Evaluation of a field deployable, high-throughput RT-LAMP device as an early warning system for COVID-19 through SARS-CoV-2 measurements in wastewater.

Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA copies in wastewater can be used to estimate COVID-19 prevalence in communities. While such results are important for mitigating disease spread, SARS-CoV-2 measurements require sophisticated equipment and trained personnel, for which a centralized laboratory is necessary. This significantly impacts the time to result, defeating its purpose as an early warning detection tool. The objective of this study was to evaluate a field portable device (called MINI) for detecting SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in wastewater using real-time reverse transcriptase loop-mediated isothermal amplification (real-time RT-LAMP). The device was tested using wastewater samples collected from buildings (with 430 to 1430 inhabitants) that had known COVID-19-positive cases. Results show comparable performance of RT-LAMP against reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) when detecting SARS-CoV-2 copies in wastewater. Both RT-LAMP and RT-qPCR detected SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater from buildings with at least three positive individuals within a 6-day time frame prior to diagnosis. The large 96-well throughput provided by MINI provided scalability to multi-building detection. The portability of the MINI device enabled decentralized on-site detection, significantly reducing the time to result. The overall findings support the use of RT-LAMP within the MINI configuration as an early detection system for COVID-19 infection using wastewater collected at the building scale.

Beam particle identification and tagging of incompletely stripped heavy beams with HEIST.

A challenge preventing successful inverse kinematics measurements with heavy nuclei that are not fully stripped is identifying and tagging the beam particles. For this purpose, the HEavy ISotope Tagger (HEIST) has been developed. HEIST utilizes two micro-channel plate timing detectors to measure the time-of-flight, a multi-sampling ion chamber to measure energy loss, and a high-purity germanium detector to identify isomer decays and calibrate the isotope identification system. HEIST has successfully identified 198Pb and other nearby nuclei at energies of about 75 MeV/A. In the experiment discussed, a typical cut containing 89% of all 198Pb80+ in the beam had a purity of 86%. We examine the issues of charge state contamination. The observed charge state populations of these ions are presented and, using an adjusted beam energy, are well described by the charge state model GLOBAL.

[Considerations on photoprotection and skin disorders]. / Photoprotection et maladies cutanées.

Excessive exposure to solar or artificial sources of UV radiation is deleterious to the skin and can cause or worsen several diseases. Detrimental effects of UV radiation exert an important role in the development of skin cancers, cause alterations on the immune response, and act as a trigger or aggravating factor for pigmentary disorders. A group of measures, including education, change of habits, use of physical barriers and sunscreens constitutes a significant part of the treatment of many skin disorders and are valuable preventive tools. This article summarizes the relevant studies addressing these issues, emphasizing the many aspects of photoprotection.

Skin manifestations of obesity: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is one of the world's biggest health problems nowadays. Little research has been done on the skin diseases that affect obese patients. OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of skin manifestations in obese patients compared with a control group of normal-weight patients. METHODS: A total of 76 obese patients [body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m(2) ] and 73 with normal-weight volunteers (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2) ) were included in the study and had their complete medical history and skin examination evaluated by the same examiner. All patients were investigated for the presence of metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: The dermatoses that showed a statistically significant relationship with obesity, compared with the control group were: striae (P < 0.001), plantar hyperkeratosis (P < 0.001), acrochordons (P = 0.007), intertrigo (P < 0.001), pseudoacanthosis nigricans (P < 0.001), keratosis pilaris (P = 0.006), lymphedema (P = 0.002) and bacterial infections (P = 0.05). The presence of striae, pseudoacanthosis nigricans and bacterial infections were also found to be correlated with the degree of obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is strongly related to several skin alterations that could be considered as markers of excessive weight. Skin care of obese patients deserves particular attention, not only because of the high prevalence of cutaneous alteration but mainly because many of these disorders are preventable and could be treated, improving patient's quality of life.

Considerations on photoprotection and skin disorders.

Excessive exposure to solar or artificial sources of UV radiation is deleterious to the skin and can cause or worsen several diseases. Detrimental effects of UV radiation exert an important role in the development of skin cancers, cause alterations on the immune response, and act as a trigger or aggravating factor for pigmentary disorders. A group of measures, including education, change of habits, use of physical barriers and sunscreens constitutes a significant part of the treatment of many skin disorders and are valuable preventive tools. This article summarizes the relevant studies addressing these issues, emphasizing the many aspects of photoprotection.

Daily consumption of milk enriched with fish oil, oleic acid, minerals and vitamins reduces cell adhesion molecules in healthy children.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Several studies have suggested that polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals have beneficial effects on lipid profile and systemic inflammation in adults. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined the effects of a daily intake of milk enriched with longchain polyunsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and low in saturated fatty acids (SFAs) for 5 months, on several cardiovascular (CVD) risk biomarkers in healthy children aged 8-14 years. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, a total of 107 children of both genders were assigned to two study groups: 1) a supplemented group (SG, n=53) who consumed 0.6 L/day of an enriched dairy product, and 2) a control group (CG, n=54) who consumed 0.6 L/day of standard whole milk. Both groups consumed the dairy drinks for 5 months, in addition to their usual diet. Serum levels of adhesion molecules as indices of vascular endothelial cell activation were assessed in both groups at 0 and 5 months as well as white blood cell counts, lipid profile, serum proteins, total serum calcium, 25-OH vitamin D, glucose, insulin and adiponectin. In the enriched dairy drink supplemented group, adhesion molecules E-selectin and ICAM-1 as well as lymphocyte levels decreased while plasma docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and serum calcium concentrations increased. In the control group, serum total protein, transferrin, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin concentrations decreased. CONCLUSION: The consumption of a milk enriched with fish oil, oleic acid, minerals and vitamins reduced indices of endothelial cell activation in the studied group of healthy children.

Validação para o português falado no Brasildo instrumento Escore da Qualidade de Vidana Dermatologia Infantil (CDLQI) / Brazilian-portuguese version of the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI): validity study

Introdução: As dermatoses podem interferir na qualidade de vida (QoL) dos pacientes, independente da gravidade das manifestações clínicas. OEscore da Qualidade de Vida na Dermatologia Infantil (CDLQI) foi criado para avaliar a QoL de crianças entre 4 e 16 anos e o objetivo deste estudo éverificar sua validade para pacientes pediátricos brasileiros. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 315 indivíduos entre 4 e 16 anos: 216 pacientes dermatológicos ambulatoriais (casos), 50 pacientes sem dermatoses(controles-doentes) e 49 crianças de escola pública (controles normais). A consistência interna do questionário já traduzido para o Português falado no Brasil foi calculada pelo Cronbach’s alpha e a validade teste-reteste, pelo teste de correlação intraclasses a partir das respostas da semanaposterior à primeira avaliação. Variáveis demográficas foram avaliadas por média e desvio padrão. Resultados: A idade média foi 10,2 anos (DP 3,2) para os casos, 7,6 (DP 2,9) para controles-doentes e 9,2 (DP 0,96) para controles-normais. Estesparâmetros não interferiram nos resultados do CDLQI. O alfa de Cronbach para os casos foi 0,72 e a correlação intraclasses (teste-reteste) foi 0,892(0,787-0,946). A análise de covariância demonstrou diferença significativa entre os escores dos casos (3,7) e dos controles (0,68 and 0,67). As questões relacionadas a sintomas e sentimentos (1 e 2) foram as que mais contribuiram para o escore total. Comentários: Com estes resultados, esta versão em português falado no Brasil do CDLQI (CDLQI-PBr) poderia ser recomendada para a avaliação da QoL de pacientes pediátricos com dermatoses em nossa população (AU)

Introduction: Skin disorders may interfere in the individual’s quality of life (QoL), independently of the severity of clinical manifestations. The Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) was created for children between 4 and 16 years old and the aim of this study is to verify its reliability and validity for Brazilian pediatric patients. Methods: The sample was composed by 315 children aging between 4 and 6 years: 216 dermatology out-patients (cases), 50 pediatric patients without skin diseases (sick controls) and 49 children from a public school (normal controls). The internal consistency was calculated by the Cronbach’s alpha; test-retest reliability was assessed by the intra-class correlation test 1 week after the first visit. Demographic variables were evaluated by means and standard deviation. Results: The average age was 10.2 years (SD 3.2) for cases, 7.6 (SD 2.9) for sick controls and 9.2 (SD 0.96) for normal controls. These parameters did not interfere in CDLQI score results. The Cronbach’s alpha for the cases sample was 0.72 and the intra-class correlation (test-retest reliability) was 0.892 (0.787-0.946). The covariance analysis showed a significant difference between the scores of cases (3.7) and controls (0.68 and 0,67). Questions relating to symptoms and feelings (1 and 2) scored highest overall Comments: The results obtained by this study confirmed that the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index(CDLQI-PBr) could be recommended for the assessing of QoL for dermatological pediatric patients in our population. The instrument showed internal consistency and validity similar to the original version

Effect of melasma on quality of life in a sample of women living in southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Melasma can cause a significant effect on individual emotional well-being. Melasma Quality of Life Scale (MELASQoL) is a specific questionnaire elaborated to assess the burden of melasma on patient's quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical aspects, severity and the influence of melasma on daily living of a sample of Brazilian women. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that enrolled 85 women with melasma older than 15 years of age. Trained investigators asked 55 questions to collect epidemiological and clinical data. The disease severity was clinically assessed using Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI). Patients answered the Portuguese version of 10-item MELASQoL scale without coaching. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD age was 41.1 +/- 6.8 years, and the mean +/- SD of MELASQoL score was 37.5 +/- 15.2 (median, 35). Patients with previous psychiatric diagnosis had significantly higher MELASQoL scores (mean, 42.8; SD, 13.6) than patients without this antecedent (mean, 35.4; SD, 15.4; P < 0.05). Patients with less than 8 years of school attendance also had significantly higher MELASQoL score (mean, 44; SD, 16.9) than more graduated ones (mean, 34.4; SD, 13.5; P < 0.05). The mean +/- SD MASI was 10.6 +/- 6.6 (median, 10.2). There was no correlation between MASI and MELASQoL. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that MELASQoL-BP is easy to administer, adds important information about the impact of melasma on South American women's life and, finally, contributes to building evidence on the validity, reliability and cultural adaptation of the Portuguese language MELASQoL version.

Efectos beneficiosos de los probióticos de la leche materna / Beneficial effects of the probiotics of breast milk

La leche materna es el mejor alimento para los bebés durante sus fases de rápido desarrollo, puesto que no sólo aporta todos los nutrientes necesarios, sino que además contiene importantes factores funcionales implicados en el desarrollo y la maduración del sistema inmunitario neonatal, así como en la protección frente a infecciones. Entre estos factores cabe incluir también las bacterias comensales de la leche materna. Este trabajo pretende mostrar los posibles efectos beneficiosos ejercidos por las bacterias presentes en la leche materna, así como de cepas probióticas aisladas de dicha fuente. Entre ellos, cabe resaltar los efectos antimicrobianos, antiinflamatorios y/o moduladores de la respuesta inmunitaria, tanto en modelos de experimentación animal como en estudios clínicos .La demostración de la existencia de bacterias en la leche materna y los efectos beneficiosos potencialmente ejercidos por éstas en el lactante ofrecen nuevas ideas para la sustentación de las propuestas dirigidas a la inclusión de determinadas cepas probióticas en las fórmulas infantiles(AU)

Breast milk is the best food for the neonate because it provides a unique combination of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals and vitamins that ensures the correct growth and development of infants. In addition, it also contains bioactive compounds responsible for a wide range of beneficial effects, such as the promotion of immune system maturation and protection against infections. Among these bioactive agents, probiotic bacteria have recently been isolated from human milk. The present report reviews the beneficial effects of these bacteria both in animal models and in clinical trials. The promotion of immune system maturation and defence against infections, as well as the anti-inflammatory properties, are among the major health effects of these bacteria. The isolation of probiotic bacteria with beneficial effects for the host provides scientific support for the supplementation of infant formula with these bacteria, in order to advance toward the main target of these formula, to mimic the functional effects observed in breastfed infants(AU)

Efectos beneficiosos en niños sanos del consumo de un producto lácteo que contiene dos cepas probióticas. Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711 y lactobacillus gasseri CECT5714 / Beneficial effects os consumption of a dairy product containing two probiotic strains, lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711 and lactobacillus gasseru CECT5714 in healthy children

Objetivo o antecedente: En las últimas décadas la manipulación de la microbiota intestinal mediante el uso de probióticos ha adquirido un gran interés en el tratamiento y prevención de determinadas patologías infantiles. Además actualmente existen multitud de estudios que demuestran que las bacterias probióticas podrían tener un importante papel en el desarrollo del sistema inmunitario. Estudios recientes sugieren que dos cepas probióticas, Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711 y Lactobacillus gasseri CECT5714 mejoran la función intestinal de adultos sanos y potencian la respuesta inmunitaria. Dado que son muy pocos los estudios que analizan el papel de los probióticos en niños sanos, principales consumidores de estos productos, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar los efectos de la administración conjunta de estas dos cepas probióticas en un producto lácteo fermentado en niños sanos. Intervenciones: Se reclutaron 30 niños de entre 3 y 12 años sin patología gastrointestinal conocida. Además de su dieta habitual, durante las 3 primeras semanas los niños recibieron 200 ml de un yogurt convencional que contenía Lactobacillus bulgaricus y Streptococcus thermophilus. A continuación este yogurt se sustituyó por 80 ml de un producto probiótico (Max Defensas® Puleva FOOD S.L.) que contenía la misma cantidad de Streptococcus thermophilus y donde el L. bulgaricus fue substituido por la misma cantidad de una mezcla de las bacterias probióticas objeto del estudio: L. coryniformis CECT5711 y L. gasseri CECT5714. Se tomaron muestras de heces y de saliva al comienzo del estudio, a las 3 semanas y al finalizar el estudio. Durante estas 6 semanas los niños no tomaron otro yogurt o probiótico que no fueran los citados anteriormente. Se analizó la microbiotafecal de los niños, la toxicidad de las aguas fecales y la capacidad de éstas para inhibir la adhesión de Salmonella cholerasusis ssp. cholerasuis a mucinas intestinales. Finalmente se determinó la concentración de IgA en heces y en saliva. Resultados: El consumo del producto probiótico objeto del estudio fue bien tolerado por todos los niños. Se observó un aumento del número de lactobacilos en las heces tras 3 semanas de consumo del probiótico. Además la toxicidad de las aguas fecales fue significativamente inferior tras el consumo del probiótico (P < 0,05). La inhibición de la adhesión de S. cholerasuis a mucinas intestinales fue significativamente (P < 0,05) mayor con las aguas fecales de los niños tras el consumo del probiótico en comparación con los homogeneizados iniciales y los obtenidos tras el consumo del yogurt convencional. Por último, el consumo del probiótico aumentó significativamente la concentración de IgA en las heces y en la saliva (P < 0,05). Conclusiones: La administración de un producto probiótico que contiene L. coryniformis CECT5711 y L. gasserii CECT5714 mejora la flora intestinal de niños sanos, favoreciendo la defensa frente a agresiones e infecciones gastrointestinales por inhibición de la adhesión de patógenos y potenciación de la respuesta inmunitaria

Objective: In the last decades there has been an increasing interest in the manipulation of intestinal microbiota with probiotics for the prevention and treatment of certain paediatric diseases. In addition, it has been suggested that probiotics could play a role in the development of immune system. Recent studies suggest that the administration of two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711 and Lactobacillus gasseri CECT5714 improves intestinal function of healthy adults and enhances the immune response. Since there are few studies reporting the use of probiotic in children, the main consumers of these products, the aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of the administration of the mentioned probiotic strains in healthy children. Interventions: 30 children (age range 3-12) with no gastrointestinal pathology were included in the study. In addition to their usual diet, during the first 3 weeks they received 200 ml of a conventional yogurt containing Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. During the following three weeks this yogurt was substi-tuted for 80 ml of a probiotic product (Max Defensas®, Puleva Food S.L.) containing the same amounts of Streptococcus thermophilus and the L. bulgaricus was substituted by a mixture of the target probiotic strains: L. coryniformis CECT5711 and L. gasseri CECT5714. Samples of faeces and saliva were taken at the beginning of the protocol, at week 3 and at the end of the study. Intestinal microbiota, faecal citotoxicity and the inhibition of Salmonella cholerasusis ssp. cholerasuis adhesion to intestinal mucins by the faeces were analyzed. Finally, IgA concentration was determined in the faecal and saliva samples. Results: Tolerance of the probiotic product was good in all the children included in the study. An increase in faecal lactobacilli counts was shown at the end of the experimental protocol (P < 0,05). In addition citotoxicity of faecal samples was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced after probiotic consumption. The inhibition of S. cholerasuis adhesion to intestinal mucins was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for faecal waters from children in week 6 compared to samples form week 0 and 3. Probiotic con-sumption was also shown to increase IgA concentration in faeces and saliva (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The consumption of a probiotic product containing L. coryniformis CECT5711 and L. gasseri CECT5714 improves intestinal flora of healthy children, enhancing the defence against gastrointestinal aggressions and infections both by inhibiting pathogen adhesion to intestinal mucins and enhancing the immune function

[Beneficial effects of consumption of a dairy product containing two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711 and Lactobacillus gasseri CECT5714 in healthy children]. / Efectos beneficiosos en niños sanos del consumo de un producto lácteo que contiene dos cepas probióticas. Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711 y Lactobacillus gasseri CECT5714.

OBJECTIVE: In the last decades there has been an increasing interest in the manipulation of intestinal microbiota with probiotics for the prevention and treatment of certain paediatric diseases. In addition, it has been suggested that probiotics could play a role in the development of immune system. Recent studies suggest that the administration of two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711 and Lactobacillus gasseri CECT5714 improves intestinal function of healthy adults and enhances the immune response. Since there are few studies reporting the use of probiotic in children, the main consumers of these products, the aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of the administration of the mentioned probiotic strains in healthy children. INTERVENTIONS: 30 children (age range 3-12) with no gastrointestinal pathology were included in the study. In addition to their usual diet, during the first 3 weeks they received 200 ml of a conventional yogurt containing Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. During the following three weeks this yogurt was substi-tuted for 80 ml of a probiotic product (Max Defensas, Puleva Food S.L.) containing the same amounts of Streptococcus thermophilus and the L. bulgaricus was substituted by a mixture of the target probiotic strains: L. coryniformis CECT5711 and L. gasseri CECT5714. Samples of faeces and saliva were taken at the beginning of the protocol, at week 3 and at the end of the study. Intestinal microbiota, faecal citotoxicity and the inhibition of Salmonella cholerasusis ssp. cholerasuis adhesion to intestinal mucins by the faeces were analyzed. Finally, IgA concentration was determined in the faecal and saliva samples. RESULTS: Tolerance of the probiotic product was good in all the children included in the study. An increase in faecal lactobacilli counts was shown at the end of the experimental protocol (P < 0,05). In addition citotoxicity of faecal samples was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced after probiotic consumption. The inhibition of S. cholerasuis adhesion to intestinal mucins was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for faecal waters from children in week 6 compared to samples form week 0 and 3. Probiotic consumption was also shown to increase IgA concentration in faeces and saliva (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of a probiotic product containing L. coryniformis CECT5711 and L. gasseri CECT5714 improves intestinal flora of healthy children, enhancing the defence against gastrointestinal aggressions and infections both by inhibiting pathogen adhesion to intestinal mucins and enhancing the immune function.

[Intake of an iron-supplemented milk formula as a preventive measure to avoid low iron status in 1-3 year-olds]. / Ingesta de una fórmula láctea suplementada con hierro como medida preventiva del déficit de hierro en niños de 1 a 3 años de edad.

OBJECTIVE: Low iron status is a well known risk factor for iron deficiency anemia in infants and young children. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of an iron-fortified toddler formula on iron status in 1-3 year-olds. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-three healthy infants and young children were assigned to two groups that received 500 mL/day of and iron-fortified toddler formula or 500 mL/day of unmodified cow's milk for 4 months. Allocation was random and double-blind. Daily dietary intake was calculated by dietary evaluation, and iron nutritional status was assessed (hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin). RESULTS: At enrollment, no anemia was found in either group, although hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit were significantly lower in the toddler formula group than in the unmodified cow's milk group. However, these differences disappeared at the end of the intervention period. After 4 months, the toddler formula group showed significantly higher serum ferritin and lower serum transferrin concentrations than the cow's milk group. CONCLUSION: Intake of iron-supplemented toddler formula for 4 months in 1-3 year-olds is more effective in maintaining iron nutritional status than cow's milk.

Ingesta de una fórmula láctea suplementada con hierro como medida preventiva del déficit de hierro en niños de 1 a 3 años de edad / Intake of an iron-supplemented milk formula as a preventive measure to avoid low iron status in 1-3 year-olds

Objetivo. La baja ingesta de hierro es un factor bien conocido como responsable de anemia por deficiencia de hierro en lactantes y niños pequeños. En el presente estudio se ha evaluado la influencia de la ingesta de una fórmula láctea para niños pequeños suplementada con hierro sobre el estado nutricional del hierro en niños de 1 a 3 años de edad. Pacientes y métodos. Se han estudiado 33 niños sanos distribuidos de forma aleatorizada y doble ciego en 2 grupos, uno que tomó 500 ml/día de una fórmula láctea suplementada con hierro y otro 500 ml/día de leche entera de vaca. Todos los niños tomaron la fórmula o la leche de vaca durante 4 meses. La ingesta de nutrientes fue calculada mediante la valoración de la dieta y se evaluó el estado nutricional del hierro (hemoglobina, hematócrito, volumen corpuscular medio, hemoglobina corpuscular media, concentración de hemoglobina corpuscular media, hierro, ferritina y transferrina). Resultados. Al inicio del estudio, ningún niño presentaba anemia, aunque el grupo que tomó la fórmula láctea suplementada con hierro presentaba una concentración de hemoglobina y hematócrito significativamente más baja. Sin embargo, las diferencias desaparecieron al final del período de intervención. Además, al final del estudio el grupo que tomó la fórmula láctea suplementada con hierro mostró unas concentraciones en suero significativamente más elevadas de ferritina y más bajas de transferrina que el grupo que tomó leche entera de vaca. Conclusión. La ingesta de una fórmula suplementada con hierro para niños pequeños durante 4 meses en niños de 1 a 3 años de edad, contribuye mejor que la leche de vaca a mantener el estado nutricional de hierro

Objective. Low iron status is a well known risk factor for iron deficiency anemia in infants and young children. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of an iron-fortified toddler formula on iron status in 1-3 year-olds. Patients and methods. Thirty-three healthy infants and young children were assigned to two groups that received 500 mL/day of and iron-fortified toddler formula or 500 mL/day of unmodified cow's milk for 4 months. Allocation was random and double-blind. Daily dietary intake was calculated by dietary evaluation, and iron nutritional status was assessed (hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin). Results. At enrollment, no anemia was found in either group, although hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit were significantly lower in the toddler formula group than in the unmodified cow's milk group. However, these differences disappeared at the end of the intervention period. After 4 months, the toddler formula group showed significantly higher serum ferritin and lower serum transferrin concentrations than the cow's milk group. Conclusion. Intake of iron-supplemented toddler formula for 4 months in 1-3 year-olds is more effective in maintaining iron nutritional status than cow's milk

Laparoscopic excision of a retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma in an elderly patient.

A 68-year-old male patient was referred to our hospital due to protrusion and pain in the right iliac fossa. On physical examination a palpable oval tumor was found. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a cystic mass in right iliac fossa. The tumor was successfully excised laparoscopically and histologically diagnosed as cystic lymphangioma. Retroperitoneal cystic lymphangiomas are rare lesions, most often seen in pediatric patients. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice because of its potential to grow and develop complications, especially due to mass effect. The laparoscopic approach is a safe and effective alternative for treatment of retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma in the elderly.

Identification and characterization of novel angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors obtained from goat milk.

The aim of the present study was to identify and characterize new inhibitory peptides of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) from goat milk and to analyze the effect of long-term intake of a goat milk hydrolysate-supplemented (GP-hyd) diet on the development of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Three new inhibitory peptides for ACE (TGPIPN, SLPQ, and SQPK) were isolated. The inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) values of individual peptides were 316, 330, and 354 micromol/L, respectively. Only TGPIPN was found to pass intact a monolayer of Caco-2 cells in small amounts. The SHR fed for 12 wk a diet (GP-hyd) enriched in a hydrolysate containing these peptides (estimated intake of TGPIPN was 230 mg/kg per d) showed lower (approximately 15 mmHg) systolic blood pressure than animals fed a control diet. The ACE activities in the aorta, left ventricle, and kidney were significantly decreased in the GP-hyd group compared with those of the control group and were similar to those found in SHR fed captopril (130 mg/kg per d). Impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine by aortic rings from SHR was improved in those fed the GP-hyd diet. The left ventricle weight and kidney weight index were significantly reduced in the GP-hyd group and captopril groups. Moreover, long-term treatment of SHR with a diet enriched in goat milk hydrolysate, or captopril, attenuated the development of hypertension, cardiac and renal hypertrophy, and endothelial dysfunction. These effects might be related to the in vivo inhibitory effects of the hydrolysate on tissue ACE activity.

[Cardiovascular effects of omega-3-fatty acids and alternatives to increase their intake]. / Efectos cardiovasculares de los ácidos grasos omega-3 y alternativas para incrementar su ingesta.

Cardiovascular diseases are the main mortality cause in Europe, the USA and a great extent of Asia. There are several risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases, such as increased total cholesterol, homocysteine and triglycerides, hypertension, diabetes, and reduced levels of HDL-cholesterol. Many of these risk factors are diet influenced. In spite of the great amount of foods enriched with n-3 fatty acids available at the market, the knowledge about the effects produced by regular intake of these foods still is a challenge in the majority of cases. It appears that intake of foods enriches with n-3 polyunsatured fatty acids is an option that may be effective in reducing risk factors for diseases, by substituting supplements without modifying consumer's alimentary habits. Also shown are the outcomes from a nutritional study undergone with a functional milk-bases food that contains n-3 fatty acids, oleic acid and vitamins.

La expresión de IL-10 interviene en la regulación de la respuesta inflamatoria por los ácidos grasos omega 3 / IL-10 expression is involved in the regulation of the immune response by omega 3 fatty acids

Objetivo o antecedente: Los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados son importantes para el organismo humano debido a su implicación en numerosas funciones biológicas. Las dietas occidentales se caracterizan por ser excesivamente ricas en ácidos grasos w-6 y pobres en ácidos grasos w-3.Los ácidos grasos de la serie w-3 son necesarios para el normal crecimiento y desarrollo del individuo así como para la regulación de la respuesta inmunológica. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar el efecto de una dieta enriquecida en ácidos grasos w-3 frente a un proceso inflamatorio así como el estudio de los mecanismos implicados en dicho efecto. Intervenciones: Para ello, ratones Balb/c fueron alimentados durante un mes con una dieta cuya fuente lipídica era 100 por ciento aceite de girasol (control), o con la misma dieta en la que el 12 por ciento de la grasa era aceite de pescado y el resto aceite de girasol (W-3). Doce horas antes de su sacrificio se indujo en una de las orejas de cada animal una dermatitis de contacto que cursó con inflamación y edema. Como agente inflamatorio se utilizó 2,4 dinitrofluorobenceno. Tras el sacrificio se tomaron diversas muestras y se analizaron. Resultados: La inflamación, medida como peso y contenido de agua de las orejas, disminuyó significativamente en los ratones alimentados con w-3. La medida de la infiltración leucocitaria y los parámetros de oxidación revelaron también la mejora en el proceso inflamatorio de dichos ratones. Para explicar estos hechos se analizó la expresión de diversas citocinas, observándose un incremento de IL-10 y una disminución de citocinas tanto Th1 como Th2.Conclusiones: Los ácidos grasos w-3 poseen un efecto inmunomodulador al actuar como antiinflamatorios y antialérgicos, al tiempo que aumentan algunas defensas del organismo. La citocina reguladora IL-10 podría ser la responsable del efecto antiinflamatorio ejercido por los ácidos grasos w-3 (AU)

Introduction: Polyunsaturated fatty acids play a key role in a huge number of biological functions. Western diets are highly rich in w-6 fatty acids. However the content of w-3 fatty acids is not suitable in those diets, despite of their importance in normal development of the human body and regulation of immune response. 
The aim of this work is to examine the effect of w-3 fatty acids enriched diet in the regulation of inflammatory response. Material and methods: Balb/c mice were fed either w-6 fatty acids rich diet (100% sunflower oil) or w-3 fatty acids fortified diet (12% fish oil plus 88% sunflower oil) during 28 days. Twelve hours prior to sacrifice, the mice were treated with 2,4-ninitro-1-fluorobezene on the left ear to induce the inflammatory reaction. Afterwards the mice were sacrificed and the different samples collected were analized. Results: Ear inflammation of mice fed the w-3 diet was significantly lower. Leukocyte infiltration and oxidative stress were also lower in those mice. To explain these results, cytokine expression and plasma eicosanoid concentration were measured. An increase in IL-10 levels and a down regulation of Th1 and Th2 responses were observed in mice fed the w-3 diet. Conclusion: Not only n-3 fatty acids exerts an antiinflammatory and an antialergical role but also they enhance some of the organism defenses. Our data suggest that w-3 fatty acids down regulate the inflammatory response by enhancing IL10 expression (AU)

Dietary supplements for lactating goats by polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich protected fat. Effects after supplement withdrawal.

The objective of this study was to investigate the persistence of the effects of supplements after they were withdrawn. Two groups of 12 goats were maintained under semiextensive breeding conditions; they were fed indoors with a concentrate with alfalfa hay and olivetree leaves. Goats were in their sixth month of lactation at initiation of the study. During the first month of the trials, the concentrate supplied to the goats was either nonsupplemented (group 1) or supplemented with 9% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)-rich protected fat (group 2). After this period, the 2 groups were given the nonsupplemented until the average daily production of milk per animal within each group had decreased to 300 g or less. The fat supplementation supplied increased milk production and also improved fat and protein yield. These effects persisted after the supplement was withdrawn. The supplement, moreover, produced noticeable changes in the fatty acids profile of the milk fat, namely a reduction in the concentration of saturated fatty acids and an increase in that of PUFA. In contrast to the effects on milk production and on the yield of its main constituents, the effects on fat composition disappeared when the supplement was withdrawn.

The chronic colitis developed by HLA-B27 transgenic rats is associated with altered in vivo mucin synthesis.

HLA-B27 transgenic rats spontaneously developing a chronic inflammation mainly involving the colon are recognized as a powerful animal model for IBD. We investigated the mucin production in 6-month-old HLA-B27 rats by measuring in vivo fractional synthesis rate (FSR) and expression of mucins. In the inflamed colon of HLA-B27 rats, the mucin FSR was stimulated by 75% compared to F-344 controls, while MUC2,3 mRNA expression was unchanged. A local depletion in mucus-containing goblet cells was observed, suggesting a rapid mucin production/release and/or a real global decrease in goblet cell number. In the noninflamed jejunum of HLA-B27 rats, the mucin FSR was reduced by 35% compared to controls, while MUC2,3 mRNA expression was unchanged. Different alterations in mucin metabolism and expression are observed between HLA-B27 rats and a model of chemically induced chronic colitis (DSS-treated rats), suggesting that mucin alterations may be dependent on the animal model and colitis underlying mechanism.