New technique to quantify phospolipids in disordered phase in lung surfactant by electron spin resonance.

In pulmonary surfactant (PS) the coexistence of the ordered (Lo) and disordered (Ld) lipid phases would be essential for an optimal activity. Electron spin resonance (ESR) of PS labeled with 5-doxil stearic acid shows two spectral components called S and W. S/W ratio could be understood as the ratio between the probe population in Lo and in Ld.

Budesonide associated with exogenous pulmonary surfactant in a novel formulation to improve the delivery to the lung.

Lung delivery for glucocorticoids (GCs) is very low and depends on the system used. Exogenous pulmonary surfactant (EPS) is a promising tool to transporting GCs efficiently to the airways. We developed a new formulation of EPS with Budesonide (BUD) incorporated into EPS membranes (EPS-BUD) to improve lung delivery of BUD.

Determining the fluid ordered and disordered phases in a pulmonary surfactant by electron spin resonance technique.

Pulmonary surfactant main function is to reduce surface tension at alveolar interface. Two lipids phases coexist in surfactant membranes: a liquid-ordered (Lo) and a liquid-disordered (Ld) phases. This coexistence of phases would be crucial for the surfactant activity.

Developing an exogenous pulmonary surfactant-glucocorticoids association: Effect of corticoid concentration on the biophysical properties of the surfactant.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are used to treat lung disease. GCs incorporated in an exogenous pulmonary surfactant (EPS) could be an alternative management to improve drug delivery avoiding side effects. In the development of these pharmaceutical products, it is important to know the maximum amount of GC that can be incorporated and if increasing quantities of GCs alter EPS biophysical properties.

Factors associated with H. pylori epidemiology in symptomatic children in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Aim: To determine prevalence of H pylori infection in symptomatic children in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and to investigate factors associated with H pylori positivity.

Methods: A total of 395 children with upper gastrointestinal symptoms referred to the Gastroenterology Unit of the Children Hospital "Sor Maria Ludovica" were evaluated for the presence of H pylori by the (13)C-Urea Breath Test ((13)C-UBT). A questionnaire was applied to the recruited population.

[Causes and consequences of iron deficiency on human health].

Anaemia and nutritional iron deficiency significantly affect the world population. In this article we discuss the main causes and consequences that this nutritional deficiency produces on human health.