Phytotoxicity of plant extracts of Vismia japurensis cultivated in vivo and in vitro / Fitotoxicidade de extratos de plantas de Vismia japurensis cultivadas in vivo e in vitro

Plants that produce secondary metabolites with allelopathic activity or phytotoxicity can be biotechnologically important, serving as sources of allelochemicals, and thus contributing to the agroindustrial sector. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) is an Amazonian species that grows in clumps called vismiais, from which most other plants are absent. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to identify possible phytotoxicity effects of hexane and methanol extracts of Vismia japurensis leaves and branches in vivo and from seedlings grown in vitro on Lactuca sativa. In addition, fresh and dry leaves were assayed by the sandwich method in order to determine their ability to release allelochemicals. The hexanic extract from in vitro seedlings reduced germination by 10%, while the methanol extract produced a 16% reduction in germination speed. Root growth of Lactuca sativa was inhibited by 64.7% when subjected to hexane leaf extract, by 39.3% under the influence of hexane branch extract, and by 96.09% for in vitro seedling hexanic extract. When analysed by thin layer chromatography and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, extracts showed evidence of terpenes, anthraquinones and flavonoids, with greater intensity of signals in the aromatic region of in vitro seedling hexanic extract. Clearly, Vismia japurensis has a high biotechnological potential in terms of the production of substances of low polarity with capacity to interfere in plant development.

Plantas que produzem metabólitos secundários com atividade alelopática ou fitotóxica podem ser biotecnologicamente importantes, servindo como fontes de aleloquímicos e, assim, contribuindo para o setor agroindustrial. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) é uma espécie amazônica que cresce em grupos, formando vismiais. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar possíveis efeitos fitotóxicos de extratos hexânicos e metanólicos de folhas e ramos de Vismia japurensis in vivo e de plântulas cultivadas in vitro sobre Lactuca sativa. Além disso, folhas frescas e secas foram analisadas pelo método sanduíche, a fim de determinar sua capacidade de liberação de aleloquímicos. O extrato hexânico de plântulas in vitro reduziu a germinação em 10% e o extrato metanólico promoveu uma redução de 16% na velocidade de germinação. O crescimento radicular de Lactuca sativa foi inibido em 64,7% quando submetido ao extrato hexânico das folhas, em 39,3% sob influência do extrato hexânico dos galhos e em 96,09% para o extrato de hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Quando analisados por cromatografia em camada delgada e ressonância magnética nuclear de 1H, os extratos mostraram evidências de terpenos, antraquinonas e flavonoides, com maior intensidade de sinais na região aromática do extrato hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Assim, Vismia japurensis possui elevado potencial biotecnológico em termos de produção de substâncias de baixa polaridade com capacidade de interferência no desenvolvimento de plantas.

Phytotoxicity of plant extracts of Vismia japurensis cultivated in vivo and in vitro

Abstract Plants that produce secondary metabolites with allelopathic activity or phytotoxicity can be biotechnologically important, serving as sources of allelochemicals, and thus contributing to the agroindustrial sector. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) is an Amazonian species that grows in clumps called vismiais, from which most other plants are absent. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to identify possible phytotoxicity effects of hexane and methanol extracts of Vismia japurensis leaves and branches in vivo and from seedlings grown in vitro on Lactuca sativa. In addition, fresh and dry leaves were assayed by the sandwich method in order to determine their ability to release allelochemicals. The hexanic extract from in vitro seedlings reduced germination by 10%, while the methanol extract produced a 16% reduction in germination speed. Root growth of Lactuca sativa was inhibited by 64.7% when subjected to hexane leaf extract, by 39.3% under the influence of hexane branch extract, and by 96.09% for in vitro seedling hexanic extract. When analysed by thin layer chromatography and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, extracts showed evidence of terpenes, anthraquinones and flavonoids, with greater intensity of signals in the aromatic region of in vitro seedling hexanic extract. Clearly, Vismia japurensis has a high biotechnological potential in terms of the production of substances of low polarity with capacity to interfere in plant development.

Resumo Plantas que produzem metabólitos secundários com atividade alelopática ou fitotóxica podem ser biotecnologicamente importantes, servindo como fontes de aleloquímicos e, assim, contribuindo para o setor agroindustrial. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) é uma espécie amazônica que cresce em grupos, formando vismiais. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar possíveis efeitos fitotóxicos de extratos hexânicos e metanólicos de folhas e ramos de Vismia japurensis in vivo e de plântulas cultivadas in vitro sobre Lactuca sativa. Além disso, folhas frescas e secas foram analisadas pelo método sanduíche, a fim de determinar sua capacidade de liberação de aleloquímicos. O extrato hexânico de plântulas in vitro reduziu a germinação em 10% e o extrato metanólico promoveu uma redução de 16% na velocidade de germinação. O crescimento radicular de Lactuca sativa foi inibido em 64,7% quando submetido ao extrato hexânico das folhas, em 39,3% sob influência do extrato hexânico dos galhos e em 96,09% para o extrato de hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Quando analisados por cromatografia em camada delgada e ressonância magnética nuclear de 1H, os extratos mostraram evidências de terpenos, antraquinonas e flavonoides, com maior intensidade de sinais na região aromática do extrato hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Assim, Vismia japurensis possui elevado potencial biotecnológico em termos de produção de substâncias de baixa polaridade com capacidade de interferência no desenvolvimento de plantas.

Phytotoxicity of plant extracts of Vismia japurensis cultivated in vivo and in vitro / Fitotoxicidade de extratos de plantas de Vismia japurensis cultivadas in vivo e in vitro

Plants that produce secondary metabolites with allelopathic activity or phytotoxicity can be biotechnologically important, serving as sources of allelochemicals, and thus contributing to the agroindustrial sector. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) is an Amazonian species that grows in clumps called vismiais, from which most other plants are absent. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to identify possible phytotoxicity effects of hexane and methanol extracts of Vismia japurensis leaves and branches in vivo and from seedlings grown in vitro on Lactuca sativa. In addition, fresh and dry leaves were assayed by the sandwich method in order to determine their ability to release allelochemicals. The hexanic extract from in vitro seedlings reduced germination by 10%, while the methanol extract produced a 16% reduction in germination speed. Root growth of Lactuca sativa was inhibited by 64.7% when subjected to hexane leaf extract, by 39.3% under the influence of hexane branch extract, and by 96.09% for in vitro seedling hexanic extract. When analysed by thin layer chromatography and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, extracts showed evidence of terpenes, anthraquinones and flavonoids, with greater intensity of signals in the aromatic region of in vitro seedling hexanic extract. Clearly, Vismia japurensis has a high biotechnological potential in terms of the production of substances of low polarity with capacity to interfere in plant development.

Plantas que produzem metabólitos secundários com atividade alelopática ou fitotóxica podem ser biotecnologicamente importantes, servindo como fontes de aleloquímicos e, assim, contribuindo para o setor agroindustrial. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) é uma espécie amazônica que cresce em grupos, formando vismiais. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar possíveis efeitos fitotóxicos de extratos hexânicos e metanólicos de folhas e ramos de Vismia japurensis in vivo e de plântulas cultivadas in vitro sobre Lactuca sativa. Além disso, folhas frescas e secas foram analisadas pelo método sanduíche, a fim de determinar sua capacidade de liberação de aleloquímicos. O extrato hexânico de plântulas in vitro reduziu a germinação em 10% e o extrato metanólico promoveu uma redução de 16% na velocidade de germinação. O crescimento radicular de Lactuca sativa foi inibido em 64,7% quando submetido ao extrato hexânico das folhas, em 39,3% sob influência do extrato hexânico dos galhos e em 96,09% para o extrato de hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Quando analisados por cromatografia em camada delgada e ressonância magnética nuclear de 1H, os extratos mostraram evidências de terpenos, antraquinonas e flavonoides, com maior intensidade de sinais na região aromática do extrato hexânico das plântulas in vitro. Assim, Vismia japurensis possui elevado potencial biotecnológico em termos de produção de substâncias de baixa polaridade com capacidade de interferência no desenvolvimento de plantas.

Phytotoxicity of plant extracts of Vismia japurensis cultivated in vivo and in vitro.

Plants that produce secondary metabolites with allelopathic activity or phytotoxicity can be biotechnologically important, serving as sources of allelochemicals, and thus contributing to the agroindustrial sector. Vismia japurensis (Hypericaceae) is an Amazonian species that grows in clumps called vismiais, from which most other plants are absent. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to identify possible phytotoxicity effects of hexane and methanol extracts of Vismia japurensis leaves and branches in vivo and from seedlings grown in vitro on Lactuca sativa. In addition, fresh and dry leaves were assayed by the sandwich method in order to determine their ability to release allelochemicals. The hexanic extract from in vitro seedlings reduced germination by 10%, while the methanol extract produced a 16% reduction in germination speed. Root growth of Lactuca sativa was inhibited by 64.7% when subjected to hexane leaf extract, by 39.3% under the influence of hexane branch extract, and by 96.09% for in vitro seedling hexanic extract. When analysed by thin layer chromatography and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, extracts showed evidence of terpenes, anthraquinones and flavonoids, with greater intensity of signals in the aromatic region of in vitro seedling hexanic extract. Clearly, Vismia japurensis has a high biotechnological potential in terms of the production of substances of low polarity with capacity to interfere in plant development.

Effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation during pregnancy on lung function in preschoolers: a clinical trial.

RATIONALE: Prenatal omega-3 fatty acids improve alveolarization, diminish inflammation, and improve pulmonary growth, but it is unclear whether these outcomes translate into improved postnatal lung function. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the effect of prenatal supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on offspring lung function through 60 months of age. METHODS: We included a cohort of 772 Mexican preschoolers whose mothers participated in a clinical trial (NCT00646360) of supplementation with DHA or a placebo from week 18-22 of gestation through delivery. MEASUREMENTS: The children were followed after birth and anthropometric measurements and forced oscillation tests were performed at 36, 48, and 60 months of age. The effect of DHA was tested using a longitudinal mixed effect models. RESULTS: Overall, mean (Standard Deviation) of the measurements of respiratory system resistance and respiratory system reactance at 6, 8, and 10 Hz during follow up period were 11.3 (2.4), 11.1 (2.4), 10.3 (2.2) and -5.2 (1.6), -4.8 (1.7), -4.6 (1.6), respectively. There were no significant differences in pulmonary function by treatment group. DHA did not affect the average lung function or the trajectories through 60 months. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal DHA supplementation did not influence pulmonary function in this cohort of Mexican preschoolers.

Atividades biológicas de espécies amazônicas de Rubiaceae / Biological activities of Amazonian species of Rubiaceae

RESUMORubiaceae é uma família botânica com grande potencial químico e biológico Neste trabalho realizou-se a prospecção fitoquímica e avaliou-se as atividades citotóxica, antioxidante e antifúngica dos extratos diclorometânicos e metanólicos das folhas de Duroia saccifera, Ferdinandusa goudotiana, F. hirsuta, F. paraensis, Ferdinandusa sp., Palicourea corymbifera e P. guianensis. A avaliação da citotoxicidade foi realizada empregando-se o ensaio de toxicidade sobre Artemia salina. A atividade antifúngica foi determinada pelo método de difusão em ágar utilizando-se os fungos: Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis 32905, M. gipseum 29/00, Trichophyton mentagrophytes ATCC 9533/03, T. rubrum ATCC 28189, T. tonsurans 21/97, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. sphaerospermum, FusariumU. 662/06, Scytalidium U. 661/06, Candida albicans ATCC 3632 e C. albicans U. 5/99. A atividade antioxidante foi determinada através dos ensaios de redução do radical livre 1,1-difenil-2-picrilhidrazila (DPPH) e de descoloração do cátion radical ácido-6-sulfônico-2,2-azinobis-3-etilbenzotiazolina (ABTS). Para o ensaio de toxicidade sobre A. salina observou-se maior toxicidade no extrato metanólico de F. goudotiana, que se mostrou tóxico até a concentração de 5 µg mL-1. A presença de princípios antifúngicos foi observada em F. hirsuta e F. paraensiscontra quatro dos fungos testados. Na avaliação da atividade antioxidante os extratos metanólicos mostraram maior atividade que os extratos diclorometânicos, sendo coincidente o resultado obtido através de ambos os métodos (redução do DPPH e descoloração do ABTS). Os resultados criam possibilidades para futuras investigações relacionadas à estrutura e atividade dos componentes de cada extrato ativo.

ABSTRACTRubiaceae is a plant family with great chemical and biological potential. In this work a phytochemical prospection was performed and it was assessed the cytotoxic, antioxidant and antifungal activities of dichloromethanic and methanolic extracts of the leaves of Duroia saccifera, Ferdinandusagoudotiana, F. hirsuta, F. paraensis, Ferdinandusa sp., Palicourea corymbifera and P. guianensis. The cytotoxicity evaluation was carried out using the test toxicity on Artemia salina. The antifungal activity was determined by agar diffusion method using fungi: Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis 32905, M. gipseum 29/00, Trichophyton mentagrophytes ATCC 9533/03, T.rubrum ATCC 28189, T. tonsurans 21/97 , Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. sphaerospermum, FusariumU. 662/06, Scytalidium U. 661/06, Candida albicans ATCC 3632 and C. albicans U. 5/99. The antioxidant activity was determined by testing the amount of free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the discoloration of the radical cation 6-sulfonic acid-2 ,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline (ABTS). For the toxicity test on A. salina greater toxicity in the methanol extract of F. goudotiana was observed, which proved to be toxic up to a concentration of 5 µg mL-1. The presence of antifungal principles was observed in the F. hirsuta and F. paraensis against four tested fungi. In the evaluation of the antioxidant activity, the methanol extracts showed greater activity than the dichloromethanic ones, being similar the obtained result through both methods (reduction of DDPH and ABTS decolorization) . The results create possibilities for future researches related to the structure and activity of the components of each active extract.

Evolución y factores de pronóstico en cáncer diferenciado de tiroides / Evolution and prognosis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Differentiated thyroid carcinoma has a good prognosis with a 90 percent survival at 10 years. Follicular carcinoma is more aggressive than papillary carcinoma Aim: To study the clinical presentation, evolution and prognosis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Material and Methods: The pathological registries of differentiated thyroid cancer processed in a pathology service of a general hospital, between 1984 and 2007, were searched. The clinical records of patients were reviewed. Results: One hundred six pathology registries were identified but only 89 patients had complete medical records. Seventy six patients aged 44 +/- 16 years had a papillary carcinoma and 13 patients aged 42 +/- 15 years had a follicular carcinoma. After a mean follow up of 53 months, 65 patients with papillary and 12 patients with follicular thyroid cancer were alive. Five patients with papillary carcinoma and one with follicular carcinoma had a local or distant relapse. Calculated actuarial survival at 10 years was 84 and 100 percent for papillary and follicular carcinoma, respectively. Ten year survival for stage I, II, III and IV tumors was 100, 92, 68 and 0 percent, respectively. Mortality was associated with the presence of distant metastases, a stage IV tumor, vascular or lymphatic tumor infiltration, tumor size, lymph node involvement, extra capsular invasion and a multi focal lesions. The relative risk for mortality increases between 2.7 and 9 times with the presence of lymph node infiltration and distant metastases. Conclusions: The prognosis of differentiated thyroid cancer is related to lymph node infiltration and the presence of distant metastases.

Los objetivos del presente estudio son identificar la forma de presentación clínica y evolución del cáncer diferenciado de tiroides (CDT); definir la curva de sobrevivencia para ambos tipos histológicos e identificar los factores clínicos e histológicos de mal pronóstico. Se presentan 89 pacientes portadores de cáncer diferenciado (papilar y folicular) de tiroides (75 CP Y 13 CF) tratados en los Hospitales de Coquimbo y La Serena, entre 1984 y 2007. La forma de presentación de ambos tumores fue similar. La mediana de seguimiento fue 53 meses. El 75 por ciento de los pacientes tuvo un seguimiento mínimo de 7 años y el 86,4 por ciento de los pacientes (64 cáncer papilar y 12 cáncer folicular) se encuentran vivos y libres de enfermedad; el intervalo libre de enfermedad fue de 52,7 meses con rango entre 3 meses y 16 años. La sobrevida actuarial a 10 a±os para cáncer papilar es 84 por ciento y, para cáncer folicular 100 por ciento. Por estadios, a los 10 años la sobrevida es de 100 por ciento en estadio I, 92 por ciento en estadio II, 68 por ciento en estadio III y 0 por ciento en estadio IV. El riesgo de muerte se asoció a la presencia de metástasis distantes, T4 e infiltración histológica vascular y/o linfática, p = 0,02. Otros factores no mostraron asociación: tamaño del tumor < T4, compromiso de linfonodos, invasión extracapsular y multifocalidad histológica. Sin embargo, el RR se incrementa 2,7 y 9 veces con invasión linfática o con presencia de metástasis, 1,6 veces con el aumento del tamaño tumoral, y 1,33 con multifocalidad neoplásica en la glándula. La presencia de metástasis linfáticas en cáncer papilar representa un RR de 1,22. Aunque el seguimiento de esta casuística es reducido (mediana 5 años), los resultados sugieren que el mal pronóstico se asocia fundamentalmente a compromiso linfático y metástasis a distancia y, por otra parte, a que el planteamiento terapéutico ha resultado efectivo para el control de la enfermedad en estadio I y II.

[Use of the aluminum phosphate-binders in hemodialysis in the ultrapure water era]. / Uso de captores alumínicos en hemodiálisis en la era del agua ultrapura.

INTRODUCTION: Aluminium binder has been ill-advised, but his use remain applicable in the clinique practice in very seleccionated and particular patients. The repercussion of prolonged treatment with low doses of aluminium phosphate-binders in haemodialysis was studied. The haemodialysis unit had a double osmosis inverse and the aluminium levels in haemodialysis liquid was less than 2 micrograms/liter. METHODS: 41 patients of the 295 on haemodialysis received aluminium phosphate-binders since the 2005 January to the 2007 November. The mean time of treatment was 17.8 months, and the doses was 3.9 tablets day (mean of 463 grams in the studied period). The association of low doses of aluminium phosphate-binders permitted a better control of phosphorus (6.8 to 4.8 mg/dl; p<0.0001), with a reduction of the others phosphate-binders: sevelamer (10.4 a 8 tablets/day; p<0.0001) and calcium phosphate-binders (4.6 to 3.1 tablets/day; p<0.0001). The serum aluminium increased after the aluminium treatment (6.8 to 13.8 mcg/l; p<0.0001), and no toxicity indirect signs were observed on CMV, haemoglobin, none PTH. Five patients (12.1%) reached aluminium serum levels higher 20 mcg/l, and none reached the 40 mcg/l. CONCLUSIONS: The aluminium phosphate-binders were effective, economical and, now, with an apparent better security profile than in a previous time, but it is very important to be careful with this use and to follow a vigilance strict on patients and haemodialysis liquid.

Uso de captores alumínicos en hemodiálisis en la era del agua ultrapura / No disponible

Introducción: Aunque el hidróxido de aluminio haya sido desaconsejado, su utilización permanece vigente en la práctica clínica habitual, para pacientes concretos y muy seleccionados. Se analiza la repercusión que ha tenido el tratamiento prolongado con bajas dosis de captores alumínicos en una población de pacientes que se dializan en una unidad con doble sistema de ósmosis inversa y niveles de aluminio en el líquido de diálisis inferiores a 2 microgramos/litro. Material y métodos: Cuarenta y un pacientes de 295 pacientes en hemodiálisis recibieron captores alumínicos desde enero de 2005 hasta noviembre de 2007. El tiempo medio de tratamiento fue 17,8 ± 14,6 meses, y la dosis media fue3,9 ± 2,29 comprimidos al día (media de 463 g en el periodo estudiado). La asociación de captores del fósforo alumínicos a dosis bajas permitió un mejor control del fósforo (6,8 a 4,8mg/dl; p < 0,0001), con una reducción en las dosis de otros fármacos: sevelamer (10,4 a 8 comp/día; p < 0,0001) y quelantes cálcicos (4,6 a 3,1 comp/día; p < 0,0001). Los niveles de aluminio sérico aumentaron tras el tratamiento (6,8 a13,8 mcg/l; p < 0,0001), y no se observaron signos indirectosde toxicidad sobre el VCM, la hemoglobina ni la PTH. 5pacientes (12,1%) alcanzaron unos niveles de aluminio superiores a 20 microgramos/l, y en ningún caso este valor alcanzó los 40 microgramos/l. Conclusiones: Los ligantes del fósforo alumínicos se ha mostrado efectivos, económicos y, actualmente, con una parente mejor perfil de seguridad que en épocas previas, aunque hay que ser prudentes en su uso y seguir una estricta vigilancia de los pacientes y del líquido de diálisis (AU)

Introduction: Aluminium binder has been ill-advised, but his use remain applicable in the clinique practice in very seleccionated and particular patients. The repercussion of prolonged treatment with low doses of aluminium phosphate-binders in haemodialysis was studied. The haemodialysis unit had a double osmosis inverse and the aluminium levels in haemodialysis liquid was less than 2 microgrames/liter. Methods: 41 patients of the 295 on haemodialysis received aluminium phosphate-binders since the 2005 january to the 2007november. The mean time of treatment was 17.8 months, and the doses was 3.9 tablets day (mean of 463 g in the studied period).The association of low doses of aluminium phosphate-binders permitted a better control of phosphorus (6.8 to 4.8 mg/dl;p < 0.0001), with a reduction of the others phosphate-binders: sevelamer (10.4 a 8 tablets/day; p < 0.0001) and calcium phosphate-binders (4.6 to 3.1 tablets/day; p < 0.0001). The serum aluminium increased after the aluminium treatment (6.8 to 13.8mcg/l; p < 0.0001), and no toxicity indirect signs were observed on CMV, haemoglob in, none PTH. Five patients (12.1%) reached aluminium serum levels higher 20 mcg/l, and none reached the40 mcg/l. Conclusions: The aluminium phosphate-binders were effective, economical and, now, with an apparent better security profile than in a previous time, but it is very important to be careful with this use and to follow a vigilance strict on patients and haemodialysis liquid (AU)

Entrenamiento en relajación como terapia complementaria en pacientes con gastroenterología / No disponible

Aunque la etiología de la enfermedad de Crohn es desconocida, se han descrito factos de carácter genético, infecciosos, inmunológico, y ambiental que aumentan el riesgo de padecerla, entre otros, eventos estresantes que exacerban o agravan la enfermedad. Desde el año 200 6, este mal, englobado dentro del grupo de las enfermedades inflamatorias intestinales (E.II, I.B.D.) clasifica a los pacientes en función de la edad de comienzo, localización de la enfermedad y comportamiento de ésta. Como es bien conocido, actualmente no es curable, pero sí controlarle, y la mayoría de las personas pueden hacer una vida normal, bajo tratamiento y vigilancia. Paralelamente a los tratamientos de tipo farmacológico, dietético, sintomático o quirúrgico, el poder proporcionar técnicas de relajación a los pacientes con trastornos gastrointestinales, que puedan aplicar fácilmente en cualquier momento puede convertirse en una inestimable herramienta que les ayude al control de su propia salud. El estudio muestra los beneficios obtenidos al comparar una muestra de pacientes de Crohn que siguieron un entrenamiento en relajación y lo incorporaron a su vida cotidiana, comparado con otro grupo de pacientes de la misma enfermedad, sin tratamiento(AU)

Medicinal plants from the "Sierra de Comechingones", Argentina.

Argentina is a country with both rich floral biodiversity and cultural diversity. Traditional herbal medicines are important in the health care of most people, and rely heavily on the use of indigenous plants. An ethnobotanical survey of the "Sierra de Comechingones" made over a 26-year period (1979-2005), indicated that 65 families and 149 different genuses were used in traditional medicines. The use of these medicines was observed to be widespread and prevalent over orthodox medicine. Medicinal native plants from this mountain range make up 31% of the total Argentina medicinal native flora. In addition, there are 15 endemic species that grow only in the region. The botanical name, popular uses, parts utilized, as well as the distribution of these medicinal plants from the "Sierra de Comechingones", Argentina, were summarized. Previous reports on phytochemical and biological activities in relation to cancer, antimicrobials and pesticides were also included.

[Transcutaneous electric stimulation (TENS) to reduce pain after cesarean section]. / Estimulación eléctrica transcutánea (EET) para reducir el dolor después de la cesárea.

The main goal of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (n = 25), comparatively with the effects induced by the intravenous administration of 1 g of Dipyrone (n = 25), to reduce postoperative pain during the immediate period (4 hours) following cesarean section. We undertook a clinical study in order to analyze the following variables: pain intensity, duration of pain, and additional consumption of analgesic drugs. Our data showed that both treatments resulted insufficient in order to eliminate completely postoperative pain, requiring the administration of additional analgesic drugs. This study supports previous findings reporting that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation induces a decrement of 50% on the total amount of analgesic drugs employed. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation showed to effectively reduce the intensity and duration of pain of cutaneous origin, as well as to reduce pain associated with voluntary movements, in all patients. Perhaps due to the blocking of A peripheral fibers (somatic pain). However, in 13 patients, this treatment was insufficient to block visceral pain conducted by type C peripheral fibers. These actions may be related to the position of the stimulus electrodes, as well as to the frequency of stimulation used in our study. Taken together, our results are indicative that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation constitutes an alternative treatment in order to reduce postoperative pain during the immediate period following cesarean birth; reduces the requirements of analgesic drugs; helps on keeping alert the mothers and therefore able to attend the newborn; and avoids secondary effects of analgesic drugs over mother-newborn relationship. Nevertheless, it is necessary to further explore transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, changing the position of the stimulus electrodes, and the frequency of stimulation, in order to evaluate its effects on visceral pain.

Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) as a potential antiobesity agent: a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT: Hydroxycitric acid, the active ingredient in the herbal compound Garcinia cambogia, competitively inhibits the extramitochondrial enzyme adenosine triphosphate-citrate (pro-3S)-lyase. As a citrate cleavage enzyme that may play an essential role in de novo lipogenesis inhibition, G cambogia is claimed to lower body weight and reduce fat mass in humans. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of G cambogia for body weight and fat mass loss in overweight human subjects. DESIGN: Twelve-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient weight control research unit. PARTICIPANTS: Overweight men and women subjects (mean body mass index [weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters], approximately 32 kg/m2). INTERVENTION: Subjects were randomized to receive either active herbal compound (1500 mg of hydroxycitric acid per day) or placebo, and both groups were prescribed a high-fiber, low-energy diet. The treatment period was 12 weeks. Body weight was evaluated every other week and fat mass was measured at weeks 0 and 12. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Body weight change and fat mass change. RESULTS: A total of 135 subjects were randomized to either active hydroxycitric acid (n = 66) or placebo (n = 69); 42 (64%) in the active hydroxycitric acid group and 42 (61%) in the placebo group completed 12 weeks of treatment (P = .74). Patients in both groups lost a significant amount of weight during the 12-week treatment period (P<.001); however, between-group weight loss differences were not statistically significant (mean [SD], 3.2 [3.3] kg vs 4.1 [3.9] kg; P = .14). There were no significant differences in estimated percentage of body fat mass loss between treatment groups, and the fraction of subject weight loss as fat was not influenced by treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Garcinia cambogia failed to produce significant weight loss and fat mass loss beyond that observed with placebo.

[Spanish contribution to the creation of a European analytical database of trans-fatty acids]. / Contribución española a la creación de una base de datos analítica europea de ácidos grasos trans.

Within the AAIR Program of the EU titled Evaluation of the Ingestion of Trans Fatty Acids (FA) and its association with cardiovascular risk factors in European countries (TRANSFAIR), which is being carried out in 16 countries with different alimentary habits, among which is our country, we have developed the following study. Based on the information derived from the last National Nutrition and Feeding Study (ENNA-3), we have made up a list of foods which make up 95% of the total ingestion of lipids, and it also includes those which although they are not included within this percentage, may have an especially high trans isomer content as a result of their processing. The foods selected for the analysis belong to different food groups: cereals, milk products, oils and fats, meats, various, and pre-cooked foods, until making up a total of 100 foods for each country. The central analysis laboratory is that of the Department of Human Nutrition, TNO Nutrition and Food Research, Zeist (The Netherlands). In each sample, in addition to the total lipids, one determines the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, including the cis and trans isomers. The trans FA's measured were: C14:1 T9, C16:1 T9, C18:1 T, C18:2 T, C18:3 T + C20:1 T, C20:2 T11,14, and C22:1 T13. Of the samples analyzed, the highest percentages of trans FA with respect to the total FA corresponded to the following foods: French fries, pre-cooked and frozen croquettes sliced bread, margarine, cakes, and frozen mille feuilles dough of different industrial brands. The lowest percentages of trans FA's were found in refined vegetable oils (sunflower and olive), those used for deep frying, and those discarded in catering, as well as in some commercial brands of cookies and ice creams. Pure chocolate, different brands of sweetened powdered cocoa, and ready to make chocolate, did not contain and trans FA.

Sesquiterpenes, limonoid and coumarin from the wood bark of Guarea guidonia.

Investigation of the wood bark of Guarea guidonia (Meliaceae) led to the isolation of a limonoid (mombasol), a coumarin (scopoletin), and six sesquiterpenes [trans-1(10)-epoxy-4(15)-caryophyllene, 1(10)-epoxy-4,7-humuladiene, viridiflorol, 1(10),4-diepoxy-7-humulene, 3-oxo-10-alloaromadendranol, 1beta-6alpha-dihydroxyeudesm-4(15)ene]. The occurrence of these metabolites in the Guarea genus is reported for the first time. Stigmasterol, sitosterol and its oleate and palmitate esters were also obtained. Some corrections to the previously reported chemical shift assignments of 3-oxo-10-alloaromadendranol ( (13)C-NMR) were made.

[A case control study of the relationship between diet and breast cancer in a sample from 3 Spanish hospital populations. Effects of food, energy and nutrient intake]. / Estudio caso-control de la relación dieta y cáncer de mama en una muestra procedente de tres poblaciones hospitalarias españolas. Repercusión del consumo de alimentos, energía y nutrientes.

A case-control study was conducted to analyze the possible role of diet on the incidence of breast cancer in a group of 275 women (139 cases and 136 controls) recruited from three hospital populations (Madrid, Mérida, and Santiago de Compostela). The retrospective intake of foods was studied by a modified dietary history; from this the intake of energy, nutrients, fiber, and alcohol was derived. Intake of oils and fats was significantly higher among cases, which translates into a higher intake of lipids and vitamin E. In contrast, intake of vitamin D and legumes was significantly lower. No differences were observed regarding other foods and nutrients between cases and controls. The estimate of the odds ratio as a relative risk measure for breast cancer, adjusted and unadjusted for total energy, indicates that intake of cereals and legumes, proteins, carbohydrates and fiber is apparently a protective factor, whereas an excessive intake of meat, oils and fats and a lipid intake higher than 46% of the total caloric intake or poly-unsaturated fatty acids higher than 15 g would be a risk factor for this pathology.

[Guidelines for the dietetic treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa based on an assessment of their nutritional status]. / Pautas para el tratamiento dietético de pacientes con anorexia nerviosa basadas en la evaluación de su estado nutritivo.

The evaluation of the nutritional status of patients with anorexia nervosa is of great utility when establishing guidelines for specific and appropriate dietary programs to face nutritional deficiencies and thus favoring their recovery. The nutritional status of patients was evaluated by means of anthropometric, biochemical, and dietetic parameters in a group of 78 anorexics who followed a psychiatric and nutritional therapy, 57 in an ambulatory basis and 21 as in-patients. Anthropometric parameters (weight and body mass index) showed a severe depletion of the nutritional status, particularly in in-patients. Only 25% of patients had a body mass index higher than 18 and 5% had values within normal ranges. While biochemical indexes (hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, total proteins and vitamins: thiamine, riboflavin, B6, ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, retinol and beta-carotene) were within normal ranges in most cases, there were variable percentages of patients with marginal values and clearly deficient for group B vitamins: thiamine (79 +/- 11 U/l; P25 = 70 U/l), riboflavin (884 +/- 160 U/l; P5 = 640 U/l) and B6 (309 +/- 131 U/l; P25 = 227 U/l). The study of the diet showed a marked lack of energy supply (only 25% of patients had their needs satisfied (P75 = 101%) and minerals (iron, magnesium, and zinc). Intake of proteins and vitamins was, in general, satisfactory. Critical points to be considered in refeeding are energy and mineral deficiencies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Lead poisoning due to hai ge fen. The porphyrin content of individual erythrocytes.

A 45-year-old Korean man developed abdominal colic, muscle pain, and fatigue. Following a 3-week hospitalization, acute intermittent porphyria was diagnosed based on the symptoms and a high level of urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (378 mumol/L [4.95 mg/dL]). However, discovery of an elevated blood lead level (3.7 mumol/L [76 micrograms/dL]) subsequently led to the correct diagnosis. No occupational source of lead exposure was identified. The patient reported ingesting a Chinese herbal preparation for 4 weeks prior to becoming ill. A public health investigation revealed that the source of lead exposure was hai ge fen (clamshell powder), one of the 36 ingredients of the Chinese herbal medicine. We used fluorescence image-based cytometry to determine the frequency distribution of the zinc protoporphyrin content in circulating red blood cells and found that 70% of the patient's cells contained elevated levels of zinc protoporphyrin, consistent with the duration of lead exposure and effect of lead on heme synthesis. Analysis of zinc protoporphyrin content in circulating red blood cell distributions may be useful in the diagnosis, therapy, and kinetic modeling of lead poisoning. Environmental lead poisoning is best addressed through the close collaboration of clinicians, public health specialists, and laboratory scientists.

Hematological effects of prenatal iron supplementation on mothers and their infants.

Infants born to mothers who served an subjects of an iron supplementation study among pregnant women were followed-up for one year to assess the benefits derived by the infants from the iron treatment of the mothers. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels at one to three months after birth were not statistically different between infants of iron-treated and untreated mothers. Infants aged six to twelve months who have not received any dietary iron supplement and were born from iron-treated mothers tended to have slightly higher hemoglobin levels than infants born to mothers not treated with iron during pregnancy but differences were not statistically significant. Mean hemoglobin levels for the infants aged six to twelve months who received daily iron supplement were significantly higher compared to hemoglobin levels of infants with either no iron or with intermittent iron supplement. Initial hemoglobin and hematocrit levels of pregnant mothers before supplementation and at one month postpartum, which were included in the report, showed higher gains in hemoglobin levels for the anemic mothers treated with iron compared to the gain found for the placebo group.

Iron supplementation studies among pregnant women.

The effect of iron supplementation alone or in combination with ascorbic acid as a preventive and or corrective measure against anemia were tested using pregnant women seeking pre-natal consultation at various health centers in Greater Manila Area. One tablet containing 65 mg iron alone or in combination with ascorbic acid per day during a supplementation period which varied from 16.5 to 17.8 weeks maintained initial hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in non-anemic women. Three tablets of the same iron preparation (total of 195 mg iron) daily resulted in significant increases in hemoglobin and hematocrit in anemic women. Ascorbic acid had no apparent beneficial effect. Considering the positive response to iron treatment, it is recommended that a nationwide program of iron supplementation of pregnant Filipinos be undertaken.