Bacterial lipopolysaccharide forms aggregates with apolipoproteins in male and female rat brains after ethanol binges

Alcohol binge drinking allows the translocation of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from the gut to the blood, which activates the peripheral immune system with consequences in neuroinflammation. A possible access/direct signaling of LPS to/in the brain has not yet been described under alcohol abuse conditions. Apolipoproteins are compounds altered by alcohol with high affinity to LPS which may be involved in its transport to the brain or in its elimination. Here, we explored the expression of small components of LPS, in its free form or bound to apolipoproteins, in the brain of female and male rats exposed to alcohol binges. Animals received ethanol oral gavages (3 g/kg every 8 h) for 4 days. LPS or its components (Lipid A and core), LPS-binding protein, corticosterone, lipoproteins (HDL, LDL), apolipoproteins (ApoAI, ApoB, and ApoE), and their receptors were measured in plasma and/or in nonperfused prefrontal cortex (PFC) and cerebellum. Brain LipidA-apolipoprotein aggregates were determined by Western blotting and confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. In animals exposed to alcohol binges: 1) plasma LPS-binding protein was elevated in both sexes; 2) females showed elevations in plasma ApoAI and corticosterone levels; 3) Lipid A formed aggregates with ApoAI in the female PFC and with ApoB in males, the latter showing Toll-like receptor 4 upregulation in PFC but not females. These results suggest that small bacterial components are present within the brain, forming aggregates with different apolipoproteins, depending on the sex, after alcohol binge intoxications. Results may have implications for the crosstalk between alcohol, LPS, and neuroinflammation.

Monocyte and Lymphocyte Activation and Regulation in Multiple Sclerosis Patients. Therapy Effects

Analysis of gut barrier status, monocyte and lymphocyte activation and T regulatory (Treg) cells at diagnosis before and after therapy, in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Analysis of differential effects of interferon beta (IFN-β), glatiramer acetate (GA) and natalizumab. Thirty-five patients with untreated MS were included. Gut barrier status (serum concentrations of intestinal fatty acid binding protein), monocyte (serum levels of soluble CD14, soluble CD163 and interleukin 6) and T lymphocyte activation (CD4 + DR+ and CD8 + DR+) and Treg (CD4 + CD25highFoxP3+) cells were analyzed. Patients with clinical isolated syndrome and relapsing-remitting forms were treated with IFN-β or GA, and immune characteristics were reevaluated following up after 6 months. A sample of 56 stable RR MS patients, in treatment with IFN-β, GA or natalizumab, and 50 healthy individuals were included as controls. Gut barrier status was similar in MS patients and healthy controls. Untreated patients with relapsing-remitting and primary progressive patterns of MS showed increased serum levels of soluble CD14. At baseline, significant increases in activated T lymphocytes and Treg were detected in patients. A significant decrease of CD4 + DR+, CD8 + DR+, and Treg percentages after 6 months of therapy was observed. In previously treated patients, IFN-β, GA, or natalizumab therapies were associated with a comparable cell proportion of activated lymphocytes and Treg. MS patients have a baseline state characterized by monocyte and lymphocyte activation, not related with gut barrier lesion. An increase in Treg number, correlated with activated T CD8+ lymphocytes, was detected. Treatment with IFN-β, GA or natalizumab was associated with a comparable decrease in activated lymphocytes and Treg. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Modeling of volatile and phenolic compounds and optimization of the process conditions for obtaining balanced extra virgin olive oils

The main objective of this paper is to obtain extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) which are balanced in volatile and phenolic compounds. An experimental design was performed and response surface methodology was applied. The factors for malaxation were: temperature 20-40 °C, time 30-90 min, and hole diameter of hammer-crusher 4.5-6.5 mm. The results show that high temperatures and small hole diameter must be used in order to obtain a higher content in phenolic compounds, while for volatile compounds a low temperature and large hole diameter must be used. The models predict that the best and more balanced EVOO are obtained with the hole diameter of greater size and a medium-low temperature. Thus, for a hammer-crusher hole diameter of 6.5 mm 337 and 356 mg/kg total HPLC phenols were obtained for malaxation temperature of 20 and 25 °C, respectively and, likewise, 12.7 and 11.5 mg/kg total LOX volatiles.

Short-term effect of crunch exercise frequency on abdominal muscle endurance

Despite core exercise programs are broadly used to increase muscle function and to promote low back health, there is a lack of scientific evidence on some of the most important characteristics of trunk exercise programs, as for example training frequency. This study aimed to compare the short-term effect of training frequencies of 1, 2 and 3 days per week (d/wk) on abdominal muscle endurance in untrained adolescents. One hundred and eighteen high-school students (59 men and 59 women) with no previous experience in structured abdominal exercise programs were assigned randomly to groups that trained 1 d/wk (G1; N.=21), 2 d/wk (G2; N.=27), 3 d/wk (G3; N.=23), or to a control group (CG; N.=47) that did not train. The training groups performed crunch and cross-crunch exercises 1, 2 or 3 d/wk during six weeks. Before and after the training period, the bench trunk-curl test (BTC test) was carried out to assess abdominal muscle endurance. Men obtained higher BTC test scores than women before and after training. Training frequencies of 1, 2 and 3 d/wk provided a significant increase in BTC test scores; however, no significant differences between the three groups' scores were found after training. Therefore, a small dose of crunch exercise training (1 d/wk) may be sufficient stimulus to increase abdominal endurance in untrained male and female adolescents, at least during the first weeks of an abdominal exercise program, which seems a very relevant finding in terms of time-cost efficiency.

Ethanol production from glucose and xylose obtained from steam exploded water-extracted olive tree pruning using phosphoric acid as catalyst

In this work, the effect of phosphoric acid (1% w/w) in steam explosion pretreatment of water extracted olive tree pruning at 175°C and 195°C was evaluated. The objective is to produce ethanol from all sugars (mainly glucose and xylose) contained in the pretreated material. The water insoluble fraction obtained after pretreatment was used as substrate in a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process by a commercial strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The liquid fraction, containing mainly xylose, was detoxified by alkali and ion-exchange resin and then fermented by the xylose fermenting yeast Scheffersomyces stipitis. Ethanol yields reached in a SSF process were close to 80% when using 15% (w/w) substrate consistency and about 70% of theoretical when using prehydrolysates detoxified by ion-exchange resins. Considering sugars recovery and ethanol yields about 160g of ethanol from kg of water extracted olive tree pruning could be obtained.

Altered glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in a mouse line with activated polyamine catabolism

Ubiquitous activation of polyamine catabolism has been demonstrated to have protective effects in mice on fat accumulation and insulin sensitivity/glucose tolerance in, both, normal conditions and after a high fat diet. We have analyzed the endocrine pancreas functionality in four months-old male mice overexpressing the rate limiting enzyme in the polyamine catabolism, spermidine/spermine N¹-acetyltransferase (SSAT). The pancreatic SSAT activity was 37-fold elevated in the transgenic mice, which reduced the total pancreatic and islet pools of spermidine (71%) and spermine (69%), and increased putrescine and N¹-acetyl spermidine. Reduction in the islet ATP levels (65%) was accompanied with increased transcription of 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) (1.5-fold) and Foxa2 (2.7-fold), and reduced HNF4α (67%) and HNF1α (92%), insulin 1 (47%), insulin 2 (50%), and Glut2 (57%). Moreover, the SSAT transgenic mice also presented increased beta cell area, decreased insulin production, and altered glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. It has been hypothesized that the acute activation of the polyamine catabolism produces a futile cycle that greatly decreases the energy reserves of the cell. The lower energy status would activate the energy expenditure regulator, AMPK, which would consequently repress the PI3K/Akt pathway, and activate the transcription factor Foxa2.

Temephos resistance and esterase activity in the mosquito Aedes aegypti in Havana, Cuba increased dramatically between 2006 and 2008

Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) control programmes in Cuba rely on the application of the organophosphate temephos for larval control. Hence, the monitoring of resistance to this insecticide is an essential component of such programmes. Here, 15 field populations from different municipalities of Havana City were assayed for resistance to temephos. High levels of resistance were detected in all strains and resistance ratios were highly correlated with esterase activity (P = 0.00001). Populations from three municipalities were tested in both 2006 and 2008; resistance and esterase activities both significantly increased during this 2-year period. Synergist studies demonstrated that neither glutathione transferases nor monooxygenases were associated with the increase in resistance to temephos in this period. The duration of the efficacy of commercial formulations of temephos in controlling Ae. aegypti populations in Havana City was reduced by the high level of temephos resistance observed; hence these data are of clear operational significance for the dengue control programme in Cuba. New integrated strategies to avoid further increases in temephos resistance in Cuba are necessary.

Lava cave microbial communities within mats and secondary mineral deposits: implications for life detection on other planets

Lava caves contain a wealth of yellow, white, pink, tan, and gold-colored microbial mats; but in addition to these clearly biological mats, there are many secondary mineral deposits that are nonbiological in appearance. Secondary mineral deposits examined include an amorphous copper-silicate deposit (Hawai'i) that is blue-green in color and contains reticulated and fuzzy filament morphologies. In the Azores, lava tubes contain iron-oxide formations, a soft ooze-like coating, and pink hexagons on basaltic glass, while gold-colored deposits are found in lava caves in New Mexico and Hawai'i. A combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular techniques was used to analyze these communities. Molecular analyses of the microbial mats and secondary mineral deposits revealed a community that contains 14 phyla of bacteria across three locations: the Azores, New Mexico, and Hawai'i. Similarities exist between bacterial phyla found in microbial mats and secondary minerals, but marked differences also occur, such as the lack of Actinobacteria in two-thirds of the secondary mineral deposits. The discovery that such deposits contain abundant life can help guide our detection of life on extraterrestrial bodies.

Evolution of anthropogenic aerosols in the coastal town of Salina Cruz, Mexico: part II particulate phase chemistry

An analysis of atmospheric gases and particles during periods of land and sea breezes in a coastal city in southwest Mexico indicates limited removal of total particle mass by deposition during periods when the air resides over the ocean. The average PM(2.5) mass concentrations for land and sea breeze samples were 25+/-1.0 and 26+/-1.0 microg m(-3), respectively. The average sum of the ion concentrations (NH(4)(+), SO(4)(2-), NO(3)(-), Na(+), Cl(-)) were 10 and 11.8 microg m(-3) for the samples taken during land and sea breeze periods. The average total carbon concentrations were 6.0 and 5.3 microg m(-3) for land and sea breeze periods. The mass of sulfate in particles of ocean origin, 3.3+/-2.8 microg m(-3), is marginally higher than those originating from the land, 2.0+/-0.8 microg m(-3), presumably as a result of the conversion of SO(2) recirculated from the city. The fraction of sulfate, nitrate and ammonium ions in rainwater samples is almost a factor of two higher than the fraction measured on filtered air samples. The rainwater also contains significant concentrations of elemental and organic carbon. This study, although extending over a period of only 15 days, with limited chemical samples, suggests that recirculation of anthropogenic particles from coastal cities should be taken into consideration when diagnosing and predicting air quality in such regions.

Photobiomodulation of Pain and Inflammation in Microcrystalline Arthropathies: Experimental and Clinical Results

OBJECTIVE

This article presents the results of laser therapy in crystal (hydroxyapatite, calcium pyrophosphate, and urates) deposition-induced arthritis in rats and the clinical applications in humans.

BACKGROUND DATA

Microcrystalline arthropathies are prevalent among geriatric patients, who are more vulnerable to the side effects of drugs. The effectiveness of laser therapy for pain relief, free of side effects, has been reported in painful conditions.

METHODS

Two milligrams of each of the above-mentioned crystals was injected in both joints of the back limbs in three groups of rats; these groups were then treated with laser irradiation. Three other groups received no treatment after the injections. We determined the plasmatic levels of inflammatory markers (fibrinogen, prostaglandin E2, and TNF(alpha)), tissues (prostaglandin E(2)) and conducted anatomopathological studies. Twenty-five patients with acute gout arthritis were randomized into two groups and treated over 5 days: group A, diclofenac 75 mg orally, twice a day; and group B, laser irradiation once a day. Forty-nine patients with knee chronic pyrophosphate arthropathy were randomized into two groups and treated over 21 days; group A, diclofenac 50 mg orally, twice a day; and group B, laser irradiation once a day. Thirty patients with shoulder chronic hydroxyapatite arthropathy were randomized into two groups and treated over 21 days; group A, diclofenac 50 mg orally, twice a day; and group B, laser irradiation once a day.

RESULTS

Fibrinogen, prostaglandin E(2), and TNF(alpha) concentrations in the rats injected with crystals and treated with laser decreased significantly as compared with the groups injected with crystals without treatment. Both laser therapy and diclofenac achieved rapid pain relief in patients with acute gouty arthritis without significant differences in efficacy. Laser therapy was more effective than diclofenac in patients with chronic pyrophosphate arthropathy and in patients with chronic apatite deposition disease.

CONCLUSION

Laser therapy represents an effective treatment in the therapeutic arsenal of microcrystalline arthropathies.

He-Ne laser on microcrystalline arthropathies

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this work is to assess the anti-inflammatory capacity of He-Ne laser therapy as determined by the plasmatic levels of inflammatory markers, fibrinogen, and TNFalpha and by histopathological study in rats with arthropathy induced by calcium pyrophosphate crystals.

BACKGROUND DATA

Microcrystalline arthropathies are a group of diseases characterized by the deposit of different crystals in joints.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two milligrams of dicalcium pyrophosphate crystals (DCPP) were injected in both joints of the lower limbs of rats during 2 days. A group was treated with laser of He-Ne (6 mW) on the injected joints during 3 consecutive days. After 96 h of the first injection, animals were sacrificed to determine TNFalpha using the ELISA method and fibrinogen was assessed using spectrophotometry. Sections from the lower limbs were used for histopathology.

RESULTS

A statistically significant increase (p < 0.001) in plasma fibrinogen levels and TNFalpha was noted between the control group and the laser-treated group. The histological transversal section of a posterior limb joint of a rat injected with DCPP showed fibroadipose tissue with diffuse chronic infiltrate. The histopathology of the group of rats injected with DCPP and subsequently treated with He-Ne laser showed no inflammatory response.

CONCLUSION

He-Ne laser treatment in the microcrystalline arthropathy induced in rats by DCPP injection might have an antiinflammatory effect, evaluated by fibrinogen plasma levels and TNF-alpha (inflammatory markers) and by the histopathology regressive process.

A leishmanin skin test survey in the human population of l'Alacantí region (Spain): implications for the epidemiology of Leishmania infantum infection in southern Europe

A study of leishmanin skin test reactors was carried out in 1997 and 1998 in an endemic region in southeast Spain, to estimate the magnitude of and the factors related to subclinical Leishmania infantum infection. In the main focus of leishmaniasis in the region, 11.5% of the children and 52.8% of the adults reacted to the skin test. Among the adults, the response was significantly greater for males and for those who had resided in the area for > or = 15 years. In the whole region, 3.7% 14-year-old students reacted to the skin test, with no gender differences. The main factors related to a positive skin test result were having a parent or sibling recovered from leishmaniasis (relative risk = 14) and living in the rural periphery of the region as opposed to the metropolitan area (relative risk = 4). These results indicate a high frequency of subclinical leishmaniasis in the region. We postulate that the decline in childhood visceral leishmaniasis in southern Europe in the second half of the 20th century is related to social changes, which gave rise to a less frequent exposure at a young age as well as a lowered susceptibility to disease through nutritional and immune improvements.

[Neonatal reflexes variability in the normal full term neonate during the neurological exam]

It has been stated that findings in neonatal neurological examinations can play a role as a pointer to adverse developmental outcome. The description of the examinations, and their presence or absence differed among authors without clear reference to their physiological variability ranges. We approached the study of some neonatal behaviours and reflexes in 143 examinations made on 113 healthy newborn babies from the maternity wards by looking at the influence that perinatal environmental factors which are considered normal, can play in these examinations. The results showed that the flexion answer of the Babinski reflex increased significantly between the first and third day of life (c2= 4.4478; p= 0.03495) in the same way there was an increase in the stepping reflex (c2= 3.999; p= 0.04552) in the righting reflex (c2= 4.9342; p= 0.02633) and in the supporting reaction (c2= 11.7874; p= 0.0006). This was significantly reduced in the caesarean section deliveries (c2= 7.1209; p= 0.0076). Head reaction was only detectable during the Brazelton behavioural states 1 to 3 (c2= 3.8911; p= 0.04854) and the same thing happened with the stepping reflex (c2= 4.9370; p= 0.02629). We discuss the utility of neonatal reflexes scoring scales in predicting the neurodevelopmental outcome of the newborn baby.

Fatty acid composition of mature breast milk according to the mothers diet during pregnancy

Mothers taking 200 g of fish per week, showed a greater content in mature breast milk of n-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA. AA was not decreased. Vitamin D content was low despite mothers were living in a sunny and temperate area. The content of 25 hydroxyvitamin D is increased in the group on fish intake, probably pointing out its marine source.

Fatty acid absorption in preterms on formulas with and without long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and in terms on formulas without these added

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have beneficial effects in preterm neurophysiological development and are semi-essential. Their levels and variation in plasma and red cells in term and preterms are better known than their intestinal absorption. In this paper the absorption of supplemented arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is evaluated in a preterm group.

DESIGN

Four newborn randomized groups were studied. Group T comprised 11 terms on regular formula. Preterms: group P (n=9) was on a classic preterm formula.

INTERVENTION

groups PA (n=9) and PB (n=13) were on the same formula but PB contained AA and DHA in similar proportion to breast milk. At 20 days a 3 day metabolic balance was taken for Ca, P(i), Mg, total fat and individual fatty acids (C8-C24, saturated unsaturated).

RESULTS

Calcium absorption was (mean+/-s.d.) 51+/-13% in terms. In preterms it was respectively 45+/-18, 38+/-11 and 37+/-21%. Total fat absorption was 92.0+/-8.0% in terms, and from 95.0+/-2.0 to 91.0+/-8.0% in preterms. Absorption of 8:0, 10:0 and 12:0 showed a very high and constant rate despite significant intake differences (715-33 mg/kg/day). Linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid were absorbed in the three groups at around 94% regardless of a greater LA intake in group P. Details of absorption (mg/kg/day) were: for AA, intake 17+/-7, fecal excretion 5+/-4, net retention 12+/-5 (75.0+/-18%); for DHA, intake 10+/-3, fecal excretion 3+/-2, net retention 6+/-4 (62.3+/-30%).

CONCLUSION

Intestinal absorption of fatty acids is high and is comparable in terms and preterms as regards the studied acids. Longer acids were less well absorbed. The supplemented amounts of AA and DHA were less well absorbed and probably not impairing calcium absorption.

SPONSORSHIP

University of Alicante, University of Miguel Hernández.

Beyond prejudice as simple antipathy: hostile and benevolent sexism across cultures

The authors argue that complementary hostile and benevolent components of sexism exist across cultures. Male dominance creates hostile sexism (HS), but men's dependence on women fosters benevolent sexism (BS)--subjectively positive attitudes that put women on a pedestal but reinforce their subordination. Research with 15,000 men and women in 19 nations showed that (a) HS and BS are coherent constructs that correlate positively across nations, but (b) HS predicts the ascription of negative and BS the ascription of positive traits to women, (c) relative to men, women are more likely to reject HS than BS, especially when overall levels of sexism in a culture are high, and (d) national averages on BS and HS predict gender inequality across nations. These results challenge prevailing notions of prejudice as an antipathy in that BS (an affectionate, patronizing ideology) reflects inequality and is a cross-culturally pervasive complement to HS.

[Risk factors predictive of neurological sequelae in term newborn infants with perinatal asphyxia]

INTRODUCTION

Perinatal asphyxia (PA) and its neurologic manifestations are the most important cause of brain injury and neurologic sequelae in full-term infants. The objective of this study is to analyze the perinatal risk factors of neurologic sequelae in asphyctic term newborns.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and fifty-six consecutive asphyctic term infants were studied prospectively during 40 months. PA was graded in two stages (severe and non-severe), hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy classification was based on Levene's criteria, and neurologic sequelae was based on Finer and Amiel-Tisson's criteria. The perinatal variables were graded as prenatal (gestational and obstetrics), neonatal (resuscitation, general data of the newborn, and organic manifestations of asphyxia) and postneonatal (neurologic sequelae with at least 24 months of follow-up). The relationships between these variables are studied by univariant and multivariant analysis (Cox's regression).

RESULTS

PA was graded as severe in 31 cases and non-severe in 125. Neurologic manifestations (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy) during neonatal period were present in 25.6%, and extraneurologic manifestations (hypoxic-ischemic disease) in 41.7% cases. The incidence of neurologic sequelae, in 115 asphyxiated full-term infants follow-up at least 24 months, was 16.5% (19 cases). The perinatal variables associated to risk of neurologic sequelae on univariate analysis are variables of neonatal resuscitation (1 minute Apgar score < or = 4, 5 minute Apgar score < or = 6, endotracheal intubation, severity of PA) and variables of systemic manifestations (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, cardiovascular and multi-systemic dysfunction, and mechanical ventilation). But only two variables are independently associated on multivariate analysis: severe PA (RR = 2.82; IC = 1.07-7.39) and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (RR = 4.17; IC = 1.48-11.75).

CONCLUSIONS

The best predictive risk factors for the neurological prognosis at follow-up are severe PA at birth and/or evidence of encephalopathy in neonatal period.

Beyond prejudice as simple antipathy: hostile and benevolent sexism across cultures

The authors argue that complementary hostile and benevolent components of sexism exist across cultures. Male dominance creates hostile sexism (HS), but men's dependence on women fosters benevolent sexism (BS)--subjectively positive attitudes that put women on a pedestal but reinforce their subordination. Research with 15,000 men and women in 19 nations showed that (a) HS and BS are coherent constructs that correlate positively across nations, but (b) HS predicts the ascription of negative and BS the ascription of positive traits to women, (c) relative to men, women are more likely to reject HS than BS, especially when overall levels of sexism in a culture are high, and (d) national averages on BS and HS predict gender inequality across nations. These results challenge prevailing notions of prejudice as an antipathy in that BS (an affectionate, patronizing ideology) reflects inequality and is a cross-culturally pervasive complement to HS.

[Neurological evolution of asphyctic full-term newborns with severe umbilical acidosis (pHUA <7.00)]

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Umbilical arterial blood pH (pHUA) has become increasingly recognized as the most reliable indication of foetal oxygenation and acid-base condition at birth. In term infants pHUA is a poor predictor of newborn complications associated with perinatal asphyxia (PA), unless the pHUA is less than 7.00. The objective of this article is to analyse the neurologic evolution of asphyctic full-term newborns with severe umbilical acidosis (pHUA < or = 7.00).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and eighty consecutive asphyxiated term infants were studied during 64 months, and classified in two cohorts: G1 (pHUA < or = 7.00, n = 18) and G2 (pHUA > 7.00, n = 162). Variables prospectively obtained on standard protocol forms from the medical records were derived from a detailed review of the obstetric record, the delivery room management, the detailed neonatal clinical history and the postneonatal follow-up. The perinatal variables were graded as prenatal (gestational and obstetric), neonatal (resuscitation, general data of the newborn, and organic manifestations of asphyxia) and postneonatal (neurologic sequelae with at lest 24 months of follow-up). PA was graded as severe and non-severe, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy was based on Levene's criteria, and neurologic sequelae were based on Finer and Amiel-Tisson's criteria.

RESULTS

An umbilical artery pH value < or = 7.00 occurred in 0.3% of the total live full-term newborns. In G1 the mean pHUA value was 6.93 +/- 0.06 (range 6.80-7.00) and in G2 the mean pHUA value was 7.17 +/- 0.09 (range 7.01-7.46). The incidence of severe PA was significantly increased in G1 (RR = 4.74, CI 95% = 2.62-8.55, p < 0.001), with more postasphyctic neurologic (RR = 3.72, CI 95% = 2.34-5.92, p < 0.001) and extraneurologic (RR = 3.13, CI 95% = 1.65-5.94, p < 0.01) involvement. But we do not found differences in the incidence of neurologic sequelae between both cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Term asphyctic newborns with severe umbilical acidosis have worse evolution at short term (more clinical involvement during neonatal period), but not worse evolution at long term (neurologic sequelae). The poor correlation between umbilical acidosis and neurologic prognosis persist when pHUA cut-off is < or = 7.00.

A metabolic balance study in term infants fed lactose-containing or lactose-free formula

Lactose-free (L-) formulas are recommended for infants with conditions affecting lactose digestion. Cows' milk protein-based formulas containing other carbohydrate sources are most often used for such infants. This study compared fat absorption and absorption and retention of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in term infants fed either a L- or standard lactose-containing (L+) bovine milk protein-based formula. Data from three single-centre, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group metabolic balance studies were combined. After a 4-7-d equilibration period on either L- or L+ formula, a 72-h balance study was performed. Twenty infants received L- and 21 received L+ formula. Besides the L- group having a higher percentage of males (65%) and the L+ group a higher percentage of females (52.4%), other baseline measurements were similar. The majority of nutrient balance data was similar between the two groups. Exceptions were relative nitrogen absorption, calcium intake and calcium retention, magnesium retention, and faecal phosphorus excretion, all of which were significantly higher in the L- group. Vitamin D supplementation did not significantly affect either calcium or phosphorus data. This new L- formula provided similar nutrients and is a suitable alternative to a L+ formula in term infants requiring L- feedings.

[Urinary excretion of mucopolysaccharides in pediatric and adolescent patients]

OBJECTIVE

Lysosomal enzyme deficiency results in an accumulation of undegraded material producing structural and functional disorders. Mucopolysaccharidosis is a group of disorders caused by an increase in glycosaminoglycans (GAG) (mucopolysaccharides). Mucopolysaccharidosis, while showing a low incidence, has some clinical manifestations that warrant early diagnosis in order to establish immediate therapeutical action. Although definitive diagnosis is based on quantification of the involved enzymatic activity, it is necessary to have easy to use analytical methods available when there is clinical suspicion of the disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study was made on a population of 632 clinically normal adolescents and children (one month to 18 years of age). In all cases a partial sample of urine to quantify glycosaminoglycans and creatinine expressed as the index GAG/creatinine (mg/mmol) was collected. In a reduced group of 27 people a 24-hour urine sample was collected. Determination of glycosaminoglycan levels was performed with a colorimetric reaction with 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue (DMB). Optimal condition of pH, wavelength and reaction time were established. The values found to be optimal for quantification were defined as pH 4.0, wavelength 528 nm and a reaction time of five minutes. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were less than 5%.

RESULTS

Validity of the partial urine sample was established by obtaining a linear correlation between the 24 hour urine sample and the partial urine sample with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.89 (p < 0.0001). The results obtained have allowed the establishment of normal values ranging from an index GAG/creatinine of 8.70 mg/mmol in the group aged 1 to 2 years to 1.34 mg/mmol in the group 17 to 18 years of age, with a distribution of intermediate ages adjusted to a logarithmic function. There was a clear difference in the values obtained in urine of patients with clinical suspicion of mucopolysaccharidosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Modifications in the spectrophotometric method using DMB as a colorant for quantification of glycosaminoglycans are presented. The feasibility, easy application and sensibility of this method, condition required for its widespread use, are confirmed. Normal reference values from a healthy population have been obtained and shown to be age dependent.

[Neuropediatrics in the context of pediatric subspecialties: bibliometric analysis]

INTRODUCTION

There is no detailed information on the scientific production in neuropediatrics (NP) in Spain, and we studied this problem by means of a model of bibliometric analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study of all the articles published in the main pediatric Spanish journal (An Esp Pediatr) over a 13 years period (1984-96). Quantitative and qualitative bibliometric indicators of the articles over NP were performed.

RESULTS

NP is the subject matter in 7.8% (n = 235) of all the articles published in An Esp Pediatr, the fifth subspecialty in productivity. The main type of articles in NP are Clinical notes (55.3%), double than Originals (29.8%). It is important the absolute productivity of two hospitals (La Paz and Sant Joan de Déu), and the relative productivity of others (Xeral de Galicia, Valdecilla, Ramón y Cajal, etc.). The median of authors (5) and the references (15) per article are similar than other biomedical publications. The essential authorship of the scientific activity in NP fall on hospitals, with poor authorship on University and Health Care Centers. Two unfavorable bibliometric indicators in the articles of NP are: 1. Excessive use of English references (insularity index = 9.54%), and 2. The low statistical accessibility in Original articles (1.81), lower than greater part of the pediatric subspecialties.

CONCLUSIONS

NP have a significant quantitative importance in pediatric journals, with some bibliometic indicators that it is suitable to improve: low percentage of Originals with low statistical accessibility, and low insularity index.

Effects of diclofenac sodium and He:Ne laser irradiation on plasmatic fibrinogen levels in inflammatory processes

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present work was to determine the possible synergic effect on the concentration of plasma fibrinogen (PF) by injecting diclofenac sodium associated with laser therapy postsurgery.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and He:Ne laser irradiation as a therapy were used to inhibit the effects generated by inflammation. Tissue injury produces significant increases in PF levels, which are reduced to normal values by administration of NSAIDs or laser irradiation of the injured zone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rate were divided into groups in which different presurgical and postsurgical treatment were used; the inflammation was induced by laparotomy.

RESULTS

Parenteral diclofenac or He:Ne laser irradiation used separately in normal rats did not produce changes in the PF levels. Diclofenac and laser irradiation combined postsurgery produced a significant reduction of PF levels compared with normal values, or with groups that were injected or irradiated postsurgically.

CONCLUSION

The inflammatory response could be reduced by the effect of the diclofenac sodium upon the COX-2/COX-1 inhibitory relation associated with the photobiological effect of the He:Ne laser.

[Increase in the incidence of occipital plagiocephaly]

INTRODUCTION

The diagnosis and treatment of posterior plagiocephaly is one of the most controversial aspects of craniofacial surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The purpose of this study is to describe a recent increase in the incidence of occipital plagiocephaly without synostosis in our hospital during the last 6 months. The shift in the referral patterns is roughly contemporaneous with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations regarding infant sleep position. The temporal coincidence of this increase with the recommendation to avoid the prone sleeping position, to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, suggests a possible causal relationship. If the association is causal, education regarding the need of head position rotation coupled with that for sudden infant death syndrome should obviate positional occipital plagiocephaly.

CONCLUSIONS

The feature of true lambdoid synostosis versus those of deformational plagiocephaly secondary to positional molding are inadequately described in the literature and poorly understood; the differential diagnosis is important in relation to a conservative diagnostical and therapeutical intervention in patients with positional molding.