Evernia prunastri lichen as a source of bioactive glucans with potential for topical applications

Microwave hydrothermal treatment was selected to extract valuable fractions with bioactive and gelling properties from Evernia prunastri lichen with potential for topical applications. The impact of the extraction processing conditions on the soluble extracts, mucilage fraction and residual solid phase was analyzed within a lichen global valorization approach. A particular stress was made on the thermo-rheological and structural characteristics of the extracted glucan and galactomannan polymers, the corresponding gelled matrices, and their cosmetic feasibility. Results revealed that the proposed microwave-assisted treatment showed a relevant influence on the phytochemical features of the aqueous soluble extracts, accounting the major protein content at 120 °C and the enhanced antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase properties at 140 °C. Extracts at 200 °C showed the highest anti-inflammatory (COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition) efficacies. The biopolymer analyses indicated that those recovered after lichen hydrothermal treatment at 160 °C featured a good extraction performance, the highest molecular weight, apparent viscosity, and antiproliferative potential. The thermo-rheological properties of the corresponding matrices formulated at 10 % and 60 or 80 °C exhibited the strongest and most thermo-reversible characteristics, as well as antifreezing feasibility. Another advantage of the selected fractions was the absence of skin irritation according to the in vitro skin irritation assay.

Microwave-assisted extraction of Ulva spp. including a stage of selective coagulation of ulvan stimulated by a bio-ionic liquid

Microwave-assisted hydrothermal processing was proposed to recover high valuable compounds with antioxidant and gelling features from Ulva spp. green seaweed. The influence of the extraction conditions on the solubles, ulvan fraction and residual solid phase was studied to achieve a global valorization of the seaweed. A particular emphasis was placed on the selective coagulation of ulvan stimulated by a bio-ionic liquid during the extraction process. The achieved outcomes indicated that the selected microwave treatment exhibited a notable impact on the phytochemical properties of the soluble extracts, with the highest values of sulfate and protein content at 160 °C, and the highest antioxidant features at 200 °C. The most prominent molecular weight distributions were also identified for systems hydrothermal treated at 160 °C. The ulvan analyses showed that those extracted after microwave treatment at 160 °C showed the highest yields, molecular weight and the strongest gel features from the rheological point of view. The presence of the chloride chlorine during the extraction process favored the ulvan performance and the enhancement of the corresponding viscoelastic properties.

Comparative evaluation of physicochemical profile and bioactive properties of red edible seaweed Chondrus crispus subjected to different drying methods

Dehydration of the edible seaweed Chondrus crispus was performed by freeze-drying, conventional oven-drying and emerging microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG). In this work, the drying kinetics and modelling, estimating specific energy consumption and environmental impact of distinct processes were tested. Color and microstructural features of the dried macroalgae were also evaluated, as well as their nutritive characterization, chemical profile and bioactive potential (antioxidant and antimicrobial activities). Moreover, collected liquid phases from both the defrosted and MHG treated samples were also characterized. All methodologies provided solid phases with an adequate final moisture content. MHG significantly reduced the needed time, specific energy consumption and environmental impact, providing C. crispus with intermediate color and histological structure characteristics. Overall, this trend was also defined to tested chemical parameters and bioactivities. MHG provided aqueous extracts with potential bioactive compounds from this red alga, increasing the efficiency of this drying method.

Spray-drying microencapsulation of tea extracts using green starch, alginate or carrageenan as carrier materials

Tea industry generates many by-products which could be used to produce and incorporate bioactive tea extracts (TE) into nutraceuticals, cosmetics and/or clinical applications. However, sensibility to external factors is a major disadvantage hindering its utilization. This study deals with the implementation and characterization of suitable biopolymer delivery systems based on starch, carrageenan or alginate, as microencapsulation, to stabilize and protect TE through innovative thin-carbohydrate-coated formulations. TE were spray-dried and microencapsulated in recycled carrier materials (alginate, carrageenan or starch). Product yields varied from 55 to 58%. High microencapsulation and loading efficiencies were achieved (60-93% and 65-84%, respectively). Antioxidant capacity varied from 32 to 46 g Trolox/100 g extract, within different carrier-systems; which also showed promising rheological and UV-protective properties when transformed into gels. Total phenolic content, particle-size distribution, HPSEC-analysis, SEM-analysis and FTIR-analysis were also performed. In sum, this paper characterizes and discusses the high potential of these recycled carbohydrate-coated microparticles for future applications.

Chondrus crispus treated with ultrasound as a polysaccharides source with improved antitumoral potential

Ultrasound-assisted extraction was used to recover gelling biopolymers and antioxidant compounds from Chondrus crispus with improved biological potential. The optimal processing conditions were evaluated using a Box-Behnken design, and the impact on the biological and thermo-rheological properties of the carrageenan fraction and on the bioactive features of the soluble extracts were studied. The optimum extraction parameters were defined by extraction time of ~34.7 min; solid liquid ratio of ~2.1 g/100 g and ultrasound amplitude of ~79.0% with a maximum power of 1130 W. The dependent variables exhibited maximum carrageenan yields (44.3%) and viscoelastic modulus (925.9 Pa) with the lowest gelling temperatures (38.7 °C) as well as maximum content of the extract in protein (22.4 mg/g), gallic acid (13.4 mg/g) and Trolox equivalents antioxidant capacity (182.4 mg TEAC/g). Tested hybrid carrageenans exhibited promising biological activities (% of growth inhibition around 91% for four human cancer cellular lines: A549; A2780; HeLa 229; HT-29).

Microwave hydrothermal processing of Undaria pinnatifida for bioactive peptides

Microwave hydrothermal processing was employed to obtain valuable gelling or bioactive fractions from U. pinnatifida, assessing the processing conditions following a biorefinery concept. It was identified a relevant impact on the antioxidant properties, sulfate, protein and oligosaccharides content, with the highest values above 200 °C, although the maximum in fucose was obtained at 160 °C. The lowest temperature involved the highest minerals and sulfate content of the solid phases. Rheology indicated that hydrothermal treatment at 160 °C is adequate to extract alginates with structural and viscoelastic properties similar to those commercially available. The incorporation of the hydrothermal residual solids in the proposed alginate matrices favored the development of systems with potential non-food applications applications. Selected extracts, after an intensification stage using ultrasound, featured interesting biological activities for two human cancer cell lines (A2780; HeLa 229) with percentage of cellular inhibition > 83 and 57%, without positive effects on A549 and HCT-116.

Eco-friendly extraction of Mastocarpus stellatus carrageenan for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles with improved biological activity

Carrageenan was extracted from Mastocarpus stellatus using hot water extraction under atmospheric and pressurized conditions. The influence of heating temperature during a non-isothermal heating profile up to temperatures in the range 70-190 °C was studied to evaluate the extraction yields and properties of the carrageenan fraction. Under the selected conditions (130 °C), extracted carrageenan (CMs) was used for the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). After the optimization of the reaction conditions, the synthesized gold nanoparticles (Au@CMs) were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Z potential measurements, electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis, which confirmed the formation of spherical, polycrystalline, and negatively charged nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 14.3 ± 2.1 nm. The study conducted by scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and mapping confirmed the presence of carrageenan stabilizing AuNPs. Finally, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy was performed to analyze the functional groups of CMs involved in the reduction and stabilization of AuNPs. The selective cytotoxicity and the antioxidant activity of the Au@CMs were evaluated in different cell lines and compared to the CMs. Au@CMs showed an improved antioxidant capacity in cells under oxidative stress and the induction of apoptosis in a monocytic cell line, while no antitumor effect was observed in a lung endothelial cell line.

Valorisation of Camellia sinensis branches as a raw product with green technology extraction methods

This work deals with the study of tea stalks from pruning debris using environmental friendly extraction technology to offer new healthy properties. In the manufacturing tea industry, tea trees require to be pruned every year and most of their remains are discarded as a waste with no economic value. Microwave aqueous extraction and pressurized hot water extraction process (autohydrolysis) were used to recover bioactive compounds from the tea branches. Operating at a fixed solid: liquid ratio (1:15), the effect of the maximum heating temperatures from 140 to 220 °C was studied. Liquid extracts were analysed for total phenolic, oligosaccharides, protein, mineral and heavy metals content, as well as for antioxidant capacity. The antitumoral possibilities were also determined for selected samples. The obtained results indicated that both processes could be used as an alternative to recover bioactive compounds from tea wastes, although microwave-assisted extraction allowed saving time when compared with autohydrolysis processing. The temperature exhibited a relevant effect on the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, decreasing with the microwave treatment and increasing with the autohydrolysis temperature. The obtained extracts could be adequate for incorporation in food and non-food fields.

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Tea pruning remains were valorised using green extractions by microwave (MW) and autohydolysis (AH).

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MW and AH were efficient technologies to recover bioactive compounds.

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Values above 40 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract and 0.10 g Trolox/g extract were identified.

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Future applications in cosmetics, pharmacy or food industries should be explored.

A green approach for alginate extraction from Sargassum muticum brown seaweed using ultrasound-assisted technique

Ultrasound assisted aqueous extraction of alginate from Sargassum muticum was proposed to minimize the use of chemicals, high temperatures and prolonged times, with comparable extraction yields to conventional acid/alkali procedures. The alginate, precipitated from the liquors obtained after ultrasound assisted extraction of fucoidan and phlorotannin fractions, and converted to alginic acid sodium salt by a green treatment was characterized by FTIR-ATR, 1H NMR, HPSEC, MALDI-TOF, rheology and citotoxitity. A clear influence of the sonication time was observed on the alginate molar mass, block structure, thermo-rheological and tumoral cell growth inhibition features. All tested hydrogels featured stable and thermo-reversible characteristics.

Analysis of moisture desorption isotherms of eggplant (Solanum melongena)

Sorption isotherms of eggplant were determined employing, as experimental technique, a static gravimetric method, using saturated salt solutions to achieve the equilibrium. The experiments were carried out at different temperatures (20, 35, 50 and 65 °C). The sorption isotherms can be classified, according to Brunauer's classification, as type II or III depending on temperature. Equilibrium moisture content data were correlated by two models usually applied to foodstuffs (Brunauer--Emmet--Teller (BET) and Halsey). BET model was employed to determine monolayer moisture content (0.121 kg/kg d.b.). Halsey model was selected by the goodness of fitting. Experimental data were analyzed by a thermodynamic approach to obtain some properties as net isosteric heat, equilibrium heat and differential and net integral entropy. The differential enthalpy and entropy decreased with increasing moisture content and satisfied the compensation theory. The net integral enthalpy and entropy showed maximum values (≈31 kJ/mol and ≈88 J/mol.K) at 0.093 (kg/kg d.b.) of moisture content.

Anesthetic management of an adult patient with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome is a well-known congenital disease characterized by multiple malformations that make anesthetic management a challenge. Since few individuals survive the earliest stage of life, papers describing the details of anesthetic management are mainly reported in the pediatric population. These individuals who move into adulthood develop physical changes that should be taken into consideration. This article reports the case of a 34-year-old patient undergoing an orthopedic procedure. The operation was performed under general anesthesia because the patient showed severe scoliosis and joint contractures, so extraordinary difficulty in neuroaxial and peripheral techniques was expected. The aggressive behavior of the patient impeded the proper assessment of a preoperative airway. Fiber optic intubation was performed under slight sedation after three unsuccessful attempts. Dental crowding, prominent upper central incisors that were more pronounced than in most children, a short and stiff neck, and poor patient cooperation due to mental retardation and occasional autistic behavior made airway management difficult. This case should alert anesthesiologists to the greater difficulties of managing patients with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome when they become adults.

[Influence of the grade of anxiety and level of cortisol on post-surgical recovery]

INTRODUCTION

The objective is to analyze the influence of several biological and/or psychological factors on postsurgery recovery.

METHOD

Our sample was made up of 42 inpatients waiting for surgery. The day before the intervention, they filled out Spielbergers' State/Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and sample of saliva was collected at 8:00 in order to determine cortisol concentration. Recovery was codified as <<good>> or <<poor>> using the Moix criteria (1995).

RESULTS

Patients with higher scores on the STAI had higher levels of salivary cortisol and their recovery was worse compared with patients with low anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm the relationship between specific psychological variables, cortisol levels and the characteristics of the surgery recovery process of the patients.

Breakfast, plasma glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate, body mass index and academic performance in children from Extremadura, Spain

OBJECTIVES

Nutritional aspects of breakfast, plasma levels of glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate, body mass index and academic performance have been studied in urban and rural children (Extremadura, Spain).

METHODS

Representative samples of schoolchildren (3 to 12 years old, random cluster-sampling in schools).

RESULTS

Children's mean caloric intake with breakfast was 331 kcal. Rural population ingested more carbohydrates (46,9 +/- 12,3% versus 43,3 +/- 13,2% of the total caloric intake) and fewer lipids (40,5 +/- 11,8% versus 43,9 +/- 12,8% of the total caloric intake) than the urban population. Academic performance was significantly better in the children inhabiting the rural zone than in those of the urban zone. The glycaemia was higher in the urban than in the rural children, and that the contrary was the case for the beta-hydroxybutyrate values. Neither glucose nor beta-hydroxybutyrate levels were correlated with academic performance values. BMI was significantly increased in the urban versus rural children.

CONCLUSION

The present results emphasize the importance of breakfast and life style in the weight and the academic performance of children.

Experimental diabetes treated with ficus carica extract: effect on oxidative stress parameters

Parameters related to oxidative stress were studied in rats divided into 4 groups: streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (n=10), diabetic rats who received a single dose of a basic fraction of Ficus carica extract (n=14), diabetic rats who received a single dose of a chloroform fraction of the extract (n=10), and normal rats (n=10). Compared to normal animals, the diabetic animals presented significantly higher values for erythrocyte catalase normalized to haemoglobin levels (1.5+/-0.15 vs. 0.96+/-0.18 microg/mg) and for plasma vitamin E (73.4+/-43.9 vs. 12.0+/-1.6 mg/l), monounsaturated fatty acids (0.219+/-0.118 vs. 0.067+/-0.014 mg/ml), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, 0.567+/-0.293 vs. 0.175+/-0.040 mg/ml), saturated fatty acids (0.779+/-0.262 vs. 0.401+/-0.055 mg/ml), and linoleic acid (0.202+/-0.086 vs. 0.106 +/-0.014 mg/ml). Both Ficus carica fractions tended to normalize the values of the diabetic animals' fatty acids and plasma vitamin E values. On studying the ratios of vitamins E and A to PUFA (129.4+/-77.5 diabetic and 68.8+/-9.1 microg/mg normal; 37.5+/-20.8 vs. 108.0+/-43.6 microg/mg) and to C18:2 (259.9+/-65.8 vs. 161.0+/-21.3 microg/mg; 68.3+/-37.9 vs. 252.7+/-102.1 microg/mg), we found statistically significant differences as a function of diabetes, with the vitamin E/C18:2 ratio being normalized by the administration of the chloroform fraction (to 152.1+/-80.3 microg/mg) and the vitamin A/C18:2 ratio being raised relative to the untreated diabetic rats by the administration of the basic fraction (91.9+/-14.5 microg/mg). Our work confirms that antioxidant status is affected in the diabetes syndrome, and that Ficus carica extracts tend to normalize it.

Vitamins and mineral intake in elderly people from Extremadura

To evaluate the vitamin and mineral consumption of a group of elderly people of the Comunidad of Extremadura. 122 subjects 62.5+/-5.3 years (64 women, 57 men) responded to a survey on their food intake the day before. The vitamin and mineral intake was calculated using a computer program from the University of Granada. We found no statistically significant differences by gender in the intake of the following vitamins: niacin (24.5+/-10.1 vs 25.6+/-9.7 mg/day), B1 (1.6+/-0.6 vs 1.7+/-0.6 mg/day), B6 (1.7+/-0.6 vs 1.8+/-0.5 mg/day), C (129.5+/-82.1 vs 158.1+/-97.6 mg/day), D (4.4+/-7.5 vs 3.8+/-6.5 microg/day), E (7.8+/-4.1 vs 8.1+/-3.8v mg/day), and folic acid (326.6+/-164.0 vs 383.1+/-215.3 microg/day). We did find statistically significant differences in the intake of the vitamins: A (582.2+/-299.6 vs 771.8+/-602.2 microg/day, p<0.05), B12 (23.4+/-20.3 vs 13.1+/-12.1 microg/day, p<0.001) and B2 (1.6+/-0.4 vs 1.8+/-0.5 mg/day, p<0.05). With respect to mineral intake, we found no statistically significant differences by gender in the intake of the following minerals: calcium (1046.8+/-276.9 vs 1088.9+/-307.7 mg/day), iron (20.2+/-6.6 vs 18.5+/-8.6 mg/day), iodine (73.6+/-37.9 vs 73.8+/-41.1 mg/day), potassium (2804.6+/-1088 vs 2837.5+/-1035.8 mg/day), magnesium (405.4+/-155.3 vs 366.5+/-141.3 mg/day), phosphorus (1407.4+/-408.6 vs 1317.2+/-447.2 mg/day) and zinc (8.9+/-3.3 vs 8.0+/-2.7 mg/day). We found a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) for sodium (2124.9+/-1049.5 mg/day in men and 1728.4+/-992.5 mg/day in women). Our results showed an intake less than the RDA of vit.A, while the vit.B12 intake was greater than the RDA. The intake of the other parameters fitted the recommended values.

A chloroform extract obtained from a decoction of Ficus carica leaves improves the cholesterolaemic status of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

The antidiabetic effects of Ficus carica leaf extracts have been reported previously. From the aqueous decoction of fig leaves, after treatment with HCI, centrifuging, treatment with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and extraction with chloroform (CHCl3), the administration of the organic phase rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes led to a decline in the levels of total cholesterol and an decrease in the total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio (with respect to the control group), together with a reduction of the hyperglycaemia.

Experimental hypertriglyceridaemia and hypercholesterolaemia in rats

Lipid disorders and cardiovascular diseases have been related in many studies. We here studied the influence of acute ingestion of a long chain triglyceride (LCT) emulsion (rich in triglycerides) on plasma triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels in laboratory animals (Wistar rats), comparing it with the induction of hypertriglyceridaemia and hypercholesterolaemia by Triton WR-1339 injection. The results show that Triton would be suitable for inducing hypercholesterolaemia but not hypertriglyceridaemias similar to those in humans. The LCT emulsion intake, however, provoked transitory hyperlipaemia with values similar to those often found in hyperlipaemic subjects, and would thus be suitable for testing possible antilipaemic treatments. Our study also presents a model of hypertriglyceridaemia, hypercholesterolaemia and obesity in experimental animals, provoked by a chronic intake of an LCT emulsion. This model may be useful in investigating the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the pharmacological treatment of obesity and dyslipaemias.

Hypoglycaemic activity of an aqueous extract from ficus carica (fig tree) leaves in streptozotocin diabetic rats

To investigate the hypoglycaemic activity of Ficus carica leaf aqueous extract, a decoction was administred to rats in lieu of drinking water for three weeks. The groups were: untreated non-diabetic (n = 13), untreated diabetic (n = 13), treated non-diabetic (n =13) and treated diabetic (n = 13) animals. The extract decreased (p &lt; 0.025) plasma glucose in diabetic (27.9 ± 4.5 mmol/L to 19.6 ± 9.9 mmol/L) while not in normal rats. Plasma insulin levels were decreased by treatment (p &lt; 0.05) in non-diabetic rats from 4.9± 1.6 ng/mL to 3.3 ± 1.2 ng/mL. Glucose uptake (µmol/min) by rat hindquarters perfused was: 5.9 ± 2.2 (untreated non-diabetic rats), 4.8 ± 2.3 (treated non-diabetic rats, p &lt; 0.05 vs. untreated non-diabetic rats), 2.0 ± 2.0 (untreated diabetic rats, p &lt; 0.01 vs. untreated non-diabetic rats) and 4.1 ± 3.6 (treated diabetic rats) in absence of insulin; 7.0 ± 1.7 (untreated non-diabetic rats), 8.3 ± 0.8 (treated non-diabetic rats, p &lt; 0.05 vs. untreated non-diabetic rats), 5.0 ± 1.6 (untreated diabetic rats, p &lt; 0.05 vs. untreated non-diabetic rats) and 6.4 ± 2.4 (treated diabetic rats) in presence of insulin. Lactate released was lower in untreated diabetic vs. untreated non-diabetic rats. Thus, Ficus carica extract showed a clear hypoglycaemic effect in diabetic rats. Such an effect cannot be mediated by an enhanced insulin secretion, so an as yet undefined insulin-like peripheral effect, may be suggested.

Oxidative stress in normal and diabetic rats

Parameters related to oxidative stress were studied in a group of 10 Wistar diabetic rats and 10 control rats. The levels of total erythrocyte catalase activity in the diabetic animals were significantly (p<0.001) greater than the control levels. The diabetic animals presented an amount of vitamin E far greater (p<0.0001) than the controls, as was also the case for the vitaminE/polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and vitaminE/linoleic acid (C18:2) ratios. Greater vitaminE/triglyceride (TG) ratio, however, appeared in the control group. The corresponding vitamin A ratios (vitaminA/TG, vitaminA/PUFA, vitaminA/C 18:2) were higher in the control group. Our work corroborates the findings that fatty acid metabolism presents alterations in the diabetes syndrome and that the antioxidant status is affected.

Hypotriglyceridaemic activity of Ficus carica leaves in experimental hypertriglyceridaemic rats

A model of hypertriglyceridaemia in rats is described, which was used to investigate the hypolipidaemic effect of an intraperitoneal (i./p.) administration of a Ficus carica leaf decoction. Hypertriglyceridaemia was induced in rats following the protocol: a fasting period of 22 h, 2 h of oral (p.o.) administration of 20% emulsion of longchain triglycerides (LCT emulsion), both repeated once. The plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels obtained 2 h after the protocol were 5.7 +/- 2.5 mmol/L (p < 0.0001 vs basal levels) and 1.7 +/- 0.3 mmol/L, respectively, n = 10. The new model was used to test the hypotriglyceridaemic effect of a single dose of Ficus carica (fig tree) leaf decoction administered i./p. (50 g dry wt/kg body wt). After the i.p. injection of serum saline (control group, n = 10) or Ficus carica extract (group A, n = 10), plasma triglyceride levels in the control group and group A were 5.9 +/- 2.9 mmol/L and 5.5 +/- 2.9 mmol/L just after the LCT emulsion protocol; 4.7 +/- 2.7 mmol/L and 0.9 +/- 0.4 mmol/L, p < 0.005, 60 min after the LCT protocol; and 3.6 +/- 2.9 mmol/L and 1.0 +/- 0.4 mmol/L, p < 0.05, 90 min after the LCT protocol. The plasma total cholesterol levels, which were not modified in our experimental model, showed no significant differences in relation to baseline levels in the presence or absence of Ficus carica treatment either. The clearly positive results suggest the presence in the fig leaf decoction of a compound or compounds that influence lipid catabolism.

Mesenteric arteriovenous differences in glucose, lactate and insulin concentrations in rats and humans

The present study was aimed to investigate the mesenteric arteriovenous differences in blood glucose and lactate and plasma insulin in humans (n=8) and rats (n=10). Arterial (abdominal aorta) and mesenteric vein blood glucose and lactate (enzymatic methods) and plasma insulin concentrations (radioimmunoassay) were measured in patients during abdominal surgery and in normal rats. Blood glucose levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the abdominal aorta than in the mesenteric vein in both rats (9.2+/-1.0 vs 7.5+/-0.8 mmol/l) and humans (10.4+/-2.9 vs 8.5+/-2.7 mmol/l). Blood lactate levels were higher (p < 0.05) in the mesenteric vein in both rats (3.7+/-1.3 vs 2.8+/-0.9 mmol/l) and humans (0.7+/-0.23 vs 0.1+/-0.05 mmol/l). Plasma insulin concentrations were identical in the aorta or mesenteric vein in both rats (314.4+/-162.0 vs 311.4+/-94.2 pmol/l) and humans (62.4+/-43.2 vs 61.8+/-48.0 pmol/l). In conclusion, both rat and human intestine retained a high proportion of arterially administered glucose and released lactate under the studied conditions.

Hypoglycemic action of an oral fig-leaf decoction in type-I diabetic patients

The effect of a decoction of fig leaves (Ficus carica), as a supplement to breakfast, on diabetes control was studied in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients (six men, four women, age 22-38 years, body mass index (BMI): 20.8 +/- 3.0 kg/m2, HbA1c 7.6 +/- 0.9% with a mean duration of diabetes of 9 +/- 6.3 years). The patients were managed with their usual diabetes diet and their twice-daily insulin injection. During the first month, patients were given a decoction of fig leaves (FC) and during the next month a non-sweet commercial tea (TC). The patients were divided into two groups (n = 5) with random allocation and cross-over design. A standard breakfast was given at the beginning and end of each month-run. C-peptide, 2 h pre- and post-prandial glycemia, HbA1c, cholesterol, lipid fractions and hematology data, were analyzed during each visit. Glycemic profiles (7/day per week) were recorded by patients. Only two patients had intolerance dropout. Post-prandial glycemia was significantly lower during supplementation with FC 156.6 +/- 75.9 mg/dl versus TC 293.7 +/- 45.0 mg/dl (P < 0.001) without pre-prandial differences 145.0 +/- 41.5 and 196.6 +/- 43.2 mg/dl, respectively. Medium average capillary profiles were also lower in the two sub-groups of patients during FC 166.7 +/- 23.6 mg/dl, P < 0.05 and 157.1 +/- 17.0 mg/dl versus TC 245.8 +/- 14.2 mg/dl and 221.4 +/- 27.3 mg/dl. Average insulin dose was 12% lower during FC in the total group. The addition of FC to diet in IDDM could be of help to control postprandial glycemia.

Individual housing influences certain biochemical parameters in the rat

Individual housing has been reported to modify animal behaviour. The present study compares the plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol, weight, and food and water intake in two groups of female rats. Group A: 10 rats who remained grouped in two cages for 21 days; and Group B: 10 rats housed in two cages for 7 days, then isolated in individual cages from day 8 to day 15, and finally grouped together again for the last 7 days of the study. The results showed that the plasma values of glucose declined (P < 0.05) in the Group B rats when they had been returned to group condition (4.79 +/- 0.72 mM) than when they had been isolated (5.45 +/- 0.94 mM). Plasma triglyceride levels were lower (P < 0.05) in isolated rats (0.70 +/- 0.26 mM) than in any determination of the grouped rats. Group B: 1st week 1.21 +/- 0.21 mM, 3rd week 0.88 +/- 0.20 mM; and Group A: 1.22 +/- 0.20, 0.96 +/- 0.16, and 0.96 +/- 0.36 mM, in the first, second, and third week, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in total cholesterol values as a function of the individual housing of animals. While there was no weight difference between the two groups of rats that could be ascribed to individual housing, there was a statistically significant increase (P < 0.05) in the food intake of isolated rats (17.5 +/- 3.2 g) with respect to values in the same Group B animals when they were housed together (1st week, 16.6 +/- 2.8 g; 3rd week, 16.8 +/- 3.1 g). These results therefore confirm that individual housing of female rats provoke variations in certain biochemical parameters, and that if this is not taken into account in performing different scientific studies, it could give rise to unreliable or even dubious results.

Prognostic significance of SCC antigen in the serum of patients with head and neck cancer

SCC antigen (Ag) is a tumor-associated Ag (TAA) obtained from squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. This study reports the evaluation of this TAA in patients with head and neck malignant diseases and its possible prognostic value. Serum samples from 28 patients with benign head and neck diseases from 399 patients with cancer were obtained prior to treatment. SCC Ag serum levels were determined by radioimmunoassay using 2.5 ng/ml as the upper limit of normality. Elevated SCC Ag serum levels were found in 14% of 28 patients with benign diseases, in 29% of 217 patients with primary tumors, in 48% of 46 patients with recurrence (43% in locoregional, 64% in metastases) and in 4% of 136 patients with no evidence of disease. In patients with primary tumors, SCC Ag serum levels were related to nodal involvement and tumor location with significantly higher levels in node-positive patients (p = 0.001) and in tumors located in the nasopharynx and piriform sinus (p = 0.02). Presurgical SCC Ag serum levels in patients with primary tumors had prognostic value with shorter disease-free survival in those patients with abnormal values of this TAA (p < 0.001), in both, node-negative and node-positive patients (p < 0.01). Multivariate analyses showed that SCC Ag is a significant independent predictor of disease-free survival even when other prognostic factors are considered. In conclusion, pretreatment SCC Ag serum levels are an independent prognostic indicator in patients with head and neck malignancies.

[A descriptive clinical study of a type of arthritis in beekeepers of the Badajoz area of La Siberia Extremeña]

BACKGROUND

The appearance of episodes of arthritis has been detected in beekeepers in the Siberia Extremadura (Spain) related to working with the hives. This present work describes the clinical features of such arthritic syndrome.

METHODS

Sixty cases were selected at random from a previous epidemiological study to undergo a clinical protocol that included, anamnesis, physical signs, haematological, biochemical and immunological analyses, and radiological exploration of hands, wrists, feet, and pelvis.

RESULTS

The picture is characterized by episodes of oligoarthritis associated with bee-stings in the affected joints or nearby. The most frequent radiologic lesions are pinched articular lines, sclerosis, and the presence of geodes. Analytically, there was frequent eosinophilia, abnormalities in haemostasis tests, and a rise in serum alkaline phosphatase.

CONCLUSIONS

An acute inflammatory oligoarthritis of unknown cause has been described which affects the hands asymmetrically, and which is found in beekeepers in relation to their work with the hives. It occasionally involves into a chronic localized arthropathy capable of provoking ankylosis and permanent articular disability.

Prognostic value of TPS in patients with head and neck malignancies: comparison with SCC

TPS and SCC serum levels were evaluated in 113 patients with primary tumors, 19 with relapse and 59 with no evidence of disease after radical treatment. Abnormal serum levels were found in 37% and 33% of patients with primary untreated tumors and in 53% and 59% of patients with relapse, respectively, using 100 U/L and 2.5 ng/ml as the upper limit of normality for TPS and SCC, respectively. Either tumor marker was abnormal in 57.5% of primary tumors and in 74% of patients with relapse. TPS and SCC serum levels were related to nodal involvement, with significantly higher levels in patients with nodal invasion (p < 0.02 and p 0.001, respectively). No relationship was found between tumor size, age or histological grade and SCC or TPS values. Pretreatment TPS and SCC serum levels had prognostic interest in patients with locoregional tumors, with a significantly shorter disease-free interval (DFI) in patients with abnormal values (p < 0.01 and p < 0.02, respectively). When tumor marker levels and nodes were simultaneously evaluated, a trend toward shorter DFI in patients with abnormal serum concentrations was found, with no statistical significance. By contrast, TPS and SCC were useful in prognosis in node-negative patients (p < 0.02 and p < 0.001, respectively). Likewise, using both TAAs simultaneously, it is possible to increase prognostic information. Patients with TPS and/or SCC abnormal levels had a significantly lower DFI than those patients with normal values, in both node positive and negative patients (P < 0.01). In summary, TPS and SCC are useful TAAs in patients with head and neck malignancies. Likewise, with the simultaneous use of SCC and TPS, the TAA utility in this malignancy increases in the prognosis as well as disease follow-up.

Age-related increased 14C-arachidonic acid uptake by platelets in normal subjects

Arachidonic acid uptake activity (pmol/10(8) platelets min) measured in platelets obtained from normal subjects was significantly higher in over-forty year old (3.53 +/- 0.38) than in under-forty year old subjects (2.33 +/- 0.12). No significant correlations were found between the arachidonic acid uptake activity and fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol or triglyceride levels. The arachidonic acid uptake activity was significantly reduced by the presence of indomethacin in platelets obtained from both under and over-forty year old subjects, and by the presence of nordihydroguaiaretic acid in platelets obtained from over-forty year old subjects. In conclusion, these data show that arachidonate uptake activity by platelets increased with age. This increase was abolished when platelets were incubated in the presence of inhibitors of the arachidonic acid metabolism.

[Use of thermoplasticized gutta-percha in retrograde obturation]

In 29 teeth, apicoectomies with retrograde instrumentation and retrofilling with low temperature thermoplasticized gutta-percha were performed. Nineteen of them were clinically an radiographically evaluated, showing the following average rate: successes 84.2% (16 cases), failures 10.5% (2 cases) and incomplete healing 5.2% (1 case). The observation period varied from 12 to 41 months. The use of retrograde instrumentation an retrofilling with thermoplasticized gutta-percha is suggested as a useful method in surgical procedures.

Subcutaneous cyclosporin prevents the development of complete Freund's adjuvant-streptozotocin-induced diabetes in the rat

The effect of subcutaneous cyclosporin administration (20 mg/kg) on the development of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-streptozotocin-induced diabetes and on the induction of the so called cyclosporine diabetes like syndrome, were examined in Wistar rats. During and 5 weeks after the cyclosporin A treatment (21 days) the rats remained normoglycaemic. Three injections of 30 mg/kg streptozotocin given at weekly intervals, 24 hr after the administration of CFA, produced a persistent hyperglycaemia, an impairment of glucose tolerance and a drastic reduction in the pancreatic insulin content. The development of the diabetic state was prevented by cyclosporin treatment. The present results suggest that the cyclosporin diabetes like syndrome could not appear when cyclosporin was administered subcutaneously at the recommended doses for immunosuppression and that at such therapeutic doses, cyclosporin inhibits the development of CFA-Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in the Wistar rat.

SCC antigen measured in malignant and nonmalignant diseases

SCC antigen was measured in the serum of 214 patients with benign diseases and in 251 patients with various cancers. With 2.5 micrograms/L as the upper normal limit for serum, values were positive in 2.9% of 69 healthy subjects (I), 29.0% of 214 patients with benign pathologies (II), and 41% of 217 patients with active cancer (III). The highest values in group II were for patients in renal failure (64%) or with lung diseases (40%) or head-and-neck diseases (21.2%). Specificity of SCC increased (91.1%) when we excluded patients in renal failure or with creatinine values greater than 133 mumol/L. In group III, SCC values were abnormal in 57.7% of patients with squamous cell carcinoma, but in only 9.3% of those with other histological types (P less than 0.001). In squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, cervix, or head and neck, SCC values were related to tumor stage, values being highest in patients with metastases.

SCC antigen measured in malignant and nonmalignant diseases

SCC antigen was measured in the serum of 214 patients with benign diseases and in 251 patients with various cancers. With 2.5 micrograms/L as the upper normal limit for serum, values were positive in 2.9% of 69 healthy subjects (I), 29.0% of 214 patients with benign pathologies (II), and 41% of 217 patients with active cancer (III). The highest values in group II were for patients in renal failure (64%) or with lung diseases (40%) or head-and-neck diseases (21.2%). Specificity of SCC increased (91.1%) when we excluded patients in renal failure or with creatinine values greater than 133 mumol/L. In group III, SCC values were abnormal in 57.7% of patients with squamous cell carcinoma, but in only 9.3% of those with other histological types (P less than 0.001). In squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, cervix, or head and neck, SCC values were related to tumor stage, values being highest in patients with metastases.

Pharmacokinetics, hepatic biotransformation and biliary and urinary excretion of bromosulfophthalein (BSP) in an experimental liver disease mimicking biliary cirrhosis

We studied the hepatic handling of bromosulfophthalein in healthy rabbits with hepatic coccidiosis 28 days after an experimental infection with sporulated oocysts of Eimeria stiedai, an experimental model of liver disease histopathologically resembling primary biliary cirrhosis in man. A pharmacokinetic study of the results was performed following a multicompartmental model with 7 transfer constants to describe the physiological disposition of the dye. The study showed that the plasma disappearance, distribution volume (Vi), hepatic biotransformation and the biliary and urinary elimination of conjugated (BSPc) and unconjugated (BSPu) bromosulfophthalein were markedly altered. Whereas Vi and urinary excretion of the dye were significantly increased, the hepatic clearance, biotransformation and biliary excretion of BSPc and BSPu were drastically reduced in infected rabbits. Satisfactory agreement was obtained between the experimental and estimated data, particularly those relating to biotransformation clearance and biliary and urinary excretion of the dye. These results demonstrate that severe liver disease in rabbits with histopathological liver alterations resembling several hepatic dysfunctions in man markedly reduce hepatic uptake, metabolism and biliary excretion of a xenobiotic such as BSP.

[Mouth diseases and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome]

The purpose of this article is to describe oral manifestations of AIDS, specially opportunistic infections, hairy leukoplakia and Kaposi's sarcoma. Fungal infections, viral infections, salivary glands disturbances and neoplasms are related. Treatment and epidemiology in Argentine are included.

Relationship between foreign H-2-like antigens on MCG4 sarcoma and the in vivo rejection of this tumor by syngeneic and semisyngeneic mice

MCG4, a BALB/c sarcoma (H-2d), that abnormally expresses H-2k and h-2b-like antigens, regressed spontaneously when inoculated in BALB/c and in BALB/c hybrids F1. A relationship was found between the anti-H-2k and/or anti-H-2b activity detected in the sera and spleen cells of the regressor mice and their capacity to reject the tumor.

Immunogenetic studies of H-2 antigens of MCG 3 tumour cells

MCG 3 is a B 10(H-2b) sarcoma induced as a solid tumour with 0.2 mg of methylcholantrene in our laboratory. The ascites form obtained was used to study the expression of H-2 antigeneic specificities in a postlabelling radioassay. H-2D.2, H-2K.33 (private specificities of H-2b) and H-2.28, H-2.35 (public specificities) were normally expressed for MCG 3 while H-2.5, H-2.29, H-2.36 (public specificities) were abnormally absent. These results were confirmed by quantitative absorption analysis using MCG 3 and positive-negative normal lymphoid cells for a particular specificity.

Expression of foreign H-2-like antigens by a chemically-induced murine tumour (MCG4)

Alien H-2k-like antigens were found to be expressed by a methylcholanthrene induced tumour of BALB/c (H-2d) origin. H-2 specificities of the k haplotype were detected on this tumour by a variety of serological techniques, including 51Cr-release cytotoxicity, microradioassay and absorption. The antisera employed were conventional polyspecific alloantisera, typing sera with restricted specificty and monoclonal hybridoma-derived anti-H-2k antibodies. The tumour has a low expression of the private specificty 31, which characterizes Kd molecules, and does not seem to express the private specificities of Dd, Kk and Dk molecules. It appears to express predominantly alien H-2-like antigens which are very similar to but not identical with normal H-2k molecules.

A syngeneic anti tumor serum recognizing a complex H-2 alloantigen

A methylcholanthrene induced tumor of BALBc (H-2d) origin had a high rate of spontaneous regression when transplanted into syngeneic animals. The tumor induced in BALB/c mice iso-antibodies with high anti-tumor cytotoxic activity. A specificity analysis of such BALB/c anti MCG4 sera revealed that the antibodies were directed against a tumor antigen which is very similar to H-2- alloantigens (e.g. H-2.5) expressed on normal cells of certain foreign mouse strains. The sera also reacted with nine out of ten B10.W congenic strains bearing H-2wi haplotypes derived from wild mice. Whether the tumor antigen is identical with foreign H-2 antigens or only cross-reactive cannot be decided at present.

Absence of four H-2d antigenic specificites in an H-2d sarcoma

MCG4 is a BALB/c sarcoma induced as a solid tumour with 0.2 mgs of methylcholantrene. The primary tumour was serially transplanted subcutaneously in syngeneic mice. The ascites form obtained was sued to study the expression of H-2 antigeneic specificities in a postlabelling radioassay. MCG4 did not express H-2D.4 (private specificity of H-2d haplotypes) as well as H-2.3, H-2.8 and H-2.13 (public specificities). In addition it expressed H-2.5 (a public specificity not present in H-2d cells). These results were confirmed by quantitative absorption analysis using MCG4 and positive-negative normal lymphoid cells for a particular specificity. Results are discussed with regard to the control of expression of H-2 antigens by regulatory genes.