Effect of Almond Supplementation on Non-Esterified Fatty Acid Values and Exercise Performance.

Several studies have investigated the effects of fat intake before exercise on subsequent substrate oxidation and exercise performance. While some studies have reported that unsaturated fatty acid supplementation slightly increases fat oxidation, the changes have not been reflected in the maximum oxygen uptake or in other performance and physiological parameters. We selected almonds as a fatty acid (FA) source for acute supplementation and investigated their effect on non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) values and exercise performance. Five physically active male subjects (age 32.9 ± 12.7 years, height 178.5 ± 3.3 cm, and weight 81.3 ± 9.7 kg) were randomly assigned to take an almond or placebo supplement 2 h before participating in two cycling resistance training sessions separated by an interval of 7-10 days. Their performance was evaluated with a maximal incremental test until exhaustion. Blood samples collected before, during, and after testing were biochemically analysed. The results indicated a NEFA value average increase of 0.09 mg·dL-1 (95% CI: 0.05-0.14; p < 0.001) after active supplement intake and enhanced performance (5389 ± 1795 W vs. placebo 4470 ± 2053 W, p = 0.043) after almond supplementation compared to the placebo. The almond supplementation did not cause gastrointestinal disturbances. Our study suggests that acute almond supplementation 2 h before exercise can improve performance in endurance exercise in trained subjects.

Nitric oxide metabolite production during exercise in chronic fatigue syndrome: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disabling illness of unknown etiology that is characterized by fatigue associated with a reduced ability to work, lasting for more than 6 months, and accompanied by a specific set of symptoms. The diagnosis remains difficult because of the absence of laboratory tests and is, therefore, made largely on the basis of the symptoms reported by the patient. The aim of this study was to analyze differences in blood nitrate levels in CFS patients and a matched control group after a physical exercise test. METHODS: Forty-four consecutive female patients with CFS and 25 healthy women performed an exercise test using a cycle ergometer with monitoring of cardiopulmonary response. Blood samples were obtained for biochemical analyses of glucose, lactate, and nitrates at the beginning (under resting conditions) and after the maximal and supramaximal tests. RESULTS: Plasma nitrates differed between the groups, with higher values in the CFS group (F = 6.93, p = 0.003). Nitrate concentration increased in relation to workload and reached higher values in the CFS group, the maximum difference with respect to the control group being 295% (t = 4.88, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The main result of the present study is that nitric oxide (NO) metabolites (nitrates) showed a much higher increase after a maximal physical test in CFS patients than in a group of matched subjects. This combination (exercise plus NO response evaluation) may be useful in the assessment of CFS.

Combined intermittent hypoxia and surface muscle electrostimulation as a method to increase peripheral blood progenitor cell concentration.

BACKGROUND: Our goal was to determine whether short-term intermittent hypoxia exposure, at a level well tolerated by healthy humans and previously shown by our group to increase EPO and erythropoiesis, could mobilize hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and increase their presence in peripheral circulation. METHODS: Four healthy male subjects were subjected to three different protocols: one with only a hypoxic stimulus (OH), another with a hypoxic stimulus plus muscle electrostimulation (HME) and the third with only muscle electrostimulation (OME). Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia exposure consisted of only three sessions of three hours at barometric pressure 540 hPa (equivalent to an altitude of 5000 m) for three consecutive days, whereas muscular electrostimulation was performed in two separate periods of 25 min in each session. Blood samples were obtained from an antecubital vein on three consecutive days immediately before the experiment and 24 h, 48 h, 4 days and 7 days after the last day of hypoxic exposure. RESULTS: There was a clear increase in the number of circulating CD34+ cells after combined hypobaric hypoxia and muscular electrostimulation. This response was not observed after the isolated application of the same stimuli. CONCLUSION: Our results open a new application field for hypobaric systems as a way to increase efficiency in peripheral HSC collection.

Physical activity in children and youth in Spain: future actions for obesity prevention.

The aim of the study presented here was to determine the relationship between age and certain socioeconomic factors and the effect that physical activity may have on the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Spanish children and adolescents. The sample derived from the enKid study, a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of the Spanish population aged 2-24 years. Body mass index was calculated from measured weight and height. A physical activity questionnaire was administered. Age, socioeconomic level of the families, the mother's level of education, and the geographical area of residence were related to the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Spanish males.

[Surgical management of non-adherent thrombosis of inferior vena cava extended to the level of renal veins]. / Tratamento cirúrgico das tromboses venosas da veia ava inferior não aderentes que se estendem até ao nível das veias renais.

The author reports a series of 5 patients with deep venous thrombosis extended to the inferior vena cava as a floating thrombus, who underwent a venous thrombectomy, with excellent early and long-term results. The fundamentals of this therapeutic option, the diagnosis and the surgical indications are presented and discussed.

Other relevant components of nuts: phytosterols, folate and minerals.

Nuts contain significant amounts of essential micronutrients that are associated with an improved health status when consumed at doses beyond those necessary to prevent deficiency states. Nuts do not contain cholesterol, but they are rich in chemically related phytosterols, a class of compounds that interfere with intestinal cholesterol absorption and thus help lower blood cholesterol. Nuts also contain folate, a B-vitamin necessary for normal cellular function that plays an important role in detoxifying homocysteine, a sulphur-containing amino acid with atherothrombotic properties that accumulates in plasma when folate status is subnormal. Compared to other common foodstuffs, nuts have an optimal nutritional density with respect to healthy minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. Like that of most vegetables, the sodium content of nuts is very low. A high intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium, together with a low sodium intake, is associated with protection against bone demineralisation, arterial hypertension, insulin resistance, and overall cardiovascular risk. Phytosterols might justify part of the cholesterol-lowering effect of nut intake beyond that attributable to fatty acid exchange, while the mineral richness of nuts probably contributes to the prevention of diabetes and coronary heart disease observed in epidemiological studies in association with frequent nut consumption.

[The use of cryopreserved arterial allografts as a resort material in limb salvage surgery]. / A utilização de aloenxertos arteriais criopreservados como material de recurso na cirurgia de salvamento das extremidades.

UNLABELLED: We report in this paper our experience and results in the surgical management of patients with critical ischemia of the lower extremities, utilizing cryopreserved arterial allografts as a resort material. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The series includes 31 consecutive patients with critical ischemia of the lower extremities, who received a cryopreserved arterial allograft as a resort material, from January 2001 to December 2002. Average age was 72.2 +/- 8.8 years, 26 were male and among the risk factors 58 were heavy smokers, 45% had diagnosed some cardiac/coronary disease and 29% suffered of chronic bronchitis. Almost 80% of the allografts were implanted in the leg arteries, beyond the level of the popliteal trifurcation. Allografts were provided by the Tissue Bank of our Hospital. RESULTS: Mid term patency rates (36 months) was 36.5%; however, the limb salvage rates was 60% for the same period of time. CONCLUSION: Limb salvage surgery of critical limb ischemia accomplished with cryopreserved arterial allografts provides acceptable results and should be taken in consideration as a resort alternative for the surgical management of these patients.

Hospital "Dr. Fernando Escalante Pradilla": factores organizativos incidentes en el cumplimiento laboral / Dr. Fernando Escalante Pradilla Hospital: incident organizational factors in the labor fulfilment

El proceso de modernización institucional, tiene como objetivo fundamental, consolidar la eficacia, eficiencia y calidad en la prestación de los servicios de salud. Incorpora para ello un instrumento técnico con fundamentos legales y administrativos en la gestión de servicios que es el compromiso de gestión. En este marco, este estudio identificó los factores sociolaborales, de desempeño, culturales, de liderazgo, de relación entre las metas personales y las de la empresa e idoneidad. Para los efectos de esta investigación se determinó una muestra simple al azar del personal; se consideró de carácter transversal; pues los datos recolectados fueron los encontrardos en el período del tercer trimestre de 1999. Se utilizó la encuesta y observación como técnicas estructurales en el estudio. Los resultados más relevantes fueron: La mayoría de las edades en un rango de 31 a 50 años, con predominio femenino, casados en un alto porcentaje, una antigüedad de más de 15 años en gran parte del grupo y casi el 20 por ciento son profesionales. La estabilidad laboral se fortalece con el 88 por ciento de las personas en propiedad. Se afecta el cumplimiento de funciones por desplazamiento a otras actividades y por recargo. Jefaturas que asumen en gran medida aspectos técnicos, incluso desplazarse a otras áreas, lo cual les impide la intervención justo a tiempo en la solución de problemas; esto implica estar frente a la complejidad de la conducta humana la cual se pierde a la hora de tomar decisiones en forma eficaz. En la cultura laboral se encontraron conductas reactivas y pérdida de valores lo que incide de manera importante en la organización. El liderazgo no se ejerce en forma y medida requerida, por falta de mayor capacidad y por interferencia vertical de la Institución. Las metas de los empleados y de la organización, se afecta por falta de mejores salarios, oportunidad de ascensos, oportunidades de superación y participación así como la no percepción de estímulos como tales dado que se otorgan en forma universal. La idoneidad no alcanza el grado deseado por falta de mayor y mejor capacitación y un proceso de evaluación individual que oriente, fortalezca el diálogo entre jefe y colaborador y le ayude a integrarse mejor a los procesos de trabajo

Comparación de atracurio en infusión vs bolo en cirugía de estrabismo / Infusion versus bolus of atracurium administration in strabismus surgery

Se evaluó el grado de relajación neuromuscular en cuanto a farmacocinética y farmacodinamia del atracurio, utilizando sus vías de administración endovenosa, en infusión vs. bolo. Se estudiaron dos grupos de 20 pacientes cada uno sometidos a cirugía de estrabismo. Al grupo A, se le administró atracurio en infusión administrando una dosis de impregnación de 280 µg/kg/IV + infusión continua y al grupo B, una dosis única de 380 µg/kg/IV. Los pacientes del grupo A, presentaron mayor tiempo de latencia para la relajación así como una concentración plasmática mayor, en comparación al grupo B, pero la prueba de ducción forzada fue negativa en mayor procentaje en el primer grupo

Control del dolor con Ketorolac en niños postoperados de cirugía oftalmológica / Postoperative pain control in children postoperated of ophtalmic surgery

Se evaluó la analgesia con Ketorolac en pacientes pediátricos sometidos a cirugía oftalmológica comparado con dipirona. Estudiando dos grupos de 30 pacientes, administrando en posoperatorio inmediato, Grupo I, 0.5 mg/Kg Ketorolac (dosis únicas), y Grupo II dipirona 10 mg/Kg (dosis ünica). El grupo I presentó sedación II-III en 67 por ciento y 33 por ciento I-II, el grupo II presentó sedación II-III en 24 por ciento y 76 por ciento I-II. La escala visual al dolor mostró en el grupo I: 70 por ciento con 0-30 y 30 por ciento con 30-80, y el Grupo II con 40 por ciento de 0-30 y 60 por ciento de 30-80. Sin presentarse reacciones secundarias en ambos grupos, se encontró una mayor analgesia con Ketorolac que con dipirona. Concluimos que el Ketorolac controla en mayor proporción el dolor posoperatorio en comparación con la dipirona, sin efectos en las variables, sin embargo, se presenta una sedación más intensa

Anestesia total endovenosa en cirugía oftálmica: propofol versus tiopental / Total intravenous anesthesia in opthalmic surgery. propofol vs thiopental

Se realizó un estudio mediante el cual se compararon las cualidades de anestesia general endovenosa total con tiopental contra propofol. El estudio se realizó en el Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital General de México, con 137 pacientes entre 20 y 80 años de edad, ASA I y II, en cirugía electiva. Se formaron 2 grupos al azar (A y B) manejándose el A con propofol, fentanyl y atracurio (70 pacientes) y el B con tiopental, fentanyl y atracurio (67 pacientes). Se registró el comportamiento hemodinámico y su recuperación según escala de Aldrete. No hubo diferencia significativa en los dos grupos respecto a edad y sexo, tiempo quirúrgico ni tipo de cirugía. El perfil hemodinámico del grupo A mostró una ligera disminución de frecuencia cardiaca y tensión arterial sistólica en comparación al B (p< 0.05). No hubo diferencia significativa en el uso de uno u otro medicamento siendo más económico el tiopental