ConBr, A Lectin Purified from the Seeds of Canavalia brasiliensis, Protects Against Ischemia in Organotypic Culture of Rat Hippocampus: Potential Implication of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels.

Lectins are proteins that bind cellular glycans and can modulate various neuronal functions. We have evaluated the neuroprotective effect of ConBr, a lectin purified from the seeds of Canavalia brasiliensis in a model of rat organotypic hippocampal cultures (OHCs) exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). OGD for 15 min followed by 24 h re-oxygenation significantly increased cell death, caused mitochondrial depolarization and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in CA1 region of OHCs. ConBr (0.1 µg/mL) added during the re-oxygenation period counteracted cell death, mitochondrial depolarization and overproduction of ROS induced by OGD. Moreover, ConBr restored the levels of Akt and ERK1 phosphorylation that were reduced by OGD. Modulation of intracellular Ca2+ by ConBr was evaluated in isolated hippocampal neurons loaded with the fluorescent calcium dye Fluo-4/AM. ConBr (0.1 and 1 µg/mL) reduced by 25-30 % the Ca2+ increment induced by 70 mM K+. A sub effective concentration of ConBr (0.01 µg/mL) together with a sub effective concentration of the L-type calcium channel antagonist nifedipine (0.3 µM) conferred a synergic neuroprotective effect in OHCs subjected to OGD. In conclusion, ConBr provides OHCs neuroprotection against OGD. The mechanism was not fully addressed but it may involve modulation of L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels by ConBr.

Structure investigation on a novel 2-halo-2,3-unsaturated-N-galactoside, NMR and X-ray diffraction of a monoclinic multidomain crystal.

Single crystal X-ray and NMR investigations on multidomain structured N-(4,6-di-O-acetyl-2,3-dideoxy-α-D-threo-hex-2-en-2-iodo-pyranosyl)-methylsulfonamide are reported. This is the first crystallographic diffraction data report related to a 2-halo-2,3-unsaturated galactoside derivative. A complete structural study, including conformations and crystal packing, was performed by analyzing the spectroscopic data in solid state (XRD) and in solution (NMR).

Expression of helminth genes in Leishmania: an experimental transfection system to test immunological function.

Functional analysis of genes from parasitic helminths requires, at the present time, heterologous expression. We have adapted the well-characterized system of transfection in Leishmania protozoal parasites, as a means of analysing the effect of single filarial genes on the mammalian immune system. For example, testing the function of the Brugia malayi abundant larval transcript (ALT) gene-transfected Leishmania mexicana were found to be significantly more virulent in macrophages in vitro. The course of infection in vivo is also aggravated by expression of the ALT gene. Examples are also given of transgenes which reduced in vitro growth within macrophages, as well as others which exert no effect on the protozoal parasitism. Thus, Leishmania transfection provides a tractable system to analyse helminth gene function within the context of the host immune system.

Modest adjunctive benefit with transcranial magnetic stimulation in medication-resistant depression.

BACKGROUND: Controverted results have been obtained using high frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) as an antidepressant treatment. METHODS: Forty patients suffering from drug-resistant major depression received ten sessions of HF-rTMS at 90% of the motor threshold on the left prefrontal cortex or sham stimulation, added to their pharmacological treatment, in a randomized double-blind design. In a second open phase, patients still fulfilling criteria of inclusion received ten additional sessions of HF-rTMS at 90 or 110%. RESULTS: Real, but not sham HF-rTMS, was associated with a significant decrease in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, but only twelve patients decreased more than 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Left prefrontal HF-rTMS was effectively associated with antidepressant treatment, although the size effect was small. LIMITATIONS: Shortage of the sample and control difficulties of the placebo effect. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Questionable in more than half of the patients studied.

[Benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of decubitus ulcers]. / Peróxido de benzoilo en el tratamiento de úlceras de decúbito.

We communicate a case of pressure sore (decubitus ulcer) treated with 20% topic benzoyl peroxide in O/W emulsion with very satisfactory results. This substance feeds hyperbaric oxygen. Benzoyl peroxide also has antimicrobial, antipruriginous and antifungal properties all of them contributing to shorten the evolution of the lesions.

Prevalencia y percepción sobre el tabaquismo pasivo en usuarios de atención primaria / Prevalence and perception of passive smoking in primary care patients

Introducción. Evaluar la exposición al humo ambiental del tabaco (HAT) y la opinión de la población del barrio de Delicias (Zaragoza) respecto la Ley de medidas sanitarias frente al tabaquismo (2005) y su posible ampliación. Material y métodos. Estudio descriptivo transversal mediante cuestionario directo (enero a junio de 2009) a una muestra representativa de la población (186 varones y 202 mujeres). Se ha calculado la prevalencia de exposición al HAT en general y en distintos ambientes (domicilio, trabajo y tiempo libre), en días laborables y festivos. Se ha determinado la opinión de fumadores y no fumadores respecto la legislación actual frente al tabaquismo y su posible ampliación. Resultados. La prevalencia poblacional de exposición al HAT es de un 61,9% (IC al 95%: 56,94–66,59%) llegando al 64% en día festivo. La prevalencia de exposición al HAT en el trabajo es 35,6%. Un 93,5% opinaba que respirar HAT es nocivo, un 91% que es peligroso para los niños, y un 97% para embarazadas. El 88,1% que causa cáncer de pulmón y un 75,5% infarto. Un 65,1% de la población se mostró totalmente de acuerdo con la prohibición de fumar en todos los lugares públicos (incluyendo bares y restaurantes). Conclusiones. Más de la mitad de la población de Delicias se encuentra expuesta al HAT. Dos de cada tres personas encuestadas se encuentran a favor de la prohibición de fumar. Un 48% acudiría más a los locales de hostelería en un escenario de prohibición total (AU)

Objective. To assess the enviromental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure and the opinion of the Delicias neighbourhood (Zaragoza) in relation to the current legislation legislation on cigarette smoking (2005), and the probability of its widening. Material and methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out by personal survey (January–June 2009) in a representative sample of the neighbourhood (186 men and 202 women). The prevalence of the ETS exposure was calculated in general and in particular environments (place of residence and work, and leisure time), during working days and weekends. Smokers and non-smokers opinion and concerns about the current healthh legislation regarding cigarette smoke was taken into account. Results. The prevalence of ETS exposure in the general population was 61.9% (56.94–66.59%, P<0.05), reaching 64% on non-working days. The prevalence of ETS exposure in working areas is 35.6%. The large majority (93.5%) considered breathing ETS harmful in general, 91% particualrly for children, and 97% for pregnant women. A total of 88.1% thought it causes lung cancer, and 75.5% coronary diseases. A majority (61.5%) of the people interviewed agreed with the prohibition of smoking in public places (including bars and restaurants). Conclusions. More than 50% of the population of Delicias is exposed to tobacco smoke. Two out of three of the people surveyed agree with the smoking ban, and 48% would attend indoor leisure places more often with a total smoking ban legislation (AU)

Falsa anemia por crioaglutininas precedida en el tiempo de una anemia hemolítica autoinmune por anticuerpos calientes / False anemia preceeding in time by an autoimmune hemolytic anemia by warm antibodies

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Carcinomatosis leptomeníngea secundaria a cáncer vesical indiferenciado de célula pequeña / Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis secondary to small cell undifferentiated bladder cancer

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