Five centuries of Cirsium ehrenbergii Sch. Bip. (Asteraceae) in Mexico, from Huitzquilitl to Cardo Santo: History, ethnomedicine, pharmacology and chemistry.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Several medicinal plants, including the endemic herb Cirsum ehrenbergii (Asteraceae), have been documented in manuscripts, medical and botanical books written in Mexico since the XVI century until the present. This unique circumstance is a real window in the time that allows to investigate historical and contemporary ethnopharmacological knowledge. AIM OF THE STUDY: To examine the persistence, disappearance, and transformation of ethnomedicinal knowledge of C. ehrenbergii along time. Also, to investigate the chemistry and pharmacology of this species in relation to its historical and present day main ethnomedical applications related to Central Nervous System and inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A thorough review was performed of written sources of medicinal plants from XVI and onwards. For the pharmacological studies, the organic extracts were tested in mice models to assess its antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties. The active extracts were studied chemically. The isolated compounds were identified by 1H, 13C NMR, or characterized by GC-MS. RESULTS: Cirsum ehrenbergii was illustrated for the first time (1552) in the Libellus de Medicinalibus Indorum Herbis (Booklet of Medicinal Plants of the Indians) and named in the Nahuatl native language as huitzquilitl (edible thistle). It was there recommended as nigris sanguinis remedium (remedy for black blood), and for the treatment of illnesses with an inflammatory component. Nigris sanguinis was well known in the European medicine of that time and currently it has been interpreted as "depression". At the present time, peasants and native population in Mexico mainly name C. ehrenbergii in Spanish as cardo Santo (holy thistle). Its original Nahuatl name has been almost forgotten. However, these communities use this species, among other maladies, to heal "nervios" (anxiety and/or depression) and for anti-inflammatory purposes. These ailments and treatments resemble those recorded in the Libellus and in several medicinal plant books along centuries. The ethanol extract of C. ehrenbergii roots showed antidepressant-like activity in mice administered at 300 mg/kg, as indicated by the forced swim test (FST). The glycosylated flavonoid linarin was identified as antidepressant principle and was active at the doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg in the FST. Regarding to anti-inflammatory activity, the most active was the methylene chloride extract of the aerial parts, which contains taraxasterol, pseudotaraxasterol, ß-sitosterol and stigmasterol. CONCLUSIONS: Cirsium ehrenbergii extracts possess antidepressant-like (roots, EtOH) and anti-inflammatory (aerial parts, CH2Cl2) properties, containing active compounds. Our results sustain historical and present day ethnomedical applications of this species documented along five centuries.

Exploration of multifunctional properties of garlic skin derived cellulose nanocrystals and extracts incorporated chitosan biocomposite films for active packaging application.

For many years, garlic has been used as a condiment in food and traditional medicine. However, the garlic skin, which accounts for 25% of the garlic bulk, is considered agricultural waste. In this study, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and garlic extract (GE) from garlic skin were isolated and used as fillers to manufacture biocomposite films. The films were characterized in terms of UV barrier, thermal, mechanical, biodegradability, and antimicrobial activity. The chitosan-containing films and CNCs have significantly improved the films' tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation but decreased the film transparency compared to chitosan films. The combination of the CNCs and GE, on the other hand, slightly reduced the mechanical properties. The addition of CNCs slightly decreased the film transparency, while the addition of GE significantly improved the UV barrier properties. Thermal studies revealed that the incorporation of CNC and GE had minimal effect on the thermal stability of the chitosan films. The degradability rate of the chitosan composite films was found to be higher than that of the neat chitosan films. The antimicrobial properties of films were studied against Escherichia coli, Streptomyces griseorubens, Streptomyces alboviridis, and Staphylococcus aureus, observing that their growth was considerably inhibited by the addition of GE in composite films. Films incorporating both CNCs and GE from garlic skin hold more promise for active food packaging applications due to a combination of enhanced physical characteristics and antibacterial activity.

Assessing the Effect of Chemical Dispersant Nokomis 3-F4 on the Degradation of a Heavy Crude Oil in Water by a Marine Microbial Consortium.

Degradation efficiency of a heavy crude oil by a marine microbial consortium was evaluated in this study, with and without the addition of a chemical dispersant (Nokomis 3-F4). 15.50% of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) were removed after 15 days of incubation without dispersant, with a degradation rate of 2.39 ± 0.22 mg L-1 day-1. In contrast, the addition of Nokomis 3-F4 increased TPH degradation up to 30.81% with a degradation rate of 5.07 ± 0.37 mg L-1 day-1. 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated a dominance of the consortium by Achromobacter and Alcanivorax. Nonetheless, significant increases in the relative abundance of Martelella and Ochrobactrum were observed with the addition of Nokomis 3-F4. These results will contribute to further environmental studies of the Gulf of Mexico, where Nokomis 3-F4 can be used as chemical dispersant.

Optimization of the Biodegradation of Aliphatic, Aromatic, and UCM Hydrocarbons from Light Crude Oil in Marine Sediment Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM).

This study describes the optimization of the biodegradation of total aliphatic (tAHCs), total aromatic (tPAHs), and unresolved complex mixture (UCM) hydrocarbons from light crude oil in marine sediment. The response surface methodology (RSM), with a Box-Behnken design, was used to optimize the hydrocarbon fraction degradation, reported as degradation efficiency (E (%)), using four independent variables (inoculum, dispersant, light oil concentration, and carbon/nitrogen ratio), all at three levels. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed R2 values of 0.976, 0.974, and 0.975 for tAHCs, tPAHs, and UCM, respectively. All fractions exhibited a statistically significant effect (P < 0.05) in the second-order quadratic regression model for degradation. According to the models, the optimal degradation prediction was: 81.03% for tAHCs, 85.96% for tPAHs, and 92.86% for UCM. This work highlights the possibility of carrying out efficient biodegradation, of more than 80%, through an optimization process using different light oil concentrations, opening up possibilities of multiple response optimization.

Protective effects of 17-ß-oestradiol and phytoestrogen on age-induced oxidative stress and inhibition of surfactant synthesis in rat type II pneumocytes.

Epidemiological data suggest protective effects of oestrogen and phytoestrogen on lung tissue. This study aimed to elucidate the role of 17-ß-oestradiol and phytoestrogen in age-related inhibition of surfactant synthesis and oxidative stress in rat type II pneumocytes. Forty male and 66 female Wistar rats were used. Female rats were randomly kept intact or ovariectomized at age 12 months. At age 22 months, ovariectomized rats received 17-ß-oestradiol, soy extract, or no treatment. Oxidative stress markers CO, NO, cGMP and lipid peroxide (LPO), antioxidant enzymes and phosphatidylcholine (PC) were measured in cultured type II pneumocytes isolated at ages 2, 14, 18, 22 and 24 months. Old, male and ovariectomized rats showed significantly higher CO, NO, cGMP and LPO and lower PC content and antioxidant enzymes. 17-ß-oestradiol and phytoestrogen significantly reversed these effects. In conclusion, aging and oestrogen deprivation decreased PC synthesis and altered the redox status in type II pneumocytes, which were partially restored by 17-ß-oestradiol or soy supplementation.

A succession of marine bacterial communities in batch reactor experiments during the degradation of five different petroleum types.

Marine microbial communities might be subjected to accidental petroleum spills; however, some bacteria can degrade it, making these specific bacteria valuable for bioremediation from petroleum contamination. Thus, characterizing the microbial communities exposed to varying types of petroleum is essential. We evaluated five enriched microbial communities from the northwest Gulf of Mexico (four from the water column and one from sediments). Enrichments were performed using five types of petroleum (extra light, light, medium, heavy and extra heavy), to reveal the microbial succession using a 16S rDNA amplicon approach. Four communities were capable of degrading from extra light to heavy petroleum. However, only the community from sediment was able to degrade the extra heavy petroleum. Successional changes in the microbial communities' structures were specific for each type of petroleum where genus Dietzia, Gordonia, Microvirga, Rhizobium, Paracoccus, Thalassobaculum, Sphingomonas, Moheibacter, Acinetobacter, Pseudohongiella, Porticoccus, Pseudoalteromonas, Pseudomonas, Shewanella, and Planctomyces presented differential abundance between the treatments.

Bactericidal In-Vitro Effect of Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles and the Orange Wax Extracts on Three Phytopathogen Microorganisms.

Phytopathogenic bacteria affect a wide variety of crops, causing significant economic losses. Natural biocides are the alternative to chemical methods of phytopathogens control. The goal of the present study is the evaluation of the biocidal activity of the following: 1) the extract of orange wax (EOW); 2) zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZF-NPs); 3) the EOW adsorbed on the ZF-NPs; and 4) the EOW/ZF-NPs washed with 40% ethanol. For the biocidal activity, three phytopathogenic bacteria were used, namely, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Vesicatoria (Xav) Erwinia amylovora (Ew), and Pseudomonas syringae pv. Phaseolicola (Psph). For the ZF-NPs, an inhibitory effect higher than 50% ( ) was observed for Xav respect to the antibiotic used as positive control. On the other hand, the ZF-NPs did not show inhibitory effects on both Ew and Psph. In addition, the EOW in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at 100% caused growth inhibition on Xav, bacteriostatic activity on Ew, and had not biological activity on Psph. To the best of our knowledge, the control of Xav by zinc ferrites and orange wax, and the bacteriostatic effect produced by orange wax extract on Ew have not been reported elsewhere. Orange wax and zinc ferrite nanoparticles show potential in control of phytopathogenic bacteria. However, the bactericidal effect depends on the bacterium, the concentration of treatments, and the method of preparation.

Bacterial succession and co-occurrence patterns of an enriched marine microbial community during light crude oil degradation in a batch reactor.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic changes in the bacterial structure and potential interactions of an acclimatized marine microbial community during a light crude oil degradation experiment. METHODS AND RESULTS: The bacterial community effectively removed 76·49% of total petroleum hydrocarbons after 30 days, as evidenced by GC-FID and GC-MS analyses. Short-chain alkanes and specific aromatic compounds were completely degraded within the first 6 days. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene indicated that the starting bacterial community was mainly composed by Marinobacter and more than 30 non-dominant genera. Bacterial succession was dependent on the hydrocarbon uptake with Alcanivorax becoming dominant during the highest degradation period. Sparse correlations for compositional data algorithm revealed one operational taxonomic unit (OTU) of Muricauda and an assembly of six OTUs of Alcanivorax dieselolei and Alcanivorax hongdengensis as critical keystone components for the consortium network maintenance and stability. CONCLUSIONS: This work exhibits a stabilized marine bacterial consortium with the capability to efficiently degrade light crude oil in 6 days, under laboratory conditions. Successional and interaction patterns were observed in response to hydrocarbon consumption, highlighting potential interactions between Alcanivorax and keystone non-dominant OTUs over time. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our results contribute to the understanding of interactions and potential roles of specific members of hydrocarbonoclastic marine bacterial communities, which will be useful for further bioaugmentation studies concerning the associations between indigenous and introduced micro-organisms.

Medicina y Cirugía sin Sangre La Experiencia de Solca Guayaquil / Medicine and Surgery without Blood The Experience of Solca Guayaquil

Introducción: Los riesgos asociados con las Transfusiones de Sangre Alogénicas (TSA) son ampliamente conocidos y han contribuido a nuevos paradigmas de tratamiento para la medicina y cirugía sin sangre. Por tanto, es importante contar con estrategias terapéuticas efectivas y prácticas que sirvan como alternativas al uso de TSA. Este informe describirá las estrategias aplicadas a los pacientes de este reporte. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo de alternativas a la TSA utilizadas en SOLCA Guayaquil con pacientes que no aceptaron TSA bajo ninguna circunstancia, entre los años 2011 y 2017. La estrategia terapéutica se basó en un diagnóstico temprano y un tratamiento agresivo de la anemia y cualquier tipo de sangrado activo. Se utilizó eritropoyetina, hierro y folato, según requerimientos del paciente. Todos los pacientes quirúrgicos recibieron ácido tranexámico y otros hemostáticos tópicos según necesidad. Resultados: De 73 pacientes oncológicos, el 68.5 % eran no quirúrgicos, de este grupo el 62 % recibió quimioterapia. La hemoglobina aumentó hasta 12.6 g/dL. Por tratamiento global por paciente se administraron hasta 3000 mg de hierro, 140.000 unds de eritropoyetina y megadosis de vitamina C fue aplicada con una media de 24 gramos. Todos los pacientes aumentaron sus niveles de hemoglobina en un promedio de 25 días. Conclusión: Es esencial iniciar un tratamiento temprano, preventivo y coordinado con un equipo multidisciplinario comprometido a estos esquemas. Los pacientes respondieron bien a los medicamentos y las dosis recibidas y no se informaron efectos secundarios. También podemos ver que estas estrategias son efectivas y factibles de aplicar.

Introduction: Risks associated with the Allogeneic Blood Transfusions (ABT) are widely known and have contributed to new treatment paradigms for bloodless medicine and surgery. Therefore, it is essential to have effective therapeutic strategies that serve as alternatives to ABTs. This report describes the strategies applied to patients in this paper. Methods: A Retrospective descriptive study of ABT alternatives used in SOLCA Guayaquil with patients who did not accept ABTs under any circumstances, between 2011 and 2017. The therapeutic strategy was an early diagnosis and an aggressive treatment of anemia and any active bleeding. Erythropoietin, iron, and folate were applied, according to the patient's requirements. All surgical patients received tranexamic acid and other hemostatics as needed. Results: Of 73 cancer patients, 68.5% were non-surgical, 62% of the group received chemotherapy. For global treatment per patient, up to 3000 mg of iron was administered, 140,000 units of erythropoietin and megadoses of vitamin C were applied with an average of 24 grams. All patients increased their hemoglobin levels by an average of 25 days. All patients increased their hemoglobin levels by an average of 25 days. Conclusion: It is essential to start early treatment, prevent and coordinate with a multidisciplinary team committed to these schemes. The patients responded well to the medications, and the doses received, and no side effects were reported. We can also see that these strategies are practical and feasible to apply.

[Executive Summary of ARIA 2019: Integrated care pathways for allergic rhinitis in Argentina, Spain and Mexico]. / Resumen ejecutivo de ARIA 2019: Vías integradas de atención para la rinitis alérgica en Argentina, España y México.

The health and economic impact of allergic diseases are increasing rapidly, and changes in management strategies are required. Its influence reduces the capacity of work and school performance by at least a third. The ICPs of the airways (integrated care pathways for respiratory diseases) are structured multidisciplinary healthcare plans, promoting the recommendations of the guidelines in local protocols and their application to clinical practice. This document presents an executive summary for Argentina, Mexico, and Spain. Next-generation ARIA guidelines are being developed for the pharmacological treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR), using the GRADE-based guidelines for AR, tested with real-life evidence provided by mobile technology with visual analogue scales. It is concluded that in the AR treatment, H1-antihistamines are less effective than intranasal corticosteroids (INCS), in severe AR the INCS represent the first line of treatment, and intranasal combination INCS + anti-H1 is more effective than monotherapy. However, according to the MASK real-life observational study, patients have poor adherence to treatment and often self-medicate, according to their needs.

El impacto sanitario y económico de las enfermedades alérgicas está aumentando rápidamente y se necesitan cambios en las estrategias para su manejo. Su influencia reduce al menos en un tercio la capacidad de desempeño laboral y escolar. Los ICP (Vías Integradas de Atención) de las enfermedades de las vías respiratorias son planes de atención estructurados y multidisciplinarios, que promueven las recomendaciones de las guías en protocolos locales y su aplicación a la práctica clínica. En este documento se presenta un resumen ejecutivo para Argentina, México y España. Se desarrollan las guías ARIA de próxima generación para el tratamiento farmacológico de la rinitis alérgica (RA) utilizando las pautas basadas en GRADE para RA, probadas con evidencia de la vida real proporcionada por tecnología móvil basada en escalas visuales analógicas. Se concluye que en el tratamiento de la RA, los antihistamínicos anti-H1 son menos efectivos que los corticoides intranasales (CINS), que en la rinitis gravelos CINS representan la primera línea de tratamiento, y que la combinación intranasal de CINS + anti-H1 es más eficaz que la monoterapia. Sin embargo, según el estudio MASK observacional en vida real, los pacientes tienen pobre adherencia al tratamiento y frecuentemente se automedican de acuerdo con sus necesidades.

La colocación de catéteres doble J con anestesia local en régimen ambulatorio es un procedimiento seguro y eficiente para el manejo de distintas patologías ureterales / Office stent placement under local anesthesia is a safe and efficient procedure for the management of multiple ureteral disorders

Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de la colocación de catéteres doble J con anestesia local para el manejo de distintas patologías ureterales. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 45 cateterismos ureterales consecutivos con anestesia local desde enero de 2015 hasta julio de 2016. Se incluyeron pacientes hemodinámicamente estables con una obstrucción o fístula urinaria o para la identificación ureteral durante una cirugía abdominopélvica. Cinco minutos antes del procedimiento se instilaron 10 ml de gel-lidocaína y 50 ml de suero-lidocaína en la vejiga. Se colocaron catéteres 4,8 Fr mediante un cistoscopio flexible de 15,5 Fr y escopia. Se analizaron las características y resultados de los procedimientos. Resultados: Se realizaron 45 procedimientos (33 colocaciones, 12 recambios) en 37 pacientes, de los cuales 40 (89%) fueron exitosos. Con una edad media de 58,6 años (±17,5), se intervinieron 10 hombres (27%) y 27 mujeres (73%). Las principales indicaciones fueron litiasis (37,8%), compresiones extrínsecas del uréter (28,9%) y la localización intraoperatoria ureteral (22,2%). Los intentos infructuosos fueron debidos a la incapacidad para ascender la guía/catéter en 4 casos (8,8%) o para identificar el meato ureteral en uno (2,2%). Ocho pacientes (17,8%) presentaron alguna complicación postoperatoria (7 Clavien I, uno Clavien IIIa). Ningún procedimiento se interrumpió por dolor. El análisis estadístico no encontró ningún factor predictor de éxito. El régimen ambulatorio fue 4 veces más barato. Conclusiones: La colocación de catéteres ureterales se puede realizar de forma eficaz y segura bajo anestesia local en el gabinete de cistoscopias. Este procedimiento podría ahorrar tiempo operatorio, reducir costes y minimizar los efectos secundarios de la anestesia general

Objective: To assess the outcomes of ureteral stent placement under local anesthesia for the management of multiple ureteral disorders. Methods: Retrospective study of 45 consecutive ureteral stents placed under local anesthesia from January 2015 to July 2016. Inclusion criteria were hemodynamically stable patients with urinary obstruction, urinary fistula or for prophylactic ureteral localization during surgery. Five minutes before the procedure, 10 ml of lidocaine gel and 50 ml of lidocaine solution were instilled in the bladder. A 4.8 Fr ureteral stent was placed using a 15.5 Fr flexible cystoscope under fluoroscopic control. Characteristics of procedures and outcomes were analysed. Results: A total of 45 procedures (33 placement, 12 replacements) were attempted in 37 patients, of which 40 (89%) were successful. There were 10 male (27%) and 27 female patients (73%) with a mean age of 58.6 years (±17.5). Main indications for stent placement were stones (37.8%), extrinsic ureteral compression (28.9%) and surgery ureteral localization (22.2%). The reasons for failing to complete a procedure were the inability to pass the guidewire/stent in 4 cases (8.8%) or to identify the ureteral orifice in 1 (2.2%). Postoperative complications occurred in 8 patients (17.8%) (7 Clavien I, 1 Clavien IIIa). No procedure was prematurely terminated due to pain. Statistical analysis did not find significant successful predictors. The outpatient setting provided a fourfold cost decrease. Conclusions: Ureteral stent placement can be safely and effectively performed under local anesthesia in the office cystoscopy room. This procedure could free operating room time, reduce costs and minimize side effects of general anesthesia

Office stent placement under local anesthesia is a safe and efficient procedure for the management of multiple ureteral disorders. / La colocación de catéteres doble J con anestesia local en régimen ambulatorio es un procedimiento seguro y eficiente para el manejo de distintas patologías ureterales.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of ureteral stent placement under local anesthesia for the management of multiple ureteral disorders. METHODS: Retrospective study of 45 consecutive ureteral stents placed under local anesthesia from January 2015 to July 2016. Inclusion criteria were hemodynamically stable patients with urinary obstruction, urinary fistula or for prophylactic ureteral localization during surgery. Five minutes before the procedure, 10ml of lidocaine gel and 50ml of lidocaine solution were instilled in the bladder. A 4.8Fr ureteral stent was placed using a 15.5Fr flexible cystoscope under fluoroscopic control. Characteristics of procedures and outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 45 procedures (33 placement, 12 replacements) were attempted in 37 patients, of which 40 (89%) were successful. There were 10 male (27%) and 27 female patients (73%) with a mean age of 58.6 years (±17.5). Main indications for stent placement were stones (37.8%), extrinsic ureteral compression (28.9%) and surgery ureteral localization (22.2%). The reasons for failing to complete a procedure were the inability to pass the guidewire/stent in 4 cases (8.8%) or to identify the ureteral orifice in 1 (2.2%). Postoperative complications occurred in 8 patients (17.8%) (7 Clavien I, 1 Clavien IIIa). No procedure was prematurely terminated due to pain. Statistical analysis did not find significant successful predictors. The outpatient setting provided a fourfold cost decrease. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral stent placement can be safely and effectively performed under local anesthesia in the office cystoscopy room. This procedure could free operating room time, reduce costs and minimize side effects of general anesthesia.

Protective effect of xanthohumol against age-related brain damage.

It has been recently shown that xanthohumol, a flavonoid present in hops, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive properties. However, its role in the aging brain has not been addressed so far. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possible neuroprotective activity of xanthohumol against age-related inflammatory and apoptotic brain damage in male senescence-accelerated prone mice (SAMP8). Animals were divided into 4 groups: Untreated young mice, untreated old mice and old mice treated either with 1 mg kg-1 day-1 or 5 mg kg-1 day-1 xanthohumol. Young and old senescence accelerated resistant mice (SAMR1) were used as controls. After 30 days of treatment, animals were sacrificed and their brains were collected and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen. mRNA (GFAP, TNF-α, IL-1ß, AIF, BAD, BAX, XIAP, NAIP and Bcl-2) and protein (GFAP, TNF-α, IL-1ß, AIF, BAD, BAX, BDNF, synaptophysin and synapsin) expressions were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Significant increased levels of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1ß) and pro-apoptotic (AIF, BAD, BAX) markers were observed in both SAMP8 and SAMR1 old mice compared to young animals (P<.05) and also in SAMP8 untreated old mice compared to SAMR1 (P<.05). These alterations were significantly less evident in animals treated with both doses of xanthohumol (P<.05). Also, a reduced expression of synaptic markers was observed in old mice compared to young ones (P<.05) but it significantly recovered with 5 mg kg-1 day-1 xanthohumol treatment (P<.05). In conclusion, xanthohumol treatment modulated the inflammation and apoptosis of aged brains, exerting a protective effect on damage induced by aging.

Major allergen from Amaranthus palmeri pollen is a profilin: Isolation, partial characterisation and IgE recognition.

BACKGROUND: Pollens represent a rich source of proteins that are also potential elicitors of IgE-mediated pollen allergy. Sensitisation to panallergens could play an important role in diagnosis and specific immunotherapy, because these molecules are present in different plant pollens and plant foods and have marked structural similarity in different species. Profilins are one of the most common panallergens to be studied because they are responsible for a large number of sensitisations and are clearly related to cross-reactivity and co-sensitisation. This study aimed to isolate and characterise a new allergen of Amaranthus palmeri pollen and to determine its allergenicity. METHODS: A. palmeri pollen profilin was purified using poly-l-proline-Sepharose affinity chromatography followed by anion exchanger chromatography. Identification of purified protein was carried out by mass spectrometry. Specific IgE was estimated in sera of patients with positive skin prick test to A. palmeri pollen extract, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Purified protein appeared as a single band at 14 kDa in SDS-PAGE gel. Mass spectrometric analysis of the gel band identified two highly conserved peptides corresponding to allergenic profilins from pollen of other plants. Sera from about 60% of allergic patients have IgE that recognises the purified A. palmeri protein. CONCLUSION: A 14 kDa protein of A. palmeri pollen was purified and identified as allergenic profilin, which was recognised by sera from pollen allergic patients.

Effect of imiquimod as compared with surgery on the cancerization field in basal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) have an increased risk of subsequent BCCs. It is possible that imiquimod might reduce this risk by acting on the cancerization field. OBJECTIVE: To examine the ability of imiquimod to reduce subsequent BCCs. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients with BCC treated at our hospital between 2003 and 2011. The patients were divided into 2 groups depending on whether they had been treated with surgery or with imiquimod. Comparing the 2 groups, we analyzed the development of new BCCs, the time that elapsed between first and subsequent tumors, and the site of occurrence of the second BCC with respect to the first one (local, same lymphatic drainage basin or anatomic region, or other). Survival methods were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: We reviewed the charts of 623 patients. Of these, 550 had been treated with surgery (88.3%) and 71 with imiquimod (11.4%). Overall, a second BCC occurred in 36.4% of patients (n=227). The rate of occurrence was 38.2% in the surgery group and 23.9% in the imiquimod group (P=.02). The hazard ratio for the occurrence of a subsequent BCC was 2.13 (95% CI, 1.28-3.53) for patients treated with surgery compared with those treated with imiquimod. Imiquimod reduced the risk of a second BCC locally, regionally, and in the lymphatic drainage area. Our findings are limited by the retrospective nature of our study and the small number of patients treated with imiquimod. CONCLUSIONS: Imiquimod may reduce the risk of subsequent BCC in patients treated for BCC and its effect could last for up to 2 years in local, regional and lymphatic cancerization fields. We believe that the cancerization field concept should be expanded to include not only the local area, but also the pertinent anatomic region and the regional lymphatic drainage area.

Physical, chemical, and antioxidant activity characterization of pitaya (Stenocereus pruinosus) fruits.

Fruits with red and orange flesh of the columnar cactus pitaya (Stenocereus pruinosus) were studied to evaluate physical characteristics, total soluble solids, betalains and soluble phenols content, and antioxidant activity. Fruits had, in average, weight of 179.0 g, 9.8 °Brix, 9.4 % carbohydrates, 1.25 % protein, 0.11 % ethereal extract, 0.60 % crude fiber, and 0.62 % ash. Also, fruits resulted rich in Fe (22.8-27.8 mg/kg). Hue angle and contents of betacyanins, betaxanthins (µg/g dry sample), and total soluble phenols (mg GAE/g fresh sample) were 19.8°, 2860.0, 3210.0, and 1.6 in the red material, and 28.9°, 470.0, 2670.0, and 1.2, respectively, in the orange fruit. The antioxidant capacity was higher in the red material, since the ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)) technique reported 1090.6 and 735.4 µmol of Trolox equivalents/g fresh flesh in red and orange fruits, respectively, while the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay reported 7.84 and 5.16 µmol of Trolox equivalents/g fresh flesh, respectively. The chromatographic profile showed five betalains in red fruits, but only four of them were observed in those orange fleshed.

Isolation and structure elucidation of avocado seed (Persea americana) lipid derivatives that inhibit Clostridium sporogenes endospore germination.

Avocado fruit extracts are known to exhibit antimicrobial properties. However, the effects on bacterial endospores and the identity of antimicrobial compounds have not been fully elucidated. In this study, avocado seed extracts were tested against Clostridium sporogenes vegetative cells and active endospores. Bioassay-guided purification of a crude extract based on inhibitory properties linked antimicrobial action to six lipid derivatives from the family of acetogenin compounds. Two new structures and four compounds known to exist in nature were identified as responsible for the activity. Structurally, most potent molecules shared features of an acetyl moiety and a trans-enone group. All extracts produced inhibition zones on vegetative cells and active endospores. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of isolated molecules ranged from 7.8 to 15.6 µg/mL, and bactericidal effects were observed for an enriched fraction at 19.5 µg/mL. Identified molecules showed potential as natural alternatives to additives and antibiotics used by the food and pharmaceutical industries to inhibit Gram-positive spore-forming bacteria.

Acetonic and Methanolic Extracts of Heterotheca inuloides, and Quercetin, Decrease CCl(4)-Oxidative Stress in Several Rat Tissues.

The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that the acetonic and methanolic extracts of H. inuloides prevent carbon tetrachloride-(CCl(4)) induced oxidative stress in vital tissues. Pretreatment with both H. inuloides extracts or quercetin attenuated the increase in serum activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (BB), creatinine (CRE), and creatine kinase (CK), and impeded the decrease of γ-globulin (γ-GLOB) and albumin (ALB) observed in CCl(4)-induced tissue injury. The protective effect was confirmed by histological analysis with hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid/Schiff's reagent. Level of lipid peroxidation was higher in the organs of rats exposed to CCl(4) than in those of the animals treated with Heterohteca extracts or quercetin, and these showed levels similar to the untreated group. Pretreatment of animals with either of the extracts or quercetin also prevented the increase of 4-hydroxynonenal and 3-nitrotyrosine. Pretreatment with the plant extracts or quercetin attenuated CCl(4) toxic effects on the activity of several antioxidant enzymes. The present results strongly suggest that the chemopreventive effect of the extracts used and quercetin, against CCl(4) toxicity, is associated with their antioxidant properties and corroborated previous results obtained in liver tissue.

Un mayor cociente de la longitud del segundo y el cuarto dedo de la mano está en relación con mayor incidencia de Cáncer de próstata en biopsia de próstata / High digit ratio predicts prostate cancer in prostate biopsy

OBJETIVO: Analizar la validez del cociente entre las longitudes del 2º y 4º dedos (2D/4D) de la mano izquierda como predictor de cáncer de próstata en hombres sometidos a biopsia transrectal ecodirigida de próstata. MÉTODOS: Recogimos prospectivamente los datos de 204 pacientes consecutivos referidos para biopsia de próstata transrectal por elevación de PSA o tacto rectal sospechoso entre enero 2008 y junio 2009. El mismo médico realizó todas las exploraciones físicas, medidas y biopsias transrectales. La determinación 2D/4D se realizó mediante un pie de rey en la mano izquierda. Se determinó en todos los pacientes un perfil hormonal (testosterona y SHBG) entre las 07:00 y las 11:00. Las variables edad, tacto rectal, PSA, PSA libre, densidad del PSA, testosterona y SHBG, diagnóstico anatomopatológico y 2D/4D se analizaron prospectivamente. RESULTADOS: Las variables edad y SHBG estuvieron directamente relacionadas con la presencia de neoplasia. El volumen de próstata correlacionó inversamente con la presencia de neoplasia. La ratio 2D/4D >0,95 (OR (IC 95%) 4,4 (1,491-13,107) se relacionó con la presencia de cáncer de próstata (CP). No se encontraron diferencias en el CP respecto al PSA, PSA libre, densidad del PSA, tacto rectal y testosterona. CONCLUSIONES: Los hombres sometidos a biopsia de próstata con 2D/4D >0,95 tienen cuatro veces más probabilidades de presentar CP que aquellos con una ratio digital ≤0,95(AU)

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the validity of the ratio between the second and fourth finger (digit ratio; 2D/4D) of the left hand as a predictor for prostate cancer (PCa) in a group of men undergoing prostate biopsy. METHODS: We prospectively recruited 204 consecutive patients referred for transrectal prostate biopsy due to PSA elevation or abnormal digital rectal examination between January 2008 and June 2009. The same physician performed all clinical examinations, digit ratio measurements and transrectal biopsy in all cases. Digit ratio determination was done with a Vernier caliper in the left hand. Patients underwent determination of hormone profile (testosterone and sexual hormone binding globulin (SHBG)) between 7:00AM and 11:00AM.Age, digital rectal examination, PSA, free PSA, PSA density, testosterone and SHBG, pathological report and D2 and D4 measurements were recorded prospectively. RESULTS: Variables age and SHBG were directly related to PCa. Prostate volume was inversely related to neoplasia. 2D/4D ratio >0,95 (OR (CI 95%) 4,4 (1,491-13,107) was related to neoplasia. No differences in PCa were seen regarding PSA, free PSA, PSA density, digital rectal examination and testosterone. CONCLUSION: High digit ratio predicts PCa in men undergoing prostate biopsy. Digit ratio >0,95 has 4-fold risk of PCa compared to men with digit ratio <0.95(AU)

Correlación entre la actividad antioxidante y la concentración de polifenoles de tres variedades de albahaca Ocimun basílicum, por el método de Folin - Ciocalteu y de radical DPPH en el Laboratorio de Biociencia de la UNAN-Managua. Octubre 2011 - marzo - 2012 / Correlation between the antioxidant activity and the concentration of polyphenols of three varieties of basil Ocimun basílicum, by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and DPPH radical in the Bioscience Laboratory of the UNAN-Managua. October 2011 - March - 2012

En el presente estudio se hizo una correlación entre la actividad antioxidante y la concentración de polifenoles libres y solubles in vitro, de tres variedades de albahaca; Ocimun basilicum crispum, Ocimun basilicum sanctum, Ocimun basilicum minimun, esto con el objetivo de demostrar si la actividad antioxidante depende directamente de la concentración de polifenoles a través de la aplicación de la técnica estadística de correlación de Pearson R2, buscando con ello dar una respuesta con bases científicas a la población que consume esta planta con fines terapéuticos o culinarios. Para determinar la concentración de polifenoles libres y solubles se estandarizó el método de Folin-Ciocalteau expresando los resultados en µg/ml de acido gálico equivalente (AGE) y conjuntamente para la actividad antioxidante el método de decoloración del radical 2, 2-difenil, 1-picrilhidracilo (DPPH), expresado en porcentaje de decoloración. Las subespecies de albahaca analizadas demostraron un alto contenido de actividad antioxidante y concentración de polifenoles libres y solubles. Los valores mas altos de la actividad antioxidante fueron de 94.07% para la subespecie Ocimun basilicum minimun, en relación a las otras subespecies de albahaca, para la concentración de polifenoles libres y solubles nos indica un valor de 448.66 µg/ml de AGE para la subespecie Ocimun basilicum mínimun. Con el análisis de estos resultados de acuerdo a la determinación del coeficiente de correlación de Pearson, se destaca que no existe ninguna relación entre la actividad antioxidante y la concentración de polifenoles libres y solubles, ya que muchos de estos polifenoles presentes en la albahaca no poseen tanta actividad antioxidante.