Luz pulsada intensa combinada con expresión de las glándulas de Meibomio para el tratamiento del chalación / Intense pulsed light combined with meibomian gland expression for chalazion management

Objetivo Investigar la eficacia y la seguridad del protocolo de luz pulsada intensa (IPL) combinando el protocolo de tratamiento con IPL para la disfunción de las glándulas de Meibomio/enfermedad de ojo seco con IPL aplicada directamente en los párpados, asociada a la expresión de las glándulas de Meibomio (GM) para el tratamiento del chalación. Material y métodos Estudio retrospectivo de serie de casos. Los pacientes que presentaron chalación, recibieron un tratamiento combinado de terapia con IPL que consistió en usar el protocolo habitual de IPL para disfunción de las glándulas de Meibomio/enfermedad de ojo seco empleando una fluencia de acuerdo al tipo de piel según Fitzpatrick, seguido de una segunda fase (en la misma sesión) de aplicación IPL directamente sobre los párpados de ambos ojos empleando una fluencia de 10J/cm2. A continuación, todos los pacientes recibieron expresión de las GM, higiene de los párpados, antibiótico tópico y medicación ocular antiinflamatoria tópica. Los efectos adversos relacionados con este protocolo se evaluaron en cada sesión de IPL. Resultados Se incluyeron 26 chalaciones de diecinueve pacientes (24 ojos) con una edad media de 49,89±20,43 años. Fueron necesarias 2,07±0,97 sesiones de IPL de media para la resolución del chalación. El tratamiento combinado de protocolo IPL y expresión de GM mostró un 96,15% de eficacia y no se observaron efectos adversos. Conclusiones El tratamiento combinado de IPL para disfunción de las glándulas de Meibomio/enfermedad de ojo seco con IPL aplicado directamente sobre los párpados y expresión de GM podría ser eficaz y seguro para el tratamiento de los chalaciones (AU)

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of an intense pulsed light (IPL) combined IPL treatment protocol for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)/dry eye disease (DED) with IPL applied directly to the eyelids, associated with meibomian gland (MG) expression for the treatment of chalazion. Material and Methods Retrospective case series study. Patients presenting with chalazion received a combined IPL therapy treatment consisting of using the usual IPL protocol for DGM/EOS using a fluence according to skin type according to Fitzpatrick, followed by a second phase (in the same session) of IPL application directly on the eyelids of both eyes using a fluence of 10 J/cm2. All patients then received GM expression, eyelid hygiene, topical antibiotic and topical ocular anti-inflammatory medication. Adverse effects related to this protocol were assessed at each IPL session. Results Twenty-six chalazions from nineteen patients (24 eyes) with a mean age of 49.89 ± 20.43 years were included. An average of 2.07 ± 0.97 IPL sessions were required for chalazion resolution. The combined treatment of IPL protocol and GM expression showed 96.15% efficacy and no adverse effects were observed. Conclusions Combined IPL treatment for DGM/EOS with IPL applied directly on the eyelids and GM expression could be effective and safe for the treatment of chalazions (AU)

Intense pulsed light combined with meibomian gland expression for chalazion management.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of an intense pulsed light (IPL) combined IPL treatment protocol for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)/dry eye disease (DED) with IPL applied directly to the eyelids, associated with meibomian gland (MG) expression for the treatment of chalazion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective case series study. Patients presenting with chalazion received a combined IPL therapy treatment consisting of using the usual IPL protocol for DGM/EOS using a fluence according to skin type according to Fitzpatrick, followed by a second phase (in the same session) of IPL application directly on the eyelids of both eyes using a fluence of 10J/cm2. All patients then received GM expression, eyelid hygiene, topical antibiotic and topical ocular anti-inflammatory medication. Adverse effects related to this protocol were assessed at each IPL session. RESULTS: Twenty-six chalazions from nineteen patients (24 eyes) with a mean age of 49.89±20.43 years were included. An average of 2.07±0.97 IPL sessions were required for chalazion resolution. The combined treatment of IPL protocol and GM expression showed 96.15% efficacy and no adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Combined IPL treatment for MGD/DED with IPL applied directly onto the eyelids and MGX could be effective and safe for the management of chalazions.

Treatment with a Toll-like Receptor 7 ligand evokes protective immunity against atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolaemic mice.

BACKGROUND: The interplay between innate and adaptive immunity is central in life-threatening clinical complications of atherosclerosis such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The specific mechanisms involved and their protective versus detrimental effects in the disease process remain poorly understood. We have previously shown that higher levels of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) expression in human atherosclerotic lesions are correlated with better patient outcome. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we explored whether TLR7 activation can ameliorate disease in experimental atherosclerosis in mice. METHODS: Apolipoprotein E deficient mice (Apoe-/- ) with established disease were injected for five weeks intraperitoneally with the TLR7 ligand R848. Local effects were evaluated by characterization of the lesion. Systemic effects of the treatment were investigated by immune composition analysis in the spleen and plasma measurements. RESULTS: The in vivo treatment arrested lesion progression in the aorta. We also detected expansion of marginal zone B cells and Treg in the spleen together with increased plasma IgM antibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and reduced plasma cholesterol levels. These changes were accompanied by increased accumulation of IgM antibodies, decreased necrosis and fewer apoptotic cells in atherosclerotic lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that TLR7 stimulation could ameliorate atherosclerotic lesion burden and reduce plasma cholesterol in Apoe-/- mice. TLR7 stimulation was associated with an atheroprotective B-cell and Treg response, which may have systemic and local effects within lesions that could prevent arterial lipid accumulation and inflammation.

Neural reflex control of vascular inflammation.

Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease that underlies myocardial infarction and stroke. Efficacious treatment for hyperlipidemia and hypertension has significantly reduced morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular disease. However, atherosclerosis still confers a considerable risk of adverse cardiovascular events. In the current mechanistic understanding of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, inflammation is pivotal both in disease development and progression. Recent clinical data provided support for this notion and treatment targeting inflammation is currently being explored. Interestingly, neural reflexes regulate cytokine production and inflammation. Hence, new technology utilizing implantable devices to deliver electrical impulses to activate neural circuits are currently being investigated in treatment of inflammation. Hopefully, it may become possible to target vascular inflammation in cardiovascular disease using bioelectronic medicine. In this review, we discuss neural control of inflammation and the potential implications of new therapeutic strategies to treat cardiovascular disease.

Study of macro and microelements in fish from the Cienfuegos Bay. Relationship with its content in sediments.

Thirteen microelements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Ti, V, and Zn) and four macroelements (Ca, K, Mg, and Na) were determined in the edible muscle tissue of fish in Cienfuegos Bay. Eight species, Albula vulpes, Diapterus rhombeus, Gerres cinereus, Haemulon carbonarium, Haemulon sciurus, Micropogonias furnieri, Kyphosus sectatrix, and Lutjanus cyanopterus were studied. The total concentrations and extracted concentrations using HCl were also determined in sediments. The quality of the analysis was guaranteed by validating the used analytical methods with certified reference materials of fish and sediments. The high content of macroelements confirmed the importance of fish as a valuable source of food for the local population. New information is provided on bioaccumulation of toxic elements As, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Cr in fish of the bay, with concentrations that overcame the local or international maximum allowable levels for human consumption in most samples analyzed. A high correlation between the content of toxic elements As, Cd, Zn, and macroelement K in fish and its concentration extracted from sediments using the HCl extraction method was observed.

A novel flexible cuff-like microelectrode for dual purpose, acute and chronic electrical interfacing with the mouse cervical vagus nerve.

OBJECTIVE: Neural reflexes regulate immune responses and homeostasis. Advances in bioelectronic medicine indicate that electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve can be used to treat inflammatory disease, yet the understanding of neural signals that regulate inflammation is incomplete. Current interfaces with the vagus nerve do not permit effective chronic stimulation or recording in mouse models, which is vital to studying the molecular and neurophysiological mechanisms that control inflammation homeostasis in health and disease. We developed an implantable, dual purpose, multi-channel, flexible 'microelectrode' array, for recording and stimulation of the mouse vagus nerve. APPROACH: The array was microfabricated on an 8 µm layer of highly biocompatible parylene configured with 16 sites. The microelectrode was evaluated by studying the recording and stimulation performance. Mice were chronically implanted with devices for up to 12 weeks. MAIN RESULTS: Using the microelectrode in vivo, high fidelity signals were recorded during physiological challenges (e.g potassium chloride and interleukin-1ß), and electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve produced the expected significant reduction of blood levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in endotoxemia. Inflammatory cell infiltration at the microelectrode 12 weeks of implantation was limited according to radial distribution analysis of inflammatory cells. SIGNIFICANCE: This novel device provides an important step towards a viable chronic interface for cervical vagus nerve stimulation and recording in mice.

H2 production by the photocatalytic reforming of cellulose and raw biomass using Ni, Pd, Pt and Au on titania.

Here, we report a method for sustainable hydrogen production using sunlight and biomass. It is shown that cellulose can be photoreformed to produce hydrogen, even in solid form, by use of metal-loaded titania photocatalysts. The experiments performed verified that the process is enabled by initial hydrolysis via glucose, which itself is shown to be efficiently converted to produce hydrogen by photocatalysis. Importantly, it is shown that not only precious metals such as Pt, Pd and Au can be used as the metal component, but also much more economic and less environmentally damaging Ni is effective. Even more importantly, we show for the first time, to the best our knowledge, that fescue grass as raw biomass can be effective for hydrogen production without significant pre-treatment. This provides additional benefits for the efficiency of biomass hydrogen production, because fewer processing steps for the raw material are required than in the production of purer forms of cellulose, for example.

[EVALUATION OF SEDATION USING THE RICHMOND AGITATION SEDATION SCALE IN PATIENTS WITH PROLONGED MECHANICAL VENTILATION]. / Evaluación de la sedación mediante la escala Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale. EN PACIENTES CON VENTILACIÓN MECÁNICA DE LARGA DURACIÓN.

INTRODUCTION: Sedation is monitored to avoid both under- and oversedation. OBJECTIVES: Determine the most prevalent sedation levels in the ICU according to RASS categories and whether treatment is individualized on the basis of these scores. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of patients connected to mechanical ventilation ≥ 96 hours in the intensive care unit between January 1 and August 31. Daily assessments were recorded in the intensive care unit, together with sedoanalgesic treatment, ventilation modes, or vital signs. RESULTS: We analyzed 1021 RASS scores collected over a total of 220 MV days, categorized in the following ranges: 404 (39.6%) deep sedation, 474 (46.4%) conscious sedation, and 54 (5.3%) agitation; 89 (8.7%) were missing scores. Patients receiving continuous sedoanalgesia were more likely to be in the deep sedation than conscious sedation range (87.1% vs. 32.3%, p < 0.001). Analysis of patients under continuous sedation and in ventilation mode found more changes in the conscious sedation range than in deep sedation (42.5% vs. 22.3% and 12.6% vs. 2.9%, respectively; p < 0.001 in both cases). In conscious sedation range there was increased use of opiates in bolus (6.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Deep sedation was clearly prevalent in patients with mechanical ventilation under continuous sedation, with few changes in ventilation mode, because it is prevalent control ventilation mode and no changes in sedonalagesic perfusion in that range.

Evaluación de la sedación mediante la escala Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale en pacientes con ventilación mecánica de larga duración / Evaluation of sedation using the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation

Introducción. Monitorizar la sedación es necesario para evitar la infra o sobresedación. Objetivos. Evaluar los niveles de sedación más prevalentes en la UCI de acuerdo a las categorías de la escala RASS y valorar si el tratamiento es individualizado. Métodos. Estudio prospectivo de cohortes en pacientes conectados a ventilación mecánica ≥ 96 horas por un periodo de 7 meses. Registro de los valores RASS, junto con el tratamiento sedoanalgésico, modos de ventilación mecánica y signos vitales. Resultados. Se analizaron 1021 valores RASS de 220 días de ventilación mecánica, categorizados en los siguientes rangos: 404 (39.6 %) sedación profunda, 474 (46.4 %) sedación consciente y 54 (5.3 %) agitación. Hubo 89 (8.7 %) valores faltantes. Los pacientes que recibieron sedoanalgesia continua estuvieron más tiempo en sedación profunda que consciente (87.1 % frente a 32.3 %, p < 0.001) y se realizaron más cambios de tratamiento en la sedación consciente que en la profunda, tanto en cuanto a sedoanalgesia en perfusión (42.5 % frente a 22.3 %, p < 0.001) como según modo ventilatorio (12.6 % frente a 2.9 %, p < 0.001). Para valores RASS en el rango de la sedación consciente había un incremento del uso de opiáceos en bolo (6.4 %). Conclusiones. La sedación profunda es predominante en pacientes con sedoanalgesia, con pocos cambios en el modo ventilatorio, ya que prevalece la modalidad controlada y no hay cambios en la perfusión de sedoanalgesia (AU)

Introduction. Sedation is monitored to avoid both under- and oversedation. Objectives. Determine the most prevalent sedation levels in the ICU according to RASS categories and whether treatment is individualized on the basis of these scores. Methods. Prospective cohort study of patients connected to mechanical ventilation ≥ 96 hours in the intensive care unit between January 1 and August 31. Daily assessments were recorded in the intensive care unit, together with sedoanalgesic treatment, ventilation modes, or vital signs. Results. We analyzed 1021 RASS scores collected over a total of 220 MV days, categorized in the following ranges: 404 (39.6 %) deep sedation, 474 (46.4 %) conscious sedation, and 54 (5.3 %) agitation; 89 (8.7 %) were missing scores. Patients receiving continuous sedoanalgesia were more likely to be in the deep sedation than conscious sedation range (87.1 % vs. 32.3 %, p < 0.001). Analysis of patients under continuous sedation and in ventilation mode found more changes in the conscious sedation range than in deep sedation (42.5 % vs. 22.3 % and 12.6 % vs. 2.9 %, respectively; p < 0.001 in both cases). In conscious sedation range there was increased use of opiates in bolus (6.4 %). Conclusions. Deep sedation was clearly prevalent in patients with mechanical ventilation under continuous sedation, with few changes in ventilation mode, because it is prevalent control ventilation mode and no changes in sedonalagesic perfusion in that range (AU)

Ayuda a la clasificación y priorización en la evacuación de bajas de combate. Ayuda al proceso asistencial. Proyecto e-SafeTag / Assistance to the classification and prioritization in the evacuation of combat casualties. Assistance to the healthcare process. e-SafeTag project

La asistencia sanitaria a las bajas de combate es el objetivo final de la Sanidad Militar. La implantación de protocolos asistenciales como el TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) ha ayudado a mejorar dicha asistencia, pero el personal sanitario sigue encontrándose con problemas (falta de acceso a Historia Clínica, dificultad en la transferencia del herido). El Proyecto e-SafeTag se ha diseñado para ayudar al personal sanitario proporcionándole información clínica de la baja, y un material (PDA y radio) de apoyo en el proceso asistencial y que permite la transmisión de la información de forma automática

Health care for combat casualties is the ultimate aim of the military health. The implementation of care protocols as TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) has helped improve that care, but the medical staff is incountering problems (lack of access to clinical history, difficulty in transferring the wounded). The e-SafeTag Project is designed to assist health workers providing clinical information of the casualty, and item (PDA and radio) support in the care process and allows the transmission of information automatically

Variaciones del ión potasio durante el ayuno del Ramadán. Resultados preliminares en jóvenes musulmanes / Changes of the potassium ion during the fast of Ramadan. Preliminary outcomes

Justificación y objetivos: El precepto islámico del Ramadán (R) impone a las personas que lo practican, importantes modificaciones fisiológicas y psicológicas, debido a las restricciones hídricas y dietéticas a las que se ven sometidos durante las horas diurnas a lo largo de un mes, estableciendo un modelo intermitente de ayuno absoluto, de naturaleza singular, particularmente cuando éste se lleva a cabo en sociedades multiculturales de tipo occidental, en las que no se producen ajustes horarios en las actividades diarias, que sí son habituales en los países de mayoría musulmana. Entre las modificaciones, por esta causa, destacan la activación de mecanismos de adaptación a la restricción hidrosalina, con consecuencias en la homeostasis de agua e iones plasmáticos. Por la relevancia de la cuestión y ante el escaso conocimiento de los efectos del (R) sobre el equilibrio iónico, se plantea como objetivo de este estudio, el análisis del comportamiento del ión potasio durante este mes de ayuno, con el fin de prevenir algunos problemas que pudieran afectar a la salud. Metodología: Se seleccionaron 10 jóvenes musulmanes, varones, sanos y con edades entre 18 y 25 años que realizaron el R y se analizaron parámetros bioquímicos e iones en sangre y orina, así como niveles plasmáticos de Renina y Aldosterona, una semana previa al R, primera y cuarta del periodo de ayuno y una semana después de finalizado éste. Resultados: Durante el mes del R, se produce, durante la mañana, un descenso de la excreción de potasio en orina lo que origina incrementos en la concentración plasmática de potasio; a lo largo de la tarde tiene lugar un aumento de su excreción que resulta más eficaz durante la cuarta semana del R. Discusión: Los cambios experimentados a nivel tubular que afectan a la disponibilidad de Na+, HCO3 - y pH, por efecto del R, parecen estar limitando la excreción del ión, a pesar de que se mantiene estimulado el sistema Renina-Aldosterona a lo largo del ayuno. Conclusión: Estos hallazgos ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de estudios específicos sobre la homeostasis de K+ durante el R, para dilucidar qué factores y mecanismos están determinando los incrementos observados en los niveles plasmáticos del ión (AU)

Background and aims: The Islamic precept of Ramadan (R), imposes on individuals who practice it important physiological and psychological changes due to water and dietary restrictions to which they are subjected during the day, over a month. This fact makes a singular constrat, particularly in multicultural Western societies, where there is no schedule adjustments in daily activities, which are common in predominantly Muslim countries. Among the changes, includes the activation of mechanisms of adaptation to the hydrosalin restriction, with consequences on the homeostasis of water and ion plasma. On the relevance of the issue and the limited knowledge of the effects of (R) on the ion balance, the aim of the present study is to analyze the behaviour of potassium ion for this month, in order to prevent some problems that may affect health. Methodology: We have selected 10 young Muslim healthy men, aged between 18 and 25 years who perform Ramadan. Then we have analyzed biochemical parameters including ions, in blood and urineanalysis, and also plasma levels of renin and aldosterone, one week before R, first and fourth week of R, and one week after the fasting. Results: During the month of R a decrease in potassium urine excretion by the morning is observed. The consequence of this fact is the increase of the levels in plasma concentration of potassium; throughout the afternoon, an increase in its excretion results more effective during the fourth week of R. Discussion: Changes in the availability of Na+, HCO3- and variability of pH, in the distal tubule, appear to be responsible for the potassium limited excretion observed during the fast of Ramadan. Conclusion: These finding put into consideration the need of further studies focussing on potassium homeostasis during Ramadan in order to determine which factors are implicated in the raised levels of K+ observed in plasma (AU)

[Changes of the potassium ion during the fast of Ramadan: preliminary outcomes]. / Variaciones del ión potasio durante el ayuno del Ramadán: resultados preliminares en jóvenes musulmanes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Islamic precept of Ramadan (R), imposes on individuals who practice it important physiological and psychological changes due to water and dietary restrictions to which they are subjected during the day, over a month. This fact makes a singular constrat, particularly in multicultural Western societies, where there is no schedule adjustments in daily activities, which are common in predominantly Muslim countries. Among the changes, includes the activation of mechanisms of adaptation to the hydrosalin restriction, with consequences on the homeostasis of water and ion plasma. On the relevance of the issue and the limited knowledge of the effects of (R) on the ion balance, the aim of the present study is to analyze the behaviour of potassium ion for this month, in order to prevent some problems that may affect health. METHODOLOGY: We have selected 10 young Muslim healthy men, aged between 18 and 25 years who perform Ramadan. Then we have analyzed biochemical parameters including ions, in blood and urine analysis, and also plasma levels of renin and aldosterone, one week before R, first and fourth week of R, and one week after the fasting. RESULTS: During the month of R a decrease in potassium urine excretion by the morning is observed. The consequence of this fact is the increase of the levels in plasma concentration of potassium; throughout the afternoon, an increase in its excretion results more effective during the fourth week of R. DISCUSSION: Changes in the availability of Na+, HCO3- and variability of pH, in the distal tubule, appear to be responsible for the potassium limited excretion observed during the fast of Ramadan. CONCLUSION: These finding put into consideration the need of further studies focussing on potassium homeostasis during Ramadan in order to determine which factors are implicated in the raised levels of K+ observed in plasma.

Modificaciones dietéticas, en jóvenes musulmanes que practican el ayuno del Ramadán / Dietary modifications, engaged in young muslims of fasting

La práctica del precepto islámico del Ramadán (R), impone a las personas que lo practican importantes modificaciones fisiológicas y psicológicas debido a las restricciones hídricas y dietéticas a las que se ven sometidos, lo que tiene una especial repercusión en el rendimiento físico e intelectual de los estudiantes musulmanes, particularmente en sociedades multiculturales de tipo occidental, en las que no se producen ajustes horarios, en las actividades diarias. Entre las modificaciones introducidas en los hábitos de vida, por esta causa, destacan los cambios dietéticos, tanto cualitativos como cuantitativos. Por la relevancia de la cuestión y ante el escaso conocimiento de los efectos del Ramadán en estudiantes adolescentes que viven en sociedades no islámicas, se plantea como objetivo de este estudio, el análisis de las modificaciones en macronutrientes, ocurridas durante el R, en un grupo de alumnos musulmanes de ambos sexos, con el fin de solucionar y prevenir algunos de los problemas que se plantean en este periodo. Material y método: Se seleccionaron 55 jóvenes musulmanes (24 hombres y 31 mujeres) con edades comprendidas entre 15 y 18 años, que realizan el R y se analizó la dieta mediante inventario de 3 días, una semana antes del ayuno y en la segunda semana durante éste. Resultados: En el R, no hay cambios significativos en la ingesta calórica de los hombres y sí en el de las mujeres. Se incrementa el consumo de carbohidratos y proteínas y desciende el de grasas. Discusión: Los cambios en R conducen a una dieta más ajustada a las recomendaciones nutricionales, y a esto parece haber contribuido el hecho de que los participantes llevaron a cabo sus comidas en el seno doméstico donde, a pesar del corte occidental de la población, se deja sentir una importante influencia de las tradiciones y hábitos magrebíes, por el contacto fronterizo con Marruecos (AU)

The practice of the Islamic precept of Ramadan (R) imposes to those who practice it important physiological and psychological changes due to the water and dietary restrictions they are subjected to, which has a particular impact on the Muslim students' physical and psychologicalperformances, particularly in multicultural Western societies, where there are no schedule adjustments in daily activities. Among the changes in lifestyle, consequently, the dietary changes are stressed, both qualitative and quantitative. Due to the importance of this issue and facing the limited knowledge the Muslim teenagers who live in non-Islamic societies have about the effects of Ramadan, it is suggested as main objective of this study the analysis of changes in nutrients during R in a group of Muslim students of both sexes, in order to solve and prevent some of the problems shown in this period. Materials and methods: 55 Muslim youngsters were selected (24 men and 31 women) aged between 15 and 18, who practise R; and the diet was analysed by inventory over 3 days, one week before fasting and in the second week during it. Results: In R there are no relevant changes in caloric intake. The consumption of carbohydrates and proteins is increased, and that of fat is decreased. Discussion: the changes in R lead to a diet more regulated to nutritional recommendations; and to this seems to have contributed the fact that the participants took their meals at home, where, in spite of the Western cut of the population, it is felt an important influence of North African traditions and habits, due to its border contact with Morocco (AU)

[Dietary modifications, in young Muslims engaged in Ramadan fasting]. / Modificaciones dietéticas, en jóvenes musulmanes que practican el ayuno del Ramadán.

UNLABELLED: The practice of the Islamic precept of Ramadan (R) imposes to those who practice it important physiological and psychological changes due to the water and dietary restrictions they are subjected to, which has a particular impact on the Muslim students' physical and psychological performances, particularly in multicultural Western societies, where there are no schedule adjustments in daily activities. Among the changes in lifestyle, consequently, the dietary changes are stressed, both qualitative and quantitative. Due to the importance of this issue and facing the limited knowledge the Muslim teenagers who live in non-Islamic societies have about the effects of Ramadan, it is suggested as main objective of this study the analysis of changes in nutrients during R in a group of Muslim students of both sexes, in order to solve and prevent some of the problems shown in this period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 55 Muslim youngsters were selected (24 men and 31 women) aged between 15 and 18, who practise R; and the diet was analysed by inventory over 3 days, one week before fasting and in the second week during it. RESULTS: In R there are no relevant changes in caloric intake. The consumption of carbohydrates and proteins is increased, and that of fat is decreased. DISCUSSION: the changes in R lead to a diet more regulated to nutritional recommendations; and to this seems to have contributed the fact that the participants took their meals at home, where, in spite of the Western cut of the population, it is felt an important influence of North African traditions and habits, due to its border contact with Morocco.

Identification of phenolic compounds in rosemary honey using solid-phase extraction by capillary electrophoresis-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry.

Complex extracts of rosemary honey constituents often require very effective separation techniques to allow the identification of different compounds. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) detection can provide structure-selective information about the analytes in such matrices and has turned out to be an attractive alternative to HPLC methods. A simple and cost-effective analytical method involving solid-phase extraction (SPE) and capillary zone electrophoresis coupled to electrospray ionization-ion trap mass spectrometry (CZE-ESI-MS) to identify and characterize phenolic compounds in rosemary honey is described. The SPE, CE and ESI-MS parameters were optimized in order to maximize the number of phenolic compounds detected and the sensitivity of their determination. All CE-ESI-MS experiments were performed with uncoated fused-silica capillaries and an alkaline volatile buffer system consisting of 100 mM NH(4)Oac with 10% of 2-propanol at pH 10. Since sheath liquids can made significant effects on the sensitivity in typical CE-ESI-MS application, the effect of type and flow rate of the sheath liquid on the sensitivity of phenolic compounds were investigated. As result, the best sensitivity was obtained with a sheath liquid containing 2-propanol/water 60:40 (v/v) and 0.1% (v/v) of triethylamine at 3 microL/min in the negative ion mode. We describe the first method for the analysis of phenolic compounds in rosemary honey at mg/L levels by using a simple SPE before CE-ESI-MS analysis.

Atmospheric deposition of 137Cs between 1994 and 2002 at Cienfuegos, Cuba.

Levels of 137Cs in total atmospheric deposition have been measured in the Cienfuegos region (Cuba) between 1994 and 2002. Samples were collected every three months, evaporated to dryness to obtain residual samples, and measured by gamma spectrometry. The 137Cs mean concentration in total deposition was 0.24 Bq m(-2) and data ranged between < 0.05 and 0.62 Bq m(-2). Precipitation rates and raintime have proved to be the most important factors controlling the concentration and depositional flux of 137Cs in the atmosphere over Cienfuegos, showing a high correlation coefficient (R = 0.93).

Advances in the analysis of phenolic compounds in products derived from bees.

Honey and propolis are rich in phenolic compounds, which act as natural antioxidants, and are becoming increasingly popular because of their potential role in contributing to human health. These compounds can also be used as indicators in studies into the floral and geographical origin of the honey and propolis themselves. We present here an overview of current analytical methods for measuring polyphenols in honey and propolis. The analytical procedure to determine individual phenolic compounds involves their extraction from the sample, analytical separation and quantification. The techniques reviewed are based on spectrophotometry as well as analytical separation techniques such as gas chromatography, high-pressure liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis.

Niña con fiebre, tumefacción y procidencia velopalatina unilateral / A girl with fever, tumefaction and unilateral velopalatine procidentia

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Reconstruction of 137Cs signal in Cuba using 7Be as tracer of vertical transport processes in the atmosphere.

Levels of 137Cs and 7Be in aerosols have been measured in the region of Cienfuegos (Cuba) during the period 1994-1998. 137Cs showed the same seasonal trend as 7Be and the monthly regimes of precipitation seemed to be responsible for the observed pattern. The 137Cs/7Be ratio obtained in Cienfuegos and Miami (FL) in this period was used to calibrate the long-term database of 137Cs concentrations recorded in Miami (250 km from Cienfuegos). The database was then employed to reconstruct the 137Cs monthly concentrations in Cienfuegos since 1957.