PSP detoxification kinetics in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. One- and two-compartment models and the effect of some environmental variables

Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins are accumulated by bivalves during toxic plankton blooms. In these bivalves the toxins are distributed into different body tissues which have varying affinities for them, and later these toxins are transferred by the bivalves to other trophic levels. After the disappearance of the toxic cells, shellfish remain toxic for a variable period of time, depending on the detoxification kinetics. We studied these kinetics in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis previously exposed to a bloom of the PSP producing dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum. The toxin profile observed in the mussels was very similar to that of G. catenatum, showing that toxin transformations (chemical or enzymatic) had little or no importance in this case. The detoxification rates at all the sampling points decreased progressively from ca 0.25 to 0 d-1 following an inverse hyperbolic-like curve. These rates were related to different degrees to the environmental factors studied (salinity, temperature, and light transmission as a measure of seston volume, and in vivo fluorescence as a measure of phytoplankton concentration) and to fresh body weight during each sampling period (estimated by multiple regression). In general, detoxification rates became increasingly independent of the variables cited as the experiment progressed. One- and 2-compartment detoxification models, both with 2 variants (with fixed and variable detoxification rates depending on the environmental variables and body weight), were used to describe the detoxification kinetics observed. Neither of the 2 variants of the 1-compartment models correctly described detoxification. The 2-compartment models, on the other hand, particularly the environmentally controlled variant, fit the observed detoxification kinetics very well. There was only a slight difference between these last 2 models, which would suggest that the actual effect of the environmental variables considered in the detoxification process is unimportant.Versión del editor2,483

Neurofeedback vs. metilfenidato para el tratamiento del trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad en niños y adolescentes

Esta revisión pretende comprobar si Neurofeedback (NFB), en comparación con Metilfenidato (MFD), es un tratamiento eficaz y suficiente para el Trastorno por Déficit de Atención con Hiperactividad (TDAH) en niños y adolescentes. Con la búsqueda sistemática en las bases de datos PubMed y Science Direct se obtuvo un total de 106 artículos, de los que se seleccionaron 12 ensayos controlados aleatorios (ECA). Su gran variabilidad de resultados no respalda el uso de NFB como intervención eficaz y suficiente para el TDAH. Aunque se ha encontrado que el tratamiento combinado de NFB y MFD puede resultar una alternativa prometedora para el TDAH, siendo necesario probar su evidencia en futuras investigaciones This review aims to verify whether Neurofeedback (NFB), compared with Methylphenidate (MFD), is an effective and sufficient treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. With the systematic search in the PubMed and Science Direct databases, a total of 106 articles were obtained, from which 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. The great variability of results doesn''t support the use of NFB as an effective and sufficient intervention for ADHD. Although it has been found that the combined treatment of NFB and MFD may be a promising alternative for ADHD, it is necessary to prove its evidence in future research

Eficacia del Neurofeedback en el Trastorno de Estrés Postraumático en población adulta. Una revisión sistemática

Esta revisión pretende comprobar si el entrenamiento de Neurofeedback (NFB) es eficaz para la mejora sintomática del Trastorno de Estrés Postraumático (TEPT) en población adulta. Se realiza una búsqueda de estudios en las bases de datos PubMed y Science Direct. Los cinco estudios encontrados se centran en la regulación de la amplitud alfa con el entrenamiento de Neurofeedback a través del electroencefalograma (EEG) e imagen por resonancia magnética funcional (fMRI). En ellos se obtiene un aumento de amplitud alfa (“rebote”) tras el entrenamiento, asociado con la mejora sintomática, una mayor relajación y una conexión significativa entre amígdala y prefrontal. En base a la literatura, los resultados no reportan la eficacia y evidencia suficiente, pero se considera que la neuromodulación obtenida con NFB y asociada a la mejora sintomática, puede potenciar un progreso para el tratamiento tanto del TEPT como de otras patologías. The given review tryes to verify if the trainning on Neurofeedback (NFB) provides a symptomatic improvement on the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in an adult population. A search of studies is made in PubMed and Science Direct databases. The five studies found focus on the regulation of alpha amplitude with the training of Neurofeedback through electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). An increase in alpha amplitude ("rebound") is obtained after training, associated with symptomatic improvement, greater relaxation, and a significant connection between amygdala and prefrontal cortex. According to the literature, there''s not enough efficiency or evidence on the results, but it''s considered that the neuromodulation obtained through NFB and its associated symptomatic improvement, can enhance a progress for PTSD and other pathologies treatments

N-methyl-N-((1-methyl-5-(3-(1-(2-methylbenzyl)piperidin-4-yl)propoxy)-1H-indol-2-yl)methyl)prop-2-yn-1-amine, a new cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase dual inhibitor

On the basis of N-((5-(3-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)propoxy)-1-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)methyl)-N-methylprop-2-yn-1-amine (II, ASS234) and QSAR predictions, in this work we have designed, synthesized, and evaluated a number of new indole derivatives from which we have identified N-methyl-N-((1-methyl-5-(3-(1-(2-methylbenzyl)piperidin-4-yl)propoxy)-1H-indol-2-yl)methyl)prop-2-yn-1-amine (2, MBA236) as a new cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase dual inhibitor.PostprintPostprintPeer reviewe

Family physicians' views on participating in prevention of major depression. The predictD-EVAL qualitative study

Background The predictD intervention, a multicomponent intervention delivered by family physicians (FPs), reduced the incidence of major depression by 21% versus the control group and was cost-effective. A qualitative methodology was proposed to identify the mechanisms of action of these complex interventions. Purpose To seek the opinions of these FPs on the potential successful components of the predictD intervention for the primary prevention of depression in primary care and to identify areas for improvement. Method Qualitative study with FPs who delivered the predictD intervention at 35 urban primary care centres in seven Spanish cities. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews adopting a phenomenological approach. The data was triangulated by three investigators using thematic analysis and respondent validation was carried out. Results Sixty-seven FPs were interviewed and they indicated strategies used to perform the predictD intervention, including specific communication skills such as empathy and the activation of patient resources. They perceived barriers such as lack of time and facilitators such as prior acquaintance with patients. FPs recognized the positive consequences of the intervention for FPs, patients and the doctor-patient relationship. They also identified strategies for future versions and implementations of the predictD intervention. Conclusions The FPs who carried out the predictD intervention identified factors potentially associated with successful prevention using this program and others that could be improved. Their opinions about the predictD intervention will enable development of a more effective and acceptable version and its implementation in different primary health care settings

Colección de cultivos de microalgas nocivas del Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo. Resultados experimentales de algunas especies

En el Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo (COV) existe una colección de cultivos de fitoplancton que incluye la mayor parte de las microalgas relacionadas con floraciones tóxicas o nocivas de la costa de la península Ibérica. En este informe se detalla una lista con todas las cepas mantenidas en esta colección, el nombre de la especie, la procedencia de la muestra original desde la que fue aislada y su toxicidad en el caso de que haya sido probada. Además, se muestran los resultados de los estudios sobre crecimiento de tres especies de dinoflagelados en cultivos de esa colección y que son consideradas las más inportantes por su producción de biotoxinas marinas: Gymnodinium catenatum Graham, Alexandrium minutum Halim y Prorocentrum lima (Ehrenberg) Dodge. Se mencionan también numerosas publicaciones de estudios realizados con esos cultivos tanto en el COV como por investigadores de otras instituciones. En el apartado de material y métodos se describe la metodología seguida para el aislamiento y mantenimiento de los cultivos de fitoplancton, así como para el cálculo de la tasa de crecimiento de los mismosCultures of different toxic phytoplankton species related with harmful algal blooms are maintained in a culture collection at the Vigo Oceanographic Center. In the present report, we list all the strains from this culture collection. The list indicates the names of the strains and species, the original sample location from which they were isolated and their toxicity in cases in which this has been tested. This report also present the results of the studies on growth of three dinoflagellates from the culture collection. These species are: Gymnodinium catenatum Graham, Alexandrium minutum Halim and Prorocentrum lima (Ehrenberg) Dodge, and they are remarkably important in toxic phytoplankton research because of their toxin production. Different studies of these cultures described in different publications are also mentioned. In material and methods we describe the methodology for the isolation and maintenance of microalgae cultures, the method of growth rate calculation is also explained.Versión del editor0,000

Monoketonic Curcuminoid Lidocaine Co Deliver Using Thermosensitive Organogels From Drug Synthesis to Epidermis Structural Studies

Organogels ORGs are remarkable matrices due to their versatile chemical composition and straightforward preparation. This study proposes the development of ORGs as dual drug carrier systems, considering the application of synthetic monoketonic curcuminoid m CUR and lidocaine LDC to treat topical inflammatory lesions. The monoketone curcuminoid m CUR was synthesized by using an innovative method via a NbCl5 acid catalysis. ORGs were prepared by associating an aqueous phase composed of Pluronic F127 and LDC hydrochloride with an organic phase comprising isopropyl myristate IPM , soy lecithin LEC , and the synthesized m CUR. Physicochemical characterization was performed to evaluate the influence of the organic phase on the ORGs supramolecular organization, permeation profiles, cytotoxicity, and epidermis structural characteristics. The physico chemical properties of the ORGs were shown to be strongly dependent on the oil phase constitution. Results revealed that the incorporation of LEC and m CUR shifted the sol gel transition temperature, and that the addition of LDC enhanced the rheological G amp; 8242; G amp; 8243; ratio to higher values compared to original ORGs. Consequently, highly structured gels lead to gradual and controlled LDC permeation profiles from the ORG formulations. Porcine ear skin epidermis was treated with ORGs and evaluated by infrared spectroscopy FTIR , where the stratum corneum lipids were shown to transition from a hexagonal to a liquid crystal phase. Quantitative optical coherence tomography OCT analysis revealed that LEC and m CUR additives modify skin structuring. Data from this study pointed ORGs as promising formulations for skin deliver

A personalized intervention to prevent depression in primary care: cost-effectiveness study nested into a clustered randomized trial

Background: Depression is viewed as a major and increasing public health issue, as it causes high distress in the people experiencing it and considerable financial costs to society. Efforts are being made to reduce this burden by preventing depression. A critical component of this strategy is the ability to assess the individual level and profile of risk for the development of major depression. This paper presents the cost-effectiveness of a personalized intervention based on the risk of developing depression carried out in primary care, compared with usual care. Methods: Cost-effectiveness analyses are nested within a multicentre, clustered, randomized controlled trial of a personalized intervention to prevent depression. The study was carried out in 70 primary care centres from seven cities in Spain. Two general practitioners (GPs) were randomly sampled from those prepared to participate in each centre (i.e. 140 GPs), and 3326 participants consented and were eligible to participate. The intervention included the GP communicating to the patient his/her individual risk for depression and personal risk factors and the construction by both GPs and patients of a psychosocial programme tailored to prevent depression. In addition, GPs carried out measures to activate and empower the patients, who also received a leaflet about preventing depression. GPs were trained in a 10- to 15-h workshop. Costs were measured from a societal and National Health care perspective. Qualityadjustedlife years were assessed using the EuroQOL five dimensions questionnaire. The time horizon was 18 months. Results: With a willingness-to-pay threshold of (sic)10, 000 ((sic)8568) the probability of cost-effectiveness oscillated from 83% (societal perspective) to 89% (health perspective). If the threshold was increased to (sic)30, 000 ((sic)25, 704), the probability of being considered cost-effective was 94% (societal perspective) and 96%, respectively (health perspective). The sensitivity analysis confirmed these results. Conclusions: Compared with usual care, an intervention based on personal predictors of risk of depression implemented by GPs is a cost-effective strategy to prevent depression. This type of personalized intervention in primary care should be further developed and evaluated