Effects of an antioxidant beverage on biomarkers of oxidative stress in Alzheimer's patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to test whether daily consumption of a beverage with high antioxidant power, combining extracts of green tea and apple over a period of 8 months, would affect blood and urinary concentrations of biomarkers of oxidative stress in Alzheimer's patients. METHODS: The study included 100 subjects, 48 of them were Alzheimer's patients, aged 76.5 ± 3.5 years, and 52 were control subjects, aged 79 ± 4 years, without dementia. Three blood and urine samples were taken from each participant, the first (T i) before starting the antioxidant or placebo beverage intake, the second (T m) 4 months after the antioxidant or placebo beverage intake and the third (T f) 8 months after the antioxidant or placebo beverage intake, and concentrations of biomarkers of oxidative stress were measured on serum, lysed erythrocytes or urine by UV-Vis spectrophotometry or by competitive in vitro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, according to the parameter analyzed. RESULTS: The administration of the antioxidant beverage to the Alzheimer's patients prevented the decrease in total antioxidant status in the moderate phase of the disease (T i = 1.40 ± 0.10 mmol/L vs T f = 1.20 ± 0.08 mmol/L), increased values of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in initial (165 and 24 % respectively) and moderate phase (75 and 85 % respectively), and prevented the increase in protein carbonyls in moderate phase (T i = 0.17 ± 0.07 nmol/mg protein vs T f = 0.21 ± 0.06 nmol/mg protein), with a significant decrease in protein carbonyls since the fourth month of the intake in initial phase (T m = 0.21 ± 0.06 nmol/mg protein vs T f = 0.11 ± 0.05 nmol/mg protein). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that antioxidant beverage could be used as a natural complementary therapy for alleviate or decrease the oxidative stress effects in the stages of Alzheimer's disease.

A new antioxidant beverage produced with green tea and apple.

Green tea and apple are natural products with health benefits. These healthy properties are linked closely to the antioxidant compounds, mainly phenolic compounds. These antioxidant compounds have a potential for preventing and treating cancer, cardiovascular, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases in humans. The aim of the present work was to design a new beverage with high antioxidant power combining extracts of green tea and apple, studying the antioxidant composition and activity, organoleptic properties (colour) and stability status during storage at different temperatures. The majority compounds identified in the beverage were flavan-3-ols, being the (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate which had the highest concentration. After storage, floridzine was the compound with lower decrease of concentration. The new designed beverage had a good colour, and high antioxidant activity and stability at room temperature, so that the beverage needs no refrigeration, showing potential for the development of new healthy functional beverages.

Dietary Assessment for Weight Management and Health Maintenance.

An adequate dietary assessment is essential for improving the eating habits of the population and preventing health problems such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases [...].

Modification of Breakfast Fat Composition Can Modulate Cytokine and Other Inflammatory Mediators in Women: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Previous trials have demonstrated that modifying dietary fat composition can influence the production of inflammation-related factors. Additionally, it has been suggested that not only the type of fat, but also the timing of fat intake can impact these factors. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of altering breakfast fat composition on inflammatory parameters. A 3-month crossover randomized trial was designed, involving 60 institutionalized women who alternately consumed a breakfast rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (margarine), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (virgin olive oil), or saturated fatty acids (SFA) (butter), based on randomization. The following inflammatory markers were evaluated: epidermal growth factor (EGF), interferon (IFN)-α, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, C-reactive protein (CRP), and vascular/endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The results showed that the most significant effects were observed with the high-MUFA breakfast, as there was a statistically significant decrease in plasma IL-6 (p = 0.016) and VEGF values (p = 0.035). Other factors, such as IL-1α and CRP, also decreased substantially, but did not reach the statistically significant level. On the other hand, the high-PUFA breakfast induced a significant decrease in EGF levels (p < 0.001), whereas the high-SFA breakfast had no apparent effect on these factors. In conclusion, modifying breakfast fat, particularly by increasing MUFA or PUFA intake, appears to be sufficient for promoting a lower inflammatory marker synthesis profile and may be beneficial in improving cardiovascular complications.

A review: inflammatory process in Alzheimer's disease, role of cytokines.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder to date. Neuropathological hallmarks are ß-amyloid (Aß) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, but the inflammatory process has a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of AD. Inflammatory components related to AD neuroinflammation include brain cells such as microglia and astrocytes, the complement system, as well as cytokines and chemokines. Cytokines play a key role in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes in AD. An important factor in the onset of inflammatory process is the overexpression of interleukin (IL)-1, which produces many reactions in a vicious circle that cause dysfunction and neuronal death. Other important cytokines in neuroinflammation are IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. By contrast, other cytokines such as IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), IL-4, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß can suppress both proinflammatory cytokine production and their action, subsequently protecting the brain. It has been observed in epidemiological studies that treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) decreases the risk for developing AD. Unfortunately, clinical trials of NSAIDs in AD patients have not been very fruitful. Proinflammatory responses may be countered through polyphenols. Supplementation of these natural compounds may provide a new therapeutic line of approach to this brain disorder.

Sixteen Weeks of Supplementation with a Nutritional Quantity of a Diversity of Polyphenols from Foodstuff Extracts Improves the Health-Related Quality of Life of Overweight and Obese Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Clinical Trial.

Overweight and obesity adversely affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) through day-to-day impairments of both mental and physical functioning. It is assumed that polyphenols within the Mediterranean diet may contribute to improving HRQOL. This investigation aimed at studying the effects of a polyphenol-rich ingredient on HRQOL in overweight and obese but otherwise healthy individuals. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study including 72 volunteers was conducted. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive for a 16-week period either 900 mg/day of the supplement or a placebo. Dietary recommendations were individually determined and intakes were recorded. Daily physical mobility was also monitored. Improvement of HRQOL was set as the primary outcome and assessed at baseline and at the end of the investigation using the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) health survey. Body composition was analyzed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Physical activity was calculated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). After 16 weeks, despite there being no adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS), supplemented individuals experienced significant HRQOL improvement (+5.3%; p = 0.001), including enhanced perceived physical (+11.2%; p = 0.002) and mental health (+4.1%; p = 0.021) components, with bodily pain, vitality, and general health being the greatest contributors. Body fat mass significantly decreased (-1.2 kg; p = 0.033), mainly within the trunk area (-1.0 kg; p = 0.002). Engagement in physical activity significantly increased (+1308 Met-min (Metabolic Equivalent Task minutes)/week; p = 0.050). Hence, chronic supplementation with nutritional diversity and dosing of a Mediterranean diet-inspired, polyphenol-rich ingredient resulted in significant amelioration in both perceived physical and mental health, concomitant with the improvement of body composition, in healthy subjects with excessive adiposity.

Comparative study of rosemary extracts and several synthetic and natural food antioxidants. Relevance of carnosic acid/carnosol ratio.

The antiradical power, at equal concentrations of active principles, of the following antioxidants were studied using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assay: butylated-hydroxyanisole, butylated-hydroxytoluene, tert-butylhydroquinone, ascorbyl palmitate, tocopherol, grape seed extract, olive extract and five rosemary extracts with different concentrations of carnosic acid (CA) and carnosol (COL). The reaction kinetics of DPPH scavenging activity in each studied substance identified significant variations in the time needed to reach the steady state. Rosemary extracts were seen to be more effective than the other compounds. CA had higher antioxidant activity than COL, although COL seemed to react faster with DPPH. The relevance of the CA/COL ratio for the antioxidant activity of rosemary extracts was also analysed. The presence of COL in rosemary extracts increased the antioxidant activity with an optimal CA/COL ratio of 2.5-3.0. Olive extract and grape seed extract seem to be very promising additives for use as technological antioxidants.

Moderate Weight Loss Modifies Leptin and Ghrelin Synthesis Rhythms but Not the Subjective Sensations of Appetite in Obesity Patients.

Obesity is characterized by a resistance to appetite-regulating hormones, leading to a misalignment between the physiological signals and the perceived hunger/satiety signal. A disruption of the synthesis rhythm may explain this situation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary-induced weight loss on the daily rhythms of leptin and ghrelin and its influence on the daily variability of the appetite sensations of patients with obesity. Twenty subjects with obesity underwent a hypocaloric dietary intervention for 12 weeks. Plasma leptin and ghrelin were analyzed at baseline and at the end of the intervention and in 13 normal-weight controls. Appetite ratings were analyzed. Weight loss decreased leptin synthesis (pauc < 0.001) but not the rhythm characteristics, except the mean variability value (pmesor = 0.020). By contrast, the mean ghrelin level increased after weight loss. The rhythm characteristics were also modified until a rhythm similar to the normal-weight subjects was reached. The amount of variability of leptin and ghrelin was correlated with the effectiveness of the dietary intervention (p < 0.020 and p < 0.001, respectively). Losing weight partially restores the daily rhythms of leptin and modifies the ghrelin rhythms, but appetite sensations are barely modified, thus confirming that these hormones cannot exercise their physiological function properly.

Effect of the Fat Eaten at Breakfast on Lipid Metabolism: A Crossover Trial in Women with Cardiovascular Risk.

Recent studies point out that not only the daily intake of energy and nutrients but the time of day when they are ingested notably regulates lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk (CVR). Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess if the type of fat ingested at breakfast can modify lipid metabolism in women with CVR. A randomized, crossover clinical trial was performed. Sixty volunteers were randomly assigned to a (A) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich breakfast, (B) saturated fatty acid (SFA)-rich breakfast, or (C) monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich breakfast. Plasma lipoprotein and apolipoprotein subfractions were determined. Our data showed that the PUFA-rich breakfast decreased lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL), and increased high-density lipoproteins (HDL). A similar trend was observed for the MUFA-rich breakfast, whereas the SFA-rich breakfast, although it decreased VLDL, also increased IDL and reduced HDL. The PUFA-rich breakfast also decreased ß-lipoproteins and apolipoprotein-B. In summary, varying the type of fat eaten at breakfast is enough to significantly modify the lipid metabolism of women with CVR, which can be of great relevance to establish new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these subjects.

Dietary Factors Associated with Frailty in Old Adults: A Review of Nutritional Interventions to Prevent Frailty Development.

Frailty syndrome is a medical condition that is characterised by a functional decline, usually from 65 years old on, and creates the need for assistance to perform daily living activities. As the population ages, the need for specialised geriatric care will increase immensely, and consequently, the need for specialised services for the care of these people will increase accordingly. From a nutritional point of view, to control or balance the nutritional status of residents will be essential in order to prevent sarcopenia and, consequently, frailty development. In this line, previous studies have highlighted the association among low energy intake, inadequate intake of protein and vitamin D, and an increased risk of frailty development. However, there is a lack of intervention studies on frail patients, especially in the realm of quality clinical trials. The few studies performed to date seem to indicate that there is a protective role of protein supplementation against frailty syndrome. In this regard, it is tempting to suggest daily 30 g protein supplements to prevent frailty. However, it is well established that excess protein can also be harmful; therefore, specific individual characteristics should be considered before prescribing these supplements. On the other hand, the relevance of other nutritional interventions, such as vitamin D, omega-3, and medium-chain triglycerides, is much more scarce in the literature. Therefore, we encourage the development of new clinical trials to carry out effective therapies to prevent frailty development.

Cognitive Training Therapy Improves the Effect of Hypocaloric Treatment on Subjects with Overweight/Obesity: A Randomised Clinical Trial.

Obesity has been associated with impaired cognitive performance. This study aimed to determine whether improvements in cognitive function may contribute to higher weight loss in patients with obesity. In this randomised, 12-week trial, participants with overweight/obesity were randomised into a cognitive training intervention (Cognitive) group or a cognitive-behavioural (Control) group. In addition, both groups followed a hypocaloric dietary treatment. Cognitive functioning measurements and anthropometrical parameters were evaluated. All cognitive measures improved in the intervention group (p < 0.005 in all contrasts). In controls, significant improvements in attention, flexibility and task planning were also observed. Regarding anthropometrical parameters, the effect of the intervention in the cognitive group was higher for the total percentage of weight loss, body mass index (BMI), body fat and waist circumference. Biochemical parameters improved in both groups. Attending to our data, cognitive training was more effective that the hypocaloric intervention alone, partly related to an improvement in the working memory. Despite the shortage of training interventions for executive functions in the context of weight control, this type of combined intervention could establish the first steps towards a more appropriate intervention for patients with obesity.

Oregano powder substitution and shelf life in pork chorizo using Mexican oregano essential oil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oregano essential oil (MOO) from Mexican oregano, Lippia berlandieri Schauer, as substitute for Mexican oregano powder (MOP) on pork chorizo physicochemical characteristics, texture, antioxidant capacity, aerobic bacteria colony counts, and sensory evaluation under storage conditions over 7 d. The treatments were T1 = chorizo + 0.1% MOP and T2 = chorizo + 0.1% MOO. The pH, redness (a*), yellowness (b*), Chroma, and browning index (BI) were affected by treatments and storage time. T2 presented lower pH (5.27) at d 1 than at d 7 (5.34), as well as a* (23.13 vs. 25.27), b* (14.85 vs. 17.45), Chroma (28.60 vs. 30.79), and BI (103.42 vs. 109.82) were higher at d 7. At d 1, hardness (1392.75 vs. 872.29 g), springiness (0.3675 vs. 0.3351 mm), gumminess (491.45 vs. 284.38 g), and chewiness (180.25 vs. 95.43 g mm) were higher in T1 than T2. Aerobic bacteria counts (T1-4.19 vs. 4.73 log CFU/g and T2-4.37 vs. 4.50 log CFU/g, respectively) increased within each treatment at d 7. Antioxidant capacity was not affected (26.48 and 27.42%). Oregano odor was different at 7 d with T2 having a stronger odor (5.70) than T1 with oregano powder (4.63). Mexican oregano essential oil in the pork chorizo formulation improved pH, color parameters, textural profile, and sensory characteristics.

Validating Reference Equations for Impulse Oscillometry in Healthy Mexican Children.

BACKGROUND: The impulse oscillometry system (IOS) measures the impedance (Z) of the respiratory system, but proper interpretation of its results requires adequate reference values. The objectives of this work were: (1) to validate the reference equations for the IOS published previously by our group and (2) to compare the adjustment of new available reference equations for the IOS from different countries in a sample of healthy children. METHODS: Subjects were healthy 4-15-y-old children from the metropolitan area of Mexico City, who performed an IOS test. The functional IOS parameters obtained were compared with the predicted values from 12 reference equations determined in studies of different ethnic groups. The validation methods applied were: analysis of the differences between measured and predicted values for each reference equation; correlation and concordance coefficients; adjustment by Z-score values; percentage of predicted value; and the percentage of patients below the lower limit of normality or above the upper limit of normality. RESULTS: Of the 224 participants, 117 (52.3%) were girls, and the mean age was 8.6 ± 2.3 y. The equations that showed the best adjustment for the different parameters were those from the studies by Nowowiejska et al (2008) and Gochicoa et al (2015). The equations proposed by Frei et al (2005), Hellinckx et al (1998), Kalhoff et al (2011), Klug and Bisgaard (1998), de Assumpção et al (2016), and Dencker et al (2006) overestimated the airway resistance of the children in our sample, whereas the equation of Amra et al (2008) underestimated it. In the analysis of the lower and upper limits of normality, Gochicoa et al equation was the closest, since 5% of subjects were below or above percentiles 5 and 95, respectively. The study found that, in general, all of the equations showed greater error at the extremes of the age distribution. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the robust adjustment of the present study reference equations for the IOS, it can be recommended for both clinical and research purposes in our population. The differential adjustment of other equations underlines the need to obtain local reference values.

Topological sub-structural molecular design approach: radical scavenging activity.

In the last decades phenolic compounds have gained enormous interest because of their beneficial health effects such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, or antiviral activities. The pharmacological effects of phenolic compounds are mainly due to their antioxidant activity and their inhibition of certain enzymes. This antoxidant activity is related to the structure and has been extensively reported throught SAR or QSAR models. These studies confirmed that the number and position of hydroxyl groups, the related glycosylation and other substitutions in the phenolic ring largely determined radical scavenging activity. Most of these models are based on certain families of chemicals (flavonoids, cinnamic acids, etc…) and the model by itself is not useful for other substances of a different family. In this study we developed a QSAR model for a heterogeneous group of substances with TOPS-MODE descriptors for an interpretation of the antioxidant activity of these compounds in the form of bond contributions. The model developed, able to describe more than 90% of the variance in the experimental activity, also has a good predictive ability and stability. The information extracted from the QSAR model revealed that the major driving forces for radical scavenging activity are hydrogen bond donation and polarity. With this work we have managed to unify the different families of antioxidants in a single model with sufficient capacity to make predictions of radical scavenging activity for unknown substances.

[Eligibility of schizophrenia inpatients to participate in clinical trials]. / Elegibilidad de pacientes con esquizofrenia ingresados en una unidad de hospitalización psiquiátrica para participar en ensayos clínicos.

INTRODUCTION: This study assesses the potential eligibility of patients admitted to a psychiatric hospitalisation unit to take part in the major clinical trials based on schizophrenia treatment in clinical practice (CATIE, CUtLASS and EUFEST). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective evaluation by consulting the medical records of 241 subjects (59.8% males and 40.2% females, mean age 39.7±13.0 years), admitted consecutively over one year to psychiatric hospitalisation unit with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or another psychosis. The influence of the factors involved in the non-eligibility in each of the clinical trials is analysed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Only 20.7%, 22.3%, and 22.5% of patients with schizophrenia or another psychosis would be eligible to participate in the CATIE, CUtLASS and EUFEST studies, respectively. The main factors involved in the non-eligibility were polytherapy with anti-psychotics (2 or more) (Odds Ratio (OR): 7.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.06-19.06, P<.001), mental retardation (OR: 16.67, 95% CI: 1.75-166.67, P=.014), and resistance, intolerance or contraindication to any of the anti-psychotics of the study (OR: 3.68, 95% CI: 1.13-11.99, P=.030). CONCLUSIONS: Three out of every four patients with schizophrenia or another psychosis admitted to a psychiatric hospitalisation unit are not represented in the major clinical trials on schizophrenia treatment.

Influencia del solvente de extracción en el contenido fenólico y nivel de capacidad antioxidante de un suplemento alimenticio comercial de hojas de Moringa oleifera / Influence of extraction solvent on phenolic content and antioxidant capacity level of a commercial food supplement from Moringa oleifera leaves

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of extraction solvent on phenolic compounds content (total phenols, total flavonoids) and antioxidant capacity levels (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) of a commercial food supplement from Moringa oleifera leaves. The content of total phenols, total flavonoids and total non-flavonoids ranged from 55.98 to 226.20 mg ChlAE/g, from 17.63 to 23.46 mg CatE/g and from 38.34 to 202.73 mg CatE/g mg/g, respectively, while condensed tannins were not detected in none of the extracts. Non-flavonoids compounds were the most abundant group of phenolics in all the extracts ranging from 68 to 90% of the total phenols content. Levels of antioxidant capacity ranged from 22.43 to 124.93, 101.03 to 245.25 and 77.06 to 214.17 µmolTE/g in ABTS, DPPH and FRAP, respectively. In addition, EtOH 50% and EtOH 100% extracts showed the highest and lowest content in phenolics content and antioxidant capacity level. Finally, data obtained in the content of phenolics and antioxidant capacity levels of the present study are higher than most of data of scientific literature reported previously by other authors(AU)

El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el efecto del solvente de extracción en el contenido de compuestos fenólicos (fenoles totales, flavonoides totales) y los niveles de capacidad antioxidante (DPPH, ABTS y FRAP) de un suplemento comercial de hojas de Moringa oleifera. El contenido de fenoles totales, flavonoides totales, no-flavonoides totales oscilaron de 55.98 a 226.20 mg ChlAE/g, de 17.63 a 23.46 mg CatE/g y de 38.34 a 202.73 mg/g, respectivamente, mientras que no fue detectada la presencia de taninos condensados en ninguno de los extractos. Los compuestos fenólicos noflavonoides fueron el grupo más abundante de compuestos fenólicos en todos los extractos y oscilaron de 68 a 90% del total de los fenoles totales. Los niveles de capacidad oscilaron de 22.43 a 124.93, de 101.03 a 245.25 y de 77.06 a 214.17 µmolTE/g en ABTS, DPPH y FRAP, respectivamente. Además, los extractos con EtOH 50% y EtOH 100% mostraron el contenido más alto y más bajo de fenólicos y niveles de capacidad antioxidante, respectivamente. Finalmente, los datos obtenidos en el contenido de compuestos fenólicos y los niveles de capacidad antioxidante del presente estudio son más altos que la mayoría de los datos reportados previamente en literatura por otros autores(AU)

Relación entre la calidad de la grasa ingerida en el desayuno y el riesgo cardiovascular. Revisión / Relationship between quality of fat consumed at breakfast and cardiovascular risk. Review

Introducción: Existe evidencia científica que relaciona el hábito del desayuno regular con una disminución del riesgo cardiovascular por disminuir la grasa corporal. Sin embargo existe incertidumbre sobre si el tipo de grasa consumida en el desayuno influye sobre el perfil lipidico y de ese modo sobre el riesgo cardiovascular. Objetivo: Mostrar una perspectiva tras analizar la evidencia científica publicada sobre el efecto que el tipo de grasa ingerida en el desayuno ejerce sobre el riesgo cardiovascular en el ser humano. Este tipo de estudio se plantea como un instrumento para sugerir directrices y recomendaciones en políticas sanitarias dentro del ámbito de la nutrición humana. Método: Se realizó la revisión empleando las bases de datos de las revistas con fecha de publicación entre 2000 y 2014, utilizando criterios de inclusión específicos (estudios con seres humanos). Resultado: Las evidencias bibliográficas afirman que en las diferentes etapas de la vida del ser humano, los individuos que desayunan regularmente tienen un menor contenido de grasa corporal. Los resultados también muestran que el consumo regular del desayuno con grasas insaturadas está asociado con un perfil cardiovascular saludable, y que este hábito saludable puede anular en parte el efecto del exceso de adiposidad en colesterol total y LDL-C. Conclusión: El consumo regular en el desayuno de grasas insaturadas (poli y monoinsaturadas) mejora el perfil lipídico, disminuyendo el riesgo cardiovascular, por lo que estas grasas poli y monoinsaturadas se deben recomendar como parte del desayuno habitual de una dieta saludable (AU)

Introduction: There is scientific evidence linking regular breakfast habit with decreased cardiovascular risk by lowering body fat. However, there is uncertainty about whether the type of fat consumed at breakfast influences the lipid profile and so on cardiovascular risk. Objective: To show a perspective after analyzing the published scientific evidence on the effect that the type of fat eaten at breakfast exerts on cardiovascular risk in humans. This type of study is proposed as a tool to suggest guidelines and recommendations on health policy in the field of human nutrition. Method: The review was conducted using the databases of journals published between 2000 and 2014, using specific inclusion criteria (human studies). Result: The bibliographical evidences say that at different stages of human life, individuals who regularly eat breakfast have a lower body fat content. The results also show that regular consumption of breakfast with unsaturated fats is associated with a healthier cardiovascular profile, and that this healthy habit can override some of the effects of excess adiposity in total cholesterol and LDLc. Conclusion: Regular breakfast consumption of unsaturated fats (poly and monounsaturated) improves the lipid profile, reducing cardiovascular risk, so these poly and monounsaturated fats should be recommended as part of the usual breakfast of a healthy diet (AU)

Aplicación de un programa de tratamiento multicomponente para adolescentes con ansiedad social en población joven adulta: estudio piloto / Transporting a school-based multicomponent treatment for adolescents to young adults with social anxiety: a pilot study

El propósito de este trabajo es presentar los resultados de un estudio piloto que evalúa la aplicabilidad de un programa de tratamiento, originalmente diseñado para adolescentes, en población joven adulta con un trastorno de ansiedad social. La muestra se compone de 12 sujetos que cumplían los criterios diagnósticos de fobia social generalizada y que mayoritariamente presentaban comorbilidad con trastornos del eje I y II. Los resultados muestran la eficacia de esta modalidad de intervención, tanto en las medidas generales de ansiedad social como en las que examinan específicamente las respuestas cognitivas y motoras que componen este trastorno. Junto a esto, la reducción de las respuestas de ansiedad social llevó a la disminución o remisión total de trastornos comórbidos a la fobia social tras la intervención. Todas las escalas mostraron ser sensibles al cambio terapéutico. Además, tanto el programa de tratamiento como su estructura o la competencia de los terapeutas fueron valorados muy positivamente por los participantes. Finalmente, se discuten las limitaciones de este trabajo y las futuras líneas de investigación

The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate transportability of a treatment protocol, originally designed for adolescent, to young adult population with social anxiety disorder. The sample is composed of 12 subjects who met generalized social phobia criteria and presented comorbidity disorders in Axes I and II. The results prove the efficacy of this treatment with young adults, as seen in a decrease of general social anxiety measures and those evaluating cognitive and behavioral symptoms. In addiction, the decrease of social anxiety symptoms led to a reduction or total recovery of comorbity in Axes I and II disorders after termination of treatment. All the scales were highly sensitive to the treatment effects. Furthermore, not only the treatment protocol, but also each component and the therapists competence were highly scored by participants. Finally, limitations and suggestions for future investigation are discussed

Construcción de un cuestionario de creencias actitudinales sobre el comportamiento suicida: el CCCS-18 / Construction of an attitudinal beliefs questionnaire towards suicidal behaviour

Con el fin de obtener un instrumento breve y manejable para la evaluación de las actitudes hacia el suicidio, desarrollamos un nuevo cuestionario: el cuestionario de creencias actitudinales sobre el comportamiento suicida (CCCS). El banco inicial de 60 ítems, construidos y revisados siguiendo criterios precisos, se administró a una muestra de 219 sujetos. Los análisis realizados concluyeron seleccionando 18 ítems con una estructura interna de cuatro factores. Tanto el cuestionario resultante como los factores identificados presentan buena consistencia interna (entre 0,73 y 0,87). Los resultados obtenidos indican que las dimensiones del CCCS podrían estar estrechamente relacionadas con la propensión al comportamiento suicida. Finalmente, se sugieren estrategias para un ulterior desarrollo psicométrico del instrumento

A new questionnaire has been developed in order to have a brief and manageable instrument for the assessment of attitudes towards suicide. The original pool of 60 items, constructed and reviewed using accurate standards, was filled out by 219 subjects. The analyses concluded with the selection of 18 items with an internal structure of four factors. Both the questionnaire and all 4 factors show a high internal consistency (between 0,73 and 0,87). The results indicate that the four dimensions found with this instrument might be closely related with the propensity to suicidal behaviour. Finally, strategies for a further psychometric development of the instrument are suggested

Brote de septicemia nosocomial por Serratia marcescens multirresistente / Outbreak of nosocomial septicemia by multiresistant Serratia marcescens

Serratia marcescens es un patógeno reconocido en septicemia nosocomial, reportado en brotes epidémicos en servicios de Neonatología. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar el estudio epidemiológico y microbiológico de una epidemia de septicemia nosocomial en nuestro hospital. Las cepas fueron identificadas por el sistema API2OE. Se realizó muestreo ambiental y del personal, CMIs por microdilucion y CMBs. Se estudiaron 22 casos y 44 controles para estimar riesgos relativos mediante razón de momios. De enero a abril de 1992, ocurrieron 22 casos de septicemia; 8 en el servicio de neonatología I durante marzo, con una tasa de ataque de 28.5 por ciento contra 0 por ciento en el periodo pre-epidémico y una mortalidad de 100 por ciento y 14 en lactantes, con una tasa de ataque en el mismo mes, de 18.1, contra 0.3 por ciento en el periodo pre-epidémico y una mortalidad de 28 por ciento. Los factores de riesgo que resultaron significativos fueron: en los neonatos el uso de venoclisis, RM=17 (IC 6.2-50.1) y en los lactantes el uso de catéters por venodisecciónm RM=27 (IC 2.4-693), así como la administración de gluconato de Calsio, sulfato de magnesio, o concentrado de Sodio en infusión (soluciones mezcladas). Todas las cepas fueron resistentes a 3 aminoglucósidos y a los betalactámicos, incluyendo diversas cefalosporinas de tercera generación, pero sensibles a ciprofloxacina. No se encontró personal portador pero algunos medicamentos que eran utilizados para infusión mostraron crecimiento de la cepa, constituyéndose en una fuente común ambiental. Después del establecimiento de medidas de control dirigidas, se erradicó el brote