Experimental acute anti-inflammatory activity of preparations with complexed cannabidiol in carriers

Abstract Cannabidiol (CBD) is a bioactive compound with promising anti-inflammatory results but has low aqueous solubility. Complexation of drugs with this characteristic in carriers is an alternative to improve their efficiency. This study aimed to prepare and characterize CBD complexes in different carriers, and to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of such preparations using an experimental model of edema induction in rat paws. The results were compared to a reference drug, ibuprofen (IBU). The carriers evaluated were beta cyclodextrin (bCD) and activated charcoal (AC). Quantification of the drugs in the complexes was determined, and different qualitative analyses were also performed. Oral treatments in single doses with CBD showed inhibitory effects similar to that of IBU, potentiating its bioactivity without significant adverse effects. CBD*bCD doses at 4.375, 8.75, 17.5, and 35 mg/kg significantly reduced the intensity of edema compared to equivalent doses of pure bioactive. In contrast, CBD*AC did not generate benefits. There was no significant inhibitory effect on myeloperoxidase activity, requiring more specific analyses to assess this parameter. The results suggest that the CBD*bCD complexation is perfectly feasible, increasing its anti-edematogenic efficacy in the experimental model used.

Enantiomeric characteristics of non-synthetic cannabidiol by two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance

SUMMARY Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD) has become a promising bioactive for the next decades after the recent recognition of the medical potential of Cannabis derivatives by United Nations member countries, as it has no psychotropic potential as your isomer A9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). The differentiation of these isomers has been studied for decades. Recent studies demonstrate that even with more subtle chemical characteristics, such as those of the CBD enantiomers, there are considerable bioactive differences. However, there are still not many studies on their chemical structures. Aim: This work aims to present experimental data obtained by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to better elucidate the three-dimensional structure of this enantiomeric bioactive. Materials and methods: For this, a sample of non-synthetic high purity CBD was subjected to different one-dimensional (1D-NMR) and two-dimensional (2D-NMR) analyses related to the hydrogen (1H) and carbon (13C) nuclei. Results and discussion: The 1D-NMR techniques used are sufficient to distinguish the CBD and Δ 9-THC isomers, but not to identify the enantiomeric characteristics of the non-synthetic CBD. Conclusions: It is concluded that the two-dimensional homonuclear (1H,1H) and heteronuclear (1H,13C) techniques analyzed are suitable to help distinguish CBD enantiomers.

Introducción: El cannabidiol (CBD) se ha convertido en un bioactivo prometedor para las próximas décadas tras el reciente reconocimiento del potencial medicinal de los derivados del Cannabis por parte de los países miembros de las Naciones Unidas, ya que no tiene potencial psicotrópico como su isómero Δ9-tetrahidrocannabinol (Δ 9-THC). La diferenciación de estos isómeros se ha estudiado durante décadas. Estudios recientes demuestran que incluso con características químicas más sutiles, como las de los enan-tiómeros del CBD, existen diferencias bioactivas considerables. Sin embargo, no existen muchos estudios sobre sus estructuras químicas. Objetivo: Este trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar datos experimentales obtenidos por Resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN) para dilucidar mejor la estructura tridimensional de este bioactivo enantiomérico. Materiales y métodos: Para ello, una muestra de CBD no sintético de alta pureza se sometió a diferentes análisis unidimensionales (RMN-1D) y bidimensionales (RMN-2D) relacionados con los núcleos del hidrógeno (1H) y carbono (13C). Resultados y discusión: Las técnicas de RMN-1D utilizadas son suficientes para distinguir los isómeros de CBD y Δ 9-THC, pero no para identificar las características enantioméricas del CBD no sintético. Conclusiones: Se concluye que las técnicas bidimensionales homonucleares (1H,1H) y heteronucleares (1H,13C) analizadas son adecuadas para ayudar a distinguir los enantiómeros del CBD.

Introdução: O canabidiol (CBD) se tornou um bioativo promissor para as próximas décadas após o recente reconhecimento do potencial medicinal dos derivados da Cannabis pelos países membros das Nações Unidas, uma vez que não tem potencial psicotrópico como seu isômero Δ 9-tetrahidrocanabinol (A9-THC). A diferenciação desses isômeros é estudada há décadas. Estudos recentes demonstram que mesmo com características químicas mais sutis, como as dos enantiômeros do CBD, há consideráveis diferenças bioativas. Todavia, ainda não há muitos estudos sobre suas estruturas químicas. Objetivo: Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar dados experimentais obtidos por Ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN) para melhor elucidar a estrutura tridimensional deste bioativo enantiomérico. Materiais e métodos: Para isso, uma amostra de CBD não sintético de alta pureza foi submetida a diferentes análises unidimensionais (RMN-1D) e bidimensionais (RMN-2D) relacionadas aos núcleos de hidrogênio (1H) e carbono (13C). Resultados e discussão: As técnicas de RMN-1D usadas são suficientes para distinguir os isômeros CBD e Δ 9-THC, mas não para identificar as características enantioméricas do CBD não sintético. Conclusões: Conclui-se que as técnicas bidimensionais homonucleares (1H,1H) e heteronucleares (1H,13C) analisadas são adequadas para auxiliar na distinção dos enantiômeros do CBD.

Utilidad de la resonancia magnética como estudio imagenológico complementario al ultrasonido en el diagnóstico de malformaciones fetales. Experiencia de dos centros de Medicina Materno Fetal de Latinoamérica / Usefulness of magnetic resonance as a complementary imaging study to ultrasound in the diagnosis of fetal malformations. Experience in two Maternal-fetal Medicine centers in Latin America

Resumen OBJETIVO: Conocer los aportes de la resonancia magnética, como estudio complementario al ultrasonido, en el diagnóstico de malformaciones fetales en el sistema nervioso central, musculoesquelético y tórax en dos unidades de Medicina Materno Fetal. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional y comparativo, de corte transversal, efectuado con base en la revisión de las historias clínicas registradas durante tres años de pacientes con más de 18 semanas de embarazo remitidas a la Unidad de Medicina Materno Fetal del Hospital San José y la Clínica Colsubsidio por alguna malformación estructural fetal identificada en el sistema nervioso central, musculoesquelético y tórax diagnosticada con base en la ultrasonografía. RESULTADOS: Se revisaron 109 historias clínicas de pacientes embarazadas con fetos con diagnóstico de malformación congénita por ultrasonido. Las indicaciones más frecuentes fueron: anormalidades en el sistema nervioso central en 61.5%; hidrocefalia no comunicante en 36.6% por ultrasonido y 21% por resonancia magnética, seguida de las del tórax con 40.4% por ultrasonido y 36.7% por resonancia magnética y malformaciones del sistema musculoesquelético con 20.1% por ultrasonido y 2.8% por resonancia magnética. La concordancia diagnóstica entre el ultrasonido y el diagnóstico posnatal fue del 66% y el de la resonancia magnética de 76%. En comparación con el ultrasonido inicial la resonancia magnética aumentó la frecuencia de diagnóstico de malformación fetal. CONCLUSIÓN: La resonancia magnética, complementaria al diagnóstico por ultrasonido de malformaciones congénitas, fue más notable en los sistemas nervioso central y musculoesquelético donde permitió mejorar la caracterización de las alteraciones detectadas en el ultrasonido.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To know the contributions of magnetic resonance imaging, as a complementary study to ultrasound, in the diagnosis of fetal malformations in the central nervous system, musculoskeletal and thorax in two units of Maternal Fetal Medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, observational and comparative cross-sectional study, based on the review of medical records recorded during three years of patients with more than 18 weeks of pregnancy referred to the Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit of Hospital San José and Clínica Colsubsidio, for any fetal structural malformation identified in the central nervous system, musculoskeletal and thorax diagnosed based on ultrasonography. RESULTS: We reviewed 109 clinical histories of pregnant patients with fetuses diagnosed with congenital malformation by ultrasound. The most frequent indications were abnormalities of the central nervous system in 61.5%: non-communicating hydrocephalus in 36.6% by ultrasound and 21% by MRI, followed by those of the thorax with 40.4% by ultrasound and 36.7 by MRI and malformations of the musculoskeletal system 20.1% by ultrasound and 2.8% by MRI. The diagnostic agreement between ultrasound and postnatal diagnosis was 66% and that of MRI was 76%. Compared to initial ultrasound, MRI increased the frequency of diagnosis of fetal malformation. CONCLUSION: MRI, complementary to ultrasound diagnosis of congenital malformations, was more notable in the central nervous and musculoskeletal systems where it allowed improving the characterization of the alterations detected by ultrasound.

Simple chemical tests to identify Cannabis derivatives: Redefinition of parameters and analysis of concepts.

The chemical identification of Cannabis is commonly carried out using the Duquenois-Levine (DL) colorimetric test. On the other hand, its active substances called cannabinoids are differentiated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). This work aims to optimize parameters of these two chemical tests using different samples of Cannabis in natura and previously heated (decarboxylated), as well as their isolated bioactive and possible false positives. The efficiency of the DL test without using ether and aliphatic aldehyde was evaluated, comparing the removal or not of the solid sample from the reaction medium after applying different concentrations of the vanillin ethanolic solution. The chemical properties of different cannabinoids and solvents were estimated and correlated with the TLC retention factors. DL tests applied directly to the plant matrix did not show the expected color, even using a high concentration of vanillin. However, obtaining ethanolic extracts from the samples using low vanillin concentration was sufficient without detecting false positives described in the literature. Cannabinoids with high dipole moment ( µ ) were poorly eluted in TLC, indicating a great interaction with the stationary phase. Their identifications could be conducted based on their distinct lipophilic characteristics ( log P OW ) and the choice of a more polar solvent mix ( µ mix ). It is concluded that the DL test can be conducted with reagents of less toxicity, but it is necessary to remove the plant matrix from the reaction medium. The correlation of the TLC results with the chemical properties of cannabinoids and solvents was consistent and can be extrapolated for more complex analyses.

Lesión renal aguda en mujeres embarazadas / Acute kidney injury in pregnant women

Resumen Aunque en la actualidad la lesión renal aguda en mujeres embarazadas es una complicación poco común, esta se correlaciona con peores desenlaces maternos y fetales. Sus causas son múltiples y varían según el trimestre de presentación. Los cambios fisiológicos renales durante el embarazo hacen que los criterios diagnósticos de lesión renal aguda en la población general no sean fácilmente extrapolables a las pacientes obstétricas, por lo que la sospecha temprana y el tratamiento oportuno son fundamentales para evitar la progresión del daño renal y sus complicaciones sistémicas asociadas, incluidas las metabólicas, urémicas e hidroelectrolíticas.

Abstract Acute kidney injury in pregnant women is currently an uncommon complication, but it is correlated with worse maternal and fetal outcomes. Its causes are multiple and vary according to the quarter of presentation. Renal physiological changes during pregnancy mean that the diagnostic criteria for acute kidney injury in the general population are not easily extrapolated to obstetric patients. For this reason, early suspicion and prompt treatment is essential to avoid the progression of kidney damage and its associated systemic complications, including metabolic, uremic, and electrolyte complications.

Enfermedad renal crónica en mujeres embarazadas / Chronic kidney disease in pregnant women

Resumen La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), definida como una alteración estructural o funcional renal que persiste por más de 3 meses con o sin deterioro de la función renal o como un filtrado glomerular (FG) <60 mL/min/1,73 m2 sin otros signos de enfermedad renal, es una condición prevalente en la población general; sin embargo, no es tan frecuente en mujeres embarazadas. A pesar de su baja frecuencia en gestantes, el antecedente de enfermedad renal se asocia con peores desenlaces maternos y fetales cuando se presenta ERC. Las fórmulas estándar (CKD-EPI, Cockroft-Gault y MDRD) utilizadas para determinar la tasa de filtrado glomerular en población no obstétrica tienen poca precisión en las embarazadas debido a que subestiman la función renal en aproximadamente un 20 %. Ante esto, el aclaramiento de creatinina medido utilizando recolecciones de orina de 24 horas y la estimación de creatinina sérica que se correlaciona estrechamente con el aclaramiento de inulina (estándar de oro) son opciones que pueden utilizarse durante el embarazo. Asimismo, el reconocimiento temprano de la enfermedad, la optimización de las estrategias de nefroprotección, el evitar las drogas nefrotóxicas y la instauración de un tratamiento específico para la etiología garantizan una mayor sobrevida y un menor número de complicaciones derivadas de la enfermedad renal.

Abstract Chronic Kidney Disease, defined as a renal structural or functional alteration that persists for more than 3 months, with or without deterioration of renal function, or a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 ml / min / 1.73 m2 without other signs of Kidney disease is a prevalent condition in the general population, however, it is not so common to find it in pregnant women. However, a history of kidney disease is associated with worse maternal and fetal outcomes. The standard formulas (CKD-EPI, Cockroft-Gault, and MDRD) used in the non-obstetric population have poor precision in determining glomerular filtration rate, because they underestimate kidney function by approximately 20 %. Creatinine clearance measured using 24-hour urine collections and serum creatinine estimate closely correlates with inulin clearance ("gold standard") and can be used during pregnancy. Early recognition of the disease, optimization of nephroprotection strategies, avoiding nephrotoxic drugs and specific treatment of the etiology, will guarantee a longer survival and fewer complications derived from kidney disease.

Attitudes and collateral psychological effects of COVID-19 in pregnant women in Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical impact, psychological effects, and knowledge of pregnant women during the COVID-19 outbreak in seven cities in Colombia. Currently, there are uncertainty and concerns about the maternal and fetal consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. METHODS: A cross-sectional web survey was carried out including pregnant women in seven cities in Colombia. Women were evaluated during the mitigation phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic between April 13 and May 18, 2020. The questions evaluated demographic, knowledge, psychological symptoms, and attitudes data regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: A total of 1021 patients were invited to participate, obtaining 946 valid surveys for analysis. The rate of psychological consequences of the pandemic was much larger than the number of patients clinically affected by the virus, with 50.4% of the entire cohort reporting symptoms of anxiety, 49.1% insomnia, and 25% reporting depressive symptoms. Poorly informed women were more likely to be younger, affiliated to the subsidized regime, and with lower levels of education. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of pregnant women about SARS-CoV-2 infection is far from reality and this seems to be associated with an indirect effect on the concern and psychological stress of pregnant women in Colombia.

ß-lactamasas de espectro extendido tipo CTX-M en aislamientos clínicos de Escherichia coli y Klebsiella pneumoniae en el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño-Breña, Lima, Perú / Extended spectrum type CTX-M ß-lactamases in clinical infections caused by Escherichia coli y Klebsiella pneumoniae at the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño-Breña, Lima, Peru

Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de β-lactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE) en Escherichia coli y Klebsiella pneumoniae y la frecuencia de CTX-M en las productoras de BLEE en el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño - Breña (INSN-B). Material y métodos: Se analizaron enterobacterias productoras de BLEE del INSN-B entre los meses de agosto de 2012 y enero del 2013. Se incluyeron 724 aislamientos de Escherichia coli y 181 aislamientos de Klebsiella pneumoniae, consecutivos no repetidos, de pacientes hospitalizados y de la comunidad. La identificación se realizó por bioquímica convencional. la detección fenotípica de BLEE se hizo por el método de Jarlier y la detección genotípica de CTX-M mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Resultados: 281 (31%) de los aislamientos de ambas enterobacterias fueron productoras de BLEE; 207/724 (28,6%) E. coli y 74/181 (40,9%) K. pneumoniae. Se detectó el gen bla en 256 de los aislamientos productores de BLEE (91,1%). Conclusiones: Las BLEE de tipo CTX-M están presentes en nuestra institución, a pesar que nuestros datos representan una sola institución, brinda parte del panorama nacional sobre la resistencia a los antimicrobianos; por lo tanto, el enfoque de epidemiológico molecular es importante para desarrollar más y mejores estrategias de control y manejo de estos patógenos en nuestro país.

Objective: To determine the frequency of extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) in clinical infections caused by Escherichia coli y Klebsiella pneumoniae and the frequency of CTX-M among them at the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño-Breña, Lima, Peru. Methods: ESBL producing strains of E. coli and K. pneumoniae collected from August 2012 and January 2013 were analyzed; a total of 724 E. coli and 181 K. pneumoniae consecutive, non- repeated isolates from community and hospital acquired infections were included. Identification was performed by conventional biochemistry, ESBL phenotype was detected following the Jarlier´s method and PCR was used to detect CTX-M. Results: overall prevalence of ESBL was 31% (281 strains); 207/724 (28.6%) E. coli and 74/181 (40.9%) K. pneumoniae. The bla gene was detected in 256 of ESBL producing strains (91.1%). Conclusions: The CTX-M phenotype of ESBL producing strains is present in our institution. Despite of showing information of a single institution, these data bring a glance of what the antimicrobial resistance pattern may be at a national level and underscores the utility of molecular biology in designing preventing measures.

Three-dimensional Doppler ultrasonography for the assessment of fetal liver vascularization in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate changes in hepatic volume and vascular indices in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) compared with normal-growth fetuses, using a noninvasive method (three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound). METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was conducted between September 1 and November 30, 2014, at a maternal-fetal medicine unit in Bogotá, Colombia; it included consecutive women at 24-34 weeks of pregnancy. The fetal liver volume and indices of hepatic vascularization were determined with three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography and compared between fetuses with and without a diagnosis of IUGR. Results A total of 119 women met study inclusion criteria; 97 fetuses had no growth restriction, whereas 22 fetuses had IUGR. The latter group had decreased liver volume (57.85 ± 29.71 mL vs 86.99 ± 31.24 mL; P=0.010) and increased vascular indices (vascularization index, 47.92 ± 34.44 versus 22.46 ± 18.95; flow index, 71.39 ± 42.01 versus 41.11 ± 23.24; vascularization flow index, 47.94 ± 47.96 versus 13.67 ± 22.38; P=0.003 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: Liver volume was decreased and liver vascular indices values were increased in fetuses with IUGR. These findings imply that evaluation of hepatic vascularization with three-dimensional hepatic Doppler could be useful in the diagnosis of IUGR.

Normal Intracranial Translucency Values During the First Trimester of Gestation in a Latin American Population.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to establish intracranial translucency reference values in healthy fetuses from a Latin American population. METHODS: This work was a cross-sectional retrospective correlational study. A review of sonographic reports from women between gestational ages of 11 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days at 2 health institutes in Bogota, Colombia, whose fetuses had a crown-rump length of 45 to 84 mm was conducted between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2012. Women with multiple fetuses or with a deceased fetus were excluded. RESULTS: Data corresponding to 1520 obstetric sonographic examinations were included in the statistical analysis. The crown-rump length was between 45 and 84 mm, with a median of 65 mm (interquartile range, 58-73 mm). The median intracranial translucency was 1.7 mm (interquartile range, 1.4-2.2 mm). Different percentiles (1st, 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 95th, and 99th) were established for each crown-rump length value. A correlation between crown-rump length and intracranial translucency was found, which seemed to be linear. The intracranial translucency value was not significantly correlated with the frontomaxillary angle but was correlated with nuchal translucency, nasal bone length, and metopic suture length. CONCLUSIONS: We present normal intracranial translucency values in the first trimester of single gestations with live fetuses in a Latin American population. These values are similar to those described in other populations. The intracranial translucency value was linearly correlated with crown-rump length in fetuses between gestational ages of 11 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days, which is consistent with previous publications, although these data cannot be interpreted independently.

Maternal near miss morbidity in Colombia: variables related to opportune access to health care related to the number of inclusion criteria / Morbilidad materna extrema en Colombia: variables relacionadas con el acceso oportuno a la atención en salud según el número de criterios de inclusión

Background. In Colombia, maternal near miss morbidity is monitored in the health surveillance system. The National Health Institute included a special report on cases that met three or more World Health Organization criteria according to the World Health Organization criteria. Objective. To estimate the relationship between variables related to opportune access to health care services in Colombia during 2013 depending on inclusion criteria -three or more- for maternal near miss morbidity. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional analysis of the national registry of obligatory notification on maternal near miss morbidity was performed. Cases with three or more criteria were compared with those with one or two according to some variables related to the timely access of health care services. Results. A total of 8 434 maternal near miss morbidity cases were reported, women were aged between 12 and 51 years old (M=26.4, SD=7.5). 961 (11.4%) lived in remote rural areas; 4 537 (53.8%) were uninsured under the health system, or they were affiliated to either the subsidized or special health care regime; 845 (10.0%) belonged to an ethnic minority; 3 696 (44.4%) were referred to a more complex service; 4 097 (49.2%) were admitted to the intensive care unit; and 3 975 (47.1%) met three or more of the inclusion criteria for maternal near miss morbidity. They were combined to meet three or more of the case inclusion criteria: intensive care unit admission (OR=5.58; IC95% 5.06-6.15); being uninsured or affiliated to the subsidized or special regime (OR=1.57; IC95% 1.42-1.74); and referral to a more complex service (OR=1.18; IC95% 1.07-1.31). Conclusions. In Colombia, the timely access of health care services is related to maternal near miss morbidity with three or more inclusion criteria.

Antecedentes. En Colombia, la morbilidad materna extrema es monitoreada en el sistema de vigilancia epidemiológica. El Instituto Nacional de Salud incluyó el análisis particular de los casos que reunieran tres o más criterios de inclusión de definición de caso. Objetivo. Estimar la relación entre variables relacionadas con el acceso oportuno a la prestación de los servicios en salud y los criterios de inclusión -tres o más- para morbilidad materna extrema en Colombia durante 2013. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un análisis transversal del registro nacional de notificación obligatoria sobre morbilidad materna extrema; los casos con tres criterios o más se compararon con aquellos con uno o dos según algunas variables relacionadas con el acceso oportuno a la prestación de servicios en salud. Resultados. Se notificaron 8.434 casos de morbilidad materna extrema, edades entre 12 y 51 años (M=26.4; DE=7.5). 961 (11.4%) residentes en zona rural remota, 4.537 (53.8%) en régimen no asegurado, subsidiado o especial, 845 (10.0%) pertenecientes a minoría étnica, 3.696 (44.4%) fueron remitidas a un servicio de mayor complejidad, 4.097 (49.2%) recibieron servicios en unidad de cuidados intensivos y 3.975 (47.1%) reunieron tres o más criterios de inclusión de caso morbilidad materna extrema. Se asociaron a reunir tres o más criterios de inclusión de caso: el ingreso a unidad de cuidados intensivos (OR=5.58; IC95% 5.06-6.15), régimen no asegurado, subsidiado o especial (OR=1.57; IC95% 1.42-1.74) y remisión a servicio de mayor complejidad (OR=1.18; IC95% 1.07-1.31). Conclusiones. En Colombia, el acceso oportuno a los servicios de atención en salud se relaciona con morbilidad materna extrema de tres o más criterios de inclusión.

Evaluation of supports and methods for immobilization of enzyme cyclodextringlycosyltransferase.

An experimental design with factorial planning was used for the immobilization of the enzyme cyclodextringlycosyltransferase (CGTase) from Bacillus firmus (strain no. 37) to select the best combination of support, method of immobilization, and conditions that gives primarily higher average values for the specific immobilized enzyme activity, and secondarily, higher average values for the percentage of protein fixation. The experimental design factors were as follows: supports-controlled-pore silica, chitosan, and alumina; immobilization methods-adsorption, and two covalent bonding methods, either with gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysilane or hexamethylenediamine (HEMDA); conditions-7 degrees C without agitation and 26 degrees C with stirring. The best combination of factors that lead to higher average values of the response variables was obtained with immobilization of CGTase in silica with HEMDA at 7 degrees C. However, immobilization in chitosan at 7 degrees C gave the highest immobilized CGTase specific activity, 0.25 micromole of beta-CD/ (min mg protein). Physical adsorption gave low specific enzyme activities, and, in general, a high load of enzyme leads to lower specific enzyme activity.

Influence of spore concentration on microorganism morphology and on glucoamylase production in submerged cultures of Aspergillus awamori

The influence of the spore concentration in the inoculum preparation on microorganism morphology and glucoamylase synthesis by submerged cultures of Aspergillus awamori was investigated. A series of fermenter runs were perfomed, using an initial total reducing sugar concentration of 40 g/L. The inocula were prepared in a rotatory shaker, at 35§C 200 rev/min for 24 hours, varying spore concentration in the flasks from 9.5 x 10(3) to 1.8 x 10 (7) spores/mL. The inocula prepared with a spore concentration between 9.5 x 10(3) spores/mL and 5.0 x 10(6) spores/mL were composed by a cell suspension mainly in the pellet form, which led to a filamentous growth in the fermenter. Glucoamylase production was not affected by this range of spore concentration, reaching values between 2,100 U/L and 2,300 U/L. However, a higher spore concentration in the inoculum preparation (1.8 x 10(7) spores/mL) led to a inoculum formed by a cell suspension in the filamentous form containing many spore agglomerates (non-germinated spores). The kind of inoculum led to a growth predominantly in the pellet form in fermenter, which reduced the glucoamylase production in 30 (per cent).

Ascariasis biliar / Biliar ascariasis

La ascariasis es la parasitosis de mayor prevalencia en el Universo, con aproximadamente 664 millones de personas infestadas. La localización biliar es infrecuente, ocasionando complicaciones en el 25% de los casos. Durante 1988 se diagnosticaron tres pacientes con ascaris biliar, todos femeninos, con clínica de colescistitis, siendo el ultrasonido el procedimiento diagnóstico más completo. Se practicó colescistectomía más coledocotomía en dos casos ante el cuadro de colescistitis con ascaris en la luz vesicular. La evolución clínica y ecosonográfica fue satisfactoria

Mola hidatiforme en el Hospital "Manuel Núñez Tovar" de Maturín / Mole hidatiform in the Hospital \"Manuel Núñez Tovar\" in Maturin

Se presenta una revisión del material de mola hidatiforme del Hospital "Manuel Núñez Tovar" de Maturín, durante la década 1976-1985. En este período se diagnosticaron 65 molas, sobre un total de 77.894 embarazos, lo cual da una frecuencia de 1:1.198 embarazos. Los datos de edad materna, número de gestaciones, edad del embarazo y clínica fueron comunes de esta complicación del embarazo. Como exámenes complementarios se emplearon radiografías y ultrasonido. La conducta fue evacuación vaginal por curetaje o aspiración en 55 casos de histerectomía en 10. El seguimiento fue inadecuado. Se insiste en la necesidad de establecer un protocolo de estudio y seguimiento