Effect of humectants and Zygosaccharomyces bailii inoculation on the physical stability of oil-in-water emulsions modeling salad dressings.

BACKGROUND: Salad dressing formulations include a pH within 3.2-4.1, salt and other solutes to depress water activity. The interaction between hydrocolloids and other components such as humectants determines their physical and microbiological stability. To our knowledge, the effect of commonly used solutes on physical stability and rheological characteristics of oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by xanthan gum has not been reported, and neither has the effect of a spoilage yeast on physical stability been evaluated. RESULTS: The effect of different humectants (sodium chloride, glucose and xylitol) and Zygosaccharomyces bailii inoculation on the stability of oil-in-water emulsions containing different levels of xanthan gum to emulate different types of salad dressings was investigated by means of droplet size, zeta potential, rheological measurements and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Generally, the addition of humectants strengthened the weak or strong emulsion structure, especially xylitol. Glucose or xylitol acted as stabilizers since they decreased Sauter and De Broucker diameter. On the contrary, NaCl destabilized the emulsions since it increased droplet size and exhibited the lowest absolute values of zeta potential. Inoculation with Z. bailii destabilized some emulsions since it increased Sauter and De Broucker diameter. Emulsion droplet size, polydispersity, and xanthan gum and yeast location were confirmed by CLSM imaging. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the key role of humectants and xanthan gum level on physical characteristics and stability of oil-in-water emulsions. Addition of xylitol leads to an enhancement in emulsion rheology and physical stability, suggesting that it is a potential low-calorie multifunctional additive for salad dressings. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Lemongrass and cinnamon oil nanoemulsions: Formulation and study of their physical stability and activity against Zygosaccharomyces bailii.

The optimal conditions for elaborating oil/water nanoemulsions of lemongrass (LG), cinnamon bark (CB) and cinnamon leaves (CL) essential oils and their antimicrobial activity against Zygosaccharomyces bailii at pH 4.00 were studied. The effect of the emulsification methodology on the physical stability and antimicrobial activity of the nanoemulsions were also evaluated. Furthermore, the sensory impact of nanoemulsions added to an apple juice was tested. LG and CL nanoemulsions were elaborated by ultrasonication and CB nanoemulsion, by high-speed homogenization. They were stable for at least 120 days at 25 °C. They exhibited antimicrobial activity against Z. bailii being CB the most effective since it showed the smallest MIC value (156.3 mg/l), followed by LG (468.8 mg/l) and CL (1250.0 mg/l). A slight increase in growth rate was observed due to ultrasonication. An additive interaction in relation to the inhibitory effect between LG and CB nanoemulsions against Z. bailii was observed. While nanoemulsions obtained would be used as natural antimicrobial agents in food and beverage products, only LG nanoemulsion at MIC concentration diluted was acceptable in juice showing the sensory impact of essential oils on foods.

Optical and structural properties of the Fe3+-doped Lu3Al5O12:Ce3+ garnet phosphor.

A novel series of Lu3Al5-x Fe x O12:Ce3+ (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.45) garnets were obtained by the solid-state reaction method at 1200 °C. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Rietveld refinement, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Fe3+ doping allowed obtaining pure-phase materials at temperatures and times below those reported up to now. On the other hand, the materials reached an improved blue absorption and a tunable emission from green to orange. These optical properties are attributable to a red-shift phenomenon due to an increase of the crystal field splitting in the Ce3+ energy-levels. Moreover, the obtained phosphors exhibited a high quantum yield (55-67%), excellent thermal photoluminescence stability (up to 200 °C), and high color conversion, making the obtained phosphors promising candidates for w-LEDs.

Modelling growth/no growth interface of Zygosaccharomyces bailii in simulated acid sauces as a function of natamycin, xanthan gum and sodium chloride concentrations.

Probabilistic microbial modelling using logistic regression was used to predict the growth/no growth (G/NG) interfaces of Zygosaccharomyces bailii in simulated acid sauces as a function of natamycin, xanthan gum (XG) and sodium chloride concentrations. The growth was assessed colorimetrically by using 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride and 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone as detection reagents. The logistic regression model successfully predicted G/NG probability. The detection reagents used allowed the evaluation of G/NG interfaces in opaque systems with an excellent agreement with the plate count method. Natamycin concentration of 12 mg/L was needed to inhibit Z. bailii growth independently of the presence of XG and/or NaCl. Addition of 3.00 and 6.00% of NaCl exerted an antagonistic effect on natamycin action. Furthermore, addition of 0.25 and 0.50% XG decreased natamycin and/or NaCl action. However, an increased in XG concentration to 1.00% decreased yeast growth. Mentioned results highlighted the importance of the correct selection of stress factors applied to inhibit Z. bailii growth.

Data supporting the growth/no growth interface of Zygosaccharomyces bailii in simulated acid sauces.

This article contains experimental data, images and methods for the growth/no growth interface of Zygosaccharomyces bailii in simulated acid sauces. Mentioned data are related to the research article "Modeling growth/no growth interface of Zygosaccharomyces bailii in simulated acid sauces as a function of natamycin, xanthan gum and sodium chloride concentrations" (Zalazar et al., 2018) [1]. The growth was assessed colorimetrically by using 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride and 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone as detection reagents. Furthermore, yeast growth was confirmed by plate count.

Neuroprotective effect of epidermal growth factor in experimental acrylamide neuropathy: an electrophysiological approach.

The neuroprotective effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been documented in different contexts, but its potential benefits in peripheral neuropathies have been little studied. We investigated the neuroprotective action of EGF in experimental neuropathy induced by acrylamide (ACR). Mice and rats were treated chronically with acrylamide for 6 and 8 weeks, respectively. Concurrently they received EGF in daily doses of 1 and 5 mg/kg in mice and 3 mg/kg in rats, or saline (PBS). ACR severely affected the neurological score, the muscle strength, and the muscle potential M, in mice, as well as F-waves (F-Wii), sensory potentials (SPii), and apomorphine-induced penile erection, in rats. EGF reduced the ACR effects in both species. A dose-dependent effect of EGF was manifested in the proportion of diseased animals at the end of treatments, as well as in the reduction of M amplitude throughout the treatment. F-Wii parameters were less protected by EGF than SP. The results show a protective effect of EGF in acrylamide-induced neuropathy and support previous studies concerning the neuroprotective action of this peptide.

Data on the physical characterization of oil in water emulsions.

This article contains experimental data and images for the physical characterization of oil in water emulsions. Mentioned data are related to the research article "Effect of stabilizers, oil level and structure on the growth of Zygosaccharomyces bailii and on physical stability of model systems simulating acid sauces" (A.L. Zalazar, M.F. Gliemmo, C.A. Campos, 2016) [1]. Physical characterization of emulsions was performed through the evaluation of Span and Specific Surface Area (SSA) determined by light scattering using a Mastersizer. Furthermore, microscopy images were recorded by confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). The latter are presented to collaborate in the analysis of emulsion microstructure.

Neuroprotective effect of epidermal growth factor plus growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 resembles hypothermia in experimental stroke.

BACKGROUND: Combined therapy with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) in stroke models has accumulated evidence of neuroprotective effects from several studies, but needs further support before clinical translation. Comparing EGF + GHRP-6 to hypothermia, a gold neuroprotection standard, may contribute to this purpose. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to compare the neuroprotective effects of a combined therapy based on EGF + GHRP-6 with hypothermia in animal models of (a) global ischemia representing myocardial infarction and (b) focal brain ischemia representing ischemic stroke. METHODS: (a) Global ischemia was induced in Mongolian gerbils by a 15-min occlusion of both carotid arteries, followed by reperfusion. (b) Focal brain ischemia was achieved by intracerebral injection of endothelin 1 in Wistar rats. In each experiment, three ischemic treatment groups - vehicle, EGF + GHRP-6, and hypothermia - were compared to each other and to a sham-operated control group. End points were survival, neurological scores, and infarct volume. RESULTS: (a) In global ischemia, neurological score at 48-72 h, infarct volume, and neuronal density of hippocampal CA1 zone in gerbils treated with EGF + GHRP-6 were similar to the hypothermia-treated group. (b) In focal ischemia, the neurologic score and infarct volume of rats receiving EGF + GHRP-6 were also similar to animals in the hypothermia group. DISCUSSION: With hypothermia being a good standard neuroprotectant reference, these results provide additional proof of principle for EGF and GHRP-6 co-administration as a potentially neuroprotective stroke therapy.

Effect of stabilizers, oil level and structure on the growth of Zygosaccharomyces bailii and on physical stability of model systems simulating acid sauces.

The effect of xanthan gum, guar gum, oil and the structure promoted by these compounds on the growth of Zygosaccharomyces bailii and on physical stability of emulsified systems simulating acid sauces was studied. Furthermore, the effect of yeast growth on physical stability of emulsions was also evaluated. Yeast growth was evaluated by plate count and modeled by the modified Gompertz equation. Emulsions characteristics and their stability were determined by droplet size, zeta potential and rheological measurements. The latter was also used to evaluate structure's effect on yeast growth. Physical characteristics of emulsions depended on system composition. Yeasts slightly affected droplet size. Z. bailii growth was satisfactorily modeled by the modified Gompertz equation. The specific growth rate (µm) and the asymptotic value (A) obtained depended on xanthan gum, guar gum and oil content. Furthermore, the structure promoted by these compounds exerted a significant effect on growth. In general, an increase in the solid character and yield stress through the addition of xanthan gum promoted a decrease in A parameter. On the contrary, a decrease in the solid character through the addition of guar gum promoted an increase in the A parameter. The results obtained stressed that stabilizers, oil and their structuring ability play an important role on Z. bailii growth.

Carcinoma papilar de tiroides en quiste del conducto tirogloso / Thyroglossal duct cyst with papillary carcinoma

Introduction: In about 1-2 percent of cases of thyroglossal cyst may be neoplastic changes, mostly correspond to papillary thyroid carcinoma (75-85 percent). The aim of this paper is to present 9 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma in thyroglossal duct cyst. Materials and Methods: Data were recorded retrospectively from patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma in thyroglossal duct cyst treated at Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile between 1999 2014. Results: From 142 cases operated for thyroglossal duct cyst, 9 cases of papillary cancer (6.34 percent) were recorded. The average age was 32 years. The average diameter of the lesion was 4.4 cm (SD 2.2 cm). 8 patients underwent total thyroidectomy; a simultaneous thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 3 of them. In 6 cases was added iodine therapy. In only one patient a lymph nodal dissection was performed. We do not observe any surgical complication. A solid component in preoperative ultrasonographic study is suspicious of malignancy. The average follow-up time was 85 months. There is no recurrence or mortality in this group of patients. Conclusions: Although the safest long term management is Sistrunk surgery associated with thyroidectomy and radioiodine in selected cases, these patients must be evaluated by a multidisciplinary group and thyroidectomy should be considered in high surgical volume center, in order to minimize complications.

Introducción: En alrededor de 1-2 por ciento de los casos de quiste tirogloso pueden existir cambios neoplásicos, en su mayoría corresponden a carcinoma papilar de tiroides (75-85 por ciento). El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar 9 casos de carcinoma papilar de tiroides en quiste del conducto tirogloso, en cuanto a su forma de presentación y manejo. Material y Método: Se registraron en forma retrospectiva datos de pacientes condiagnóstico de carcinoma papilar de tiroides en quiste del conducto tirogloso atendidos en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile entre 1999 2014. Resultados: De 142 casos de pacientes operados por quiste del conducto tirogloso, se registraron 9 casos de cáncer papilar (6,34 por ciento). El promedio de edad de los pacientes fue de 32 años. El diámetro promedio de la lesión fue de 4,4 cm (DS 2,2 cm). Del total, 8 pacientes fueron sometidos a tiroidectomía total, se diagnosticó cáncer de tiroides en 3 de ellos, en 6 se asoció tratamiento con radioyodo. En sólo 1 paciente se realizó una disección linfonodal. El tiempo promedio de seguimiento fue de 85 meses; a la fecha la serie no ha presentado recurrencia ni mortalidad. Conclusiones: Si bien el manejo más seguro a largo plazo es la cirugía de Sistrunk, asociado a una tiroidectomía y eventual radioyodo, la resolución quirúrgica con tiroidectomía asociada debe ser considerada cuando la morbilidad no sea mayor que el beneficio teórico.

Primer consenso venezolanode enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico / Venezuelan consensus on gastroesophageal reflux diseases

El Consenso Venezolano de Enfermedad por Reflujo Gastroesófágico (ERGE) se realizó con el objeto de proveer guías para mejorar la identificación, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de este trastorno en el país. Los coordinadores establecieron las líneas de consenso, basado en una revisión sistemática de la literatura médica de los últimos 15 años a partir de 1995. Participaron 55 miembros con el aval de sus respectivas cátedras y sociedades locales de gastroenterología. Éstos revisaron y presentaron los temas con sus niveles de evidencia y grados de recomendación para discutirlos y votarlos en una reunión plenaria. Tras un informe final de los miembros, los coordinadores prepararon las declaraciones finales. El consenso concluyó que la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico tiene una prevalencia estimada del 11,54% en Venezuela, a predominio del sexo femenino (Grado B). El diagnóstico es fundamentalmente clínico, basado en la presencia de síntomas típicos y/o atípicos, e incluso síntomas de alarma que sugieren alguna complicación (Grado B). La endoscopia es importante en la investigación de la presencia de esofagitis de reflujo y laringitis de reflujo (Grado B). Las otras pruebas diagnósticas como lo son la pHmetría esofágica de 24 horas con o sin impedancia intraluminal multicanal son importantes en los pacientes que no tienen esofagitis, tienen síntomas atípicos o cuando hay falla en la respuesta al tratamiento médico (Grado B). La radiología, manometría esofágica y el ultrasonido endoscópico no están indicados en el diagnóstico de la ERGE (Grado B). El objetivo del tratamiento es reducir la exposición ácida en el esófago y con esto: aliviar los síntomas, cicatrizar las lesiones en la mucosa esofágica, prevenir la recurrencia y las complicaciones. Los inhibidores de bomba de protones deberían ser la primera opción en el tratamiento en el síndrome de ERGE y en la esofagitis por reflujo tanto en la fase aguda como durante el mantenimiento...

The Venezuelan Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Consensus was carried out in order to provide guidelines to improve the identification, diagnosis and treatment of this illness in Venezuela.  The coordinators established the consensuslines, based on a systematic revision of the medical literature of the last 15 years starting from 1995. 55 physicians participated with the support of their respective medical schools and local societies. They revised and presented the topics with their respective evidence levels and recommendation grades to discuss and vote them in a plenary meeting. After a final report of the members, the coordinators prepared the definitive declarations. The consensus concluded that GERD prevalence in Venezuela is 11,54%, higher in women than men (Grade B). The diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on the presence of typical and/or atypical symptoms and alarm symptoms that may suggest the presence of complications (Grade B). Endoscopy is important when reflux esophagitis and laryngitis are present (Grade B). Other diagnostic tests as ambulatory 24 hours pH monitoring with or without multichannel intraluminal impedance are important in patients without esophagitis, with atypical symptoms or when there is flaw in the answer to the medical treatment (Grade B). Radiology, esophageal manometry and endoscopic ultrasonography are not indicated in the diagnosis of GERD (Grade B). The objective of the treatment is to reduce the presence of acid in the esophagus and consequently: alleviate the symptoms and heal lesions in the esophagus mucosa to prevent recurrence and complications. Proton pump inhibitors should be the first option drug in the treatment of GERD syndrome andin esophagitis during the acute and the maintenance phase using standard or half dose (Grade A). So far, pokinetics are drugs with a limited use in GERD patients; they stimulate the esophagus/gastric motility...

Evaluación de la patogenicidad en ratas del Paecilomyces lilacinus LPL-01 utilizando vías diferentes de exposición / Pathogenicity evaluation of Paecilomyces lilacinus to rats

Los nemátodos parásitos de las plantas, conocidos como plagas agrícolas desde el siglo XIX, causan un 9% de pérdidas de cultivos en los países desarrollados y un 14% en los países en desarrollo. El Paecilomyces lilacinus es un hongo parásito que ataca formas sedentarias de los nemátodos, como los huevos. Su valoración como agente microbiano de control debe incluir una evaluación de su virulencia hacia organismos no-diana, tomando en consideración las vías posibles de exposición de los humanos. Para evaluar la patogenicidad de la cepa LPL-01 del P. lilacinus en ratas, se administró por las vías oral, pulmonar e intravenosa. Las observaciones clínicas fueron diarias, y se evaluó el comportamiento del peso corporal. Se estimó el aclaramiento mediante recolección de las heces fecales y análisis de muestras de los pulmones y de la sangre, según la vía de administración, y se evaluó la infectividad mediante toma de muestras de órganos de animales inoculados sacrificados a intervalos. Durante estos sacrificios, y al final de los ensayos, se realizó la necropsia de los animales. No ocurrieron mortalidades, ni evidencias de patogenicidad relacionada con el tratamiento en los ensayos oral y pulmonar, no provocando el hongo una infestación significativa. Por vía endovenosa, el microorganismo provocó alteraciones anátomo-patológicas en hígado y bazo, coincidiendo con el período de máxima infestación. Se concluyó que la cepa LPL-01 del P. lilacinus, a las dosis evaluadas, no es patogénica por las vías oral y pulmonar, siendo levemente patogénica por vía endovenosa

Plant parasitic nematodes have been recognized as agricultural pests in Europe as early as the late 19th century. It has been estimated that plant parasitic nematodes cause crop yield losses of nearly 9% in the developed world, and over 14% in developing countries. The Paecilomyces lilacinus is a parasitic fungi attacking sedentary stages of nematodes, e.g. eggs. Evaluation of this fungus as a microbial control agent, must include an evaluation of its virulence towards non-target organisms, especially vertebrates, with consideration given to potential human exposure scenarios. With the aim of assessing the pathogenicity in rats of the strain LPL-01 of Paecilomyces lilacinus, this fungus was given using several routes of exposure (oral, pulmonary and intravenous route). In all of the assays, clinical examinations were performed daily after administration, and body weight gain of animals was evaluated. Clearance was estimated by means of collection of feces and examination of lungs and blood, depending on the route used, and ineffectiveness was evaluated by enumerating microorganisms from organs and corporal fluids in animals sacrifice at intervals. A gross necropsy of all animals was performed at interim or final sacrifice. There were no mortalities, and no evidence of pathogenicity or treatment-related toxicity either in oral or pulmonary toxicity/pathogenicity tests, without significant infection of test animals. In the intravenous toxicity/pathogenicity test, P. lilacinus caused anatomopathological changes in liver and spleen at the same period when higher infectivity was achieved. It was concluded that P. lilacinus is not pathogenic by oral and pulmonary route, but has some pathogenic effects when intravenous injection is performed

Traducción y adaptación de la Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale al ámbito español / Translation and adaptation in the Spanish environment of the Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale

Introducción. El objetivo del presente trabajo es la traducción, adaptación y validación en el ámbito español de una escala de autoevaluación de la manía, denominada Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM), con lo que se trata de cubrir el vacío existente en nuestro ámbito en la autoevaluación de la manía. Métodos. Se tradujo la escala y a continuación se realizó la traducción inversa, que fue remitida al autor de la escala original. Fue aplicada a 74 pacientes con trastorno bipolar, que fueron divididos en dos grupos, uno formado por pacientes con sintomatología activa maníaca (n = 35) y otro constituido por pacientes asintomáticos (n = 39). Concurrentemente se aplicó la Escala para la Valoración de la Manía Administrada por Clínicos (EVMAC) y la Escala de Valoración Numérica. Resultados. Se encontró alta consistencia interna, alta y significativa correlación con la subescala de manía de la EVMAC, así como con la Escala de Valoración Numérica, y diferencias muy significativas entre los dos grupos en la puntuación de la escala. La curva COR indicó excelente ajuste de la escala al discriminar entre pacientes bipolares con y sin síntomas maníacos. El análisis factorial arrojó un solo factor, que explica el 62 % de la varianza total. Conclusiones. La Escala Autoaplicada de Manía de Altman demuestra ser un instrumento autoaplicado, fiable y válido para medir la presencia y gravedad de la sintomatología maníaca. Permite realizar valoraciones sencillas y rápidas del estado del paciente, pudiendo ser utilizada con fines de investigación, clínicos y como instrumento de cribado

Introduction. The aim of the present study is the translation, adaptation and validation in the Spanish environment of a self-rating of mania scale, the Altman Self-Rating Scale for Mania (ASRM), to fulfill a need in our environment in the self-rating of mania. Methods. The scale was translated, and then a back translation was done. This was sent to the author of the original scale. The scale was administered to a sample of 74 patients with bipolar disorder, divided into two groups, one formed by patients with acute mania (n = 35) and the other one constituted by asymptomatic patients (n = 39). Concurrently we applied the Clinician Administered Rating Scale for Mania (CARS-M) and the Numeric Evaluation Scale (NES). Results. High internal consistency, high and significant correlation with the CARS-M mania sub-scale, as well as with the NES and very significant differences between the two groups in the scale score were found. The ROC curve indicates excellent adjustment of the scale, when discriminating among bipolar patients with and without manic symptoms. The factorial analysis provided a single factor that accounts for 62 % of the total variance. Conclusions. The Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale is shown to be a reliable and valid self-rating instrument to assess the presence and intensity of manic symptoms. It makes it possible to carry out simple and quick assessments of the patient's state, can be used for research as clinical objectives and can also be a screening instrument

[Translation and adaptation in the Spanish environment of the Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale]. / Traducción y adaptación de la Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale al ámbito español.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study is the translation, adaptation and validation in the Spanish environment of a self-rating of mania scale, the Altman Self-Rating Scale for Mania (ASRM), to fulfill a need in our environment in the self-rating of mania. METHODS: The scale was translated, and then a back translation was done. This was sent to the author of the original scale. The scale was administered to a sample of 74 patients with bipolar disorder, divided into two groups, one formed by patients with acute mania (n=35) and the other one constituted by asymptomatic patients (n=39). Concurrently we applied the Clinician Administered Rating Scale for Mania (CARS-M) and the Numeric Evaluation Scale (NES). RESULTS: High internal consistency, high and significant correlation with the CARS-M mania sub-scale, as well as with the NES and very significant differences between the two groups in the scale score were found. The ROC curve indicates excellent adjustment of the scale, when discriminating among bipolar patients with and without manic symptoms. The factorial analysis provided a single factor that accounts for 62% of the total variance. CONCLUSIONS: The Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale is shown to be a reliable and valid self-rating instrument to assess the presence and intensity of manic symptoms. It makes it possible to carry out simple and quick assessments of the patient's state, can be used for research as clinical objectives and can also be a screening instrument.

[New mood stabilizers and reproductive cycle]. / Nuevos eutimizantes y ciclo reproductivo.

INTRODUCTION: The use of new mood stabilizers in the treatment of bipolar disorder has supposed a revolution, especially due to its more favorable profile in many aspects. Nevertheless, therapeutic decisions on treatment during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period are still being debated. Since these new anticonvulsants appeared in the decade of 1990, less naturalistic experience in its use exists during these periods than with other older anticonvulsants. METHODS: A Medline and Embase search was conducted from 1970 to 2003 to review the articles published on the use of the new mood stabilizers during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and its effects on contraception. Neurology and psychiatry text chapters and abstracts of the Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (years 2001-2003) were also reviewed. RESULTS: Although some recent articles suggest that new mood stabilizers could have a smaller risk of congenital defects, and therefore could be used with smaller risks in women in fertile age, most of articles reviewed indicate that there is not enough knowledge on the safety of the new mood stabilizers in pregnancy and breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: The risks and benefits of continuing with the new mood stabilizers during pregnancy and breastfeeding must be weighed carefully, and the severity of the disease and the previous answer to treatment should be taken into account.

Nuevos eutimizantes y ciclo reproductive / New mood stabilizers and reproductive cycle

Introducción. La utilización de los nuevos eutimizantes en el tratamiento del trastorno bipolar ha supuesto una revolución, especialmente debido a su perfil más favorable en muchos aspectos; sin embargo, las decisiones terapéuticas acerca del tratamiento durante la gestación y el período de lactancia siguen siendo controvertidas. Dado que estos nuevos anticonvulsivos aparecieron en la década de 1990, existe menos experiencia naturalística en su uso durante la gestación que con otros anticonvulsivos más antiguos. Métodos. Se efectuó una búsqueda bibliográfica en Medline y Embase desde 1970 hasta 2003, para localizar los artículos publicados en torno a la utilización de los nuevos eutimizantes en la gestación y lactancia y a sus efectos sobre la anticoncepción. También se revisaron capítulos de textos de neurología y psiquiatría y los resúmenes de los años 2001-2003 de la Reunión Anual de la Asociación Americana de Psiquiatría. Resultados. Aunque algunos estudios de publicación reciente sugieren que los nuevos estabilizantes podrían poseer un menor riesgo de defectos congénitos y por tanto podrían ser usados con menores riesgos en mujeres en edad fértil, la mayoría de los artículos revisados coinciden en señalar que no existen conocimientos suficientes acerca de la seguridad de los nuevos eutimizantes en la gestación y en la lactancia. Conclusiones. Los riesgos y beneficios de continuar con los nuevos estabilizantes durante los períodos e gestación y lactancia deben ser sopesados cuidadosamente, y debería tenerse en cuenta la gravedad de la enfermedad y la respuesta previa al tratamiento (AU)

Introduction. The use of new mood stabilizers in the treatment of bipolar disorder has supposed a revolution, especially due to its more favorable profile in many aspects. Nevertheless, therapeutic decisions on treatment during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period are still being debated. Since these new anticonvulsants appeared in the decade of 1990, less naturalistic experience in its use exists during these periods than with other older anticonvulsants. Methods. A Medline an Embase search was conducted from 1970 and 2003 to review the articles published on the use of the new mood stabilizers during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and its effects on contraception. Neurology and psychiatry text chapters and abstracts of the Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (years 2001-2003) were also reviewed. Results. Although some recent articles suggest that new mood stabilizers could have a smaller risk of congenital defects, and therefore could be used with smaller risks in there is not enough knowledge on the safety of the new mood stabilizers in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Conclusions. The risks and benefits of continuing with the new mood stabilizers during pregnancy and breastfeeding must be weighed carefully, and the severity of the disease and the previous answer to treatment should be taken into account (AU)

[Immunological rapid urease test].

Immunological rapid urease test for detection of Helicobacter pylori infection, composed of a solid-phase tip coated with monoclonal antibody against H. pylori's urease and ion-sensitive field transistor (ISFT)-based pH sensor system, was developed. The monoclonal antibody against H. pylori's urease was useful to avoid the contamination of urease activity in other bacteria. Because ISFTT had high ability to detect pH change, the sensitivity and specificity of immunological rapid urease test was significantly improved comparing with that of conventional rapid urease test. The utility of immunological rapid urease test was evaluated in some clinical studies.

Evaluación toxicológica en ratas Sprague-Dawley de Interleuquina-2 y del candidato vacunal FPCR3, terapia combinada en pacientes con SIDA / Toxicological evaluation of Interleukin-2 and FPCR3 vaccine candidate in Sprague-Dawley rats, combined therapy in AIDS-patients

En busca de nuevas fórmulas terapéuticas para combatir la infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana se han desarrollado diferentes tipos de vacunas, entre las que se encuentran las que estimulan la respuesta de linfocitos T citotóxicos contra antígenos del VIH. A partir de la obtención en el Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología (La Habana, Cuba) de un candidato vacunal que utiliza como vector el virus de la viruela aviar modificado con genes que expresan proteínas anti-VIH, se ha diseñado un estudio clinico que combina la aplicación de este producto (FPCR3) con la terapia antirretroviral de alta eficiencia y dosis bajas de Interleuquina-2 humana recombinante (IL-2hr). Antes de ensayar estos productos biotecnológicos en pacientes con el síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida se hizo necesario realizar pruebas toxicológicas para evaluar su seguridad, para lo cual se diseñaron 2 estudios de toxicidad aguda en los que se evaluó la respuesta sistémica y local de ratas Sprague-Dawley a dosis superiores a la que se administrará en los pacientes incluidos en el estudio clínico piloto. Se utilizaron 50 ratas de la sublínea Cenp: SPRD (Sprague-Dawley) en el estudio de toxicidad aguda de Interleuquina-2hr y 70 animales de esta misma especie y sublínea para el realizado al candidato vacunal FPCR3. Los productos Se administraron por vía subcutánea e intramuscular respectivamente a niveles de 30, 60 y 90 veces la dosis terapéutica. En el estudio realizado al candidato vacunal FPCR3 se incluyeron 3 grupos en los que se realizaron administraciones repetidas, a fin de evaluar de forma preliminar la tolerancia local de este producto. En ambos estudios se incluyó un grupo control inoculado con el placebo de las formulaciones. Se realizó Observación clínica diaria y se llevó a cabo el estudio histopatológico de los órganos diana y del sitio de administración. No se evidenciaron signos de toxicidad ni efectos adversos en los animales inoculados con el candidato vacunal FPCR3 é IL-2. No se reportaron muertes durante los estudios y los animales manifestaron adecuada respuesta ante estímulos, así como incremento progresivo de peso. El estudio histopatológico mostró ligera reacción local caracterizada por secuestro del inóculo y presencia de tejido de granulación en animales administrados con Interleuquina-2 hr. En los que recibieron diferentes dosis del candidato vacunal FPCR3 se reportaron granulomas macrofágicos de diversa intensidad en el sitio de administración. No se reportó en ningún caso signos de toxicidad en los órganos estudiados. Aún cuando se precisan otros estudios toxicológicos, estos resultados sugieren que la aplicación del candidato vacunal FPCR3 contra el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana -y de Interleuquina-2hr es segura y bien tolerada en el espectro de dosis estudiadas, garantizando un marco de segur¡dad adecuado para su aplicación en los pacientes infectados con el síndrome de la inmunodeficiencia adquirida incluidos en el estudio clínico piloto (AU)

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[Familiar Munchausen syndrome: an unusual presentation]. / Síndrome de Munchausen familiar: una presentación inusual.

Munchausen syndrome is a subtype included in factitious disorders in which somatic signs and symptoms predominate. The patient self-inflicts damage with the only objective of assuming a <

Síndrome de Munchausen familiar:una presentación inusual / Familiar Munchausen syndrome: an unusual presentation

El síndrome de Munchausen es un subtipo dentro de los trastornos facticios en el que predominan los signos y síntomas somáticos. El paciente se autoinflinge un daño físico, con el único objetivo de asumir el rol de enfermo. Es una patología infradiagnosticada, caracterizada por numerosos ingresos hospitalarios y una historia de peregrinaje por diferentes especialistas. Un diagnóstico precoz evitaría el elevado gasto sanitario ocasionado por las exploraciones innecesarias y el deterioro sociolaboral y familiar del paciente. Se describe un caso que afecta a dos hermanos, infrecuente en la literatura revisada, y se exponen los criterios de sospecha en la práctica clínica diaria. (AU)