Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease related to wood smoke and impact of the combined exposure to tobacco.

BACKGROUND: Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2023 highlights the need to explore aetiotypes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) beyond the tobacco-smoking COPD. Exposure to wood smoke (WS) is a risk factor for COPD in women, but the effect of the combined exposure to tobacco smoke (TS) in the general population and among COPD patients, and the characteristics of WS-COPD are unclear. METHOD: This was an analysis of data from PREPOCOL (Prevalence of COPD in Five Colombian Cities Situated at Low, Medium, and High Altitude), a random cross-sectional population-based study (n = 5,539) focusing on the effect of combined WS and TS exposure and WS-COPD characterisation. RESULTS: Prevalence of COPD was significantly higher in those exposed to both WS and TS (16.0%) than in those exposed to WS (6.7%) or TS (7.8%) only (P < 0.001). Exposure to WS was associated with COPD in men (OR 1.53, P = 0.017). WS-COPD individuals were more frequently female, older, shorter and had higher forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) (all P < 0.05). Those exposed to both WS and TS had more symptoms and worse airflow limitation (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This was the first random population-based study showing that WS is an associated risk factor for COPD also in men, and that people exposed to both WS and TS have a significantly higher prevalence of COPD. Similarly, COPD subjects exposed to both types of smoke have more symptoms and greater airflow obstruction. This suggests an additive effect of WS and TS.

CONTEXTE: L'Initiative mondiale pour les maladies pulmonaires obstructives chroniques (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, GOLD) 2023 met en évidence l'importance d'explorer les différents étiotypes de la maladie pulmonaire obstructive chronique (COPD, pour l'anglais « chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ¼) en dehors de la COPD liée au tabagisme. L'exposition à la fumée de bois (WS, pour l'anglais « wood smoke ¼) représente un facteur de risque de la COPD chez les femmes, cependant, l'impact de l'exposition simultanée à la fumée de tabac (TS, pour l'anglais « tobacco smoke ¼) chez la population générale et chez les patients atteints de COPD, ainsi que les caractéristiques spécifiques de la WS-COPD, demeurent peu clairs. MÉTHODES: Il s'agit d'une étude transversale aléatoire basée sur la population (n = 5 539) qui analyse les données de PREPOCOL (Prevalence of COPD in Five Colombian Cities Situated at Low, Medium, and High Altitude). L'étude se concentre sur l'effet de l'exposition combinée à la WS et à la TS ainsi que sur la caractérisation de la WS-COPD. RÉSULTATS: La prévalence de la COPD était significativement plus élevée chez les personnes exposées à la fois à la WS et à la TS (16,0%) que chez celles exposées uniquement à la WS (6,7%) ou à la TS (7,8%) (P < 0,001). L'exposition à la WS était associée à la COPD chez les hommes (OR 1,53 ; P = 0,017). Les personnes atteintes de WS-COPD étaient plus fréquemment des femmes, d'un âge plus avancé, de plus petite taille et présentaient un volume expiratoire maximal en 1 seconde (FEV1) plus élevé (tous P < 0,05). Les personnes exposées à la fois à la WS et à la TS ont montré plus de symptômes et une plus grande limitation du débit d'air (P < 0,001). CONCLUSION: Il s'agit de la première étude aléatoire basée sur la population qui démontre que la WS est un facteur de risque lié à la COPD, même chez les hommes, et que les individus exposés à la fois à la WS et à la TS présentent une prévalence significativement plus élevée de la COPD. De plus, les personnes souffrant de COPD qui sont exposés aux deux types de fumée manifestent davantage de symptômes et une obstruction pulmonaire plus sévère. Cela laisse supposer qu'il y a un effet cumulatif de la WS et de la TS.

Hemorragia del tracto digestivo superior, enfoque para el médico general / Upper digestive tract bleeding, approach for the general Practitioner / Hemorragia do trato digestivo superior, enfoque para o médico geral

La hemorragia del tracto digestivo superior (HTDS) es el sangrado originado por encima del ángulo de Treitz. A pesar del aumento en las estrategias de prevención, del incremento en los tratamientos con Inhibidor de bomba de protones (IBP) y de la intervención endoscópica temprana, esta patología sigue siendo una causa frecuente de consulta a urgencias, con una morbimortalidad no despreciable y alta carga para el sistema de salud. Esta revisión se enfoca en la HTDS de causa diferente a las varices. La principal causante de esta entidad es la enfermedad ácido-péptica, que es consecuencia del gran consumo de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINES) y de la infección por Helicobacter Pylori. Otras causas son el síndrome de Mallory Weiss, la esofagitis erosiva, las malformaciones arteriovenosas y la malignidad.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) refers to any bleeding originating above the angle of Treitz. Despite an increase in prevention strategies, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy and early endoscopic intervention, this pathology continues to be an important cause of admission to the emergency department for gastrointestinal causes, having a pretty high morbidity and mortality in addition to a high burden on the health system. This review focuses on non-variceal UGIB. The main cause of this entity being peptic acid disease, due to great consumption of NSAIDs and Helicobacter Pylori infection. Other causes are Mallory Weiss syndrome, erosive esophagitis, arteriovenous malformations, and malignancy.

A hemorragia do trato digestivo superior (HTDS) é o sangrado originado acima do ângulo de Treitz. Apesar do aumento nas estratégias de prevenção, do incremento nos tratamentos com Inibidor da bomba de prótons (IBP) e da intervenção endoscópica precoce, esta patologia segue sendo uma causa frequente de consulta a urgências, com uma morbimortalidade não depreciável e alta carga para o sistema de saúde. Esta revisão se enfoca na HTDS de causa diferente às varizes. A principal causante desta entidade é a doença ácido-péptica, que é consequência do grande consumo de anti-inflamatórios não esteróideos (AINES) e da infecção por HelicobacterPylori. Outras causas são a síndrome de Mallory Weiss, a esofagites erosiva, as malformações arteriovenosas e a malignidade. Palavras-chave: hemorragia gastrointestinal; úlcera péptica; endoscopia gastrointestinal; inibidores da bomba de prótons; medicina geral.

A genome-wide association study identifies novel gene associations with facial skin wrinkling and mole count in Latin Americans.

BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified genes influencing skin ageing and mole count in Europeans, but little is known about the relevance of these (or other genes) in non-Europeans. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a GWAS for facial skin ageing and mole count in adults < 40 years old, of mixed European, Native American and African ancestry, recruited in Latin America. METHODS: Skin ageing and mole count scores were obtained from facial photographs of over 6000 individuals. After quality control checks, three wrinkling traits and mole count were retained for genetic analyses. DNA samples were genotyped with Illumina's HumanOmniExpress chip. Association testing was performed on around 8 703 729 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the autosomal genome. RESULTS: Genome-wide significant association was observed at four genome regions: two were associated with wrinkling (in 1p13·3 and 21q21·2), one with mole count (in 1q32·3) and one with both wrinkling and mole count (in 5p13·2). Associated SNPs in 5p13·2 and in 1p13·3 are intronic within SLC45A2 and VAV3, respectively, while SNPs in 1q32·3 are near the SLC30A1 gene, and those in 21q21·2 occur in a gene desert. Analyses of SNPs in IRF4 and MC1R are consistent with a role of these genes in skin ageing. CONCLUSIONS: We replicate the association of wrinkling with variants in SLC45A2, IRF4 and MC1R reported in Europeans. We identify VAV3 and SLC30A1 as two novel candidate genes impacting on wrinkling and mole count, respectively. We provide the first evidence that SLC45A2 influences mole count, in addition to variants in this gene affecting melanoma risk in Europeans.

Quantitative bone SPECT analysis of mandibular condyles in an asymptomatic population: an approach to normal reference values.

Bone scintigraphy is an extremely valuable technique in diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with condylar hyperplasia (CH). The main objective of this study was to develop an approach to determine normal activity values in the mandibular condyles, adjusted to age and sex, through quantitative analysis of bone single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) on a condyle-by-condyle basis and to compare these values with those of a control group comprising patients with confirmed CH. Technetium 99 m-methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) SPECT studies of the mandibular condyles were performed in patients with no mandibular pathology for quantitative analysis. Regions of interest were drawn on slices representing the upper, middle, and inferior thirds of each condyle and on the summation of transaxial slices representing the whole condyle (three-dimensional approach). The clivus was used for internal validation and the condyle to clivus ratios were calculated. These ratios were compared between 'normal' and 'diseased' condyles. A total 144 condyles in normal patients and 25 in confirmed CH patients were analysed. Differences between the ratios were evaluated through the coefficient of variation. In normal patients, the ratios to the clivus on the summed condyle image showed the lowest variability: range 0.3-1.28 (median 0.74). The quantile regression model showed significant differences with respect to sex, but not to age. The Mann-Whitney test showed significant differences in the ratios to clivus between normal and diseased condyles (P<0.0001).

Equilibrio, cinética y termodinámica de la adsorción del colorante DB-86 sobre carbón activado de la cáscara de yuca / Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic of direct blue 86 dye adsorption on activated carbon obtained from manioc husk

RESUMEN Objetivo. Establecer mediante experimentos por lote la capacidad de remoción, la cinética y termodinámica de adsorción del carbón activado preparado a partir de la cáscara de yuca (Manihot esculenta) en la remoción del colorante azul directo 86. Materiales y métodos. La metodología experimental consistió inicialmente en la preparación del carbón activado por activación química de la cáscara de yuca con H3PO4 y su posterior calcinación a 530°C. En la caracterización se determinaron las propiedades de textura mediante el índice de yodo e índice de azul de metileno, se cuantificaron los grupos funcionales orgánicos ácidos y básicos con el método Boehm, y se realizó el análisis próximo siguiendo las normas ASTM D-2867-70, ASTM D2866 y ASTM D2866-94. En el estudio por lote, el efecto de varios parámetros sobre la capacidad de adsorción fueron evaluados: el pH (2, 4, 8 y 10), la temperatura (25, 30 y 40°C) y la concentración inicial de colorante (20, 40, 60, 80 y 100 mg/L). Tanto las características fisicoquímicas como los ensayos de adsorción del carbón activado preparado a partir de la cáscara de yuca (CAY) fueron comparadas con otro de marca comercial (CAM). Resultados. Los resultados de la caracterización indican que ambos carbones tienen una química de superfície heterogénea, de naturaleza ácida para el CAY y básica para el CAM. La máxima capacidad obtenida fue 6.1 mg/g para el CAY y de 3.7 mg/g para el CAM. Los cálculos termodinámicos indican que la remoción es espontánea y para ambos carbones la cinética se ajusta al modelo de pseudo segundo orden. Conclusiones. El carbón activado obtenido a partir de la cáscara de yuca puede considerarse un adsorbente eficiente en la remoción de colorantes.

ABSTRACT Objective. To establish by means of experimenting by batch the capacity of removal, the kinetics and adsorption thermodynamics of activated carbon prepared from manioc husk (Manihot esculenta) in the removal of direct blue 86 dye. Materials and methods. Firstly, the experimental methodology worked on the preparation of activated carbon by chemical activation of manioc husk with H3PO4 calcined at 530°C. In the characterization the texture properties were determined by means of the blue methylene and iodine indices, the basic and acidic functional groups were quantified by the Boehm method, and the proximate analyses were done following the norms ASTM D2867-70, ASTM D2866 and ASTM D2866-94. During the batch studies, the effect of several parameters over the adsorption capacity was evaluated: pH (2, 4, 8 and 10), temperature (25, 30 and 40°C) and initial concentration of the dye (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/L). Both physicochemical and adsorption characteristics of the activated carbon from manioc husk (CAY) were compared against those of a commercial brand (CAM). Results. The results of characterization showed that both carbons have a chemistry heterogeneous surface, acidic for CAY and basic for CAM. The maximum capacity obtained was 6.1 mg/g for CAY and 3.7 mg/g for CAM. The thermodynamic calculations showed that the removal was spontaneous. The kinetics for both carbon samples fits a pseudo second-order model. Conclusions. The activated carbon obtained from the manioc husk can be considered an efficient adsorbent for the removal of dyes.

Prevalence of upper respiratory diseases and associated factors in Colombian Creole horses / Prevalência de doenças do trato respiratório superior e fatores associados em Cavalos Crioulos colombianos

To determine the prevalence of diseases of the upper respiratory tract and associated factors in the Colombian Creole Horse Valley Aburrá in 2015, a random sampling of 15 farms in southern Aburrá Valley under different management conditions was performed. A total of 105 CCC underwent general clinical examination, respiratory endoscopic evaluation and a detailed inspection of housing conditions and management. A low prevalence of upper respiratory tract diseases was observed, including Pharyngeal Lymphoid Hyperplasia 38.1%, Recurrent Laryngeal Neurophaty 12.38%, Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate 7.62%, and presence of tracheal secretions not associated with a specific pathology. A bivariate analysis showed association between tracheal secretions and frequency of training per week (OR = 9.86), duration of the training sessions (OR = 5.55) and inadequate ventilation of the stable (OR = 10.52). Association between HLR and inadequately ventilated barns was also observed (OR = 14.9). Logistic regression showed association between tracheal secretions and inadequate ventilation (OR = 7.18). We conclude that inadequate ventilation was the most important factor for the incidence of upper respiratory tract diseases in horses at the southern area of the Aburrá Valley.(AU)

O presente trabalho objetivou determinar a prevalência das doenças do trato respiratório superior e fatores associados no cavalo Crioulo colombiano do Vale de Aburrá, em 2015. Uma amostra aleatória de 15 fazendas no sul do Vale de Aburrá, sob diferentes condições de manutenção, foi realizada. Cento e cinco CCC foram submetidos a exame clínico geral, à avaliação endoscópica respiratória e a uma inspeção detalhada das condições habitacionais. Observou-se uma baixa prevalência de doenças do trato respiratório superior, incluindo hiperplasia faríngea linfoide 38.1%, neuropatia laríngea recorrente 12.38%, deslocamento dorsal do palato mole 7.62% e presença de secreção traqueal não associada a uma patologia específica. A análise bivariada mostrou associação entre secreção traqueal e frequência de treinamento por semana (OR = 9.86), duração das sessões de treinamento (OR = 5.55) e ventilação inadequada do estábulo (OR = 10.52). Associação entre HLR e boxes inadequadamente ventilados também foi observada (OR = 14.9). A regressão logística mostrou associação entre secreção traqueal e ventilação inadequada (OR = 7.18). Conclui-se que a ventilação inadequada foi o fator mais importante para a incidência de doenças do trato respiratório superior em cavalos na zona sul do Vale do Aburrá.(AU)

Equine metabolic syndrome in Colombian creole horse: case report / Síndrome metabólica equina em cavalo crioulo Colombiano: relato de caso

The equine metabolic syndrome is a condition that can be recognized because of obesity, insulin resistance and laminitis. Genetic factors could play a role in the occurrence of this syndrome. Certain breeds such as ponies (including the South American creole horses) have a lower sensibility to insulin and a higher prevalence of hyperinsulinemia. The environment and management conditions, such as overfeeding and lack of exercise are factors that bring a propensity for obesity. The adipose tissue works as an endocrine organ producing hormones (adipokines or adipocytokines) that affect the horse´s metabolism. The objective of this report is to describe the first case report of a Colombian creole mare with a metabolic syndrome, diagnosed by means of the combined test of glucose-insulin and clinical signs. Early diagnosis of this entity and an adequate treatment are useful for improving the life and the zootechnical conditions of the patient.(AU)

A síndrome metabólica equina é uma alteração reconhecida por apresentar obesidade, resistência à insulina e laminite. Fatores genéticos poderiam ser relevantes na ocorrência dessa síndrome, em que certas raças consideradas pôneis (incluídas as raças crioulas de cavalos sul-americanos) têm mais baixa sensibilidade à insulina e mais alta prevalência de apresentar hiperinsulinemia. As condições ambientais e de manejo, como superalimentação e falta de exercício, são fatores predisponentes para o desenvolvimento da obesidade. O tecido adiposo cumpre atividades como um órgão endócrino produtor de hormônios (adipocinas ou adipocitocinas) que afetam o metabolismo do cavalo. O objetivo deste relatório é descrever o primeiro registro de caso de uma égua de raça Cavalo Crioulo Colombiano (CCC) com síndrome metabólica, diagnosticada pela prova combinada de glicose-insulina e por quadro clínico. O diagnóstico precoce desta entidade e seu tratamento adequado permitem melhorar as condições de vida e zootécnicas do paciente que dela padece.(AU)

Recombinant human thyrotropin stimulation prior to 131I therapy in toxic multinodular goitre with low radioactive iodine uptake. / La estimulación previa con rhTSH mejora la respuesta al tratamiento con radioyodo en pacientes con bocio multinodular tóxico de baja captación.

AIM: Stimulation with recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) increases thyroid radioiodine uptake, and is an aid to 131I therapy in non-toxic multinodular goitre (MNG). However, there are not many studies using rhTSH prior to 131I in toxic multinodular goitre to improve hyperthyroidism and compressive symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study was conducted on patients with MNG and hyperthyroidism. Patients were recruited consecutively and divided into group I, stimulated with 0.3mg of rhTSH before radioiodine therapy, and a control group or group II, without stimulation. Thyroid function, radioiodine thyroid uptake, thyroid weight, and compressive symptoms were measured, and patients were followed-up for 9 months. RESULTS: Group I consisted of 16 patients (14 women), with a mean age 69.7 years, and group II with 16 patients (12 women), with a mean age 70.7 years. After stimulation with 0.3mg rhTSH in group I, 131I uptake (RAIU) at 24h increased by 78.4%, and the estimated absorbed dose by 89.3%. In group II, the estimated absorbed dose was lower than group I after stimulation with rhTSH (29.8Gy vs. 56.4Gy; P=0.001). At 9 months of follow-up, hyperthyroidism was controlled in 87.5% of patients in group I, and 56.2% in group II (P=0.049). The mean reduction in thyroid weight was higher in group I than in group II (39.3% vs. 26.9%; P=0.017), with a tendency towards subjective improvement of compressive symptoms in group I, although non-significant. Only 2 patients described tachycardias after rhTSH administration, which were resolved with beta-blockers. CONCLUSION: Stimulation with 0.3mg of recombinant human thyrotropin prior to radioiodine therapy achieves a reduction in thyroid weight and functional improvement in patients with hyperthyroidism and multinodular goitre with low uptake, and with no need for hospital admission.

GASES SANGUÍNEOS, ELECTROLITOS Y VARIABLES METABÓLICAS DETERMINANTES DEL ESTADO ÁCIDO-BASE EN CABALLOS CRIOLLOS COLOMBIANOS / COMPARISON OF BLOOD GASES, ELECTROLYTES, AND METABOLIC DETERMINANTS OF ACID-BASE STATUS IN COLOMBIAN CRIOLLO HORSES

Se determinaron y compararon los valores de los gases sanguíneos, electrolitos, lactato, hematocrito y estado ácido-base en sangre venosa y arterial de 17 equinos criollos del Centro de Veterinaria y Zootecnia de la Universidad CES, para lo cual se utilizó el sistema Epoc Blood Analysis®, analizador portátil de sangre que permite obtener resultados de gases, iones y metabolitos. Los resultados arrojados muestran que hay diferencia estadística significativa (p < 0,05) en la glucosa arterial con respecto a la edad y en el lactato venoso con respecto al sexo; además, al comparar la sangre venosa contra la sangre arterial, se hallaron diferencias estadísticas significativas en la presión parcial de oxígeno (pO2), la presión parcial de CO2 (PCO2), la saturación de oxígeno (cSO2) sodio, calcio ionizado, glucosa, bicarbonato, base exceso sanguínea (BEb), base exceso extracelular (BE(ecf)), PCO2 y PO2 corregidas por temperatura. Se concluye que se deben tomar muestras arteriales para realizar valoraciones precisas de los pacientes y que variables, como la pO2, la pCO2 y la cTCO2, dependen en gran medida de la temperatura ambiental, la temperatura del paciente y la altitud, condiciones que modifican las presiones parciales de los gases.

We determined and compared the values of blood gases, electrolytes, lactate, hematocrit and acid-base status for both arterial and venous blood in seventeen horses from the Veterinary and Zootechnical Center at CES University. We used the Epoc Blood Analysis® portable system, which allows analyzing and obtaining information about gases, ions and metabolites. Our results show that there is a statistically significant difference (p < 0,05) in the values of arterial glucose according to the age and in the concentration of venous lactate according to the sex. Likewise, when we compared the values obtained from arterial blood with the values obtained from venous blood, we found statistically significant differences in the oxygen partial pressure (pO2), carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2), oxygen saturation level (cSO2), sodium, ionized calcium, glucose, bicarbonate, blood base excess (BEb), extracellular base excess (BE(ecf)), temperature-corrected PO2 and pCO2. Based on these results, we can conclude that we should take arterial blood samples in order to assess accurately the status of the patients and that variables such as oxygen partial pressure, carbon dioxide partial pressure and the oxygen saturation level are largely dependent on the environmental temperature, patient's temperature and altitude; as these conditions modify the gas partial pressures.

Aislamiento de bacterias degradadoras de pesticidas organofosforados encontrados en suelos y en leche bovina / Isolation of organophosphorus pesticides degrading bacteria found in soil and bovine milk

The increasing use of organophosphorus pesticides in agricultural practices over the past few years has generated a number of environmental problems; these compounds tend to bioaccumulate through food chains showing high levels of toxicity triggering potential health risk for species that are exposed to these substances. In this research were used the Soxhlet and solid phase micro extraction in headspace (HS-SPME) methods for the extraction of organophosphorus pesticides in agricultural cattle soils and bovine milk, respectively. The presence of demeton-S-methylsulfon was determined at concentrations between 272.9 and 1793.3 ppm in cropland and 12.9 ppm in cow milk. Native soil bacteria were isolated showing degrading capacity of these pesticides, Bacillus sp and Pantoea agglomerans which gave results of degradation of 73.5% and 68.6 %, respectively, in the concentration of chlorpyrifos, showing that these microorganisms are a possible solution for improving soils contaminated by this class of pesticides.

El incremento en el uso de pesticidas organofosforados en las prácticas agrícolas a través de los últimos años, ha generado una serie de problemas ambientales. Estos compuestos tienden a bioacumularse a través de las cadenas tróficas presentando altos niveles de toxicidad desencadenando potenciales riesgos para la salud de las especies que son expuestas a este tipo de sustancias. En esta investigación se usaron los métodos de extracción soxhlet y micro extracción en fase sólida en espacio de cabeza (HS-SPME) para la extracción de pesticidas organofosforados en suelos de cultivo y leche de ganado bovino, respectivamente. Se determinó la presencia de demetón-S-metilsulfón en concentraciones entre 272.9 y 1793.3 ppm en los suelos de cultivo y 12.9 ppm en leche de vaca. Se aislaron bacterias nativas de suelo con capacidad degradadora de estos pesticidas, Bacillus sp y Pantoea agglomerans, obteniéndose resultados de degradación del compuesto organofosforado, clorpirifos de 73.5% y 68.67%, respectivamente, evidenciando que estos microorganismos son una posible solución para el mejoramiento de suelos contaminados por esta clase de pesticidas.

The effect of mild traumatic brain injury on peripheral nervous system pathology in wild-type mice and the G93A mutant mouse model of motor neuron disease.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with a risk of neurodegenerative disease. Some suggest a link between TBI and motor neuron disease (MND), including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To investigate the potential mechanisms linking TBI to MND, we measured motor function and neuropathology following mild-TBI in wild-type and a transgenic model of ALS, G93A mutant mice. Mild-TBI did not alter the lifespan of G93A mice or age of onset; however, rotarod performance was impaired in G93A verses wild-type mice. Grip strength was reduced only in G93A mice after mild-TBI. Increased electromyography (EMG) abnormalities and markers of denervation (AchR, Runx1) indicate that mild-TBI may result in peripheral effects that are exaggerated in G93A mice. Markers of inflammation (cell edema, astrogliosis and microgliosis) were detected at 24 and 72h in the brain and spinal cord in wild-type and G93A mice. Levels of F2-isoprostanes, a marker of oxidative stress, were increased in the spinal cord 24h post mild-TBI in wild-type mice but were not affected by TBI in G93A mice. In summary, our data demonstrate that mild-TBI induces inflammation and oxidative stress and negatively impacts muscle denervation and motor performance, suggesting mild-TBI can potentiate motor neuron pathology and influence the development of MND in mice.

Bioactividad del aceite esencial de Ocimum micranthum Willd, recolectado en el departamento de Bolívar, Colombia / Bioactivity of essential oil from Ocimum micranthum Willd collected from Bolivar department, Colombia

Introducción: Ocimum micranthum Willd, es una planta herbácea, perteneciente a la familia de las Lamiáceas, originaria de las regiones tropicales y subtropicales de América, cultivada con fines medicinales y/o ornamentales. La infusión de esta planta es usada para enfermedades de tipo gastrointestinal como úlceras, gastritis, fiebre intestinal, inflamación; disentería, vómito, dolor de estómago y vermífugo. Objetivos: determinar la composición química volátil del aceite esencial de Ocimum micranthum Willd y evaluar in vitro las actividades antifúngica, repelente, insecticida y antioxidante. Métodos : el aceite esencial (AE) fue obtenido de hojas frescas de O. micranthum por hidrodestilación, la composición química volátil fue determinada mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a detector de espectrometría de masas (GC-MS). El ensayo de actividad fumigante (insecticida) del AE se realizó sobre Sitophilus zeamais. La actividad antifúngica sobre el hongo fitopatógeno ( Fusarium oxysporumf. sp. Dianthi), la actividad repelente contra el Tribolium castaneum Herbst y la capacidad antioxidante se efectuóa través del ensayo de decoloración del radical DPPH. Resultados: el compuesto mayoritario encontrado en el AE de O. micranthum fue el eugenol (60,37 %), seguido de eucaliptol (12,09 %), cis b-terpineol (4,25 %) y a-terpineol (4,43 %), a-cadineno (1,27 %). El AE de O. micranthum fue activo contra F. oxysporum con un porcentaje de inhibición micelar de 98,8 % a 176,5 µL de AE/L aire, leído a las 72 horas; y un porcentaje de mortalidad contra S. zeamais de 66,7 % a 500 µL de AE/L de aire, después de 24 horas de exposición. La actividad repelente fue de 92,5 % y 93,3 % a las 2 y 4 horas de exposición, respectivamente. El porcentaje de inhibición del radical DPPH• fue de 93,92 %. Conclusiones: El aceite esencial de O. micranthum mostró una significativa actividad fungicida, repelente y fumigante, por lo cual puede llegar a ser una alternativa en reemplazo de fungicidas e insecticidas sintéticos.

Introduction: Ocimum micranthum Willd is a herbaceous plant of the family Lamiaceae native to tropical and subtropical regions of America and grown for medicinal and/or ornamental purposes. Infusion of this plant is used for gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcers, gastritis, intestinal fever, inflammation, dysentery, vomiting, stomach pain and as vermifuge. Objectives: determine the volatile chemical composition of essential oil from Ocimum micranthum Willd and evaluate its in vitro antifungal, repellent, insecticidal and antioxidant activities. Methods: essential oil (EO) from O. micranthum fresh leaves was obtained by hydrodistillation. Volatile chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometric detector (GC-MS). The fumigant activity assay (insecticidal) was performed against Sitophilus zeamais . Antifungal activity was determined against pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Dianthi, and repellent activity against Tribolium castaneum Herbst. Antioxidant capacity was analyzed with the DPPH radical decolorization assay. Results: the most abundant compound found in O. micranthum EO was eugenol (60.37 %), followed by eucalyptol (12.09 %), cis-terpineol (4.25 %), a-terpineol (4.43 %), and δ-cadinene (1.27 %). O. micranthum EO was active against F. oxysporum, with a mycelial inhibition of 98.8 % at 176.5 uL EO / L air, read at 72 hours, and a mortality rate of 66.7 % against S. zeamais at 500 uL EO / L air, after 24 hours of exposure. Repellent activity was 92.5 % and 93.3 % at 2 and 4 hours of exposure, respectively. DPPH radical inhibition was 93.92 %. Conclusions: Essential oil from O. micranthum showed significant antifungal, repellent and fumigant activities. Thus it could become an alternative to replace synthetic fungicides and insecticides.

Bioactividad del aceite esencial de Chenopodium ambrosioides colombiano / Bioactivity of essential oil from Colombian Chenopodium ambrosioides

Introducción: las plantas tienen mecanismos químicos de autoprotección para evitar ser atacadas por insectos, hongos, bacterias y virus. Las enfermedades producidas por estas plagas son controladas con plaguicidas, que presentan alta toxicidad; por esto, es necesario usar compuestos alternativos como aceites esenciales. Estas sustancias son fuentes botánicas potenciales que cumplen la misma función de los plaguicidas, con la ventaja de que presentan baja toxicidad para los mamíferos, alta volatilidad y toxicidad para los insectos y microorganismos que atacan los productos de cosecha almacenados, por ser volátiles su propiedad insecticida se conoce como fumigante. Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (Chenopodiaceae) ha sido reportada por sus potentes propiedades antiparasitarias, incluida la actividad antiprotozoaria. Objetivo: determinar la actividad fumigante, antifúngica y antioxidante del aceite esencial de Chenopodium ambrosioides y su composición química volátil. Métodos: el aceite esencial fue obtenido de hojas de C. ambrosioides por hidrodestilación, la composición química volátil se determinó mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas. El ensayo de actividad fumigante del aceite esencial se realizó sobre Sitophilus zeamais. La actividad antifúngica sobre el hongo fitopatógeno Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Dianthi, y la capacidad antioxidante se efectuómediante el ensayo de decoloración del radical DPPH. Resultados: el compuesto mayoritario encontrado en aceite esencial de C. ambrosioides fue a-terpineno (60,29 por ciento), seguido de p-cimeno (20,49 por ciento), 4-careno (7,96 por ciento) y trans-ascaridol (1,91 por ciento). C. ambrosioides fue activo contra Fusarium oxysporum con un porcentaje de inhibición micelar de 97,3 por ciento a 176,5 µL de aceite esencial/litro de aire, leído a las 72 h; y un porcentaje de mortalidad contra Sitophilus zeamais de 100 por ciento a 500 µL de aceite esencial/litro de aire, después de 24 h de exposición. El porcentaje de inhibición del radical DPPH• fue de 84,89 por ciento. Conclusiones: el aceite esencial de C. ambrosioides exhibió importante actividad fungicida contra F. oxysporum y fumigante contra S. zeamais, por lo cual podría reemplazar fungicidas e insecticidas sintéticos.

Introduction: plants have developed self-protecting chemical mechanisms to avoid being attacked by insects, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. The diseases caused by these pests are controlled with pesticides of high toxicity, therefore, it is necessary to use alternative compounds like essential oils. Essential oils are potential botanical sources of compounds having the same function as the pesticides. However, they have some advantages over the latter such as low toxicity for mammal, high volatility and toxicity for pests and microorganisms which attack stored products. Its volatile insecticidal property made it to be known as fumigant. Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (Chenopodiaceae) has been reported for its potential antiparasitic properties, including antiprotozoal activity. Objective: this study determine the fumigant, antifungal, and antioxidant activities of essential oils isolated from Chenopodium ambrosioides L. and their volatile chemical composition. Methods: the essential oil (EO) was obtained from leaves of C. ambrosioides by hydrodistillation whereas the volatile chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS). The fumigant activity assay of the essential oil was performed against Sitophilus zeamais. The antifungal activity on plant pathogenic fungus (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Dianthi) and the antioxidant potential were determined through the discoloration test of DPPH. radical. Results: the major component found in the essential oil from C. ambrosioides was a-terpinene (60.29 percent), followed by p-cymene (20.49 percent), 4-carene (7.96 percent) and trans-ascaridol (1.91 percent). C. ambrosioides was active against Fusarium oxysporum, with a mycelial inhibition of 97.3 percent at 176.5 µL EO/L air after 72 h of exposure; and a mortality rate against Sitophilus zeamais of 100 percent at 500 µL of essential oil per air liter after 24 h of exposure. The inhibition percentage of DPPH• radical was 84.89 percent. Conclusions: this study demonstrated that C. ambrosioides essential oil exhibits important fungicidal activity on F. oxysporum and fumigant on S. zeamais, which could become an alternative to synthetic fungicides and insecticides.

Molecular typing of adenovirus circulating in a Colombian paediatric population with acute respiratory infection.

Human adenoviruses (HAdV) cause a broad spectrum of diseases including acute respiratory infection (ARI), and are responsible for 5% of cases requiring hospitalization in children aged <5 years in Colombia; however, little is known about the circulating types, partly due to the lack of reliable typing tests. In order to evaluate a VA gene PCR-sequencing approach for identification of HAdV circulating types in a Colombian population, 52 nasopharyngeal aspirates/swabs from children with ARI were processed. After a BLAST analysis, matches with species B (41/48, 85·42%), C (6/48, 12·5%), and D (1/48, 2·08%) were found; and at the type level, type 3 (22/48, 45·83%) was the most frequent. This initial effort to expand our knowledge about the molecular epidemiology of HAdV circulating in Bogota, Colombia, showed that HAdV-B was the predominant circulating species in the study period and reports, for the first time in Colombia, the presence of HAdV-D in a respiratory sample.

Composición química volátil del aceite esencial de Croton malambo H. Karst. colombiano y determinación de su actividad antioxidante / Volatile chemical composition of essential oil from Colombian Croton malambo H. Karst. and determination of its antioxidant activity

INTRODUCCIÓN: el uso de las plantas con fines terapéuticos en la medicina tradicional es un importante legado que han dejado generaciones anteriores y una parte de la cultura de los pueblos. Existen numerosos estudios sobre los aceites esenciales, en los cuales se destaca su gran utilidad en diversas áreas como productos cosméticos y perfumes, saborizantes, en la industria farmacéutica, etc. Varias investigaciones reportan las diferentes actividades biológicas que presentan los aceites esenciales (insecticidas, antioxidante, efecto antibacteriano y otros). Croton malambo H. Karst., pertenece a la familia Euphorbiaceae, es un árbol pequeño, de corteza aromática que crece en la costa norte colombiana y en la región oriental venezolana. Esta especie ha presentado actividad citotóxica, proapoptótica y actividad antiinflamatoria. OBJETIVO: estudiar la composición química volátil del aceite esencial del C. malambo y evaluar la posible actividad antioxidante de su aceite esencial. MÉTODOS: el aceite esencial fue obtenido de la corteza de C. malambo por hidrodestilación, la composición química volátil fue determinada mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a detector de espectrometría de masas. La capacidad antioxidante del aceite esencial de C. malambo se realizóa través del ensayo de decoloración del catión radical ABTS+. RESULTADOS: el compuesto mayoritario encontrado en el aceite esencial de C. malambo fue el metil eugenol (63,5 por ciento) y el linalool (5,6 por ciento). La actividad antioxidante total obtenida fue de 2,2 mmol trolox/kg de aceite esencial. CONCLUSIONES: el aceite esencial de C. malambo está formado por compuestos químicos de amplio uso en la industria farmacéutica. No presentó una marcada actividad antioxidante comparadas con las del BHA, BHT, a-tocoferol.

INTRODUCTION: the use of plants for therapeutic purposes in traditional medicine is an important legacy that previous generations have left and a part of the culture of peoples. There are numerous studies on essential oils, in which its usefulness in various areas such as the manufacture of perfumes, cosmetics, flavors, pharmaceutical industry, etc. are highlighted. Several researches reported on the various biological activities having essential oils (insecticides, antioxidant, antibacterial effect, etc.). Croton malambo H. Karst. belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae, it is an aromatic small tree growing in the Colombian northern coast and in eastern Venezuela. This species has cytotoxic activity, proapoptosis and anti-inflammatory activity. OBJECTIVE: to study the volatile chemical composition of essential oil of C. malambo and to evaluate the possible antioxidant activity of essential oil. METHODS: the essential oil was obtained from the Croton malambo H. Karst bark. by hydrodistillation, the volatile chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS). The antioxidant potential of essential oil of C. malambo was determined by decoloration assay of stable radical cation ABTS+. RESULTS: the major components found in the essential oil of C. malambo were methyl eugenol (63,5 percent) and linalool (5,6 percent). The TAA obtained was 2,2 mmol trolox/kg essential oil. CONCLUSIONS: the essential oil of C. malambo is formed by chemical compounds widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. It did not provide a strong antioxidant activity compared with the activity of BHA, BHT, a-tocopherol.

[Characterization of the Helicobacter pylori vacuolating cytotoxin gene in gastric biopsy specimens from patients living in Tolima, Colombia]. / Caracterización del gen de la citotoxina vacuolizante de Helicobacter pylori a partir de biopsias gástricas de pacientes residentes en Tolima, Colombia.

Helicobacter pylori successfully colonizes the gastric niche. These bacteria produce a vacuolating cytotoxin known as VacA, which is codified by the vacA gene. This protein represents an important virulence factor. H. pylori strains have different vacA alleles, which show a variety of phenotypes that have been associated with gastrointestinal diseases. The aim of this study was to generate data about the prevalence of H. pylori and the vacA genotype in Tolima (Colombia) residents, and to evaluate if there exists a relationship between these data and the development of different gastrointestinal pathologies. Seventy three patients with different pathologies were included. The DNA extracted from biopsy specimens was analyzed and the presence of bacteria was determined by amplifying a fragment of the 16 rDNA gene. The vacA genotype was also determined by PCR. Fifty-two percent out of the 50 genotyped samples showed vacA s1m1 allele, 42% vacA s2m2, 4% s1m2, and 2% s1,s2,m1,m2. A higher sensitivity for the detection of H. pylori was evidenced by amplifying the vacA gene rather than the 16S rDNA gene. No association was found between the vacA genotype and the gastrointestinal diseases included in the study.

Caracterización del gen de la citotoxina vacuolizante de Helicobacter pylori a partir de biopsias gástricas de pacientes residentes en Tolima, Colombia / Characterization of the Helicobacter pylori vacuolating cytotoxin gene in gastric biopsy specimens from patients living in Tolima, Colombia

Helicobacter pylori es una bacteria que coloniza la mucosa gástrica de los humanos. Este microorganismo produce una citotoxina vacuolizante conocida como VacA y codificada por el gen vacA, el que se considera un factor de virulencia importante. Las cepas de H. pylori con diferentes alelos de vacA exhiben una gran variedad de fenotipos, algunos de los cuales han sido asociados con enfermedades gastroduodenales. El presente estudio pretende aportar datos sobre la prevalencia de H. pylori y de los genotipos de vacA en pacientes residentes en Tolima (Colombia), así como determinar la relación entre estos datos y el desarrollo de diferentes patologías gastroduodenales. Se incluyeron en este análisis 73 pacientes con diferentes patologías gástricas. Con el ADN total extraído de cada biopsia, se determinó la presencia de la bacteria mediante la amplificación de un fragmento específico del gen 16S ADNr. También se realizó la genotipificación del gen vacA por PCR. De las 50 muestras genotipificadas, el 52% mostró el alelo vacA s1m1, el 42% el alelo vacA s2m2, el 4% el s1m2 y el 2% los alelos s1,s2,m1,m2. Se evidenció una mayor sensibilidad en la detección de H. pylori por medio del gen vacA que por el gen 16S ADNr. En la población evaluada no se encontró asociación entre el genotipo de vacA y la presencia de las distintas patologías incluidas en este estudio.

Helicobacter pylori successfully colonizes the gastric niche. These bacteria produce a vacuolating cytotoxin known as VacA, which is codified by the vacA gene. This protein represents an important virulence factor. H. pylori strains have different vacA alleles, which show a variety of phenotypes that have been associated with gastrointestinal diseases. The aim of this study was to generate data about the prevalence of H. pylori and the vacA genotype in Tolima (Colombia) residents, and to evaluate if there exists a relationship between these data and the development of different gastrointestinal pathologies. Seventy three patients with different pathologies were included. The DNA extracted from biopsy specimens was analyzed and the presence of bacteria was determined by amplifying a fragment of the 16 rDNA gene. The vacA genotype was also determined by PCR. Fifty-two percent out of the 50 genotyped samples showed vacA s1m1 allele, 42% vacA s2m2, 4% s1m2, and 2% s1,s2,m1,m2. A higher sensitivity for the detection of H. pylori was evidenced by amplifying the vacA gene rather than the 16S rDNA gene. No association was found between the vacA genotype and the gastrointestinal diseases included in the study.

Propuesta para el desarrollo de la salud en el ámbito rural / Rural health care, a proposal

Este artículo resume una propuesta organizacional para la atención de salud rural, realizada a solicitud del Servicio de Salud Llanquihue Chiloé Palena, por los autores entre enero y abril del 2007. Realiza un análisis esencialmente cualitativo de la situación rural en el área del Servicio de Salud y un diagnóstico centrado en una hipótesis unitaria: la salud rural ha extraviado el espíritu que la animó en las décadas precedentes. Del diagnóstico se desprende la identidad territorial y el conocimiento local como pilares indispensables para recuperar ese espíritu. La propuesta se centra en la construcción de equipos territoriales, autónomos y públicos.

This paper is a summary of an organizational proposal for rural health. Between January and April 2007 we prepared a document requested by Llanquihue Chiloé Palena Health Service. We did a research and qualitative diagnosis of rural health situation in Health Service area. Our analysis is based in a unitary hypothesis: rural health has loosed its spirit. From the diagnosis we recognized territorial identity and local knowledge as essentials tools for the spirit recovery. The proposal is then focused in the construction of public, autonomic and territorial health teams.