Physical stability of N,N-dimethyldecanamide/α-pinene-in-water emulsions as influenced by surfactant concentration

In recent years, interest in submicron emulsions has increased due to their high stability and potential applications in the encapsulation and release of active ingredients in many industrial fields, such as the food industry, pharmaceuticals or agrochemicals. Furthermore, the social demand for eco-friendly solutions to replace hazardous solvents in many dispersion formulations has steadily risen. In this study, the influence of surfactant concentration on the formation and physical stability of submicron oil-in-water emulsions using a high-pressure dual-channel homogenizer (microfluidizer) has been investigated. The formulation involved the use of a blend of two green solvents (N,N-dimethyldecanamide and α-pinene) as dispersed phase and a nonionic polyoxyethylene glycerol ester derived from coconut oil as emulsifier (Levenol^® C-201), which enjoys a European eco-label. Therefore, these emulsions may find applications as matrices for agrochemicals. Physical stability and rheological properties of the emulsions studied showed an important dependence on the eco-friendly surfactant concentration. The lowest surfactant concentration (1wt%) yielded the onset of a creaming process after a short aging time and was not enough to avoid recoalescence during emulsification. On the other hand, the higher surfactant concentrations (4-5wt%) resulted in depletion flocculation, which in turn triggered emulsion destabilization by coalescence. The optimum physical stability was exhibited by emulsions containing intermediate surfactant concentrations (2-3wt%) since coalescence was hardly significant and the onset of a weak creaming destabilization process was substantially delayed.

Dinámica de la Leucosis Bovina en el ganado criollo Hartón del Valle en infección natural

Los bovinos criollos presentan características adaptativas de importancia. Se ha propuesto que el desarrollo y/o progresión de la leucosis bovina tiene bases genéticas. En el presente trabajo se estudió la dinámica del virus de la leucosis bovina en el ganado criollo Hartón del Valle en condiciones de infección natural. En 93 animales Hartón del Valle (HV), 30 Lucerna (LUC) y 30 Holstein (HOL) se evaluó la presencia del VLB por PCR-anidada, el desarrollo de linfocitosis por extendido en placa, los títulos de anticuerpos usando ELISA y la carga proviral mediante PCR en tiempo real, en tres muestreos durante un año. Se estimaron los porcentajes de animales infectados y se realizaron pruebas de independencia entre las variables evaluadas. Se encontró un efecto racial significativo sobre el desarrollo de la leucosis bovina, los animales de la raza Hartón presentaron menor tasa de infección del VLB (38,3%), desarrollaron menos linfocitosis persistente (15%), tuvieron mayores títulos de anticuerpos contra el virus (97,6) y mantuvieron la carga proviral más baja (663828 copias/ng de ADN) que las razas Lucerna y Holstein. Los datos aquí presentados pueden ser utilizados en programas de erradicación y control de la enfermedad. Se concluye que el ganado criollo Hartón del Valle puede ser considerado un progresor lento de la leucosis bovina.

Diversidad genética de la gallina criolla del Suroccidente Colombiano

En Colombia, la gallina Criolla es socialmente importante por su aporte nutricional, fácil reproducción, adaptabilidad y rusticidad. Por lo tanto, ha sido necesario conocer cómo es su diversidad, relaciones y estructura genética. El objetivo de este estudio fue ccontribuir al conocimiento de la biodiversidad del país y al desarrollo agropecuario sostenible, mediante el estudio de la diversidad genética de aves criollas. Se analizaron 224 muestras de ADN de gallina Criolla colombiana provenientes de los departamentos del Cauca, Caldas, Chocó, Nariño y Valle del Cauca, y 20 de líneas comerciales, mediante 17 marcadores microsatélites, realizándoles extracción de ADN por el método de Salting Out y posteriormente amplificando por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). El análisis estadístico para evaluar la diversidad genética se realizó a través de los programas ARLEQUIN v. 3.5, GENALEX v. 6.5, Microsatellite Toolkit y FSTAT. La estructura de las poblaciones se determinó por el programa STRUCTURE v. 2.3.4. Se encontraron 79 alelos para las poblaciones. El número promedio de alelos para la gallina Criolla fue de 4,65±1,66. La heterocigosidad esperada fue mayor que la observada y varió de 0,59 en Chocó a 0,62 en el Valle del Cauca. El FIS fue de 0,40 (p

Somatostatin therapy protects porcine livers in small-for-size liver transplantation

Small-for-size (SFS) injury occurs in partial liver transplantation due to several factors, including excessive portal inflow and insufficient intragraft responses. We aim to determine the role somatostatin plays in reducing portal hyperperfusion and preventing the cascade of deleterious events produced in small grafts. A porcine model of 20% liver transplantation is performed. Perioperatively treated recipients receive somatostatin and untreated controls standard intravenous fluids. Recipients are followed for up to 5 days. In vitro studies are also performed to determine direct protective effects of somatostatin on hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC). At reperfusion, portal vein flow (PVF) per gram of tissue increased fourfold in untreated animals versus approximately threefold among treated recipients (p = 0.033). Postoperatively, markers of hepatocellular, SEC and HSC injury were improved among treated animals. Hepatic regeneration occurred in a slower but more orderly fashion among treated grafts; functional recovery was also significantly better. In vitro studies revealed that somatostatin directly reduces HSC activation, though no direct effect on SEC was found. In SFS transplantation, somatostatin reduces PVF and protects SEC in the critical postreperfusion period. Somatostatin also exerts a direct cytoprotective effect on HSC, independent of changes in PVF.

The emerging problem of biological treatment in migrant and travelling populations: it is time to extend guidelines for the screening of infectious diseases

The use of biological agents in the treatment of rheumatic diseases has been widely associated with an increased risk of reactivation of several latent infections. National and international guidelines recommend screening for infectious diseases before starting these drugs. In Western countries screening is limited to latent tuberculosis infection, HIV and viral hepatitis. However, the increasing globalisation and the remarkable number of migrating and travelling people worldwide make this approach no longer adequate. The Italian and Spanish Societies of Rheumatology and Tropical Medicine wish to issue a warning about the need to improve awareness of doctors about the risk of reactivation of infectious tropical diseases in migrant or travelling patients who undergo biological therapy. Thus, the Italian and Spanish Societies are now planning to issue specific recommendations, based on a multidisciplinary contribution and a systematic review of the literature, for screening and follow-up of active and latent chronic infections in candidate patients for biological agents, taking into account the patient's area of origin and risk of infectious diseases.

A case of Japanese encephalitis in a 20 year-old Spanish sportsman, February 2013

We report a severe case of imported Japanese encephalitis (JE) in a healthy young Spanish traveller who developed symptoms after spending three weeks in a touristic area of Thailand. The patient was diagnosed in Thailand and subsequently transferred to Barcelona, Spain, where the Thai laboratory results were confirmed based on IgM serology. Although JE is a rare disease in travellers, this case illustrates the need for seeking travel medical advice before visiting tropical countries.

Switching to lopinavir/ritonavir with or without abacavir/lamivudine in lipoatrophic patients treated with zidovudine/abacavir/lamivudine

BACKGROUND

Discontinuation of thymidine nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (tNRTIs) is the only proven strategy for improving lipoatrophy. It is unclear whether switching to NRTI-sparing or to non-thymidine NRTI-containing therapy has differential effects on body fat recovery.

METHODS

This was a 96 week, open-label, randomized study in suppressed patients with moderate/severe lipoatrophy and no prior virological failure while receiving a protease inhibitor and who had their triple NRTI regimen (zidovudine/lamivudine/abacavir) switched to lopinavir/ritonavir plus abacavir/lamivudine for a 1 month run-in period and then randomized to lopinavir/ritonavir plus abacavir/lamivudine versus lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy. The KRETA trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT00865007).

RESULTS

Of 95 patients included, 88 were randomized to lopinavir/ritonavir plus abacavir/lamivudine (n = 44) or lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy (n = 44). Median (IQR) baseline limb fat was 2.5 (1.6-3.7) kg in the lopinavir/ritonavir plus abacavir/lamivudine group and 2.5 (2.0-5.4) kg in the lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy group. Six patients in the triple therapy group and 13 in the monotherapy group had discontinued study drugs by week 96. Although there were limb fat gains in each group at weeks 48/96 (+324/+358 g in lopinavir/ritonavir plus abacavir/lamivudine, P = 0.09/0.07, versus +215/+416 g in the lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy group, P = 0.28/0.16), differences between groups were not significant [difference +109 g (95% CI -442, +660)/-57 g (95% CI -740, +625)].

CONCLUSIONS

In lipoatrophic patients treated with zidovudine/lamivudine/abacavir, switching to lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy had no additional benefit in limb fat recovery relative to switching to lopinavir/ritonavir with abacavir/lamivudine. These data suggest that non-thymidine nucleosides such as abacavir/lamivudine are not an obstacle to limb fat recovery.

Zinc alpha-2 glycoprotein is implicated in dyslipidaemia in HIV-1-infected patients treated with antiretroviral drugs

OBJECTIVES

Treated HIV-1-infected patients with lipodystrophy often develop insulin resistance and proatherogenic dyslipidaemia. Zinc alpha-2 glycoprotein (ZAG) is a recently characterized adipokine which has been shown to be involved in the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome in uninfected subjects. We assessed the relationship between circulating ZAG levels and metabolic derangements in HIV-1-infected patients receiving antiretroviral drugs.

METHODS

Plasma ZAG levels were assessed in 222 individuals: 166 HIV-1-infected patients treated with antiretroviral drugs (77 with lipodystrophy and 89 without lipodystrophy) and 56 uninfected controls. Plasma ZAG levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and were correlated with fat distribution abnormalities and metabolic parameters.

RESULTS

HIV-1-infected patients had lower plasma ZAG levels compared with uninfected controls (P < 0.001). No differences were found in ZAG plasma levels according to the presence of lipodystrophy, components of the metabolic syndrome or type of antiretroviral treatment regimen. Circulating ZAG levels were strongly determined by high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) in men (B = 0.644; P < 0.001) and showed a positive correlation with total cholesterol (r = 0.312; P < 0.001) and HDLc (r = 0.216; P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-1-infected patients have lower plasma ZAG levels than uninfected controls. In infected patients, plasma ZAG levels are in close relationship with total cholesterol and HDLc.

[Posterior C1-C2 arthrodesis. Experience in transarticular and interarticular fixation in 36 patients]

OBJECTIVE

The stabilization of C1-C2 segment has evolved with the appearance of several techniques from sublaminar, transarticular or interarticular fixation and over recent years with the introduction of neuronavegation systems. The aim of the study was to review patients treated in our center with transarticular and interarticualr fixation and compare the results obtained with both techniques.

METHODS

Thirty six patients with C1-C2 instability that required a surgical fixation between 1995-2008 were retrostpectively analized. The causes of instability were principaly traumatic (18 cases) or degeneritive (16) and two cases of neoplasic lesions. In the first period (1995-2001) 20 patients were treated with transarticular fixation (Magerl's technique), and later (2002-2008) with interarticular fixation (Goel-Harms technique) in another 16 patients. Data was obtainned regarding complications, radiological evolution and clinical results (EVA pain score) and functionals (PROLO score) at 3, 6, 12 and >12 months post-op, as well as post-op cervical mobility and signs of bone fusion. A good result was considered if clinical improvement exi ted with decrease in EVA pain score > 5 points and funcional if a PROLO score > 4, regular if EVA decreased but <5 and PROLO <3 , and bad if there was no clinical or functional improvement. The results were statistically compared between both techniques.

RESULTS

Of the 20 patients treated with transarticular fixation, good results were obtained in 17 cases (85%) , regular in 2 (10%), and bad in 1 (5%). Complications included 1 case of vertebral artery lesion and 3 screw misplacements, one case in contact with vertebral artery. Regarding those treated with interarticualr fixation, in 14 (89%), good results were obtained, regular in 2 (12.5%) with 1 case of screw misplacement and another of postsurgical infection. No statistical significant differences were recorded between both techniques, although in those treated with interarticular fixation there was a higher rate of bone fusion and no cases of vertebral arterial lesions were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Transarticular and interarticular C1- C2 fixation is safe and provides a high rate of good results with few complications. The introduction of neuronavigation systems can increase the efficacy and safety of these techniques.

[Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): ten years of experience]

INTRODUCTION

The PEG is shown as a technique rather aggressive and with few complications. These characteristics have become the route of choice for enteral nutrition in patients who require nutritional support for prolonged periods.

OBJECTIVES

To know the evolution and quality of life of patients and caregivers with nutrition through PEG.

METHODS

Retrospective study of patients with PEG in a district hospital from July 1998 to July 2009. We reviewed hospital records and telephone contact with patients.

RESULTS

There were 299 patients with PEG during the study period. There was a gradual increase in its use for nutritional therapy. Males were 152 (50.8%). There were 152 (50,8%) males. The age was 73.62 ± 13,05 years, males being the youngest (t = 5.07, P < 0.001). The most frequent indication was "neurological disease" 222 (85.7%). The duration of nutrition therapy was 390 days (range 1-2,913) showing independent from the rest of the variables. The completion of treatment was on death 134 (93.1%) or recovering the mouth 10 (6.9%). The QL was significantly improved in both patients (Z = -6.59, p < 0.001) and caregivers (Z = -6.83, P < 0.001) after PEG.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a progressive increase in the use of PEG. with the mean time of treatment greater than one year, and being complete in most patients with the death. The quality of life experienced an improvement after PEG in both patients and caregivers in this series.

Relationship between HIV/Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-associated lipodystrophy syndrome and stavudine-triphosphate intracellular levels in patients with stavudine-based antiretroviral regimens

BACKGROUND

The link between human immunodeficiency virus/highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-associated lipodystrophy syndrome (HALS) and the use of thymidine analogues has been well established. However, to our knowledge, no relationship has been proven between intracellular levels of stavudine (d4T) and HALS.

METHODS

We measured peripheral blood mononuclear cell intracellular levels of d4T-triphosphate (TP) in patients who were receiving d4T as part of their antiretroviral regimens. d4T-TP levels were determined by a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay method. The diagnosis of HALS was made in accordance with the criteria of a lipodystrophy severity grading scale. The Student t test, Pearson correlations, 1-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction, and stepwise logistic regression were used for statistic analyses.

RESULTS

This was a cross-sectional study. There were 33 patients: 17 with HALS and 16 without HALS. The median concentration of d4T-TP for patients with HALS was 20.60 femtomoles (fmol)/1 x 10(6) cells (interquartile range [IQR], 14.90-26.92 fmol/1 x 10(6) cells) and for patients without HALS was 13.85 fmol/1 x 10(6) cells (IQR, 8.65-20.15 fmol/1 x 10(6) cells) (P=.013). The median d4T-TP intracellular level in patients who had developed an AIDS-defining condition was 22.50 fmol/1 x 10(6) cells (IQR, 15.80-27.37 fmol/1 x 10(6) cells) and in those who had not was 14.40 fmol/1 x 10(6) cells (IQR, 10.80-20.40 fmol/1 x 10(6) cells) (P=.037). There were no statistically significant differences in d4T-TP intracellular levels with respect to the presence of metabolic syndrome, the clinical form of HALS (pure lipoatrophic vs mixed), the degree of facial lipoatrophy, the presence of hepatitis C virus infection, and the pair of nucleosides in HAART. d4T-TP levels correlated only with cumulative d4T exposure in time and dose. d4T-TP intracellular levels were independently associated with HALS (odds ratio, 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-2.32; P=.019).

CONCLUSIONS

Intracellular levels of d4T-TP are strongly associated with the development of HALS.

[Intraoperative complications of corticosubcortical mapping]

By looking through our cases and literature, an analysis of the surgical complications derived from direct cerebral stimulation under general anesthesia and local anesthesia and sedation was made. A retrospective descriptive study was performed including patients who were intervened in our centre from 2004 to 2008 and had the cortico-subcortical mapping technique. Common pre-operation variables were as follow: Age, sex, tumor localization and tumor's pathology; On patients intervened while awake, we collected the ASA, BMI and duration of the intervention. Afterwards, variable like epileptic attacks and cerebral edema were included in two groups. In addition, on those awake, respiratory and circulatory complications, local anesthesia toxicity, poor level of sedation, nausea and vomiting, pain and feeling uncomfortable with body posture were collected as well. A total of 20 patients had surgery. 10 of them were operated under local anesthesia and sedation with a mean age of 41 years, mean BMI of 26.8 and a pre-operatory ASA score of I or II ( except one patient with ASA III). The mean time duration of the surgical procedure was 5 hours and 20 minutes. On the other side, 10 patients were intervened with general anesthesia with a mean age of 55 years. There were no cases of cerebral edema in either group, although in 4 patients had epileptic attacks which resolved with cold saline irrigation. Five patients with local anesthesia and sedation did not have any complication, 2 patients showed desaturation episodes without further complications, three manifested hypertension episodes and two signs of feeling uncomfortable with body posture. None of the intra-operatory complications registered interfered wit the overall surgical procedure. This is a safe technique if performed following recommended indications and parameters. Regarding complications, respiratory complications are the most common and the most dangerous, as they can influence in the surgical procedure for difficult cases.