Deficit of vitamin D in pregnancy and growth and overweight in the offspring

BACKGROUND

Maternal vitamin D status during fetal development may influence offspring growth and risk of obesity; however, evidence in humans is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether maternal circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) concentration in pregnancy is associated with offspring prenatal and postnatal growth and overweight.

METHODS

Plasma 25(OH)D3 concentration was measured in pregnant women (median weeks of gestation 14.0, range 13.0-15.0) from the INMA (INfancia y Medio Ambiente) cohort (Spain, 2003-2008) (n = 2358). Offspring femur length (FL), biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC) and estimated fetal weight (EFW) were evaluated at 12, 20 and 34 weeks of gestation by ultrasound examinations. Fetal overweight was defined either as AC or as EFW ⩾ 90th percentile. Child's anthropometry was recorded at ages 1 and 4 years. Rapid growth was defined as a weight gain z-score of >0.67 from birth to ages 6 months and 1 year. Age- and sex-specific z-scores for body mass index (BMI) were calculated at ages 1 and 4 years (World Health Organization referent); infant's overweight was defined as a BMI z-score ⩾ 85th percentile.

RESULTS

We found no association of maternal 25(OH)D3 concentration with FL and a weak inverse association with BPD at 34 weeks. Maternal deficit of 25(OH)D3 (<20 ng ml(-1)) was associated with increased risk of fetal overweight defined as AC ⩾ 90th percentile (odds ratio (OR) = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-2.21; P = 0.041) or either as EFW ⩾ 90th percentile (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.00-2.16; P = 0.046). No significant associations were found with rapid growth. Deficit of 25(OH)D3 in pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of overweight in offspring at age 1 year (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.02-1.97; P = 0.039); however, the association was attenuated at age 4 years (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 0.83-1.72; P = 0.341).

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy may increase the risk of prenatal and early postnatal overweight in offspring. Clinical trials are warranted to determine the role of vitamin D in the early origins of obesity.

Efecto del tipo genético y la maduración sobre la retención de agua en carne de toros castrados

La capacidad de retención de agua en crudo (CRAr) y en cocinado (CRAc) fue determinada en carne madurada a 7, 14 y 21 días post mórtem. Los músculos Longissimus dorsi (LD) y Semitendi-nosus (ST) de 164 machos castrados provenientes del cruce de machos de las razas Simmental, Normanda, Blanco Orejinegro, Braunvieh, Guzerat, Brahman Blanco, Brahman Rojo, Limousin y Romosinuano con hembras Brahman blanco. Para el parámetro CRAr en LD se presentó significancia de los factores tipo genético y maduración y en ST del factor maduración. Para el parámetro de CRAc en LD fue significativo el factor tipo genético y para ST ninguno de los dos factores fue significativo. No existieron interacciones significativas de los dos factores evaluados. Lo ideal es someter a tiempos cortos de maduración ambos músculos y tener en cuenta el tipo genético al cual pertenece el individuo con el fin de minimizar las pérdidas de exudado.

New contributions to granite characterization by ultrasonic testing

Ultrasound evaluation permits the state of rocks to be determined quickly and cheaply, satisfying the demands faced by today's producers of ornamental stone, such as environmental sustainability, durability and safety of use. The basic objective of the present work is to analyse and develop the usefulness of ultrasound testing in estimating the physico-mechanical properties of granite. Various parameters related to Fast Fourier Transform (FFTs) and attenuation have been extracted from some of the studies conducted (parameters which have not previously been considered in work on this topic, unlike the ultrasonic pulse velocity). The experimental study was carried out on cubic specimens of 30 cm edges using longitudinal and shear wave transducers and equipment which extended the normally used natural resonance frequency range up to 500 kHz. Additionally, a validation study of the laboratory data has been conducted and some methodological improvements have been implemented. The main contribution of the work is the analysis of linear statistical correlations between the aforementioned new ultrasound parameters and physico-mechanical properties of the granites that had not previously been studied, i.e., resistance to salt crystallization and breaking load for anchors. Being properties that directly affect the durability and safety of use of granites, these correlations consolidate ultrasonics as a nondestructive method well suited to this type of material.

Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Risk After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery

Background: The present multicentre study was aimed at determining the effect of preoperative atrial fibrillation (preop-AF) as stroke risk factor in coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) during the perioperative period. Methods: Patients undergoing isolated CABG surgery were enrolled from 21 Spanish centers. Baseline variables related with perioperative stroke risk were recorded and analysed. The Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group (NNECVDSG) stroke risk schema was used to stratify stroke risk and compare predicted vs observed neurologic outcomes in this study. Results: 26347 patients were enrolled in the study. Prevalence of preop-AF was 4.2%, and was associated significantly with major cardiovascular comorbidities. The stroke rate was 1.38% (365 strokes), and it was slightly higher for patients with preop-AF vs non preop-AF, 1.82% vs 1.36%, p = 0.2. NNECVDSG schema showed good predictive ability calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (c-statistic 0.696; 95% CI 0.668 to 0.723). To investigate the associations of baseline preoperative variables with perioperative CABG-stroke a logistic regression model was performed. Preop-AF impact on perioperative stroke was lower that other variables. Preop-AF did not show an adverse impact in the quartiles groups according to NNECVDSG Stroke Risk Index. Conclusion: Risk of perioperative stroke in isolated CABG surgery patients is not significantly increased by preop-AF.

Analysis of the antioxidant response of Nicotiana benthamiana to infection with two strains of Pepper mild mottle virus

The present study was carried out to investigate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism in symptom development and pathogenesis in Nicotiana benthamiana plants upon infection with two strains of Pepper mild mottle virus, the Italian (PMMoV-I) and the Spanish (PMMoV-S) strains. In this host, it has been shown that PMMoV-I is less virulent and plants show the capability to recover 21 d after inoculation. Analyses of oxidative stress biomarkers, ROS-scavenging enzyme activities, and antioxidant compounds were conducted in plants at different post-infection times. Only PMMoV-I stimulated a defence response through: (i) up-regulation of different superoxide dismutase isozymes; (ii) maintenance of adequate levels of three peroxiredoxins (2-Cys Prx, Prx IIC, and Prx IIF); and (iii) adjustments in the glutathione pool to maintain the total glutathione content. Moreover, there was an increase in the level of oxidized glutathione and ascorbate in the recovery phase of PMMoV-I-infected plants. The antioxidant response and the extent of oxidative stress in N. benthamiana plants correlates to: (i) the severity of the symptoms elicited by either strain of PMMoV; and (ii) the high capacity of PMMoV-I-infected plants for symptom recovery and delayed senescence, compared with PMMoV-S-infected plants.

Quality of life in patients operated on for digestive neoplasia: a prospective study

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life in patients having surgery for a digestive neoplasm and to monitor how the patient's perception evolves during the first 6 months after surgery.

METHOD

A prospective study was carried out on the pre and postoperative quality of life of patients undergoing surgery for a digestive system neoplasm between May 2009 and December 2010. Patients were asked to complete the Short Form (36) Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36; spanish version 1.4).

RESULTS

The study included 80 patients. At 1 month after surgery there was a statistically significant improvement in some domains of the SF-36. At 6 months, a statistically significant improvement was seen in physical functioning, social functioning, mental health and in the two physical and mental domains. We also found statistically significant differences, with women having a worse quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Comparison of quality of life before and 6 months after surgical intervention showed improvement in both the psychological and the physical elements. This can be attributed to the fact that the patients have had time to recover from the surgery.

Razón de sexos y morfometría de Calidris minutilla (Aves, Scolopacidae) en Cuba: un análisis a partir de especímenes en colecciones científicas

Sex ratio and morphometrics of Calidris minutilla (Aves, Scolopacidae) in Cuba: an analysis of specimens in scientific collections Calidris minutilla (Least Sandpiper) populations exhibit morphometric variation across breeding and wintering sites. We documented sex ratio (N = 99) and morphological measurements (N = 49) of Least Sandpiper inhabiting Cuba using specimens in museum collections. We also assessed bill length variation in relation to the longitude (degrees) and type of coastal zone where sampling was conducted. Proportion of female was 0.47 and morphometric measurements were within the range described for the species. Differences in bill length were explained by sex but not by sampling site characteristics.

Acute effects of distribution of rest between repetitions

The purpose of this study was to compare acute mechanical and metabolic effects of 2 sessions of resistance training equated by volume and total resting time but with different set configuration: sets to failure (FS) vs. distribution of rest between each repetition (NFS). 10 male judoists completed a session consisting of 3 sets to failure of parallel back squat with 4 repetitions at maximum load, and a rest of 3 min between the sets. At least 72 h later subjects developed the same volume, but total resting time was distributed among individual repetitions. Before and after sessions isometric force and mean propulsive velocity with load corresponding to maximum propulsive power were assessed. Results showed that in respect to FS, NFS showed an 18.94% (± 17.98) higher average mean propulsive velocity during session (0.42 ± 0.04 vs. 0.35 ± 0.08 m.s - 1; p=0.009), lower blood lactate concentration after session (maximum average value 1.52 ± 0.77 vs. 3.95 ± 1.82; session effect: p=0.001) and higher mean propulsive velocity with load corresponding to maximum propulsive power (mean propulsive velocity immediately after session 0.64 ± 0.09 vs. 0.59 ± 0.12 m.s - 1; session effect: p=0.019). These data show that distribution of rest in sessions equated for volume and total resting time determines differences in performance during sessions and mechanical or metabolic acute effects.

[Efficacy of a topical treatment protocol with dimethyl sulfoxide 50% in type 1 complex regional pain syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the efficacy of a topical treatment protocol with DMSO 50% to alleviate inflammatory processes in type 1 complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) with a course of less than 1 year.

METHOD

Retrospective study performed in a traumatology hospital on patients with type 1 CRPS for whom a standard treatment algorithm was prescribed with stepwise administration of oral drugs and interventional techniques. Patients also received topical DMSO 50% cream as a magistral formula. The follow-up period, lasting until patient discharge, or during 1 year for persistent cases, included 6 visits: baseline, 15 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The evaluation was performed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) as the main efficacy variable. Secondary variables were the Likert scale for quality of life and the limb capacity variable (range of motion, strength, overall limb function). A questionnaire designed for the study was also given.

RESULTS

Overall decrease in VAS score in the 29 patients was 3.09 points. The Likert scale score increased by 1.36 points. The scores measuring limb capacity increased to 12.03 for range of motion and to 3 in strength with overall function rated «moderate».

CONCLUSIONS

Topical application of DMSO 50% associated with a treatment algorithm decreased pain intensity according to the VAS score with results approaching absence of pain, and led to higher scores on the quality of life questionnaire. Topical DMSO 50% is an additional tool for use in treating CRPS I. Its side effects are scarce and it provides an overall sense of relief and lessens rigidity.

Long-term results of surgery plus fibrin sealant for anal fistula

AIM

The long-term recurrence rate of fibrin glue treatment was analysed in patients with trans-sphincteric cryptoglandular fistula operated by a two-phase procedure: (i) fistulectomy with seton placement; (ii) fibrin sealant (Tissucol Duo®, Baxter) insertion in the track.

METHOD

Clinical data were collected prospectively for all patients operated between 2004 and 2010. The statistical association of clinical variables and recurrence was analysed and a disease-free curve was constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight consecutive patients (mean age 48.3 ± 13.3 years; 22 men) were enrolled in the study. Middle and high trans-sphincteric fistulae were diagnosed in 20 (71.4%) and eight (28.6%) patients. Seven (25%) had secondary track formation. The mean interval between the first operation and the fibrin sealant treatment was 12.5 ± 7.6 months. There were no complications related to the procedure. Nine (32.1%, 95% CI 17.9-50.7%) patients developed recurrence between 3 and 27 months after fibrin sealant treatment. Disease-free curves showed that the highest probability of recurrence occurred in the first 2 years. No incontinence was found at a mean follow-up of 20.6 (3-60) months among the 67.8% patients with no evidence of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Fibrin sealant is safe and simple. The healing rate is satisfactory without the risk of incontinence.

Rifampicin-miconazole-impregnated catheters save cost in jugular venous sites with tracheostomy

Antimicrobial-impregnated catheters are more expensive than standard catheters (S-C). A higher incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) has been found in jugular venous access with tracheostomy than without tracheostomy. The objective of this study was to determine central venous catheter (CVC)-related costs (considering only the cost of the CVC, diagnosis of CRBSI, and antimicrobial agents used to treat CRBSI) using rifampicin-miconazole-impregnated catheters (RM-C) or S-C in jugular venous access with tracheostomy. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with tracheostomy who received one or more jugular venous catheters. RM-C showed a lower incidence of CRBSI compared with S-C (0 vs. 20.16 CRBSI episodes/1,000 catheter-days; odds ratio=0.05; 95% confidence interval=0.001-0.32; p<0.001) and lower CVC-related costs (including the cost of the CVC, diagnosis, and treatment of CRBSI) (<euro>11.46 ± 6.25 vs. <euro>38.11 ± 77.25; p<0.001) in jugular venous access with tracheostomy. The use of RM-C could reduce CVC-related costs in jugular venous access with tracheostomy. The results of our study may contribute to clinical decision-making and selection of those patients who could benefit from the use of antimicrobial-impregnated catheters.

Epigenomic profiling in polycythaemia vera and essential thrombocythaemia shows low levels of aberrant DNA methylation

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to compare the DNA-methylation signature in classic chronic Philadelphia negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), polycythaemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythaemia (ET), in order to obtain a global insight into DNA-methylation changes associated with these malignancies.

METHODS

Thirty-five MPN samples from 11 ET JAK2 V617F, 12 ET JAK2 wild type (WT) and 12 PV JAK2 V617F patients as well as 12 from healthy donors were analysed. DNA samples extracted from whole peripheral blood were hybridised to the 'HumanMethylation27 DNA Analysis BeadChip.'

RESULTS

All groups showed a very homogeneous methylation pattern. Only the ZNF577 gene showed a differential methylation profile between PV JAK2 V617F positive and controls. This aberrant methylation was correlated with a differential gene expression of ZNF577. No aberrant hypermethylation was found in the SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 genes.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our results, an aberrant methylation pattern does not seem to play a crucial role in MPN pathogenesis; nor does it justify phenotypical differences between PV and ET.