Rhinosectan® spray (containing xyloglucan) on the ciliary function of the nasal respiratory epithelium; results of an in vitro study

Background: To assess the efects of Rhinosectan® spray, a medical device containing xyloglucan, on nasal ciliary function (in MucilAir Nasal cells). Methods: MucilAir Nasal, a three-dimensional organotypic airway tissue model (with diferent cell types), was treated with Rhinosectan® (30 µl) or with a control (saline solution). The efects of Rhinosectan® were evaluated at 15 and 60 min post-exposure by: measurement of the cilia beating frequency (Hz), mucin detection (Enzyme-Linked Lectin Assay ELLA), mucociliary clearance (µm/s) and phagocytosis assay (fuorescence). Results: Exposure of MucilAir to Rhinosectan® did not alter the cilia beating frequency at 15 and 60 min post-exposure (diluted and undiluted). Exposure to Rhinosectan® (undiluted) during 60 min increased mucociliary clearance (93.3±2.1 µm/s vs. 80.9±1.8 µm/s; p<0.01) and phagocytic activity (1.89-fold increase) in comparison with saline solution. Moreover, a signifcant decrease in mucin concentration was observed after 15 min of exposure (171.4 ng/ml vs. 306.5 ng/ml; p<0.01) and at 60 min post-treatment (242.7 ng/ml vs. 339 ng/ml; p<0.05). Conclusions: The application of Rhinosectan® to nasal epithelial cells does not impair ciliary movement, enhances mucociliary clearance and facilitates phagocytosis while reducing mucin secretion, which are optimal properties for the management of rhinitis and associated conditions. Keywords: Xyloglucan, Rhinitis, Nasal obstruction, Rhinosinusitis, Barrier properties, Ciliary function, Mucociliary clearance, Mucin secretion, Allergy, Preventive measures, Medical device

Xyloglucan for the Treatment of Acute Gastroenteritis in Children: Results of a Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial

Background. Xyloglucan, a film-forming agent, improves intestinal mucosa resistance to pathologic damage. The efficacy, safety, and time of onset of the antidiarrheal effect of xyloglucan were assessed in children with acute gastroenteritis receiving oral rehydration solution (ORS). Methods. This randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel-group, multicenter, clinical trial included children (3 months–12 years) with acute gastroenteritis of infectious origin. Children were randomized to xyloglucan and ORS, or ORS only, for 5 days. Diarrheal symptoms, including stool number/characteristics, and safety were assessed at baseline and after 2 and 5 days and by fulfillment of a parent diary card. Results. Thirty-six patients (58.33% girls) were included (n=18/group). Patients receiving xyloglucan and ORS had better symptom evolution than ORS-only recipients, with a faster onset of action. At 6 hours, xyloglucan produced a significantly greater decrease in the number of type 7 stools (0.11 versus 0.44; P=0.027). At days 3 and 5, xyloglucan also produced a significantly greater reduction in types 6 and 7 stools compared with ORS alone. Xyloglucan plus ORS was safe and well tolerated. Conclusions. Xyloglucan is an efficacious and safe option for the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children, with a rapid onset of action in reducing diarrheal symptoms. This study is registered with ISRCTN number 65893282

Aprender mediante el estudio de casos

El estudio de casos es una estrategia didáctica especialmente adecuada para favorecer el aprendizaje de competencias y para facilitar la relación entre teoría y práctica. Aunque los casos pueden ser de distintos tipos, existen algunas consideraciones generales que tener en cuenta para que cumplan una función didáctica. Como toda estrategia, el uso de casos tiene muchas posibilidades pero también algunas limitaciones. En el artículo se comenta, a título de ejemplo, un proyecto de casos en red para la formación de profesorado

Xyloglucan for the treatment of acute diarrhea: results of a randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel group, multicentre, national clinical trial

Background: There is a strong rationale for the use of agents with film-forming protective properties, like xyloglucan, for the treatment of acute diarrhea. However, few data from clinical trials are available. Methods: A randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel group, multicentre, clinical trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of xyloglucan, in comparison with diosmectite and Saccharomyces in adult patients with acute diarrhea due to different causes. Patients were randomized to receive a 3-day treatment. Symptoms (stools type, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and flatulence) were assessed by a self-administered ad-hoc questionnaire 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h following the first dose administration. Adverse events were also recorded. Results: A total of 150 patients (69.3 % women and 30.7 % men, mean age 47.3 ± 14.7 years) were included (n = 50 in each group). A faster onset of action was observed in the xyloglucan group compared with the diosmectite and S. bouliardii groups. At 6 h xyloglucan produced a statistically significant higher decrease in the mean number of type 6 and 7 stools compared with diosmectite (p = 0.031). Xyloglucan was the most efficient treatment in reducing the percentage of patients with nausea throughout the study period, particularly during the first hours (from 26 % at baseline to 4 % after 6 and 12 h). An important improvement of vomiting was observed in all three treatment groups. Xyloglucan was more effective than diosmectite and S. bouliardii in reducing abdominal pain, with a constant improvement observed throughout the study. The clinical evolution of flatulence followed similar patterns in the three groups, with continuous improvement of the symptom. All treatments were well tolerated, without reported adverse events. Conclusions: Xyloglucan is a fast, efficacious and safe option for the treatment of acute diarrhea. Trial registration: EudraCT number 2014-001814-24 (date: 2014-04-28) ISRCTN number: 9031182

The combination of oligo- and polysaccharides and reticulated protein for the control of symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: Results of a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group, multicentre clinical trial

Background: A medical device containing the film-forming agent reticulated protein and a prebiotic mixture of vegetable oligo- and polysaccharides has been developed, recently receiving European approval as MED class III for the treatment of chronic/functional or recidivant diarrhoea due to different causes including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In the present paper, we evaluate a protein preparation containing these components in comparison with placebo in adult patients with diarrhoea-predominant IBS. Methods: In a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group, multicentre clinical trial, patients were randomly assigned to receive the combination of oligo- and polysaccharides and reticulated protein and placebo (four oral tablets/day for 56 days). Demographic, clinical and quality of life characteristics and presence and intensity of abdominal pain and flatulence (seven-point Likert scale) were assessed at three study visits (baseline and at 28 and 56 days). Stool emissions were recorded on the diary card using the seven-point Bristol Stool Scale. Results: A total of 128 patients were randomised to receive either tablets containing the combination (n = 63) or placebo (n = 65). Treatment with oligo- and polysaccharides and reticulated protein was safe and well tolerated. A significant improvement in symptoms across the study was observed in patients treated with oligo- and polysaccharides and reticulated protein between visit 2 and visit 3 in abdominal pain (p = 0.0167) and flatulence (p = 0.0373). We also detected a statistically significant increase in the quality of life of patients receiving the active treatment from baseline to visit 3 (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Treatment with oligo- and polysaccharides and reticulated protein is safe, improving IBS symptoms and quality of life of patients with diarrhoea-predominant IBS. Keywords: Irritable bowel syndrome; abdominal pain; efficacy; flatulence; mucosal protectors; quality of life; reticulated protein; stools; vegetable oligo-saccharides; vegetable polysaccharides

Perfil i competències del formador. La modalitat formativa 'Aules Obertes a la Professionalització (AOP)' com a facilitadora del desenvolupament de competències

La modalitat formativa d'Aules Obertes a la Professionalització, s'està portant a terme en el Grau d'Educació Infantil (UB), i pretén integrar el binomi teoria i pràctica a través de la col·laboració entre la universitat i l'escola. La creació de nous espais formatius, l'obertura a nous processos d'aprenentatge, i la combinació de diferents moments de pràctica reflexiva, estan produint canvis a l'aprenentatge dels continguts teòrics i a la imatge de l'estudiant sobre el docent. És sobre el perfil i competències del formador cap a on s'adreça la recerca que actualment estem portant a terme per a valorar l'impacte d'aquesta modalitat formativa a la preparació professional dels/les estudiants

Effect of Utipro® (containing gelatin-xyloglucan) against Escherichia coli invasion of intestinal epithelial cells: results of an in vitro study

Aim: To evaluate whether Utipro(®), a natural product approved to prevent urinary tract infections, protects intestinal epithelial cells from Escherichia coli adherence/intracellular invasion in vitro. Materials & methods: Caco-2 and CacoGoblet(TM) cells were treated with Utipro (1.5 to 10 mg/ml) or untreated (controls). E. coli adherence/intracellular invasion was evaluated by Trans-Epithelial Electrical Resistance, Lucifer Yellow assay and microbial counts. Results: Utipro was noncytotoxic. Utipro 5 and 10 mg/ml protected cell tight junctions (mean ± SD Trans-Epithelial Electrical Resistance [Ω × cm(2)] 66.83 ± 0.29 and 71.33 ± 0.29, respectively), and protected cells from E. coli intracellular invasion (mean ± SD reductions in total bacteria counts [Log10] 0.9 ± 0.06 and 2.1 ± 0.56, respectively). Conclusion: Results indicate that Utipro creates a protective physical barrier on intestinal epithelial cells in vitro which reduces the settling of E. coli reservoirs. These results constitute the first step in the demonstration of the efficacy of Utipro to prevent urinary tract infections. Further research is needed in in vivo models and clinical trials

Anàlisi de la co-transferència de coneixement entre la universitat i les organitzacions de pràctiques, del Pràcticum del grau de Pedagogia, de la Universitat de Barcelona

En la redefinició del marc relacional entre el pràcticum del grau de Pedagogia de la Universitat de Barcelona i les organitzacions de pràctiques, mitjançant processos de co-transferència i d'implicació per a la millora de l'ocupabilitat dels estudiants, presentem l'anàlisi del concepte de co-transferència, els facilitadors i limitadors d'aquesta, així com els resultats i productes que se'n deriven, a més d'algunes propostes de millora

Advantages of Gel Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) for the Management of Acute Diarrhea: An Update

Currently, in the management of acute diarrhea, underuse of oral rehydration solutions (ORS), is still reported, being a strong rationale for their improvement to increase patient's acceptability and, in consequence, treatment compliance and therapeutic success, for example, in terms of palatability, and swallowability. In this article, we reviewed the advantages of new ORS gel formulations, with solid or semi-solid texture, that could help to overcome the inconveniences of conventional ORS. The main difficulty, the salty taste, can be masked using flavors, reconstituting and administering the gel product at low temperatures or using pleasant textures that resembles desserts or sweets. Another important critical point in the oral rehydration is the relatively large volumes administered, usually rejected by children. In gel formulations the volume is significantly reduced to around 100ml, and can be administered at small portions, thus avoiding its refusal and facilitating the role of parents or caregivers in administering it. Recent studies have shown these benefits, together with the demonstration of the electrolytes release at gastric level. However, more clinical trials are needed to compare gel formulations versus standard ORS

Health Benefits of Heat-Killed (Tyndallized) Probiotics: An Overview

Nowadays, the oral use of probiotics is widespread. However, the safety profile with the use of live probiotics is still a matter of debate. Main risks include: Cases of systemic infections due to translocation, particularly in vulnerable patients and pediatric populations; acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes; or interference with gut colonization in neonates. To avoid these risks, there is an increasing interest in non-viable microorganisms or microbial cell extracts to be used as probiotics, mainly heat-killed (including tyndallized) probiotic bacteria (lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria). Heat-treated probiotic cells, cell-free supernatants, and purified key components are able to confer beneficial effects, mainly immunomodulatory effects, protection against enteropathogens, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. At the clinical level, products containing tyndallized probiotic strains have had a role in gastrointestinal diseases, including bloating and infantile coli-in combination with mucosal protectors-and diarrhea. Heat-inactivated probiotics could also have a role in the management of dermatological or respiratory allergic diseases. The reviewed data indicate that heat-killed bacteria or their fractions or purified components have key probiotic effects, with advantages versus live probiotics (mainly their safety profile), positioning them as interesting strategies for the management of common prevalent conditions in a wide variety of patients´ characteristics