The objective of the “United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development”, during the period 2005 to 2014 is to integrate the principles, values and practices of sustainability in all ...aspects of education. The aim is to stimulate behavior changes, which will allow the creation of an economic, social and environmentally sustainable future. Sustainable entrepreneurial behavior is relevant for carrying out these changes. This paper tries to find the way to promote a sustainable entrepreneurial vision through the incorporation of new values for teaching/learning of potential entrepreneurs from the moment when the idea is born for creating a for-profit, non-profit or hybrid organization. Generating a change of perspective from the beginning of the entrepreneurship process is sought for fostering the birth of organizations that respect the environment and are responsible when confronting social problems, besides being profitable. All this involves a great challenge to all agents implicated in the process.
Scope
The cardioprotective role of resveratrol as part of the human diet is not yet clear. Our aim was to investigate the effect of a grape supplement containing 8 mg resveratrol in oxidized LDL ...(LDLox), apolipoprotein‐B (ApoB), and serum lipids on statin‐treated patients in primary cardiovascular disease prevention (PCP).
Methods and results
A triple‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted. Seventy‐five patients (three parallel arms) consumed one capsule (350 mg) daily for 6 months containing resveratrol‐enriched grape extract (GE‐RES, Stilvid®), grape extract (GE, similar polyphenolic content but no resveratrol), or placebo (maltodextrin). After 6 months, no changes were observed in the placebo group and only LDL cholesterol (LDLc) decreased by 2.9% (p = 0.013) in the GE group. In contrast, LDLc (−4.5%, p = 0.04), ApoB (−9.8%, p = 0.014), LDLox (−20%, p = 0.001), and LDLox/ApoB (−12.5%, p = 0.000) decreased in the Stilvid® group, whereas the ratio non‐HDLc (total atherogenic cholesterol load)/ApoB increased (8.5%, p = 0.046). No changes were observed in hepatic, thyroid, and renal function. No adverse effects were observed in any of the patients.
Conclusion
This GE‐RES reduced atherogenic markers and might exert additional cardioprotection beyond the gold‐standard medication in patients from PCP. The presence of resveratrol in the GE was necessary to achieve these effects.
Bioactive substances found in numerous foods can be successfully and safely used to modify various cellular functions and affect the oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect ...of a citrus-based juice (juice citrus (95%) with 5% of aronia extract (Aronia melanocarpa)) on biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with metabolic syndrome compared with healthy individuals. The study comprised 20 healthy subjects and 33 patients with metabolic syndrome. Eighteen patients consumed daily 300 mL of a citrus-based juice during 6 months and 15 patients consumed 300 mL of a placebo beverage. The control group consumed a citrus-based juice (CJ). Before, and at sixth months after consuming of a citrus-based juice the following parameters were determined: 15-isoprostane F2, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSH), carbonyl groups and oxidized LDL (ox-LDL). After consuming CJ during 6 months the values of 8-OHdG, carbonyl groups and LDL-ox decreased in both analyzed groups and the values of GSH/GSSH increased. Significant differences were observed in both groups. Thus consumption of citrus-based juice improved the biomarkers of oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome patients.
Background:Kidney stones have become increasingly prevalent in the developed countries over the past 100 years. The incidence of urolithiasis in a population depends on the geographical area, racial ...distribution, socio-economic status and dietary habits. During the past decades, these factors have changed affecting the incidence and also the chemical composition of calculi; nowadays in our region, the most common stones composition is calcium oxalate. The identification of the calculi composition enables superior treatment, lower (decreased) cost and a better quality of life for the patients. Methods:We analyzed the composition and the evolution of all of the cases concerning calculi received at Biochemical Clinical Analysis Laboratory from 2007 to 2010, using Interferometry with Fourier transformation (FTIR). The relationship between composition, gender and age was studied for an aleatory group in 2010 (n=657, 431 men and 226 women). Results:The stone composition obtained was mixtures 24.7% and only one component 75.3%. Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) 41.5%, calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) 7.6%, anhydrous uric acid (AUA) 12.4%, uric acid dehydrate (UAD) 6.7%, urates 1.4%, carbonate-apatite (CA) 2.9%, and others 2.8%. The male to female ratio was 1.9 and the largest number of stones was found in patients between the ages of 40 and 49, for both men and women. Conclusions:The most common composition (relative percentage) was COM, mixtures and AUA. Presence of calculi is more common in men than in women with the exception of carbonate apatite stones. Stones follow a Gaussian distribution throughout the lifetime of a patient, with particular incidence in those between 40 to 49 years old.
Background: The aim of the study is to assess whether lung function of infants born preterm predicts wheezing in pre-school age. Methods: A survey of the core wheezing questionnaire of the ...International Study on Asthma and Allergy in Children was administered to parents of preterm newborns, to whom lung function tests were performed at a corrected age of six months, and who, at the time of the survey, were between three and nine years of age. Results: Low values of all lung function parameters measured, except FVC, were predictors of wheezing at some time in life, (FEV0.5 OR: 0.62 (95%CI 0.39; 0.995); FEV0.5/FVC OR: 0.73 (0.54; 0.99)) FEF75 OR: 0.60 0.37; 0.93; FEF25-75 OR: 0.57 (0.37; 0.89)); and of wheezing in the past year (FEV0.5 OR: 0.36 (0.17; 0.76); FEV0.5/FVC OR: 0.59 (0.38; 0.93); FEF75 OR: 0.38 0.19; 0.76; FEF25-75 OR: 0.35 (0.17; 0.70). In addition, FEV0.5/FVC values lower than the lowest limit of normality, were predictive of hospital admissions due to wheezing (OR: 3.07; (1.02; 9.25)). Conclusions: Limited lung function in infancy is predictive of both future wheezing and hospitalization for a wheezing episode.
Background: Beta-trace protein (BTP) and cystatin C (CysC) are novel biomarkers of renal function. We assessed the ability of both to predict major bleeding (MB) in patients with non-ST-segment ...elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS), compared to other renal function parameters and clinical risk scores. Methods and Results: We included 273 patients. Blood samples were obtained within 24h of admission. The endpoint was MB. During a follow-up of 760 days (411–1,098 days), 25 patients (9.2%) had MB. Patients with MB had higher concentrations of BTP (0.98mg/L; 0.71–1.16mg/L vs. 0.72mg/L, 0.60–0.91mg/L, P=0.002), CysC (1.05mg/L; 0.91–1.30mg/L vs. 0.90mg/L, 0.75–1.08mg/L, P=0.003), higher CRUSADE score (39±16 points vs. 29±15 points, P=0.002) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; 66±27 vs. 80±30ml·min–1·1.73m–2, P=0.02) than patients without MB; there was no difference in creatinine level between the groups (P=0.14). After multivariable adjustment, both were predictors of MB, while eGFR and creatinine did not achieve statistical significance. Among subjects with eGFR >60ml·min–1·1.73m–2, those with elevated concentrations of both biomarkers had a significantly higher risk for MB. Net reclassification indexes from the addition of BTP and CysC to CRUSADE risk score were 38% and 21% respectively, while the relative integrated discrimination indexes were 12.5% and 3.8%. Conclusions: Among NSTE-ACS patients, BTP and CysC were superior to conventional renal parameters for predicting MB, and improved clinical stratification for hemorrhagic risk. (Circ J 2013; 77: 2088–2096)
The atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype is characterized by an increase in plasma triglycerides, a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and the prevalence of small, dense-low ...density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) particles. The aim of this study was to establish the importance of LDL particle size measurement by gender in a group of patients with Metabolic Syndrome (MS) attending at a Cardiovascular Risk Unit in Primary Care and their classification into phenotypes.
One hundred eighty-five patients (93 men and 92 women) from several areas in the South of Spain, for a period of one year in a health centre were studied. Laboratory parameters included plasma lipids, lipoproteins, low-density lipoprotein size and several atherogenic rates were determinated.
We found differences by gender between anthropometric parameters, blood pressure and glucose measures by MS status. Lipid profile was different in our two study groups, and gender differences in these parameters within each group were also remarkable, in HDLc and Apo A-I values. According to LDL particle size, we found males had smaller size than females, and patients with MS had also smaller than those without MS. We observed inverse relationship between LDL particle size and triglycerides in patients with and without MS, and the same relationship between all atherogenic rates in non-MS patients. When we considered our population in two classes of phenotypes, lipid profile was worse in phenotype B.
In conclusion, we consider worthy the measurement of LDL particle size due to its relationship with lipid profile and cardiovascular risk.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Beta-trace protein (BTP) is a low–molecular mass protein belonging to the lipocalin protein family, which is more sensitive than serum creatinine for detecting impaired renal function. The aims of ...the present study were to evaluate whether plasma BTP improves the risk stratification of patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes and to compare it to cystatin C (CysC), serum creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Two hundred twenty-six consecutive patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes were prospectively included. Blood samples were obtained within 24 hours of hospital admission to measure BTP, CysC, and creatinine. The study end point was all-cause death. Over a median follow-up period of 859 days (interquartile range IQR 524 to 1,164), 24 patients (10.6%) died. Decedents had higher concentrations of BTP (1.03 mg/L IQR 0.89 to 1.43 vs 0.74 mg/L IQR 0.61 to 0.92, p <0.001), CysC (1.16 mg/L IQR 0.91 to 1.59 vs 0.90 mg/L IQR 0.76 to 1.08, p = 0.001), and serum creatinine (1.10 mg/L IQR 0.87 to 1.46 vs 0.94 mg/L IQR 0.80 to 1.10, p = 0.004) and a lower mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (60 ± 20 vs 80 ± 24 ml/min/1.73 m2 , p <0.001). After multivariate adjustment, BTP and CysC were predictors of all-cause death, while estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine concentrations did not achieve statistical significance. In stratified analyses according to kidney function, elevated BTP and CysC were associated with a higher risk for all-cause death. Reclassification analyses showed that BTP and CysC added complementary information to Global Registry for Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score. In conclusion, BTP and CysC levels were associated with all-cause death risk and modestly improved prognostic discrimination beyond the GRACE risk score in patients with non–ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes.
Background: Allergy to lipid transfer proteins (LPT) is common in Mediterranean Europe, and it causes severe reactions in patients and affects multiple foods, impairing the quality of life. ...Objective: This study aimed to describe the clinical and sensitization profile of patients with LTP syndrome and to determine a clinical pattern of severity. Molecular diagnosis is shown in a broad population through microarrays. Material and Methods: This study was performed at the LTP Allergy Consultation of the Reina Sofia Hospital in Murcia, Spain. We analyzed the patients’ characteristics, reactions, cofactors, food implicated, quality of life, skin prick test to food and aeroallergens, and serologic parameters, such as total immunoglobulin E, peach LTP (Pru p 3 IgE) and immunoglobulin G4, and microarray Immuno Solid-phase Allergen Chip (ISAC). We related the severity of the reactions with other variables. Results: We presented a series of 236 patients diagnosed with LTP allergy, 54.66% suffering from anaphylaxis, 36.02% from urticaria angioedema, and 9.32% from oral allergy syndrome. The most frequently implicated food was peach, producing symptoms in 70% of patients, followed by walnut in 55%, peanut in 45%, hazelnut in 44%, and apple in 38% patients. Regarding the food that provoked anaphylaxis, walnut was the most frequent instigator, along with peach, peanut, hazelnut, almond, sunflower seed, and apple. According to the severity of LPT reaction, we did not discover significant differences in gender, age, food group involved, and serologic parameters. We found differences in the presence of cofactors, with 48.84% of cofactors in patients with anaphylaxis, compared to 27.1% in patients without anaphylaxis and in family allergy background (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: In our series of patients, 54% presented anaphylaxis, and the foods that most frequently produced symptoms were peaches, apples, and nuts. Cofactors and family allergy backgrounds were associated with the severity of LPT reaction.
PDF
