Self-Assembled Metal Nanohole Arrays with Tunable Plasmonic Properties for SERS Single-Molecule Detection.

Arrays of metal nano-holes have proved to be among of the most promising structures for applications in the field of nano-photonics and optoelectronics. Supporting both localized and propagating surface plasmons resonances, they are characterized by very high versatility thanks to the tunability of these modes, by means of the change of their periodicity, the size of the holes and metal composition. The interaction between different optical features can be exploited to modulate electromagnetic field distribution leading various hot-spots excitations on the metal surfaces. In this work, long range ordered arrays of nano-holes in thin gold films, with different geometrical characteristics, were fabricated by a modified nano-sphere lithography protocol, which allows precise control on holes' dimensions together with the preservation of the order and of the pristine periodicity of the array. An in-depth analysis of the correlation between surface plasmon modes interference and its effect on electromagnetic field distribution is proposed, both by numerical simulations and experimentally. Finally, metal nano-holes arrays are exploited for surface enhanced Raman experiments, evaluating and comparing their performances by the estimation of the enhancement factor. Values close to the single molecule detection are obtained for most of the samples, proving their potentialities in surface enhanced spectroscopy applications.

Shape Modulation of Plasmonic Nanostructures by Unconventional Lithographic Technique.

Conventional nano-sphere lithography techniques have been extended to the fabrication of highly periodic arrays of sub-wavelength nanoholes in a thin metal film. By combining the dry etching processes of self-assembled monolayers of polystyrene colloids with metal physical deposition, the complete transition from increasing size triangular nanoprism to hexagonally distributed nanoholes array onto thin metal film has been gradually explored. The investigated nano-structured materials exhibit interesting plasmonic properties which can be precisely modulated in a desired optical spectral region. An interesting approach based on optical absorbance measurements has been adopted for rapid and non-invasive inspections of the nano-sphere monolayer after the ion etching process. By enabling an indirect and accurate evaluation of colloid dimensions in a large area, this approach allows the low-cost and reproducible fabrication of plasmonic materials with specifically modulated optical properties suitable for many application in biosensing devices or Raman enhanced effects.

Food-based dietary guidelines in Spain: an assessment of their methodological quality.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) have been developed to promote healthy diets and prevent chronic diseases. However, the methodological quality of Spanish FBDGs has not been systematically assessed yet. The objective of this review is to identify and assess the methodological quality of Spanish FBDGs, as well as to describe their food guides and key recommendations. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search to identify Spanish FBDGs targeted at the general population using multiple sources. Two authors independently screened the references, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the FBDGs using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II and the Recommendation Excellence (AGREE-REX) instruments. We performed a descriptive analysis of the FBDGs. RESULTS: We included 19 FBDGs, published between 2007 and 2019. The median scores for each AGREE II domain were: "scope and purpose" 44% (Q1-Q3: 33-61%); "Stakeholder involvement" 31% (11-44%), "rigor of development" 3% (1-14%); "clarity of presentation" 42% (33-47%), "applicability" 0% (0-6%); and "editorial independence" 0% (0-8%). Six FBDGs (32%; 6/19) were categorized as "recommended with modifications", and the rest (68%; 13/19) as "not recommended". None of the FBDGs scored ≥60% in three or more domains, including the "rigor of development" domain. FBDGs indexed in literature databases scored significantly higher in overall rating than those not indexed (P = 0.023). The majority of FBDGs (74%; 14/19) used the pyramid as a food guide representation with a larger number of food levels (3-7 levels). The majority of FBDGs recommended a daily intake of cereals and grains, vegetables, fruits, olive oil and dairy products; a weekly intake of vegetable and animal proteins; and the occasional and limited intake of other food groups (e.g., ultraprocessed foods). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the methodological quality of FBDGs is poor showing that only 32% of FBDGs are "recommended for use with modifications". Our results highlight the need to revise, systematize and improve FBDG development processes in Spain.

Short-range ordered 2D nanoholes: lattice-model and novel insight into the impact of coordination geometry and packing on their propagating-mode transmittance features.

Optically thin perforated gold films, fabricated using template colloidal masks self-assembled by following an elsewhere described simplified colloidal lithography protocol, are presented and discussed with the aim to develop a theory of short-range ordered nanoholes without straightforwardly extending concepts strictly related to periodic nanoholes. By Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis of the evolution of nanohole short-range ordering and spatial coordination geometry under increasing interhole average spacing (d NN), unprecedented differences in the spectroscopic response are pointed out with respect to periodic systems. First, the dependence of the wavelength of a propagating plasmon mode on d NN is demonstrated to deviate from the linear relationship predicted by the grating-coupling picture developed for periodic arrays. Second, d NN cannot be straightforwardly interpreted as the counterpart of the lattice constant of periodic nanoholes, which demands to introduce a conceptually more rigorous periodicity-like length-scale. Once the impact of these findings on setting the operating parameters of a nanohole distribution is demonstrated, they are related, experimentally and by using a theoretical model developed by the authors, to the changes of the local coordination geometry (from quasi-hexagonal to quasi-square packing through mixed hexagonal-square coordination) induced by varying d NN over a wide interval. Autocorrelation analysis of SEM images is exploited to estimate a short-range periodicity-like length-scale, as a conceptual advance for laying the foundation of the concept of short-range ordered nanohole lattices and for deeper insight into the spectral response. As discussion is based on realistic, rather than simulated, evolution of colloidal arrangements, the formulated interpretative model accounts for realistic effects impacting transmission resonances.

Evaluación de los comedores escolares de Barcelona / Evaluation of Barcelona school meals

INTRODUCCIÓN: la oferta de menús que se realiza en los comedores escolares es un área relevante para la prevención de la obesidad y la promoción de hábitos alimentarios saludables en la infancia y juventud. OBJETIVOS: el objetivo del estudio es describir y evaluar el cumplimiento de las frecuencias de consumo de alimentos en las programaciones de los menús escolares de Barcelona ciudad durante el curso académico 2018-19, así como evaluar la percepción de la utilidad de la estrategia y el seguimiento de la aceptación e implementación de las medidas de mejora sugeridas. MÉTODOS: se ofreció la revisión a 130 centros educativos que disponían de servicio de comedor. Aceptaron participar 116 centros (33266 alumnos). Se evaluó el cumplimiento de las frecuencias recomendadas por semana de distintos grupos de alimentos y las diferentes técnicas culinarias. Se elaboró un informe con sugerencias de mejora y se realizó un seguimiento a los 6 meses para verificar el cumplimiento de las recomendaciones y valorar la satisfacción y utilidad de la estrategia. RESULTADOS: el 82% de comedores escolares cumplían las frecuencias recomendadas de todos los grupos de alimentos en la composición que ofrecían. En todos los centros escolares se constató una mejora en el seguimiento en todos los parámetros y se valoró positivamente el informe con recomendaciones recibido. DISCUSIÓN: la desigual participación de los centros escolares según indicadores socioeconómicos de distritos de pertenencia nos indica la necesidad de garantizar la equidad en el acceso a menús más saludables. CONCLUSIONES: los menús evaluados cumplen con las frecuencias recomendadas de alimentos. Se apreció una gran adherencia de los centros escolares a la mejora de las recomendaciones propuestas y hubo una alta valoración de la estrategia

INTRODUCTION: the menus offer that is made in school canteens is a relevant area for the prevention of obesity and the promotion of healthy eating habits in childhood and youth. OBJECTIVES: the purpose of this study are: 1) to describe and evaluate the compliance of the frequencies of food consumption recommended by the guidelines in the school menus of Barcelona city during the academic course 2018-19; 2) to evaluate the perception of the usefulness of the strategy; and 3) the monitoring of the acceptance and the implementation of suggested improvement measures. METHODS: the revision was offered to 130 schools that had a canteen services and 116 schools accepted to participate (33266 students). Compliance with the recommended frequencies per week of diverse groups of food and the different culinary techniques was evaluated. A report with suggestions for improvement was elaborated and a follow-up was performed at 6 months to verify the compliance of the recommendations and to value the satisfaction and usefulness of the strategy. RESULTS: The 82% of the menus offered at the school canteens met the recommended frequencies for all the food groups. All the parameters were improved at the 6 months follow up. Schools also reported a high satisfaction with the recommendations received. DISCUSSION: the disparity participation of schools according to socioeconomic indicators of the district they belong to indicates the need to guarantee equity in access to healthy menus. CONCLUSIONS: The menus evaluated comply with the recommended food frequencies. A great adherence of the schools to the recommendations was perceived. Lastly, schools were highly satisfied with the strategy

Gold nanoholes fabricated by colloidal lithography: novel insights into nanofabrication, short-range correlation and optical properties.

Colloidal lithography is widely used as a low cost and large-area deposition approach, alternative to the conventional small-area expensive lithographic techniques, for the fabrication of short-range ordered sub-wavelength metallic nanostructures. This paper contributes to the understanding of the impact of the fabrication protocol of a colloidal mask on the optical and sensing properties of short range-ordered nanohole (NH) distributions fabricated by colloidal lithography in optically thin (20 nm thick) gold films. We consider polystyrene nanospheres (PS-NSPs) with a nominal diameter of 80 nm, electrostatically adsorbed from a salt-free colloidal solution onto a polydiallyldimethylammonium (PDDA) countercharged monolayer. By avoiding the conventional polyelectrolyte multilayer and based on the interplay between the deposition times of both PDDA and PS-NSPs, we demonstrate effective simplification of the commonly applied deposition protocol and effective tuning of the NH-to-NH spacing (dNN) with negligible agglomeration. Comparison with NH samples prepared by salt-containing colloidal solutions points out the negative impact of salt addition on the optical properties. The effective tuning of dNN obtained by our protocol demonstrates highly correlated disorder under unsaturated adsorption and allows a discussion on the analogies of the optical response between long- and short- range ordered NH systems, which is a still debated topic. By Fast Fourier Transform of autocorrelation images of scanning electron microscopy micrographs we demonstrate quantitatively, rather than in principle, the correspondence between an inherent ordering length-scale and dNN. As optical transducers for detecting refractive index changes, our samples exhibit significant bulk sensitivity (∼309 nm RIU-1) in the framework of short range ordered NH systems.

Magneto-Optical properties of noble-metal nanostructures: functional nanomaterials for bio sensing.

Metallic nanostructures supporting Localized Surface Plasmon Resonances (LSPR) are characterized by their unique ability to control and manipulate light at the nanoscale. Noble metal nanostructures, such as gold nanostructures, are demonstrating to exhibit magneto-optic activity in the presence of modulated magnetic field of low intensity in transversal configuration (T-MOKE). Validation of experimental findings was achieved by numerical simulations based on Finite Element Method (FEM) techniques. The developed numerical models allowed studying the combination of the T-MOKE effect with the localized surface plasmon resonance of metal nanoparticles. Numerical optical and magneto-optical spectra provided a deep insight on the physical aspects behind the magneto-optical activity of metal nanostructures strictly related to direction of oscillations electrical dipoles generated in resonance conditions. Additionally the MO signal was characterized as a transducing signal for refractive index sensing in liquid conditions. The outcome is an increase in the limit of detection of magneto optical transducer with respect to traditional plasmonic sensors. A new strategy for magneto-plasmonic sensing based on the use of glass supported -Au nanostructures based on their MO properties has put forward.

Interaction-tailored organization of large-area colloidal assemblies.

Colloidal lithography is an innovative fabrication technique employing spherical, nanoscale crystals as a lithographic mask for the low cost realization of nanoscale patterning. The features of the resulting nanostructures are related to the particle size, deposition conditions and interactions involved. In this work, we studied the absorption of polystyrene spheres onto a substrate and discuss the effect of particle-substrate and particle-particle interactions on their organization. Depending on the nature and the strength of the interactions acting in the colloidal film formation, two different strategies were developed in order to control the number of particles on the surface and the interparticle distance, namely changing the salt concentration and absorption time in the particle solution. These approaches enabled the realization of large area (≈cm2) patterning of nanoscale holes (nanoholes) and nanoscale disks (nanodisks) of different sizes and materials.

Effect of leukocyte-reduced platelet-rich plasma on osteoarthritis caused by cranial cruciate ligament rupture: A canine gait analysis model.

The goal of this study was to objectively assess the effect of a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derivate in English bulldogs with stifle degenerative joint disease secondary to cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). We used a force platform and affixed electrogoniometers to measure peak vertical force (PVF), vertical impulse (VI), stance time (ST), and angular range of motion (AROM), from 12 lame client-owned English bulldogs with post-CCLR stifle joint abnormalities. The 12 affected subjects were treated with 4 intra-articular injections of PRP, at 30-day intervals. Ten untreated, sound English bulldogs were used as a reference group. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using a linear mixed effects model. Mean values of PVF, VI, ST, and AROM were improved within the first 3 months post-treatment in the CCLR group, with mean measured changes increasing to maximum 4.56% body weight gain, 1.5% body weight/second, 0.07 seconds, and 6.18 degrees, respectively. The effects declined progressively after the treatment interval, ending at nearly initial levels after 6 months. This study demonstrates that dogs with CCLR treated with intra-articular PRP had improved PVF, VI, ST, and AROM over time; the duration of effect was waning by the end of the post-treatment period.

Posturography and dynamic pedobarography in lame dogs with elbow dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of studying posture and its modifications due to locomotor deficiencies of multiple origins has been widely proven in humans. To assess its suitability in the canine species, static posturography and dynamic pedobarography were performed on lame dogs affected with unilateral elbow dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament rupture by using a pressure platform. With this objective, statokinesiograms and stabilograms, the percentage of pressure distribution between limbs, paw area, mean pressure, and peak pressure, were obtained from lame and sound dogs. These data were compared with Peak Vertical Force values originated from a force platform in the same recording sessions. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the parameters mentioned above between sound and lame dogs and limbs. CONCLUSIONS: Posturography and pedobarography are useful and reliable for the monitoring of fore and hindlimb lameness in dogs, providing a new set of parameters for lameness detection.

Static Posturography: A New Perspective in the Assessment of Lameness in a Canine Model.

The aim of this study was to assess the static posturography in dogs as a useful tool for diagnosis of lameness by means of the use of a pressure platform. For this purpose, a series of different parameters (pressure distribution, area of support, mean pressure, maximum pressure and statokinesiograms) were obtained from five lame dogs with unilateral elbow osteoarthritis treated with plasma rich in growth factors. Data were obtained before and 3 months after treatment, and results were compared with a control group of sound dogs of similar conformation. Significant differences were found in the above mentioned parameters between sound and lame limbs. Improvement after 3 months of treatment was also detected, demonstrating that this multi-parametric technique is an effective and reliable method for the assessment of lameness in dogs.

Enhanced antibody recognition with a magneto-optic surface plasmon resonance (MO-SPR) sensor.

A comparison between sensing performance of traditional SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance) and magneto-optic SPR (MOSPR) transducing techniques is presented in this work. MOSPR comes from an evolution of traditional SPR platform aiming at modulating Surface Plasmon wave by the application of an external magnetic field in transverse configuration. Previous work demonstrated that, when the Plasmon resonance is excited in these structures, the external magnetic field induces a modification of the coupling of the incident light with the Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SPP). Besides, these structures can lead to an enhancement in the magneto-optical (MO) activity when the SPP is excited. This phenomenon is exploited in this work to demonstrate the possibility to use the enhanced MO signal as proper transducer signal for investigating biomolecular interactions in liquid phase. To this purpose, the transducer surface was functionalized by thiol chemistry and used for recording the binding between Bovine Serum Albumin molecules immobilized onto the surface and its complementary target. Higher sensing performance in terms of sensitivity and lower limit of detection of the MOSPR biosensor with respect to traditional SPR sensors is demonstrated.

[Effect of green tea or green tea extract consumption on body weight and body composition; systematic review and meta-analysis]. / Efecto del consumo de té verde o extractos de té verde en el peso y en la composición corporal; revisión sistemática y metaanálisis.

INTRODUCTION: Caffeine and catechins contained in green tea may have a thermogenic effect favoring weight and body fat loss. The aim of this study is to evaluate the magnitude of the effect of green tea or its extracts (caffeine and catechins) on body weight and body composition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the magnitude of the effect of green tea or its extracts on body weight (kg), body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2), fat mass (%), and waist and hip circumference (cm). We included studies published between 2000 and 2013, retrieved from PubMed/Medline with the following characteristics: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of parallel groups (intervention and placebo), randomized, double-blind, and a minimum 12-week follow-up, in healthy individuals of either gender, 18 years or older, with a BMI of 25-40 kg/m2. Quality and risk of bias was assessed for every included study, and the statistical analysis was performed with the Crochrane Collaboration RevMan 5.1.6 software, according to the random effects model with a confidence interval of 95% (95%). It was established that the effect was statistically significant at p < 0.05, and the homogeneity of the studies was assessed using the I2 index. RESULTS: The search strategy retrieved 154 studies, of which only five could be included in the quantitative analysis. The analysis revealed a not statistically significant mean difference (MD) in weight loss in the analyzed sample and subgroups: Asian individuals -0.81 kg (95% CI: -2.76 to 1.13; P = 0.41; I2 = 0%, n = 210), Caucasians -0.73 kg (95% CI: -3.22 to 1.75; P = 0.45; I2 = 0%; n = 91), as well as in the sample as a whole: -0.78 kg (95% CI: -2.31 to 0.75; P = 0.32; I2 = 0%; n = 301). No statistically significant decrease was revealed in BMI in the analyzed sample and subgroups: Asian individuals -0.65 (95% CI: -1.85 to 0.54; P = 0.29; I2 = 0%; n = 71), -0.21 Caucasians (95% CI: -0.96 to 0.53; P = 0.58; I2 = 22%; n = 91), as well as in the sample as a whole: -0.31 kg (95% CI: -0.88 to 0.27; P = 0.30; I2 = 0%; n = 162), nor for the waist circumference 0.08 cm (95% CI: -0.39 to 0.55; P = 0.73; I2 = 3%; n = 301) or hip (95% CI: -1.14 to 0.93; P = 0.85; I2 = 0%; n = 210). In the evaluation of the effect on the percentage of fat mass (FM%), MD was found not statistically significant for population subgroups: Asian individuals -0.76 (95% CI: -1.59 to 0.08; P = 0.08; I2 = 0%; n = 169), Caucasians -0.76 (95% CI: -2.22 to 0.70; P = 0.31; I2 = 36%; n = 93), but a small, although statistically significant, decrease in the overall effect was found -0.76 (95% CI: -1.44 to -0.09; P = 0.03; I2 = 0%; n = 260). DISCUSSION: The statistically significant effect of green tea on the FM% of the entire sample was not clinically relevant, a fact also highlighted in the results of other meta-analysis. CONCLUSION OF THE AUTHORS: Green tea or gree tea extracts intake or its extracts exerts no statistically significant effect on the weight of overweight or obese adults. There is a small effect on the decrease in the percentage of fat mass, but it is not clinically relevant.

Introducción: La cafeína y las catequinas contenidas en el té verde podrían tener un efecto termogénico que favorece la pérdida de peso y de grasa corporal. El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar la magnitud del efecto del té verde o de sus extractos (cafeína y catequinas) sobre el peso corporal y la composición corporal. Material y métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis para determinar la magnitud del efecto del té verde o de sus extractos sobre el peso corporal (kg), índice de masa corporal (IMC) (kg/m2), masa grasa (%), y perímetro de cintura (cm), o de cadera (cm). Se incluyeron estudios publicados entre los años 2000 y 2013, recuperados de PubMed/Medline con las siguientes características: ensayos controlados aleatorizados (ECA) de grupos paralelos (intervención y placebo), con asignación aleatoria, doble cegado, y un seguimiento mínimo de 12 semanas, en individuos sanos de cualquier género, de edades superiores a los18 años, con IMC de 25-40 kg/ m2. De cada estudio incluido se estableció su calidad y riesgo de sesgos, y se realizó el análisis estadístico, con el software RevMan Crochrane Collaboration 5.1.6, según el modelo de efectos aleatorios con un intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). Se estimó que el efecto era estadísticamente significativo en p < 0,05, y se evaluó la homogeneidad de los estudios mediante el índice I2. Resultados: La estrategia de búsqueda recuperó 154 estudios, de los cuales solamente 5 pudieron ser incluidos en el análisis cuantitativo. El análisis reveló una diferencia media (DM) estadísticamente no significativa de pérdida de peso, tanto en el análisis de subgrupos: individuos asiáticos -0,81 kg (95% IC: -2,76 a 1,13; P = 0,41; I2 = 0%; n = 210), individuos caucásicos -0,73 kg (95% IC: -3,22 a 1,75; P = 0,45; I2 = 0%; n = 91); como en su conjunto: -0,78 kg (95% IC: -2,31 a 0,75; P = 0,32; I2 = 0%; n = 301). Tampoco se observó una DM estadísticamente significativa de disminución del IMC, tanto en el análisis de subgrupos: individuos asiáticos -0,65 (95% IC: -1,85 a 0,54; P = 0,29; I2 = 0%; n = 71), individuos caucásicos -0,21 (95% IC: -0,96 a 0,53; P = 0,58; I2 = 22%; n = 91); como en su conjunto: -0,31 kg (95% IC: -0,88 a 0,27; P = 0,30; I2 = 0%; n = 162), ni para el perímetro de cintura 0,08 cm (95% IC: -0,39 a 0,55; P = 0,73; I2 = 3%; n = 301) o cadera (95% IC: -1,14 a 0,93; P = 0,85; I2 = 0%; n = 210). En la evaluación del efecto sobre el porcentaje de masa grasa (%MG), no se halló una DM estadísticamente significativa para los subgrupos de población: individuos asiáticos -0,76 (95% IC: -1,59 a 0,08; P = 0,08; I2 = 0%; n = 169), individuos caucásicos -0,76 (95% IC: -2,22 a 0,70; P = 0,31; I2 = 36%; n = 93); pero sí una pequeña, aunque estadísticamente significativa, disminución en su conjunto -0,76 (95% IC: -1,44 a -0,09; P = 0,03; I2 = 0%; n = 260). Discusión: El efecto estadísticamente significativo del té verde sobre el %MG de toda la muestra no fue clínicamente relevante, hecho remarcado en los resultados de otros metaanálisis. Conclusión de los autores: La ingesta de té verde o de sus extractos no ejerce efectos estadísticamente significativos sobre el peso de adultos con sobrepeso u obesidad. Se observa un pequeño efecto sobre la disminución del porcentaje de masa grasa, pero no es clínicamente relevante.

The Lombardy Rare Donor Programme.

BACKGROUND: In 2005, the government of Lombardy, an Italian region with an ethnically varied population of approximately 9.8 million inhabitants including 250,000 blood donors, founded the Lombardy Rare Donor Programme, a regional network of 15 blood transfusion departments coordinated by the Immunohaematology Reference Laboratory of the Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan. During 2005 to 2012, Lombardy funded LORD-P with 14.1 million euros. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 2005-2012 the Lombardy Rare Donor Programme members developed a registry of blood donors and a bank of red blood cell units with either rare blood group phenotypes or IgA deficiency. To do this, the Immunohaematology Reference Laboratory performed extensive serological and molecular red blood cell typing in 59,738 group O or A, Rh CCDee, ccdee, ccDEE, ccDee, K- or k- donors aged 18-55 with a record of two or more blood donations, including both Caucasians and ethnic minorities. In parallel, the Immunohaematology Reference Laboratory implemented a 24/7 service of consultation, testing and distribution of rare units for anticipated or emergent transfusion needs in patients developing complex red blood cell alloimmunisation and lacking local compatible red blood cell or showing IgA deficiency. RESULTS: Red blood cell typing identified 8,747, 538 and 33 donors rare for a combination of common antigens, negative for high-frequency antigens and with a rare Rh phenotype, respectively. In June 2012, the Lombardy Rare Donor Programme frozen inventory included 1,157 red blood cell units. From March 2010 to June 2012 one IgA-deficient donor was detected among 1,941 screened donors and IgA deficiency was confirmed in four previously identified donors. From 2005 to June 2012, the Immunohaematology Reference Laboratory provided 281 complex red blood cell alloimmunisation consultations and distributed 8,008 Lombardy Rare Donor Programme red blood cell units within and outside the region, which were transfused to 2,365 patients with no untoward effects. DISCUSSION: Lombardy Rare Donor Programme, which recently joined the ISBT Working Party on Rare Donors, contributed to increase blood transfusion safety and efficacy inside and outside Lombardy.

Efecto del consumo de té verde o extractos de té verde en el peso y en la composición corporal; revisión sistemática y metaanálisis / Effect of green tea or green tea extract consumption on body weight and body composition; systematic review and meta-analysis

Introducción: La cafeína y las catequinas contenidas en el té verde podrían tener un efecto termogénico que favorece la pérdida de peso y de grasa corporal. El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar la magnitud del efecto del té verde o de sus extractos (cafeína y catequinas) sobre el peso corporal y la composición corporal. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis para determinar la magnitud del efecto del té verde o de sus extractos sobre el peso corporal (kg), índice de masa corporal (IMC) (kg/m2), masa grasa (%), y perímetro de cintura (cm), o de cadera (cm). Se incluyeron estudios publicados entre los años 2000 y 2013, recuperados de PubMed/Medline con las siguientes características: ensayos controlados aleatorizados (ECA) de grupos paralelos (intervención y placebo), con asignación aleatoria, doble cegado, y un seguimiento mínimo de 12 semanas, en individuos sanos de cualquier género, de edades superiores a los18 años, con IMC de 25-40 kg/ m2. De cada estudio incluido se estableció su calidad y riesgo de sesgos, y se realizó el análisis estadístico, con el software RevMan Crochrane Collaboration 5.1.6, según el modelo de efectos aleatorios con un intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). Se estimó que el efecto era estadísticamente significativo en p < 0,05, y se evaluó la homogeneidad de los estudios mediante el índice I2. Resultados: La estrategia de búsqueda recuperó 154 estudios, de los cuales solamente 5 pudieron ser incluidos en el análisis cuantitativo. El análisis reveló una diferencia media (DM) estadísticamente no significativa de pérdida de peso, tanto en el análisis de subgrupos: individuos asiáticos -0,81 kg (95% IC: -2,76 a 1,13; P = 0,41; I2 = 0%; n = 210), individuos caucásicos -0,73 kg (95% IC: -3,22 a 1,75; P = 0,45; I2 = 0%; n = 91); como en su conjunto: -0,78 kg (95% IC: -2,31 a 0,75; P = 0,32; I2 = 0%; n = 301). Tampoco se observó una DM estadísticamente significativa de disminución del IMC, tanto en el análisis de subgrupos: individuos asiáticos -0,65 (95% IC: -1,85 a 0,54; P = 0,29; I2= 0%; n = 71), individuos caucásicos -0,21 (95% IC: -0,96 a 0,53; P = 0,58; I2 = 22%; n = 91); como en su conjunto: -0,31 kg (95% IC: -0,88 a 0,27; P = 0,30; I2 = 0%; n = 162), ni para el perímetro de cintura 0,08 cm (95% IC: -0,39 a 0,55; P = 0,73; I2 = 3%; n = 301) o cadera (95% IC: -1,14 a 0,93; P = 0,85; I2 = 0%; n = 210). En la evaluación del efecto sobre el porcentaje de masa grasa (%MG), no se halló una DM estadísticamente significativa para los subgrupos de población: individuos asiáticos -0,76 (95% IC: -1,59 a 0,08; P = 0,08; I2 = 0%; n = 169), individuos caucásicos -0,76 (95% IC: -2,22 a 0,70; P = 0,31; I2 = 36%; n = 93); pero sí una pequeña, aunque estadísticamente significativa, disminución en su conjunto -0,76 (95% IC: -1,44 a -0,09; P = 0,03; I2 = 0%; n = 260). Discusión: El efecto estadísticamente significativo del té verde sobre el %MG de toda la muestra no fue clínicamente relevante, hecho remarcado en los resultados de otros metaanálisis. Conclusión de los autores: La ingesta de té verde o de sus extractos no ejerce efectos estadísticamente significativos sobre el peso de adultos con sobrepeso u obesidad. Se observa un pequeño efecto sobre la disminución del porcentaje de masa grasa, pero no es clínicamente relevante (AU)

Introduction: Caffeine and catechins contained in green tea may have a thermogenic effect favoring weight and body fat loss. The aim of this study is to evaluate the magnitude of the effect of green tea or its extracts (caffeine and catechins) on body weight and body composition. Material and methods: A systematic review and metaanalysis was conducted to determine the magnitude of the effect of green tea or its extracts on body weight (kg), body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2), fat mass (%), and waist and hip circumference (cm). We included studies published between 2000 and 2013, retrieved from PubMed/Medline with the following characteristics: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of parallel groups (intervention and placebo), randomized, double-blind, and a minimum 12-week follow-up, in healthy individuals of either gender, 18 years or older, with a BMI of 25-40 kg/m2. Quality and risk of bias was assessed for every included study, and the statistical analysis was performed with the Crochrane Collaboration RevMan 5.1.6 software, according to the random effects model with a confidence interval of 95% (95%). It was established that the effect was statistically significant at p < 0.05, and the homogeneity of the studies was assessed using the I2 index. Results: The search strategy retrieved 154 studies, of which only five could be included in the quantitative analysis. The analysis revealed a not statistically significant mean difference (MD) in weight loss in the analyzed sample and subgroups: Asian individuals -0.81 kg (95% CI: -2.76 to 1.13; P = 0.41; I2 = 0%, n = 210), Caucasians -0.73 kg (95% CI: -3.22 to 1.75; P = 0.45; I2 = 0%; n = 91), as well as in the sample as a whole: -0.78 kg (95% CI: -2.31 to 0.75; P = 0.32; I2 = 0%; n = 301). No statistically significant decrease was revealed in BMI in the analyzed sample and subgroups: Asian individuals -0.65 (95% CI: -1.85 to 0.54; P = 0.29; I2 = 0%; n = 71), -0.21 Caucasians (95% CI: -0.96 to 0.53; P = 0.58; I2 = 22%; n = 91), as well as in the sample as a whole: -0.31 kg (95% CI: -0.88 to 0.27; P = 0.30; I2 = 0%; n = 162), nor for the waist circumference 0.08 cm (95% CI: -0.39 to 0.55; P = 0.73; I2 = 3%; n = 301) or hip (95% CI: -1.14 to 0.93; P = 0.85; I2 = 0%; n = 210). In the evaluation of the effect on the percentage of fat mass (FM%), MD was found not statistically significant for population subgroups: Asian individuals -0.76 (95% CI: -1.59 to 0.08; P = 0.08; I2 = 0%; n = 169), Caucasians -0.76 (95% CI: -2.22 to 0.70; P = 0.31; I2 = 36%; n = 93), but a small, although statistically significant, decrease in the overall effect was found -0.76 (95% CI: -1.44 to -0.09; P = 0.03; I2 = 0%; n = 260). Discussion: The statistically significant effect of green tea on the FM% of the entire sample was not clinically relevant, a fact also highlighted in the results of other meta-analysis. Conclusion of the authors: Green tea or gree tea extracts intake or its extracts exerts no statistically significant effect on the weight of overweight or obese adults. There is a small effect on the decrease in the percentage of fat mass, but it is not clinically relevant (AU)

Evidencia científica sobre el papel del yogur y otras leches fermentadas en la alimentación saludable de la población española / Scientific evidence ab out the role of yogurt and other fermented milks in the healthy diet for the spanish population

Los lácteos contienen proteínas de alto valor biológico y alta digestibilidad, grasa, hidratos de carbono, y vitaminas y minerales, especialmente calcio y fósforo. La diversificación del consumo de lácteos permite un mayor consumo de los mismos, e ingestas más adecuadas de nutrientes. Entre el 20 y el 40% de niños y entre un 30 y un 45% de adultos ingieren un número de raciones de lácteos inferior a lo recomendado. En España, los lácteos aportan entre el 44 y el 70% del calcio. El consumo de lácteos se asocia positivamente con una mayor densidad mineral ósea. Más del 35% de los niños y adultos en España ingieren cantidades de calcio por debajo de las recomendaciones. El yogur contiene menos cantidad de lactosa que la leche y las bacterias que lo fermentan expresan lactasa funcionante. Se recomienda la ingesta de yogur para mejorar la digestión de la lactosa en individuos con maldigestión de la misma. Parece razonable recomendar la ingesta de yogur para mejorar la absorción de calcio, al menos en mujeres postmenopáusicas y para disminuir la incidencia y duración de las enfermedades infecciosas gastrointestinales en niños. El consumo de productos lácteos fermentados antes, durante y después del tratamiento médico de erradicación de Helicobacter Pylori, aumenta el efecto del medicamento entre un 5 y un 10%. El consumo de productos lácteos fermentados antes, durante y después del tratamiento con antibióticos, podría disminuir el riesgo de diarreas asociadas al uso de estos medicamentos. La FESNAD recomienda el siguiente consumo de leche y productos lácteos: Adultos, 2-3 raciones/día; escolares, 2-3 raciones/día; adolescentes, 3-4 raciones/día; mujeres en embarazo, lactancia o menopausia, 3-4 raciones/día; personas mayores, 2-4 raciones/día. Teniendo en cuenta que el consumo de yogur y otras leches fermentadas presenta algunas ventajas sobre el consumo de otros productos lácteos se recomienda incluir el yogur dentro del consumo diario y variado de lácteos (AU)

Milk products contain proteins of high biologic value and digestibility; they also contain fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, specially calcium and phosphorus. Diversification of milk products consumption allows a high consumptiom of the above mentioned products, optimizing nutrient intake. In Spain, food consumption of milk products lower than the recommended amounts was observed in 20 to 40 % of the children and 30 to 45 % of the adults. Milk products represent 44 to 70 % of calcium intake in the Spanish population. Milk products consumption is positively associated with a high bone mineral density. More than 35 % of children and adults in Spain had calcium intakes below the national recommendations. Yogur contains less lactose than regular milk and fermenting milk bacteries express functioning lactase. Yogur intake is recommended to improve lactose digestion in individuals having lactose maldigestion. It seems reasonable to recommend yogur to improve calcium absorption, at least in post-menopausal women, and also for decreasing incidence and duration of infectious gastrointestinal disorders in children. Fermented milk products consumption, before, during and after medical eradication of Helicobacter Pylori, increases 5 to 10 % the effect of the specific drug therapy. Its consumption before, during and after antibiotic treatment, could also reduce the risk of diarrhea associated with the use of the above mentioned drugs. The Spanish Federation of Nutrition, Feeding and Dietetic Societies (FESNAD) recommend the following consumption of milk and milk products: Adults, 2-3 portions/day; school-age children, 2-3 portions/day; adolescents, 3-4 portions/day; pregnant and lactating women and during menopause, 3-4 portions/day; elderly, 2-4 portions/day. Considering yogur and fermented milk consumption show some advantages when compared with other milk products, we can recommend yogur within a daily and varied consumption of milk products (AU)

¿Sobreestimación de la prevalencia del riesgo de ingesta inadecuada de calcio en escolares españoles? Comparación de la ingesta observable con las ingestas dietéticas de referencia; uso del Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) versuslas Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) / Overestimation of the prevalence of risk of inadequate calcium intake in Spanish schoolchildren? Comparison of observable intake with dietary reference intakes; use of the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) versus the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)

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