Antiprotozoal screening of the Cuban native plant Scutellaria havanensis.

CONTEXT: Scutellaria havanensis Jacq. (Lamiaceae) is a native medicinal herb with a history of use in Cuba. OBJECTIVE: This study screens the antiprotozoal activity of S. havanensis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chloroform and methanol extracts from leaves and stems were evaluated in vitro at doses between 0.015 and 200 µg/mL against protozoan parasites: Plasmodium berghei, Trichomonas vaginalis and Leishmania amazonensis. Chloroform and methanol extracts were characterized by GC/MS. Cytotoxicity against mouse peritoneal macrophages was tested in parallel. RESULTS: Scutellaria havanensis extracts exhibited IC50 values between 7.7 and 32.2 µg/mL against trophozoites of P. berghei and T. vaginalis; while the extracts were inactive against L. amazonensis promastigotes. Trichomonicidal activity of methanol extract exhibited the best selectivity but chloroform extract showed the highest antiplasmodial, trichomonicidal and cytotoxic activity. The majority of compounds in the chloroform extract were hydroxy and/or methoxyflavones (77.96%), in particular, wogonin (48.27%). In methanol extract, wogonin (5.89%) was detected. Trichomonicidal effect of wogonin was moderate (IC50 = 56 µM) and unspecific with respect to macrophages (SI = 2). On the contrary, antiplasmodial activity of wogonin were particularly active (IC50 = 15 µM) demonstrating a higher selectivity index (SI = 7.4). CONCLUSIONS: Wogonin is an active principle compound of the chloroform extract of S. havanensis against P. berghei and T. vaginalis trophozoites, whereas the methanol extract of S. havanensis should be investigated more deeply as a trichomonicide. Our findings suggest that wogonin is potentially useful for the development of antimalarial alternative treatments.

Adaptation of a culturally relevant nutrition and physical activity program for low-income, Mexican-origin parents with young children.

Latino children experience higher rates of obesity than do non-Latino white children. Family-centered nutrition interventions can slow the rate of weight gain in this population. Niños Sanos, Familia Sana (Healthy Children, Healthy Family) is a 5-year, community-based, participatory research study that targets rural Mexican-origin farmworker families with children aged 2 to 8 years in California's Central Valley. Adaptation of a culturally relevant obesity prevention program involved qualitative research to tailor key obesity prevention messages, pilot testing and implementation of key messages and activities at family nights, and continual modification to incorporate culturally innovative elements. Of the 238 families enrolled, 53% (125) attended the recommended minimum of 5 (of 10 possible) classes during the first year. A university and community partnership can guide development of a culturally tailored obesity prevention program that is suitable for reaching a high-risk Mexican-origin audience through cooperative extension and other public health programs.

Candelilla Wax Edible Coating with Flourensia cernua Bioactives to Prolong the Quality of Tomato Fruits.

The improvement of the postharvest quality of tomato fruits was evaluated using an edible coating functionalized with an Flourensia cernua extract evaluating the antifungal, structural, barrier, and optical properties. The formulation and evaluation of an edible coating and its application on tomato was evaluated using a response surface methodology to determine the ideal concentrations of candelilla wax, whey protein, and glycerol. Edible films showed good barrier properties, with water vapor permeability varying from 0.435-0.404 g mm/m2 day kPa. The addition o F. cernua extract showed significant improvement in the transparency of films. The edible coating applied to tomato reduced weight and firmness loss. The sensory evaluation proved that the product obtained is acceptable for consumers. The edible coating added with F. cernua extract was the most effective in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic fungi and the visual appearance at the end of storage confirmed the beneficial effect of the edible coating.

Usos y vías de administración de la lidocaína en oftalmología / Uses and Ways of Administering Lidocaine in Ophthalmology

La lidocaína es el anestésico local más utilizado a nivel mundial para la cirugía de catarata. También se usa de manera común en otras intervenciones quirúrgicas oftalmológicas del segmento anterior, la superficie del globo ocular, los párpados y vías lagrimales, así como en el segmento posterior del ojo. Esta revisión pretende brindar una actualización sobre las principales características, los efectos y vías de administración de la lidocaína usada en la oftalmología. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática sobre el tema en publicaciones científicas indexadas en bases de datos, cuya información recopilada se resumió en este trabajo. La lidocaína se presenta en múltiples formas farmacéuticas, con variedad en concentración y formulación. Por lo general, para inyección se usan las concentraciones al 0,5 por ciento, 1 por ciento y 2 por ciento, para anestesia tópica en gel al 2 por ciento y en solución oftálmica al 4 por ciento. Su efecto como anestésico local es bien conocido, a nivel ocular se puede conseguir a través de inyecciones perioculares e intraoculares o mediante su aplicación tópica. Este efecto anestésico de la lidocaína ofrece cierta capacidad de dilatación pupilar, el cual se ha estudiado y aprovechado con frecuencia en los últimos años. Hoy día se encuentran en estudio otros efectos de la lidocaína a nivel local y sistémico. Los usos de la lidocaína en la oftalmología actual, están respaldados fundamentalmente por su eficacia y seguridad comprobadas en el tiempo(AU)

Lidocaine is the most widely used local anesthetic worldwide for cataract surgery. It is also commonly used in other ophthalmic surgical procedures of the anterior segment, surface of the eyeball, eyelids and lacrimal ducts, as well as in the posterior segment of the eye. This review aims to provide an update on the main characteristics, effects and ways of administering lidocaine used in ophthalmology. A systematic search on the subject was carried out in scientific publications indexed in databases, the information collected was summarized in this work. Lidocaine comes in multiple pharmaceutical forms, with a variety of concentrations and formulations. Generally, 0.5 percent, 1 percent and 2 percent concentrations are used for injection, 2 percent for topical anesthesia in gel and 4% in ophthalmic solution. Its effect as a local anesthetic is well known, at ocular level it can be achieved through periocular and intraocular injections or by topical application. This anesthetic effect of lidocaine offers some pupillary dilation capacity, which has been frequently studied and exploited in recent years. Other local and systemic effects of lidocaine are currently under study. The uses of lidocaine in ophthalmology today are supported primarily by its time-tested efficacy and safety(AU)

9-Borabicyclo[3.3.2]decanes and the asymmetric hydroboration of 1,1-disubstituted alkenes.

The syntheses of the optically pure asymmetric hydroborating agents 1 (a, R = Ph; b, R = TMS) in both enantiomeric forms are reported. These reagents are effective for the hydroboration of cis-, trans- and trisubstituted alkenes. More significantly, they exhibit unprecedented levels of selectivity in the asymmetric hydroboration of 1,1-disubstituted alkenes (28-92% ee), a previously unanswered challenge in the nearly 50 year history of this reagent-controlled process. For example, the hydroboration of alpha-methylstyrene with 1a produces the corresponding alcohol 6f in 78% ee (cf., Ipc2BH, 5% ee). Suzuki coupling of the intermediate adducts 5 produces the nonracemic products 7 very effectively (50-84%) without loss of optical purity.

In vitro anti-microbial activity of the Cuban medicinal plants Simarouba glauca DC, Melaleuca leucadendron L and Artemisia absinthium L.

In the present study, an extensive in vitro antimicrobial profiling was performed for three medicinal plants grown in Cuba, namely Simarouba glauca, Melaleuca leucadendron and Artemisia absinthium. Ethanol extracts were tested for their antiprotozoal potential against Trypanosoma b. brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania infantum and Plasmodium falciparum. Antifungal activities were evaluated against Microsporum canis and Candida albicans whereas Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were used as test organisms for antibacterial activity. Cytotoxicity was assessed against human MRC-5 cells. Only M. leucadendron extract showed selective activity against microorganisms tested. Although S. glauca exhibited strong activity against all protozoa, it must be considered non-specific. The value of integrated evaluation of extracts with particular reference to selectivity is discussed.

Resultados de la cirugía de catarata en pacientes longevos / Outcomes of Cataract Surgery in Long-lived Patients

Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados clínico-quirúrgicos de la cirugía de catarata del primer ojo y su efecto en la calidad de vida de pacientes longevos. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación longitudinal prospectiva, del tipo series de casos en pacientes de 80 y más años de edad (longevos) sometidos a cirugía de catarata en un primer ojo con implante de lente intraocular. Se compararon los resultados visuales y la calidad de vida autopercibida, antes y después de la cirugía. Se identificaron las causas oculares en los casos con impedimento visual posoperatorio. Resultados: Se estudiaron 88 pacientes con una edad promedio de 87,97 años. Predominaron los pacientes femeninos (63,63 por ciento), de color de piel blanca (75 por ciento), con hipertensión arterial (61,36 por ciento) y diabetes mellitus (23,86 por ciento). El 18,18 por ciento tenía antecedentes oculares de glaucoma. Se utilizó la facoemulsificación en el 52,27 por ciento como técnica quirúrgica. El síndrome de iris fláccido intraoperatorio y la hipertensión ocular fueron las complicaciones intraoperatorias más frecuentes. El edema corneal predominó como complicación posquirúrgica (10,2 por ciento). La función visual (agudeza visual sin corrección y agudeza visual mejor corregida), así como la calidad de vida autopercibida mejoraron significativamente en el posoperatorio (p < 0,001). La degeneración macular asociada a la edad y la membrana epiretiniana fueron las principales causas, en ese orden, de impedimento visual posoperatorio. Conclusiones: La cirugía de catarata del primer ojo mejora la función visual y la calidad de vida autopercibida de pacientes longevos. La degeneración macular asociada a la edad es la principal causa del impedimento visual posoperatorio de estos pacientes(AU)

Objective: To evaluate the clinical-surgical outcomes of cataract surgery of the first eye and its effect on quality of life in long-lived patients. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal, case series type investigation was performed in patients 80 years of age and older (long-lived) who underwent first eye cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation. Visual outcomes and self-perceived quality of life before and after surgery were compared. Ocular causes were identified in cases with postoperative visual impairment. Results: We studied 88 patients with an average age of 87.97 years. Female patients predominated (63.63 percent), with white skin color (75 percent), with arterial hypertension (61.36 percent) and diabetes mellitus (23.86 percent). 18,18 percent had an ocular history of glaucoma. Phacoemulsification was used as a surgical technique in 52.27 percent. Intraoperative flaccid iris syndrome and ocular hypertension were the most frequent intraoperative complications. Corneal edema predominated as a postoperative complication (10.2 percent). Visual function (uncorrected visual acuity and best corrected visual acuity) as well as self-perceived quality of life improved significantly postoperatively (p < 0.001). Age-related macular degeneration and epiretinal membrane were the main causes, in that order, of postoperative visual impairment. Conclusions: First eye cataract surgery improves visual function and self-perceived quality of life in long-lived patients. Age-related macular degeneration is the main cause of postoperative visual impairment in these patients(AU)

Correlation of the expression of YY1 and Fas cell surface death receptor with apoptosis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and the development of multiple organ dysfunction in children with sepsis.

Multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) is a lethal complication in children with sepsis. Apoptosis of several cell types is involved in this process, and it is associated with increased Fas cell surface death receptor (Fas) expression. As YY1 transcription factor (YY1) negatively regulates the expression of Fas in cancer models, and is associated with the clinical outcome, it may be important in MOD. The present study aimed to determine the association between the expression of Fas, YY1 and apoptosis in children with sepsis, and its association with MOD, these factors were analyzed in 30 pediatric patients that had been diagnosed with sepsis. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were purified from patients, and YY1 and Fas protein expression was assessed by immunocytochemistry. Apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick­end labeling. Sepsis was monitored using clinical parameters, pediatric logistic organ dysfunction (PELOD) score and the pediatric mortality index. The results demonstrated that Fas expression was directly correlated with apoptosis levels and the expression of YY1 was inversely correlated with apoptosis levels. Patients with high levels of apoptosis exhibited increased disease severity and poor clinical outcome. Notably, the findings of the present study demonstrated that there were higher survival rates in patients with high YY1 expression, compared with those with low YY1 expression. Additionally, patients with MOD exhibited lower proportions of apoptotic cells compared with sepsis patients without MOD. Furthermore, the PELOD score was positively correlated with Fas and inversely correlated with YY1 expression. Finally, high apoptosis and low YY1 expression were prognostic factors associated with poor survival rates. These data suggested that YY1 may be important for apoptosis induction via the regulation of Fas during sepsis. Therefore, Fas may be a potential therapeutic target to prevent MOD through regulation of YY1 expression. Furthermore, YY1 and Fas expression in PBMCs may be used to as prognostic markers.

Actividad antiplasmodial de plantas usadas en la medicina tradicional contra la malaria en Cuba / Antiplasmodial activity of plant species used in traditional medicine for the control of malaria in Cuba

Introducción: Las plantas utilizadas en la medicina tradicional se exploran internacionalmente como fuentes valiosas de nuevos agentes antipalúdicos. Objetivos: Evaluar la actividad inhibidora in vitro frente a Plasmodium berghei de extractos de 27 especies de plantas utilizadas en el siglo pasado contra la malaria en Cuba, valorando los precedentes de estudios científicos de estas especies. Métodos: Se prepararon extractos etanólicos de 27 especies de plantas que se evaluaron in vitro a través de la inhibición de la esquizogonia de P. berghei ANKA. Se realizó una revisión basada en la consulta de artículos científicos para la clasificación de actividad basada en rangos de CI50. Resultados: Dieciséis especies mostraron precedentes de actividad inhibidora in vitro o su utilización en la medicina tradicional de otros países; siete especies no mostraron actividad coincidente. Solamente los extractos hidroalcohólicos de Euphorbia tithymaloides L. (partes aéreas) y Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq. (corteza) fueron activos con CI50 ≤ 5 µg/mL, mientras para Colubrina arborescens (Mill.) Sarg. (corteza), la CI50 fue 14,3 ± 1,9 µg/mL. Extractos de 11 especies se probaron por el interés de su utilización en Cuba, sin precedentes etnobotánicos y experimentales disponibles. Entre estos, las partes aéreas de Baccharis halimifolia L. var. angustior DC; y de Oxandra lanceolata (Sw.) Baill. constituyeron fuentes antiplasmodiales de valores moderados de CI50. El resto de los extractos no fueron activos. Conclusiones: Estos resultados apoyan el uso en medicina tradicional en Cuba contra malaria de E. tithymaloides, S. mahagoni, C. arborescens, B. halimifolia y O. lanceolata, lo cual estimula a ampliar su estudio.

Introduction: Plants used in traditional medicine are studied worldwide as valuable sources of new antiplasmodial agents. Objective: To evaluate the in vitro inhibitory activity against Plasmodium berghei of extracts from 27 plant species used in the last century against malaria in Cuba and assess the previous scientific studies on these species. Methods: Ethanolic extracts from 27 plant species were prepared and evaluated in vitro by inhibiting the schizogony of P. berghei ANKA. A review of scientific papers was conducted to classify the activity based on IC50. Results: Sixteen species showed precedents of inhibitory activity in vitro or of their use in traditional medicine in other countries; seven species did not show coincident activity. Only hydroalcoholic extracts from Euphorbia tithymaloides L. (aerial parts) and Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq. (bark) displayed activity at IC50 ≤ 5 µg/mL, while for Colubrina arborescens (Mill.) Sarg. (bark) IC50 was 14.3 ± 1.9 µg/mL. Extracts from 11 species, with no ethnobotanical and experimental precedents available, were evaluated given the interest of their use in Cuba. Of these species, the aerial parts of Baccharis halimifolia L. var. angustior DC and Oxandra lanceolata (Sw.) Baill. constituted antiplasmodial sources of moderate IC50 values. The rest of the extracts were not active. Conclusions: These results support the use of E. tithymaloides, S. mahagoni, C. arborescens, B. halimifolia y O. lanceolata in traditional medicine against malaria in Cuba, which stimulate further studies.

Seguridad del uso combinado de lidocaína y fenilefrina como midriáticos intracamerales en la cirugía de catarata / Safety of the combined use of lidocaine and phenylephrine as intracameral mydriatics in cataract surgery

Objetivo: Evaluar la seguridad ocular y sistémica de una combinación de lidocaína 2 por ciento y fenilefrina 1 por ciento administrada por vía intracameral para provocar midriasis intraoperatoria en la cirugía de catarata. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo de serie de casos en 70 ojos de igual número de pacientes sometidos a facoemulsificación con implante de lente intraocular. El grupo midriasis intraoperatoria en la cirugía lo conformaron 35 pacientes dilatados con una inyección intracameral de lidocaína y fenilefrina antes de la cirugía, mientras otros 35 ojos se dilataron de manera tradicional, con un colirio midriático previo. Para la seguridad ocular se evaluaron múltiples parámetros del examen oftalmológico pre- y posoperatorio. Resultados: La presión intraocular, el espesor corneal central, la densidad celular del endotelio corneal y el edema corneal posoperatorio como hallazgo del segmento anterior se comportaron de manera similar en ambos grupos de estudio. Se reportó una complicación transoperatoria en el grupo de manera tradicional y un caso con edema quístico macular posoperatorio en el grupo midriasis intraoperatoria en la cirugía que no representaron diferencias significativas. Conclusión: La inyección de lidocaína más fenilefrina intracameral es una opción segura tanto ocular como sistémica para provocar midriasis durante la facoemulsificación(AU)

Objective: Evaluate the ocular and systemic safety of a combination of 2 percent lidocaine and 1 percent phenylephrine administered intracamerally to achieve intraoperative mydriasis in cataract surgery. Methods: A prospective study was conducted of a case series of 70 patients (70 eyes) who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. The intraoperative mydriasis group was composed of 35 patients dilated with an intracameral injection of lidocaine and phenylephrine before surgery, whereas another 35 eyes were dilated by the conventional method, with mydriatic eye drops. Ocular safety evaluation was based on the analysis of a wide variety of pre- and postoperative ophthalmological examination parameters. Results: Intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, corneal endothelial cell density and postoperative corneal edema as an anterior segment finding, behaved in a similar manner in both study groups. An intraoperative complication was reported in the conventional method group and a case with postoperative cystoid macular edema in the intraoperative mydriasis group group, neither of them exhibiting significant differences. Conclusion: Intracameral lidocaine plus phenylephrine injection is a safe ocular and systemic option to achieve mydriasis during phacoemulsification(AU)

Encefalitis por amebas de vida libre: herramientas actuales para el diagnóstico y tratamiento tempranos / Free-living amoeba encephalitis: current tools for early diagnosis and treatment

Introducción: Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba spp. y Balamuthia mandrillaris son amebas de vida libre que producen daños sustanciales del sistema nervioso central y cuyo diagnóstico premortem es poco frecuente. Objetivo: Proveer una visión general de los aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos y las posibilidades diagnósticas más eficaces en la meningoencefalitis amebiana primaria y la encefalitis granulomatosa amebiana, así como las experiencias de tratamiento expuestas en la literatura reciente. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sobre las amebas de vida libre. Se analizó la información obtenida de artículos científicos en la base de datos Google Scholar®, PubMed y las citas relacionadas por el programa en PubMed Central. Análisis y síntesis de la información: En primer término del análisis de la meningoencefalitis amebiana primaria y la encefalitis granulomatosa amebiana, resalta la diferenciación de sus características clínicas y epidemiológicas, también que el líquido cefalorraquídeo presenta gran relevancia para el diagnóstico de la meningoencefalitis amebiana primaria. Sin embargo, para los casos presuntivos de la encefalitis granulomatosa amebiana el examen del líquido cefalorraquídeo depende de la valoración riesgo-beneficio y se ha obtenido mayor positividad con el diagnóstico histopatológico de biopsias premortem. En general, se acrecienta la implementación de la investigación del ADN por diferentes métodos que brindan certeza de cada una de las especies de AVL causantes de enfermedad neurológica. El aislamiento en cultivo confirmatorio de N. fowleri, Acanthamoeba spp. y B. mandrillaris presenta diferencias en la factibilidad de crecimiento en diversos medios de acuerdo con la especie y limitaciones adicionales. Conclusiones: La mortalidad asociada con las infecciones del sistema nervioso central por amebas de vida libre permanece alta, aunque varios estudios brindan experiencias útiles a partir de los casos de pacientes que han sobrevivido. Resulta importante tener en cuenta que el diagnóstico rápido de la infección es clave para un tratamiento exitoso(AU)

Introduction: Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba spp. and Balamuthia mandrillaris are free-living amoebae of infrequent premortem diagnosis which cause substantial damage to the central nervous system. Objective: To provide an overview of the clinical-epidemiological aspects and the most effective diagnostic possibilities in primary amebic meningoencephalitis and granulomatous amebic encephalitis, as well as their treatment experiences in recent publications.. Methods: A bibliographic review was conducted about free-living amoebae. An analysis was performed of data obtained from scientific papers published in the databases Google Scholar and PubMed, and the citations listed by the PubMed Central program. Data analysis and synthesis: As principal term of the analysis of primary amebic meningoencephalitis and amebic granulomatous encephalitis, the differentiation of their clinical and epidemiological characteristics stands out, also that cerebrospinal fluid is highly relevant for the diagnosis of primary amebic meningoencephalitis. However, for presumptive cases of amoebic granulomatous encephalitis, the examination of cerebrospinal fluid depends on the risk-benefit assessment and greater positivity has been obtained with the histopathological diagnosis of premortem biopsies. In general, the implementation of DNA research by different methods provided accurate information about each one of the free-living amoeba species that cause neurological disease. Confirmatory culture isolation of N. fowleri, Acanthamoeba spp. and B. mandrillaris revealed growth feasibility differences between diverse media depending on the species and additional limitations. Conclusions: Mortality associated to central nervous system infections caused by free-living amoebae remains high. Studies describing cases of patients who have survived constitute useful material. It is important to bear in mind that fast diagnosis of the disease is crucial to treatment success(AU)

Midriáticos intracamerales en la cirugía de catarata / Intracameral mydriatics in cataract surgery

RESUMEN Durante la cirugía de catarata, la inducción de la dilatación de la pupila (midriasis) y el mantenimiento de un grado adecuado de esta a lo largo de toda la operación son elementos críticos para la eliminación y el reemplazo exitoso del cristalino. Una pupila pequeña o un cierre pupilar durante la cirugía hacen que esta sea un desafío desde el punto de vista técnico y aumente el riesgo de complicaciones transquirúrgicas, por lo que una midriasis adecuada y mantenida ha permanecido hasta nuestros días como un pilar fundamental para maximizar la seguridad y los resultados refractivos de la cirugía de catarata moderna. Esta midriasis se consigue habitualmente con la aplicación previa de colirios anticolinérgicos y simpaticomiméticos, con los cuales el tiempo de espera para la dilatación pupilar es frecuentemente más largo que el procedimiento quirúrgico; tienen una significativa absorción sistémica que pueden aumentar el riesgo de efectos secundarios cardiovasculares, y el efecto midriático tiende a desaparecer durante la cirugía. Con el objetivo de acceder a la información actualizada sobre los fármacos midriáticos más usados de modo intracameral, sus dosis y formas de aplicación durante la cirugía de catarata, se realiza el presente trabajo de revisión(AU)

ABSTRACT In cataract surgery, induction and maintenance of an adequate degree of pupil dilation (mydriasis) throughout the operation are critical elements for the successful removal and replacement of the crystalline lens. A small pupil or pupil closure during surgery pose a technical challenge and increase the risk of intraoperative complications. This is the reason why adequate, maintained mydriasis has remained to this day a fundamental pillar to maximize both safety and satisfactory refractive results in modern cataract surgery. Mydriasis is normally achieved with the previous application of anticholinergic and sympathomimetic eye drops, for which the waiting time for pupil dilation is often longer than the surgical procedure, they have significant systemic absorption which may increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects, and the mydriatic effect tends to vanish during surgery. A bibliographic review was conducted with the purpose of accessing updated information about the most commonly used intracameral mydriatic drugs, their doses and modes of application during cataract surgery(AU)

Los sistemas de imágenes de alta tecnología en la cirugía de catarata / High-technology imaging systems in cataract surgery

La cirugía de catarata actual se ha convertido en una cirugía refractiva, pues se busca además la corrección del defecto refractivo tanto esférico como cilíndrico en el mismo proceder y, por tanto, la emetropía sin corrección óptica en todas las distancias. Para esto debemos tener una verdadera lectura del astigmatismo corneal total y una identificación correcta del meridiano a tratar. Hoy en día existen dispositivos de avanzada tecnología capaces de brindar estos y otros datos preoperatorios e intraoperatorios de gran confiabilidad. Algunos de estos sistemas como Verion, Callisto Eye y el TrueGuide, utilizan la topografía corneal con registro del limbo y, luego de capturar una imagen preoperatoria, la recuerdan durante la cirugía para generar el meridiano objetivo en un monitor o a través del microscopio quirúrgico, y de esta manera ayudar en la alineación precisa de la lente intraocular tórica. Incluso pueden ofrecer imágenes tridimensionales en vivo. Otros, por su parte, utilizan la aberrometría de frente de onda intraoperatoria para ayudar al cirujano a elegir el poder de la lente intraocular tórica y luego alinearla, como los sistemas ORA y Holos IntraOp. Estos instrumentos proporcionan retroalimentación refractiva continua en tiempo real para la corrección astigmática en el mismo acto quirúrgico. Sin dudas, estos sistemas son parte de una revolución tecnológica dentro del campo de la cirugía del cristalino actual que posibilitan una mayor precisión y predicción de los resultados refractivos y constituyen elementos imprescindibles si queremos conseguir una cirugía de catarata de excelencia. Se realiza esta revisión con el objetivo de obtener información acerca de los sistemas de imágenes de alta tecnología que se usan hoy día en la cirugía del cristalino y mostrar sus potencialidades para obtener resultados refractivos posoperatorios más exactos(AU)

Current cataract surgery has become refractive surgery, for it is also aimed at correcting both spherical and cylindrical refractive defects in the same procedure, thus achieving emmetropia without optical correction at all distances. For this we must have a true reading of the total corneal astigmatism and a correct identification of the meridian to be treated. Today there are advanced technological devices capable of providing these and other preoperative and intraoperative data with great reliability. Some of these systems, such as Verion, Callisto Eye and TrueGuide, use corneal topography with limbus registration and after capturing a preoperative image, they remember it during surgery to generate the target meridian on a monitor or through the surgical microscope, thus helping achieve precise alignment of the toric intraocular lens. They can even offer live three-dimensional images. Others, such as the ORA and Holos IntraOp systems, use intraoperative wavefront aberrometry to help the surgeon choose the power of the toric intraocular lens and then align it. These instruments provide continuous refractive feedback in real time for astigmatic correction in the same surgical act. Undoubtedly, these systems are part of a technological revolution within the field of current crystalline lens surgery that enable greater precision and prediction of refractive results and are essential elements if we want to achieve cataract surgery of excellence. This review was conducted to obtain information about high-technology imaging systems currently used in crystalline lens surgery, and show their potential to achieve more accurate postoperative refractive results(AU)

[In vivo antiplasmodial activity of Mycale laxissima and Clathria echinata sponges]. / Actividad antiplasmodial in vivo de las esponjas Mycale laxissima y Clathria echinata.

INTRODUCTION: the search of new antimalarial compounds comprises, among its challenges, the development of therapeutic alternatives for cerebral malaria; due to the high mortality and neurological deficiencies that persist after treatment with recommended drugs. OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the activity of organic fractions of Mycale laxissima and Clathria echinata in the cerebral malaria model of infection of C57BL/6 mice with Plasmodium berghei ANKA. METHODS: preparative fractions of both species were obtained by reverse-phase flash chromatography. In order to detect the presence of saponins, triterpenods/steroids and alkaloids, a qualitative chemical analysis was performed. The schyzontocidal effect of the extracts was determined by the suppression test at the beginning of the infection. Survival, neurological symptoms and body weight changes were evaluated in subsequent days. RESULTS: the organic fractions of Mycale laxissima at 200 mg/kg and Clathria echinata at 100 mg/kg showed neither substantial reductions of body weights, nor deaths of animals until day 4; but caused significant reductions of median parasitemia of 45 % and 53 % respectively. The fraction of Mycale laxissima at 200 mg/kg caused a significant increase in the median survival time up to day 20, whereas animals treated with Clathria echinata at 100 mg/kg presented a survival of 16 days. Both increases the survival time 7 days. Neurological alterations were not observed in the groups treated with organic fractions when compared to the control group. This survival extension was similar to the effect of administration of 7.5 mg/kg of chloroquine. CONCLUSIONS: the organic fractions of Mycale laxissima and Clathria echinata exhibited promising antimalarial activities in the infection model of C57BL/6 mice with Plasmodium berghei ANKA. This indicates that their active chemical constituents should be studied.

[Antimalarial activity of hydroalcoholic extract from Bixa orellana L]. / Actividad antimalárica de un extracto hidroalcohólico de Bixa orellana L.

INTRODUCTION: Bixa orellana L. is one species used in traditional herb medicine in several continents. Among the medicinal properties attributed to this plant, the antimalarial action has been included. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity of extract from B. orellana grown in Cuba. METHODS: the antimalarial activity of the hydroalcoholic extract fro Bija seeds was evaluated in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum Ghana strain and in vivo using a model of murine malaria, that is, Balb/c mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain. Citotoxicity was determined against MRC-5 human fibroblasts. Additionally, phytochemical composition of the studied extract was preliminarily informed. RESULTS: the extract exhibited IC50 (medium inhibitory concentration) of 11.6 microg/mL, CC50 (medium citotoxic concentration) of 60.2 microg/mL and SI (selectivity index) of 5.1. Subcutaneous administration of the extract at a 500 mg/kg dose caused parasitemia reduction of 50.3 +/- 5.8 % on infected animals compared with that of the controls. Phytochemical screening was consistent with detection of triterpenoids and/or steroids, alkaloids, lactonic compounds, phenols, tanins and flavonoids. CONCLUSIONS: the hydroalcoholic extract from B. orellona seeds grown in Cuba showed in vitro and in vivo moderate antimalarial activity. Bioassay-guided fractioning will allow identifying the molecules responsible for the exhibited extract activity and re-evaluating the potentialities of this extract.

[Antimalarial activity and cytotoxicity of hydroalcoholic extracts from six plant species used in Cuban traditional medicine]. / Actividad antimalárica y citotoxicidad de extractos hidroalcohólicos de seis especies de plantas usadas en la medicina tradicional cubana.

INTRODUCTION: Malaria is the most important parasitic disease for global health. Lack of the structural diversity in current antimalarials demands the urgent search for new therapeutic alternatives. The plants have shown their potential to provide effective antimalarials, therefore, a large sample of Cuban medicinal plants is being studied. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate antimalarial activity of extracts from six plant species and to determine their selectivity by meassuring cytotoxicity against human cells. METHODS: Hydroalcoholic extracts from Annona glabra L., Bidens pilosa L., Cecropia peltata L., Curcuma longa L., Hura crepitans L. and Pluchea odorata (L.) Cass. were prepared. Their activity was evaluated in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum and human fibroblasts MRC-5. The mean inhibitory concentration, the mean cytotoxic concentration and the selectivity index were estimated. A preliminary phytochemical screening of the most active extract was made. RESULTS: H. cre-pitans extract was the only one that showed good antiplasmodial activity (mean inhibitory concentration of 5,7 microg/mL) with excellent selectivity (selectivity index of 18,8). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, triterpenoids, alkaloids, quinones, flavonoids and anthocyanidins. CONCLUSIONS: One extract with potent antimalarial activity in vitro was obtained. This result is an incentive to continue studying this vegetal preparation.

Alteraciones oftalmológicas durante el embarazo / Ocular alterations during pregnancy

Los trastornos oftalmológicos son muy comunes durante el embarazo. Se realiza la presente revisión con el objetivo de documentar las variadas condiciones oculares que podrían aparecer durante la gestación o se podrían modificar por esta, lo que conllevaría estar bien atentos sobre las gestantes que aquejan trastornos visuales. Durante el período de gestación las mujeres se exponen a variados cambios tanto a nivel sistémico como ocular. A partir de algunos de estos cambios, el embarazo origina alteraciones a nivel ocular, los cuales son la mayoría de las veces transitorias, aunque en ocasiones pueden establecerse de forma permanente. Los efectos oculares del embarazo pueden ser fisiológicos, patológicos o pueden ocasionar modificaciones de condiciones prexistentes. De esta manera, pueden observarse en este período cambios a nivel de los párpados, la córnea, el cristalino, la presión intraocular, el campo visual, entre otros. También exacerbaciones de patologías como retinopatía diabética, enfermedad de Grave y retinitis por toxoplasma, así como complicaciones provocadas por el propio embarazo como preclampsia-eclampsia, desprendimiento de retina seroso, ceguera cortical, síndrome de HELLP, retinopatía serosa central, etcétera. Se relacionan además alteraciones neuroftalmológicas y complicaciones oftálmicas en relación con el parto, como trombosis del seno venoso, adenoma pituitario, hipertensión intracraneal benigna, neuritis óptica, así como retinopatía y síndrome de Sheehan(AU)

Ocular disorders are very common in pregnancy. The present review was aimed at documenting the varied eye conditions that might occur during pregnancy or might be modified by it, which would imply that pregnant women suffering visual disorders should be carefully watched. During pregnancy, women are exposed to a range of changes both at the systemic and ocular levels.so much at systemic as ocular level. Due to some of these changes, the pregnancy gives rise to ocular changes which are mostly temporary, although they may occasionally become permanent. The ocular effects of pregnancy can be physiologic, pathological or they can modify pre-existing conditions. In this period, one can observe changes in the eyelids, the cornea, the crystalline lens, the intraocular pressure, the visual field and others. There is also exacerbations in pathologies such as diabetic retinopathy, Grave´s disease and toxoplasmic retinitis, as well as complications derived from pregnancy as is the case of preclampsia-eclampsia, serous retinal detachment, cortical blindness, HELLP syndrome, central serous retinopathy, among others. Neurophthalmological and ophthalmic complications in connection with the delivery such as venous sinus thrombosis, benign intracranial hypertension, pituitary adenoma, meningioma and optic neuritis as well as retinopathy and Sheehan´s syndrome were found(AU)

In vitro antimalarial activity and cytotoxicity of some selected cuban medicinal plants.

Terrestrial plants have been demonstrated to be sources of antimalarial compounds. In Cuba, little is known about antimalarial potentials of plant species used as medicinals. For that reason, we evaluated the antimalarial activity of 14 plant species used in Cuba as antimalarial, antipyretic and/or antiparasitic. Hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared and tested in vitro for the antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum Ghana strain and over human cell line MRC-5 to determine cytotoxicity. Parasite multiplication was determined microscopically by the direct count of Giemsa stained parasites. A colorimetric assay was used to quantify cytotoxicity. Nine extracts showed IC50 values lower than 100 µg/mL against P. falciparum, four extracts were classified as marginally active (SI < 4), one as partially active (Parthenium hysterophorus) exhibiting SI equal to 6.2 and two extracts as active (Bambusa vulgaris and Punica granatum), showing SI > 10. B. vulgaris showed the most potent and specific antiplasmodial action (IC50 = 4.7 µg/mL, SI = 28.9). Phytochemical characterization of active extracts confirmed the presence of triterpenoids in B. vulgaris and polar compounds with phenol free groups and fluorescent metabolites in both extracts as major phytocompounds, by thin layer chromatography. In conclusion, antimalarial use of B. vulgaris and P. hysterophorus was validated. B. vulgaris and P. granatum extracts were selected for follow-up because of their strong antimalarial activity.

Leishmanicidal activity of Echinaster (Othilia) echinophorus crude extract.

In this study, a methanolic extract from Echinaster (Othilia) echinophorus was evaluated for activity against Leishmania amazonensis. The extract showed activity against the promastigote and amastigote forms with IC50 values of 62.9 and 37.5 microg.mL-1 respectively. This extract showed a moderate toxicity on macrophages from BALB/c mice. A dose of 100 mg/kg/day was effective when administered during 15 days by intraperitoneal route to BALB/c mice infected experimentally.

Actividad anti-plasmodial de especies de Solanaceae presentes en Cuba / Antiplasmodial activity of Solanaceae species present in Cuba

Introducción: el control de la malaria depende en gran medida de una terapia efectiva. Muchos de los anti-maláricos actuales son de origen natural. Especies de la flora cubana contienen metabolitos anti-Plasmodium. En este estudio, se identifican extractos de Solanaceae con actividad antiplasmodial promisoria. Objetivo: evaluar la actividad esquizonticida frente a Plasmodium berghei de 31 extractos de 7 especies, correspondientes a 5 géneros de plantas de Solanaceae, colectadas en el occidente de nuestro país y sin antecedentes de un estudio similar. Métodos: se prepararon 31 extractos hidroalcohólicos (90 y 30 por ciento etanol) de diferentes órganos de: Brunfelsia undulata Sw., Datura stramonium L. var. tatula (L.) Torr., Physalis solanaceus (Schltdl.) Axelius, Solandra longiflora Tuss., Solanum myriacanthum Dunal, Solanum seaforthianum And. ySolanum umbellatum Mill.La actividad de los extractos se evaluó in vitro frente a P. berghei y se determinó su citotoxicidad frente a fibroblastos humanos MRC-5. Resultados: los extractos deB. undulata y S. umbellatumfueron inactivos.El extracto de tallos de S. seaforthianummostró la actividad antiplasmodial más potente (CI50 = 3,9µg/mL) con excelentes electividad (18,2). Conclusiones: se demostró la actividad anti-plasmodial in vitro de extractos de cinco especies de Solanaceae sin antecedentes de esta acción farmacológica. Se identificó un extracto con potente actividad esquizonticida frente a P. berghei y con excelente selectividad. Este resultado nos anima a continuar el estudio de la preparación vegetal de S. seaforthianum(AU)