Genetic study in patients operated dentally and anesthetized with articaine-epinephrine

Aims: In this study we wanted to figure out if there was a correlation between OPRM1 N40D, TRPV1 I316M, TRPV1 I585V, NOS3 −786T>C and IL6 −174C>G polymorphisms and the response to locally applied articaine-epinephrine anesthetic. Methods: In this observational study, 114 oral cell samples of patients anesthetized with articaine-epinephrine (54 from men 60 from women), were collected from dental centers in Madrid (Spain). High molecular weight DNA was obtained from oral mucosa cells. The analysis of OPRM1 N40D (rs1799971), TRPV1 I316M (rs222747), TRPV1 I585V (rs8065080) and IL6 −174C>G polymorphism was performed through real-time PCR allelic discrimination using TaqMan probes. Polymorphism NOS3 −786T> C (rs2070744) was analyzed using RFLP-PCR. Results: The studied polymorphisms are involved neither in the response to the anesthetic, nor in the intensity of perceived dental pain. However, in a subset of female patients we found that TRPV1 I316M was associated with a delayed onset of anesthesia. Conclusions: There is no association among these polymorphisms and the time elapsed between the application of the anesthetic and the onset of its effect

Data reduction in the ITMS system through a data acquisition model with self-adaptive sampling rate

Long pulse or steady state operation of fusion experiments require data acquisition and processing systems that reduce the volume of data involved. The availability of self-adaptive sampling rate systems and the use of real-time lossless data compression techniques can help solve these problems. The former is important for continuous adaptation of sampling frequency for experimental requirements. The latter allows the maintenance of continuous digitization under limited memory conditions. This can be achieved by permanent transmission of compressed data to other systems. The compacted transfer ensures the use of minimum bandwidth. This paper presents an implementation based on intelligent test and measurement system (ITMS), a data acquisition system architecture with multiprocessing capabilities that permits it to adapt the system’s sampling frequency throughout the experiment. The sampling rate can be controlled depending on the experiment’s specific requirements by using an external dc voltage signal or by defining user events through software. The system takes advantage of the high processing capabilities of the ITMS platform to implement a data reduction mechanism based in lossless data compression algorithms which are themselves based in periodic deltas

Bioactive properties of commercialised pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice: antioxidant, antiproliferative and enzyme inhibiting activities

Pomegranate juice and related products have long been used either in traditional medicine or as nutritional supplements claiming beneficial effects. Although there are several studies on this food plant, only a few studies have been performed with pomegranate juice or marketed products. The aim of this work is to evaluate the antioxidant effects of pomegranate juice on cellular models using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent or DPPH and superoxide radicals in cell free systems. The antiproliferative effects of the juice were measured on HeLa and PC-3 cells by the MTT assay and pharmacologically relevant enzymes (cyclooxygenases, xanthine oxidase, acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase A) were selected for enzymatic inhibition assays. Pomegranate juice showed significant protective effects against hydrogen peroxide induced toxicity in the Artemia salina and HepG2 models; these effects may be attributed to radical scavenging properties of pomegranate as the juice was able to reduce DPPH and superoxide radicals. Moderate antiproliferative activities in HeLa and PC-3 cancer cells were observed. However, pomegranate juice was also able to inhibit COX-2 and MAO-A enzymes. This study reveals some mechanisms by which pomegranate juice may have interesting and beneficial effects in human health

Updating known distribution models for forecasting climate change impact on endangered species

To plan endangered species conservation and to design adequate management programmes, it is necessary to predict their distributional response to climate change, especially under the current situation of rapid change. However, these predictions are customarily done by relating de novo the distribution of the species with climatic conditions with no regard of previously available knowledge about the factors affecting the species distribution. We propose to take advantage of known species distribution models, but proceeding to update them with the variables yielded by climatic models before projecting them to the future. To exemplify our proposal, the availability of suitable habitat across Spain for the endangered Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata) was modelled by updating a pre-existing model based on current climate and topography to a combination of different general circulation models and Special Report on Emissions Scenarios. Our results suggested that the main threat for this endangered species would not be climate change, since all forecasting models show that its distribution will be maintained and increased in mainland Spain for all the XXI century. We remark on the importance of linking conservation biology with distribution modelling by updating existing models, frequently available for endangered species, considering all the known factors conditioning the species’ distribution, instead of building new models that are based on climate change variables only.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and FEDER (project CGL2009-11316/BOS

Aplicación de la termografía en el diagnóstico y valoración de la pododermatitis plantar en rapaces

La pododermatitis plantar es una patología de gran importancia en la clínica aviar. Su diagnóstico precoz es vital para un buen pronóstico. Por ello, se ha estudiado la posibilidad de detectarla mediante termografía, técnica que no necesita contacto con el paciente, reduciendo así el estrés que el manejo supone para la mayoría de animales, especialmente los salvajes. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que la termografía permite detectar la pododermatitis plantar antes de la aparición de lesiones, por la mayor diferencia entre las temperaturas máxima y mínima de la planta y por el patrón térmico.Plantar pododermatitis is great important pathology in avian medicine. Its early diagnosis allows a good prognosis. Therefore, the application of thermography to detect bumblefoot has been studied. This technique requires no contact with the patient, reducing the stress, very important in wildlife. Results show thermography is a useful tool for detecting plantar pododermatitis, even before the appearance of lesions, for the major difference between the maximum and minimum temperature of the plant and its thermal pattern

Adherence to Mediterranean Diet Pattern among Spanish Adults Attending a Medical Centre: Nondiabetic Subjects and Type 1 and 2 Diabetic Patients.

Objective. To identify adherence to Mediterranean diet among two groups of Spanish adults: diabetic patients and nondiabetic subjects. Methods. Adherence to Mediterranean diet was measured by a 14-item screener (scale: 0–14; =5: low, 6–9: moderate, and =10: high) in 351 volunteers. Results. Mean age was 50.97±12.58 in nondiabetics (n=154) and 59.50±13.34 in diabetics (n = 197). The whole sample scored 8.77 ± 1.82. Score was 9.19 ± 1.84 in nondiabetic females (n = 58) and 8.15 ± 1.79 in diabetic females (n = 85) (p = 0 003), due to lower consumption of olive oil (p = 0 005) and nuts (p = 0 000). Type 2 diabetic males (n = 79; 8.76 ± 1.88) consumed less olive oil than healthy males (n = 28; 9.36 ± 1.59) (p = 0 046). Up to 30-year-old nondiabetics scored lower than more than 60-year-old nondiabetics (8.40 ± 1.5 versus 9.74 ± 2.03; p = 0 047). The youngest ate less olive oil (p = 0 002) and more pastries (p = 0 007). Conclusions. The sample presented moderate adherence to Mediterranean diet in all subgroups. Scientific evidence about the benefits of Mediterranean diet, olive oil, and nuts supports the recommendation to increase consumption of olive oil and nuts in diabetic women and of daily olive oil in type 2 diabetic men, reducing consumption of red meat, butter, and pastries, and to promote Mediterranean diet among the youngest of the sample studie

Improvement of the drug therapy results in patients with high blood pressure at a community pharmacy

En el presente trabajo se analizan las consecuencias de la actividad asistencial del farmacéutico en un grupo depacientes hipertensos de una ofi cina de farmacia. Se han estudiado los diferentes Problemas Relacionados con laMedicación (PRM) que podrían dar lugar a la aparición de Resultados Negativos asociados a la Medicación (RNM),clasifi cándolos y relacionándolos con las cualidades de necesidad, efectividad y seguridad de la farmacoterapia. Laincidencia de la vía de comunicación utilizada en la intervención (farmacéutico-paciente o farmacéutico-pacientemédico)sobre el resultado fi nal de ésta fue investigada, observándose un mejor resultado si se requería la colaboracióndel médico. En este estudio se ha puesto de manifi esto la necesidad de solucionar determinadas trabas quedifi cultan la mejor aplicación del servicio de seguimiento farmacoterapéutico a los pacientes y la inclusión de unmayor número de personas en éste.In the present work, the consequences of the sanitary assistance activity of the pharmacist in a group of patientswith high blood pressure are analyzed. The Drug Related Problems (DRP), detected in these patients at a communitypharmacy, that could generate Negative Results Associated to the Medication (NRM) were studied, carrying out aclassifi cation with respect to the pharmacotherapy qualities of necessity, effectiveness and security. The impact ofthe communication channel used in the intervention (pharmacist-patient or pharmacist-patient-doctor) in its fi nalresult was also studied. Better result was obtained when the collaboration with the doctor was selected. This studyalso remarks the need to overcome some barriers that hinders a better application of this pharmacotherapeuticmonitoring service and a greater integration of patients