Daily music listening to reduce work-related stress: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: Literature shows that music can reduce stress conditions. This pilot study investigated the effects of music listening on work-related stress and well-being in healthcare professionals. METHOD: A total of 45 subjects were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: No Music, Individualized Music and Melomics-Health Listening. Music groups experienced a daily 30-min-playlist listening for 3 weeks at home. The Maugeri Stress Index-Revised (MASI-R) and the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) were administered at baseline, after 3 weeks and after 7 weeks (follow-up). Longitudinal data were analyzed by means of a nested ANOVA model, testing the main effects of time and treatment and the interaction between them. RESULTS: MASI-R scores showed a positive trend in music groups and a worsening in the control group. Only the interaction time/treatment emerged as supporting a trend toward statistical significance (P = 0.07). PGWBI showed a stability in music groups and a clear decline in controls, without significant effects. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the study support the need for a larger clinical trial: it is suggested that daily music listening could be implemented to reduce work-related stress and that the effects may be related, not only to individual musical preferences and familiarity, but also to specific music structures and parameters.

Asociación entre síndrome metabólico y cáncer de próstata: efecto sobre su agresividad y progresión / The association between metabolic syndrome and prostate cancer: Effect on its aggressiveness and progression

Objetivos: Evaluar el impacto del síndrome metabólico y de sus componentes individuales en los hallazgos en la biopsia de próstata, la pieza de prostatectomía radical y en la recidiva bioquímica. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional de 1.319 varones sometidos a biopsia de próstata entre enero de 2007 y diciembre de 2011. El impacto en los hallazgos en la biopsia, en la pieza de prostatectomía radical y en la recidiva bioquímica se ha evaluado mediante regresión logística y regresión de Cox. Resultados: De los 1.319 pacientes 275 (21%) presentaban Síndrome metabólico y se diagnosticaron 517 cánceres de próstata. Se encontró un mayor porcentaje de síndrome metabólico entre pacientes con cáncer de próstata que entre pacientes sin cáncer de próstata (25% frente a 18%; p = 0,002). Se encontraron peores hallazgos en la pieza de prostatectomía radical (grado de Gleason ≥ 7, p < 0,001; estadio ≥ T2c, p < 0,001; márgenes quirúrgicos positivos, p < 0,001) y un mayor porcentaje de recidivas bioquímicas en pacientes con síndrome metabólico que sin síndrome metabólico (24% frente a 13%; p = 0,003). El síndrome metabólico se comportó como factor predictivo independiente de encontrar un grado de Gleason de la pieza ≥ 7, así como de encontrar un estadio de la pieza ≥ T2c, y fue capaz de predecir de forma independiente una mayor tasa de recidivas bioquímicas (p < 0,001, OR: 3,6; p < 0,001 OR: 3,2; p = 0,03 HR: 1,7, respectivamente). Conclusiones: El síndrome metabólico se asocia a peores hallazgos en la pieza de prostatectomía radical y es un factor pronóstico independiente de recidiva bioquímica

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of metabolic syndrome and its individual components on prostate biopsy findings, the radical prostatectomy specimen and on biochemical recurrence. Material and methods: An observational study was conducted of 1319 men who underwent prostate biopsy between January 2007 and December 2011. The impact on the biopsy findings, the radical prostatectomy specimen and biochemical recurrence was evaluated using logistic regression and Cox regression.Results: Of the 1319 patients, 275 (21%) had metabolic syndrome, and 517 prostate cancers were diagnosed. A greater percentage of metabolic syndrome was found among patients with prostate cancer than among patients without prostate cancer (25% vs. 18%; P = .002). Poorer results were found in the radical prostatectomy specimens (Gleason score ≥ 7, P < .001; stage ≥ T2c, P < .001; positive surgical margins, P < .001), and there was a greater percentage of biochemical recurrence in patients with metabolic syndrome than in those without metabolic syndrome (24% vs. 13%; P = .003). Metabolic syndrome behaved as an independent predictive factor of finding a Gleason score ≥ 7 for the specimen, as well as for finding a specimen stage ≥ T2c. Metabolic syndrome was also able to independently predict a greater rate of biochemical recurrence (OR: 3.6, P < .001; OR: 3.2, P = .03; HR: 1.7; respectively). Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome is associated with poorer findings in the radical prostatectomy specimens and is an independent prognostic factor of biochemical recurrence

The association between metabolic syndrome and prostate cancer: Effect on its aggressiveness and progression.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of metabolic syndrome and its individual components on prostate biopsy findings, the radical prostatectomy specimen and on biochemical recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational study was conducted of 1319 men who underwent prostate biopsy between January 2007 and December 2011. The impact on the biopsy findings, the radical prostatectomy specimen and biochemical recurrence was evaluated using logistic regression and Cox regression. RESULTS: Of the 1319 patients, 275 (21%) had metabolic syndrome, and 517 prostate cancers were diagnosed. A greater percentage of metabolic syndrome was found among patients with prostate cancer than among patients without prostate cancer (25% vs. 18%; P=.002). Poorer results were found in the radical prostatectomy specimens (Gleason score ≥ 7, P<.001; stage ≥ T2c, P<.001; positive surgical margins, P<.001), and there was a greater percentage of biochemical recurrence in patients with metabolic syndrome than in those without metabolic syndrome (24% vs. 13%; P=.003). Metabolic syndrome behaved as an independent predictive factor of finding a Gleason score ≥ 7 for the specimen, as well as for finding a specimen stage ≥ T2c. Metabolic syndrome was also able to independently predict a greater rate of biochemical recurrence (OR: 3.6, P<.001; OR: 3.2, P=.03; HR: 1.7; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome is associated with poorer findings in the radical prostatectomy specimens and is an independent prognostic factor of biochemical recurrence.

N-Carbamoyl-ß-alanine amidohydrolase from Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58: a promiscuous enzyme for the production of amino acids.

The availability of enzymes with a high promiscuity/specificity relationship permits the hydrolysis of several substrates with a view to obtaining a certain product or using one enzyme for several productive lines. N-Carbamoyl-ß-alanine amidohydrolase from Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Atßcar) has shown high versatility to hydrolyze different N-carbamoyl-, N-acetyl- and N-formyl-amino acids to produce different α, ß, γ and δ amino acids. We have calculated the promiscuity index for the enzyme, obtaining a value of 0.54, which indicates that it is a modestly promiscuous enzyme. Atßcar presented the highest probability of hydrolysis for N-carbamoyl-amino acids, being the enzyme more efficient for the production of α-amino acids. We have also demonstrated by mutagenesis, modelling, kinetic and binding experiments that W218 and A359 indirectly influence the plasticity of the enzyme due to interaction with the environment of R291, the key residue for catalytic activity.

Influence of sequential yeast mixtures on wine fermentation.

The use of Pichia fermentans in pure cultures and sequential mixtures with Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been studied to improve the aromatic compounds and characteristics of a wine. P. fermentans has proved to be a good starter strains for must fermentation in the winemaking industry. It has shown the same level of sulphur tolerance and the same growth rate as S. cerevisiae. We have demonstrated that only 2 days of must fermentation with P. fermentans in sequential mixtures are enough to increase the following compounds in the wine both qualitatively and quantitatively: acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, 1-propanol, n-butanol, 1-hexanol, ethyl caprilate, 2,3-butanediol and glycerol. Maintaining this non-Saccharomyces strain in contact with the must for longer periods quantitatively increases the flavour composition.

A computational tool to simulate correlated activity in neural circuits.

A new computational approach to study correlated neural activity is presented. Simulating Elementary Neural NEtworks for Correlation Analysis (SENNECA) is a specific-purpose simulator oriented to small circuits of realistic neurons. The model neuron that it implements can reproduce a wide scope of integrate-and-fire models by simply adjusting the parameter set. Three different distributions of SENNECA are available: an easy-to-use web-based version, a Matlab (Windows and Linux) script, and a C++ class library for low-level coding. The main features of the simulator are explained, and several examples of neural activity analysis are given to illustrate the potential of this new tool.

[Hemodynamic modifications in splenic circulation studied by echo-Doppler during pregnancy]. / Modificaciones hemodinámicas de la circulación esplácnica estudiada por eco-Doppler durante la gestación.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy produces multiple changes in the mother's body, most of which have been studied. However, changes in hepatosplenic circulation are not well-known. The routine use of ultrasonography and of echo-Doppler has created new possibilities for the knowledge of splenic circulation during pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We studied 30 healthy pregnant women who had given their informed consent. To evaluate the morphological and hemodynamic changes that might occur in the splenic vessels during pregnancy and immediate puerperium, laboratory investigations, obstetric and hepatic ultrasonography, and hepatosplenic echo-Doppler were performed between weeks 8-12, 20-24, and 32-36, as well as in the immediate puerperium. RESULTS: The caliber of the vena porta and its tributaries, as well as that of its intrahepatic branches, increased while the caliber of the suprahepatic vessels slightly decreased during pregnancy. The hemodynamic changes detected by Doppler ultrasonography were: progressive flattening of the pulsed Doppler trace of the suprahepatic vessels during the course of pregnancy; a progressive reduction in mean portal velocity, which was more marked in the third trimester, and a decrease in the markers of resistance in the hepatic artery and superior mesenteric artery. CONCLUSIONS: Hemodynamic changes in hepatosplenic circulation are produced during pregnancy that can be safely and effectively evaluated in real time by ultrasonography and echo-Doppler. Knowledge of these changes is required to evaluate these vessels in pathological conditions.

Thermodynamic analysis of the binding of glutathione to glutathione S-transferase over a range of temperatures.

The binding properties of a glutathione S-transferase (EC 2.5.1.18) from Schistosoma japonicum to substrate glutathione (GSH) has been investigated by intrinsic fluorescence and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) at pH 6.5 over a temperature range of 15-30 degrees C. Calorimetric measurements in various buffer systems with different ionization heats suggest that protons are released during the binding of GSH at pH 6.5. We have also studied the effect of pH on the thermodynamics of GSH-GST interaction. The behaviour shown at different pHs indicates that at least three groups must participate in the exchange of protons. Fluorimetric and calorimetric measurements indicate that GSH binds to two sites in the dimer of 26-kDa glutathione S-transferase from Schistosoma japonicum (SjGST). On the other hand, noncooperativity for substrate binding to SjGST was detected over a temperature range of 15-30 degrees C. Among thermodynamic parameters, whereas DeltaG degrees remains practically invariant as a function of temperature, DeltaH and DeltaS degrees both decrease with an increase in temperature. While the binding is enthalpically favorable at all temperatures studied, at temperatures below 25 degrees C, DeltaG degrees is also favoured by entropic contributions. As the temperature increases, the entropic contributions progressively decrease, attaining a value of zero at 24.3 degrees C, and then becoming unfavorable. During this transition, the enthalpic contributions become progressively favorable, resulting in an enthalpy-entropy compensation. The temperature dependence of the enthalpy change yields the heat capacity change (DeltaCp degrees ) of -0.238 +/- 0.04 kcal per K per mol of GSH bound.

A calorimetric study of the binding of S-alkylglutathiones to glutathione S-transferase.

The binding of three competitive glutathione analogue inhibitors (S-alkylglutathione derivatives) to glutathione S-transferase from Schistosoma japonicum, SjGST, has been investigated by isothermal titration microcalorimetry at pH 6.5 over a temperature range of 15--30 degrees C. Calorimetric measurements in various buffer systems with different ionization heats suggest that no protons are exchanged during the binding of S-alkylglutathione derivatives. Thus, at pH 6.5, the protons released during the binding of substrate may be from its thiol group. Calorimetric analyses show that S-methyl-, S-butyl-, and S-octylglutathione bind to two equal and independent sites in the dimer of SjGST. The affinity of these inhibitors to SjGST is greater as the number of methylene groups in the hydrocarbon side chain increases. In all cases studied, Delta G(0) remains invariant as a function of temperature, while Delta H(b) and Delta S(0) both decrease as the temperature increases. The binding of three S-alkylglutathione derivatives to the enzyme is enthalpically favourable at all temperatures studied. The temperature dependence of the enthalpy change yields negative heat capacity changes, which become less negative as the length of the side chain increases.

[Tumor thrombosis of the left renal vein and inferior vena cava secondary to renal cell carcinoma. Findings with ultrasonography, Echo-Doppler, and computerized tomography]. / Trombosis tumoral de la vena renal izquierda y vena cava inferior secundaria a carcinoma de células renales. Hallazgos en ecografía, ECO-doppler y tomografía computerizada.

Renal cell carcinoma represents a 2.5-3% of all neoplastic processes, usually seen un patients older than 50 years. 60-75% are resectable at diagnosis, representing local or metastatic advanced disease the rest of them. This tumor tends to spread intravascularly, leading to tumoral thrombosis within the inferior caval vein (ICV) and renal vein 4-10% and 21-35% of cases, respectively. As the only effective treatment is surgical resection, preoperative determining of the thrombus extension is crucial. Thus, an accurate radiological study including ultrasound, doppler sonography, computed tomography and/or Magnetic Resonance, is key for these patients. We present a 49 year-old patient with renal cell carcinoma and associated tumoral thrombosis in inferior caval vein and left renal vein; we provide the most significant figures, explaining its most characteristic radiological findings.

Trombosis tumoral de la vena renal izquierda y vena cava inferior secundaria a carcinoma de células renales. Hallazgos en ecografía, eco-doppler y tomografía computerizada / Tumoral thrombosis in both left renal vein and lower cava vein secondary to renal cell carcinoma. Ultrasonography, eco-doppler and computerized tomography findings

El carcinoma de células renales representa un 2,5-3 por ciento de todos los cánceres, siendo más frecuente en pacientes mayores de 50 años. De ellos, el 60-75 por ciento son resecables al momento del diagnóstico, presentando el resto de los casos enfermedad avanzada local o metastásica. Este tumor tiende a extenderse intravascularmente, produciendo trombosis tumoral en la vena cava inferior y vena renal en un 4-10 por ciento y 2135 por ciento de los casos, respectivamente. Dado que el único tratamiento efectivo es la resección quirúrgica, resulta prioritario determinar la extensión de la trombosis tumoral previamente a la cirugía. Por tanto, en estos pacientes es fundamental un cuidadoso estudio radiológico que incluya, al menos, ecografía, eco-doppler, TC y/o RM abdominal. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 49 años con carcinoma renal y trombosis tumoral secundaria de la vena renal izquierda y de la VCI, aportando las imágenes más significativas y comentando sus principales hallazgos radiológicos (AU)

[Urethral catheters]. / Catéteres uretrales.

After a historical summary on the development of urethral catheters, this article analyzes various aspects about catheters. These aspects include: types of catheters and their recommended use, their counterindications, their classification, how to select the appropriate catheter, the information which a patient should be provided regarding the use of a catheter, the techniques and equipment necessary for their use, the most common problems encountered and how to solve them,...

[Genitourinary malacoplakia]. / Malacoplaquia genitourinaria.

Malacoplakia is a chronic inflammatory disease the etiology of which remains obscure. It has a very low incidence and affects primarily the genitourinary tract, although it has been described in some other organs. This paper presents a historic insight of the clinical cases diagnosed in this centre, and includes a review and update of several issues related to this entity such as pathogenesis, pathological anatomy and treatment. Also, the peculiarities related to the involvement of each separate organ with regard to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment are described.

[Non-palpable prostatic cancer. Cure with adenomectomy?]. / Cáncer de próstata no palpable. Curación con adenomectomía?

The currently growing importance of prostate cancer (PC) is given by the large increase in the number of cases diagnosed with this condition, to a great extent due to the diffusion of the most recent diagnostic techniques. Together with the traditional rectal examination, we have available today the PSA (prostate specific antigen) and the transrectal ultrasound, which allow to diagnose tumours undetectable with palpation. This paper presents the case of a male patient with high levels of PSA (in metastatic values), normal rectal examination and three series of negative prostate biopsies in spite of a high suspicion of PC, the diagnosis being confirmed after adenomectomy, with a subsequent PSA levels normalization, these levels remaining below 3 ng/ml after 22 months follow-up, which allows to think of a "recovery" (?) with just the removal of the prostate adenoma.

[Histomorphological aspects of nasal hyperreactivity]. / Aspetti morfologici dell'iperreattività naso-sinusale.

The Authors indicate the main elements which make up the hystological and functional basis of the nasal "organ". Hyperreactivity is defined and the consequential modifications of certain parameters of the system--for example secretion--are studied. Tos's theory is carefully analyzed, underlining the fact that the gland component of nasal mucosa is of considerable importance in morpho-functional modifications related to nasal hyperactivity.

[Nasal hyperreactivity and neuropeptides]. / Iperreattività nasosinusale e neuropeptidi.

The Authors define nasal-sinusal hyperreactivity and closely investigate the influence it has on the relationship existing among the Central Nervous System, Peripheric Nervous System, Immunitary System and Nasal Mucosa. Particular reference is made to neuropeptides that seem to be true "bridge" substances between the Nervous System and some components of the Immunitary System. Importance of the P-Substance is emphasized.

Effect of dietary coconut oil on lipoprotein composition of young chick (Gallus domesticus).

1. The composition of HDL, the major lipoprotein fraction from chick serum, drastically changed after 2 weeks of coconut oil feeding. Total cholesterol and triacylglycerols significantly increased following dietary 10 or 20% coconut oil supplementation. 2. Changes in LDL composition were less profound, cholesterol being the only component that increased by coconut oil supplementation (10 or 20%). 3. IDL proteins were the only components that increased following the same dietary treatment (20%). 4. VLDL cholesterol and proteins also increased after 1-2 weeks of 20% coconut oil supplementation to the diet. 5. Of total lipoproteins, the cholesterol content strongly increased after dietary treatment, while triacylglycerols did not change significantly.

Influence of protein/lipid ratio of diet on cholesterol synthesis and esterification in eel liver.

The effect of protein/lipid ratio of diets on hepatic cholesterol has been studied in European eel and correlated with changes in the main enzymes responsible for cholesterol metabolism. The growth rates of animals were similar when dietary lipid level was 12%. However, a 25% protein/20% fat (25/20) diet produced a decrease in the weight gain when compared with that observed after feeding a 30/20 diet. At low fat level (12%), the decrease in dietary protein produced a little but significant increase in total cholesterol, mainly due to the esterified form. On the contrary, a 25/20 diet produced a lower cholesterol accumulation than that a 30/20 diet. These results suggest that a minimal protein level was required for an optimal utilization of dietary fat for cholesterol deposition in liver. No significant differences were found in 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, mevalonate kinase, mevalonate 5-phosphate kinase and mevalonate 5-pyrophosphate decarboxylase when compared the effect of 40/12 and 30/12 diets as well as that of 30/20 and 25/20 diets, suggesting that differences in hepatic cholesterol content were not due to differences in cholesterol synthesis but in the transport to the liver. Changes in the esterified cholesterol were parallel to those found in acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase, corroborating the main role of this enzyme in the regulation of hepatic cholesterol esterification.

Induction in Gallus domesticus of experimental hypercholesterolemia by saturated fat. Effects on cholesterogenic enzyme activity.

The effect of coconut oil supplementation to the diet (10 or 20%) on lipid levels in plasma and liver as well as on the cholesterogenic enzyme activity were studied in 14-day-old chicks. Treatments for 1 or 2 weeks did not interfere in the growth rate of animals nor in the liver weight. The 10% coconut oil group showed a significant increase of plasma cholesterol after 2 weeks of treatment, while after 1 week the increase was not statistically significant. The 20% coconut oil group increased plasma cholesterol from the first week. Triacylglycerol content increased after each coconut oil supplementation to the diet during the first week. Hepatic cholesterol did not change significantly after any treatment assayed. No significant difference was observed in the cholesterogenic activity, measured as hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, so that this study provides a perfect model of hypercholesterolemic animals without changes in their cholesterogenic ability.