The comfort perception in the critically ill patient from the Kolcaba theoretical model.

BACKGROUND: The stay in a critical care unit (CCU) has a serious impact on physical condition causing numerous discomfort factors such as pain or difficulty in communicating. All of these are associated with possible sequelae following discharge from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) named post-ICU syndrome. The Kolcaba Comfort Theory allows, from a holistic approach, to identify care needs from the patient's perspective using instruments such as the General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ). OBJECTIVES: To determine the comfort level of patients admitted to the CCU using the GCQ of Kolcaba and to identify the discomfort factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive observational prospective study. POPULATION: 580 patients admitted to adult CCU of two high complexity hospitals from June 2015 to March 2020 with stay ≥24 h were interviewed. Descriptive analysis, Student's t-test and ANOVA and multivariate analysis were performed using SPSS v26 and STATA v16. RESULTS: The mean age was 52,62 (16,21), 357 (61,6%) were male and 434 (74,8%) were believers. The type of admission was planned in 322 (55,5%) and the most prevalent reason for admission was surgical 486 (83,8%). The median pain score (NRS) was 3,00 [0-4] and severity score (APACHE II) was 13,26 (5,89), the median length of stay was 4,00 [2-7] days. The mean comfort level was 3,02 (0,31) showing the highest value Reanimation 3.02 (0.30) and the lowest Trauma and Emergency Unit 2.95 (0.38). Statistically significant differences were found between the units in the comfort level of patients >65 years of age (p = 0.029). The Relief comfort type obtained the lowest mean 2.81 (0.33) and the physical context 2.75 (0.41) in the three units. In the multivariate analysis, statistically significant differences were found between the comfort level and the pain level: no pain (p = 0,000) OR 4,361 CI [2,184-8,707], mild pain (p = 0,000) OR 4,007 CI [2,068-7,763], moderate pain (p = 0,007) OR 2,803 CI [1,328-5,913], and the APACHE II score equal to or greater than 10 (p = 0,000) OR 0,472 CI [0,316-0,705]. CONCLUSIONS: The comfort level showed high scores in all three units. The physical and environmental contexts and the relief comfort type negatively affected the perception of comfort. The variables that explained comfort were pain and severity of illness. The evaluation of comfort from the patient's perspective through the GCQ could be considered an indicator of quality of nursing interventions.

Predictive validity of the Clinical Frailty Scale-España on the increase in dependency after hospital discharge.

INTRODUCTION: The frailty present at hospital admission and the stressors to which patients are subjected during their stay may increase dependency at hospital discharge. OBJECTIVES: To assess the predictive validity of the Clinical Frailty Scale-España (CFS-Es) on increased dependency at 3 and 12 months (m) after hospital discharge. METHODOLOGY: Multicentre cohort study in 2020-2022. Including patients with >48 h stay in intensive care units (ICU) and non-COVID-19. VARIABLES: pre-admission frailty (CFS-Es). Sex, age, days of stay (ICU and hospital), dependency on admission and at 3 m and 12 m after discharge (Barthel index), muscle weakness (Medical Research Council Scale sum score <48), hospital readmissions. STATISTICS: descriptive and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 254 cases were included. Thirty-nine per cent were women and the median [Q1-Q3] age was 67 [56-77] years. SAPS 3 on admission (median [Q1-Q3]): 62 [51-71] points. Frail patients on admission (CFS-Es 5-9): 58 (23%). Dependency on admission (n = 254) vs. 3 m after hospital discharge (n = 171) vs. 12 m after hospital discharge (n = 118): 1) Barthel 90-100: 82% vs. 68% vs. 65%. 2) Barthel 60-85: 15% vs. 15% vs. 20%. 3) Barthel 0-55: 3% vs. 17% vs. 15%. In the multivariate analysis, adjusted for the variables recorded, we observed that frail patients on admission (CFS-Es 5-9) are 2.8 times (95%CI: 1.03-7.58; p = 0.043) more likely to increase dependency (Barthel 90-100 to <90 or Barthel 85-60 to <60) at 3 m post-discharge (with respect to admission) and 3.5 times (95%CI: 1.18-10.30; p = 0.024) more likely to increase dependency at 12 m post-discharge. Furthermore, for each additional CFS-Es point there is a 1.6-fold (95%CI: 1.01-2.23; p = 0.016) greater chance of increased dependency in the 12 m following discharge. CONCLUSIONS: CFS-Es at admission can predict increased dependency at 3 m and 12 m after hospital discharge.

[Adaptation and validation of the MoVac-flu scale on motivation towards the flu vaccine]. / Adaptación y validación de la escala MoVac-flu sobre motivación hacia la vacuna de la gripe.

OBJECTIVE: To translate, adapt and validate the psychometric properties of MoVac-flu scale in order to be used in Spanish. METHOD: The present research was an analytical observational study of cross-cultural adaptation and validation into Spanish of the MoVac-flu scale. It has been carried out between the months of March and July 2022. The sample size was 142 people who were obtained by consecutive sampling. The processes used for the adaptation have been translation, validation by a committee of experts, back-translation and pilot test. For validation, the psychometric properties of reliability, internal consistency, appearance validity, content validity, utility and ceiling-floor effect have been verified. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the MoVac-flu scale in its version translated into Spanish was high, showing a McDonald's ω of 0.914. CONCLUSIONS: The MoVac-flu scale in Spanish allows to measure the degree of motivation towards vaccination against influenza in the adult population.

Protocolo para la evaluación de una intervención de alfabetización en salud sobre morbimortalidad y calidad de vida en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca / Protocol for the evaluation of an efficacy of a health literacy intervention in decreasing mortality, morbidity and improving the quality of life of patients with heart failure

Fuandamentos: La insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) es un síndrome clínico complejo con una sintomatología bien definida que constituye un problema de Salud Pública por su impacto en la morbi-mortalidad. El manejo del paciente con IC requiere el trabajo de equiposespecializados multidisciplinares que enfaticen en los hábitos cardiovasculares y el autocuidado. Conocer el grado alfabetización ensalud (AeS) de estos pacientes es una buena herramienta para prestarles una atención holística, basada en necesidades individuales,así como para fomentar su empoderamiento. Se ha diseñado un protocolo con el objetivo de evaluar la eficacia de una intervenciónen AeS en la mejora de su calidad de vida, así como en la disminución de la morbi/mortalidad. Métodos: Se llevará a cabo un estudio clínico controlado aleatorio a dos brazos multicéntrico, con ocultación del reparto aleatorio.Se incluirán pacientes con diagnóstico de IC atendidos en consultas de cardiología y medicina interna de cinco hospitales de España.(AU)

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome that impairs the ability to achieve proper filling or ejection, inwhich patients have typical symptoms and signs. It is a major Public Health problem with a high incidence and prevalence associatedwith high morbidity and mortality. The management of the patient with HF is complex, requiring in its treatment the work of specialized multidisciplinary teams in which the management of cardiac-healthy habits and self-care will play a leading role. Knowingthe health literacy (HL) level of patients is a fundamental piece that will help us to provide a holistic attention, based on individualneeds, promoting in this way the empowerment of the patient. Our aim will be to evaluate the effectiveness of an HL intervention forimproving quality of life and decreasing morbidity/mortality.Methods: A two-arm randomized controlled clinical trial will be conducted, with concealment of randomization. Patients with diagnosis of HF attended in cardiology and internal medicine consultations of 5 hospitals in Spain will be included.(AU)

Nuclear DNA Fragmentation in Boar Spermatozoa: Measurement Methods and Reproductive Performance Implications.

The aim of this research was to compare the different techniques to measure sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation (sDF) and to check its relations to boar reproductive value, classical spermiogram parameters, and reproductive results of the doses in sows. Sperm chromatin stability assay (SCSA), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD, Halomax®) results were compared, finding a statistically significant correlation only between SCSA and TUNEL results. The fertility direct boar effect (DBE) index, calculated from the whole productive life of the boar, was not correlated (p > 0.05) with sDF (measured by any technique). Total or progressive sperm motility was not correlated with sDF, while it found a positive correlation between TUNEL measure and abnormal acrosomes (%) and between SCD measure and total sperm morphological abnormalities (%). No significant correlations were obtained between fertility or prolificacy results and sDF results with the different techniques. However, in the case of total born and SCSA measure, the correlation was close to significance (r partial = -0.095; p = 0.066), appointing to a tendency; as SCSA increases, the number of total piglets born decreases. In conclusion, although the different techniques for the sDF seem not to target exactly the same DNA events and the relationship between their values and the reproductive results and the classical spermiogram results is still to be elucidated, the studied sDF techniques may offer extra information that could be useful for the management of AI studs.

Periodontal and Dental Status in Packs of Spanish Dogs.

While periodontal disease (PD) is the most common canine oral pathology, its prevalence varies according to diagnosis methodology, breed, and age. We intended to increase understanding of canine PD by studying dogs that are managed in a specific way: pack dogs in Spain. They received a mixed diet (home-prepared food, commercial dry food, stale bread and bones). Thirty-two conscious individuals from two packs of dogs in Northeastern Spain (30/32 crossbred hunting dogs and 2/32 Siberian Husky; 26 males and 6 females; 27.75 ± 5.807 kgs; 5.48 ± 2.818 years) received visual dental examination for assessment of absent teeth (AT), dental calculus (DC) grade, gingival recession (GR), periodontal disease (PD), tooth fracture (TF), and dental attrition (DA). DC was the most prevalent oral problem (75%), followed by TF/DA (68.75%), AT (34.37%), GR (31.25%), and, finally, PD (15.62%). Low individual affectation values were found for AT, GR, and PD (<1 tooth/individual); mean DC grade per individual was 0.06 ± 0.063; and TF and DA were found in 1.63 and 4.72 teeth/individual, respectively. Low prevalence and extent of PD was attributed to diagnosis methodology, bodyweight effect, breed, and, ultimately, diet. Individuals affected by DC remained under veterinary surveillance due to PD development.

Artificial Intelligence DENTOMO: Opportunities and Prospects for Interpretation of Cone Beam CT in Dentistry.

The model of artificial intelligence DENTOMO, which allows automated deciphering the CT in maxillofacial area, was developed and implemented in practical dentistry. The presented model is based on two convolutional neural networks, includes a database and knowledge base, harmonized with SNOMED Clinical Terms is a systematically organized computer processable collection of medical terms providing codes, terms, synonyms and definitions used in clinical documentation and reporting. The developed model automatically decodes cone beam CT images, identifies and classifies the anatomical structures of the human dental system, and reveals the pathological processes and their dynamics in dentistry system. This model generates the medical reports automatically. Testing of DENTOMO model demonstrated a reasonable effectiveness in deciphering the CT of dental system. The developed technology allows computerizing and objectifying interpretation of CT of the dental system.

Grupo de Investigación en Cuidados de Enfermería. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM) / Group for Research in Nursing Care. Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute (IiSGM)

La investigación desarrollada por enfermeras en el Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (Madrid) tiene una larga trayectoria, que tuvo sus inicios en la década de 1990. La actividad docente en el área de investigación y las estructuras de apoyo a la investigación en Enfermería existentes fueron pilares básicos para el reconocimiento del Grupo de Enfermería como grupo independiente en la primera acreditación del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM). En la actualidad, el Grupo de Enfermería está compuesto por 34 profesionales, enfermeras, matronas y fisioterapeutas, siendo doctoras el 64,7%. Las líneas de investigación se agrupan en tres ejes: Cuidados de Enfermería (Cronicidad, Críticos y Rehabilitación/Fisioterapia); Innovación y Servicios de Salud (Diseño desarrollo y usabilidad de aplicaciones, Enfermería de Práctica Avanzada y Diseño y validación de instrumentos); y Gestión (Competencias, metodología enfermera y entornos de trabajo). Desde 2011 el grupo ha obtenido un total de 288.019 (Euro) en financiación de proyectos competitivos, incluyendo la obtención de intensificaciones para la actividad investigadora y ayudas a grupos emergentes. El grupo acumula en total 187 publicaciones, habiendo publicado 105 artículos en los últimos cinco años, con un factor de impacto acumulado de 86,3. Las líneas en las que se están trabajando son la concienciación de incorporar una correcta filiación en los artículos, la búsqueda continua de colaboraciones y el reconocimiento de la participación de las enfermeras en los proyectos del hospital y del IiSGM

The research conducted by nurses at the Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (Madrid) has a long history, which started in the 1990s decade. Teaching activity in the research area and the existing structures for support to Nursing research were the basic cornerstones for the acknowledgment of the Nursing Group as an independent group at the first accreditation for the Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute (IiSGM). Currently, the Nursing Group is formed by 34 professionals, nurses, midwives and physiotherapists; 64.7% of them are doctors. The research lines are classified along three areas: Nursing Care (Chronicity, Critical Patients and Rehabilitation / Physiotherapy); Innovation and Health Services (Design, Development and Usability of Applications, Advanced Practice Nursing, and Design and Validation of Tools); and Management (Competences; Nursing Methodology, and Work Environments). Since 2011, the group has obtained 288.019 (Euro) in total as funding for competitive projects, including achieving majors for research activity and grants for emergent groups. The group accumulates 187 publications in total; 105 articles have been published in the past 5 years, with a cumulative impact factor of 86.3. The current lines of work are: the awareness to incorporate an adequate affiliation in articles, an on-going search for collaborations, and the acknowledgement of the participation of nurses in the projects of the hospital and the IiSGM

Comunicación de las enfermeras con los pacientes. Validación de la escala "Interpersonal Communication Assessment Scale" (ICAS) / Communication of nurses with patients. Validation the "interpersonal communication assessment scale" (ICAS)

OBJETIVO: Adaptar culturalmente la escala "Interpersonal Communication Assessment Scale" en el contexto español de la práctica enfermera. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio trasversal con metodología de traducción directa e inversa, para obtener la adaptación lingüística-cultural. Participaron enfermeras de hospital general universitario. Para analizar las propiedades psicométricas, se valoró fiabilidad analizando la consistencia interna y validez mediante análisis de la estructura factorial. RESULTADOS: Participaron 188 enfermeras, el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach para el cuestionario total fue de 0,881 con coeficientes entre 0,816 y 0,622 en las subescalas. El test KMO mostró índice de 0,850, la prueba de esfericidad de Barlett con Chi cuadrado de 1208,714 con p = 0,000 y análisis factorial con 4 factores que explicaban el 49,268% de la varianza total. CONCLUSIÓN: El cuestionario obtenido comprende todos los aspectos necesarios para evaluar competencias en comunicación de estos profesionales con sus pacientes, con suficiente evidencia y características psicométricas para su utilización en población española

OBJECTIVE: The adaptation of ICAS in the Spanish context of nursing practice. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried, using the bidirectional translation method for linguistic-cultural adaptation. It was applied to the nursing staff in a universitary hospital. Reliability, internal consistence and construct validity were calculated to evaluate the psychometrics properties of the Spanish version. RESULTS: Participation was of 188 nurses. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total scale was 0,881, with coefficients between 0,816 and 0,622 in the subscales. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in four factors, which explained 49,268% of total variance, and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure was 0,850. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version showed high internal consistency and psychometrics characteristics like appropriate tool for assessing interpersonal communications skills between nurses and patients

Pelota de parto versus petidina y haloperidol en la satisfacción en el parto / Birthing ball versus pethidine and haloperidol in satisfaction with childbirth

Objetivo: Determinar los efectos en la satisfacción materna del uso de la pelota de parto como método de alivio del dolor, comparado con la administración subcutánea de petidina (50mg) y haloperidol (2,5mg), en el periodo de latencia de parto. Método: Ensayo clínico aleatorizado, unicéntrico, paralelo y controlado. Participantes: gestantes de bajo riesgo, ingresadas en la planta de embarazo patológico del HGU Gregorio Marañón, por gestación cronológicamente prolongada, rotura prematura de membranas o pródromos de parto. Intervención: una vez que la paciente manifestaba dolor con su proceso, se implementaban una serie de movimientos predeterminados con la pelota de partos, en el caso del grupo intervención, o se administraba petidina más haloperidol, vía subcutánea. Tras la intervención y en planta de puérperas la satisfacción era medida con la escala Mackey Satisfaction Childbirth, validada al castellano en 2016, en las primeras 48-72h posparto. Análisis: comparación de grupos: la t de Student para las variables continuas y la Chi-cuadrado para las categóricas. Resultados: La satisfacción materna fue significativamente mayor en el grupo experimental que en el grupo de comparación, en todas las esferas de la escala: obstetra (4,24/3,87), dilatación (4,02/3,35), expulsivo (4,27/3,67), recién nacido (4,72/4,43) y acompañamiento y comodidad (4,78/4,44). No hubo, sin embargo, diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la subescala matrona, aunque las puntuaciones fueron igualmente altas (4,65/4,45). Conclusión: El uso de pelotas de parto durante el periodo de latencia aumenta la satisfacción de la mujer en el proceso de parto, en mayor medida que la administración conjunta de petidina y haloperidol

Objective: To determine the effects on maternal satisfaction of the use of the birthing ball as a method of pain relief compared to the subcutaneous administration of pethidine (50mg) and haloperidol (2.5mg), during the latent phase of labour. Method: Randomised, unicentric, parallel and controlled clinical trial. Participants: Low-risk pregnant women hospitalised in a pathological pregnancy ward at the Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital (Madrid) due to prolonged pregnancy, premature rupture of membranes, or labour prodromes. Intervention: once the patient's labour had become painful, a series of pre-established movements were implemented with a birthing ball in the intervention group, or pethidine and haloperidol were administered at the same dose subcutaneously. After the intervention and on the post-natal ward, satisfaction was measured with the Mackey Satisfaction Childbirth scale, validated in Spanish in 2016, in the first 48-72hours after delivery. Analysis: group comparisons: Student's t for continuous variables and Chi-squared for categorical variables. Significance at p<0.05. Results: The maternal satisfaction was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the comparison group, in all the domains of the scale: obstetrician (4.24/3.87), dilatation (4.02/3.35), second stage (4.27/3.67), newborn (4.72/4.43), accompaniment and comfort (4.78/4.44). There were, however, no statistically significant differences in the midwife subscale, although the scores were equally high (4.65/4.45). Conclusion: Using birthing balls during the latent phase of labour increases women's satisfaction with their labour process more than administering pethidine and haloperidol during this period

Advances in research on the impacts of anti-submarine sonar on beaked whales.

Mass stranding events (MSEs) of beaked whales (BWs) were extremely rare prior to the 1960s but increased markedly after the development of naval mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS). The temporal and spatial associations between atypical BW MSEs and naval exercises were first observed in the Canary Islands, Spain, in the mid-1980s. Further research on BWs stranded in association with naval exercises demonstrated pathological findings consistent with decompression sickness (DCS). A 2004 ban on MFASs around the Canary Islands successfully prevented additional BW MSEs in the region, but atypical MSEs have continued in other places of the world, especially in the Mediterranean Sea, with examined individuals showing DCS. A workshop held in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, in September 2017 reviewed current knowledge on BW atypical MSEs associated with MFAS. Our review suggests that the effects of MFAS on BWs vary among individuals or populations, and predisposing factors may contribute to individual outcomes. Spatial management specific to BW habitat, such as the MFAS ban in the Canary Islands, has proven to be an effective mitigation tool and mitigation measures should be established in other areas taking into consideration known population-level information.

Birthing ball versus pethidine and haloperidol in satisfaction with childbirth. / Pelota de parto versus petidina y haloperidol en la satisfacción en el parto.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects on maternal satisfaction of the use of the birthing ball as a method of pain relief compared to the subcutaneous administration of pethidine (50mg) and haloperidol (2.5mg), during the latent phase of labour. METHOD: Randomised, unicentric, parallel and controlled clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Low-risk pregnant women hospitalised in a pathological pregnancy ward at the Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital (Madrid) due to prolonged pregnancy, premature rupture of membranes, or labour prodromes. INTERVENTION: once the patient's labour had become painful, a series of pre-established movements were implemented with a birthing ball in the intervention group, or pethidine and haloperidol were administered at the same dose subcutaneously. After the intervention and on the post-natal ward, satisfaction was measured with the Mackey Satisfaction Childbirth scale, validated in Spanish in 2016, in the first 48-72hours after delivery. ANALYSIS: group comparisons: Student's t for continuous variables and Chi-squared for categorical variables. Significance at p<0.05. RESULTS: The maternal satisfaction was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the comparison group, in all the domains of the scale: obstetrician (4.24/3.87), dilatation (4.02/3.35), second stage (4.27/3.67), newborn (4.72/4.43), accompaniment and comfort (4.78/4.44). There were, however, no statistically significant differences in the midwife subscale, although the scores were equally high (4.65/4.45). CONCLUSION: Using birthing balls during the latent phase of labour increases women's satisfaction with their labour process more than administering pethidine and haloperidol during this period.

Solar UV-B radiation and ethylene play a key role in modulating effective defenses against Anticarsia gemmatalis larvae in field-grown soybean.

Solar UV-B radiation has been reported to enhance plant defenses against herbivore insects in many species. However, the mechanism and traits involved in the UV-B mediated increment of plant resistance are unknown in crops species, such as soybean. Here, we studied defense-related responses in undamaged and Anticarsia gemmatalis larvae-damaged leaves of two soybean cultivars grown under attenuated or full solar UV-B radiation. We determined changes in jasmonates, ethylene (ET), salicylic acid, trypsin protease inhibitor activity, flavonoids, and mRNA expression of genes related with defenses. ET emission induced by Anticarsia gemmatalis damage was synergistically increased in plants grown under solar UV-B radiation and was positively correlated with malonyl genistin concentration, trypsin proteinase inhibitor activity and expression of IFS2, and the pathogenesis protein PR2, while was negatively correlated with leaf consumption. The precursor of ET, aminocyclopropane-carboxylic acid, applied exogenously to soybean was sufficient to strongly induce leaf isoflavonoids. Our results showed that in field-grown soybean isoflavonoids were regulated by both herbivory and solar UV-B inducible ET, whereas flavonols were regulated by solar UV-B radiation only and not by herbivory or ET. Our study suggests that, although ET can modulate UV-B-mediated priming of inducible plant defenses, some plant defenses, such as isoflavonoids, are regulated by ET alone.

UV-filters and musk fragrances in seafood commercialized in Europe Union: Occurrence, risk and exposure assessment.

In the framework of the FP7 ECsafeSeafood project, 62 seafood samples commercialized in Europe Union from several representative species - mackerel, tuna, salmon, seabream, cod, monkfish, crab, shrimp, octopus, perch and plaice - were analysed for residues of 21 personal care products (PCPs), including 11 UV-filters (UV-Fs) and 10 musk fragrances (musks). PCPs analysis were performed by Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective Rugged, Safe (QuEChERS), combined with liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) or dispersive solid-phase extraction (dSPE), followed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The results showed the presence in a wide range of samples of nine out of eleven UV-Fs compounds analysed, namely 2-ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS), 2-ethylhexyl,4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC), 4-methylbenzylidenecamphor (4-MBC), benzophenone-1 (BP1), benzophenone-3 (BP3), isoamyl-4-methoxycinnamate (IMC), 2,2'-dihydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxybenzophenone (DHMB), homosalate (HS), and octocrylene (OC), whereas galaxolide (HHCB), galaxolide lactone (HHCB-lactone), and tonalide (AHTN) were the most found musks. The potential risks to human health associated with the exposure to eight of the more prevalent PCPs - EHS, EHMC, 4-MBC, BP1, BP3, IMC, HHCB, and AHTN - through seafood consumption were assessed for consumers from five European countries (Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain). Results showed that the human exposure to UV-Fs and musks estimated from the concentration values found in seafood and the daily consumption of concerned seafood species, were far below toxicological reference values.

Esculetin modulates cytotoxicity induced by oxidants in NB4 human leukemia cells.

Esculetin is a polyphenolic compound with cytoprotective properties. We previously demonstrated the induction of apoptosis by esculetin in NB4 human leukemia cells, as a model, by a mechanism not well understood. To analyse the antioxidant activity of esculetin on apoptosis, we have studied the influence of co-treatments of esculetin at a concentration of 100µM with exogenous ROS donors, namely tert-butyl-hydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide, on NB4 cells. Esculetin (100µM) exerts a protective effect on cell viability and death necrosis or late apoptosis caused by the oxidant t-BHP whereas it potentiates decrease of cell viability and cell death caused by H2O2. In the first case, the O2- scavenging activity of esculetin (100µM) could be implicated. In the last one, cytotoxicity by apoptosis induction seems to be related to the increase in O2-, among other possible mechanisms. These results contribute to the study of the antitumor properties of esculetin by regulation of redox balance in leukemia cells.