Imaging leachate runoff from a landfill using magnetotellurics: The Garraf karst case

Electrical and active source electromagnetic geophysical methods have been traditionally employed to approach and tackle environmental problems, such as those caused by landfills. However, since these problems are more consequential and cover broader areas, it is necessary to use deeper penetration methods, such as magnetotellurics. In the Garraf Massif (Catalan Coastal Ranges, NE Spain), an urban waste disposal landfill had been in operation from 1974 to 2006, during which >26 million metric tons of garbage had been deposited. This landfill overlies karstic terrain, thus principally impacting groundwater circulation. Previous electrical resistivity tomography profiles had partially imaged the infill but were not able to penetrate below the base of the original landfill. During 2019 and 2020 we performed a magnetotelluric study over the landfill and its surrounding with the goals of characterizing the electrical resistivity of the infill and below it. The 2D and 3D resistivity models confirmed the highly conductive nature of the leachate and allowed us to identify its presence below the landfill base, which we quantified with maximum thicknesses of 90 m. This proved that landfill leachate had filtered through the original impermeable layer, enhanced by the karstic drainage structure.

Volcanic monitoring of the 2021 La Palma eruption using long-period magnetotelluric data

Between September and December 2021, the first subaerial volcanic eruption in the Canary Islands in 50 years took place on the island of La Palma. Since November 2021, we have been conducting a long-period magnetotelluric (MT) monitoring experiment at a site located 2.4 km east of the volcanic cone. Having continuously recorded data since then, the obtained dataset shows significant changes in resistivity over the fourteen months following the eruption: more than ± 20% in apparent resistivity and ± 2 degrees in phase. These temporal variations in electrical resistivity, recorded continuously using long-period MT during both the syn- and post-eruptive stages, have not been reported to date, making this dataset unique. Four estimated impedances have been selected as representatives of the major temporal changes observed and inverted to generate new 3-D resistivity models. The results provide novel key information on the spatiotemporal evolution of the subsoil's electrical resistivity, enabling the characterization of a set of structures acting as preferred magmatic fluid pathways. Therefore, our study highlights the strong potential of MT as a volcanic monitoring tool and provides new insights about the evolution of the fluid pathways during the post-eruptive stage. These findings enhance our understanding of the magmatic system and may contribute to volcanic hazard mitigation in the future.

Demonstration of a GaSb/GaAs Quantum Dot Intermediate Band Solar Cell Operating at Maximum Power Point

Intermediate band solar cells (IBSCs) promise high efficiencies while maintaining a low device structural complexity. A high efficiency can be obtained by harvesting below-band-gap photons, thus increasing the current, while at the same time preserving a high voltage. Here, we provide experimental proof that below-band-gap photons can be used to produce nonzero electrical work in an IBSC without compromising the voltage. For this, we manufacture a GaSb/GaAs quantum-dot IBSC. We use light biasing and make our cell operate at the maximum power point at 9 K. We measure the photocurrent response to absorption of photons with an energy of less than 1.15 eV while the cell is operating at 1.15 V. We also show that this result implies the existence of three quasi-Fermi levels linked to the three electronic bands in our device, as demanded by the IBSC theory to preserve the output voltage of the cell.

Relationship between body mass index and depression in women: A 7-year prospective cohort study. The APNA study

Background

The association between body mass index (BMI) and depression is complex and controversial. The present study examined the relationship between BMI and new-onset depression during 7 years of follow-up in 20,212 adult women attending Primary Health Care Centres in Navarra, Spain.

Methods

The Atención Primaria de Navarra (APNA) study is a dynamic prospective cohort study. A total of 20,212 women aged 18–99 years (mean age: 50.7 ± 18.5 years) without depression at baseline were selected from 2004 to 2011. We estimated the incidence of depression. We used the Kaplan-Meier analysis to predict the survival curve. The risk of depression onset according to different measures of BMI at baseline was assessed using Cox regression analyses.

Results

During the 7 years of follow-up, depression appeared in 8.9% (95% CI 8.5–9.3). The highest rates of depression incidence at follow-up occurred in underweight and obese women (9.8% [95% CI 7.3–12.9] and 10.3% [95% CI 9.5–11.1] respectively). The distribution of depression incidence by weight category was U-shaped. The risk of depression increased over time with an observed Kaplan-Meier estimation of 6.67. After adjusting for age, underweight and obese women at baseline have increased risk of depression onset during the follow-up period compared with normal weight women (HR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.09–2.00 and HR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.01–1.29 respectively).

Conclusions

In this 7-year prospective study in the APNA women population, depression emerged in 8.9%. Being underweight or obese (not overweight) at baseline is significantly associated with future onset of depression.

Yogurt consumption and abdominal obesity reversion in the PREDIMED study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Evidence on the association yogurt consumption and obesity is not conclusive. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the association between yogurt consumption, reversion of abdominal obesity status and waist circumference change in elderly.

METHODS AND RESULTS

4545 individuals at high cardiovascular risk were prospectively followed. Total, whole-fat and low-fat yogurt consumption were assessed using food frequency questionnaires. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the association between yogurt consumption and waist circumference change (measured at baseline and yearly during the follow-up). Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs of the reversion rate of abdominal obesity for each quintile of yogurt consumption compared with the lowest quintile. After multivariable adjustment, the average yearly waist circumference change in the quintiles of whole-fat yogurt consumption was: Q1: 0.00, Q2: 0.00 (-0.23 to 0.23), Q3: -0.15 (-0.42 to 0.13), Q4: 0.10 (-0.21 to 0.42), and Q5: -0.23 (-0.46 to -0.00) cm; p for trend = 0.05. The ORs for the reversion of abdominal obesity for whole-fat yogurt consumption were Q1: 1.00, Q2: 1.40 (1.04-1.90), Q3: 1.33 (0.94-1.89), Q4: 1.21 (0.83-1.77), and Q5: 1.43 (1.06-1.93); p for trend = 0.26.

CONCLUSION

Total yogurt consumption was not significantly associated with reversion of abdominal obesity status and a lower waist circumference. However, consumption of whole-fat yogurt was associated with changes in waist circumference and higher probability for reversion of abdominal obesity. Therefore, it seems that whole-fat yogurt has more beneficial effects in management of abdominal obesity in elderly population at high cardiovascular risk.

Winter circulation weather types and hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in Galicia, Spain

The link between various pathologies and atmospheric conditions has been a constant topic of study over recent decades in many places across the world; knowing more about it enables us to pre-empt the worsening of certain diseases, thereby optimizing medical resources. This study looked specifically at the connections in winter between respiratory diseases and types of atmospheric weather conditions (Circulation Weather Types, CWT) in Galicia, a region in the north-western corner of the Iberian Peninsula. To do this, the study used hospital admission data associated with these pathologies as well as an automatic classification of weather types. The main result obtained was that weather types giving rise to an increase in admissions due to these diseases are those associated with cold, dry weather, such as those in the east and south-east, or anticyclonic types. A second peak was associated with humid, hotter weather, generally linked to south-west weather types. In the future, this result may help to forecast the increase in respiratory pathologies in the region some days in advance.

Three-terminal heterojunction bipolar transistor solar cell for high-efficiency photovoltaic conversion

Here we propose, for the first time, a solar cell characterized by a semiconductor transistor structure (n/p/n or p/n/p) where the base–emitter junction is made of a high-bandgap semiconductor and the collector is made of a low-bandgap semiconductor. We calculate its detailed-balance efficiency limit and prove that it is the same one than that of a double-junction solar cell. The practical importance of this result relies on the simplicity of the structure that reduces the number of layers that are required to match the limiting efficiency of dual-junction solar cells without using tunnel junctions. The device naturally emerges as a three-terminal solar cell and can also be used as building block of multijunction solar cells with an increased number of junctions.

Multiple junction solar cells offer the means to high-efficiency photovoltaics but suffer from complicated manufacturing and packing. Here Martí et al., propose a three-terminal heterojuntion bipolar transistor solar cell that simplifies the structure reducing the number of layers while maintaining the efficiency.

Intermediate band solar cell with extreme broadband spectrum quantum efficiency

We report, for the first time, about an intermediate band solar cell implemented with InAs/AlGaAs quantum dots whose photoresponse expands from 250 to ∼6000  nm. To our knowledge, this is the broadest quantum efficiency reported to date for a solar cell and demonstrates that the intermediate band solar cell is capable of producing photocurrent when illuminated with photons whose energy equals the energy of the lowest band gap. We show experimental evidence indicating that this result is in agreement with the theory of the intermediate band solar cell, according to which the generation recombination between the intermediate band and the valence band makes this photocurrent detectable.

[Inflammatory biomarkers: the link between obesity and associated pathologies]

[corrected] of this article is to review biomarkers that have been suggested in recent years as the link between inflammation, obesity and associated co-morbidities, as well as some questions that yet remain unclear. Increasing evidence indicates the important role of inflammation in the etiology of major public health problems. In the last years, several studies have proposed that obesity might be a inflammatory disorder. In addition, oxidative stress has been suggested as a potential inductor of inflammatory status and susceptibility to obesity and related disorders. Several biomarkers are being suggested as the link between obesity, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, such as tumor necrosis factor alfa, interleukin-6 and -18, angiotensinogen, transforming grow factor beta, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, leptin, resistin, C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, sialic acid, fibrinogen, markers of endothelial dysfunction (von Willebrand factor, ICAMs, VCAMs), complement factor 3, haptoglobin, Zinc-alpha2-glycoprotein, eotaxin, visfatin, apelin, alpha1-antitrypsin, vaspin, omentin, retinol binding protein 4, ceruloplasmin, adiponectin and desnutrin. Some of this biomarkers are good predictors of cardiovascular risk (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, sialic acid, fribrinogen, complement factor 3, C-reactive protein), adiposity (leptin, visfatin, resistin, haptoglobin) and/or insulin resistance (sialic acid, C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, von Willebrand factor). However, it is currently unclear the role of many of them concerning inflammatory processes in humans, as well as the factors involved in their regulation.

Production of photocurrent due to intermediate-to-conduction-band transitions: a demonstration of a key operating principle of the intermediate-band solar cell

We present intermediate-band solar cells manufactured using quantum dot technology that show for the first time the production of photocurrent when two sub-band-gap energy photons are absorbed simultaneously. One photon produces an optical transition from the intermediate-band to the conduction band while the second pumps an electron from the valence band to the intermediate-band. The detection of this two-photon absorption process is essential to verify the principles of operation of the intermediate-band solar cell. The phenomenon is the cornerstone physical principle that ultimately allows the production of photocurrent in a solar cell by below band gap photon absorption, without degradation of its output voltage.

Gene expression changes in rat white adipose tissue after a high-fat diet determined by differential display

The differences in gene expression pattern of visceral white adipose tissue between control and high-fat-fed rats were compared using the mRNA differential display methodology. The results, confirmed by Northern blot, showed eight genes upregulated: adiponectin, fibrillin-1, transferrin, Y-box binding protein-1, IgE receptor beta chain (FcRIbeta), alpha-1 haemoglobin, and ribosomal proteins S10 and L7 and four genes downregulated: caveolin-2, lactate dehydrogenase-A, mitochondrial 16S rRNA, and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I/serine tRNA. Two of these genes have been already related to obesity (adiponectin and caveolin-2) while the others are known to participate in metabolic, signalling or transcription regulation pathways that can be relevant in energy (lipid and/or carbohydrate) metabolism.

[Causes of obesity]

The aetiology and treatment of obesity requires a knowledge of the mechanisms that control the homeostasis of the fuel substrates and adiposity. The processes of regulation adjust the supply of macronutrients and energy demands with the aim of maintaining a stable body mass. In the light of the most recent research, the hypothesis can be advanced that the control of body weight and its composition depends on an axis integrated by three self-regulated components: appetite, stores thermogenesis and fat deposits. The most important factors involved in obesity seem to be dietary habits diet and physical activity, which are affected by genes, which in their turn affect energy expenditure, the metabolism of energy substrates and food consumption. However, the growing rates of obesity cannot be explained exclusively by genetic causes, since they are in some cases associated with the consumption of diets with a high energy density or rich in fat, and by a growing sedentary life style in society, both in developed and developing countries. The study of genetics and life style involved in the increase of body weight and obesity can facilitate the implementation of preventive actions.

[Methodology for the study of the regulation of body weight and/or the aetiology of obesity]

Obesity, one of the most serious health problems of developed societies, is the result of a positive energy balance maintained over time. The regulation of body weight and its maintenance seem to be regulated by an axis of three interdependent components: dietary intake, energy expenditure and adipogenesis, although it is necessary a deeper understanding of the processes involved in the oxidation of nutrients and in the energy balance. The metabolic processes are numerous and inter-related, it is however convenient to study them separately in such a way that it is possible to obtain a better knowledge of the complete system. Indeed, this is the procedure employed in the design of numerous experiments, be they on laboratory animals, cellular cultures, or even on human beings when the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of body weight are examined. Both in vitro methods (cellular and subcellular models) and in vivo ones have made it possible to increase knowledge of the mechanisms that control body weight. It is worth underlining the new strategies that the molecular era and provides us with, although the techniques that consider the human organism as a whole might have a notable influence on the development of new drugs, together with therapeutic management and the prevention of obesity.

Effects of once versus twice daily milking throughout lactation on milk yield and milk composition in dairy goats

The effects of once (1X) vs. twice (2X) daily milking throughout lactation on milk yield, milk composition, somatic cell count (SCC), and udder health were studied in 32 Murciano-Granadina dairy goats. Goats were assigned at wk 2 of lactation to two treatment groups; once daily milking at 0900 (1X, n = 17), or twice daily milking at 0900 and 1700 (2X, n = 15). Milk yield was recorded weekly until wk 28, and milk composition and SCC were evaluated for each individual udder half at each milking at wk 2 and 4 of lactation and then, monthly until the end of the experiment. Once daily milking resulted in an 18% reduction in the yield of 4% fat-corrected milk compared to twice daily milking (1.61 vs. 1.95 L/d, respectively). This reduction was more marked from wk 2 to 12 than in mid and late lactation. Response to milking frequency also varied according to parity number where goats of less than four parities suffered more milk yield losses during 1X than older goats. Milk of 1X goats contained higher percentages of total solids (13.6 vs. 12.9%), fat (5.10 vs. 4.62%) and casein (2.57 vs. 2.35%) than milk of 2X goats, but milk protein percentage did not differ between treatments (3.28 vs. 3.20%). Yields of total solids, fat, protein and casein tended to be higher for 2X than 1X. Milk SCC did not differ between treatments. We conclude that application of once daily milking in Murciano-Granadina dairy goats moderately reduced milk yield without negative effects on milk composition and udder health. Losses in milk yield would be reduced if 1X is practiced during mid- or late lactation and in older goats. An increase in labor productivity and a higher farmer's standard of living is also expected.

Influence of pulsation rate on udder health and teat thickness changes in dairy ewes

In this work on machine milking of ewes, pulsation rates of 120 and 180 cycles per min were compared, both with a pulsation ratio of 50:50 and a vacuum level of 36 kPa, comparing intramammary infection (IMI), somatic cell count (SCC) and teat end thickness changes. To this end, two groups of 20 Manchega ewes were used in a crossover experimental design with two experimental periods of 24 d for each. Bacterial exposure of all teats was increased by dipping them in a suspension of Staphylococcus simulans at four consecutive milkings of each period. Pulsation rate of 180 cycles per min, compared with 120 cycles per min, had no negative effect upon new IMI (11 and 16% of ewes infected, respectively) and SCC. No teat end lesions were observed in those animals milked with the two pulsations assayed. Also, teat thickness changes (-0.38 and -0.36 mm at 120 and 180 cycles per min, respectively) were not affected significantly. Finally, in absence of IMI, the two pulsation rates assayed did not affect the SCC.

A maximal effort trial in obese women carrying the beta2-adrenoceptor Gln27Glu polymorphism

The aim of this study was to observe the relationship of the beta2-adrenoceptor (ADRB2) gene polymorphism Gln27Glu in a group of obese female subjects submitted to an acute physical activity test. Six Glu27/Glu27 obese women were compared with six Gln27/Gln27 obese women (coupled by age, BMI, waist circumference, percentage of fat mass and absence of smoking). These groups were selected after having genotyped 91 obese subjects (BMI>30 kg/m2, age 20-60). Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were used to genotype the obese population. The physical activity challenge consisted of a Maximal effort trial (VO2 max) following the Bruce protocol on a walking treadmill. The frequency for the Glu allele was 0.42, which is similar to other Caucasian populations. In basal conditions, subjects with the Glu27/Glu27 genotype showed a higher value of plasma insulin, while circulating glucose levels were similar in both groups. Also, diastolic arterial pressure was higher in the Glu27/Glu27 obese women. After the VO2 max trial, the Glu27 group had a significantly higher respiratory exchange ratio than the Gln27 group suggesting a lower post- exercise fat oxidation. These results provide evidence about a possible impact of the Gln27Glu polymorphism in the ADRB2 gene concerning a better response to exercise in obese Gln27 female subjects, in which basal insulinemia may play a role.

Obesity and immune function relationships

The immunological processes involved in the collaborative defence of organisms are affected by nutritional status. Thus, a positive chronic imbalance between energy intake and expenditure leads to situations of obesity, which may influence unspecific and specific immune responses mediated by humoral and cell mediated mechanisms. Furthermore, several lines of evidence have supported a link between adipose tissue and immunocompetent cells. This interaction is illustrated in obesity, where excess adiposity and impaired immune function have been described in both humans and genetically obese rodents. However, limited and often controversial information exist comparing immunity in obese and non-obese subjects as well as about the cellular and molecular mechanisms implicated. In general terms, clinical and epidemiological data support the evidence that the incidence and severity of specific types of infectious illnesses are higher in obese persons as compared to lean individuals together with the occurrence of poor antibody responses to antigens in overweight subjects. Leptin might play a key role in linking nutritional status with T-cell function. The complexities and heterogeneity of the host defences concerning the immune response in different nutritional circumstances affecting the energy balance require an integral study of the immunocompetent cells, their subsets and products as well as specific and unspecific inducer/regulator systems. In this context, more research is needed to clarify the clinical implications of the alterations induced by obesity on the immune function.

Association between prematurity and maternal anemia in Venezuelan pregnant women during third trimester at labor

To determine the association and its magnitude between prematurity and anemia in women in their third trimester of pregnancy and at labor. An incident case-control study was conducted using 2 controls per case. Data was obtained in a tertiary hospital in Valencia, Venezuela. A total of 543 women who delivered between May and December 1996 entered into the study. Women having a preterm delivery, less than 37 weeks of gestation at delivery, were defined as cases (n = 181). Anemia was defined according to WHO as Hb less than 11 g/dL. Logistic regression was used to analyze the data and likelihood ratio test was done for model comparison. Maternal anemia was found to be significantly associated with prematurity (Odds Ratio: 1.70; 95% CI = 1.18 to 2.57 P = .001), after adjusting for Placental Abruption, PROM, Previous Premature Labor, Prenatal Care Visits, and Uterine Bleeding during more than one trimester. Maternal anemia at the end of the third trimester of pregnancy, at labor, was associated with an increased risk of prematurity.

Rapid confirmation/quantitation of ecgonine methyl ester, benzoylecgonine, and cocaine in urine using on-line extraction coupled with fast HPLC and tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid, rugged, and highly specific assay for the quantitation of cocaine (COC) and especially its primary metabolites benzoylecgonine (BZE) and ecgonine methyl ester (EME) in human urine has been established. Here, we investigated the use of on-line sample extraction coupled to rapid chromatography systems for tandem mass analysis of COC, EME, and BZE in human urine. Using this method, sample preparation consisted of a sole centrifugation step. Combined extraction and chromatographic run times were < 3.5 min. The lower limits of detection were 0.5 ng/mL, 2.0 ng/mL, and 0.5 ng/mL for EME, BZE, and COC, respectively. Linear calibration curves ranging from 7.5 ng/mL to 1000 ng/mL were produced for the test analytes. Within-day and between-day precision and accuracy of the assay were determined using human urine quality-control specimens at 5, 10, or 15; 150; and 1000 ng/mL. The analyses were performed over the course of five days, rendering %CVs < 10% for EME, BZE, and COC. Percent mean accuracy for the three analytes of 97 to 113% were obtained. Our data suggest that on-line sample extraction coupled with rapid high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry may be a viable alternative for EME, BZE, and COC analyses in human urine.

Leptin: physiological actions

Leptin, a peptide hormone (167 aa) mainly expressed in adipocytes, and its hypothalamic receptors are integral components of a complex physiological system evolved to regulate fuel stores and energy expenditure. Thus, leptin discovery has constituted a great breakthrough in the understanding of body weight regulation and in the role of the fat tissue as an endocrine organ. Increasing scientific evidences suggest that, leptin has overall effects on metabolism. Leptin mRNA and/or protein are produced by placenta, fetal tissues, gastric mucosa and hepatic stellate cells and can participate in many physiological functions such as fetal growth, gut-derived satiety, immune or proinflammatory responses, reproduction, nutrient intestinal absorption, angiogenesis and lipolysis. The leptin participation in body weight homeostasis and obesity as well as other peripheral actions are revisited.

[Lipid metabolism and lipogenesis: application of stable isotopes]

Fat metabolism is regulated by several neuroendocrine and nutritional factors, which affect equilibrium between lipogenesis and lipolysis. Lipid utilization and fate in the organism can be assessed by in vivo and in vitro methods by measuring the rate of the different metabolic pathways (dynamic aspects), but also the net balance which may lead to fat accumulation or loss (static aspects). The quantitation of synthesis and breakdown reactions can be performed by using different tracers such as radioactive and stable isotopes. Fatty acid synthesis can be independently measured by the intravenous infusion of 13C acetate and application of the MIDA technique. In brief, this method uses probability analysis to measure the synthesis of biological polymers. It is based on the mathematical principle that the labeling pattern of a polymer synthesized from a stable-isotopically labeled precursor will conform to a predicted binomial or multinomial expansion. Thus, the isotopic enrichment of the precursor pool is calculated from measurements on the product alone. In the case of fatty acid synthesis, the proportions of excess (above natural background abundance) of single-labeled and double labeled (EM1 and EM2 species respectively) are a function of the probability (p) that the precursor subunits were isotopically labeled. Using this value of P for the isotopic enrichment of the acetylCoA pool, the theoretical 13C enrichment in the fatty acid if 100% were newly formed from this acetate pool is calculated. The actual isotopic enrichment is measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). This value divided by the theoretical maximum value equals the fraction of the fatty acid that is newly formed (f). The value for f represents dilution of de novo synthesized fatty acid by non-de novo sources. This method requires that newly synthesized (labeled) and preformed (unlabeled) mix in the liver and communicate with plasma VLDL over the period of the isotope infusion. It also assumes that the major de novo fatty acid is only a single fatty acid, with minor elongation and/or desaturation processes. Finally, the infused isotopic acetate should have no physiologically important effect. This methodology can be applied to assess lipogenesis in very different nutritional and physiopathological conditions such as diabetes, AIDS, obesity, etc.

[Shortened version of the Barcelona test (III): criterion validity with the ADAS-Cog]

The aim of this study was to assess the criterion validity of a global score of an abbreviated version of the Barcelona Test (BTA), normalized for age and education, as a clinical neuropsychometric test for the assessment of cognitive impairment. This study made a correlational analysis between test scores of the BTA and scores of the cognitive part of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog) adjusted for age and education. It was made in a University Hospital (Dementia Unit). A group of 172 subjects (74 male, 98 female) was distributed according the Global Deterioration Stages (GDS) from 1 to 6. GDS-1 (normal controls), n = 60; GDS-2 (subjective complaints), n = 27; GDS-3, n = 21, GDS-4, n = 22; GDS-5, n = 16; GDS 6, n = 26. All dementia patients fulfilled the NINCDS/ADRDA criteria. BTA global scores correlated significantly with adjusted scores on the ADAS-Cog (r = 0.872, r2 = 0.761), p < 0.0001. The BTA has a criterion validity as a clinical neuropsychometric test for the study of cognitive impairment.

[Shortened version of the Barcelona test (II): global standard score]

The aim of this study was to determine a global scoring method for a shortened and version of the Barcelona Neuropsychological test (TB) of 55 items. 341 healthy volunteers, 178 male (52.19%), and 163 female (47.1%) were studied. Age mean: 54.80, SD = 17.44. Subjects were stratified in five groups considering age and education. A scale of cut-off points was selected in order to divide the scores of each subtest into three bands (categories): 0 (lowest), 1 (intermediate), 2 (highest). Raw scores (possible range 0-110) were obtained and then were converted to a mean of 100 and SD of 15 each normative group. Tables of normative data were obtained for each group. This study shows the cognitive profiles of the TB and a global standard score related to them. This global score will provide new possibilities in the neuropsychological assessment of neurological patients.

Subtyping of Legionella pneumophila isolates by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction

Arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) was used to differentiate strains of Legionella pneumophila isolated from different water sources in a resort hotel in Benidorm, Alicante, Spain, where an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease occurred among a group of tourists between 65 and 80 years of age. All isolates were L. pneumophila serogroup 1, subtype Pontiac (Knoxville 1). Five different patterns (P1 to P5) were obtained by AP-PCR. The number of bands per pattern varied between 4 and 11. Patterns P1 and P2 represented 60 and 20% of L. pneumophila isolates, respectively. Since different subpopulations of L. pneumophila coexisted (up to three different AP-PCR patterns were identified in a single room), it was not possible to link an individual L. pneumophila strain to the occurrence of this outbreak.

Stimulation of brush border enzyme activity along the rat small intestine by misoprostol

The effect of Misoprostol (0.3 mg/kg b.w., orally for four weeks) on the brush border membrane enzyme activity, is studied in growing rats. Misoprostol enhanced stomach and intestine relative weights as well as the mucosal weight of the duodenum and proximal jejunum. In treated rats, disaccharidases, alkaline phosphatase and aminopeptidase enzyme activity were measured in brush border purified fraction throughout the small intestine. Sucrase, maltase, aminopeptidase and alkaline phosphatase specific activities were significantly increased along the small intestine. In the proximal jejunum, sucrase (62%; p < 0.001) and maltase (42%; p < 0.01) activities were significantly greater. Sucrase activity was also significantly (p < 0.001) increased by about 103% in the distal jejunum. There was also a significant (p < 0.05) increment of 32% in the duodenal and ileal alkaline phosphatase activity after treatment. Similarly, aminopeptidase activity was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in duodenum (67%) and jejunum (24%). In conclusion, Misoprostol appreciably increased the ability of the small intestine to perform its digestive functions although further studies will be necessary to examine the cellular and molecular mechanism(s) which may be responsible for these effects.

Serum IgA anti-Klebsiella antibodies in ankylosing spondylitis patients from Catalonia

IgA antibodies against Klebsiella pneumoniae were measured by immunofluorescence in 84 Catalan patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), 41 patients with non-inflammatory arthropathies (NIA) and 22 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients with AS showed higher levels of anti-klebsiella IgA antibodies (IgA-Kp) than NIA and RA patients (4.7 +/- 1.6 U vs 3.7 +/- 1.5 U and 3.1 +/- 1.4 U respectively, p = 0.001). In AS patients a significant correlation between IgA-Kp and levels of C-reactive protein was observed. Although no clear correlation was found between IgA anti-klebsiella and total serum IgA levels, a significant correlation between IgA anti-klebsiella and serum levels of secretory IgA was detected (r: 0.43, p = 0.003). In conclusion, some patients with AS disclosed raised levels of Klebsiella antibodies in sera and this is related to an increase of secretory IgA level. Analysis about the relationship between response to klebsiella and the presence of gut inflammation in AS patients could be of interest.

Controlled release of theophylline from inert matrices: effect of channeling material on release rate

Sustained release theophylline tablets containing stearic acid wax and lactose fast flo as chanelling agent were prepared and evaluated. The fusion technique was used for dispersing the drug in the different levels of stearic acid. The release rate of theophylline from the prepared tablets increased with the increase of the level of the channeling material in the formula. The drug release from tablets containing high level of wax (30 and 60%) and low level of channeling material (59% and 29%) followed the diffusion controlled model for inert porous matrix. The drug release increased significantly with the increase of lactose fast flow level in the formula. After 2 hours of testing dissolution, the tablets start to erode and the mechanism of drug release deviate from the diffusion controlled model. The mechanism of drug release was dependent on the level of the channeling material in the matrix.

[Report about drug interactions in a hospital emergency department]

In 1991, we report drug interactions found through the review of 100 clinical charts of an Emergency Department. Two years later we evaluated again the medical indications done at the same Emergency. There were no differences related to sex, age and number of drug administrated by patient when compared with the former group. There was, however, a significant decrease in the percentage of interactions and those important ones. Also, in the average of interactions and those important ones by patient. Among more used drug, antacid occupied a a second place with 36% and Ranitidine the ninth place with 16%. Cimetidine disappeared among the first ten medications. In those cases where antacid or Ranitidine were indicated, there were interactions in 54% and 25%, respectively, but these interactions were not significant. The results of this new analysis point out a significant decrease of drug interactions, showing that continuing education allows indicate the most adequate therapy to each patient.

Encapsulation of doxorubicin in neutral liposomes by passive methods: evidence of drug-lipid interaction at neutral pH

Doxorubicin, an antineoplastic agent, was encapsulated in liposomes of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine with or without cholesterol, by the extrusion procedure. Doxorubicin was added to the lipid before drying, or was present in the rehydration buffer, and the influence of the method of encapsulation on size and polydispersity was determined by photon correlation spectroscopy. Results showed an important interaction between doxorubicin and liposomes, although cholesterol-containing vesicles were those that underwent the strongest insertion of the drug. One important parameter, which determined the extension of such interaction, was the curvature of the vesicle bilayer. So, liposomes extruded through a 50 nm membrane filter suffered the highest relative size variation in comparison with empty liposomes. Doxorubicin also produced an increase in polydispersity of vesicle population; therefore its presence resulted in some fusion and/or aggregation processes. The stability of liposomes was dependent on lipid content, on the method of drug trapping and on the presence or absence of such drug. Encapsulation efficiency seemed to be inversely related to liposome stability. Maximal values, which never exceed 0.015 +/- 0.005 mumol of drug per mumol of lipid, were obtained when the drug was dried together with the lipids.

[Main drug interactions at a hospital emergency department. Analysis of 100 cases]

We prospectively reviewed clinical charts of 100 consecutive patients that were admitted during the first trimester 1991 to the Emergency Department of a general hospital in order to determine the more frequent prescribed drugs and their interactions using a computer program (Drug Interaction Program), emphasizing in those drugs used to treat peptic ulcers. Number of drugs prescribed to each patient was 4.20 +/- 1.39. Antacids (39%) and cimetidine (35%) occupied the third and fourth place. There were interactions in 79 patients and in 66 of them (84%) they were important. Antacid and cimetidine were similarly prescribed, but of 35 patients who received cimetidine only 3 (8.5%) had a primary indication for its use (Gastrointestinal bleeding). Significant clinical interactions of cimetidine with other medications are analyzed. Our results indicate that drug interactions are a permanent risk in our hospitals. We suggest to use a computer program on drug interactions or an updated chart of medications in the emergency rooms of our hospitals.

Interaction of doxorubicin with lipid systems

The action of doxorubicin, a cancer chemotherapeutic agent, on liposomes of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine obtained by extrusion, with or without cholesterol, and on monolayers of the same composition, was determined by photon correlation spectroscopy, penetration kinetics, and adsorption isotherms. Doxorubicin produced a wider vesicle distribution in both of liposomes, but liposomes containing cholesterol underwent an increase of mean diameter as well as polydispersity. In contrast, films containing cholesterol showed least interaction with the drug. Since both lipids are neutral, any interaction must be primarily hydrophobic.

[Physician-patient communication and health education]

The aim of the present study was to analyze the content in health education of the patient-physician interview. The study was observational and descriptive. The target population were the patients attending the general practices of the Social Security clinics. With permission of patients and physicians, 53 visits of two general practitioners were recorded on tape. 48 interviews were analyzed with definition of activities (asking, answering, discussing, etc.) and contents (health problems, treatment, health education, etc.). Health education was 10% of the contents, and it was associated with the physician's activity of commenting/instructing and with the patient's activity of commenting/asking.

The influence of a new compound, PATP, on glucose transport in the isolated fat cell

A newly synthesized compound, N-(4-pyridylcarbonyl amino) 1, 2, 3, 6 tetrahydropyridine (PATP) was earlier found to elevate the blood glucose level in rats. This suggested that the compound might be accomplishing this by blocking glucose transport into tissue cells. This hypothesis has now been examined in the isolated fat cell system using a modification of the method to improve the accuracy of measurements made. This study indicated that PATP is a competitive inhibitor of glucose transport and metabolism (KI = 0.89 mM) but could not unequivocally prove that the effect was on transporter action alone. That the compounds action was at this level, however was shown by its ability to inhibit the uptake of the transported but non-metabolized sugar, 3-0-methyl glucose (KI = 3 mM). PATP is a nonphenolic inhibitor of glucose transport unrelated in structure to the sugar or to another more potent inhibitor, phloretin.

The small nuclear ribonucleoproteins that react with anti-Sm and anti-RNP antibodies

We have examined the polypeptide pattern of small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles that react with monoclonal anti-Sm antibodies or polyclonal anti-(U1)RNP antibodies. The fresh nuclear extracts analyzed were prepared from human cells that had been pulse-chased with a mixture of 15 3H-labeled amino acids. In contrast to previous reports in the literature, the apparent molecular weights of the major polypeptides that remained in the 1 M NaCl-washed ribonucleoprotein-antibody complexes were approximately 80000, 55000, 28000, 25000, 14000 and 9000, when probed with monoclonal anti-Sm antibodies, and about 69000, 58000 and 35000, when polyclonal anti-(U1)RNP antibodies were used.