Developing an Optical Interferometric Detection Method based biosensor for detecting specific SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulins in Serum and Saliva, and their corresponding ELISA correlation.

The standard rapid approach for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA. The detection of specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulins is crucial for screening people who have been exposed to the virus, whether or not they presented symptoms. Recent publications report different methods for the detection of specific IgGs, IgMs, and IgAs against SARS-CoV-2; these methods mainly detect immunoglobulins in the serum using conventional techniques such as rapid lateral flow tests or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In this article, we report the production of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the development of a rapid, reliable, cost-effective test, capable of detecting immunoglobulins in serum and saliva samples. This method is based on interferometric optical detection. The results obtained using this method and those obtained using ELISA were compared. Owing to its low cost and simplicity, this test can be used periodically for the early detection, surveillance, detection of immunity, and control of the spread of COVID-19.

A new optical interferometric-based in vitro detection system for the specific IgE detection in serum of the main peach allergen.

Food allergens cause worldwide chronic diseases with a great impact on public health. Immunoglobulins E (IgEs) trigger allergic reactions by specifically binding the allergens to which the allergic patients are sensitized. In this scientific work we report for the first time a new optical interferometric in vitro system for the detection of specific IgEs (sIgEs) to the principal peach allergen (Pru p 3) in real serum samples. Interferometric Optical Detection Method (IODM) was employed for reading out the signal of Fabry-Perot based interferometers acting as biotransducers. Pru p 3 was immobilized as bioreceptor onto the sensing surface for detecting the target biomolecules, sIgEs to Pru p 3. Moreover, the demanding low concentration of IgE, compared to other analytes in real serum samples, made it necessary to use nanoparticles (NPs) for two reasons: to collect only the IgEs from the serum sample and to enhance the optical interferometric read-out signal. The methodology was validated in advance by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Consequently, we report in this article a novel high-performance in vitro detection method to recognize sIgE to molecular allergens by means of silicon dioxide (SiO2) NPs. Finally, this scientific work provides the basis for the in vitro component resolved diagnosis (CRD) of sIgEs to molecular allergens.

Effects of caffeine supplementation on physical performance and mood dimensions in elite and trained-recreational athletes.

BACKGROUND: Caffeine supplementation (CAFF) has an established ergogenic effect on physical performance and the psychological response to exercise. However, few studies have compared the response to CAFF intake among athletes of different competition level. This study compares the acute effects of CAFF on anaerobic performance, mood and perceived effort in elite and moderately-trained recreational athletes. METHODS: Participants for this randomized, controlled, crossover study were 8 elite athletes (in the senior boxing national team) and 10 trained-recreational athletes. Under two experimental conditions, CAFF supplementation (6 mg/kg) or placebo (PLAC), the athletes completed a Wingate test. Subjective exertion during the test was recorded as the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) both at the general level (RPEgeneral) and at the levels muscular (RPEmuscular) and cardiorespiratory (RPEcardio). Before the Wingate test, participants completed the questionnaires Profiles of Moods States (POMS) and Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS). RESULTS: In response to CAFF intake, improvements were noted in Wpeak (11.22 ± 0.65 vs 10.70 ± 0.84; p = 0.003; [Formula: see text] =0.44), Wavg (8.75 ± 0.55 vs 8.41 0.46; p = 0.001; [Formula: see text] =0.53) and time taken to reach Wpeak (7.56 ± 1.58 vs 9.11 ± 1.53; p <  0.001; [Formula: see text] =0.57) both in the elite and trained-recreational athletes. However, only the elite athletes showed significant increases in tension (+ 325%), vigor (+ 31%) and SVS (+ 28%) scores after the intake of CAFF compared to levels recorded under the condition PLAC (p <  0.05). Similarly, levels of vigor after consuming CAFF were significantly higher in the elite than the trained-recreational athletes (+ 5.8%). CONCLUSIONS: CAFF supplementation improved anaerobic performance in both the elite and recreational athletes. However, the ergogenic effect of CAFF on several mood dimensions and subjective vitality was greater in the elite athletes.

Respuestas cardiorrespiratorias a intensidad umbral. Estudio comparativo entre media sentadilla y cicloergómetro / Cardiorrespiratory responses at threshold intensity. Comparative between half squat vs cycle ergometer

Objetivo: Comparar las respuestas respiratorias, de frecuencia cardíaca (FC) y lactato a intensidad de umbral láctico (UL) en media sentadilla (MS) vs cicloergómetro. Métodos: 24 hombres (21,5±1,8 años, 180,1±5,2 cm, 81,9±8,7 kg) con experiencia en el entrenamiento de fuerza realizaron un test incremental progresivo en MS y cicloergómetro para determinar el UL. Durante los test se midieron las concentraciones de lactato, FC, consumo de oxígeno (VO2), producción de dióxido de carbono (VCO2), ventilación pulmonar (VE), equivalente ventilatorio del oxígeno (VE·VO2-1) y del dióxido de carbono (VE·VCO2-1). Una t student valoró las diferencias entre las dos modalidades de ejercicio. Resultados: las concentraciones de lactato, FC, VE, VE·VCO2-1 y VE·VO2-1 fueron superiores en MS vs cicloergómetro (p<0,05). Conclusiones: el UL puede ser detectado en el ejercicio de MS. Además, la realización de sesiones de entrenamiento contrarresistencias, a intensidad de UL, podrían ser utilizadas para mejorar la resistencia cardiovascular y la fuerza muscular

Objective: To compare respiratory responses, heart rate (HR) and lactate at the intensity of the lactate threshold (LT) between half squat (HS) and cycloergometer. Methods: 24 men (21.5±1.8 years, 180.1 ± 5.2 cm, 81.9±8.7 kg) with experience in resitance performed a progressive incremental test in HS and cycloergometer to determine LT. During such test, the following parameters were measured: blood lactate concentrations, HR, oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), pulmonary ventilation (PV), ventilatory equivalent of oxygen (PV·VO2-1) and ventilatory equivalent of carbon dioxide (PV·VCO2-1). A t student evaluated the variables analysed among the two exercise modalities. Results: blood lactate concentrations, HR, PV, and PV·VO2-1 and PV·VCO2-1 were higher in HS than in cycloergometer (p <0.05). Conclusions: LT can be detected in HS exercise. Furthermore, the resistance training sessions to the intensity of LT might be used in training sessions which seek to improve cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength

[Assessment of the nutritional status of a group of people older than 50 years by means of dietary and body composition parameters]. / Evaluación del estado nutricional de un grupo de adultos mayores de 50 años mediante parámetros dietéticos y de composición corporal.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the nutritional status of elder adults by means of dietary and body composition parameters. METHODOLOGY: The sample comprised 49 adults, older than 50 years (23 men and 26 women) with a mean age of 54.84±4.56 years, working at a private university. The body composition was analyzed by using anthropometric parameters. The energy and nutrients intake was gathered by means of a registry of all the foods and beverages consumed during 3 days that was filled-up by each (previously instructed) participant and estimating the amounts through photographic models. Total energy requirements were estimated by the Harris-Benedict and FAO/WHO calculations. RESULTS: The body mass index was similar (p=0.018) in both men and women (26.1±1.9 and 24.4±2.8 kg/m²). The percentage of fat obtained by anthropometrics was 29.6±3.6 and 36.8±3.1% (p=0.000) in men and women, respectively. The level of physical activity was very light to light. Daily energy intake was appropriate for total energy demands when these were calculated by the calculations proposed by FAO/WHO. The caloric profile indicated an unbalance with high proteins and lipids and low carbohydrates intake. As for the micronutrients, the diets assessed indicated a deficient intake of folic acid and vitamins D and E, in both genders, and zinc and selenium also in women. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: We have found overweight problems according to the BMI and the waist circumference, and obesity according to the body fat percentage, with the potential risk for the development of an associated complication. It would be advisable to improve the quality of the diets consumed by increasing the amount of some micronutrients and fiber, and by promoting an increase in the physical activity.

Evaluación del estado nutricional de un grupo de adultos mayores de 50 años mediante parámetros dietéticos y de composición corporal / Assessment of the nutritional status of a group of people older than 50 years by means of dietary and body composition parameters

Objetivo: Valorar el estado nutricional de adultos mayores mediante parámetros dietéticos y de composición corporal. Metodología: La muestra está formada por 49 adultos mayores de 50 años (23 hombres y 26 mujeres) con una media de edad de 54,84 ± 4,56 años, empleados de una universidad privada. La composición corporal se analizó usando parámetros antropométricos. La ingesta de energía y nutrientes se recogió mediante un registro de todos los alimentos y bebidas consumidos durante 3 días, realizado por cada encuestado (previamente instruido) y estimando las cantidades a través de modelos fotográficos. Las necesidades energéticas totales se estimaron por las fórmulas de Harris-Benedict y FAO/OMS. Resultados: El índice de masa corporal fue similar (p = 0,018) en hombres y mujeres (26,1 ± 1,9 y 24,4 ± 2,8 kg/m2). El porcentaje de grasa obtenido por antropometría fue 29,6 ± 3,6 y 36,8 ± 3,1% (p = 0,000) en hombres y mujeres respectivamente. La actividad física fue muy ligera-ligera. La ingesta diaria de energía se adecuaba a las necesidades totales cuando estas se determinaron por las fórmulas propuestas por la FAO/OMS. El perfil calórico indicaba un desequilibrio con un alto aporte de proteínas y lípidos y bajo de carbohidratos. Respecto a los micronutrientes las dietas evaluadas indicaron un aporte deficitario de ácido fólico y vitaminas D y E en ambos sexos y cinc y selenio también en mujeres. Conclusiones y recomendaciones: Se han encontrado problemas de sobrepeso juzgados por el IMC y la circunferencia de la cintura y de obesidad según el porcentaje de grasa corporal con el potencial riesgo de desarrollar alguna complicación derivada de ello. Sería recomendable mejorar la calidad de las dietas consumidas aumentando algunos micronutrientes y fibra y promover un aumento de la actividad física (AU)

Objective: To assess the nutritional status of elder adults by means of dietary and body composition parameters. Methodology: The sample comprised 49 adults, older than 50 years (23 men and 26 women) with a mean age of 54.84 ± 4.56 years, working at a private university. The body composition was analyzed by using anthropometric parameters. The energy and nutrients intake was gathered by means of a registry of all the foods and beverages consumed during 3 days that was filled-up by each (previously instructed) participant and estimating the amounts through photographic models. Total energy requirements were estimated by the Harris-Benedict and FAO/WHO calculations. Results: The body mass index was similar (p = 0.018) in both men and women (26.1 ± 1.9 and 24.4 ± 2.8 kg/m2). The percentage of fat obtained by anthropometrics was 29.6 ± 3.6 and 36.8 ± 3.1% (p = 0.000) in men and women, respectively. The level of physical activity was very light to light. Daily energy intake was appropriate for total energy demands when these were calculated by the calculations proposed by FAO/WHO. The caloric profile indicated an unbalance with high proteins and lipids and low carbohydrates intake. As for the micronutrients, the diets assessed indicated a deficient intake of folic acid and vitamins D and E, in both genders, and zinc and selenium also in women. Conclusions and recommendations: We have found overweight problems according to the BMI and the waist circumference, and obesity according to the body fat percentage, with the potential risk for the development of an associated complication. It would be advisable to improve the quality of the diets consumed by increasing the amount of some micronutrients and fiber, and by promoting an increase in the physical activity (AU)

[Nutritional status assessment in a group of university students by means of dietary parameters and body composition]. / Evaluación del estado nutricional de un grupo de estudiantes universitarios mediante parámetros dietéticos y de composición corporal.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the nutritional status in a young adults by means of dietary parameters and body composition. METHODOLOGY: The sample comprises 49 young men (35 women and 14 men) with a mean age of 21.9 +/- 2.9 ages, at Alfonso X el Sabio University of Madrid. Body composition was analyzed through anthropometrical parameters. By means of validated questionnaires, physical activity performed within a week was assessed, as well as energy and nutrients intake. The later was estimated through a registry of all foods and beverages consumed for the last 14 days performed by each one of the participants (previously instructed) and estimating the amounts by weight or home or standard servings. The resting energy waste was determined by indirect calorimetry and through the Harris-Benedict predictive formula. RESULTS: Body mass index was similar in both men and women (p = 0.10) (23.5 +/- 1.9 and 22.0 +/- 2.8 kg/m2). The percentage of fat obtained through anthropometrics was 16.4 +/- 3.5% and 27.1 +/- 3.8% (p < 0.05) in men and women, respectively. The physical activity was light-moderate. Daily energy intake was appropriate for the total needs when the later were determined by indirect calorimetry. The caloric intake for macronutrients was unbalanced: high in lipids, and very low in carbohydrates. With regards to micronutrients, the assessed diets were in general appropriate but for folic acid, calcium, magnesium for both genders and vitamin A in men, with levels below the recommended ones. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: In some aspects, the diet from this group deviates from current dietary standards. It would be advisable to increase the physical activity that would allow a higher food intake in order to cover for the insufficient intake of some nutrients without energetically unbalancing the diet. The assessment of resting energetic waste by indirect calorimetry seems to better predict the energetic needs.

Evaluación del estado nutricional de un grupo de estudiantes universitarios mediante parámetros dietéticos y de composición corporal / Nutritional status assessment in a group of university students by means of dietary parameters and body composition

Objetivo: Valorar el estado nutricional de adultos jóvenes mediante parámetros dietéticos y de composición corporal. Metodología: La muestra está formada por 49 jóvenes (35 mujeres y 14 hombres) con una media de edad de 21,9 ± 2,9 años de la Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio de Madrid. La composición corporal se analizó usando parámetros antropométricos. Mediante cuestionarios validados se valoró la actividad física realizada durante 1 semana y la ingesta de energía y nutrientes. Ésta se estimó mediante un registro de todos los alimentos y bebidas consumidos durante 14 días, realizado por cada encuestado (previamente instruido) y estimando las cantidades en peso o en medidas caseras y raciones estándar. El gasto energético en reposo se determinó mediante calorimetría indirecta y mediante la fórmula predictiva de Harris-Benedict. Resultados: El índice de masa corporal fue similar (p = 0,10) en hombres y mujeres (23,5 ± 1,9 y 22,0 ± 2,8 kg/m2). El porcentaje de grasa obtenido por antropometría fue 16,4 ± 3,5% y 27,1 ± 3,8% (p < 0,05) en hombres y mujeres, respectivamente. La actividad física fue ligera-moderada. La ingesta diaria de energía, se adecuaba a las necesidades totales, cuando éstas fueron determinadas por calorimetría indirecta. El aporte calórico de los macronutrientes fue desequilibrado: alto de lípidos y muy bajo de hidratos de carbono. Con respecto a los micronutrientes, las dietas evaluadas fueron, en general, adecuadas, excepto en el caso del ácido fólico, calcio y magnesio en ambos sexos y vitamina A en hombres, con cifras inferiores a las recomendadas. Conclusiones y recomendaciones: la dieta de este grupo, en algunos aspectos se aleja de las pautas dietéticas actuales. Sería recomendable un incremento de la actividad física que permitiría un consumo mayor de alimentos para cubrir la ingesta insuficiente de algunos nutrientes sin desequilibrar energéticamente la dieta. La determinación del gasto energético en reposo por calorimetría indirecta parece predecir mejor las necesidades energéticas (AU)

Objective: To assess the nutritional status in a young adults by means of dietary parameters and body composition. Methodology: The sample comprises 49 young men (35 women and 14 men) with a mean age of 21.9 ± 2.9 ages, at Alfonso X el Sabio University of Madrid. Body composition was analyzed through anthropometrical parameters. By means of validated questionnaires, physical activity performed within a week was assessed, as well as energy and nutrients intake. The later was estimated through a registry of all foods and beverages consumed for the last 14 days performed by each one of the participants (previously instructed) and estimating the amounts by weight or home or standard servings. The resting energy waste was determined by indirect calorimetry and through the Harris-Benedict predictive formula. Results: Body mass index was similar in both men and women (p = 0.10) (23.5 ± 1.9 and 22.0 ± 2.8 kg/m2). The percentage of fat obtained through anthropometrics was 16.4 ± 3.5% and 27.1 ± 3.8% (p < 0.05) in men and women, respectively. The physical activity was light-moderate. Daily energy intake was appropriate for the total needs when the later were determined by indirect calorimetry. The caloric intake for macronutrients was unbalanced: high in lipids, and very low in carbohydrates. With regards to micronutrients, the assessed diets were in general appropriate but for folic acid, calcium, magnesium for both genders and vitamin A in men, with levels below the recommended ones. Conclusions and recommendations. In some aspects, the diet from this group deviates from current dietary standards. It would be advisable to increase the physical activity that would allow a higher food intake in order to cover for the insufficient intake of some nutrients without energetically unbalancing the diet. The assessment of resting energetic waste by indirect calorimetry seems to better predict the energetic needs (AU)

[Effect of 7-N-(P-hydroxyphenyl)-mitomycin C (KW-2083) against pleuritis carcinomatosa].

Fourteen cases of adenocarcinoma with pleuritis carcinomatosa (lung cancer 10 cases, ovarian cancer 2 cases, colon cancer 2 cases) were treated with intra-pleural instillation of 7-N-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-mitomycin C (KW-2083), a derivative of mitomycin C. KW-2083 was administered at a dose of 40 mg once or twice weekly. In 14 evaluable patients, the rate of decrease of pleural fluid was 79%, and that of disappearance of tumor cells in pleural fluid was 64%. Median survival time (MST) from the beginning of treatment in all cases was 163 days. The toxicities of intrapleural instillation of KW-2083 were chest pain (86%), transient fever (64%), anorexia (64%), fatigability (29%), nausea (21%), vomiting (21%) and thrombocytopenia (nadir: 3.5 X 10(4)/mm3; 7%). Serum and pleural fluid KW-2083 concentrations have been measured in 3 patients after intrapleural administration of KW-2083. The mean half life of KW-2083 in serum and pleural fluid was 74 min (69-78 min) and 56 min (33-70 min), respectively. The peak serum KW-2083 concentration was 0.18 microgram/ml (0.06-0.24 microgram/ml).

[Salivary lithiasis as a complication of surgically treated Robin syndrome]. / Lithiase salivaire compliquant le syndrome de Robin opéré.

A 15-year-old girl, operated upon (surgical ankyloglossia) at birth for glossoptosis due to Pierre Robin's syndrome provoking respiratory distress, presented with lithiasis of Wharton's duct. The pathogenesis of the lithiasis is considered to be related to the wounds and scars following the sublingual surgery, findings in this case also strongly suggesting the role of mechanical and inflammatory factors in the etiology of salivary gland lithiasis in general.

Asthma from plexiglas powders.

A patient with severe asthma induced by the inhalation of plexiglas dusts is reported. Inhalation testing against various industrial products to which he was exposed at work, showed a specific and reproducible asthmatic reaction to plexiglas dusts. Complete pulmonary investigations after positive challenge excluded associated alveolitis and demonstrated an immediate and a late obstructive response. The patient was not atopic and his clinical history did not suggest occupational disease due to chronic exposure. Reduction of the plexiglas dust exposure resulted in progressive improvement.

Hemodynamic characteristics in chronic obstructive lung disease as related to cardiac size.

The hemodynamic adaptation during exercise was evaluated in 19 patients suffering from chronic obstructive lung disease. They were divided into two groups according to cardiac size on the X-ray (group 1, small; group 2, normal). A small cardio-thoracic ratio could be correlated with 'emphysema' assessed on the basis of hyperinflation and a low transfer test for CO. No clear-cut difference could be found between the two groups concerning the hemodynamic data at rest or during exercise. However, for all subjects, the cardiac output was found to be slightly related to the cardiac size (smaller cardiac output for smaller cardiac size). During exercise, a low cardiac output was characterized by a low oxygen transport and a high level of lactate. From this, it is suggested that a small cardiac size, a classical feature of hyperinflation and emphysema, may lead to a low cardiac output. The explanation for these results is speculative, but variable hemodynamic profiles in chronic obstructive lung disease with or without hyperinflation may be related to the morphology of the cardiac chambers and to variable intrathoracic pressure regimes during respiration.

Cardiopulmonary adaptation to exercise in coal miners.

Twenty-six coal miners, without associated functional chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD), assessed by normal airway resistance, were divided into three groups: (1) Group C, normal X-ray; (2) Group S1, micronodular silicosis; and (3) Group S2, complicated silicosis. All subjects were evaluated while at rest and during exercise. Significant lung volume reduction was observed in the S2 Group only. Blood gases, pulmonary pressure, and cardiac output were found to be within the normal range for all three groups when at rest. The pulmonary pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance were higher, however, for the S1 and S2 Groups when compared to the C Group. During exercise, pulmonary hypertension was observed in 50% of teh patients with complicated silicosis. When all data (N = 26) were included, the high values for pulmonary pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance correlated well with the loss in vital capacity (VC) and the decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV 1.0). From the initial 26 patients, 19 were selected on the basis of their normal airway resistance and FEV 1.0/VC ratio. This selection did not alter the differences noted for the pulmonary pressure and total pulmonary vascular resistance, which previously existed between the groups, even though the correlations were not statistically significant. We conclude that silicosis without associated COLD leads to mineral hemodynamic impairment at rest and during exercise, and that airway resistance does not detect impairment of flow as effectively as FEV 1.0 reduction. The increased pulmonary vascular resistance observed, especially in complicated silicosis, may be best explained by the loss of lung parenchyma and possible impairment of small airways.