Tolerance to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) by filamentous fungi isolated from contaminated sediment in the Amazon region / Tolerância a Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos (HPAs) por fungos filamentosos isolados de sedimentos contaminados da região Amazônica

Tolerance to Polycyclic Hydrocarbons Aromatic (PAHs) is considered an important characteristic when assessing the bioremediation potential of microorganisms. Given this, the objective of this research was to assay filamentous fungi from the Amazon region, isolated from sediments with differents levels of contamination by PAHs, for tolerance to phenanthrene and pyrene. To achieve this, fungal cultures plugs (5 mm), obtained after 7 days growth, were transferred to petri dishes containing 20% Sabouraud dextrose agar medium, after surface innoculation with phenanthrene and pyrene crystals, separately. Radial mycelial growth was evaluated after 10 days at five different concentration levels for each contaminant and control group, all in triplicate for each treatment. Fungal growth and growth inhibition rates were calculated. The average growth of the colonies in each treatment was compared with one-way ANOVA, followed by a Tukey Test (p < 0,05). All fungi showed tolerant to phenanthrene and pyrene. However, Hypoxylon sp. showed the lowest growth inhibition rate and average growth rates significantly different of the other six tested species. Hypoxylon sp. has been shown to be a promising genetic resource for use in new studies of PAHs degradation.

A tolerância a Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromática (HPAs) é considerada como uma característica importante na avaliação do potencial de micro-organismos para biorremediação. Diante disso, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar fungos filamentosos da região amazônica, isolados de sedimentos com diferentes níveis de contaminação por HPAs, quanto à tolerância ao fenantreno e pireno. Para tanto, discos das culturas fúngicas (5 mm), obtidas após 7 dias de crescimento, foram transferidas para placas de Petri contendo meio Agar Sabouraud Dextrose a 20%, após inoculação superficial com cristais de fenantreno e pireno, separadamente. O crescimento micelial radial foi avaliado após 10 dias em cinco concentrações diferentes para cada contaminante e grupo controle, ambos em triplicata para cada tratamento. As taxas de crescimento fúngico e de inibição de crescimento foram calculadas. O crescimento médio das colônias em cada tratamento foi comparado com ANOVA one way, seguido pelo teste de Tukey (p < 0,05). Todos os fungos mostraram tolerância ao fenantreno e ao pireno. No entanto, Hypoxylon sp. apresentou menor taxa de inibição de crescimento e taxas médias de crescimento significativamente diferentes das outras seis espécies testadas. Hypoxylon sp. tem se mostrado um recurso genético promissor para uso em novos estudos sobre degradação de HPAs.

Morphological changes and growth of filamentous fungi in the presence of high concentrations of PAHs

In this study, we evaluated the effect of low and high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), i.e., Phenanthrene, Pyrene and Benzo[a]pyrene, on the radial growth and morphology of the PAH-degrading fungal strains Aspergillus nomius H7 and Trichoderma asperellum H15. The presence of PAHs in solid medium produced significant detrimental effects on the radial growth of A. nomius H7 at 4,000 and 6,000 mg L⁻¹ and changes in mycelium pigmentation, abundance and sporulation ability at 1,000–6,000 mg L⁻¹. In contrast, the radial growth of T. asperellum H15 was not affected at any of the doses tested, although sporulation was observed only up to 4,000 mg L⁻¹ and as with the H7 strain, some visible changes in sporulation patterns and mycelium pigmentation were observed. Our results suggest that fungal strains exposed to high doses of PAHs significantly vary in their growth rates and sporulation characteristics in response to the physiological and defense mechanisms that affect both pigment production and conidiation processes. This finding is relevant for obtaining a better understanding of fungal adaptation in PAH-polluted environments and for developing and implementing adequate strategies for the remediation of contaminated soils.

Territorial analysis of Aedes aegypti distribution in two Colombian cities: a chorematic and ecosystem approach / Análise territorial da distribuição do Aedes aegypti em duas cidades da Colômbia: aproximação desde a coremática e a abordagem ecossistêmica / Análisis territorial de la distribución de Aedes aegypti en dos ciudades de Colombia: aproximación desde la coremática y el enfoque ecosistémico

A territorial analysis of Aedes aegypti density was conducted in two Colombian cities using an ecosystem and chorematic approach. Entomological and behavioral data (by cluster) and information on the urban context were used to analyze the relationship between territorial structures and dynamics and vector density. The results were represented in graphic (chorematic) models. Arauca showed higher vector density than Armenia. Higher density was related to unplanned urbanization, flood-prone areas, low socioeconomic strata, household water tanks, higher temperature, and recall of control measures for adult mosquitos. Zones with low density indices coincided with diverse socioeconomic, ecological, and behavioral conditions. The study found a relationship between territorial structures and dynamics and vector density in both Arauca and Armenia, where the interaction between ecological and social systems shape areas with high and low A. aegypti density.

Foi realizada uma análise territorial da densidade do Aedes aegypti em duas cidades da Colômbia, desde um enfoque ecossistêmico e da coremática. Com base em informação entomológica e comportamental (por conglomerados) e informação do contexto urbano, foi indagada a relação de estruturas dinâmicas do território com a densidade vetorial. Foram apresentados os resultados com modelos gráficos (coremática). Identificou-se maior densidade vetorial em Arauca do que na Armênia. Maiores densidades foram relacionadas à urbanização não planejada, zonas de alagamento, estratos socioeconômicos baixos, tanques baixos (reservatórios), maior temperatura e relatório de ações contra os mosquitos adultos. Zonas de densidades baixas coincidiram com diversas condições socioeconômicas, ecológicas e comportamentais. Foi encontrada uma relação das estruturas e dinâmicas do território com a densidade vetorial para Arauca e Armênia, onde a interação entre sistemas ecológicos e sociais configura zonas particulares de alta e baixa densidades de A. aegypti.

Se realizó un análisis territorial de la densidad de Aedes aegypti en dos ciudades de Colombia desde un enfoque ecosistémico y la coremática. A partir de información entomológica y comportamental (por conglomerados) e información del contexto urbano, se indagó la relación de estructuras y dinámicas del territorio con la densidad vectorial. Se representaron los resultados con modelos gráficos (coremática). Se identificó mayor densidad vectorial en Arauca que en Armenia. Mayores densidades se relacionaron con urbanización no planeada, zonas de inundación, estratos socioeconómicos bajos, tanques bajos (alberca), mayor temperatura y reporte de acciones hacia los mosquitos adultos. Zonas de densidades bajas coincidieron con diversas condiciones socioeconómicas, ecológicas y comportamentales. Se encontró relación de las estructuras y dinámicas del territorio con la densidad vectorial para Arauca y Armenia, donde la interacción entre sistemas ecológicos y sociales configuran zonas particulares de alta y baja densidad de A. aegypti.

Risk factors for transient dysfunction of gas exchange after cardiac surgery / Fatores de risco para disfunção transitória da troca gasosa após a cirurgia cardíaca

Objective: A retrospective cohort study was preformed aiming to verify the presence of transient dysfunction of gas exchange in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery and determine if this disorder is linked to cardiorespiratory events. Methods: We included 942 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery and cardiac procedures who were referred to the Intensive Care Unit between June 2007 and November 2011. Results: Fifteen patients had acute respiratory distress syndrome (2%), 199 (27.75%) had mild transient dysfunction of gas exchange, 402 (56.1%) had moderate transient dysfunction of gas exchange, and 39 (5.4%) had severe transient dysfunction of gas exchange. Hypertension and cardiogenic shock were associated with the emergence of moderate transient dysfunction of gas exchange postoperatively (P=0.02 and P=0.019, respectively) and were risk factors for this dysfunction (P=0.0023 and P=0.0017, respectively). Diabetes mellitus was also a risk factor for transient dysfunction of gas exchange (P=0.03). Pneumonia was present in 8.9% of cases and correlated with the presence of moderate transient dysfunction of gas exchange (P=0.001). Severe transient dysfunction of gas exchange was associated with patients who had renal replacement therapy (P=0.0005), hemotherapy (P=0.0001), enteral nutrition (P=0.0012), or cardiac arrhythmia (P=0.0451). Conclusion: Preoperative hypertension and cardiogenic shock were associated with the occurrence of postoperative transient dysfunction of gas exchange. The preoperative risk factors included hypertension, cardiogenic shock, and diabetes. Postoperatively, pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, renal replacement therapy, hemotherapy, and cardiac arrhythmia were associated with the appearance of some degree of transient dysfunction of gas exchange, which was a risk factor for reintubation, pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and renal replacement therapy in the postoperative period ...

Objetivo: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com objetivo de verificar a presença de disfunção transitória da troca gasosa no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca e determinar se esse transtorno está relacionado a eventos cardiorrespiratórios. Métodos: Foram incluídos 942 pacientes consecutivos submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca e procedimentos cardíacos, encaminhados para a Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, entre junho de 2007 e novembro de 2011. Resultados: A síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo foi observada em 15 (2%) pacientes, 199 (27,75%) pacientes apresentaram disfunção transitória da troca gasosa leve, disfunção transitória da troca gasosa moderada foi observada em 402 (56,1%) pacientes e disfunção transitória da troca gasosa grave em 39 (5,4%). A presença de hipertensão arterial sistêmica e choque cardiogênico foi associada ao surgimento de disfunção transitória da troca gasosa moderada no período pós-operatório (P=0,02 e P=0,019, respectivamente) e foram considerados fatores de risco para essa disfunção (P=0,0023 e P=0,0017, respectivamente). A presença de diabetes mellitus também foi considerada um fator de risco para disfunção transitória da troca gasosa (P=0,03). Houve correlação entre a presença de pneumonia e a presença de disfunção transitória da troca gasosa moderada em 8,9% dos casos (P=0,001). A presença de disfunção transitória da troca gasosa grave foi associada a pacientes que necessitaram de hemodiálise (P=0,0005), hemoterapia (P=0,0001), nutrição enteral (P=0,0012), ou arritmia cardíaca (P=0,0451). Conclusão: A presença de hipertensão arterial sistêmica pré-operatória e choque cardiogênico foi associada à ocorrência de disfunção transitória da troca gasosa pós-operatória. Os fatores de risco pré-operatórios foram hipertensão arterial sistêmica, choque cardiogênico e diabetes. No pós-operatório, pneumonia, pneumonia associada à ventilação, hemodiálise, hemoterapia e arritmia cardíaca foram associadas com certo grau de ...

Clinical and therapeutic correlations in patients with slight acute pancreatitis / Correlações clínico-terapêuticas em pacientes com pancreatite aguda leve

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas due to enzymatic autodigestion which can cause necrosis or multiple organ failure; its pathophysiology is not fully known yet. AIM: To evaluate the correlation between clinical and therapeutic data in patients with mild acute pancreatitis. METHODS: A retrospective study in 55 medical records of patients admitted with acute mild pancreatitis was realized to analyze the association between age, leukocytosis, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase, glucose, antibiotics, time admission and Ranson´s scores. RESULTS: There was a positive association between less intensive care (strict hydration, analgesia and monitoring of vital signs), early antibiotic therapy (monotherapy), early return to diet after 48 hours and laboratory control of the serum amylase and lipase (high in the first week and decreasing after 10 days, without any prognostic value). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in the management of patients with mild acute pancreatitis, such as enteral nutrition, rational use of lower spectrum antibiotics and intensive care, have contributed significantly to the reduction of hospitalization time and mortality. .

RACIONAL: Pancreatite aguda consiste de doença inflamatória do pâncreas por autodigestão enzimática que pode ocasionar necrose ou mesmo falência múltipla de órgãos e de fisiopatologia ainda não totalmente conhecida. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as correlações existentes entre dados clínicos e terapêuticos em pacientes com pancreatite aguda leve. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo retrospectivo em 55 prontuários de pacientes internados por pancreatite aguda leve para análise de associação entre idade, leucocitose, dosagem sérica de transaminase glutâmico-oxalacética e de desidrogenase lática, glicemia, antibioticoterapia, tempo de internação e escores de Ranson. RESULTADOS: Houve associação positiva entre cuidados intensivos menores (hidratação rigorosa, analgesia e monitorização de sinais vitais), antibioticoterapia precoce (monoterapia), retorno precoce da dieta após 48 horas e controle laboratorial dos níveis séricos de amilase e lipase (elevados na primeira semana e decrescentes após 10 dias, porém sem valor prognóstico). CONCLUSÕES: Mudanças no manejo de pacientes com pancreatite aguda leve, tais como nutrição enteral, uso racional de antibióticos de menor espectro e cuidados intensivos têm contribuído significativamente para a redução do tempo de internação e mortalidade. .

Inhibition of advanced glycation end products formation by stilbene and phenanthrene derivatives from Prosthechea michuacana in vitro and in vivo / Inhibición de la formación de subproductos en la glicosilación avanzada por derivados de estilbeno y fenantreno de Prosthechea michuacana, in vitro e in vivo

In our previous study, we isolated from chloroform extract of the bulbs of orchid P. michuacana, three antioxidant compounds: two stilbene alpha-alpha´-dihydro, 3´,5´,2-trimethoxy-3-hydroxy-4-acetyl-4´-isopentenyl stilbene, 5-[2-(3-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-2-methoxyphenol (gigantol) and one phenanthrene 4,6,7-trihydroxy-2-methoxy-8-(methylbut-2-enylphenanthren-1-1´-4´,6´,7´-trihydroxy-2´-methoxy-8´-(methylbut-2´-enyl)-phenanthrene. Following the study, we investigated the ability of isolated compounds to inhibit advanced glycation in vitro. Bovine serum albumin was glycated in the presence of glucose or methylglyoxal. Amadori-rich protein was prepared by dialyzing lysozyme that had been glycated by ribose. We also evaluated renal function by checking formation of advanced glycation and tail tendon collagen quality in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Also determined the effect on LDL and hemoglobin. Compounds can efficiently inhibit the formation of AGEs by trapping reactive methylglyoxal and showed potent anti-Amadorin activity. Also exhibited a significant inhibitory activity on the glycated hemoglobin (GHb and HbA1c). Compounds showed a protective renal effect and reduction in mice tail tendon collagen. Also the tested compounds are potent agents for protecting LDL against oxidation and glycation. We concluded that compounds from P. michuacana are potent antiglycation agents, which can be of great value in the prevention of diabetic glycation-associated-pathogenesis.

En un estudio anterior, aislamos del extracto clorofórmico de los bulbos de la orquídea Prosthechea michuacana, tres compuestos antioxidantes: los estilbenos alfa-alfa´-dihidro, 3´,5´,2-trimethoxi-3-hidroxi-4-acetil-4´-isopentenil-stilbeno, 5-[2-(3-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-2-methoxyphenol (gigantol) y el fenantreno 4,6,7-trihidroxi -2-methoxi-8-(metilbut-2-enilfenantren-1-1´-4´,6´,7´-trihidroxi-2´-metoxi-8´-(metilbut-2´-enil)-fenantreno. Continuando con el estudio, investigamos la capacidad de estos compuestos para inhibir la glicación avanzada in vitro. La seroalbúmina bovina se glicosiló en presencia de glucosa o metilglioxal. La reacción de Amadori se determinó con lisozima glicosilada previamente tratada con ribosa. También se evaluó la función renal mediante la formación de la glicación avanzada y la inhibición de AGEs en el ensayo sobre el colágeno del tendón de la cola en ratones con diabetes inducida con estreptozotocina. También determinamos el efecto de los compuestos aislados sobre LDL y hemoglobin. Los compuestos pueden inhibir eficazmente la formación de AGE atrapando el metilglioxal reactivo y muestran potente actividad anti Amadorin. También mostraron una actividad inhibitoria significativa en la formación de la hemoglobina glucosilada, GHB y HbA1c. Mostraron un efecto protector renal y una reducción en el colágeno glicosiladó del tendón de la cola. También estos compuestos son potentes agentes para la protección de LDL frente la oxidación y la glicación. En base a los resultados obtenidos se concluye que los compuestos aislados son potentes agentes antiglicación, que pueden ser de gran valor en la prevención de la patogénesis de la diabetes asociada a la glicación.

Efecto de la inoculación de la cepa Sphingomonas paucimobilis 20006FA sobre la composición de un consorcio bacteriano degradador de fenantreno / Effect of the inoculant strain Sphingomonas paucimobilis 20006FA on the bacterial composition of a phenanthrene-degrading consortium

Se estudió el efecto de la inoculación con la cepa Sphingomonas paucimobilis 20006FA sobre la composición bacteriana de un consorcio degradador de fenantreno en cultivos discontinuos (batch) con 8 repiques sucesivos. El consorcio original se obtuvo a partir de un suelo prístino. A los fines del estudio, se obtuvieron y mantuvieron dos consorcios: uno inoculado (F200+I) y otro sin inocular (F200). Se estudió la diversidad bacteriana de los consorcios mediante el análisis de microorganismos cultivables (por caracterización fenotípica y genotípica) y totales (por PCR-DGGE). A lo largo de los repiques sucesivos pudo observarse en ambos consorcios una tendencia a la pérdida de la capacidad degradadora de fenantreno, acompañada por una disminución de la diversidad bacteriana. Si bien la inoculación no produjo cambios significativos en la capacidad degradadora de fenantreno de los consorcios (29,9% para F200 y 27,6% para F200+I hacia el tercer repique), sí produjo cambios en la composición bacteriana, ya que los perfiles de DGGE revelaron una dinámica estructural diferente en el consorcio inoculado. En ambos consorcios se pudo observar la presencia de una banda intensa posicionada a la misma altura que el ADN del inóculo en el gel de DGGE; sin embargo, los cultivos aislados de los consorcios que presentaban idéntica posición de banda en el perfil PCR-DGGE que la cepa S. paucimobilis 20006FA mostraron baja similitud con la cepa inoculada mediante la técnica de RAPD.

The effect of the inoculant strain Sphingomonas paucimobilis 20006FA on the bacterial composition of a phenanthrene-degrading consortium obtained from a pristine soil in sequencing batch cultures was studied. Inoculated (F200+I) and non-inoculated (F200) phenanthrene-degrading consortia, were obtained. Bacterial diversity of consortia was studied at cultivable (phenotype and genotype characterization) and non-cultivable (PCR-DGGE) levels. During the successive cultures, a loss in the phenanthrene-degrading capacity and a decrease in the bacterial diversity were observed in both consortia. Although inoculation did not produce any significant changes in the consortia phenanthrene-degrading capacity (29.9% F200 and 27.6% F200+I), it did produce changes in the bacterial composition, showing a differential structural dynamics in the DGGE profiles of the inoculated consortium. In both consortia, a dominant band placed at the same position as that of the DNA of the inoculant strain in the DGGE gel could be observed. However, isolated cultures from the consortia which had an identical band position to that of S. paucimobilis 20006FA in the PCR-DGGE profile showed low similarity with respect to the inoculant strain (RAPD).

Estudio de la concentración de arsénico, mercurio, plomo y fenantreno en la macha (Mesodesma donacium): implicancias alimentarias y toxicológicas / Study on arsenic, mercury, lead and phenanthrene concentration in surf clam (Mesodesma donacium): food and toxicological implications

The coastal environment around the Maipo river outlet in the proximity of San Antonio bay (5th Region, Chile) it is one of the most contaminated zone of the country due to discharges of industrial wastes on the river that affect the marine environment. The surf clam (Mesodesma donacium, Lamarck 1818) a benthic organism that provides an important source of seafood for human consumption is caught in this area. The total arsenic and mercury, lead and phenanthrene concentrations in the soft body of the surf clam were measured. Their concentration in the marine organism fluctuated between 1,23-1,33 µg/g As , 0,26-0,39 µg/g Hg, and 0,23-0,33 µg/g Pb (dry basis). Phenanthrene was not detected in the samples. In spite of the high concentration of the elements detected in the surf clam, only in the case of Hg their intake could imply a certain grade of risk for human health, especially for young humans. Chronic effects, such as personality changes, neurological damage and others, could exhibit in the medium term. Therefore, it is important to carry out regular food surveillance studies, especially oriented to the specie specific aspect of toxic elements and monitoring of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in several marine food.

La zona costera de la bahía de San Antonio en las proximidades a la desembocadura del río Maipo (Quinta Región, Chile), es una de las áreas más contaminadas del país, debido a residuos industriales vertidos al río, los cuales afectan el ambiente marino. La macha (Mesodesma donacium, Lamarck 1818), organismo bentónico que constituye una importante fuente de alimento humano, es capturada en esta área. Se midió la concentración de arsénico total, mercurio total, plomo y fenantreno en el cuerpo blando de la macha, con el fin de determinar su ingesta y el riesgo toxicológico para el consumidor. Las concentraciones de los elementos en el organismo marino, fluctuaron entre 1,23_1,33 µg As g-1, 0,26_0,39 µg Hg g-1 y 0,23_0,33 µg Pb g-1, valores expresados en base seca. El fenantreno no fue detectado en las muestras. A pesar de las altas concentraciones de los elementos detectadas en la macha, sólo para el caso del Hg su ingesta puede significar un cierto grado de riesgo para la salud humana, especialmente en el consumidor joven. Efectos crónicos tales como cambios en la personalidad, daño neurológico y otros, pudieran manifestarse a mediano plazo. Por lo tanto, es importante realizar estudios regulares de vigilancia alimentaria, especialmente dirigidos a la especiación de los elementos tóxicos y el monitoreo de hidrocarburos poliaromático (HPA), en variados alimentos marinos.

Hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos: riesgos para la salud y marcadores biológicos / Policíclicos aromatic hydrocarbons: biological risks for the health and markers

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue investigar los efectos de la anestesia con Enflurano e Isoflurano en ratones con niveles hepáticos de citocromo P-450 (CYP) disminuidos o aumentados. Los animales previamente tratados con alilisopropil-acetamida(AIA) (350 mg/Kg), agente destructor del CYP o con Imidazol (400 mg/Kg) como inductor, recibieron una única dosis de los anestésicos ( 1mL/Kg). En el grupo que recibió AIA, los niveles de CYP permanecieron reducidos aún después de la anestesia. Sin embargo, los anestésicos revirtieron el aumento del CYP provocado por Imidazol. La actividad de la isoforma CYP2E1 se indujo en los grupos que recibieron los anestésicos, siendo mayor por la acción conjunta de imidazol y Enflurano, esto indicaría un aumento en la metabolización de este anestésico. En Animales tratados con Imidazol, el Isoflurano revirtió parcaialmente la inhibición de las actividades de B-glucuronidasa y sulfatasa producidas por dicho xenobiótico. Ambos anestésicos causaron una reducción en la actividad de triptofano pirrolasa en el grupo que recibió Imidazol pero no en los tratados con AIA. En conclusión, la acción de los anestésicos Enflurano e Isoflurano sobre el sistema metabolizante de drogas dependería de que el CYP esté inducido o no y del anestésico estudiado a pesar de su similitud estructural.

Antimalarial drug susceptibility testing of Plasmodium falciparum in Brazil using a radioisotope method

From March 1996 to August 1997, a study was carried out in a malaria endemic area of the Brazilian Amazon region. In vivo sensitivity evaluation to antimalarial drugs was performed in 129 patients. Blood samples (0.5 ml) were drawn from each patient and cryopreserved to proceed to in vitro studies. In vitro sensitivity evaluation performed using a radioisotope method was carried out with the cryopreserved samples from September to December 1997. Thirty-one samples were tested for chloroquine, mefloquine, halofantrine, quinine, arteether and atovaquone. Resistance was evidenced in 96.6 percent (29/30) of the samples tested for chloroquine, 3.3 percent (1/30) for quinine, none (0/30) for mefloquine and none for halofantrine (0/30). Overall low sensitivity was evidenced in 10 percent of the samples tested for quinine, 22.5 percent tested for halofantrine and in 20 percent tested for mefloquine. Means of IC 50 values were 132.2 (SD: 46.5) ng/ml for chloroquine, 130.6 (SD: 49.6) ng/ml for quinine, 3.4 (SD: 1.3) ng/ml for mefloquine, 0.7 (SD: 0.3) ng/ml for halofantrine, 1 (SD: 0.6) ng/ml for arteether and 0.4 (SD: 0.2) ng/ml for atovaquone. Means of chloroquine IC 50 of the tested samples were comparable to that of the chloroquine-resistant strain W2 (137.57 ng/ml) and nearly nine times higher than that of the chloroquine-sensitive strain D6 (15.09 ng/ml). Means of quinine IC 50 of the tested samples were 1.7 times higher than that of the low sensitivity strain W2 (74.84 ng/ml) and nearly five times higher than that of the quinine-sensitive strain D6 (27.53 ng/ml). These results disclose in vitro high resistance levels to chloroquine, low sensitivity to quinine and evidence of decreasing sensitivity to mefloquine and halofantrine in the area under evaluation

Halofantrine uma nova opçäo terapêutica na malária / Halofantrine: a new therapeutic option in malaria

Os AA. referem o resultado do tratamento da malária falciparum, da malária vivax e da malária mista com o uso do halofantrine em esquema de dois dias de administraçäo da droga, com intervalo de cinco a sete dias entre cada um dos esquemas. Controles parasitológicos negativos foram observados em 96,6 por cento dos casos entre o 5§ e o 7§ dias pós-tratamento inicial, em 100 por cento dos casos no 14§ dia e em 84,5 por cento dos casos no 30§ dia de observaçäo. A droga mostrou-se de excelente tolerabilidade, alta praticidade de administraçäo, näo tendo sido observados efeitos colaterais no grupo controle

In vitro study of the antibiotic activity of diterpenes

The antibiotic activity of 16 diterpenes and of 2 phenanthrehene derivatives of diterpene origin, isolated from Brazilian plants was investigated against bacteria, yeasts, dermatophytes and aflatoxin-producing fung. Eight of the compounds were completely inactive. None showed inhibitory activity against the Gram-negative bacteria assaywed or aginst the Aspergillus species. The phenanthrene derivatives, chemically very simular to phytoalexins isolated from orchids, were especially active