Highlights on the Binding of Cobalta-Bis-(Dicarbollide) with Glucose Units.

Metalla-bis-dicarbollides, such as the cobalta-bis-dicarbollide (COSAN) anion [Co(C B H ) ] , have attracted much attention in biology but a deep understanding of their interactions with cell components is still missing. For this purpose, we studied the interactions of COSAN with the glucose moiety, which is ubiquitous at biological interfaces. Octyl-glucopyranoside surfactant (C8G1) was chosen as a model as it self-assembles in water and creates a hydrated glucose-covered interface.

Characterization of the visco-elastic properties of hyaluronic acid.

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a polysaccharide present in almost all animal tissues, in which it carries out important biological functions, among them, the protection of the joints by lubricating them and dampening the tension in them.

Objective: This study compares the viscoelastic properties of several commercial preparations of HA, to determine their suitability for use as viscosupplementation therapy in joint pathology (osteoarthritis).

Methods: 4 HA hydrogels: Durolane®, Synocrom_Forte_One®, Synvisc_One® and Viscoplus_Matrix® and 4 HA solutions: Ostenil®, Ostenil_Plus®, Viscoplus_Gel® and Orthovisc® were analyzed to compare their viscoelatsic rheological parameters using an oscillatory-rotational rheometer.

Detection of latent tuberculosis infection among migrant farmworkers along the US-Mexico border.

Background: Migrant farmworkers are among the highest-risk populations for latent TB infection (LTBI) in the United States with numerous barriers to healthcare access and increased vulnerability to infectious diseases. LTBI is usually diagnosed on the border using the tuberculin skin test (TST). QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) also measures immune response against specific Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens.

Acromegalic patients lost to follow-up: a pilot study.

Approximately 50 % of all acromegalic patients will require lifelong medical treatment to normalize mortality rates and reduce morbidity. Thus, adherence to therapy is essential to achieve treatment goals. To date, no study has evaluated the frequency and reasons for loss to follow-up in the acromegalic population.

Plasma anti-serotonin and serotonin anti-idiotypic antibodies are elevated in panic disorder.

The psychoneuroimmunology of panic disorder is relatively unexplored. Alterations within brain stress systems that secondarily influence the immune system have been documented. A recent report indicated elevations of serotonin (5-HT) and ganglioside antibodies in patients with primary fibromyalgia, a condition with documented associations with panic disorder.

[Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection and behaviors associated with its transmission among parenteral drug users selected on the street].

Background: To estimate the prevalence of HIV infection and the associated risk behaviours among intravenous drug users not receiving treatment for their drug dependence.

Patients And Methods: A cross-sectional study of 200 intravenous drug users recruited from the streets of Barcelona in 1993. Information about the socio-demographic aspects and behaviours was obtained through a personal interview using a standardised questionnaire which was carried out by three ex-drug users.