Effectiveness and safety of prophylactic phototherapy to prevent jaundice in premature newborns: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

To determine the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic phototherapy compared with conventional phototherapy for the prevention of neonatal jaundice. We included clinical trials comparing prophylactic phototherapy to conventional phototherapy to prevent jaundice in premature newborns. We searched Embase, MEDLINE, LILACS, Central, and others. The statistical analysis was performed in RevMan (Review Manager 5.3). Outcomes were analyzed according to the type of variable: risk difference (RD) and mean difference (MD). A random effects model was used due to heterogeneity. We reported results in forest plots. Risk of bias was evaluated, and a sensitivity analysis was made. 1127 articles were found, and six studies (2332 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Five studies evaluated the need for exchange transfusion as the primary outcome RD -0.01, 95% CI [-0.05 to 0.03]. One study evaluated bilirubin encephalopathy RD -0.04, 95% CI [-0.09 to 0.00]. Five studies evaluated the duration of phototherapy, MD 38.47, 95% CI [1.28 to 55.67]. Four studies evaluated levels of bilirubin (MD -1.23, 95% CI [-2.25 to -0.21]. Two studies evaluated mortality, RD 0.01, 95% CI [-0.03 to 0.04]. As a conclusion, compared to conventional phototherapy, prophylactic phototherapy decreases the last measured level of bilirubin, as well as the probability of neurodevelopmental disturbances. However, it increases phototherapy duration.

In Vitro Analysis of Extracts of Plant Used in Mexican Traditional Medicine, Which Are Useful to Combat Clostridioides difficile Infection.

Recently, a worrying acceleration of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been reported. The increase in antibiotic-associated diseases, such as Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), has promoted research on new treatments that could be more effective and less aggressive for CDI patients. This study evaluates eight plants with antimicrobial activity commonly used in Mexican traditional medicine to evaluate their potential against C. difficile. We provide essential information about these plants' activities and action mechanisms against C. difficile and their effect on different bacterial infection activities: motility, adherence, sporulation, and germination. The selected plants are rosemary, estafiate, rue, epazote, mint, toloache, ajenjo, and thyme. We used clinical isolates to test their activity against strains responsible for current outbreaks to provide more information about the clinical impact of these extracts. We found that thyme, ajenjo, and mint were the most effective against the isolates. We identified that the extracts affected protein synthesis. In addition, the extracts affect the strains' motility, and some, such as thyme extract, affect adherence, whereas rue extract affects sporulation. These results led to the identification of new compounds beneficial to CDI treatment.

Colostrum IgA1 antibodies recognize antigens from Helicobacter pylori and prevent cytoskeletal changesin human epithelial cells.

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium found on the luminal surface of the gastric mucosa in at least 50% of the world's human population. The protective effect of breastfeeding against H. pylori infection has been extensively reported; however, the mechanisms behind this protection remain poorly understood. Human IgA from colostrum has reactivity against H. pylori antigens. Despite that IgA1 and IgA2 display structural and functional differences, their reactivity against H. pylori had not been previously determined. We attested titers and reactivity of human colostrum-IgA subclasses by ELISA, immunoblot, and flow cytometry. Colostrum samples from healthy mothers had higher titers of IgA; and IgA1 mostly recognized H. pylori antigens. Moreover, we found a correlation between IgA1 reactivity and their neutralizing effect determined by inhibition of cytoskeletal changes in AGS cells infected with H. pylori. In conclusion, colostrum-IgA reduces H. pylori infection of epithelial gastric cells, suggesting an important role in preventing the bacteria establishment during the first months of life. As a whole, these results suggest that IgA1 from human colostrum provides protection that may help in the development of the mucosal immune system of newborn children.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Helicobacter pylori Strains From Ethnically Diverse Population in México.

Helicobacter pylori strains carry a range of mutations in genes that confer antimicrobial resistance and restrict the available options to treat the infection. Latin America is a region that conserve a large number of indigenous communities relatively isolated that practice a traditional medicine without consumption of drugs. We hypothesized that rates of antibiotic resistance are lower in these communities. Recent progress in whole-genome sequencing has allowed the study of drug susceptibility by searching for the known mutations associated with antibiotic resistance. The aim of this work was to study trends of antibiotic resistance over a 20-year period in Mexican H. pylori strains and to compare susceptibility between strains from Mexican mestizos and from indigenous population; we also aimed to learn the prevalence of mutational patterns in genes gyrA, gyrB, rdxA, frxA, rpsU, omp11, dppA, and 23S rRNA and its association with phenotypic tests. Resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole, amoxicillin and levofloxacin was determined in167 H. pylori isolates by E-test, and the occurrence of mutational patterns in specific genes was determined by whole genome sequencing (WGS). The trend of resistance over 20 years in mestizo isolates showed significant resistant increase for clarithromycin and levofloxacin to frequencies that banned its clinical use. Resistance in H. pylori isolates of native communities was lower for all antibiotics tested. Phenotypic resistance showed good to moderate correlation with genotypic tests. Genetic methods for characterizing antibiotic resistance require further validation in each population.

Emergent nanotherapies in microcrystal-induced arthritis.

The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of nanoparticles in several chronic diseases have been extensively researched. The aim of this review is to examine how nanoparticles modulate the inflammatory pathways that characterize the most prevalent forms of microcrystal-induced arthritis, including gout, pseudogout, and BCP-induced arthritis. The nanoparticles of chitosan-coated calcium phosphate, uricase, aceclofenac, and gold have been investigated in crystal-inducedarthritis. The most important results of the studies outlined in this review show that nanoparticles can inhibit the expression and the release of some pro-inflammatory mediators and proteolytic enzymes, and the activity of different transcriptional factors in vitro, as well as decrease the uric acid levels in several studies of in vitro and in vivo models of gout, which show interesting results in terms of decreasing the amount of crystals and tissue damage, respectively. In view of their multiple beneficial effects, nanoparticles can be considered a valuable therapy that contributes to the pharmacological treatment in crystalinduced arthritis.

Effect of homogeneous static magnetic treatment on the adsorption capacity in maize seeds (Zea mays L.).

In order to analyze the treatment of seeds with homogeneous static magnetic field on the water adsorption process, an experimental-theoretical study of hygroscopic equilibrium in maize seeds (Zea mays L. cv. ICAV305) was carried out. Four treatments with magnetic induction of 80.0, 120.0, 160.0, and 200.0 mT were applied for 10 min, and there was a control group without treatment. The doses were selected because they showed a decrease in mean germination time. Treated seeds were subjected to an environment with a stable temperature of 30.0 °C ± 0.1 °C and atmospheres of different relative humidity (h), using eight salt solutions saturated with water activity between 0.216 and 0.970. Curves were adjusted using the D'Arcy-Watt and modified Oswin models. It was found that the magnetic treatment of seeds affects adsorption, and the 200 mT-10 min one was the most significant in affecting the mechanisms of adsorption of water, and increasing the number of adsorption sites connected to weak binds with D'Arcy-Watt's adjustment. Using the Oswin model for simulation, we verified that the magnetic stimulus affected the enthalpy of adsorption and the mechanism of incorporation of water vapor molecules to the structure of seminal cover. These results show that the magnetic pre-treatment of seeds has an effect on a seed's specific biophysical and physiological processes in the early stages of germination. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:343-351, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Current status of alternative therapies renal function at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social]. / Estado actual de las terapias sustitutivas de la función renal en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.

BACKGROUND: The IMSS performs systematically the data updating of patients with renal replacement therapy (RRT) by an electronic record management referred as: Census patients with Chronical Renal Failure (CIRC) which aims to meet the prevalence of patients with chronic renal failure and the behavior of RRTat the IMSS. METHODS: A retrospective study includes 212 secondary hospitals with dialysis programs, with both pediatric and adult patients. CIRC data obtained from January to December 2014, number and nominal bonds of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD). Prevalence of patients and therapies by delegation, distribution by gender and age, cause of kidney disease, morbidity and mortality were identified. RESULTS: 55,101 patients, of whom 29,924 were male (54 %) and 25,177 women (46 %), mean age was 62.1 years (rng: 4-90); 20,387 were pensioners (36.9 %). The causes of renal failure were: diabetes 29,054 (52.7 %), hypertension 18,975 (34.4 %), chronic glomerulopathies 3,951 (7.2 %), polycystic kidneys 1,142 (2.1 %), congenital 875 (1.6 %) and other 1,104 (2 %). HD was given in 41 % of patients, and the remaining 59 % DP; the annual cost was 5,608,290,622 pesos. CONCLUSIONS: The increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension affect the onset of RRT, which show a catastrophic financial outlook for the Institute.

Introducción: el IMSS realiza de manera sistemática la actualización de datos de los pacientes en terapias sustitutivas de la función renal (TSFR) mediante un registro electrónico denominado: Censo de administración de pacientes con Insuficiencia Renal Crónica (CIRC), cuyo objetivo es conocer la prevalencia de pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica y el comportamiento de las TSFR en el IMSS. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo, incluye 212 hospitales de segundo nivel con programas de diálisis, pacientes pediátricos y adultos. Datos obtenidos del CIRC de enero a diciembre de 2014, cédulas numeral y nominal de diálisis peritoneal (DP) y hemodiálisis (HD). Se identifica prevalencia de pacientes y terapias por delegación, distribución por género y edad, causa de la enfermedad renal, la morbilidad y mortalidad. Resultados: 55 101 pacientes, de los cuales fueron 29 924 masculinos (54 %) y 25 177 femeninos (46 %); edad promedio 62.1 años (rng: 4 a 90); pensionados 20 387 (36.9 %). Las causas de la insuficiencia renal fueron: diabetes 29 054 (52.7 %), hipertensión arterial 18 975 (34.4%), glomerulopatías crónicas 3951 (7.2 %), riñones poliquísticos 1142 (2.1 %), congénitos 875 (1.6 %), y otras 1104 (2 %). La HD se otorgó en 41 % de los pacientes y la DP al 59 % restante; el costo anual fue de 5 608 290 622 pesos. Conclusiones: la prevalencia incrementada de diabetes mellitus e hipertensión arterial repercuten en el inicio de una TSFR, las cuales muestran un panorama financiero catastrófico para el Instituto.

Propiedades anti-Helicobacter pylori de los extractos de Psidium guajava y Coptis chinensis / Atividade anti-Helicobacter pylori de los extractos de Psidium guajava e Coptis chinensis / Anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of extracts of Psidium guajava and Coptis chinensis

Se postula y fundamenta Ia utilidad de una mezcIa de extractos de plantas medicinales con propiedades sinérgicas compuesta por Psidium guajava L. estandarizado en su contenido de heterósidos flavónicos y Coptis chinensis Franch., estandarizado en su contenido de aIcaIoides benzofenantridínicos, para eI desarroIIo de un fitomedicamento útiI para eI tratamiento y prevención de Ia gastritis crónica provocada por Helícobacter pylori. EI estudio explora eI potencial que tiene Ia mezcIa para inhibir eI crecimiento in vitro de diversas cepas clínicas de H. pylori resistentes a los antibióticos convencionales, así como, su acción protectora deI epiteIio gástrico, al impedir Ia adherencia de Ia bacteria alas celulas AGS en cultivo (AU)

Descreve-se e fundamenta-se a utilidade de uma associagáo de extratos de plantas medicinais com propriedades sinergicas composta por Psidium guajava L., extracto padronizado em glicósidos flavónicos e Coptis chinensis Franch, extracto padronizado em alcalóides benzofenantridínicos, para o desenvolvimento de um medicamento a base de plantas para o tratamento e prevençáo da gastrite crónica provocada por Helicobacter pylori. O estudo explora o potencial que tem esta associaçáo para inibir o crescimento in vitro de diversas estirpes clinicas de H. pylori resistentes aos antibióticos convencionais, assim como, a sua acçáo protectora do epitelio gástrico, ao impedir a aderencia das bacterias ás culturas celulares de AGS (AU)

It is described the synergistic properties of a mixture of Psidium guajava L., extract standardized in its content of flavone glycosides and Coptis chinensis Franch, extract standardized in its content of benzophenantridinic alkaloids, for developing a phytodrug for the treatment and prevention of chronic gastritis induced by Helicobacter pylori. The study explores the properties of this combination of extracts by inhibiting in vitro growth of antibiotic-resistant clinical H. pylori strains and preventing adherence of the bacteria to human AGS cell cultures (AU)

Factores sociodemográficos y seguimiento prenatal asociados a la mortalidad perinatal en gestantes de Colombia / Sociodemographic factors and adequacy of prenatal care associated perinatal mortality in Colombian pregnant women

Introducción: el adecuado seguimiento clínico y el cumplimiento de los requerimientos nutricionales, son aspectos esenciales para el adecuado desarrollo fetal y la culminación exitosa del embarazo. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la asociación entre los factores sociodemográficos y el seguimiento prenatal asociados a la mortalidad perinatal en gestantes de Colombia. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo y transversal secundario a la información obtenida en la Encuesta Nacional de la Situación Nutricional 2010 (ENSIN 2010) y la Encuesta Nacional de Demografía y Salud (ENDS 2010), en 14.754 mujeres gestantes de entre 13 y 44 años de edad. Los factores sociodemográficos: sexo del recién nacido, región geográfica (atlántica, oriental, central, pacífica, Bogotá, territorios nacionales), nivel socioeconómico- Sisbén (I al VI) y área geográfica (cabecera municipal, centro poblado, población dispersa), el seguimiento prenatal (control de peso, altura uterina, presión arterial, fetocardia, bioquímica sanguínea, análisis de orina) y la suplementación con hierro, calcio y ácido fólico se recogieron a través de una encuesta estructurada. Se establecieron asociaciones mediante la construcción de modelos de regresión logística binaria simple y multivariable. Resultados: de las variables sociodemográficas, residir en centros poblados, región oriental o pacífica, y pertenecer al nivel Sisbén I, son las que mostraron mayor frecuencia de muerte perinatal, con valores de 1,7%, 1,5%, 1,4% y 1,4%, respectivamente. Tras ajustar por sexo del recién nacido, área, región geográfica y puntaje de Sisbén, se encontró que un inadecuado seguimiento en el control del peso (OR 5,12), la presión arterial (OR 5,18), la bioquímica sanguínea (OR 2,19) y la suplementación con hierro (OR 2,09), calcio (OR 1,73) y ácido fólico (OR 2,73) se asociaron como factores predisponentes a la mortalidad perinatal. Conclusiones: la mortalidad perinatal cambia según los factores sociodemográficos y el seguimiento prenatal estudiados. El Estado podría usar los resultados de este estudio para fomentar intervenciones que mejoren el seguimiento prenatal durante la gestación (AU)

Background: an adequate monitoring and the compliance of the nutritional requirements are essential for fetal development and successful control of pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to determine the association between sociodemographic factors and the pre-birth monitoring associated with perinatal mortality in pregnant women from Colombia. Methods: this was a cross-sectional analysis from the 2010 Colombian Demographic and Health Survey and the National Nutritional Survey that included 14 754 pregnant women between 13 and 44 years old. Sociodemographic factors included: new born sex, geographic region, socioeconomic status (SISBEN), pre-birth monitoring (weight control, uterus height, blood pressure, fetal cardiac activity, biochemistry essays, urine analysis) and the supplementation of iron, calcium and folic acid, were collected by structured questionnaire. Associations were established through multivariable and binary regression models. Results: sociodemographic factors such as living in high-density cities, pacific and western regions and low socioeconomic status (SISBEN I) showed a highest perinatal mortality with rates of 1.7%, 1.5%, 1.4% and 1.4%, respectively. After adjustment by new born sex, geographic region and SISBEN score, an adequate monitoring of weight control (OR = 5.12), blood pressure (OR = 5.18), biochemistry essays (OR = 2.19), supplementation of iron (OR = 2.09), calcium (OR=1.73) and folic acid (OR = 2.73) were associated as facilitators of perinatal mortality. Conclusions: perinatal mortality is determined by the sociodemographic factors and pre-birth follow-up included in this study. Government and decision makers can take these results to garbage actions aiming to improve pregnancy monitoring (AU)

[SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND ADEQUACY OF PRENATAL CARE ASSOCIATED PERINATAL MORTALITY IN COLOMBIAN PREGNANT WOMEN]. / FACTORES SOCIODEMOGRÁFICOS Y SEGUIMIENTO PRENATAL ASOCIADOS A LA MORTALIDAD PERINATAL EN GESTANTES DE COLOMBIA.

BACKGROUND: an adequate monitoring and the compliance of the nutritional requirements are essential for fetal development and successful control of pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to determine the association between sociodemographic factors and the pre-birth monitoring associated with perinatal mortality in pregnant women from Colombia. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional analysis from the 2010 Colombian Demographic and Health Survey and the National Nutritional Survey that included 14 754 pregnant women between 13 and 44 years old. Sociodemographic factors included: new born sex, geographic region, socioeconomic status (SISBEN), pre-birth monitoring (weight control, uterus height, blood pressure, fetal cardiac activity, biochemistry essays, urine analysis) and the supplementation of iron, calcium and folic acid, were collected by structured questionnaire. Associations were established through multivariable and binary regression models. RESULTS: sociodemographic factors such as living in high-density cities, pacific and western regions and low socioeconomic status (SISBEN I) showed a highest perinatal mortality with rates of 1.7%, 1.5%, 1.4% and 1.4%, respectively. After adjustment by new born sex, geographic region and SISBEN score, an adequate monitoring of weight control (OR = 5.12), blood pressure (OR = 5.18), biochemistry essays (OR = 2.19), supplementation of iron (OR = 2.09), calcium (OR=1.73) and folic acid (OR = 2.73) were associated as facilitators of perinatal mortality. CONCLUSIONS: perinatal mortality is determined by the sociodemographic factors and pre-birth follow-up included in this study. Government and decision makers can take these results to garbage actions aiming to improve pregnancy monitoring.

Introducción: el adecuado seguimiento clínico y el cumplimiento de los requerimientos nutricionales, son aspectos esenciales para el adecuado desarrollo fetal y la culminación exitosa del embarazo. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la asociación entre los factores sociodemográficos y el seguimiento prenatal asociados a la mortalidad perinatal en gestantes de Colombia. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo y transversal secundario a la información obtenida en la Encuesta Nacional de la Situación Nutricional 2010 (ENSIN 2010) y la Encuesta Nacional de Demografía y Salud (ENDS 2010), en 14.754 mujeres gestantes de entre 13 y 44 años de edad. Los factores sociodemográficos: sexo del recién nacido, región geográfica (atlántica, oriental, central, pacífica, Bogotá, territorios nacionales), nivel socioeconómico- Sisbén (I al VI) y área geográfica (cabecera municipal, centro poblado, población dispersa), el seguimiento prenatal (control de peso, altura uterina, presión arterial, fetocardia, bioquímica sanguínea, análisis de orina) y la suplementación con hierro, calcio y ácido fólico se recogieron a través de una encuesta estructurada. Se establecieron asociaciones mediante la construcción de modelos de regresión logística binaria simple y multivariable. Resultados: de las variables sociodemográficas, residir en centros poblados, región oriental o pacífica, y pertenecer al nivel Sisbén I, son las que mostraron mayor frecuencia de muerte perinatal, con valores de 1,7%, 1,5%, 1,4% y 1,4%, respectivamente. Tras ajustar por sexo del recién nacido, área, región geográfica y puntaje de Sisbén, se encontró que un inadecuado seguimiento en el control del peso (OR 5,12), la presión arterial (OR 5,18), la bioquímica sanguínea (OR 2,19) y la suplementación con hierro (OR 2,09), calcio (OR 1,73) y ácido fólico (OR 2,73) se asociaron como factores predisponentes a la mortalidad perinatal. Conclusiones: la mortalidad perinatal cambia según los factores sociodemográficos y el seguimiento prenatal estudiados. El Estado podría usar los resultados de este estudio para fomentar intervenciones que mejoren el seguimiento prenatal durante la gestación.

Ursolic and oleanolic acids as antimicrobial and immunomodulatory compounds for tuberculosis treatment.

BACKGROUND: New alternatives for the treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) are urgently needed and medicinal plants represent a potential option. Chamaedora tepejilote and Lantana hispida are medicinal plants from Mexico and their hexanic extracts have shown antimycobacterial activity. Bioguided investigation of these extracts showed that the active compounds were ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA). METHODS: The activity of UA and OA against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, four monoresistant strains, and two drug-resistant clinical isolates were determined by MABA test. The intracellular activity of UA and OA against M. tuberculosis H37Rv and a MDR clinical isolate were evaluated in a macrophage cell line. Finally, the antitubercular activity of UA and OA was tested in BALB/c mice infected with M. tuberculosis H37Rv or a MDR strain, by determining pulmonary bacilli loads, tissue damage by automated histomorphometry, and expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and iNOS by quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: The in vitro assay showed that the UA/OA mixture has synergistic activity. The intracellular activity of these compounds against M. tuberculosis H37Rv and a MDR clinical isolate in a macrophage cell line showed that both compounds, alone and in combination, were active against intracellular mycobacteria even at low doses. Moreover, when both compounds were used to treat BALB/c mice with TB induced by H37Rv or MDR bacilli, a significant reduction of bacterial loads and pneumonia were observed compared to the control. Interestingly, animals treated with UA and OA showed a higher expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α in their lungs, than control animals. CONCLUSION: UA and OA showed antimicrobial activity plus an immune-stimulatory effect that permitted the control of experimental pulmonary TB.

Natural history of Helicobacter pylori infection in Mexican schoolchildren: incidence and spontaneous clearance.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to estimate the incidence and spontaneous clearance rate of Helicobacter pylori infection and the effect of some variables on these outcomes in schoolchildren. METHODS: From May 2005 to December 2010, 718 schoolchildren enrolled in 3 public boarding schools in Mexico City participated in the follow-up. At the beginning of the study and every 6 months thereafter, breath samples were taken to detect H pylori infection; blood samples and anthropometric measurements were taken to evaluate nutritional status. Data on sociodemographic characteristics were collected. RESULTS: The prevalence of H pylori infection was 38%. The incidence rate was 6.36%/year. Schoolchildren with anemia or iron deficiency at the beginning of the study (who received iron supplements) showed a higher infection acquisition rate than those with normal iron nutritional status, hazard ratio (HR) 12.52 (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.01%-39.12%), P < 0.001 and HR 2.05 (95% CI 1.09%-3.87%), P = 0.027, respectively. The spontaneous clearance rate of the infection was 4.74%/year. The spontaneous clearance rate was higher in children who had iron deficiency (who received iron supplements), HR 5.02 (95% CI 1.33%-18.99%), P = 0.017, compared with those with normal nutritional iron status. It was lower in schoolchildren with ≥ 2 siblings compared with schoolchildren with 1 or no siblings, HR 0.23 (95% CI 0.08%-0.63%), P = 0.004. CONCLUSIONS: H pylori infection status is dynamic in schoolchildren. Variables related to health status and infection transmission, such as iron status and number of siblings, are important for the incidence and spontaneous clearance of H pylori infection.

Effect of eradication of Helicobacter pylori and iron supplementation on the iron status of children with iron deficiency.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We undertook this study to evaluate the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication and iron supplementation on the iron nutritional status in children with iron deficiency. METHODS: Seven hundred and one children from four public schools in Mexico City were screened to evaluate their iron status. Of them, 72 children with iron deficiency or with anemia were included in this study and were tested for H. pylori infection. Those infected were given eradication treatment and were randomly assigned to daily supplementation for 3 months with ferrous sulfate or placebo. Noninfected children received ferrous sulfate. At the end of the interventions, blood samples were drawn to evaluate their effects on the nutritional status of iron. RESULTS: Thirty eight children with iron deficiency or anemia were infected by H. pylori at baseline. The eradication rate was 86.8%. Children in whom H. pylori eradication was achieved showed an increase of 0.37g/dL (95% CI -0.02, 0.75) on the hemoglobin mean concentration compared to the noninfected children. Children who achieved H. pylori eradication and received ferrous sulfate supplementation showed an increase of 0.47g/dL (95% CI 0.01-0.93) on the hemoglobin mean concentration compared to the noninfected children who received iron supplementation. Noninfected children supplemented with ferrous sulfate showed an increase in ferritin concentration of 11.26 ng/mL (95% CI 1.86-20.65) compared to those who were given the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the eradication of H. pylori plus iron supplementation increases the pool of functional iron. Iron supplementation increases the storage of iron in school-age children with iron deficiency.

Antimycobacterial neolignans isolated from Aristolochia taliscana.

Tuberculosis (TB - Mycobacterium tuberculosis) is an ancient infectious disease that has appeared once again as a serious worldwide health problem and now comprises the second leading cause of death resulting from a single infection. The prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) TB is increasing and therapeutic options for treatment are not always accessible; in fact, some patients do not respond to the available drugs. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel anti-TB agents. The aim of the present study was to screen extracts of Aristolochia taliscana, a plant used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat cough and snake bites, for antimycobacterial activity. The hexanic extract of A. taliscana was tested by microdilution alamar blue assay against Mycobacterium strains and bioguided fractionation led to the isolation of the neolignans licarin A, licarin B and eupomatenoid-7, all of which had antimycobacterial activity. Licarin A was the most active compound, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 3.12-12.5 microg/mL against the following M. tuberculosis strains: H37Rv, four mono-resistant H37Rv variants and 12 clinical MDR isolates, as well as against five non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) strains. In conclusion, licarin A represents a potentially active anti-TB agent to treat MDR M. tuberculosis and NTM strains.

Antimycobacterial neolignans isolated from Aristolochia taliscana

Tuberculosis (TB - Mycobacterium tuberculosis) is an ancient infectious disease that has appeared once again as a serious worldwide health problem and now comprises the second leading cause of death resulting from a single infection. The prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) TB is increasing and therapeutic options for treatment are not always accessible; in fact, some patients do not respond to the available drugs. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel anti-TB agents. The aim of the present study was to screen extracts of Aristolochia taliscana, a plant used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat cough and snake bites, for antimycobacterial activity. The hexanic extract of A. taliscana was tested by microdilution alamar blue assay against Mycobacterium strains and bioguided fractionation led to the isolation of the neolignans licarin A, licarin B and eupomatenoid-7, all of which had antimycobacterial activity. Licarin A was the most active compound, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 3.12-12.5 ìg/mL against the following M. tuberculosis strains: H37Rv, four mono-resistant H37Rv variants and 12 clinical MDR isolates, as well as against five non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) strains. In conclusion, licarin A represents a potentially active anti-TB agent to treat MDR M. tuberculosis and NTM strains.

Amniotic fluid iodine concentrations do not vary in pregnant women with varying iodine intake.

Iodine deficiency is an important clinical and public health problem. Its prevention begins with an adequate intake of iodine during pregnancy. International agencies recommend at least 200 microg iodine per d for pregnant women. We assessed whether iodine concentrations in the amniotic fluid of healthy pregnant women are independent of iodine intake. This cross-sectional, non-interventional study included 365 consecutive women who underwent amniocentesis to determine the fetal karyotype. The amniocentesis was performed with abdominal antisepsis using chlorhexidine. The iodine concentration was measured in urine and amniotic fluid. The study variables were the intake of iodized salt and multivitamin supplements or the prescription of a KI supplement. The mean level of urinary iodine was 139.0 (SD 94.5) microg/l and of amniotic fluid 15.81 (SD 7.09) microg/l. The women who consumed iodized salt and those who took a KI supplement had significantly higher levels of urinary iodine than those who did not (P = 0.01 and P = 0.004, respectively). The urinary iodine levels were not significantly different in the women who took a multivitamin supplement compared with those who did not take this supplement, independently of iodine concentration or multivitamin supplement. The concentrations of iodine in the amniotic fluid were similar, independent of the dietary iodine intake. Urine and amniotic fluid iodine concentrations were weakly correlated, although the amniotic fluid values were no higher in those women taking a KI supplement. KI prescription at recommended doses increases the iodine levels in the mother without influencing the iodine levels in the amniotic fluid.

Antimycobacterial triterpenoids from Lantana hispida (Verbenaceae).

As the Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains resistant to multiple drugs are increasing at an alarming rate, there is an urgent need for alternative anti-tuberculosis drugs. In a bioassay-guided search for antimycobacterial compounds obtained from higher plants, the study of the hexane extract from the aerial parts of Lantana hispida was performed and the biological activity of the plant products were tested against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain by microdilution alamar blue assay. Activity of the primary fractions led to the isolation of three pentacyclic triterpenoids with oleanane nucleous, together with beta-sitosterol. The molecular structures of the compounds were characterized as 3-acetoxy-22-(2'-methyl-2Z-butenyloxy)-12-oleanen-28-oic acid (1), 3-hydroxy-22 beta-(2'-methyl-2Z-butenoyloxy)-12-oleanen-28-oic acid (reduced lantadene A) (2) and oleanolic acid (3). MIC values for compounds 1 and 2 were 50 microg/ml, and for compound 3 the MIC=25 microg/ml.

Antisecretory activity of plants used to treat gastrointestinal disorders in Mexico.

Aqueous and methanolic extracts from 26 medicinal plants used in Mexico to treat gastrointestinal disorders were screened to evaluate their antisecretory activity on cholera toxin-induced intestinal secretion in rat jejunal loops model. Extracts were tested at a dose of 300 mg/kg. From 56 samples tested, both extracts from Chiranthodendron pentadactylon, Hippocratea excelsa and Ocimum basilicum were the most potent with inhibition values ranging from 68.0 to 87.6%. On the other hand, the methanolic extract of Geranium mexicanum (aerial parts) and the aqueous extract of Bocconia frutescens showed the highest activity with inhibition values of 93.4 and 86.0%, respectively. The results obtained in this study give some scientific support to the use of the Mexican medicinal plants employed for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea.

Secondary metabolites from Chamaedora tepejilote (Palmae) are active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Due to the emergence of multi-drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, there is an urgent need to search for new antimycobacterial drugs. The present work describes the bioactivity-guided fractionation of Chamaedora tepejilote hexane extract which led to the isolation and the characterization of squalene, farnesol, methylic ester of hexadecanoic acid, beta-sitosterol and ursolic acid. Activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, determined by radiorespirometric Bactec assay, showed ursolic acid, squalene and farnesol to produce a M. tuberculosis growth inhibition of 99% at a concentration of 100 microg/mL.

Activity against multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Mexican plants used to treat respiratory diseases.

The increase of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB) demands the search for alternative antimycobacterial drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate plants used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat respiratory diseases for activity against MDR-TB. A group of 22 plants was screened for activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and Mycobacterium avium at concentrations from 50 to 200 microg/mL. The antimycobacterial effect was determined by a microcolorimetric assay with Alamar blue dye. None of the aqueous extracts had antimycobacterial activity. Hexane extracts from Artemisia ludoviciana, Chamaedora tepejilote, Lantana hispida, Juniperus communis and Malva parviflora, and methanol extracts from Artemisia ludoviciana and Juniperus communis inhibited the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Mycobacterium avium was inhibited by Juniperus communis hexane extract and by Malva parviflora methanol extract. The active extracts were tested against monoresistant variants of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (isoniazid, rifampin, streptomycin and ethambutol resistant) and the hexane extract of Lantana hispida showed the best activity. Lantana hispida hexane extract was also active against a group of MDR-TB clinical isolates. In contrast, it did not inhibit the growth of non-tuberculous mycobacteria. The hexane extract of Lantana hispida was fractionated by column chromatography and one of its fractions (FVI) inhibited the growth of all the MDR-TB clinical isolates at concentrations up to 25 microg/mL. This study supports the fact that selecting plants by ethnobotanical criteria enhances the probability of finding species with activity against mycobacteria, and our results point to Lantana hispida as an important source of potential compounds against MDR-TB.