Chronotropic and cardiac autonomic responses in speed motorcycling. A case study / Respuesta cronotrópica y cardíaca autónoma en motociclismo. Un estudio de caso

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the chronotropic and cardiac autonomic response of a motorcyclist during the 7th race week of the FIM-CEV Repsol Moto2 European Championship through heart rate (HRAVG) and sympathetic-parasympathetic ratio (RS-Ps). The effect and relationships of sessions, laps and track segments were analyzed by MANOVA test with Bonferroni post-hoc and Pearson’s r. A low effect of the segments in RS-Ps (p<.01; wp2=0.03), and high effect of the sessions (p<.01; wp2=0.72), laps (p<.01; wp2=0.95) and the interaction between sessions and laps (p<.01; wp2=0.62) in HRAVG were found. Also, a tendency of increasing HRAVG was found with sessions (r=.315; p<0.01) and laps (r=.280; p<0.01). No significant correlations were found with RS-Ps. While HRAVG can be used as a fatigue index during motorcycling competition, RS-Ps indicates the significant rider’s stress at specific segments of the track, being important both variables for improving the riders’ performance. (AU)

El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la respuesta cronotrópica y cardiaca autónoma de un piloto de motociclismo durante la 7a prueba del Campeonato de Europa FIM-CEV Repsol Moto2 mediante frecuencia cardíacamedia (FCMEDIA) y ratio simpático-parasimpático (RS-Ps). El efecto y relaciones de las sesiones, vueltas y segmentos del circuito fue analizado mediante MANOVA conpost-hoc Bonferroni y r de Pearson. Se encontró bajo efecto de los segmentos enRS-Ps (p<.01; ωp2=0.03), y alto efecto de sesiones (p<.01; ωp2=0.72), vueltas (p<.01; ωp2=0.95) e interacción sesiones-vueltas (p<.01; ωp2=0.62) en FCMEDIA. Además, se hallo una tendencia de incremento de FCMEDIA respecto a sesiones (r=.315; p<.01) y vueltas (r=.280; p<.01). No se encontraron correlaciones significativas con RS-Ps. La FCMEDIA puede utilizarse como un indicador de fatiga durante la competición, mientras que el RS-Ps indicaría el estrés significativo del piloto en segmentos específicos del circuito, siendo ambas variables importantes para mejorar el rendimiento del piloto. (AU)

Is off-label thrombolysis safe and effective in a real-life primary stroke center? A retrospective analysis of data from a 5-year prospective database.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) use for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) varies among countries, partly due to guidelines and product labeling changes. The study aim was to identify the characteristics of patients with AIS treated with off-label IVT and to determine its safety when performed in a primary stroke center (PSC). METHODS: This observational, single-center study included all consecutive patients admitted to Perpignan PSC for AIS and treated with IVT and patients transferred for EVT, between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. Data of patients treated with IVT according to ("in-label group") or outside ("off-label") the initial guidelines and manufacturer's product specification were compared. Safety was assessed using symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SIH) as the main adverse event. RESULTS: Among the 892 patients in the database (834 screened by MRI, 93.5%), 746 were treated by IVT: 185 (24.8%) "in-label" and 561 (75.2%) "off-label". In the "off-label" group, 316 (42.4% of the cohort) had a single criterion for "off-label" use, 197 (26.4%) had two, and 48 (6.4%) had three or more criteria, without any difference in IVT safety pattern among them. SIH rates were comparable between the "off-label" and "in-label" groups (2.7% vs. 1.1%, P=0.21); early neurological deterioration and systematic adverse event due to IVT treatment were similar in the 2 groups. "Off-label" patients had higher in-hospital (8.7% vs. 3.8%, P=0.05) and 3-month mortality rates (12.1% vs 5.4%, P<0.01), but this is explained by confounding factors as they were older (76 vs 67 years, P<0.0001) and more dependent (median modified Rankin scale score 0.4 vs 0.1, P<0.0001) at admission. CONCLUSIONS: "Off-label" thrombolysis for AIS seems to be safe and effective in the routine setting of a primary stroke center.

Percepción espacial de futbolistas semiprofesionales en juegos reducidos: Un estudio de caso / Spatial Perception of Semi-Professional Soccer Players in Small Games: A Case of Study

Este estudio pretende: i) describir las exigencias tácticas objetivas (área ocupada por el equipo, AOE) y subjetivas (percepción subjetiva del espacio ocupado, PSEO), ii) identificar la variabilidad inter-sujeto y explorar la relación entre AOE y PSEO, y iii) comparar las exigencias entre defensa y ataque durante la realización de juegos reducidos. Doce jugadores semiprofesionales de fútbol fueron monitoreados mediante dispositivos inerciales WIMU PRO®. Los resultados indican un AOE (ataque=257.6±60.6; defensa=120.3±37.8 m2) y PSEO (ataque=3.5±0.7; defensa=2.7±0.6 a.u.). Se encontraron diferencias entre fase de ataque y defensa en ambas variables (p>0.001; AOE, d=2.72; PSEO, d=1.23) y una alta relación entre ambos indicadores (r=0.92). En conclusión, las variables AEO y PSEO discriminaron el efecto de la fase de juego y el día de entrenamiento. Son necesarias futuras investigaciones con un mayor tamaño muestral para confirmar la validez de la PSEO. (AU)

This study aims to: i) describe the objective tactical demands (surface area occupied by team, AOE) and subjective (spatial perception of occupied area, PSEO), ii) identify the inter-subjects variability and the relationship between AOE and PSEO iii) to compare the demands between offensive and defensive phases during small-sided games. Twelve semi-professional football players were tracked using WIMU PRO®. The results indicated an AOE (attack=257.6±60.6; defense=120.3±37.8 m2) and PSEO (attack=3.5±0.7; 2.7±0.6 a.u.). Differences were found between attack and defense phase in both variables (p>0.001; AOE, d=2.72; PSEO, d=1.23) and high relationship between both indicators (r=0.92). In conclusion, the variables AEO and PSEO discriminated the effect of the game phase and the training day. Future research with a larger sample size is necessary to confirm the validity of the PSEO. (AU)

Validación externa de las ecuaciones europea y americana para el cálculo del riesgo cardiovascular en población laboral española / Validación externa de las ecuaciones europea y americana para el cálculo del riesgo cardiovascular en población laboral española External validation of the European and American equations for calculating cardiovascular risk in a Spanish working population

Objetivo Validar externamente los modelos europeo y norteamericano de cálculo de riesgo cardiovascular en prevención primaria. Métodos Estudio transversal de una cohorte nacional de población laboralmente activa. Se incluyeron trabajadores sin antecedentes de enfermedad cardiovascular que acudieron a una revisión laboral entre los años 2004 y 2007, y se siguieron hasta 2017. Resultados Participaron 244.236 sujetos. El 24,5% eran mujeres, la edad media se situó en 48,10 años (DE 6,26). El riesgo medio según el modelo europeo SCORE fue de 1,70 (DE 1,81) para hombres y de 0,37 (DE 0,53) para mujeres. Según el modelo norteamericano PCE, el riesgo medio fue de 6,98 (DE 5,66) para hombres y de 1,97 (DE 1,96) para mujeres. Se registró un total de 1.177 eventos (0,51%) considerados en la calculadora SCORE, y un total de 2.330 eventos (1%) considerados según las PCE. El estadístico C de Harrell fue de 0,746 (SCORE) y 0,725 (PCE). La sensibilidad y especificidad para el punto de corte del 5% en SCORE fue del 17,59% (IC95% 15,52-19,87%) y 95,68% (IC95% 95,59-95,76%) y para el punto de corte del 20% de las PCE de 9,06% (IC95% 7,96-10,29%) y 97,55% (IC95% 97,48-97,61%), respectivamente. Conclusiones Las tablas europeas del SCORE y americanas de las PCE sobreestiman el riesgo en nuestra población, manteniendo una discriminación aceptable. SCORE mostró mejores índices de validez que las PCE. El perfil de riesgo de las poblaciones va cambiando, por lo que es necesario ir actualizando las ecuaciones que incluyan información de poblaciones más contemporáneas (AU)

Objective This work aims to externally validate the European and American models for calculating cardiovascular risk in the primary prevention. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of a nation-wide cohort of individuals who are active in the work force. Workers without a medical history cardiovascular disease who attended occupational health check-ups between 2004 and 2007 were included. They were followed-up on until 2017. Results A total of 244,236 subjects participated. Of them, 24.5% were women and the mean age was 48.10 years (SD 6.26). According to the European SCORE risk chart, the mean risk was 1.70 (SD 1.81) for men and 0.37 (SD 0.53) for women. According to the North American PCE model, the mean risk was 6.98 (SD 5.66) for men and 1.97 (SD 1.96) for women. A total of 1,177 events (0.51%) were registered according to the SCORE tool and 2,330 events (1.00%) were registered according to the PCE tool. The Harrell's C-statistic was 0.746 for SCORE and 0.725 for PCE. Sensitivity and specificity for the SCORE'S 5% cut-off point were 17.59% (95%CI 15.52%-19.87%) and 95.68% (95%CI 95.59%-95.76%). Sensitivity and specificity for the PCE's 20% cut-off point were 9.06% (95%CI 7.96%-10.29%) and 97.55% (95%CI 97.48%-97.61%), respectively. Conclusions The European SCORE and North American PCE models overestimate the risk in our population but with an acceptable discrimination. SCORE showed better validity indices than the PCE. The population's risk is continuously changing; therefore, it is important continue updating the equations to include information on current populations (AU)

External validation of the European and American equations for calculating cardiovascular risk in a Spanish working population.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: This work aims to externally validate the European and American models for calculating cardiovascular risk in the primary prevention. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of a nation-wide cohort of individuals who are active in the work force. Workers without a medical history cardiovascular disease who attended occupational health check-ups between 2004 and 2007 were included. They were followed-up on until December 2017. RESULTS: A total of 244,236 subjects participated. Of them, 24.5% were women and the mean age was 48.10 years (SD 6.26). According to the European SCORE risk chart, the mean risk was 1.70 (SD 1.81) for men and 0.37 (SD 0.53) for women. According to the North American PCE model, the mean risk was 6.98 (SD 5.66) for men and 1.97 (SD 1.96) for women. A total of 1177 events (0.51%) were registered according to the SCORE tool and 2,330 events (1.00%) were registered according to the PCE tool. The Harrell's C-statistic was 0.746 for SCORE and 0.725 for PCE. Sensitivity and specificity for the SCORE'S 5% cut-off point were 17.59% (95%CI 15.52%-19.87%) and 95.68% (95%CI 95.59%-95.76%). Sensitivity and specificity for the PCE's 20% cut-off point were 9.06% (95%CI 7.96%-10.29%) and 97.55% (95%CI 97.48%-97.61%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The European SCORE and North American PCE models overestimate the risk in our population but with an acceptable discrimination. SCORE showed better validity indices than the PCE. The population's risk is continuously changing; therefore, it is important continue updating the equations to include information on current populations.

Influencia del desnivel en la carga física del corredor de montaña: un estudio de caso / Slope Influence on the Trail Runner Physical Load: A Case Study

Este estudio analizó las exigencias de carga interna (Frecuencia cardíaca, FC) y externa (Velocidad; Player Load, PL; Power Metabolic, PM; Stiffness Vertical, KVERT; entropía aproximada, ApEn) producidas en función del desnivel del terreno en una carrera de montaña. Un atleta de nivel nacional (edad: 25.3 años; altura: 172 cm; peso: 67 kg; VO2MAX: 70.2 ml/kg/min) participó en una prueba oficial (Distancia: 27.6 km; Desnivel acumulado: 973 m), siendo analizado en 6 segmentos respecto al desnivel (sin desnivel, positivo y negativo). El registro de datos se realizó mediante un dispositivo inercial WIMU PROTM (RealTrack Systems, Almería, España). Los resultados muestran un aumento de PL/min y PM/min en desnivel negativo y de FCAVG en desnivel positivo. KVERT y ApEn fueron más bajos en desnivel positivo, mientras que la velocidad fue mayor sin desnivel. Se encuentra gran variabilidad en las exigencias en función de la orografía del terreno, siendo importante su análisis para el diseño específico del entrenamiento y la planificación del evento

This study analysed the internal (heart rate, HR) and external load demands (Speed; Player Load, PL; Power Metabolic, PM; Vertical stiffness, KVERT; approximated entropy, ApEn) during a trail running race in relation to the slope. A national-level athlete (age: 25.3 years; height: 172 cm; weight: 67 kg; VO2MAX: 70.2 ml/kg/min) participated in an official race (Distance: 27.6 km; Accumulated slope: 973 m), analysed in 6 segments related to the slope (without, positive and negative slope). Data was registered through an inertial device WIMU PROTM (RealTrack Systems, Almería, Spain). The results show an increase of PL/min and PM/min in negative slope and an increase of HRAVG in positive slope. KVERT and ApEn were lower in positive slope, while velocity was faster without slope. It is found a great variability in the trail runner demands related to terrain orography, being important its analysis to design specific training sessions and race planning

Functional changes induced by extrusion during cocoa alkalization.

Polyphenols, a group of secondary metabolites, have well-known relevant effects on human health. During traditional alkalization, this content dramatically lowers. We aimed to evaluate an alternative alkalization method based on extrusion on cocoa functional characteristics. The results showed that the antioxidant capacity and total phenolic values increased as alkali concentration and temperature did, and these values doubled under less extreme conditions. Comparing the functional properties between extruded and traditionally produced powders revealed that catechin, epicatechin and dimers B1 and B2 contents were 43%, 33%, 54% and 34% lower in the extruded samples, respectively. However, this reduction was partially balanced by increased clovamide content up to 50%. Thus the total phenol content and antioxidant capacity of the extruded samples were statistically above those of the commercial one. Hence extrusion alkalization should be considered a new processing alternative to avoid markedly reducing functional properties.

Laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC is effective regarding peritoneum tissue paclitaxel distribution.

BACKGROUND: In some patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, we could perform the cytoreductive surgery and the HIPEC procedure by a complete laparoscopic approach to avoid morbidity. We consider that using laparoscopic approach for performing peritoneal carcinomatosis cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC with closed CO2 recirculation technique is possible and safe, with equal efficacy to conventional methods and hemodynamic complications. OBJECTIVE: Monitoring the effectiveness of the drug distribution in a laparoscopic ctoreductive and HIPEC surgery group with CO2 recirculation respect to a closed and open HIPEC group METHODS: Porcine model that included fifteen mini-pigs. Five pigs were operated with laparoscopic approach performing a pelvic and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. They later received a total laparoscopic closed HIPEC with CO2 recirculation (G1). Group 2 (G2): five pigs operated by an open cytoreductive surgery and closed HIPEC technique. Group 3 (G3): five animals in which an open cytoreductive surgery and an open HIPEC technique was performed. Blood and peritoneal determinations were realized after recirculation of the drug, at 60 min using chromatographic analysis. RESULTS: G1-G2: phrenic right peritoneum, p: 0.46. Phrenic left peritoneum, p: 0.46. Pelvic peritoneum, p: 0.17. Serum paclitaxel: p: 0.01. G1-G3: phrenic right peritoneum, p: 0.34. Phrenic left peritoneum, p: 0.34. Pelvic peritoneum, p: 0.17. Serum paclitaxel G1-G3, p: 0.02. CONCLUSIONS: A total laparoscopic approach for ctoreductive surgery and closed HIPEC with CO2 recirculation may be safe and feasible. In our experimental model there was no significant difference in tissue drug distribution respect the conventional techniques and there was a less toxicity because the serum drug concentration was significantly lower with laparoscopic approach respect the other groups.

Human regulatory proteins associate with non-coding RNAs from the EBV IR1 region.

OBJECTIVE: The function of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) stable intronic sequence (sis)RNAs, non-coding RNAs transcribed from a region required for EBV-mediated cellular transformation, remain unknown. To better understand the function of ebv-sisRNA-1 and ebv-sisRNA-2 from the internal repeat (IR)1 region of EBV, we used a combination of bioinformatics and biochemistry to identify associated RNA binding proteins. The findings reported here are part of ongoing studies to determine the functions of non-coding RNAs from the IR1 region of EBV. RESULTS: Human regulatory proteins HNRNPA1 (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1), HNRNPC, HNRNPL, HuR (human antigen R), and protein LIN28A (lin-28 homolog A) were predicted to bind ebv-sisRNA-1 and/or ebv-sisRNA-2; FUS (fused in sarcoma) was predicted to associate with ebv-sisRNA-2. Protein interactions were validated using a combination of RNA immunoprecipitation and biotin pulldown assays. Both sisRNAs also precipitated with HNRNPD and NONO (non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding protein). Interestingly, each of these interacting proteins also precipitated non-spliced non-coding RNA sequences transcribed from the IR1 region. Our findings suggest interesting roles for sisRNAs (through their interactions with regulatory proteins) and provide further evidence for the existence of non-spliced stable non-coding RNAs.

HIV Clade-C Infection and Cognitive Impairment, Fatigue, Depression, and Quality of Life in Early-Stage Infection in Northern Indians.

HIV disease progression is associated with declining quality of life and overall health status, although most research in this domain has been conducted among Western populations where B is the infecting clade. This study sought to determine the effects of early-stage clade-C HIV infection (CD4 count ≥400 cells/mm(3)) on neurocognitive functioning, cognitive depression, and fatigue by comparing a matched sample of HIV-positive and HIV-negative Northern Indians. This study also examined the impact of these factors on quality of life within the HIV-positive individuals. HIV-positive participants demonstrated reduced cognitive functioning, increased fatigue, and lower quality of life. Fatigue and cognitive impairment interacted to negatively impact quality of life. Results suggest that early-stage HIV clade-C-infected individuals may experience subclinical symptoms, and further research is needed to explore the benefit of therapeutic interventions to ensure optimal clinical outcomes and maintain quality of life in this vulnerable population.

Pressure algometry is a useful tool to quantify pain in the medial part of the knee: an intra- and inter-reliability study in healthy subjects.

PURPOSE: Pain quantification is essential for diagnostic and pain monitoring purposes in disorders around the knee. Pressure algometry is a method described to determine pressure pain threshold (PPT) by applying controlled pressure to a given body point. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of this method when it was applied to the medial part of the proximal tibia metaphysis and to evaluate the PPT levels between genders. METHODS: Fifty healthy (mean age; 46.9) volunteers were recruited, 25 men and 25 women. Pressure algometry was applied to a 1 cm(2)-probe area on the medial part of the knee by 2 raters. Intra- and interclass correlation (ICC) was obtained and differences between genders were evaluated. Bland-Altman plots were performed to evaluate the variability of the measures. RESULTS: The mean values of PPT obtained by rater 1 and 2 were 497.5 Kpa and 489 Kpa respectively. The intrarater reliability values (95% IC) for rater 1 and 2 were 0.97 (0.95-0.98) and 0.84 (0.73-0.90) respectively. With regard to interrater reliability, the ICC (95% IC) for the first measurement was 0.92 (0.87-0.95) and 0.86 (0.78-0.92) for the second one. Women showed significant lower values of PPT than men. The Bland-Altmand plots showed excellent agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure algometry has excellent reliability when it is applied to the medial part of the proximal metaphysis of the tibia. Women have lower values of PTT than men. The high reliability of the PA in an individual volunteer makes it a more valuable tool for longitudinal assessment of a given patient than for comparison between them. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III. Prospective study.

Effect of fetal undernutrition and postnatal overfeeding on rat adipose tissue and organ growth at early stages of postnatal development.

Intrauterine and perinatal life are critical periods for programming of cardiometabolic diseases. However, their relative role remains controversial. We aimed to assess, at weaning, sex-dependent alterations induced by fetal or postnatal nutritional interventions on key organs for metabolic and cardiovascular control. Fetal undernutrition was induced by dam food restriction (50 % from mid-gestation to delivery) returning to ad libitum throughout lactation (Maternal Undernutrition, MUN, 12 pups/litter). Postnatal overfeeding (POF) was induced by litter size reduction from normally fed dams (4 pups/litter). Compared to control, female and male MUN offspring exhibited: 1) low birth weight and accelerated growth, reaching similar weight and tibial length by weaning, 2) increased glycemia, liver and white fat weights; 3) increased ventricular weight and tendency to reduced kidney weight (males only). Female and male POF offspring showed: 1) accelerated growth; 2) increased glycemia, liver and white fat weights; 3) unchanged heart and kidney weights. In conclusion, postnatal accelerated growth, with or without fetal undernutrition, induces early alterations relevant for metabolic disease programming, while fetal undernutrition is required for heart abnormalities. The progression of cardiac alterations and their role on hypertension development needs to be evaluated. The similarities between sexes in pre-pubertal rats suggest a role of sex-hormones in female protection against programming.

Técnica de microindentación ósea y algometría de presión aplicada al recambio protésico de rodilla y dolor en punta de vástago tibial. Resultados preliminares en un grupo de 20 pacientes / Bone microindentation and pressure algometry applied to revision total knee replacement and tibial end-of-stem pain. Preliminary results in a group of twenty patients

Objetivos. Valorar la relación entre la aparición de dolor en punta de vástago tibial con una disminución de la resistencia ósea preoperatoria mediante microindentación ósea. En segundo lugar, conocer la utilidad potencial de la algometría de presión en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de este grupo de pacientes. Material y método. Se realizó un estudio de correlación intra- e interobservador preliminar, para validar el método de la algometría en un grupo de 50 voluntarios sanos. Posteriormente se realizó un estudio prospectivo en un grupo de 20 pacientes con una media de edad de 74 años (57-84), sometidos a cirugía protésica de rodilla con utilización de un vástago tibial no cementado. Se realizaron mediciones de microindentación y algometría preoperatoriamente y después de un año. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el coeficiente de correlación intraclase y la t de Student para datos apareados. Resultados. En el trabajo preliminar, los valores de correlación intra- e interobservador obtenidos fueron excelentes; 0,91 (0,84-0,95) y 0,86 (0,74-0,92), respectivamente. En el grupo prospectivo no se observaron modificaciones significativas en los valores de microindentación (p = 0,11) ni algometría (p = 0,6) después de un año. Se observó una correlación significativa entre los valores de la algometría y las escalas de EVA (p = 0,002) y funcional (p = 0,02) en el control anual. Conclusiones. La algometría de presión fue una herramienta útil en el seguimiento de estos pacientes. La microindentación no fue adecuada para identificar pacientes en situación de riesgo de presentar dolor en punta de vástago tibial (AU)

Objectives. To study the relationship between the appearance of end-of-stem pain with a preoperative decrease in local bone strength by using the bone microindentation technique. The potential usefulness of pressure algometry in the diagnosis and monitoring of this group of patients is also determined. Material and method. A preliminary intra- and inter-rater correlation study was performed in a group of 50 healthy volunteers in order to validate the algometry technique. A prospective study was then conducted on 20 patients with a mean age of 74 years (range 57-84) undergoing knee prosthetic surgery with use of a cementless tibial stem. Bone microindentation and pressure algometry measurements were made preoperatively, and after one year of follow-up. The statistical analysis was performed using the Intraclass correlation coefficient and the Student t test for paired data. Results. The intra and inter-rater correlation values were excellent; 0.91 (0.84-0.95) and 0.86 (0.74-0.92), respectively. No significant variations were found in the microindentation (P=.11) or in the pressure algometry (P=.6) values after one year of follow-up. Nevertheless, a significant correlation was observed between the values for pressure algometry and the EVA (P=.002) and functional scale (P=.02) at the end of follow-up. Conclusions. Pressure Algometry is a useful tool to evaluate this group of patients. Bone microindentation does not seem to be useful in identifying patients with increased risk of developing tibial end-of-stem pain (AU)

[Bone microindentation and pressure algometry applied to revision total knee replacement and tibial end-of-stem pain. Preliminary results in a group of twenty patients]. / Técnica de microindentación ósea y algometría de presión aplicada al recambio protésico de rodilla y dolor en punta de vástago tibial. Resultados preliminares en un grupo de 20 pacientes.

OBJECTIVES: To study the relationship between the appearance of end-of-stem pain with a preoperative decrease in local bone strength by using the bone microindentation technique. The potential usefulness of pressure algometry in the diagnosis and monitoring of this group of patients is also determined. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A preliminary intra- and inter-rater correlation study was performed in a group of 50 healthy volunteers in order to validate the algometry technique. A prospective study was then conducted on 20 patients with a mean age of 74 years (range 57-84) undergoing knee prosthetic surgery with use of a cementless tibial stem. Bone microindentation and pressure algometry measurements were made preoperatively, and after one year of follow-up. The statistical analysis was performed using the Intraclass correlation coefficient and the Student t test for paired data. RESULTS: The intra and inter-rater correlation values were excellent; 0.91 (0.84-0.95) and 0.86 (0.74-0.92), respectively. No significant variations were found in the microindentation (P=.11) or in the pressure algometry (P=.6) values after one year of follow-up. Nevertheless, a significant correlation was observed between the values for pressure algometry and the EVA (P=.002) and functional scale (P=.02) at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure Algometry is a useful tool to evaluate this group of patients. Bone microindentation does not seem to be useful in identifying patients with increased risk of developing tibial end-of-stem pain.

Evaluation of hippuric acid content in goat milk as a marker of feeding regimen.

Organic producers, traders, and consumers must address 2 issues related to milk: authentication of the production system and nutritional differentiation. The presence of hippuric acid (HA) in goat milk samples has been proposed as a possible marker to differentiate the feeding regimen of goats. The objective of this work is to check the hypothesis that HA could be a marker for the type of feeding regimen of goats by studying the influence of production system (conventional or organic) and feeding regimen (with or without grazing fodder). With this purpose, commercial cow and goat milk samples (n=27) and raw goat milk samples (n=185; collected from different breeds, localizations, and dates) were analyzed. Samples were grouped according to breed, feeding regimen, production system, and origin to compare HA content by ANOVA and honestly significant difference Tukey test at a confidence level of ≥95%. Hippuric acid content was obtained by analyzing milk samples with capillary electrophoresis. This method was validated by analyzing part of the samples with HPLC as a reference technique. Sixty-nine raw goat milk samples (of the total 158 samples analyzed in this work) were quantified by capillary electrophoresis. In these samples, the lowest average content for HA was 7±3 mg/L. This value corresponds to a group of conventional raw milk samples from goats fed with compound feed. The highest value of this group was 28±10 mg/L, corresponding to goats fed compound feed plus grass. Conversely, for organic raw goat milk samples, the highest concentration was 67±14 mg/L, which corresponds to goats fed grass. By contrast, the lowest value of this organic group was 26±10 mg/L, which belongs to goats fed organic compounds. Notice that the highest HA average content was found in samples from grazing animals corresponding to the organic group. This result suggests that HA is a good marker to determine the type of goats feeding regimen; a high content of HA represents a diet based mainly or exclusively on eating green grass (grazing), independently of the production system. Hence, this marker would not be useful for the actual organic policies to distinguish organic milk under the current regulations, because organic dairy ruminants can be fed organic compound feed and conserved fodder without grazing at all.

La enfermedad del stargardt, prevalencia de la mutación R1129L en Población española afecta / Stargardt´sdisease, prevalence of the mutation R1129L in affected spanish population

En este trabajo se presentan los resultados del análisis de las mutaciones mas prevalentes en el gen ABCA4 en familias diagnosticadas de Distrofia macular de Stargardt (STGD). Se ha utilizado el microarray ABCR400 que contiene 600 mutaciones ya descritas para este gen. El análisis se llevó a cabo en 76 familias españolas diagnosticadas de STGD. Se han podido identificar 40 mutaciones relacionadas con la patología en el 60% de las familias (AU)

This paper presents the results of the analysis of the most prevalent mutations in the ABCA4 gene in families diagnosed with Stargardt's macular dystrophy (STGD). Microarray ABCR400 was used containing 600 mutations already described for this gene. The analysis was carried out in 76 Spanish families STGD diagnosed. It was possible to identify 40 mutations associated with the disease in 60% of families (AU)