Repellency of lavender oil and linalool against spot clothing wax cicada,Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) and their electrophysiological responses

This study was performed to investigate the repellent effect of 5 μl doses of ten essential oils (bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, fennel, lavender, lemongrass, majoram, peanut, pennyroyal, and peppermint) against Lycorma delicatula 4th nymphs using an olfactometer. Only lavender oil exhibited significant repellency. We then tested 10, 5, 2.5, and 1 μl doses of lavender oil against the nymphs and females of L. delicatula. The oil showed significant repellency at 10 and 5 μl, although the latter is less potent to 1st instar nymphs. At the lavender oil dose of 2.5 μl, only 3rd and 4th instar nymphs and females were significantly affected. None of the stages tested were affected by 1 μl. Chromatographic and mass spectrometric analyses of lavender oil detected linalool (42.2%), linalyl acetate (49.4%), terpinen-4-ol (5.0%), and caryophyllene oxide (3.4%). Among the four main components, only linalool showed repellency to all instar nymphs and females. No synergism was detected. Antennae of all instar nymphs and females showed electrophysiological responses only to linalool. In field studies using linalool, 4th nymphs and adults were highly repelled at a dose of 30 μl of lavender oil. The effect differed according to test plot and treatment dose.     

Plasma zinc in adults with cystic fibrosis: Correlations with clinical outcomes

BackgroundZinc status has been previously documented in cystic fibrosis (CF) infants, children and adolescents. However, despite the increasing life expectancy observed in CF populations, data regarding zinc status of CF adults are surprisingly lacking. The objectives of this study were to (1) characterize zinc status and (2) explore associations between zinc status and clinical outcomes of CF adult patients.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed for patients who had their plasma zinc measured between 2009 and 2012. Data included demographics, clinical characteristics, biochemical parameters and co-morbid conditions.ResultsA total of 304 CF patients were included in the study. These patients displayed a good nutritional status (mean BMI ± SD: 22.7 ± 3.5) and moderate lung disease (mean FEV₁ ± SD: 66.3 ± 22.2). Low plasma zinc concentration (<9.2 μmol/L) was found in 68 out of 304 CF patients (22.4%). Compared to patients with normal zinc, those with low zinc had significantly lower forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second. 72% of CF adults with low zinc suffered from bone disease (vs 49% with normal zinc, p = 0.037) and 79% had impaired glycemic status (vs 58%, p = 0.016). Accordingly, negative correlations were found between plasma zinc and glucose (r = −0.139, p = 0.0001), HbA1c (r = −0.237, p = 0.0001) and fructosamine (r = −0.134, p = 0.034). In multiple linear regression, albumin and glycemic status were significant predictors of plasma zinc.ConclusionOur data indicated that nearly one quarter of CF adults with good nutritional status and moderate lung disease had low plasma zinc concentration and that low zinc status was associated with worse clinical outcomes.     

Zinc and glycemic control: A meta-analysis of randomised placebo controlled supplementation trials in humans

BackgroundImpaired zinc metabolism is prominent in chronic disorders including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Zinc has the potential to affect glucose homeostasis in animals and humans and hence impact the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo controlled trials was conducted to determine the effect of zinc supplementation on fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, serum insulin and serum zinc concentrations. Relevant studies for inclusion were identified from a literature search of electronic databases up to July 2011.ResultsFourteen reports (n = 3978 subjects) were included in the meta-analysis. In the overall analysis, a small but statistically significant reduction in fasting glucose concentrations was observed (?0.19 ± 0.08 mmol/L, P = 0.013) after zinc supplementation. HbA1c tended to decrease in zinc-supplemented individuals (?0.64 ± 0.36%, P = 0.072). No significant effect was observed for serum insulin concentrations. Plasma zinc concentrations increased significantly following supplementation (+4.03 ± 0.81 μmol/L, P = 0.001). In secondary analyses of participants with chronic metabolic disease (types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and obesity), zinc supplementation produced a greater reduction in glucose concentrations (?0.49 ± 0.11 mmol/L, P = 0.001) compared to the effect that was observed in healthy participants.ConclusionThe significant albeit modest reduction in glucose concentrations and tendency for a decrease in HbA1c following zinc supplementation suggest that zinc may contribute to the management of hyperglycemia in individuals with chronic metabolic disease.     

Resistant starch does not affect zinc homeostasis in rural Malawian children

ObjectiveThis study tested the hypothesis that Malawian children at risk for zinc deficiency will have reduced endogenous fecal zinc (EFZ) and increased net absorbed zinc (NAZ) following the addition of high amylose maize resistant starch (RS) to their diet.MethodsThis was a small controlled clinical trial to determine the effects of added dietary RS on zinc homeostasis among 17 stunted children, aged 3–5 years consuming a plant-based diet and at risk for perturbed zinc homeostasis. Dual zinc stable isotope studies were performed before and after 28 d of intervention with RS, so that each child served as their own control. The RS was incorporated into fried wheat flour dough and given under direct observation twice daily for 28 d. Changes in zinc homeostatic measures were compared using paired Student's t-tests and linear regression analysis.ResultsChildren had a mean height-for-age Z-score of −3.3, and consumed animal source foods ≤twice per month. Their habitual diet contained a phytate:zinc molar ratio of 34:1. Children avidly consumed the RS without complaints. EFZ was 0.8 ± 0.4 mg/d (mean ± SD) both before and after the intervention. Fractional absorption of zinc was 0.38 ± 0.08 and 0.35 ± 0.06 before and after the RS intervention respectively. NAZ was 1.1 ± 0.5 and 0.6 ± 0.7 before and after the RS intervention. This reduction of NAZ corresponded with diminished dietary zinc intake on the study day following intervention with RS. Regression analysis indicated no change in zinc absorption relative to dietary intake as a result of the RS intervention.ConclusionConsumption of RS did not improve zinc homeostasis in rural African children without zinc deficiency. RS was well tolerated in this setting.     

Essential oil composition of Senecio graciliflorus DC: Comparative analysis of different parts and evaluation of antioxidant and cytotoxic activities

The essential oil of different parts of Senecio graciliflorus DC was obtained by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC-FID and GC–MS for the first time. A total of 17, 20, 19 and 17 constituents were identified comprising 99.90, 95.50, 98.93 and 95.96% of the essential oil of flower, leaf, stem and root parts of Senecio graciliflorus respectively. Monoterpene hydrocarbons predominated in the essential oil with 85.28% in flower, 57.53% in leaf, 67.74% in stem and 64.98% in root oil. α-pinene, cis-ocimene, 1,2,3-trimethylcyclohexane and β-pinene were the major constituents of the essential oil. The flower essential oil exhibited a strong antioxidant potential displaying IC₅₀ values of 21.6 ± 0.6 and 26.0 ± 1.0 μg/ml in DPPH and hydroxyl radical assays respectively. On the other hand the essential oil of flower and root displayed highest cytotoxicity against lung (A-549) cancer cell lines (IC₅₀ = 19.1 ± 0.9 and 21.3 ± 1.1 μg/ml respectively. This study which represents the first report of the essential oil composition and bioevaluation of Senecio graciliflorus, can serve as a new source of cytotoxic and antioxidant activity.     

Serum zinc levels of cord blood: Relation to birth weight and gestational period

BackgroundZn-deficiency has been associated with numerous alterations during pregnancy including low birth weight; however, the research relating neonatal zinc status and birth weight has not produced reliable results.ObjectiveTo compare the serum Zn-levels of cord blood in healthy newborns and low birth weight newborns, and to assess a possible relationship between zinc concentration and neonatal birth weight and gestational age.Material and methods123 newborns divided in “study group” (n = 50) with <2500 g birth weight neonates and “control group” (n = 73) with ≥2500 g birth weight neonates were enrolled. Study group was subdivided according to gestational age in preterm (<37 weeks) and full-term (≥37 weeks). Serum cord blood samples were collected and the Zn-levels were analyzed using flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry method and the result was expressed in μmol/L. The Zn-levels were compared between the groups (Mann–Whitney-U test) and the Zn-levels were correlated with the birth weight and gestational age (Spearman's rank correlations).ResultsStatistically significant low positive correlation between Zn-levels and birth weight (ρ = 0.283; p = 0.005) was found. No statistically significant difference between Zn-levels of study and control groups [17.00 ± 0.43 vs. 18.16 ± 0.32 (p = 0.053)] was found. Statistically significant low positive correlation between Zn-levels and gestational age (ρ = 0.351; p = 0.001) was found. No statistically significant difference between Zn-levels of preterm as compare to full-term newborns [16.33 ± 0.42 vs. 18.43 ± 0.93 (p = 0.079)] was found. Zn-level of preterm subgroup was significantly lower compared to control group (p = 0.001).ConclusionsDespite low birth weight preterm neonates had significantly lower serum zinc levels of cord blood than healthy term neonates, the correlation between cord blood zinc levels and birth weight and gestational age was lower. The results are not enough to relate the change in cord blood zinc concentration to the birth weight values or gestational period. In relation to complicated pregnancies, further studies regarding zinc levels in blood in our population are required.     

Chemical composition and free radical-scavenging,anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oil from Ocimum kilimandscharicum

ObjectiveThe essential oil from the leaves of Ocimum kilimandscharicum (EOOK), collected in Dourados-MS, was investigated for anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and chemical composition.Materials and methodsThe essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and the chemical composition was performed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The essential oil was evaluated for free radical-scavenging activity using the DPPH assay and was tested in an anticancer assay against ten human cancer cell lines. The response parameter (GI₅₀) was calculated for the cell lines tested. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced pleurisy in mice.ResultsThe chemical composition showed 45 components with a predominance of monoterpenes, such as camphor (51.81%), 1,8 cineole (20.13%) and limonene (11.23%). The EOOK exhibited potent free radical-scavenging activity by the DPPH assay with a GI₅₀ of 8.31 μg/ml. The major constituents, pure camphor (IC₅₀ = 12.56 μg/ml) and mixture of the limonene: 1, 8 cineole (IC₅₀ = 23.25 μg/ml) displayed a potent activity. The oral administration of EOOK (at 30 and 100 mg kg⁻¹), as well as the pure camphor or a mixture of 1,8 cineole with limonene, significantly inhibited the carrageenan (Cg) induced pleurisy, reducing the migration of total leukocytes in mice by 82 ± 4% (30 mg kg⁻¹ of EOOK), 95 ± 4% (100 mg kg⁻¹ of EOOK), 83 ± 9% (camphor) and 80 ± 5% (mixture of 1,8 cineole:limonene 1:1). In vitro cytotoxicity screening against a human ovarian cancer cell line displayed high selectivity and potent anticancer activity with GI₅₀ = 31.90 mg ml⁻¹. This work describes the anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant effects of EOOK for the first time.ConclusionsThe essential oil exhibited marked anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer effects, an effect that can be attributed the presence of majorital compounds, and the response profiles from chemical composition differed from other oils collected in different locales.     

Relationship between zinc levels and plasma leptin in hemodialysis patients

Recent evidences suggested a possible relationship between zinc deficiency and leptin levels in pathogenesis of anorexia in chronic kidney disease. The present study addressed the relationship between zinc and leptin in hemodialysis (HD) patients.MethodsFifty HD patients (54.3 ± 12.7 years old, 62% men) were studied and compared to 21 healthy volunteers (50.7 ± 15.7 years old, 43% men). Biochemical data, serum zinc, plasma leptin, IL-6, TNF-α and C-Reactive Protein levels were determined. Anthropometric parameters, food intake and appetite score were also assessed.ResultsThe leptin levels were higher in HD patients (16.1 μg/mL (0.21–118.25) vs 6.0 μg/mL (0.50–23.10)) in healthy volunteers (p = 0.04), whereas serum zinc levels were lower (54.5 ± 16.3 μg/dL) compared to healthy volunteers (78.4 ± 9.4 μg/dL) (p = 0.0001). The plasma leptin was correlated negatively with plasma zinc (r = ?0.33; p = 0.007), energy (r = ?0.38; p = 0.002) and protein intake (r = ?0.34; p = 0.006) and, positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.54; p = 0.0001), % body fat (r = 0.70; p = 0.0001) and conicity index (r = 0.46; p = 0.001). Plasma zinc was associated with hemoglobin (r = 0.30; p = 0.04) and negatively associated with TNF-α (r = ?0.37; p = 0.002) and C-Reactive Protein (r = ?0.37; p = 0.004). There was no correlation among Zn, leptin and appetite score in these patients.ConclusionThis study showed that low plasma zinc levels are negatively associated with high leptin levels in HD patients.     

Comparative study of three herbal formulations against dengue vectors Aedes aegypti

The efficacy of three formulations (i.e., natural lavender crude, essential oil, and gel) extracted from Lavender angustifolia was tested against vectors of the epidemic dengue virus, Aedesaegypti, to evaluate their larvicidal activity effect. The ethanolic extract of the lavender crude was prepared using a rotary evaporator, while the other extracts, such as essential oil and gel, were obtained from iHerb, a supplier of medicinal herbs in the US. The mortality rate of larvae was evaluated 24 h after exposure. Larvicidal activity of the lavender crude was 91% mortality at 150 ppm, 94% for essential oil at a concentration of 3000 ppm, and 97% for lavender gel at a 1000 ppm. Natural lavender crude was one of the most promising extracts tested against Ae.aegypti larvae, with lethal concentrations at LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ of 76.4 and 174.5 ppm post-treatment. The essential oil had the least effect on mosquito larvae, with LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ reaching 1814.8 and 3381.9 ppm, respectively. The lavender gel was moderately effective against Ae. aegypti larvae, with LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values reaching 416.3 and 987.7 ppm after exposure. The occurrence of morphological abnormalities in the larvae treated with the three compounds, in turn, resulted in an incomplete life cycle. Therefore, our results indicated that natural lavender crude displayed the highest larvicidal activity against larvae, followed by gel and essential oil. Thus, this study concluded that lavender crude is an effective, eco-friendly compound that can be used as an alternative to chemical products to control vector-borne epidemic diseases.     

Inhaled linalool-induced sedation in mice

Linalool is a monoterpene often found as a major component of essential oils obtained from aromatic plant species, many of which are used in traditional medical systems as hypno-sedatives. Psychopharmacological evaluations of linalool (i.p. and i.c.v.) revealed marked sedative and anticonvulsant central effects in various mouse models. Considering this profile and alleged effects of inhaled lavender essential oil, the purpose of this study was to examine the sedative effects of inhaled linalool in mice. Mice were placed in an inhalation chamber during 60 min, in an atmosphere saturated with 1% or 3% linalool.Immediately after inhalation, animals were evaluated regarding locomotion, barbiturate-induced sleeping time, body temperature and motor coordination (rota-rod test). The 1% and 3% linalool increased (p<0.01) pentobarbital sleeping time and reduced (p<0.01) body temperature. The 3% linalool decreased (p<0.01) locomotion. Motor coordination was not affected. Hence, linalool inhaled for 1 h seems to induce sedation without significant impairment in motor abilities, a side effect shared by most psycholeptic drugs.     

The effects of chelators on zinc levels in patients with thalassemia major

Zinc which is an essential element has very important effects on growth and immune system in patients with thalassemia major (TM). The effects of two oral iron chelator agents, desferrioxamine (DFO) and deferiprone (DFP), on zinc levels were investigated in previous studies and they were found to cause zinc deficiency. Zinc level alteration by the new chelator deferasirox (DFX) is not present in the literature. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of different oral chelators on serum and urine zinc levels in TM patients. Zinc levels are compared in the patients who received different chelators: only DFX, combined chelation with DFO plus DFP and the healthy control group. A total of 56 patients with TM were involved in this study: 39 patients received only DFX and 17 patients were given combined treatment DFO + DFP between August 2008 and August 2009. In addition, a control group was established from the healthy population. Blood was taken from all the patients for serum zinc levels and 24 hour-urine samples were collected for urine zinc levels. Serum zinc levels were found to be 64.8 ± 14.8 μg/dL in DFX group and 66.5 ± 15.1 μg/dL in DFO + DFP group. These levels were statistically lower than that in the control group (149 ± 54.3 μg/dL) (p < 0.05), but there was no statistically difference between the two different chelation groups (p > 0.05). The urine zinc levels of DFX and DFO + DFP group were 662.2 ± 428.2 μg/day and 1182.3 ± 980.3 μg/day respectively (p < 0.05). Urinary zinc excretion in the chelation groups (DFX and DFO + DFP) was significantly higher than the control group (395.1 ± 208.9 μg/day) (p < 0.05). As a conclusion, the new chelation agent, DFX, also leads to zinc deficiency, though its urinary zinc excretion is lower. New studies are required to examine the effects of DFX on zinc extensively. Zinc levels of patients with TM should be followed up regularly and zinc supply should be given at early ages.     

Effect of probiotic L. plantarum IS-10506 and zinc supplementation on humoral immune response and zinc status of Indonesian pre-school children

A 90-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pre-post trial was conducted in four groups of Indonesian children aged 12–24 months: placebo, probiotic, zinc, and a combination of probiotic and zinc (n = 12 per group). Microencapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum IS-10506 of dadih origin was supplemented at a dose of 10¹⁰ CFU/day as a probiotic. Zinc was supplemented as 20 mg zinc sulfate monohydrate (8 mg zinc elemental). Blood and stool samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the study period. Fecal sIgA was assessed by ELISA and serum zinc concentrations by ICP-MS. Fecal sIgA increased significantly in the probiotic group (30.33 ± 3.32 μg/g; p < 0.01) and in the combination probiotic and zinc group (27.55 ± 2.28 μg/g; p < 0.027), as compared with the placebo group (13.58 ± 2.26 μg/g). Changes in serum zinc concentrations in the combination probiotic and zinc group showed the highest elevation at the end of the study period. A combination of probiotic L. plantarum IS-10506 at a dose of 10¹⁰ CFU/day and 8 mg of elemental zinc supplementation showed a potential ability to improve the zinc status of pre-school children. Taken together, supplementation with the probiotic L. plantarum IS-10506 and zinc for 90 days resulted in a significantly increased humoral immune response, as well as improved zinc status, in young children.     

Relationship of lead and essential elements in whole blood from school-age children in Nanning,China

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate blood lead level and its relationship to essential elements (zinc, copper, iron, calcium and magnesium) in school-age children from Nanning, China.MethodsA total of 2457 children aged from 6 to 14 years were enrolled in Nanning, China. The levels of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were determined by an atomic absorption spectrometer.ResultsThe mean blood lead level (BLL) was 57.21 ± 35.00 μg/L. 188 (7.65%) asymptomatic children had toxic lead level higher than 100 μg/L. The school-age boys had similar lead level among different age groups, while the elder girls had less BLL. The blood Zn and Fe were found to be increased in the boys with elevated BLL, but similar trends were not observed in the girls. Positive correlations between Pb and Fe or Mg (r = 0.112, 0.062, respectively, p < 0.01) and a negative correlation between Pb and Ca (r = −0.047, p < 0.05) were further established in the studied children.ConclusionsLead exposure in school-age children was still prevalent in Nanning. The boys and girls differed in blood levels of lead and other metallic elements. Lead exposure may induce metabolic disorder of other metallic elements in body.     

Improvement in Pancreatic β-Cell Function with Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation in Vitamin D-Deficient Nondiabetic Subjects

ObjectiveThere are varied reports on the effect of vitamin D supplementation on β-cell function and plasma glucose levels. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on β-cell function and plasma glucose levels in subjects with vitamin D deficiency.MethodsNondiabetic subjects (N = 48) were screened for their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), albumin, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) status. Subjects with 25-OHD deficiency underwent a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. Cholecalciferol (9,570 international units [IU]/day; tolerable upper intake level, 10,000 IU/day; according to the Endocrine Society guidelines for vitamin D supplementation) and calcium (1 g/day) were supplemented.ResultsThirty-seven patients with 25-OHD deficiency participated in the study. The baseline and postvitamin D/calcium supplementation and the difference (corrected) were: serum calcium, 9 ± 0.33 and 8.33 ± 1.09 mg/dL (− 0.66 ± 1.11 mg/dL); 25-OHD, 8.75 ± 4.75 and 36.83 ± 18.68 ng/mL (28.00 ± 18.33 ng/mL); PTH, 57.9 ± 29.3 and 36.33 ± 22.48 pg/mL (− 20.25 ± 22.45 pg/mL); fasting plasma glucose, 78.23 ± 7.60 and 73.47 ± 9.82 mg/dL (− 4.88 ± 10.65 mg/dL); and homeostasis model assessment-2–percent β-cell function C-peptide secretion (HOMA-2–%B C-PEP), 183.17 ± 88.74 and 194.67 ± 54.71 (11.38 ± 94.27). Significant differences were observed between baseline and post-vitamin D/calcium supplementation serum levels of corrected calcium (Z, − 3.751; P < .0001), 25-OHD (Z, − 4.9; P < .0001), intact PTH (Z, − 4.04; P < .0001), fasting plasma glucose (Z, − 2.7; P < .007), and HOMA-2–%B C-PEP (Z, − 1.923; P < .05) as determined by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Insulin resistance as measured by HOMA was unchanged.ConclusionOptimizing serum 25-OHD concentrations and supplementation with calcium improves fasting plasma glucose levels and β-cell secretory reserve. Larger randomized control studies are needed to determine if correction of 25-OHD deficiency will improve insulin secretion and prevent abnormalities of glucose homeostasis. (Endocr Pract. 2014;20:129-138)     

Pharmacological evaluation of R(+)-pulegone on cardiac excitability: Role of potassium current blockage and control of action potential waveform

IntroductionR(+)-pulegone is a ketone monoterpene and it is the main constituent of essential oils in several plants. Previous studies provided some evidence that R(+)-pulegone may act on isolated cardiac myocytes. In this study, we evaluated in extended detail, the pharmacological effects of R(+)-pulegone on cardiac tissue.MethodsUsing in vivo measurements of rat cardiac electrocardiogram (ECG) and patch-clamp technique in isolated myocytes we determinate the influence of R(+)-pulegone on cardiac excitability.ResultsR(+)-pulegone delayed action potential repolarization (APR) in a concentration-dependent manner (EC₅₀ = 775.7 ± 1.48, 325.0 ± 1.30, 469.3 ± 1.91 μM at 10, 50 and 90% of APR respectively). In line with prolongation of APR R(+)-pulegone, in a concentration-dependent manner, blocked distinct potassium current components (transient outward potassium current (I_to), rapid delayed rectifier potassium current (I_Kr), inactivating steady state potassium current (I_ss) and inward rectifier potassium current (I_K1)) (EC₅₀ = 1441 ± 1.04; 605.0 ± 1.22, 818.7 ± 1.22; 1753 ± 1.09 μM for I_to, I_Kr, I_ss and I_K1, respectively). The inhibition occurred in a fast and reversible way, without changing the steady-state activation curve, but instead shifting to the left the steady-state inactivation curve (V_1/2 from −56.92 ± 0.35 to −67.52 ± 0.19 mV). In vivo infusion of 100 mg/kg R(+)-pulegone prolonged the QTc (∼40%) and PR (∼62%) interval along with reducing the heart rate by ∼26%.ConclusionTaken together, R(+)-pulegone prolongs the APR by inhibiting several cardiomyocyte K⁺ current components in a concentration-dependent manner. This occurs through a direct block by R(+)-pulegone of the channel pore, followed by a left shift on the steady state inactivation curve. Finally, R(+)-pulegone induced changes in some aspects of the ECG profile, which are in agreement with its effects on potassium channels of isolated cardiomyocytes.     

Efecto positivo de la terapia de luz brillante sobre el estado de ánimo y la calidad del sueño en las personas mayores institucionalizadas

IntroductionBright light exposure during the day has a positive effect on health and its deficit can cause multiple physiological and cognitive disorders, including depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bright light therapy (BLT) on the quality of sleep and mood emotional state; cognitive status, global deterioration and quality of life in institutionalized elderly.Material and methodsThis is a study with repeated measures design. Thirty-seven older people admitted to a nursing home. The study lasted 3 weeks. The first week, the reference values were established with the Oviedo Sleep Questionnaire, Yesavage Depression Scale, Mini-Mental, Global Scale of Impairment and European Quality of Life Questionnaire. During the second week, they were exposed to BLT (7,000-10,000 lx at eye level) between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. During the third week, all the data were re-evaluated.ResultsAll variables improved significantly after the application of light therapy. Sleep (COS) pre-test 4.1 ± 1.49, post-test 4.9 ± 1.46, p: 0.01), mood (pre-test 3.65 ± 2.78, post-test 2.65 ± 2.9, p: 0.01), cognitive state (pre-test 22.72 ± 6.53, post-test 24 ± 5.92, p: 0.001), state of global deterioration (pre-test 3.10 ± 1.26, post-test 2.72 ± 5.92, p: 0.001) and health-related quality of life (pre-test 6.93 ± 1.86, post-test 7.82 ± 1.62, p: 0.001).ConclusionsSleep quality, mood, cognitive status, global deterioration status and quality of life significantly improved after the application of light bright therapy.     

Radiological properties of 3D printed materials in kilovoltage and megavoltage photon beams

PurposeThis study evaluates the radiological properties of different 3D printing materials for a range of photon energies, including kV and MV CT imaging and MV radiotherapy beams.MethodsThe CT values of a number of materials were measured on an Aquilion One CT scanner at 80 kVp, 120 kVp and a Tomotherapy Hi Art MVCT imaging beam. Attenuation of the materials in a 6 MV radiotherapy beam was investigated.ResultsPlastic filaments printed with various infill densities have CT values of −743 ± 4, −580 ± 1 and −113 ± 3 in 120 kVp CT images which approximate the CT values of low-density lung, high-density lung and soft tissue respectively. Metal-infused plastic filaments printed with a 90% infill density have CT values of 658 ± 1 and 739 ± 6 in MVCT images which approximate the attenuation of cortical bone. The effective relative electron density RED_eff is used to describe the attenuation of a megavoltage treatment beam, taking into account effects relating to the atomic number and mass density of the material. Plastic filaments printed with a 90% infill density have RED_eff values of 1.02 ± 0.03 and 0.94 ± 0.02 which approximate the relative electron density RED of soft tissue. Printed resins have RED_eff values of 1.11 ± 0.03 and 1.09 ± 0.03 which approximate the RED of bone mineral.Conclusions3D printers can model a variety of body tissues which can be used to create phantoms useful for both imaging and dosimetric studies.     

Effects of gender and age on median and ulnar nerve sensory responses over ring finger

ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of gender on median nerve (MN) and ulnar nerve (UN) sensorial responses over ring finger (RF).Materials and methodsResults of individuals admitted to our ENMG laboratory between June 2011 and March 2012 for nerve conduction studies (NCSs) were retrospectively analyzed. Sensory NCSs were performed by standard antidromic technique.ResultsTotally, 112 normal recordings belong to 100 patients were included. Mean antidromic sensory conduction velocity of MNs (wrist-to-second finger) or UNs (wrist-to-fifth finger) was not different between two genders. Mean sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude of MN from second finger was also not different between two genders. However, mean SNAP amplitude of UN from fifth finger was higher in females. In RF’s sensorial response studies; mean peak latency of MN was similar between females and males (3.05 ± 0.25 ms vs. 3.14 ± 0.29 ms, p = 0.111), whereas one of UN was shorter in females (2.86 ± 0.22 ms vs. 3.04 ± 0.31 ms, p = 0.001). MN to UN latency difference to RF was greater in females than males (0.19 ± 0.15 ms vs. 0.10 ± 0.16 ms, p = 0.007). Mean SNAP amplitude of MN and UN were both higher in females than males (17.9 ± 7.1 μV vs. 14.1 ± 5.5 μV, p = 0.011 and 18.5 ± 8.0 μV vs. 12.9 ± 6.1 μV, p = 0.0009, respectively). All data of NCSs were re-analyzed after adjustment for age, and obtained findings regarding effect of aging are also included.ConclusionGender has a prominent effect on RF’s sensorial responses. Normative values regarding them should be prepared with adjustment for gender.     

Metabolic control and chronic complications during a 3-year follow-up period in a cohort of type 2 diabetic patients attended in primary care in the Community of Madrid (Spain)

BackgroundOur aim was to analyze both metabolic control and chronic complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) patients regularly attended in primary care during a 3 years of follow-up in the Community of Madrid (Spain).MethodsFrom 2007 to 2010 we prospectively included 3268 patients with T2D attended by 153 primary care physicians from 51 family health centers. An prospective cohort study with annual evaluation over 3 years to the same population was performed. We measured the goals of control in diabetic patients and the incidence of chronic complications of diabetes during the study period.ResultsA significant decrease in serum glucose levels (143 ± 42 mg/dl vs 137 ± 43 mg/dl, p < 0.00), HbA1c (7.09 ± 1.2% vs 7.02 ± 1.2%, p < 0.00), total cholesterol (191.4 ± 38 mg/dl vs 181.5 ± 36 mg/dl, p < 0.00), LDL cholesterol (114.7 ± 31 mg/dl vs 105.5 ± 30 mg/dl, p < 0.00) and triglyceride levels (144.5 ± 93 mg/dl vs 138 ± 84 mg/dl, p < 0.00) during study period was documented. On the contrary, a significant elevation in HDL cholesterol levels was observed (49.2 ± 14 mg/dl vs 49.9 ± 16 mg/dl, p < 0.00). The incidence of diabetic complications throughout the study period was low, with a incidence of coronary heart disease of 6.2%, peripheral arterial disease 3%, ischemic stroke 2.8%, diabetic foot 11.2%, nephropathy 5.9%, retinopathy 4.5%, and neuropathy 3%.ConclusionMetabolic control in T2D patients attended in primary care in the Community of Madrid throughout 3 years is adequate and is accompanied by low percent of chronic diabetic complications during this period of follow-up.