Intervenciones farmacéuticas en usuarios de benzodiacepinas durante la pandemia COVID-19 / Pharmaceutical interventions in benzodiazepine users during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción: la Intervención Farmacéutica busca optimizar y racionalizar el uso, la efectividad y la seguridad de los medicamentos dispensados resolviendo problemas relacionados con el medicamento (PRM) y resultados negativos asociados a la medicación (RNM).Objetivo: evaluar las Intervenciones Farmacéuticas realizadas a usuarios de benzodiacepinas durante la pandemia COVID-19 desde una Farmacia Comunitaria.Método: estudio prospectivo observacional, descriptivo y transversal (código AEMPS: DAA-CLO-2020-01) de las Intervenciones Farmacéuticas llevadas a cabo por una farmacia comunitaria tinerfeña entre agosto 2020 y febrero 2021.Resultados: un total de 306 Intervenciones Farmacéuticas fueron realizadas sobre 127 pacientes. La educación sanitaria y la información personalizada sobre el medicamento fueron las Intervenciones Farmacéuticas mayoritarias tras detectar entre los pacientes un alto grado de desconocimiento sobre las benzodiacepinas usadas. Las Intervenciones Farmacéuticas que se acompañan de derivación al médico alcanzan el 37,8 % tras detectar PRM y/o RNM o identificar al paciente como candidato para deprescripción. Estas derivaciones incluyen a los pacientes con un estado de depresión muy alto según el test Euroqol 5D-3L. La Intervención Farmacéutica con derivación al Servicio de Seguimiento Farmacoterapéutico se realiza en el 3,1 % de los pacientes. El grado de aceptación de la Intervención Farmacéutica por parte de los pacientes alcanza el 98,4 %.Conclusiones: el alto porcentaje de aceptación de las Intervenciones Farmacéuticas refuerza el valor de la Farmacia Comunitaria en la optimización y racionalización del uso de benzodiacepinas y fortalece el vínculo farmacéutico-paciente. La pandemia COVID-19 dificultó la colaboración farmacéutico-médico, a pesar de la existencia de protocolos telemáticos de comunicación entre sanitarios.(AU)

Impact of a Community Pharmacy Pharmacotherapy Follow-up (PTF) service in patients using opioid analgesic.

The use of prescribed major opioid analgesics (fentanyl, tapentadol, morphine and oxycodone and combinations) for non-cancer chronic pain is fraught with risks that may generate Negative Medicine Outcomes (NMO). Among the factors associated with these risks, those related to the patient's characteristics and aberrant behavior, the treatment conditions, and the prescription health settings should be evaluated with the aim of minimizing unsafety during the health care process. The present study addresses, from a community pharmacy, the analysis of Drug Related Problems (DRP) and Negative Medicine Outcomes (NMO) in patients using these major opioid analgesics while it aims to demonstrate the role of pharmaceutical care interventions in promoting safety during the use of these molecules. A three step Pharmacotherapeutic Follow-up (PFT) protocol was designed to prevent, detect, and solve DRP and NMO associated with the use of opioid analgesics. 74.6% of the patients used opioid analgesics to treat musculoskeletal pain. Polypharmacy with benzodiazepines (61.9%); antidepressants (57.1%) and antiepileptics (30.2%) was detected in patients using these opioids. The Morisky-Green Adherence test revealed that 30.2% were nonadherent. It was observed, with statistical significance, that in all patients (63), the impact of the 14-week PFT supervised by the community pharmacist achieved an overall reduction in the prevalence of DRP and NMO. While the reduction in the number of DRPs reached 66.7%. Community pharmacies are a strategic point to promote and implement effective opioid stewardship due to both their central role in healthcare services and frequent interaction with patients.

Claves diagnósticas en el síndrome hemolítico urémico atípico: apropósito de un caso / Diagnostic clues in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome: a case report

El síndrome hemolítico urémico atípico (SHUa) es una entidad clínica caracterizada por anemia hemolítica no inmune, trombopenia y fallo renal, en la que las lesiones están mediadas por un proceso de microangiopatía trombótica (MAT) sistémica. Es una patología rara y cuyo origen es una desregulación del sistema del complemento debido a mutaciones en genes del mismo que llevan a una activación incontrolada de C5 y la formación del complejo de ataque de membrana. Su correcto diagnóstico permite prescribir el tratamiento basado en Eculizumab, inhibidor de C5.Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente gestante con SHUa, con el objetivo de destacar la importancia del diagnóstico diferencial precoz para el establecimiento temprano de un tratamiento efectivo de esta patología. Se actualiza la fisiopatología, diagnóstico y estudio genético, así como el manejo terapéutico del SHUa. (AU)

CIP2A regulates MYC translation (via its 5'UTR) in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Deregulated expression of MYC is a driver of colorectal carcinogenesis, suggesting that decreasing MYC expression may have significant therapeutic value. CIP2A is an oncogenic factor that regulates MYC expression. CIP2A is overexpressed in colorectal cancer (CRC), and its expression levels are an independent marker for long-term outcome of CRC. Previous studies suggested that CIP2A controls MYC protein expression on a post-transcriptional level. METHODS: To determine the mechanism by which CIP2A regulates MYC in CRC, we dissected MYC translation and stability dependent on CIP2A in CRC cell lines. RESULTS: Knockdown of CIP2A reduced MYC protein levels without influencing MYC stability in CRC cell lines. Interfering with proteasomal degradation of MYC by usage of FBXW7-deficient cells or treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 did not rescue the effect of CIP2A depletion on MYC protein levels. Whereas CIP2A knockdown had marginal influence on global protein synthesis, we could demonstrate that, by using different reporter constructs and cells expressing MYC mRNA with or without flanking UTR, CIP2A regulates MYC translation. This interaction is mainly conducted by the MYC 5'UTR. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, instead of targeting MYC protein stability as reported for other tissue types before, CIP2A specifically regulates MYC mRNA translation in CRC but has only slight effects on global mRNA translation. In conclusion, we propose as novel mechanism that CIP2A regulates MYC on a translational level rather than affecting MYC protein stability in CRC.

Criterios Ergonómicos para el Diseño de Quirófanos / Ergonomic Criteria for Operating Room Design

Resumen El personal involucrado en el área quirúrgica se ve afectado con lesiones musculoesqueléticas por esfuerzos y movimientos repetitivos acumulados. La gravedad de sus lesiones está dada en función de las posturas de trabajo, la especialidad quirúrgica y la disposición de los elementos con los que interactúa. La ergonomía ha tomado relevancia ya que ha hecho aportes muy importantes para las condiciones de trabajo en diferentes áreas. Aun cuando en la literatura se pueden encontrar diversas investigaciones de la frecuencia y los efectos de las lesiones ocupacionales en el personal del área quirúrgica, escasos estudios han propuesto pautas para el diseño ergonómico de quirófanos. El presente estudio engloba cuatro criterios ergonómicos que deben considerarse para el diseño de quirófanos.

Abstract Personnel involved in the surgical area are affected with musculoskeletal injuries due to accumulated repetitive stress and movements. The severity of the injuries is given according to the work postures, the surgical specialty and the arrangement of the elements in the operating room. Ergonomics has become relevant since it has made very important contributions to working conditions in different areas. Although in the literature investigations of the frequency and effects of occupational injuries on surgical staff can be found, few studies have proposed guidelines for the ergonomic design of operating rooms. The present study encompasses four ergonomic criteria that should be considered for the design of operating rooms.

Relative bioavailability of carnitine delivered by ruminal or abomasal infusion or by encapsulation in dairy cattle.

Two studies were designed to evaluate the relative bioavailability of l-carnitine delivered by different methods in dairy cattle. In experiment 1, 4 Holstein heifers were used in a split-plot design to compare ruminally or abomasally infused l-carnitine. The study included 2 main-plot periods, with infusion routes allocated in a crossover design. Within main-plot periods, each of 3 subplot periods consisted of 4-d infusions separated with 4-d rest periods. Subplot treatments were infusion of 1, 3, and 6 g of l-carnitine/d in conjunction with 6 g/d of arabinogalactan given in consideration of eventual product manufacturing. Doses increased within a period to minimize carryover risk. Treatments were solubilized in 4 L of water and delivered in two 10-h infusions daily. Blood was collected before the start of infusion period and on d 4 of each infusion period to obtain baseline and treatment l-carnitine concentrations. There was a dose × route interaction and route effect for increases in plasma carnitine above baseline, with increases above baseline being greater across all dose levels when infused abomasally compared with ruminally. Results demonstrated superior relative bioavailability of l-carnitine when ruminal exposure was physically bypassed. In experiment 2, 56 lactating Holstein cows (143 ± 72 d in milk) were used in 2 cohorts in randomized complete block designs (blocked by parity and milk production) to evaluate 2 rumen-protected products compared with crystalline l-carnitine. Treatments were (1) control, (2) 3 g/d of crystalline l-carnitine (crystalline), (3) 6 g/d of crystalline, (4) 5 g/d of 40COAT (40% coating, 60% l-carnitine), (5) 10 g/d of 40COAT, (6) 7.5 g/d of 60COAT (60% coating, 40% l-carnitine), and (7) 15 g/d of 60COAT. Treatments were top-dressed to diets twice daily. Each cohort used 14-d and included a 6-d baseline measurement period with the final 2 d used for data and sample collection, and an 8-d treatment period with the final 2 d used for data and sample collection. Plasma, urine, and milk samples were analyzed for l-carnitine. Crystalline and 40COAT linearly increased plasma l-carnitine, and 60COAT tended to linearly increase plasma l-carnitine. Total excretion (milk + urine) of l-carnitine averaged 1.52 ± 0.04 g/d in controls, increased linearly with crystalline and 40COAT, and increased quadratically with 60COAT. Crystalline increased plasma l-carnitine and l-carnitine excretion more than 40COAT and 60COAT. In conclusion, preventing ruminal degradation of l-carnitine increased delivery of bioavailable carnitine to cattle, but effective ruminal protection and postruminal bioavailability is challenging.

Prevalencia de PRM y RNM en tratamientos anticonceptivos hormonales. Eficacia de la IF en usuarias de estos tratamientos / Prevalence of DRP and NOM in hormonal contraceptive treatments. Effectiveness of pharmaceutical intervention in ussers of these treatments

Objetivos- Principal: evaluación cuantitativa de los PRM y RNM asociados a los tratamientos anticonceptivos hormonales. Secundarios: Evaluar la asociación de RNM con Edad y nivel de estudios. Estudiar el grado de la intervención farmacéutica para resolver los RNM. Métodos: Estudio cuasi-experimental con 512 pacientes. Recogida de datos desde Octubre de 2015 hasta Marzo de 2016 en oficina de Farmacia Comunitaria. Para registrar y evaluar los PRM y RNM se utiliza el método DÁDER de primera visita. Cada paciente acude a tres visitas a lo largo del estudio. Resultados: En la Visita 1 se detectaron 503 RNM, en la Visita 2 se redujeron a 116 y en la Visita 3 a 45. En la Visita 1 se detectaron 853 PRM, en la Visita 2 141 y en la Visita 3 se redujeron a 90. Las intervenciones farmacéuticas son aceptadas en el 90,4% de los casos y resuelven el 91% de los RNM iniciales. Conclusiones: Casi el 82% de las pacientes usuarias de AH presentaban algún RNM. Al iniciar el estudio se detectó la presencia de más de un PRM por paciente, el tipo de PRM más prevalente es el incumplimiento, constituyendo el 52,4 % de los PRM totales. El incumplimiento puede conllevar una inefectividad del tratamiento que podría tener consecuencias tanto clínicas, como sociales y económicas. El buen resultado en cuanto a eficacia de la intervención farmacéutica invita a pensar en la necesidad de realizar este tipo de estudios con el fin de optimizar los resultados terapéuticos de los medicamentos

Objetives: Main objective: evaluation of the DRP and NOM associated with the contraceptive hormonal treatments. Secondary objectives: To detect, characterize and classify the NOM for categories and types. To identify, characterize and classify the DRP. To study the degree of the pharmaceutical intervention to solve the NOM and avoid the PRM. Methods: It was carried out a quasi-experimental study with 512 patients. It was done a withdrawal of information from October, 2015 until March, 2016 in a Community Pharmacy. To register and evaluate the DRP and NOM it was used the method DÁDER. Every patient came to three visits along the study. Results: In the Visit 1, 503 NOM were detected, in the Visit 2 diminished to 116 and in the Visit 3 to 45. In the Visit 1, 853 DRP were detected, in the Visit 2, 141 and in the Visit 3 diminished to 90.The pharmaceutical interventions were accepted in 90.4% of the cases and solved 91% of the initial NOM. Conclusions: Almost 82% of the patients, users of HC, presented some NOM. At the beginning of the study, it was detected the presence of more than one DRP by patient, the more prevalent DRP was the failure, constituting 52.4 % of the total DRP. Failure can carry an inefficiency of the treatment that might have clinical, social and economic consequences. The good result regarding the effectiveness of the pharmaceutical intervention invites to think about the need of doing this type of studies in order to optimize the therapeutic results of medicines

Effects of limonene on ruminal concentrations, fermentation, and lysine degradation in cattle.

Previous in vitro data showed that was inhibited by limonene. We further evaluated effects of limonene on growth of in vitro as well as on ruminal concentrations of in vivo. With in vitro cultivation in anaerobic brain-heart infusion broth, limonene decreased growth of . Thymol also reduced growth of , but it was less effective than limonene. Tylosin effectively reduced growth of in vitro. Although the response over fermentation times and concentrations of antimicrobials differed somewhat between tylosin and limonene, the 2 antimicrobial agents yielded similar inhibitory effects on growth of at concentrations ranging from 6 to 24 mg/L. The effects of limonene on ruminal concentration in vivo were tested in 7 ruminally cannulated heifers (225 kg initial BW) used in a 7 × 4 Youden square design. Treatments included: 1) control, 2) limonene at 10 mg/kg diet DM, 3) limonene at 20 mg/kg diet DM, 4) limonene at 40 mg/kg diet DM, 5) limonene at 80 mg/kg diet DM, 6) CRINA-L (a blend of essential oil components) at 180 mg/kg diet DM, and 7) tylosin at 12 mg/kg diet DM. Each period included 11 d with 10 d washouts between periods. Samples of ruminal contents were collected before treatment initiation and after 4, 7, and 10 d of treatment for measuring by the most probable number method using selective culture medium. Limonene linearly decreased ( = 0.03) ruminal concentration, with the lowest concentration achieved with 40 mg of limonene/kg dietary DM. Limonene tended ( ≤ 0.07) to linearly reduce ruminal molar proportions of propionate and valerate while tending to linearly increase ( ≤ 0.10) those of butyrate and 2-methyl butyrate. Limonene did not affect ruminal NH concentrations or degradation rates of lysine. Neither CRINA-L ( = 0.52) nor tylosin ( = 0.19) affected ruminal concentrations. CRINA-L significantly decreased ruminal concentrations of NH and molar proportions of 3-methyl butyrate, whereas tylosin significantly decreased molar proportions of propionate while increasing those of butyrate and tending to increase those of acetate. Limonene supplementation reduced ruminal concentrations of suggesting that it may have the potential to reduce the prevalence of liver abscesses, although further research is needed to assess the effect of limonene in feedlot cattle.

Effects of urea formaldehyde condensation polymer treatment of flaxseed on ruminal digestion and lactation in dairy cows.

Flaxseed is a potent source of the n-3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid (ALA), yet most ALA is lost during ruminal biohydrogenation when ground flaxseed is fed to ruminants. Heat processing and urea formaldehyde condensation polymer (UFCP) treatment of flaxseed were investigated as possible means of protecting ALA from ruminal degradation. Ground flaxseed (GF), heated ground flaxseed (HGF), or UFCP-treated ground flaxseed (UFCPGF) were incubated for 0, 4, 8, and 12h in 4 ruminally cannulated multiparous lactating Holstein cows. Compared with GF, HGF and UFCPGF decreased ruminal disappearance of dry matter, crude protein, and ALA. Pepsin-digestible protein remaining after 12h of ruminal incubation was greater for UFCPGF and HGF than for GF. Twenty-four lactating Holstein cows (207 ± 37 d in milk, 668 ± 66 kg of body weight, and 1.33 ± 0.56 lactations) were then used in a randomized complete block design experiment with a basal feeding period to assess effects of flaxseed treatment on ALA enrichment of plasma and milk as well as lactational performance. No evidence existed that supplementation of HGF and UFCPGF affected dry matter intake, milk fat content, milk protein content, or energy-corrected milk yield, but UFCPGF marginally decreased milk yield compared with HGF. Plasma concentration of ALA was not affected by treatment. Concentrations of n-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids in milk fat were increased by UFCPGF relative to HGF, but ALA yield was not affected. Taken together, in situ results suggest that heat-treated flaxseed, with or without UFCP treatment, slowed ruminal disappearance of ALA. Feeding UFCP-treated flaxseed failed to alter ALA content of plasma or milk ALA yield relative to heating alone.

La docencia del área de Toxicología de la Universidad de La Laguna / The teaching of Toxicology at the University of La Laguna

La docencia de Toxicología en la Universidad de La Laguna (ULL) se integra en diversas Licenciaturas y Grados tales como Farmacia, Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (CTA), Medicina, Náutica y Transporte Marítimo y el Máster Oficial de Seguridad y Calidad de los Alimentos. En la Licenciatura de Farmacia en la ULL, el Área de Toxicología imparte la asignatura troncal Toxicología de 7 créditos y dos asignaturas optativas, Drogodependencias y Toxicología Clínica y Laboral, de 4,5 créditos cada una. En el Grado en Farmacia, se imparte la asignatura obligatoria de Toxicología (9 ECTS) y la asignatura optativa de Drogodependencias (6 ECTS). Asimismo, se imparte un total de 11 créditos en la Licenciatura de CTA quedando ésta extinguida en el curso académico 2013/2014. En la Licenciatura de Medicina, se imparte docencia de Toxicología en las asignaturas de Medicina Legal y Toxicología (asignado 1 crédito) y Toxicología clínica (4,5 créditos) mientras que en el Grado de Medicina se integra en las asignaturas Farmacología, anestesia y tratamiento del dolor (9 ECTS) y Aspectos éticos, aspectos legales y aspectos humanísticos de la Medicina (6 ECTS). En ellas, la Toxicología tiene asignado 1 y 0,5 ECTS, respectivamente. La Licenciatura de Náutica y Transporte Marítimo, la docencia de Toxicología se engloba en una asignatura obligatoria mientras que en el Grado en Ingeniería Radioelectrónica se incluye en una asignatura optativa (3 ECTS). En la docencia de Postgrado, la Toxicología se imparte en el Máster Oficial en Seguridad y Calidad de los Alimentos desde dos módulos con 6 ECTS cada uno de ellos (AU)

The Toxicology Department at the University of La Laguna (ULL) offers courses included in the curricula of several degrees such as Pharmacy, Food Science and Technology, Medicine, Marine and Maritime Transport, and Food Safety and Quality Master program. In the Bachelor of Pharmacy at ULL that will end in 2014/2015, the Toxicology Department offers the mandatory subject "Toxicology", with 7 credits, as well as two optional subjects ("Clinical and Professional Toxicology", and "Drug Addiction"), with 4.5 credits each. In the Degree in Pharmacy, the "Toxicology" course is a compulsory subject worth 9 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and the optional "Drug Addiction" subject remains, and will be worth 6 ECTS. The Toxicology Department also gives a total of 11 credits in the Food Science and Technology Bachelor that will end in the academic course 2013/2014. In the Bachelor of Medicine, Toxicology is taught in two courses: "Pharmacology, anesthesia and pain management" (9 ECTS, of which 1 ECTS is for toxicology) and "Ethical, legal and humanistic aspects of medicine" (6 ECTS, of which 0.5 ECTS is for toxicology). In the Bachelor of Nautical and Maritime Transport, Toxicology is included in a mandatory subject while in the Bachelor of Radio Electronics Engineering, Toxicology is an optional subject (3 ECTS). As for postgraduate teaching, Toxicology is taught in the Master program in Food Safety and Quality, in two modules of 6 ECTS each (AU)

Trihalometanos en aguas de consumo humano / Trihalomethanes in water supply

Los trihalometanos (THMs) son subproductos de desinfección que resultan de la cloración de las aguas. Los THMs engloban a sustancias como el cloroformo (CHCl ), el 3 bromodiclorometano (CHBrCl ), el clorodibromometano (CHBr Cl) 2 2 y el tribromometano (CHBr ). La Agencia Internacional para la 3 Investigación del Cáncer ha clasificado al cloroformo y al bromodiclorometano en el grupo 2B que incluye a las sustancias posiblemente carcinogénicas en humanos. Debido a su toxicidad y a que el agua de consumo humano constituye la principal vía de exposición del hombre a estos compuestos, su presencia en las aguas de consumo humano está limitada por la Directiva Europea 98/83/CE a 100 ìg/L. En esta revisión se destacan los aspectos más relevantes sobre su toxicidad, reglamentación, determinación, concentración en aguas, variaciones estacionales y eliminación (AU)

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are disinfection byproducts resulting from chlorination of water. THMs comprise substances such as chloroform (CHCl ), 3 bromodichloromethane (CHBrCl ), chlorodibromomethane 2 (CHBr Cl) and tribromomethane (CHBr ). The International Agency 2 3 for Research on Cancer has classified chloroform and bromodichloromethane in Group 2B, which includes potentially carcinogenic substances in humans. Because of its toxicity and that drinking water is the main human exposure to these compounds, their presence in drinking water is limited by the European Directive 98/83/EC to 100 mg/L. This review highlights the most relevant aspects of its toxicity, regulation, determination, concentration in water, and removing seasonal variations (AU)

La ocratoxina A en alimentos de consumo humano: revisión / Ochratoxin A in foods for human consumption: review

Introducción: La Ocratoxina A (OTA) es una micotoxina neurotóxica, inmunosupresora, genotóxica, carcinógena y teratogénica de gran actualidad que contamina alimentos de consumo humano, principalmente cereales y derivados, bebidas alcohólicas y productos de molienda(café, cacao). Los niveles de Ocratoxina A en los alimentos están estrechamente relacionados con las condiciones de producción y conservación. Objetivo: Esta revisión tiene como objetivo evaluar la presencia de OTA en diferentes grupos de alimentos, así como actualizar el conocimiento sobre su toxicidad, mecanismo de acción, métodos de análisis utilizados para su detección y cuantificación, y diferentes aspectos sobre su legislación. Método: Se buscaron y seleccionaron, en base a unos criterios de inclusión, artículos y publicaciones relacionados con los mecanismos de acción, toxicidad, análisis y legislación de la OTA en alimentos, publicados en las bases de datos de MEDLINE/PubMed, Scielo, Science Direct, Ebscohost. Resultados: La presencia de OTA sigue observándose en diferentes grupos de alimentos. Los niveles detectados son inferiores a los permitidos por la legislación vigente. Sin embargo, se observa como prácticas agrotecnológicas de producción poco adecuadas y la incorrecta conservación de algunos alimentos siguen constituyendo puntos de control crítico para evitar los riesgos tóxicos derivados de la exposición humana a esta toxina. Conclusiones: Se recomienda fomentar el uso correcto de prácticas agrotecnológicas sobre las materias primas y productos transformados, con el objetivo de reducir la concentración de OTA presente en los alimentos y evitarla toxicidad consecuente al consumo de alimentos contaminados por OTA (AU)

Introduction: Ochratoxin A is a neurotoxic, immunosuppressive, genotoxic, carcinogenic and teratogenic mycotoxins present in human food, mainly cereals and cereals products, alcoholic beverages and mill products(coffee, cocoa). The levels of Ochratox in A in food are closely related with the production and conservation conditions. Objetive: This review aims to assess the presence of OTA in different food groups, and to update the knowledge about its toxicity, mechanism of action, methods of analysis used for detection and quantification, and different aspects about regulations. Methods: References and publications related to the mechanism of action, toxicity, analysis and regulations about OTA in foods were searched and selected based on inclusion criteria. MEDLINE/PubMed, Scielo, Science Direct, Ebscohost were used as databases. Results: The presence of OTA keeps on being observed in different food groups. The detected OTA levels are below those permitted by limits set by the regulations However, inadequate agrotechnological production practices and improper storage of foods remain as critical control points to avoid the toxic hazards resulting from human exposure to this toxin. Conclusions: It’s recommended to promote the correct use of agrotechnological practices for raw materials and processed products to reduce the concentration of OTA in foods and to avoid the toxicity resulting from the consumption of OTA contaminated foods (AU)

Effects of encapsulated niacin on metabolism and production of periparturient dairy cows.

Nicotinic acid (niacin) can suppress lipolysis, but responses to dietary niacin have been inconsistent in cattle. Our aim was to determine if 24 g/d of encapsulated niacin (EN; providing 9.6g/d of bioavailable nicotinic acid) alters lipid metabolism and productivity of transition cows. Beginning 21 d before expected calving, primiparous (n = 9) and multiparous (n = 13) cows (body condition score of 3.63 ± 0.08) were sequentially assigned within parity to EN (12 g provided with ration twice daily) or control through 21 d postpartum. Liver biopsies were collected on d -21, -4, 1, 7, and 21 relative to parturition. Blood samples were collected on d -21, -14, -7, -4, 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21 relative to parturition. On d 7 postpartum, a caffeine clearance test was performed to assess liver function, and on d 21 to 23 postpartum, blood samples were collected every 8h to monitor posttreatment nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) responses. Data were analyzed using mixed models with repeated measures over time. A treatment × time × parity effect was observed on prepartum dry matter intake (DMI), which was caused by a 4 kg/d decrease in DMI of EN-treated multiparous cows compared with control multiparous cows during the final 4 d prepartum. A significant increase in plasma nicotinamide concentration occurred in EN-treated cows on d -7 and 21 relative to parturition. Prepartum glucose concentration decreased in treated animals, with no difference in plasma insulin concentration. Treatment × time × parity effects were detected for NEFA and ß-hydroxybutyrate concentrations during the postpartum period. Plasma NEFA peaked at 1,467 ± 160 µM for control animals compared with 835 ± 154 µM for EN-treated animals. After treatments ended on d 21, no evidence was found for a plasma NEFA rebound in either parity group. A treatment × parity × time interaction was detected for liver triglyceride content, indicating a tendency for less liver triglyceride in EN-treated primiparous cows, but caffeine clearance rates were not affected by treatment. No treatment effects were observed for body condition score, body weight, energy balance, or milk or milk component production. A high dose of EN can decrease postpartum plasma NEFA concentration, but may also decrease prepartum DMI.

[Ochratoxin A in foods for human consumption: review]. / La ocratoxina A en alimentos de consumo humano: revisión.

INTRODUCTION: Ochratoxin A is a neurotoxic, immunosuppressive, genotoxic, carcinogenic and teratogenic mycotoxins present in human food, mainly cereals and cereals products, alcoholic beverages and mill products (coffee, cocoa). The levels of Ochratoxin A in food are closely related with the production and conservation conditions. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to assess the presence of OTA in different food groups, and to update the knowledge about its toxicity, mechanism of action, methods of analysis used for detection and quantification, and different aspects about regulations. METHODS: References and publications related to the mechanism of action, toxicity, analysis and regulations about OTA in foods were searched and selected based on inclusion criteria. MEDLINE/PubMed, Scielo, Science Direct, Ebscohost were used as databases. RESULTS: The presence of OTA keeps on being observed in different food groups. The detected OTA levels are below those permitted by limits set by the regulations However, inadequate agrotechnological production practices and improper storage of foods remain as critical control points to avoid the toxic hazards resulting from human exposure to this toxin. CONCLUSIONS: It's recommended to promote the correct use of agrotechnological practices for raw materials and processed products to reduce the concentration of OTA in foods and to avoid the toxicity resulting from the consumption of OTA contaminated foods.

Fibrolytic enzymes to increase the nutritive value of dairy feedstuffs.

In vitro studies and a lactation trial were conducted to investigate the effects of fibrolytic enzyme mixtures at different inclusion amounts. Seven enzymes in amounts designed to mimic addition of 1, 5, 15, or 30 g/d to dairy diets were incubated in vitro with either soybean hulls or alfalfa for 24 or 48 h. Enzyme treatments generally increased in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), but not volatile fatty acid production. For some enzyme mixtures, lesser amounts of enzymes led to greater increases in IVDMD, whereas for others there were no differences among the amounts tested. The enzyme mixture with the most cellulase activity was the most effective enzyme in improving IVDMD. In additional in vitro experiments, the same enzymes were used at an amount of 5 g/d, as well as at other amounts that showed promising responses in the first trial. Preincubation of substrates with enzymes before fermentation also was tested. Alfalfa, soybean hulls, corn silage, and corn gluten feed were used as substrates. Preincubation of the substrate with enzymes for 18 h before in vitro fermentation improved IVDMD. The effect on substrate solubilization of incubating substrates with the enzymes but without rumen fluid was also studied. Addition of enzymes to substrates without subsequent fermentation did not solubilize significant amounts of dry matter, indicating that the positive effect of preincubation cannot be attributed directly to hydrolysis of substrates before the in vitro fermentation with ruminal microbes. The fibrolytic enzyme that appeared most promising in vitro did not affect lactational performance when fed to dairy cows.

La acrilamida, contaminante químico de procesado: revisión / Acrylamide formation in foods: a review Acrylamide

La acrilamida, 'probable carcinógeno para los humanos',mutágeno de categoría 2 y tóxico para la reproducción de categoría 3según la UE, se comporta como neurotóxico tras exposiciones agudas. A pesar de que se recomienda disminuir los niveles de exposición, el tabaquismo, la exposición ocupacional y la exposición dietética son fuentes de acrilamida para el hombre. De entre todos los alimentos, son los ricos en carbohidratos y los elaborados a altas temperaturas, los que mayores niveles de este tóxico presentan. En la presente revisión se explica la formación de acrilamida en los alimentos, se describen sus efectos tóxicos, se citan los métodos analíticos usados en su determinación, se recopilan datos sobre los niveles detectados en distintos alimentos y se enumeran los datos más recientes sobre la ingesta en distintas poblaciones (AU)

Acrylamide formation in foods: A review Acrylamide,'probable carcinogenic for humans', mutagenic type 2 and toxic for reproduction type 3 for the European Union, produces neurotoxicity after acute expositions. Although recommendations are given to minimize the exposition levels to this compound, smoking and occupational and dietary exposures are important acrylamide sources. Among foods, those rich in carbohydrates and those cooked at high temperatures present the highest acrylamide concentrations. The present revision points out the acrylamide formation in foods, its toxic effects and the analytical methods used in its determination. Moreover, data are given about acrylamide levels in foods and dietary intakes in different populations (AU)

[Implementation and evaluation of critical hazards and check points analysis (CHCPA) in gofio-producing industries from Tenerife]. / Implantación y evaluación del análisis de peligros y puntos de control críticos (APPCC) en las industrias tinerfeñas productoras de Gofio.

OBJECTIVE: To satisfactorily implement the critical hazards and check points analysis. SETTING: Tenerife Island Subjects: 15 industries INTERVENTION: visits to gofio-manufacturing industries were done with the aim of giving advice to employers and workers, and thereafter, the intervention was assessed verifying the hygiene and sanitary conditions of the industry and the correct application of the established auto-control system. RESULTS: After the advising intervention, we observed that certain parameters taken into account from the hygiene and sanitary perspective have been corrected, such as modifying the facilities to adapt them to in force regulations, or asking the suppliers to certify raw materials. With regards to food production process, the intervention was effective in such a way that more than have of the industries reduced the time of those phases with higher contamination susceptibility and to carry out the control registries that were established. CONCLUSIONS: All industries implemented the auto-control system by means of registration charts of each one of the elaboration phases. 86% of the industries have introduced more hygienic materials. 60% implemented a reduction in intermediate times of production phases. 26% perfmored some obsolete machinery replacement modernaizing the facilities.

Bases científicas para el desarrollo de productos cárnicos funcionales con actividad biológica combinada / Scientific bases for the development of functional meat products with combined biological activity

Las evidencias científicas sobre la relación entre la alimentación y la salud han dado lugar a la aparición de un nuevo mercado alimentario de rápido crecimiento desde hace algunos años: el mercado de los alimentos funcionales. Aunque el interés de mantener o mejorar el estado de salud mediante el consumo de alimentos tradicionales a los que se han incorporado ingredientes bioactivos es indudablemente alto, la población española, cada vez más formada e informada, es reticente a consumir alimentos funcionales, a menos que éstos posean una base científica rigurosa. En este artículo se presenta una revisión de las bases científicas sobre las que se ha sustentado el desarrollo de alimentos funcionales cárnicos con relación omega-6/omega-3 equilibrada y una combinación de antioxidantes sinérgicos, entre ellos un extracto de romero obtenido mediante extracción con CO2 supercrítico (AU)

The scientific evidences on the relationship between food and health have given place to a new food market of rapid growth in the last years: the market of the functional food. Though the interest of maintaining or improving the state of health by means of the consumption of traditional food with bioactive ingredients added is undoubtedly high, the Spanish population, increasingly formed and informed, is unwilling to consume functional food, until these possess a scientific rigorous base. This article presents a review of the scientific bases that support the development of functional meat products with balanced ratio omega-6/omega-3 and a combination of synergic antioxidants, among them an extract of rosemary obtained by means of extraction with supercritical CO2 (AU)

Hidrocarburos Aromáticos Policíclicos (HAPs) en productos de la pesca: revisión / Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fishery products: a review

El interés de los hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (HAPs) como contaminantes alimentarios se debe a que, algunos de ellos, son conocidos cancerígenos humanos, clasificados en el grupo 2 de la Agencia Internacional de Investigación sobre el Cáncer (IARC), además de producir efectos teratógenos y otros efectos agudos (alteraciones digestivas, cefaleas, malestar general, agitación y confusión, irritación de piel y mucosas, etc.). La determinación de los niveles de estas sustancias en los alimentos, especialmente en productos de la pesca y en alimentos ahumados, se ha incrementado en los últimos años por diversas causas. Esta revisión reúne los datos más relevantes sobre las concentraciones de estos compuestos en los productos de la pesca así como los valores de ingesta alimentaria estimados para algunas poblaciones

The great interest of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as food contaminants is due to their well known human carcinogenic properties. Moreover, they are classified in the second group of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). These compounds also present teratogenic and acute toxic effects (digestive alterations, cephalea, malaise, cluttering, skin and mucosa irritation, etc.). The determination of the levels of these compounds in foods, especially in fishery products and smoked foods, has increased in the last years. This review gathers the most relevant data about the PAHs concentrations in fishery products at the same time that gives information about the estimated dietary intakes of PAHs for certain populations