3%) tenían tumores funcionantes. Dieciséis (57,1%) de los 28 pacientes presentaron tumores recurrentes; en 100 de los adenomas diagnosticados, con seguimiento superior a 5 años, se observó una tasa de recurrencia en AH atípicos hasta 7 veces superior. En estudios inmunohistoquímicos destacaron los positivos a ACTH (28,6%), a gonadotrofinas (25%) y a prolactina (17,9%). El índice proliferativo (Ki67) varió entre el 3 y el 25% (media 6,4%). Conclusiones: Los AH atípicos corresponden al 12,7% de los AH resecados, tendiendo a ser macroadenomas, invasivos y recurrentes. No encontramos diferencias entre AH típicos y atípicos en cuanto al potencial metastásico

Introduction: Primary pituitary tumours are classified by the World Health Organization as typical adenoma, atypical adenoma, or carcinoma. Information on the incidence and prevalence of these pituitary tumours is limited, and these data in Portugal are scarce, obsolete, or non-existent. Our study evaluates pituitary adenomas (PA) in the population of Lisbon, and it aims to describe the prevalence of all subgroups in order to revise the incidence of the ‘atypical’ histological type and its correlation to tumour subtype, invasion, and recurrence. Patients and methods: A retrospective, descriptive analysis of patients with PA diagnosed between 2004 and 2013 was performed at Santa Maria University Hospital, a national reference centre. Results: Of the 220 PA cases diagnosed, 28 (12.7%) fulfilled criteria for atypical lesions, and within that group, 23 were macroadenomas (82.1%) and 13 showed radiological evidence of invasion (46.4%). Ages ranged from 29 and 81 years (mean, 53.4 years). Eleven patients (39.3%) had functional tumours. Sixteen of the 28 patients (57.1%) experienced tumour recurrences; in the 100 adenomas monitored for more than 5 years, the recurrence rate in atypical PA was 7 times higher than in typical PA. Immunohistochemically, 28.6% of the tumours stained positively for ACTH, 25% for gonadotrophins, and 17.9% for prolactin. The proliferation index (Ki67) ranged from 3% and 25% (mean, 6.4%). Conclusions: Atypical PAs make up 12.7% of all surgically treated PA cases, and they tend to be invasive and recurrent macroadenomas. We found no differences in metastatic potential between typical and atypical PA

Atypical pituitary adenomas: 10 years of experience in a reference centre in Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: Primary pituitary tumours are classified by the World Health Organization as typical adenoma, atypical adenoma, or carcinoma. Information on the incidence and prevalence of these pituitary tumours is limited, and these data in Portugal are scarce, obsolete, or non-existent. Our study evaluates pituitary adenomas (PA) in the population of Lisbon, and it aims to describe the prevalence of all subgroups in order to revise the incidence of the 'atypical' histological type and its correlation to tumour subtype, invasion, and recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive analysis of patients with PA diagnosed between 2004 and 2013 was performed at Santa Maria University Hospital, a national reference centre. RESULTS: Of the 220 PA cases diagnosed, 28 (12.7%) fulfilled criteria for atypical lesions, and within that group, 23 were macroadenomas (82.1%) and 13 showed radiological evidence of invasion (46.4%). Ages ranged from 29 and 81 years (mean, 53.4 years). Eleven patients (39.3%) had functional tumours. Sixteen of the 28 patients (57.1%) experienced tumour recurrences; in the 100 adenomas monitored for more than 5 years, the recurrence rate in atypical PA was 7 times higher than in typical PA. Immunohistochemically, 28.6% of the tumours stained positively for ACTH, 25% for gonadotrophins, and 17.9% for prolactin. The proliferation index (Ki67) ranged from 3% and 25% (mean, 6.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Atypical PAs make up 12.7% of all surgically treated PA cases, and they tend to be invasive and recurrent macroadenomas. We found no differences in metastatic potential between typical and atypical PA.

Evaluation of alginate microspheres for mesenchymal stem cell engraftment on solid organ.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be used as a cell source for cell therapy of solid organs due to their differentiation potential and paracrine effect. Nevertheless, optimization of MSC-based therapy needs to develop alternative strategies to improve cell administration and efficiency. One option is the use of alginate microencapsulation, which presents an excellent biocompatibility and an in vivo stability. As MSCs are hypoimmunogenic, it was conceivable to produce microparticles with [alginate-poly-L-lysine-alginate (APA) microcapsules] or without (alginate microspheres) a surrounding protective membrane. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the most suitable microparticles to encapsulate MSCs for engraftment on solid organ. First, we compared the two types of microparticles with 4 × 10(6) MSCs/ml of alginate. Results showed that each microparticle has distinct morphology and mechanical resistance but both remained stable over time. However, as MSCs exhibited a better viability in microspheres than in microcapsules, the study was pursued with microspheres. We demonstrated that viable MSCs were still able to produce the paracrine factor bFGF and did not present any chondrogenic or osteogenic differentiation, processes sometimes reported with the use of polymers. We then proved that microspheres could be implanted under the renal capsule without degradation with time or inducing impairment of renal function. In conclusion, these microspheres behave as an implantable scaffold whose biological and functional properties could be adapted to fit with clinical applications.

Effects of density, climate, and supplementary forage on body mass and pregnancy rates of female red deer in Spain.

The influence of short- and long-term (cohort) effects of climate and density on the life-histories of ungulates in temperate regions may vary with latitude, habitat, and management practices, but the life-histories of ungulates in the Mediterranean region are less well known. This study examined the short- and long-term effects of rainfall and absolute density on hinds in two of the southernmost populations of red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) in Europe. One population received supplementary forage. Unlike more northerly latitudes, where red deer hinds lose body mass in winter as a result of adverse weather, in the Spanish populations, hinds did not lose body mass. Hinds in the population that received supplementary forage were heavier and more likely to become pregnant than were the hinds in the unsupplemented population. The likelihood of pregnancy occurring was strongly influenced by hind body mass; the proportion of yearlings that became pregnant was consequently lower in the unsupplemented population than in the population that received supplementary forage. Cohort effects on hind body mass (negative for density and positive for rainfall at birth) and on the probability of pregnancy (negative for density at birth) were apparent only in the unsupplemented population, which implies that supplemental feeding may partially compensate for negative density-dependent factors during early growth, and that supplemented deer hinds may experience reduced selection pressures. These results reflect the particular seasonal variation in the abundance and quality of food in Mediterranean habitats. The delayed effects of climate and density at birth on adult hind body mass and the prevalence of pregnancy probably affects population dynamics and constitutes a mechanism by which cohort effects affect the population dynamics in Iberian red deer. The management of Iberian red deer populations should take into account cohort effects and supplemental feeding practices, which can buffer density- and climate-dependent effects and reduce natural selection pressures.

Los Centros de Reconocimiento de Conductores veinte años después / The Assessment of Drivers Centres twenty years later

Si bien existe una tradición española en la aplicación de los conocimientos psicológicos a la prevención de accidentes de circulación, que arranca desde la década de 1920, no se convirtió en un fenómeno de masas hasta mediados de los años 80 cuando, al extenderse desde los conductores profesionales a todos los conductores, llegó a un número creciente de españolas y españoles. Esta acción preventiva, que fue el primer rol profesional de intervención psicológica legalmente regulado en España, definido incluso antes de la existencia formal de una auténtica práctica académica en Psicología, es hoy una destacada fuente de empleo para los titulados en psicología y goza de plena actualidad, como demuestra su reciente inclusión dentro del sistema de permiso por puntos. Los protagonistas de la historia fueron, primero, los psicotécnicos en Centros públicos evaluando conductores profesionales, y luego los psicólogos en Centros privados explorando a todos los aspirantes a obtener o renovar los permisos. La selección ha sido el hilo conector de lo que ha dado en llamarse el "Modelo Español" de Seguridad Vial. Se puede establecer varias etapas en el desarrollo del mencionado modelo, coincidentes en una gran parte con el desarrollo y consolidación de una Ciencia Psicológica española autónoma y con los cambios de paradigmas y tecnologías. El actual Reglamento General de Conductores mantiene el mismo patrón preventivo legalizado en 1934. Tras casi 100 años de vida y 25 de acción sobre masas, cabía preguntarse por su validez y utilidad, y eso es precisamente, apoyándose en datos empíricos, lo que pretende contestar este artículo (AU)

It is appropriate to talk about a Spanish tradition in the application of psychology to traffic accidents prevention, dating back to the 1920s. It was the first professional area of psychological intervention to be legally regulated in Spain, even before the formal existence of an epistemic practice in psychology. From the 1930s on, without any interruption, there has been a prevailing preventive model, in spite of the different political regimes that have governed in Spain. First the psychotechnicians in public centres assessing professional drivers, and later the psychologists in private centres with all drivers have been the protagonists in the story, the connecting thread being what has been called the Spanish Model of drivers assessment. We can establish various different steps in the development of the Spanish Model in Psychological Assessment of Drivers, in a big part coincident with the evolution of the Psychological Science and the Spanish psychology. The current "Reglamento General de Conductores", who regulate driving licence, required from all of candidates to obtain/renewal driving licence submitted to physical and psychological examination in private centres to obtain driving licence. Also, this examination is required to those drivers who have lost their licence as a consequence of the penalty point system and are trying to recover it. The "Reglamento General de Conductores" maintained psychological test and a preventive pattern, legalized at 1934. We offered an empirical analysis of its activity and the validity of the professional intervention in its different dimensions. The selection of drivers has played a key role in the building of Modern professional Spanish psychology, and is today the oldest living representative role in the field (AU)

Viability and functionality of bovine chromaffin cells encapsulated into alginate-PLL microcapsules with a liquefied inner core.

Implantation of adrenal medullary bovine chromaffin cells (BCC), which synthesize and secrete a combination of pain-reducing neuroactive compounds including catecholamines and opioid peptides, has been proposed for the treatment of intractable cancer pain. Macro- or microencapsulation of such cells within semipermeable membranes is expected to protect the transplant from the host's immune system. In the present study, we report the viability and functionality of BCC encapsulated into microcapsules of alginate-poly-L-lysine (PLL) with a liquefied inner core. The experiment was carried out during 44 days. Empty microcapsules were characterized in terms of morphology, permeability, and mechanical resistance. At the same time, the viability and functionality of both encapsulated and nonencapsulated BCC were evaluated in vitro. We obtained viable BCC with excellent functionality: immunocytochemical analysis revealed robust survival of chromaffin cells 30 days after isolation and microencapsulation. HPLC assay showed that encapsulated BCC released catecholamines basally during the time course study. Taken together, these results demonstrate that viable BCC can be successfully encapsulated into alginate-PLL microcapsules with a liquefied inner core.

Intrathecal grafting of porcine chromaffin cells reduces formalin-evoked c-Fos expression in the rat spinal cord.

Chromaffin cells from the adrenal gland secrete a combination of neuroactive compounds including catecholamines, opioid peptides, and growth factors that have strong analgesic effects, especially when administered intrathecally. Preclinical studies of intrathecal implantation with xenogeneic bovine chromaffin cells in rats have provided conflicting data with regard to analgesic effects, and recent concern over risk of prion transmission has precluded their use in human clinical trials. We previously developed a new, safer source of adult adrenal chromaffin cells of porcine origin and demonstrated an in vivo antinociceptive effect in the formalin test, a rodent model of tonic pain. The goal of the present study was to confirm porcine chromaffin cell analgesic effects at the molecular level by evaluating neural activity as reflected by spinal cord c-Fos protein expression. To this end, the expression of c-Fos in response to intraplantar formalin injection was evaluated in animals following intrathecal grafting of 10(6) porcine or bovine chromaffin cells. For the two species, adrenal chromaffin cells significantly reduced the tonic phases of the formalin response. Similarly, c-Fos-like immunoreactive neurons were markedly reduced in the dorsal horns of animals that had received injections of xenogeneic chromaffin cells. This reduction was observed in both the superficial (I-II) and deep (V-VI) lamina of the dorsal horn. The present study demonstrates that both xenogeneic porcine and bovine chromaffin cells transplanted into the spinal subarachnoid space of the rat can suppress formalin-evoked c-Fos expression equally, in parallel with suppression of nociceptive behaviors in the tonic phase of the test. These findings confirm previous reports that adrenal chromaffin cells may produce antinociception by inhibiting activation of nociceptive neurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Taken together these results support the concept that porcine chromaffin cells may offer an alternative xenogeneic cell source for transplants delivering pain-reducing neuroactive substances.

Plasma chemistry reference values from captive red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa).

1. Haematological and plasma biochemical parameters of 66 captive red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) of both sexes were analysed in order to determine reference values, taking sex and age into account. 2. There were no statistically significant differences in haematocrit, plasma glucose content or creatine kinase activity either with age or between sexes. 3. Plasma cholesterol concentrations showed differences between sexes, whereas the plasma concentrations of urea, uric acid and creatinine were significantly affected by age. 4. Plasma triglyceride and total protein concentrations were affected by both sex and age. 5. A peak at 6 months old in those parameters related to protein metabolism, such as urea, uric acid and creatinine may be related to the end of the growing period and the start of ovulation after moulting.

Una aproximación empírica a la revista ansiedad y estrés en su decimo aniversario / An empirical approach to the journal Ansiedad y Estrés (Anxiety and Stress) in its 10th anniversary

Las revistas científicas definen el "research front" de cualquier disciplina académica. Existe una interacción característica entre nivel de desarrollo institucional e implantación social y número y diversidad de revistas. Esto es especialmente claro en el caso de la psicología española. En este trabajo se presenta una revisión del estado actual de la investigación en ansiedad y estrés, revisando el contenido de los artículos publicados en la revista "Ansiedad y Estrés". Esta publicación multidisciplinar pretende dar cobertura a la investigación sobre la ansiedad y el estrés, así como a otros temas relacionados (por ejemplo las emociones, la personalidad, y la salud). Esta revista es el órgano oficial de una sociedad científica, que pretende delimitar y definir un campo de investigación y aplicación. En este sentido, proporciona, utilizando técnicas bibliométricas, una revisión sobre el pasado, el presente y el futuro de este ámbito de investigación, que ocupa a numerosos autores y grupos de investigación; además, revisa los autores, trabajos, instituciones, revistas y libros más influyentes en este ámbito. Nuestros resultados permiten construir una imagen global sobre las principales tendencias existentes en la revista "Ansiedad y Estrés", y permite conocer el "estado del arte" de la investigación en esta relevante área de conocimiento y aplicación. (AU)

Intrathecal xenogeneic chromaffin cell grafts reduce nociceptive behavior in a rodent tonic pain model.

Adrenal medullary chromaffin cells synthetize and secrete a combination of pain-reducing neuroactive compounds including catecholamines and opioid peptides. Previous reports have shown that implantation of chromaffin cells into the spinal subarachnoid space can reduce both acute and chronic pain in several animal models. We recently demonstrated that human chromaffin cell grafts in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) could alleviate intractable cancer pain after failure of systemic opiates. However, wider application of this approach was limited by the limited availability of allogeneic donor material. Alternatively, chromaffin cells from xenogeneic sources such as bovine adrenal medulla were successful in the experimental treatment of pain, but recent concern over risk of prion transmission precluded use of bovine grafts in human clinical trials. The objective of the present study was to investigate the possibility of developing a new xenogeneic porcine source of therapeutic chromaffin cells because this strategy is currently considered the safest for transplantation in man. In the present study, we report the isolation and the characterization of primary porcine chromaffin cells (PCC) compared to bovine cells. We show, for the first time, that these cells grafted in the rat subarachnoid space can attenuate pain-related behaviors as assessed by the formalin test, a model of tonic pain. Moreover, in addition to behavioral studies, immunohistochemical analysis revealed robust survival of chromaffin cells 35 days after transplantation. Taken together, these results support the concept that porcine chromaffin cells may offer an alternative xenogeneic cell source for transplants delivering pain-reducing neuroactive substances.

Valoración antropométrica de una población infantil rural de Granada / Anthropometric study of a rural child population in the province of Granada, Spain

Presentamos los resultados de diversas variables antropométricas obtenidas de la práctica totalidad de la población escolar de la zona básica de salud (ZBS) de Marquesado (Granada). El total de individuos estudiados fue de 412 escolares de edades comprendidas entre 5 y 14 años. Se determinaron, además del peso y la talla, los pliegues tricipital, bicipital, subescapular y suprailiaco; así como, el perímetro braquial, el área grasa y muscular y el índice adiposomuscular del brazo. Se obtuvieron las tablas correspondientes a cada uno de los parámetros anteriores. Se observaron diferencias sustanciales con los resultados publicados en otros estudios nacionales. Se pretende con los resultados aportados servir de marco referencial para la utilización de estos parámetros en nuestra zona geográfica (AU)

We present a set of anthropometric variables obtained from virtually the entire school population of the rural area of ZBS de Marquesado, in the province of Granada, Spain. The study comprised a total of 412 schoolchildren aged 5-14 years. The parameters examined were weight and height; the triceps, biceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds; the mid-arm circumference; the arm fat and muscle areas; and the ratio of arm fat to muscle. Tables are presented for each of the above paameters, revealing significant differences with respect to the published results of other nationwide studies. It is hoped that the findings of the present study will serve as a benchmark for the above-mentioned parameters in the context of the population of Spain (AU)

Three decades of psychological research in the journal Cognitive Psychology (1979-1999).

We examined the journal Cognitive Psychology, as representative of the evolution of cognitive psychology during the last three decades (1979-1999). Analysis of changes in the impact factor defined according to the Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) is an indication of the ranking of this journal both in the general classification of archival research journals as well as in relation to other periodicals in the area of cognitive psychology. This single quantitative measure of articles published in Cognitive Psychology indicates a change in the topics of interest. An analysis of the research topics and identification of the most productive authors identifies important indicators of the psychological topics of primary interest during this time.

Psychology's Evolution through its texts: Analysis of E. R. Hilgard's Introduction to Psychology / Evolución de la Psicología a través de sus textos: Análisis de Introducción a la Psicología de E. R. Hilgard

Introductory textbooks may be considered as testimonials to the level of a science at a given time. Hilgard’s Introduction to Psychology has been published in 13 editions, the first in 1953 and the last in the year 2000. The analysis of the successive editions of this text provides information regarding the changes that have taken place within the field of psychology during the last half of the 20th century. The contents of the text that are analyzed in this study include the definition of psychology that appears throughout this period, the emphasis that is given to the various psychological processes and the areas of psychology, and the presence of authors with a large number of works cited in the successive editions (AU)

Los manuales introductorios pueden ser considerados como testimonios del nivel de ciencia de un momento dado. La introducción a la Psicología de Hilgard ha sido publicada en 13 ediciones, la primera en 1953 y la última en el año 2000. El análisis de las sucesivas ediciones de este testo proporciona información en relación a los cambios que han tenido lugar dentro del campo de la psicología durante la última parte del siglo XX. Los contenidos del texto que se han analizado en el estudio incluyen la definición de psicología que aparece a través de este período, el énfasis que se ha dado a los diversos procesos psicológicos y las áreas de la psicología, y la presencia de autores con un gran número de trabajos citados en las sucesivas ediciones (AU)

[Acute ICU syndrome. Contributing factors and attitude of the nursing staff]. / Síndrome confusional agudo en UCI: factores que influyen y actitud de enfermería.

It is not uncommon for patients in intensive care units (ICUs) to suddenly and unexpectedly present what is known as acute ICU syndrome. This syndrome appears independently of the patient's situation and diagnosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of this nursing diagnosis in our department, to identify the possible environmental factors that could contribute to its appearance and to evaluate nursing interventions to resolve this syndrome in the ICU.Data were collected from a register of 62 items containing information on the health status of the patient on presenting the syndrome (vital signs, laboratory investigations, etc.), data on the environment, drugs used and other factors that could, a priori, play a role. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS program. This prospective study was carried out in a general ICU with ten beds: six beds in an open ward and four individual rooms. Two hundred forty-three patients were admitted during the 6-month study period. The incidence of ICU syndrome was 8.1 % (20 cases). Factors influencing its appearance were the timing of the shifts, the temperature, and whether patients were in individual rooms or open wards. The frequency of the syndrome was much higher in open wards and in the afternoon (from 15:00 to 22:00). In conclusion, the attitude of the nursing staff should be alert to identify the syndrome early and initiate appropriate measures, such as orienting the patient in time and space, achieving an appropriate temperature, using relaxation techniques, facilitating access to the family, etc., since in 35 % of cases these measures are sufficient to stabilize and/or resolve the problem, without the need of drugs.