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Journal of Pharmacy and Nutrition Sciences

Adalimumab and Etanercept in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Spondyloarthropathies: Budget Impact Model of Dose Reduction
Pages 170-176
Alejandro González Álvarez, Manuel Gómez Barrera, Joaquín Borrás Blasco and Emilio José Giner Serret
DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5951.2014.04.03.1
Published: 12 August 2014


Abstract: Objective:To assess the financial impact ofspacing out the administration intervals of adalimumab (ADA) and etanercept (ETN) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthropathies (SAP) in our work setting.

Materials and method:A budget impact model (BIM) was developed to estimate the financial impact ofspacing out the usual administration intervals of ADA 40 mg every 2 weeks and ETN 50 mg weekly (scenario A) to ADA 40 mg every 3 weeks and ETN 50 mg every 2 weeks (scenario B), according to the guidelines and recommendations applied to these studies, specifying the target population, the study perspective, the time frame, and analysing the robustness of the study with a threshold univariate sensitivity analysis.

Results:A total of 71 patients were included in the study.The application of a BIM showed annual savings for ADA and ETN of €19,784 and €38,271, respectively.The net cost, that is, the savings this entailed for the time frame considered (2 years), amounted to €116,110.The sensitivity analysis performed shows that the BIM estimated for the study period was very robust, as the net result in the different scenarios varied very little, remaining negative in the new scenarios.

Conclusions:The BIM developed in the study shows the importance of the role of healthcare professionals in the context of sustainability of the healthcare system, where the model could generate large annual net savings for the different regional healthcare systems.

Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, Spondyloarthropathies, Budget impact analysis, Adalimumab, Etanercept, Tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitors.
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Journal of Pharmacy and Nutrition Sciences

Anthropometric Characteristics and other Dietary Aspects of a Group of Spanish Women Looking for Weight Loss and Enrolled in a Weight Management Program
Pages 177-182
Magdalena Rafecas, Laura-Isabel Arranz, Mireia García, Miguel-Ángel Canela and DIECA group
DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5951.2014.04.03.2
Published: 12 August 2014


Abstract: Overweight is a health problem characterised as a higher than normal body weight due to an abnormal increase in body fat. Body weight adequacy is categorised using body mass index (BMI), however other parameters as fat mass (FM), waist circumference or waist to hip ratio, are relevant. Ideally, body composition should be calculated initially to evaluate changes during a dietary intervention for weight loss. Hunger experience is another parameter to take into account in order to succeed. The aim was to investigate and describe the characteristics of women seeking weight loss solutions. We organised an open program for people with body excess who wanted to lose weight. 252 women participated and answered to a dietary interview. Anthropometric measures of weight, height, body mass index, body fat, waist and hip circumference were taken. The mean age was of 36.84±7.29 years, and most of them, about 90%, have followed dietary programs for weight loss throughout their lives. They all wanted to lose weight in a range of 3 to 20 kilograms with a mean value of 11.49±6.01 kilograms. 123 women had a hunger profile of satiating behaviour and 129 a snacking one. The mean BMI was within overweight values, and mean fat mass was within obesity values. Waist and hip circumference were higher than normal in most of the participants and excess body weight perception and attitude were different. There is a need to tackle overweight and obesity individually, taking into account personal consciousness and expectancy, anthropometric measures and hunger experience.

Keywords: Overweight, body mass index, fat mass, waist, hip, hunger, satiety.
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Journal of Pharmacy and Nutrition Sciences

In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Isostichopus badionotus, a Sea Cucumber from Yucatan Peninsula Coast 
Pages 183-186
Aida R. Pérez-Espadas, María J. Verde-Star, Catalina Rivas-Morales, Azucena Oranday-Cárdenas, María E. Morales-Rubio, Lorena V. León-Deniz, Jaqueline Canul-Canché and Leovigildo Quijano
DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5951.2014.04.03.3
Published: 12 August 2014


Abstract: The in vitro cytotoxic activity of hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol extracts of the sea-cucumber Isostichopus badionotus (Holothuroidea) was tested against normal cells (Vero), human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7 andMDA-MB-231) ATCC cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.Hexane extracts from body walls and viscera showed high cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells (IC50’s = 48.5 and 42.5 µg mL-1, respectively), while the ethyl acetate extract of body walls was considered low active (IC50 = 98.3μg mL-1). In addition, the body walls hexane extract showed a good selectivity index value of 12.0.

Keywords: Holothurian, organic extracts, selectivity index, HeLa cells.
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Journal of Pharmacy and Nutrition Sciences

Nutritional and Functional Properties of Edible Mushrooms: A Food with Promising Health Claims
Pages 187-198
Viviana Loria-Kohen, Thais Lourenço-Nogueira, Isabel Espinosa-Salinas, Francisco R. Marín, Cristina Soler-Rivas and Ana Ramirez de Molina
DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5951.2014.04.03.4
Published: 12 August 2014


Abstract: Over the past two decades, there has been a steady flow of publications about the health effects related to mushrooms consumption. They represent a valuable source of protein, present high levels of fiber, some vitamins and minerals, and they also have reduced amount of fat and sodium. In addition, their complex carbohydrates profile can strengthen considerably the immune system.

Edible mushrooms have been related to significant functional properties due to their bioactive compounds, such as eritadenine, phenolic compounds, sterols (as ergosterol), chitosan, etc., These substances are considered as important agents in the prevention and treatment of different health conditions like obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. However, it is important to remember that most of scientific studies are made in animal models and, therefore, some evidences regarding mushroom consumption have yet to be confirmed in clinical trials.

Despite of the growing appeal for humans by their medicinal effects and nutritional value, mushrooms are also very appreciated for their texture, flavor, and versatility in culinary. They can be easily incorporated into any kind of dish, improving the dietary diversity without adding many calories.

The information presented in this review point out that the positive effect of mushrooms on health is beyond basic nutrition. Therefore, it is very valuable expanding our knowledge about mushrooms, in order to identify all their active principles and the mechanisms involved in each health benefit, getting aware about the doses required to achieve that, in a safe range for humans.

Keywords: Mushroom, functional food, disease prevention, antioxidant, umami.
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