Highly cross-linked arabinoxylans microspheres as a microbiota-activated carrier for colon-specific insulin delivery.

In vivo evaluation of arabinoxylans (AX) microspheres showed to protect insulin from degradation in the upper gastrointestinal tract and carrier insulin to colon. Insulin-loaded AX microspheres (50 UI/kg) decreased blood glucose level by 39% in diabetic rats with a maximum effect at 18 h post-administration, indicating that insulin remains bioactive. The continuous administration (4 days) of insulin-loaded AX microspheres improved the polyuria and increased the production of short-chain fatty acids, as well as Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides in diabetic rats compared to untreated diabetic rats. AX microspheres are a potential microbiota-activated carrier for colon-specific drug delivery and could be useful as a complementary treatment for diabetes.

[HIV prevalence among homosexual and bisexual men in Spain, 1992-2000]. / Prevalencia del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en varones homosexuales y bisexuales, 1992-2000.

BACKGROUND: Our purpose was to describe the time trend in HIV seroprevalence among homo/ bisexual men. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We analyzed 9,383 homo/ bisexual men who had a first voluntary test for HIV in 10 Spanish clinics from 1992 to 2000. RESULTS: HIV prevalence decreased from 20.3% in 1992 to 8.4% in 2000. In the multivariate analysis this decline appeared independently associated with the testing year and the birth cohort. CONCLUSIONS: New generations of voluntarily tested homo/bisexual men are less infected by HIV, but it is yet necessary to intensify the prevention programs.

Late follow-up of polypoid lesions of the gallbladder smaller than 10 mm.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the variation in number, size, and symptoms in patients with polypoid lesions of the gallbladder. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: A polypoid lesion is any elevated lesion of the gallbladder mucosa. Several studies have been reported in patients undergoing cholecystectomy, but little information exits regarding the natural history of these lesions in nonoperated patients. METHODS: A total of 111 patients with ultrasound diagnosis of polypoid lesions smaller than 10 mm were followed up by clinical evaluation and ultrasonography. Twenty-seven patients underwent cholecystectomy. RESULTS: There was no difference in terms of gender. Nearly 80% of the lesions were smaller than 5 mm; they were single in 74%. In nonoperated patients, 50% remained of similar size at the late follow-up, 26.5% increased in number and size, and 23.5% shrank or disappeared. Among the operated patients, 70% corresponded to cholesterol polyps. None of the patients developed symptoms of biliary disease or gallstones or adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound is useful in the follow-up of patients with polypoid lesions of the gallbladder. Lesions smaller than 10 mm do not progress to malignancy or to development of stones, and none produced symptoms or complications of biliary disease.