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Objective: To evaluate the levels of family stress, social stress and the blood pressure levels in young people and the possible correlation.Materials and methods: A descriptive study was performed recruiting healthy students of health sciences in the University of Valle in Cali, Colombia during 2002-2003. The psychosocial stress inventory included evaluation of the family stress and the evaluation of social stress. The blood pressure was evaluated by physicians using standardized technique with calibrated manual sphygmomanometers.Results: 185 students were recruited with an average age of 21.2+/-2.6 years old, 178 (96%) were singles, 100 (54%) were women, 173 (93.5%) were of mixed ethnic background, 154 (83.2%) were from middle socioeconomic level (level 3-4). The family dysfunction was observed in 131 (70.8%) students, 66 (35.6%) had high cumulative social changes. The average blood pressure level in all students was normal (106.4/69.7) with high blood pressure levels in males than in females (p<0.001) associated with the body mass index (p<0.001) and the black race ( p<0.02). Family dysfunction was not associated with changes in blood pressure (p=0.80). Social stress was not associated with blood pressure levels (p=0.98).Conclusion: In young people psychosocial stress was high but did not affect blood pressure levels probably due to compensatory physiologic action of vascular endothelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, schools had to switch online. As universities ease face-to-face (F2F) schooling, blended teaching and learning (BTL) enables the continuous delivery of education. However, the sudden transition to BTL poses challenges for students and teachers, especially for health sciences programmes that require hands-on practical experience. Several studies have evaluated F2F teaching and learning contexts through student feedback and evaluations. However, there needs to be more reliable and valid self-report questionnaires that focus on the perceptions and experiences of students experiencing BTL. This study will critically appraise, compare and summarise the quality of self-report questionnaires evaluating BTL among health science university students based on their psychometric properties., Methods and Analysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis design will be used. This review will adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols and follow the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) standardised guidelines. 13 databases will be searched for studies reporting BTL self-report questionnaires as evaluation tools with their respective psychometric properties. Two independent reviewers will appraise the paper using the COSMIN risk of bias checklist and the quality of evidence of the psychometric properties of the relevant questionnaires will be assessed using the modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Based on their psychometric properties, these assessments will comprehensively summarise and present the best recommendations for the most appropriate self-report questionnaires for BTL evaluation., Ethics and Dissemination: The University of the Philippines' Research Grants Administration Office exempted this research protocol from ethics review evaluation (protocol number UPMREB 2022-0259-EX) since this study will not collect individual data. The research protocol was registered with PROSPERO. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conferences to aid researchers and professionals in the field of health education to prudently choose effective self-report questionnaires evaluating blended learning.CRD42022372362., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors of this research protocol for the systematic review and meta-analysis declare that we received funding from the National Research Council of the Philippines of the Department of Science and Technology. However, the grant giving body did not influence the design, conduct, analysis, interpretation or reporting of this study. The authors are affiliated with the University of Santo Tomas, the University of the Philippines - Manila and the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. We affirm that our primary objective was to produce an unbiased and rigorous synthesis of the available evidence on the topic under investigation, adhering to the highest ethical and methodological standards throughout the research process. We do not own any patents, stocks, shares or other financial assets that the findings of this study might affect. Our affiliations do not pose any conflicts of interest that could influence the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis. We have disclosed all relevant information concerning potential conflicts of interest, including the funding from the National Research Council of the Philippines of the Department of Science and Technology and our affiliations with the aforementioned universities, to our institutional review board and have obtained their approval for this research protocol., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Disruptions in the food supply chain are events that affect the flow of products and can be caused by extreme weather, natural disasters, conflicts, pandemics, and political situations, among others. These events can significantly impact food products' availability, quality, and cost, creating risks to the well-being of local populations and livelihoods. The specific literature on food supply chains needs to address other approaches to risk categorisation, which allow for establishing reference frameworks focused on the general classification of types of disruption and parameters related to solution methods. In this paper, we present a literature review to analyse the disruptions in the food supply chain. We classified 74 papers according to the types of disruptions, stakeholders, response level, supply chain echelon, solution methods, goals, and related considerations. The review results showed that the most common disruptions in the food supply chain are climatic, biological and environmental, logistics and infrastructure, and supply. The results of this review allow us to suggest some new research directions., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests:Juan J. Rojas-Reyes reports financial support was provided by 10.13039/501100007329University of the Valley. Leonardo Rivera-Cadavid reports financial support was provided by 10.13039/501100007329University of the Valley. Diego L. Peña-Orozco reports financial support was provided by 10.13039/501100016362Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios (Colombia)., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Background: Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Syndrome is a severe adverse drug reaction marked by delayed hypersensitivity reactions causing skin and systemic complications. DRESS diagnosis is challenging due to the variety of clinical presentations and symptom overlap with other conditions. The perioperative period in these patients requires precise pharmacological strategies to prevent complications associated with this syndrome. The treatment of DRESS induced by unfractionated heparin during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery presents some challenges that must be considered when selecting an anticoagulant to avoid side effects. In this case, bivalirudin, a direct thrombin inhibitor, is indicated as an alternative to heparin in patients undergoing CPB. However, in contrast to heparin/protamine, there is no direct reversal agent for bivalirudin., Case Presentation: We report the case of an 11-year-old male diagnosed with native aortic valve endocarditis and thrombosis in his left lower extremity. During valvular replacement surgery, systemic unfractionated heparin was administered. Postoperatively, the patient developed fever, eosinophilia and pruritic rash. Warm shock and elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels followed, leading to the diagnosis of DRESS syndrome. Treatment with methylprednisolone resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. Seven years later, the patient was readmitted due to insufficient anticoagulation and a thrombus in the prosthetic aortic valve, presenting a recurrent DRESS episode due to the administration of unfractionated heparin, which was later replaced with low-molecular-weight heparin during hospitalization. Treatment with corticosteroids and antihistamines was initiated, resulting in the resolution of this episode. Ultimately, the patient required the Ross procedure. During this intervention the anticoagulation strategy was modified, unfractionated heparin was replaced with bivalirudin during the procedure and fondaparinux was administered during the postoperative period. This resulted in stable transaminases levels and no eosinophilia., Conclusion: The severity of DRESS Syndrome underscores the importance of early recognition, heightened monitoring, and a comprehensive approach tailored to each patient's needs. This particular case highlights the significance of this approach and may have a substantial clinical impact since it provides alternatives to heparin, such as bivalirudin and fondaparinux, in the anticoagulation strategy of CPB for patients who have a hypersensibility reaction to this medication; thus, enhancing clinical outcomes by minimizing risks linked to adverse drug reactions., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: There are validated questionnaires in Spanish that evaluate the factors that influence organ donation, but they are not designed for the open population or do not delve into various aspects such as the one proposed., Objective: Validate an instrument to evaluate the factors that influence organ donation in Mexico., Material and Methods: Phase 1: Development of the instrument. Translation into Spanish of the questionnaire "Factors Inffluencing Organ Donation in Qatar", adapted by experts in donation and clinimetry. Simultaneously, the definitive version of the questionnaire "Factors that Influence Organ Donation" (FIDO) and the questionnaire "International Donor Collaborative Project" were applied to patients, relatives and staff of a tertiary hospital in Puebla, Mexico. Mind a week after 200 respondents. Cronbach's Alpha (AC) (internal consistency), Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) (external consistency), and Phi (Phi) and Chi square Coefficient (concurrent validity in intention to donate) were obtained., Results: AC and ICC by domain: Knowledge 0.625 and 0.372; Attitudes 0.776 and 0.761; Beliefs 0.649 and 0.633; Intentions 0.126 and 0.123; Phi: 0.976, Chi square: 2.358 (p = 0.125)., Conclusions: The FIDO questionnaire is valid and consistent to assess knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and intentions in organ donation in the general Mexican population., (Licencia CC 4.0 (BY-NC-ND) © 2023 Revista Médica del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.)

Islands have unique vulnerabilities to biodiversity loss and climate change. Current Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement are insufficient to avoid the irreversible loss of critical island ecosystems. Existing research, policies, and finance also do not sufficiently address small islands' social-environmental challenges. For instance, the new Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) mentions islands in the invasive species management target. This focus is important, as islands are at high risk to biological invasions; however, this is the only GBF target that mentions islands. There are threats of equal or greater urgency to small islands, including coastal hazards and overexploitation. Ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves are crucial for biodiversity, coastal protection, and human livelihoods, yet are unaddressed in the GBF. While research and global policy, including targeted financial flows, have a strong focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the situation of other small islands has been largely overlooked. Here, through a review of policy developments and examples from islands in the Philippines and Chile, we urge that conservation and climate change policies place greater emphasis on acknowledging the diversity of small islands and their unique governance challenges, extending the focus beyond SIDS. Moving forward, global policy and research should include the recognition of small islands as metacommunities linked by interacting species and social-ecological systems to emphasize their connectivity rather than their isolation. Coalition-building and knowledge-sharing, particularly with local, Indigenous and traditional knowledge-holders from small islands, is needed to meet global goals on biodiversity and sustainable development by 2030., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Our aim was to evaluate neurosensory symptoms after lateralisation of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). We studied a retrospective case series with one-year follow up that included 139 procedures in 123 patients. After the IAN had been located it was deflected from the mandibular body and the implant placed. Sensitivity was mapped 24hours, one month, six months, and one year after the intervention by gently pressing the skin and lips with the tip of a probe. A total of 337 implants were placed in 123 patients aged between 44 and 68 years. There were 33 men and 90 women and they all recovered. The IAN was mobilised by one of two procedures, one that involves the nerve directly (transposition) and one that does not (lateralisation). During lateralisation the nerve is deflected laterally through a mandibular osteotomy, while the mental nerve and mental foramen are not manipulated. The resulting hypoaesthetic area was drawn on a graph to assess its extension. Although different techniques are available for placing implants in atrophic jaws, mobilisation of the IAN is indicated in certain cases in which other techniques are not feasible or have a high risk of complications., (Copyright © 2019 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the study was to test the neuroprotective effect of hydroxytyrosol (HT) on experimental diabetic retinopathy. Animals were divided in four groups: (1) control nondiabetic rats, (2) streptozotocin-diabetic rats (DR), (3) DR treated with 1 mg/kg/day p.o. HT, and (4) DR treated with 5 mg/kg/day p.o. HT. Treatment with HT was started 7 days before inducing diabetes and was maintained for 2 months. In the DR group, total area occupied by extracellular matrix was increased, area occupied by retinal cells was decreased; both returned to near-control values in DR rats treated with HT. The number of retinal ganglion cells in DR was significantly lower (44%) than in the control group, and this decrease was smaller after HT treatment (34% and 9.1%). Linear regression analysis showed that prostacyclin, platelet aggregation, peroxynitrites, and the dose of 5 mg/kg/day HT significantly influenced retinal ganglion cell count. In conclusion, HT exerted a neuroprotective effect on diabetic retinopathy, and this effect correlated significantly with changes in some cardiovascular biomarkers.

The aim of the study was to analyze the possible neuroprotective effect of hydroxytyrosol (HT) in diabetic animals in a model of hypoxia-reoxygenation. Rats (10 animals/group) were distributed in five groups: nondiabetic rats, control diabetic rats (DR), and DR rats treated for 2 months with 1, 5, or 10 mg/kg/day po HT. At the end of follow-up, an experimental model of hypoxia-reoxygenation in brain slices was tested. The DR group showed increased cell death, oxidative and nitrosative stress, and an increase in brain inflammatory mediators. These alterations were significantly greater in DR than in normoglycemic animals. HT significantly reduced oxidative (38.5-52.4% lipid peroxidation) and nitrosative stress (48.0-51.0% nitric oxide and 43.9-75.2% peroxynitrite concentration) and brain inflammatory mediators (18.6-40.6% prostaglandin E 2 and 17.0-65.0% interleukin 1β concentration). Cell death was reduced by 25.9, 37.5, and 41.0% after the administration of 1, 5, or 10 mg/kg/day. The administration of HT in rats with experimental diabetes thus had a neuroprotective effect.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of hydroxytyrosol (HT) on cardiovascular biomarkers and morphometric parameters of the arterial wall in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Seven groups of rats (N=10 per group) were studied for 2 months: nondiabetic rats (NDR), diabetic rats treated with saline (DR) and DR treated with HT (0.5, 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg kg -1 day -1 p.o.). DR had higher platelet aggregation values, higher thromboxane B 2 , plasma lipid peroxidation, 3-nitrotyrosine, oxidized LDL (oxLDL), myeloperoxidase, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) concentrations, and lower aortic 6-keto-prostaglandin F 1α and nitric oxide production than NDR. Aortic wall area and smooth muscle cell count were also higher in DR than in NDR. HT significantly reduced both oxidative and nitrosative stress, oxLDL concentration, VCAM-1 and inflammatory mediators, platelet aggregation and thromboxane B 2 production. Morphometric values in the aortic wall were reduced to values near those in NDR. In conclusion, HT influenced the major biochemical processes leading to diabetic vasculopathy, and reduced cell proliferation in the vascular wall in this experimental model., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The neuroprotective effect of virgin olive oil (VOO) polyphenols has been related to their antioxidant effect. The main objective was to analyze how tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol contribute to the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of VOO in a model of hypoxia-reoxygenation in rat brain slices. Rats were treated per os (po) (10 or 20 mg/kg/day) with hydroxytyrosol ethyl ether (HTEE), tyrosol ethyl ether (TEE), or 3,4-di-o-methylidene-hydroxytyrosol ethyl ether (MHTEE), used as a negative control for antioxidant effects. Lipid peroxidation was inhibited with HTEE, TEE, and MHTEE (from 5.0 ± 1.5 to 2.6 ± 1.5, 4.5 ± 1.5, and 4.8 ± 1.5 nmol/mg protein, respectively). However, all three compounds had similar neuroprotective effects: from 2.8 ± 0.07 to 1.8 ± 0.02 arbitrary units for HTEE, 1.4 ± 0.09 arbitrary units for TEE, and 1.3 ± 0.2 arbitrary units for MHTEE. All three compounds inhibited 3-nitrotyrosine production (from 3.7 ± 0.3 to 1.2 ± 0.03 nmol/0.1 g tissue for HTEE, 1.0 ± 0.2 nmol/0.1 g tissue for TEE, and 1.3 ± 0.1 nmol/0.1 g tissue for MHTEE), prostaglandin E2 production (from 55.7 ± 2.2 to 46.4 ± 1.9 pg/0.1 g tissue for HTEE, 24.7 ± 1.3 pg/0.1 g tissue for TEE, and 27.6 ± 2.6 pg/0.1 g tissue for MHTEE), whereas only HTEE inhibited IL1β production (from 35.7 ± 1.5 to 21.6 ± 0.8 pg/0.1 g tissue). Pearson correlation coefficients related neuroprotective effect with an antioxidant effect for HTEE (R = 0.72, p < 0.001), and inhibition of nitrosative stress (R = 0.78, 0.67, and 0.66 for HTEE, TEE, and MHTEE, respectively, p < 0.001) and inflammatory mediators (R = 0.72, 0.79, and 0.64 for HTEE, TEE, and MHTEE, respectively, p < 0.001) with all three compounds.

The aim of the present study was to determine the role of the catechol group in the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of minor components of virgin olive oil in rat brain tissue. Hydroxytyrosol ethyl ether (HT, 2 OH), tyrosol ethyl ether (Ty, 1 OH) and 3,4-di-ortho-methylidene-hydroxytyrosol ethyl ether (MET, no OH) were compared. Oxidative stress was induced with ferrous salts (lipid peroxidation induction), diethylmaleate (depletion of glutathione) and hypoxia-reoxygenation in brain slices. Lipid peroxidation was inhibited in direct proportion to the number of OH groups: HT>Ty>MET. Exposure to HT led to partial recovery of the glutathione system after chemical inhibition or hypoxia-reoxygenation. All three compounds inhibited cell death in hypoxia-reoxygenation experiments (HT≥Ty>MET). Peroxynitrite formation (3-nitrotyrosine) and inflammatory mediators (prostaglandin E2 and interleukin 1ß) were inhibited by all three compounds. In conclusion, the presence of OH groups in the molecule of these phenolic compounds from virgin olive oil is a determinant factor in their antioxidant effect in brain tissue, but this antioxidant effect is not the only explanation for their neuroprotective effect., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The aim of this study was to analyze the mechanism of the neuroprotective effect of hydroxytyrosol (HT) in an experimental model of hypoxia-reoxygenation in rat brain slices. After reoxygenation the increase in lactate dehydrogenase efflux was inhibited by HT in a concentration-dependent manner and dose-dependent inhibition after oral administration to rats for 7 days (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg per day). Maximum inhibition was 57.4% in vitro and 38.7% ex vivo. Hydroxytyrosol reduced oxidative stress parameters: it inhibited lipid peroxidation and increased enzymatic activities related with the glutathione system both in vitro and after oral administration to rats. The increase in prostaglandin E2 and interleukin 1β after reoxygenation were inhibited after incubation of brain slices with HT and after oral administration. The accumulation of nitric oxide in brain slices was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, HT exerts a neuroprotective effect in a model of hypoxia-reoxygenation in rat brain slices, both in vitro and after 7 days of oral administration to rats. HT exerts an antioxidant activity and lowered some inflammatory markers in this model., (© 2013.)

A survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that 20% of Americans have sleep disorders and 45% experience chronic pain. Several authors evaluated the interrelationship between these functions using various instruments such the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and identified that 34% of subjects in the general population have a poor quality of sleep, but there are few studies that assess the quality of sleep in patients with chronic pain of nonmalignant origin. We undertook this study to evaluate the quality of sleep using the PSQI in patients with chronic pain unrelated to cancer. We conducted a clinical, nonrandomized, uncontrolled, descriptive, and prospective study, applying the PSQI through a direct one-time interview to 311 subjects with chronic pain unrelated to cancer. According to the categorization of the PSQI between good and poor sleepers, 89% of the subjects were poor sleepers (n = 276). There are significant differences in pain intensity according to the categorization of the PSQI, with a higher intensity shown in the "poor sleepers" (analysis of variance [ANOVA], P = .030). Using a linear regression model to estimate the curve, a higher score is rated on the PSQI global score (ANOVA, P = .000, R(2) = .46) with the increase of the intensity of the pain. We conclude that "poor sleepers" or those who considered their sleep as "poor quality" have significantly higher pain intensity. This suggests that intensity of pain plays a role in evaluating the quality of sleep in the subjective perception of sleep and instruments that assess quality.

The low lipophilicity of hydroxytyrosol (HT) has motivated efforts to synthesize homologous series with better lipid solubility, such as the ethers, which are more lipophilic than HT. Because HT inhibits platelet aggregation, the aim of the study was to assess the possible anti-platelet effect of five HT ether derivatives (ethyl, butyl, hexyl, octyl and dodecyl) after oral administration to rats. Whole blood collagen-induced platelet aggregation and calcium-induced thromboxane B2 (TxB2), aortic 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α) and nitrites+nitrates, plasma concentration of lipid peroxides (TBARS) and red blood cell content of reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured. The administration of 20 mg/kg/day inhibited platelet aggregation, TxB2 and TBARS in a non-linear manner related to the length of the carbon chain, with a cut-off effect in the hexyl derivative. Aortic nitrite and red blood cell GSH production were also increased. The aortic production of 6-keto-PGF1α was unaltered except in the group treated with the dodecyl derivative. The administration of 50 mg/kg/day showed a similar pharmacodynamic profile but without the non-linear effect. In conclusion, HT ethers, especially the hexyl derivative, are a potential alternative to hydroxytyrosol, and their effect merits additional research to determine their role in the prophylaxis of vascular disease., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To investigate the in vitro antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory effects of five alkyl hydroxytyrosol (HT) ether derivatives in human whole blood and compare these effects with those of HT., Methods: Blood samples from healthy volunteers were incubated with HT and HT alkyl ether derivatives (ethyl, butyl, hexyl, octyl and dodecyl). Maximum intensity of platelet aggregation was induced with collagen, arachidonic acid or ADP. Calcium-induced thromboxane B(2) and nitric oxide production, LPS-induced prostaglandin E(2) and nitric oxide production and LPS-induced interleukin 1β production were measured., Results: All compounds inhibited platelet aggregation, thromboxane B(2) and inflammatory mediators in a concentration-dependent manner. The concentrations of each compound that inhibited the corresponding variable by 50 % compared to control samples (IC(50)) were in the range of 10(-7)-10(-6) M for HT hexyl ether; for the other compounds, these values were in the range of 10(-5) M. The IC(50) for thromboxane B(2) production was in the range of 10(-4) M. The effects of HT alkyl ether derivatives were greater than those of HT. These compounds increased nitric oxide production. There was no direct relationship between the effects of these compounds and alkyl chain length. Maximum effects were observed in the C4-C6 range., Conclusions: Alkyl ether derivatives of HT exert antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory effects that are greater than those of HT.

Aim: The objective of this study is are to examine the association of preadolescent obesity using body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with health-related physical fitness components., Methods: Grades 4 to 6 students in 2 private schools in Manila were included in this study. Height, weight, WC, and BMI were obtained. Physical fitness field tests were sit-and-reach test, 1-minute sit-ups, standing broad jump, 40-m sprint, and 20-m shuttle run., Results: Obese subjects had poorer scores in the field tests except in the sit-and-reach test. BMI and WC were significantly negatively associated with all the physical fitness parameters, except for the 40-m sprint where positive correlation was observed, and in the sit-and-reach test where no correlation was seen., Conclusion: In the management of preadolescent overweight and obesity, exercise programs should therefore be designed toward enhancing these fitness parameters, while not sacrificing enjoyment and creativity.

This study was designed to determine whether the oral administration of hydroxytyrosol (HT) alkyl ether derivatives has a neuroprotective effect in rats. The animals were treated for 7 days with HT or ethyl, butyl, hexyl, octyl, and dodecyl HT ether. A method of in vitro hypoxia-reoxygenation in brain slices was used. Hexyl, octyl, and dodecyl HT derivatives reduced brain cell death (LDH efflux). Lipid peroxidation and nitrite concentrations were inhibited most by hexyl, octyl, and dodecyl derivatives. Concentrations of 3-nitrotyrosine were reduced by HT butyl, hexyl, octyl, and dodecyl ether derivatives. Interleukin-1β was significantly reduced in brain slices from rats treated with all HT ether derivatives. LDH efflux showed a linear correlation with brain concentrations of lipid peroxides, nitrites plus nitrates, and interleukin 1β. The reduction in oxidative and nitrosative stress and decreased production of pro-inflammatory interleukins may be the basis for the observed neuroprotective effects.

The aim of this study was to assess the possible neuroprotective effect of the main nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in an experimental model of hypoxia-reoxygenation in rat brain slices. After reoxygenation the increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) efflux was inhibited by nimesulide, celecoxib and meloxicam with an IC(50) in the 10(-6)M range, by flurbiprofen, ibuprofen and diclofenac in the 10(-5)M range, and by salicylic acid, indomethacin, acetylsalicylic acid and mefenamic acid the 10(-4)M range. The effect of other NSAIDs was seen with an IC(50) greater than 10(-3)M. A statistically significant linear correlation between the values of LDH efflux and prostaglandin E(2) was found for NSAIDs whose IC(50) of cytoprotection (LDH efflux) was below 10(-4)M. The concentration of interleukin 10 was increased with nimesulide, celecoxib, meloxicam, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen and diclofenac. Flurbiprofen and diclofenac significantly inhibited the production of lipid peroxides. The increase in brain nitrite levels was significantly reduced with celecoxib, flurbiprofen, diclofenac and salicylic acid. Concentrations of 3-nitrotyrosine were significantly reduced with celecoxib, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, salicylic acid and ketorolac. In conclusion, NSAIDs with the greatest cytoprotective effect (nimesulide, celecoxib and meloxicam) may exert their effect mainly through the blockade of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity. Other compounds with neuroprotective activity may complement their lower anti-COX-2 effect with a slight increase in interleukin 10 and reduced oxidative and nitrosative stress in our model of hypoxia-reoxygenation in rat brain slices., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

R(-) enantiomers of the 2-arylpropionic acid derivatives ibuprofen and flurbiprofen weakly inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) activity. However, a possible cytoprotective effect has been proposed. The aim of the study is to investigate the possible mechanism of this effect. An in vitro hypoxia-reoxygenation model in rat brain slices was used (n=6 rats per group). After reoxygenation, we measured LDH efflux (neuronal death), brain prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) concentration, interleukins (IL)-1β and 10, oxidative and nitrosative stress (lipid peroxides, glutathione, 3-nitrotyrosine, and nitrites/nitrates). Anti-COX activity was measured in human whole blood. Racemic, R(-), and S(+) enantiomers of ibuprofen and flurbiprofen were tested. All compounds had a cytoprotective effect with IC(50) values in the range of 10(-5) M. R(-) enantiomers did not significantly inhibit brain PGE(2). The concentration of IL-1β was reduced by 53.1% by the racemic form, 30.6% by the S(+) and 43.2% by the R(-) enantiomer of ibuprofen. The IL-10 concentration increased significantly only with S(+)-flurbiprofen (33.1%) and R(-)-flurbiprofen (26.1%). Lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced by all three forms of flurbiprofen. Nitrite + nitrate concentrations were reduced by racemic, S(+), and R(-)-flurbiprofen. Peroxynitrite formation (3-nitrotyrosine) was significantly reduced by racemic and S(+)-ibuprofen. COX inhibition is not the main mechanism of cytoprotection for these compounds. Their influence on inflammatory mediators and oxidative and nitrosative stress could account for the potential cytoprotective effect of R(-) enantiomers.

We studied 10 minutes segments of heartbeat interval fluctuations from 18 young women in labor with normal outcome of pregnancy. Data of each studied case were classified into two distinct groups. One group involving segments where the uterine activity was observable (three or more contractions in ten minutes), and the other group of reference having segments with fewer uterine activity or not presenting contractions at all. For comparison, we also included segments collected during the last trimester of gestation prior to labor from a third group of women. Corresponding RR interval series were analyzed to estimate RR(mean), RMSSD, α(1), α(1(MAG)) and α(1(SIGN)) parameters. No significant differences among groups were identified in RMSSD, α(1) and α(1(MAG)) Nevertheless, α(1(SIGN)) did present significant differences in comparison with the last trimester results (p<0.007), revealing a subtle change in the temporal organization of maternal RR series during labor. Results of these parameters then suggest that during labor, despite preserving a concomitant non-linear influence, the maternal short-term autonomic cardiac regulation behaves with less antagonism.

Background: In this study, we compared the in vitro pharmacodynamic profile of dexibuprofen, ibuprofen, and flurbiprofen to identify possible differences in antiplatelet activity., Methods: In whole blood samples from healthy volunteers, we measured platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate, collagen and arachidonic acid, platelet thromboxane B(2) (TxB(2)), lipopolysaccharide-induced prostaglandin E(2), leukocyte 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1α) (PGF(1α)), and nitric oxide induced by both constitutive and inducible pathways before and after incubation with increasing concentrations of acetylsalicylic acid, dexibuprofen, ibuprofen, or flurbiprofen. The concentration that inhibited (IC(50)) or increased each variable by 50% was calculated., Results: All 3 drugs inhibited platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner, TxB(2), prostaglandin E(2), and 6-keto-PGF(1α), and increased calcium-induced nitric oxide production. Dexibuprofen showed greater antiplatelet potency than ibuprofen and flurbiprofen, and its profile was similar to that of aspirin. For example, IC(50) values for arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation were 0.85 ± 0.06 μM for dexibuprofen, 14.76 ± 1.22 μM for ibuprofen, 6.39 ± 0.51 μM for flurbiprofen, and 0.38 ± 0.03 μM for aspirin. All drugs inhibited both thromboxane and prostacyclin synthesis, but the IC(50) anti-TxB(2)/IC(50) anti-6-keto-PGF(1α) ratio was 0.21 ± 0.03 for dexibuprofen, 1.05 ± 0.08 for ibuprofen, 0.79 ± 0.11 for flurbiprofen, and 0.46 ± 0.06 for aspirin. All drugs increased calcium-dependent nitric oxide production., Conclusions: The aryl propionic acid derivative dexibuprofen was the most potent antiplatelet drug, and its pharmacodynamic profile is similar to aspirin.

In this invited editorial, professors from leading institutions in the Philippines, share information regarding their programs relating to Exercise Science. They have provided information on academic components such as entrance requirements, progression through programs, and professional opportunities available to students following completion; as well as details regarding funding available to students to participate in research, collaboration, and specific research interests.

Epidemiological studies have shown that 10-28% of all sports injuries are ankle sprains, leading to the longest absence from athletic activity compared to other types of injuries. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of external ankle supports in the prevention of inversion ankle sprains and identify which type of ankle support was superior to the other. A search strategy was developed, using the keywords, ankle supports, ankle brace, ankle tapes, ankle sprains and athletes, to identify available literature in the databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, etc.), libraries and unpublished papers. Trials which consider adolescents and adults, elite and recreational players as participants were the study of choice. External ankle supports comprise ankle tape, brace or orthosis applied to the ankle to prevent ankle sprains. The main outcome measures were frequency of ankle sprains. Two reviewers assessed the quality of the studies included using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI Appraisal tool). Whenever possible, results were statistically pooled and interpreted. A total of seven trials were finally included in this study. The studies included were of moderate quality, with blinding as the hardest criteria to fulfill. The main significant finding was the reduction of ankle sprain by 69% (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.18-0.51) with the use of ankle brace and reduction of ankle sprain by 71% (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.14-0.57) with the use of ankle tape among previously injured athletes. No type of ankle support was found to be superior than the other., (2009 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The use of peripheral nerve blocks as the sole anesthetic, augmented with mild sedation for intraoperative management of surgery on the ankle and knee in two hemophiliac patients, is presented. Peripheral nerve blocks may be safely used for surgery of the extremities in a patient with moderate to severe hemophilia, provided a safe level of Factor VIII is maintained throughout the perioperative period.

Peeling skin syndrome is a rare dermatosis characterized by spontaneous and painless peeling of the skin. The authors report two patients with history of spontaneous, asymptomatic, and noninflammatory peeling skin of the acral surfaces after soaking in water. On light microscopy, blisters were located in the mid layers of the stratum corneum, above the granular layer. Ultrastructural examination revealed increased intercellular lipids and abnormal, "moth-eaten," keratohyalin granules, but the authors were unable to determine whether the separation initiated within the horny cells or between adjacent cells. These patients represented a localized variant of peeling skin syndrome.

Toms River, located in Dover Township, Ocean County, New Jersey, USA, experienced an increased incidence in childhood leukemia, brain, and central nervous system cancers from the mid-1980s through the early 1990s. These findings initiated a series of community-based activities that lead to the establishment of a successful partnership between the community, public health, and environmental agencies. The common goal of this partnership was to investigate linkages between environmental exposures and childhood cancers. The investigation was comprehensive in nature and a product of an extensive collaborative effort on the part of community, local, state, and federal health agencies, and university research organizations. Central to the success of this partnership was development of a public health response plan. This response plan served to coordinate activities of various entities and ensure that actions to cease or reduce ongoing exposures were implemented in addressing the incidence of childhood cancers using the partnership paradigm. The authors propose six rules of engagement: (1) seek out willing participants, (2) establish an equitable partnership, (3) consider each partner's perspective, (4) define goals and roles for each partner, (5) seek out innovative opportunities, and (6) assure scientific credibility. The application of these rules of engagement led to innovations and advances in the fields of environmental health science and public health practice.

In a recently completed case-control epidemiological study, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) with support from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) documented an association between prenatal exposure to a specific contaminated community water source and leukaemia in female children. An important and necessary step in the epidemiological study was the reconstruction of the historical water supply strategy of the water distribution system serving the Dover Township area, New Jersey. The sensitivity of solutions to: (1) pressure and pattern factor constraints, (2) allowable operational extremes of water levels in the storage tanks, and (3) the non-uniqueness of the water supply solution are analysed in detail. The computational results show that the proposed approach yields satisfactory results for the complete set of monthly simulations and sensitivity analyses, providing a consistent approach for identifying the historical water supply strategy of the water distribution system. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the alternative strategy obtained from the revised objective function and the variation of constraints did not yield significantly different water supply characteristics. The overall analysis demonstrates that the progressive optimality genetic algorithm (POGA) developed to solve the optimization problem is an effective and efficient algorithm for the reconstruction of water supply strategies in water distribution systems.

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS), with support from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) conducted an epidemiological study of childhood leukaemia and nervous system cancers that occurred in the period 1979 through 1996 in Dover Township, Ocean County, New Jersey. The epidemiological study explored a wide variety of possible risk factors, including environmental exposures. ATSDR and NJDHSS determined that completed human exposure pathways to groundwater contaminants occurred in the past through private and community water supplies (i.e. the water distribution system serving the area). To investigate this exposure, a model of the water distribution system was developed and calibrated through an extensive field investigation. The components of this water distribution system, such as number of pipes, number of tanks, and number of supply wells in the network, changed significantly over a 35-year period (1962--1996), the time frame established for the epidemiological study. Data on the historical management of this system was limited. Thus, it was necessary to investigate alternative ways to reconstruct the operation of the system and test the sensitivity of the system to various alternative operations. Manual reconstruction of the historical water supply to the system in order to provide this sensitivity analysis was time-consuming and labour intensive, given the complexity of the system and the time constraints imposed on the study. To address these issues, the problem was formulated as an optimization problem, where it was assumed that the water distribution system was operated in an optimum manner at all times to satisfy the constraints in the system. The solution to the optimization problem provided the historical water supply strategy in a consistent manner for each month of the study period. The non-uniqueness of the selected historical water supply strategy was addressed by the formulation of a second model, which was based on the first solution. Numerous other sensitivity analyses were also conducted using these two models. Both models are solved using a two-stage progressive optimality algorithm along with genetic algorithms (GAs) and the EPANET2 water distribution network solver. This process reduced the required solution time and generated a historically consistent water supply strategy for the water distribution system.

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) often show up in an extranodal pattern, especially in the head and neck. Intraoral locations are much less frequent, particularly when they are single. This, in turn, can lead to a prolonged diagnosis and even to inadequate treatment. Different patients with initial extranodal location of NHL which were not previously diagnosed and in which it was manifested only intraorally are presented in this paper. These cases are presented together with the additional examinations used for the early diagnosis and with the corresponding clinical pictures, as well as with the overview of other cases from the available literature.

Histologically, Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a necrotising, self-limiting lymphadenitis. It typically affects the lymph nodes of the neck and it is often accompanied by a high fever. The present paper documents the case of a 28-year old male carrier of KFD. From the x-ray images, the KFD clinically appeared to be a submandibular salivary gland tumor. An ultrasound study led us to believe that it was more likely a branchial cyst. Malignant lymphoma can be mistaken for KFD, thus the diagnosis must be precise and the differentiation is crucial.

Report case of a Wunderlich syndrome due to spontaneous rupture of a simple renal cyst. The patient is a 77-year old, hypertensive female who was on routine treatment with Aspirin. The rarity of retroperitoneal haemorrhage with this origin is documented; also the influence of aspirin as predisposing factor for this condition is ruled out. Brief evaluation of the various diagnostic means available. An accurate evaluation that may allow to adopt a conservative aptitude is recommended.

The Southington, Connecticut, water-supply system is characterized by a distribution network that contains more than 1 700 pipeline segments of varying diameters and construction materials, more than 186 mi (299 km) of pipe, 9 groundwater extraction wells capable of pumping more than 4 700 gal/min (0.2965 m3/s), and 3 municipal reservoirs. Volatile organic compounds, which contaminated the underlying groundwater reservoir during the 1970s, contaminated the water-supply system and exposed the town's residents to volatile organic chemicals. We applied a computational model to the water-supply system to characterize and quantify the distribution of volatile organic compounds in the pipelines, from which we estimated the demographic distribution of potential exposure to the town's residents. Based on results from modeling analyses, we concluded the following: (a) exposure to volatile organic compound contamination may vary significantly from one census block to another, even when these census blocks are adjacent to each other within a specified radius; (b) maximum spatial spread of contamination in a water-distribution system may not occur under peak demand conditions, and, therefore, maximum spatial distribution of the exposed population also may not correspond to peak demand conditions, and (c) use of the proposed computational model allows for a more refined and rigorous methodology with which to estimate census-block-level contamination for exposure assessment and epidemiologic investigations.

Oral ciprofloxacin (750 mg twice daily) was compared with intravenous cefotaxime (2 g three times daily) as therapy for 61 episodes of skin and skin structure infections occurring in adult patients. A variety of infections including cellulitis, infected ulcers, abscesses, and other miscellaneous infections were treated. Clinical cure was achieved in 77 percent (24 patients) of 31 patients treated with ciprofloxacin and in 76 percent (22 patients) of 28 patients treated with cefotaxime. The response was slower in infected diabetic patients than in non-diabetic patients in both groups. Side effects were minimal and appeared only in the cefotaxime group. Ciprofloxacin taken twice daily was as effective as cefotaxime administered intravenously three times daily in the treatment of skin and skin structure infections.