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Disease-related malnutrition remains a health problem with a high prevalence that increases the risk of poor patient outcomes, in addition to an elevation of healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional quality of the menus at Ribera Molina Hospital, including their adequacy regarding recommended daily nutrient intakes and the agreement with the theoretical nutrition information provided by catering. The mean levels of energy, macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals provided by the basal, diabetic, and soft diets were calculated through the weighing of plated food served throughout the first 14 days of February 2020. A nutritional overestimation was seen in the nutrition information provided by the catering compared to the values derived from weighing foods (p < 0.01). Despite this, the nutritional content calculated by weighing satisfied the energy and protein requirements of 203 hospitalized patients previously studied in the internal medicine area of the hospital. The mean age of these patients was 62 years, and the main causes of admission were lung, cardiovascular, renal, and digestive diseases. There seems to be an insufficient amount of vitamins E and D, as well as magnesium, on all the menus. A possible insufficient amount of calcium, potassium, zinc, and copper was observed in some of the menus studied. It is necessary to update the hospital prescription manual so the nutritional contents of the diets are accurate and based on the weighted and calculated values to improve the adequacy of diets prescribed to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutrition in cancer patients is one of the most influential factors in the evolution and mortality of such patients. To reduce the incidence of malnutrition, it is necessary to establish a correct nutritional intervention. For this purpose, precise tools and indicators must be developed to determine the patient's condition. The main objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the relationship between different nutritional strategies, phase angle (PA), and handgrip strength in patients with cancer, with the secondary objectives being the modification of other indicators of nutritional status, such as weight and body mass index (BMI). A systematic review of randomized clinical trials was carried out in March 2023 in the databases PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus. As a risk-of-bias tool, RoB 2.0 was utilized. A total of 8 studies with a total of 606 participants were included in the analysis. A significant increase in PA was observed after the different nutritional strategies (SMD: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.77; p = 0.01; I2 = 65.63%), also detecting a significant increase in handgrip strength (SMD: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.47; p = 0.01; I2 = 30.70%). A significant increase in PA and handgrip were observed in cancer patients subjected to different nutritional strategies. These results suggest that these indicators could be used in the nutritional and functional assessment of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present a Deuteron Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (DNMR) study of the non-symmetric odd liquid crystal dimer α-(4-cyanobiphenyl-4′-yloxy)-ω-(1-pyrenimine-benzylidene-4′-oxy) heptane (CBO7O.Py), formed by a pro-mesogenic cyanobiphenyl unit and a bulky pyrene-containing unit, linked via alkoxy flexible chain. We have synthesized two partially deuterated samples: one with the deuterium atoms in the cyanobiphenyl moiety (dCBO7O.Py) and the other one with the deuterium atoms in the pyrenimine-benzylidene unit (CBO7O.dPy). We have performed angular distribution analysis in the SmA glassy state, obtaining the degree of order of both rigid cores and an estimation of the internal molecular angle between both structures. With the results from the angular study, we have been able to determine the degree of order of both rigid units in either the N phase and the SmA phase, far enough from the glass transition. Both rigid cores have the same degree of order close to the nematic–isotropic phase transition, but as the compound is cooled down, the degree of order of the cyanobiphenyl moiety is clearly higher than that of the pyrene-containing unit. The critical behaviour of the order parameter of the pyrene-containing moiety is consistent with the fact that, for CBO7O.Py, the N–I phase transition is tricritical, which seems to indicate that the uniaxial order parameter of the dimer is dominated by the degree of order of the pyrene-containing core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to obtain solid carvacrol-cyclodextrin (CD) complexes for use in the pharmaceutical industry. To this end, the complexation of carvacrol at different pH values was studied in detail, to determine the type of CD and the reaction environment that supported the highest amount of encapsulated carvacrol. Evidence of the capability of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrins (HP-β-CD) to form inclusion complexes with carvacrol (KC = 5042 ± 176 L mol−1) and more high complexation efficiency (2.824) was demonstrated for HP-β-CDs using two different energy sources, ultrasound (US) (KC = 8129 ± 194 L mol−1 24 h) and microwave irradiation (MWI) (KC = 6909 ± 161 L mol−1), followed by spraying the resulting solution in a spray dryer. To confirm complex formation, the complexes were characterized using various instrumental methods to corroborate the carvacrol incorporation into the hydrophobic cavity of HP-β-CD. The obtained carvacrol solid complexes were analyzed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (ROSEY), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) characterization. The structures of the resulting complexes were also characterized by molecular modeling. Furthermore, 1 mM HP-β-CD-carvacrol complex has been shown to reduce cell proliferation in HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells by 43%, much more than in a healthy lung fibroblast MRC-5 cell line (11%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is the standard diagnostic tool for classifying and coding diseases and injuries. The Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) is the most widely used injury severity scoring system. Although manual coding is considered the gold standard, it is sometimes unavailable or impractical. There have been many prior attempts to develop programs for the automated conversion of ICD rubrics into AIS codes. Objective: To convert ICD, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes into AIS 2005 (update 2008) codes via a derived map using a two-step process and, subsequently, to compare Injury Severity Score (ISS) resulting from said conversion with manually coded ISS values. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was designed in which medical records at the Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla of Cantabria (HUMV) and the Complejo Hospitalario of Navarra (CHN), both in Spain, were reviewed. Coding of injuries using AIS 2005 (update 2008) version was done manually by a certified AIS specialist and ISS values were calculated. ICD-9-CM codes were automatically converted into ISS values by another certified AIS specialist in a two-step process. ISS scores obtained from manual coding were compared to those obtained through this conversion process. Results: The comparison of obtained through conversion versus manual ISS resulted in 396 concordant pairs (70.2%); the analysis of values according to ISS categories (ISS<9, ISS 9–15, ISS 16–24, ISS>24) showed 493 concordant pairs (87.4%). Regarding the criterion of “major trauma” patient (i.e., ISS> 15), 538 matching pairs (95.2%) were obtained. The conversion process resulted in underestimation of ISS in 112 cases (19.9%) and conversion was not possible in 136 cases (19%) for different reasons. Conclusions: The process used in this study has proven to be a useful tool for selecting patients who meet the ISS>15 criterion for “major trauma”. Further research is needed to improve the conversion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The aims of the present study were to obtain a stable dry powder formulation of cyclodextrins (CDs) encapsulating thymol, for successful use as an ingredient on an industrial scale, and to characterize the thymol‐CDs complexes using different techniques. RESULTS: Thymol was successfully solubilized in aqueous solutions and the Kc value increased with the pH of the media until the pH was neutral, giving the highest values (2583 ± 176 L mol−1) for HP‐β‐cyclodextrins (HP‐β‐CDs). The best encapsulation efficiency of thymol in solid complexes was obtained using the microwave (MWI) encapsulation method. The different characterization techniques have demonstrated the affinity of HP‐β‐CDs for thymol molecules, forming stable complexes. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the use of the MWI method in the preparation of solid HP‐β‐CD‐thymol complexes, due to greater encapsulation efficiency and technological and economic advantages for industrial applications. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distal part of the tetrapod limb, the autopod, is characterized by the presence of digits. The digits display a wide diversity of shapes and number reflecting selection pressure for functional adaptation. Despite extensive study, the different aspects of digit patterning, as well as the factors and mechanisms involved are not completely understood. Here, we review the evidence implicating Hox proteins in digit patterning and the interaction between Hox genes and the Sonic hedgehog/Gli3 pathway, the other major regulator of digit number and identity. Currently, it is well accepted that a self-organizing Turing-type mechanism underlies digit patterning, this being understood as the establishment of an iterative arrangement of digit/interdigit in the hand plate. We also discuss the involvement of 5' Hox genes in regulating digit spacing in the digital plate and therefore the number of digits formed in this self-organizing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An important health issue in urban areas is how changes arising from the regeneration of city-areas affect social determinants of health and equity. This paper examines the impacts attributable to a new fish market and to delays in the regeneration of a port area in a deteriorated region of the Bay of Pasaia (Spain). Potential differential impacts on local residents and socially vulnerable groups were evaluated to determine health inequalities. Methods: An in-depth, prospective and concurrent Health-Impact-Assessment (HIA) focused on equity was conducted by the regional Public Health Department, following the Merseyside guidelines. Data from different sources was triangulated and impacts were identified using qualitative and quantitative methods. Results: The intervention area is characterised by poor social, environmental, and health indicators. The distinctness of the two projects generates contrasting health and inequality impacts: generally positive for the new fish market and negative for the port area. The former creates recreational spaces and improves urban quality and social cohesion. By contrast, inaction and stagnation of the project in the port area perpetuates deterioration, a lack of safety, and poor health, as well as increased social frustration. Conclusions: In addition to assessing the health impacts of both projects this HIA promoted intersectoral partnerships, boosted a holistic and positive view of health and incorporated health and equity into the political discourse. Community-level participatory action enabled public health institutions to respond to new urban planning challenges and responsibilities in a more democratic manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the nematic glassy state of the non-symmetric LC dimer α-(4-cyanobiphenyl-4′-yloxy)-ω-(1-pyrenimine-benzylidene-4′-oxy) undecane is studied by means of calorimetric and dielectric measurements. The most striking result of the work is the presence of two different glass transition temperatures: one due to the freezing of the flip-flop motions of the bulkier unit of the dimer and the other, at a lower temperature, related to the freezing of the flip-flop and precessional motions of the cyanobiphenyl unit. This result shows the fact that glass transition is the consequence of the freezing of one or more coupled dynamic disorders and not of the disordered phase itself. In order to avoid crystallization when the bulk sample is cooled down, the LC dimer has been confined via the dispersion of γ-alumina nanoparticles, in several concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: A bicarbonate dialysate acidified with citrate (CD) has been reported to have local anticoagulant effect and improves biocompatibility. This study examines the effect of CD on dialysis efficiency, coagulation, acid-base status, electrolytes, and inflammation in patients in on-line hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF). Methods: 35 patients in OL-HDF were enrolled in a prospective, cross-over study for a 24-week period and two phases alternating CD and acetate dialysate fluid (AD). Parameters on study were predialysis levels of bicarbonate and ionic calcium, reactive C Protein (CRP), and beta-2 microglobulin (B2MG) and postdialysis levels of activated tromboplastine time, bicarbonate, and ionized calcium. Results: No significant differences in coagulation parameters, pH, and predialysis bicarbonate were found. The postdialysis bicarbonate and postdialysis calcium were lower with CD. Dialysis efficiency was greater with CD. Regarding inflammatory parameters, both CRP and B2MG were lower using CD. Conclusion: The use of CD is safe and effective in OL-HDF, and it improves dialysis efficacy, postdialysis alkalosis, and inflammation. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]