C-phycocyanin is a natural blue dye extracted from Spirulina platensis, which has many applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this paper the effect of pH and temperature on the adsorption of C-phycocyanin onto two different ion exchange resins (Streamline DEAE and Streamline Q XL) for expanded bed adsorption chromatography was investigated. Moreover, the kinetics and adsorption isotherm were evaluated. The equilibrium for the Q XL matrix was reached after 60 min, while for DEAE it was only reached after 140 min. C-phycocyanin showed the highest partition coefficient at pH 7.5 for both resins at 25 ºC. The C-phycocyanin adsorption isotherm was very well represented by the Langmuir, Freundlich and Langmuir-Freundlich models, where the estimated values for Qm and Kd obtained by the Langmuir isotherm were, respectively, 33.92 mg.mL-1 and 0.123 mg.mL-1 for DEAE, and 28.12 mg.mL-1 and 0.082 mg.mL-1 for the Q XL matrix. A negative cooperativity was observed for C-phycocyanin binding when the Q XL matrix was used, while the cooperativity was purely independent using the DEAE matrix.

Objective: To develop recommendations for the preparation of parenteral drugs (MAP), to assess the transferability of their preparation, from nursing units in the hospital ward to the pharmacy service (SF). Method: A table of stabilities of parenteral drugs included in the pharmacotherapeutic guideline was developed using the american and spanish guidelines. Information about MAP was collected (method of preparation, support, maintenance, validity, administration specifications and packaging) by consulting product technical sheets, pharmaceutical industries, literature review and databases. Results: After reviewing 209 drugs, a list of recommendations was developed. According to the data, MAP will be prepared as follows: 89 drugs will be prepared from SF, 62 drugs at nursing units because of its immediate administration requirement and 58 are already packed for its administration by the industry. Of these 62 drugs prepared a nursing units, 14 of them will be prepared in the following doses by the SF. Therefore, 48 drugs will be prepared at nursing units from the 209 parenteral drugs reviewed. Conclusions: A standardized method of preparation, storage, administration and validity of MAP was established by the SF. The preparation of MAP in the SF extends its shelf life, by considering physicochemical stability, level of risk and product vulnerability to microbiological contamination. The information provided will contribute to a reduction of errors associated with the preparation and administration of MAP.

Objetivo: Elaborar unas recomendaciones de preparación de medicamentos de administración parenteral (MAP) para valorar la posibilidad de transferir su preparación, desde las unidades de enfermería en planta de hospitalización al servicio de farmacia (SF). Método: Se procede a elaborar una tabla de estabilidades de los medicamentos incluidos en la guía farmacoterapéutica del Hospital, aplicando la Guía USP (Pharmaceutical compounding Sterile Preparations) y la Guía de de buenas prácticas de preparación de medicamentos en los servicios de farmacia hospitalaria. Se recopiló información sobre las MAP: método de preparación, compatibilidad, conservación, período de validez, modo de administración y tipo de envase. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante consulta de las fichas técnicas, laboratorios, revisión bibliográfica y otras bases de datos. Resultados: Tras revisar 209 fármacos se elaboró un listado de recomendaciones. Según los datos obtenidos, las MAP se prepararán de la siguiente forma: 89 serán preparadas desde el SF, 62 en unidad de enfermería en planta de hospitalización pues son medicamentos que requieren administración inmediata y 58 ya van acondicionados para su administración por la industria. De los 62 fármacos que se prepararán por enfermería, en 14 de ellos las dosis siguientes se prepararán desde el SF. Por lo tanto de los 209 fármacos sólo 48 se prepararán exclusivamente en la unidad de enfermería. Conclusiones: Desde el SF se ha establecido un método normalizado de preparación, conservación, administración y período de validez de MAP. La preparación de MAP en SF ampliaría su tiempo de conservación, al tener en cuenta la estabilidad fisicoquímica, el nivel de riesgo y la vulnerabilidad del preparado a la contaminación microbiológica. La información aportada contribuirá a una disminución de errores asociados al proceso de preparación y administración de MAP.

Objective:To study the evolution of the symptoms of anxiety (Ax) and depression (Dp) two months after hospital release and factors associated with their persistence. Method: An observational longitudinal study. Patients with Ax or Dp, evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale on the fourth day of hospitalisation, were followed over two months without the use of psychopharmacological drugs. Sociodemographic factors, psychiatric history, functional state, comorbidity and the HAD stage three weeks before admission were evaluated. Results: Thirty-eight patients with Ax (22 males) with a mean age of 62.2 years and 35 patients with Dp (22 males) with a mean age of 68.1 years were studied. Symptoms of Ax persisted in 23 patients (60.5%; CI95%: 43.4-76) and symptoms of Dp persisted in 18 (51.4%; CI95%: 34-68.6). Ax before admission and a lower educational level were associated with the persistence of Ax. An age of 70 or more, female gender and primary studies, Barthel Index on admission of < 100 and depression in the three weeks before admission were associated with persistence of Dp. Conclusions: Symptoms persisted in over half of the patients. The evaluation of HAD before admission may help in determining the treatment course to be followed

Objetivo: Estudiar la evolución de los síntomas de ansiedad (As) y depresión (Dp) a los dos meses del alta hospitalaria y los factores asociados con su persistencia. Método: Estudio longitudinal observacional. Los pacientes con As o Dp, detectada mediante el cuestionario Hospital Ansiedad y Depresión (HAD) en el cuarto día de estancia hospitalaria, fueron seguidos durante dos meses sin recibir psicofármacos. Se valoraron factores sociodemográficos, historia psiquiátrica, estado funcional, comorbilidad y el HAD del estado que tenía tres semanas antes del ingreso. Resultados: Se siguieron 38 pacientes con As (22 varones), edad media 62,2 años, y 35 pacientes con Dp (22 varones), edad media 68,1 años. Persistieron con síntomas de As a los dos meses 23 pacientes (60,5%; IC95%: 43,4 - 76) y con Dp 18 (51,4%; IC95%: 34 - 68,6). La As previa al ingreso y un menor nivel de estudios se asociaron con persistencia de As, y la edad de 70 o más años, sexo femenino, estudios primarios, Barthel durante el ingreso menor a 100 y depresión en las tres semanas previas se asociaron con persistencia de Dp. Conclusiones: Persiste la sintomatología en más de la mitad de los pacientes. La valoración del HAD previo al ingreso puede ayudar a decidir la prescripción de tratamiento.

From May 1999 to May 2001, we made contact with injecting drug users from Eastern Europe in the healthcare and prevention service of the Red Cross (servicio de atención y prevención sociosanitaria [SAPS]) in Barcelona (Spain). The users attended free therapeutic centers, but paid approximately 500 € for the trip. The users were aged between 18 and 30 years old and maintained family contact. The knew the risk of disease transmission, but often exchanged needles. The prevalence of hepatitis C (92%) and B (62%) was high but less than that of HIV (19%). If they did not stop taking drugs their return would be a failure and they would have difficulties in following methadone and antiretroviral treatments in their countries of origin. The healthcare provided in these centers should respond to user' needs: cultural mediation should be sought, as well as information from users' countries of origin. Centers receiving users from other countries should be supervised and alternatives should be designed for users who abandon treatment. International cooperation and programs to reduce the risk of drug consumption should be developed. Treatment should be prevented from becoming a business.

Desde mayo de 1999 hasta mayo de 2001, hemos contactado en el SAPS (Servicio de Atención Social y Sanitaria) de Barcelona con usuarios de drogas de países del este de Europa. Acuden a centros terapéuticos gratuitos, aunque pagan por la organización del viaje unos 500 euros. Son jóvenes entre 18 y 30 años y mantienen el contacto con sus familiares. Conocen los riesgos de transmisión de enfermedades, pero suelen reutilizar las jeringas. Es alta la prevalencia de hepatitis C (92%) y B (62%) y menor la de infección por el VIH (19%). Si no abandonan las drogas, el retorno es un fracaso y tienen dificultades para proseguir los tratamientos con metadona o antirretrovirales. La respuesta asistencial ha de adecuarse a sus necesidades. Se debe procurar la mediación cultural y la información en los lugares de origen, supervisar los centros terapéuticos y diseñar alternativas a los abandonos. Hay que desarrollar la colaboración internacional, estimular programas de disminución de riesgos derivados del consumo y evitar que del tratamiento se haga un comercio.

From May 1999 to May 2001, we made contact with injecting drug users from Eastern Europe in the healthcare and prevention service of the Red Cross (servicio de atención y prevención sociosanitaria [SAPS]) in Barcelona (Spain). The users attended free therapeutic centers, but paid approximately 500 € for the trip. The users were aged between 18 and 30 years old and maintained family contact. The knew the risk of disease transmission, but often exchanged needles. The prevalence of hepatitis C (92%) and B (62%) was high but less than that of HIV (19%). If they did not stop taking drugs their return would be a failure and they would have difficulties in following methadone and antiretroviral treatments in their countries of origin. The healthcare provided in these centers should respond to user' needs: cultural mediation should be sought, as well as information from users' countries of origin. Centers receiving users from other countries should be supervised and alternatives should be designed for users who abandon treatment. International cooperation and programs to reduce the risk of drug consumption should be developed. Treatment should be prevented from becoming a business.

Desde mayo de 1999 hasta mayo de 2001, hemos contactado en el SAPS (Servicio de Atención Social y Sanitaria) de Barcelona con usuarios de drogas de países del este de Europa. Acuden a centros terapéuticos gratuitos, aunque pagan por la organización del viaje unos 500 euros. Son jóvenes entre 18 y 30 años y mantienen el contacto con sus familiares. Conocen los riesgos de transmisión de enfermedades, pero suelen reutilizar las jeringas. Es alta la prevalencia de hepatitis C (92%) y B (62%) y menor la de infección por el VIH (19%). Si no abandonan las drogas, el retorno es un fracaso y tienen dificultades para proseguir los tratamientos con metadona o antirretrovirales. La respuesta asistencial ha de adecuarse a sus necesidades. Se debe procurar la mediación cultural y la información en los lugares de origen, supervisar los centros terapéuticos y diseñar alternativas a los abandonos. Hay que desarrollar la colaboración internacional, estimular programas de disminución de riesgos derivados del consumo y evitar que del tratamiento se haga un comercio.