Building on gAMBI in ports for a challenging biological invasions scenario: Blue-gNIS as a proof of concept.

The status of aquatic ecosystems has historically been monitored by the use of biotic indices. However, few biotic measures consider the presence of non-indigenous species as a sign of anthropogenic pollution and habitat disturbance even when this may seriously affect the metric scores and ecological status classifications of an environment. Today, biological invasions are currently one of the greatest threats to biodiversity and sustainable blue economies around the world. In this work, environmental assessments were conducted in the Port of Gijon, Northern Spain, using eDNA metabarcoding, and the gAMBI (genetics based AZTI Marine Biotic Index) was estimated. Results indicate a high/good ecological status within the port. However, nine non-indigenous species and five invasive species were found, and a modification of the gAMBI that includes species invasiveness was proposed: Blue-gNIS. The index was preliminary tested against existing validated indices such as gAMBI, BENTIX (based on the ecology of macroinvertebrates) and ALEX (based on the invasiveness of the species). Blue-gNIS classified the port in a good ecological status and showed its potential usefulness to achieve more complete water quality assessments of ports.

Bruxismo y su relación con otorrinolaringología: una revisión de la literatura

Resumen El bruxismo es una condición que se observa frecuentemente en los pacientes y estos a menudo consultan por sus consecuencias físicas, como pueden ser el desgaste o destrucción dentaria, el dolor orofacial, así como también por el deterioro de la calidad de vida tanto de ellos mismos como de las personas cercanas. En la última década han aumentado en forma importante las investigaciones en torno a esta condición, así como los consensos en cuanto a su definición, clasificación y manejo clínico. Los dentistas son quienes actualmente reconocen esta actividad parafuncional y manejan estos problemas, pero es importante que los profesionales de otras áreas de la salud, como médicos y en especial otorrinolaringólogos, puedan identificar los signos, síntomas y consecuencias del bruxismo, ayudando en la detección de esta condición. Así, el objetivo de esta revisión es establecer un estado del arte sobre bruxismo e incentivar la formación de equipos multidisciplinares que ayuden en el diagnóstico y la terapéutica de esta condición.

Abstract Bruxism is a condition that is frequently observed in patients, and they often consult for physical consequences, such as teeth wear or destruction, orofacial pain, as well as for the decrease of the quality of life, of both patients and their loved ones. In the last decade, research on this phenomenon has increased significantly, as well as the consensus in terms of definition, classification and clinical management. Dentists are those who at present recognize this parafunctional activity and manage these problems, but it is important that professionals from other health areas, such as medical doctors, and specially otolaryngologists, can identify signs, symptoms and consequences of bruxism, helping in the detection of this condition. Thus, the objective of this review is to establish a state of the art about bruxism and encourage the formation of multidisciplinary teams that help to in the diagnosis and better management of this condition.

DNA barcodes of Antipode marine invertebrates in Bay of Biscay and Gulf of Lion ports suggest new biofouling challenges.

Marine biological invasions threaten global biodiversity nowadays. In this article, we have studied fouling communities from 10 port areas of south Bay of Biscay (Atlantic Ocean) and Gulf of Lion (Mediterranean Sea). A total of 834 individuals were genetically barcoded and corresponded to 95 different species. A total of 76 native species 8 genera and 1 family were identified, 58 from the Bay of Biscay and 23 from the Gulf of Lion. Furthermore, 19 species were identified as non-indigenous or cryptogenic (18 from the Bay of Biscay and 4 from the Gulf of Lion). We found a high proportion of Antipode non-indigenous species (NIS) that represented the 19.3% of all sampled individuals and the 54.21% of NIS specimens of this study. A framework for inference of donor regions based on a phylogenetic screening of genetic sequences was proposed as a proof of concept and tested, as well as models for the relationship between NIS introductions, maritime imports and distance to NIS native range and inferred donor areas. Consistent generalized linear models (GLM) with positive association between NIS genetic diversity and distance, not with maritime growth weight imports, strongly suggest that distant NIS could pose higher invasion risk than closer species. Selection for wider tolerance ranges during the long travel -direct or stepwise, as well as environmental similarity between donor and receiving regions, may explain these results.

Barcodes of marine invertebrates from north Iberian ports: Native diversity and resistance to biological invasions.

Ports are gateways for many marine organisms transported by ships worldwide, especially non-indigenous species (NIS). In this study carried out in North Iberian ports (Cantabrian Sea, Bay of Biscay) we have observed 38% of exotic macroinvertebrates. Four species, namely the barnacle Austrominius modestus, the tubeworm Ficopomatus enigmaticus, the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas and the pygmy mussel Xenostrobus securis, exhibited clear signs of invasiveness. A total of 671 barcode (cytochrome oxidase subunit I or 18S rRNA) genes were obtained and confirmed the species status of some cryptic NIS. Negative and significant correlation between diversity estimators of native biota and proportion of NIS suggests biotic resistance in ports. This could be applied to management of port biota for contributing to prevent the settlement of biopollutants in these areas which are very sensitive to biological invasions.

Food control and a citizen science approach for improving teaching of Genetics in universities.

A Citizen Science approach was implemented in the laboratory practices of Genetics at the University of Oviedo, related with the engaging topic of Food Control. Real samples of food products consumed by students at home (students as samplers) were employed as teaching material in three different courses of Genetics during the academic year 2014-2015: Experimental Methods in Food Production (MBTA) (Master level), and Applied Molecular Biology (BMA) and Conservation Genetics and Breeding (COMGE) (Bachelor/Degree level). Molecular genetics based on PCR amplification of DNA markers was employed for species identification of 22 seafood products in COMGE and MBTA, and for detection of genetically modified (GM) maize from nine products in BMA. In total six seafood products incorrectly labeled (27%), and two undeclared GM maize (22%) were found. A post-Laboratory survey was applied for assessing the efficacy of the approach for improving motivation in the Laboratory Practices of Genetics. Results confirmed that students that worked on their own samples from local markets were significantly more motivated and better evaluated their Genetic laboratory practices than control students (χ(2) = 12.11 p = 0.033). Our results suggest that citizen science approaches could not be only useful for improving teaching of Genetics in universities but also to incorporate students and citizens as active agents in food control. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44(5):450-462, 2016.

Aturdimiento miocárdico neurogénico en Pediatría. A propósito de un caso / Neurogenic stunned myocardium in Pediatrics. A case report

El aturdimiento miocárdico neurogénico es una entidad poco frecuente que semeja un síndrome coronario agudo, con alteraciones electrocardiográficas, disfunción cardiaca y aumento de enzimas cardiacas, pero sin evidencia de lesión coronaria. Puede ocurrir en el posoperatorio de neurocirugía. Se presenta el caso de un paciente pediátrico que a las 24 h de ser intervenido de un meduloblastoma de fosa posterior desarrolló un aturdimiento miocárdico neurogénico que evolucionó a taquicardia nodal con repercusión hemodinámica. La evolución fue satisfactoria, aunque precisó tratamiento antiarrítmico, con resolución bioquímica, ecográfica y clínica en menos de una semana (AU)

Neurogenic stunned myocardium is an unusual clinical entity. It mimics an acute coronary syndrome with electrocardiographic abnormalities, cardiac dysfunction and elevated cardiac enzymes with absence of obstructive coronary disease. It may occur after a neurosurgical procedure. A case is presented of neurogenic stunned myocardium occurring in a child after removal of a posterior fossa medulloblastoma. The patient developed nodal tachycardia with hemodynamic impairment. The clinical course was satisfactory due to antiarrhythmic therapy, with biochemical, echocardiographic, and clinical improvement within a week (AU)

[Neurogenic stunned myocardium in Pediatrics. A case report]. / Aturdimiento miocárdico neurogénico en Pediatría. A propósito de un caso.

Neurogenic stunned myocardium is an unusual clinical entity. It mimics an acute coronary syndrome with electrocardiographic abnormalities, cardiac dysfunction and elevated cardiac enzymes with absence of obstructive coronary disease. It may occur after a neurosurgical procedure. A case is presented of neurogenic stunned myocardium occurring in a child after removal of a posterior fossa medulloblastoma. The patient developed nodal tachycardia with hemodynamic impairment. The clinical course was satisfactory due to antiarrhythmic therapy, with biochemical, echocardiographic, and clinical improvement within a week.

Utilidad de la monitorización anestésica con el índice biespectral en endoscopias digestivas altas en respiración espontánea / Usefulness of monitoring anaesthesia with the bispectral index in upper gastrointestinal endoscopies with spontaneous breathing

Introducción: El objetivo del presente trabajo es demostrar si la aplicación del índice biespectral (BIS®) en la monitorización de la anestesia general en respiración espontánea en endoscopias digestivas altas (EDA) diagnósticas en el paciente pediátrico es útil para: a) disminuir la dosis de fármaco necesaria; b) disminuir el tiempo del despertar, y c) mejorar la seguridad del paciente. Pacientes y método: estudio prospectivo cuasi experimental de casos y controles en el ámbito de una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos y neonatales de segundo nivel. Pacientes: niños entre 12 meses y 13 años. Caso: paciente ASA I que precisa EDA diagnóstica; sujetos elegibles 36, participantes 30. Población control: serie histórica de pacientes que precisaron EDA (años 2008-2010): 50 pacientes. Intervenciones: realización de EDA, aplicando protocolo de anestesia, monitorización de constantes vitales, nivel de sedación (escala de Ramsay) y nivel BIS. Variables de interésdosis total de propofol (mg/kg), tiempo de inducción, tiempo de EDA y tiempo de despertar (min); índice BIS al inicio de la EDA (BISi) y durante la EDA; efectos adversos. Resultados: Sin diferencias significativas entre casos (B) y controles (C) respecto a sexo, edad y peso. Sin diferencias significativas en: dosis total de propofol (B 4,9 ± 1,4 mg/kg; C 5,2 ± 1,6 mg/kg, p = 0,492), Tiempo de despertar (B 12,2 ± 4,6 min; C 12,8 ± 4,4 min, p = 0,402), tiempo de procedimiento (B 9,5 ± 4,8 min; C 11,3 ± 6,5 min, p = 0,335) y tiempo de inducción (B 11,1 ± 2,6 min; C 10,1 ± 4,2 min, p = 0,059). BISi 55,4 ± 6,9. Sin diferencias significativas en efectos adversos (2 casos de desaturación leve en el grupo control). Conclusiones: La monitorización anestésica con índice biespectral en endoscopias digestivas altas en respiración espontánea en la población pediátrica es factible, pero no parece disminuir ni la dosis de fármaco necesaria ni el tiempo de despertar. Tampoco disminuye la incidencia de efectos adversos de forma significativa (AU)

Introduction: The objective of this investigation is to determine whether bispectral index (BIS®) monitoring during intravenous anaesthesia with spontaneous breathing for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) in a pediatric population is useful for: a) decreasing the amount of drug, b) decreasing the time for awakening, and c) improving patient safety. Patients and method A quasi-experimental case-control prospective study was conducted in the setting of a second level hospital pediatric intensive care unit. Patients: Children aged 1-13 years. Case: ASA I patient who needed a diagnostic UGE; eligible, 36, participants, 30. Control: historical cohort of patients who needed UGE (years 2008-2010): 50 patients. Intervention: UGE performed with anaesthetic protocol, vital signs monitoring, sedation level (Ramsay scale) and BIS monitoring. Variables of interestpropofol total dose (mg/kg), induction time, time in performing the UGE, awakening time (min); initial BIS (iBIS), and BIS during the UGE; adverse effects. Results: There were no significant differences in sex, age or weight between case (B) and control (C) population. No significant differences in total propofol doses: (B 4.9 ± 1.4 mg/kg; C 5.2 ± 1.6 mg/kg, P=.492), awakening time (B 12.2 ± 4.6 min; C 12.8 ± 4.4 min, P=.402), time for execution of UGE (B 9.5 ± 4.8 min; C 11.3 ± 6.5 min, P=.335) and induction time (B 11.1 ± 2.6 min; C 10.1 ± 4.2 min, P=.059), iBIS 55.4 ± 6.9. There were no significant differences in adverse effects: 2 patients suffered from mild desaturation in the control group. Conclusions: BIS monitoring for diagnostic UGE in spontaneous breathing in a pediatric population is feasible, but does not appear to decrease awakening time or the amount of propofol needed. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant decrease in the number of adverse effects (AU)

[Usefulness of monitoring anaesthesia with the bispectral index in upper gastrointestinal endoscopies with spontaneous breathing]. / Utilidad de la monitorización anestésica con el índice biespectral en endoscopias digestivas altas en respiración espontánea.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this investigation is to determine whether bispectral index (BIS®) monitoring during intravenous anaesthesia with spontaneous breathing for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) in a pediatric population is useful for: a) decreasing the amount of drug, b) decreasing the time for awakening, and c) improving patient safety. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A quasi-experimental case-control prospective study was conducted in the setting of a second level hospital pediatric intensive care unit. PATIENTS: Children aged 1-13 years. CASE: ASA I patient who needed a diagnostic UGE; eligible, 36, participants, 30. CONTROL: historical cohort of patients who needed UGE (years 2008-2010): 50 patients. INTERVENTION: UGE performed with anaesthetic protocol, vital signs monitoring, sedation level (Ramsay scale) and BIS monitoring. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: propofol total dose (mg/kg), induction time, time in performing the UGE, awakening time (min); initial BIS (iBIS), and BIS during the UGE; adverse effects. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in sex, age or weight between case (B) and control (C) population. No significant differences in total propofol doses: (B 4.9 ± 1.4 mg/kg; C 5.2 ± 1.6 mg/kg, P=.492), awakening time (B 12.2 ± 4.6 min; C 12.8 ± 4.4 min, P=.402), time for execution of UGE (B 9.5 ± 4.8 min; C 11.3 ± 6.5 min, P=.335) and induction time (B 11.1 ± 2.6 min; C 10.1 ± 4.2 min, P=.059), iBIS 55.4 ± 6.9. There were no significant differences in adverse effects: 2 patients suffered from mild desaturation in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: BIS monitoring for diagnostic UGE in spontaneous breathing in a pediatric population is feasible, but does not appear to decrease awakening time or the amount of propofol needed. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant decrease in the number of adverse effects.

Climate change and oceanic barriers: genetic differentiation in Pomatomus saltatrix (Pisces: Pomatomidae) in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Nucleotide variation of partial cytochrome b sequences was analysed in the bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix to investigate the population-structuring roles of climate change and oceanic barriers. Western and eastern North Atlantic Ocean populations appeared to be totally isolated, with the latter connected to the Mediterranean Sea within which further structuring occurred.

Adecuación de diálisis peritoneal aguda en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátrica / Adequacy of acute peritoneal dialysis in pediatric patients

La diálisis peritoneal aguda (DPA) continúa siendo una medida útil en el paciente pediátrico crítico. En el shock séptico el fracaso renal agudo puede precisar medidas invasivas de depuración y aunque la hemofiltración es muy efectiva, en ciertas Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricas no se dispone aún de ella. La DPA pediátrica se suele iniciar con pases horarios, permanencias cortas y volumen por pase de unos 10 ml/kg. Mostramos la evolución de la DPA de dos pacientes críticos con fallo renal en los que la monitorización de los cocientes dializado/plasma de urea y creatinina y del cociente de concentración de glucosa del dializado (efluente)/concentración de glucosa de la solución de diálisis infundida fue útil para la prescripción de la DPA

Acute peritoneal dialysis (APD) is still a useful tool in the critical pediatric patient. Acute kidney failure due to septic shock often requires invasive depuration procedures and although hemofiltration is very effective, not all pediatric Intensive Care Units have the equipment necessary to establish it. Pediatric APD is generally initiated with short dwell times, every hour exchanges and 10-20 ml/kg filling volumes. We present the evolution of two critical patients with kidney failure on APD who benefited from the measurement of dialysate-to-plasma (D/P) ratios for creatinine and urea, and dialysate-to-solution ratio for glucose (Dt/Do) to optimize APD prescription

[Adequacy of acute peritoneal dialysis in pediatric patients]. / Adecuación de diálisis peritoneal aguda en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátrica.

Acute peritoneal dialysis (APD) is still a useful tool in the critical pediatric patient. Acute kidney failure due to septic shock often requires invasive depuration procedures and although hemofiltration is very effective, not all pediatric Intensive Care Units have the equipment necessary to establish it. Pediatric APD is generally initiated with short dwell times, every hour exchanges and 10-20 ml/kg filling volumes. We present the evolution of two critical patients with kidney failure on APD who benefited from the measurement of dialysate-to-plasma (D/P) ratios for creatinine and urea, and dialysate-to-solution ratio for glucose (Dt/Do) to optimize APD prescription.

[Utility of inhaled nitric oxide in patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome and un-operated Fallot's tetralogy]. / Utilidad del óxido nítrico inhalado en paciente con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo y tetralogía de Fallot no intervenida.

Utility of inhaled nitric oxide in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is controversial and there are few studies in the literature that evaluate its effects during prolonged administration. We analyze the case of a 45 day old male patient with un-operated Fallot's tetralogy who developed ARDS and PHT with non-cardiac cause, that required prolonged mechanical ventilation (30 days) and administration of inhaled nitric oxide (INO). Before the INO, the oxygenation index was 19, and at a few minutes of its application it decreased to 15. The patient developed a dependence on INO, tolerating its gradual weaning. Administration could be interrupted at 27 days on onset. We did not observe toxic effects during the administration of INO.

Utilidad del óxido nítrico inhalado en paciente con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo y tetralogía de Fallot no intervenida / Utility of inhaled nitric oxide in patient with acute respiratory distress syndromeand un-operated Fallot's tetralogy

La utilidad del óxido nítrico inhalado en el tratamiento del síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA) con hipertensión pulmonar (HPP) es controvertida y hay pocos estudios en la literatura que evalúen sus efectos durante una administración prolongada. Analizamos el caso de un paciente de 45 días de vida con tetralogía de Fallot no intervenida, que desarrolló SDRA e HPP de causa no cardíaca, que precisó ventilación mecánica prolongada (30 días) y administración de óxido nítrico inhalado (ONI). Antes del ONI el índice de oxigenación era 19 y a los pocos minutos de su aplicación descendió a 15. El paciente desarrolló dependencia del ONI, tolerando un destete gradual, pudiendo interrumpir la administración a los 27 días de su inicio. No observamos efectos tóxicos durante la administración del ONI

Utility of inhaled nitric oxide in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is controversial and there are few studies in the literature that evaluate its effects during prolonged administration. We analyze the case of a 45 day old male patient with un-operated Fallot's tetralogy who developed ARDS and PHT with non-cardiac cause, that required prolonged mechanical ventilation (30 days) and administration of inhaled nitric oxide (INO). Before the INO, the oxygenation index was 19, and at a few minutes of its application it decreased to 15. The patient developed a dependence on INO, tolerating its gradual weaning. Administration could be interrupted at 27 days on onset. We did not observe toxic effects during the administration of INO

Change of mechanical properties during short-term natural weathering of MSWI bottom ash.

The present work describes the change of mechanical properties during the natural weathering of freshly quenched processed bottom ash. An unconfined uniaxial compression to failure test of the unbound material was used to determine compressive strength and modulus of elasticity. Three main stages of mechanical behavior were determined. In the first stage, during a period lower than 30 days, mechanical properties suddenly increase, with a compressive strength and elastic modulus 7 times greater than the initial parameters. During the second stage, compressive strength and modulus of elasticity lightly increase until approximately 90 days of curing time. Starting from this period both mechanical properties remain steady and independent of the curing time. The neoformed phases, the elevated water content, and the improvement of particle contact after compaction act as a binder layer among particles, increasing the mechanical parameters during the short-term natural weathering process. Because of this, the freshly compacted bottom ash progresses from behaving as an unbound material into a bound pavement material. These mechanical properties obtained from freshly quenched bottom ash are 6-7 times greater than those obtained from previously weathered bottom ash. The bottom ash expansion and leaching of metals were also evaluated.

Optimizing the APC residue washing process to minimize the release of chloride and heavy metals.

An optimization of the air pollution control (APC) residue washing process was carried out to minimize the release of chloride and heavy metals. Taking into account economic parameters such as the consumption of water and reaction time, the best relation found was a S/L ratio of 1/3 during 1 h. At a laboratory scale and according to the values obtained for chloride and heavy metals, the APC residue is classified as non-special according to Catalonian Regulations (Spain). Moreover, the pH of the solution, when MgSO(4) is added during the washing process, may be controlled by the formation of gypsum. In these conditions, the concentration of heavy metals will decrease as a consequence of the formation of their respective insoluble hydroxides. Therefore, the counter-current batch washing process with the addition of small amounts of MgSO(4) is revealed as an economically feasible treatment of the APC residue. This washed residue is ready to be used as secondary material or to be landfilled safely.

Low-grade MgO used to stabilize heavy metals in highly contaminated soils.

Low-grade MgO may be an economically feasible alternative in the stabilization of heavy metals from heavily contaminated soils. The use of MgO is described acting as a buffering agent within the pH 9-11 range, minimizing heavy metals solubility and avoiding the redissolution that occurs when lime is used. The effectiveness of LG-MgO has been studied as stabilizer agent of heavily polluted soils mainly contaminated by the flue-dust of the pyrite roasting. The use of LG-MgO as a reactive medium ensures that significant rates of metal fixation, greater than 80%, are achieved. The heavy metals leachate from the stabilized soil samples show a concentration lower than the limit set to classify the waste as non-special residue. Regardless of the quantity of stabilizer employed (greater than 10%), LG-MgO provides an alkali reservoir that allows guaranteeing long-term stabilization without varying the pH conditions.

Short-term natural weathering of MSWI bottom ash as a function of particle size.

The chemical and material composition of MSWI bottom ash depends on the particle size; this suggests that the mechanisms and kinetics of natural weathering are also a function of particle size. This paper reports the effects of short-term natural weathering on the leaching of heavy metals (mainly Pb, Cu and Zn) from MSWI bottom ash. Initial concentrations of heavy metals were higher for the smallest particle size fractions, but these levels fell dramatically during the first 50 days of weathering before levelling off. The main differences between size fractions were in the pH and the solubility of calcium and aluminium. For the initial stages of weathering and small size fractions, portlandite solubility seemed to control the pH. In contrast, for fractions bigger than 6 mm, the formation of ettringite was the reaction controlling the pH and the solubility of sulphates, aluminium and calcium.

Thermoluminescence response of calcic bentonite subjected to conditions of high nuclear waste underground storage.

Bentonite is regarded as a backfilling material for underground storage facilities of highly radioactive nuclear waste built on granite formations. In these facilities, bentonite will be subjected to a gradient of temperature and dose rate, achieving a very high integrated dose and, therefore, changes in its structure and physical properties may take place. Two experiments to discriminate between the thermal and the irradiation effect were performed. In the first (named BIC 2A), samples were subjected to temperature while in the second (named BIC-2B) the combined effect of temperature and irradiation was studied. The experimental conditions were: a thermal gradient between 130 degrees C and 90 degrees C, a maximum dose rate of 3.5 kGy.h(-1) and a gradient of the integrated dose between 1.75 MGy and 10 MGy. Both experiments lasted a total of 124 days. An irradiation source of 60Co with an activity close to 300,000 Ci, and bentonite samples of 200 mm in length and 50 mm in diameter were used. After the experiment, the samples were ground and two fractions were obtained: a fine fraction (<2 microm) enriched in montmorillonite clay mineral and a coarse fraction (>80 microm). The results are described of thermoluminescence analyses on the two fractions obtained which showed that the coarse fraction can be 100 times more sensitive to radiation than the fine fraction. On the other hand, the heated and irradiated samples showed a thermoluminescence response around 50 times greater than the samples that were only heated. In addition to this, the temperature and dose rate conditions are relevant parameters in the generation and stabilisation of radiation induced defects. Finally, the response of samples heated and irradiated for two months was quite similar to that obtained on samples heated and irradiated for four months, indicating a saturation phenomenon.

Aerosol orgotein (Ontosein) for the prevention of radiotherapy-induced adverse effects in head and neck cancer patients: a feasibility study.

Orgotein is an anti-inflammatory superoxide dismutase agent successfully used in treating several inflammatory diseases. It is also used in treating radiation-induced adverse effects in difference malignancies, notably breast, lung, bladder, prostate, cervix, and head and neck cancers. It is administered either topically or parenterally. To our knowledge, it has never been used before for prophylaxis of radiation-induced adverse effects or in aerosol form. Here we report on the results from a feasibility study on aerosol orgotein (Ontosein) for prevention of acute and deferred radiation-induced adverse effects in patients treated for head and neck malignancies. Our results show that aerosol orgotein administered before each radiation therapy session may impart some benefits in both incidence and severity of acute and deferred radiation-induced adverse effects in head and neck cancer patients, when compared with historical controls. In addition, aerosol orgotein administration is easy and convenient for both the patient and the radiotherapist.