Beta Oscillations Distinguish Between Two Forms of Mental Imagery While Gamma and Theta Activity Reflects Auditory Attention.

Visual sensory processing of external events decreases when attention is internally oriented toward self-generated thoughts and also differences in attenuation have been shown depending on the thought's modality (visual or auditory thought). The present study aims to assess whether such modulations occurs also in auditory modality. In order to investigate auditory sensory modulations, we compared a passive listening condition with two conditions in which attention was internally oriented as a part of a task; a visual imagery condition and an inner speech condition. EEG signal was recorded from 20 participants while they were exposed to auditory probes during these three conditions. ERP results showed no differences in N1 auditory response comparing the three conditions reflecting maintenance of evoked electrophysiological reactivity for auditory modality. Nonetheless, time-frequency analyses showed that gamma and theta power in frontal regions was higher for passive listening than for internal attentional conditions. Specifically, the reduced amplitude in early gamma and theta band during both inward attention conditions may reflect reduced conscious attention of the current auditory stimulation. Finally, different pattern of beta band activity was observed only during visual imagery which can reflect cross-modal integration between visual and auditory modalities and it can distinguish this form of mental imagery from the inner speech. Taken together, these results showed that attentional suppression mechanisms in auditory modality are different from visual modality during mental imagery processes. Our results about oscillatory activity also confirm the important role of gamma oscillations in auditory processing and the differential neural dynamics underlying the visual and auditory/verbal imagery.

Identificación de metabolitos secundarios de Anredera vesicaria (Yuca hiedra) / Identification of secondary metabolites from Anredera vesicaria (Yuca Hiedra)

Introducción: Anredera vesicaria es una planta muy empleada en la región oriental de Cuba para tratar inflamaciones provocadas por golpes y fracturas, sin embargo, no existen datos de su composición química que justifiquen su uso como antiinflamatorio. Objetivo: identificar metabolitos secundarios de interés medicinal en las hojas, tallos y rizomas de Anredera vesicaria. Métodos: a la biomasa recolectada se le aplicó un proceso de lavado, desinfección, secado y pulverización. Un ejemplar fue identificado y consignado en la serie Catasús, número 2601. Muestras aéreas y subterráneas se sometieron a extracciones con agua y etanol usándose ultrasonido. A los extractos se les realizó tamizaje fitoquímico, cuyos resultados fueron corroborados por cromatografía de capa delgada y espectroscopía ultravioleta e infrarroja.Resultados: se identificaron carbohidratos, fenoles, flavonoides, cumarinas, alcaloides, triterpenos, mucílagos y saponinas. En el extracto etanólico de las hojas se encontró la mayor diversidad de metabolitos secundarios, sin embargo, en los rizomas hay mayor abundancia de fenoles, esteroides y mucílagos. A partir de los rizomas se aisló un sólido blanco amorfo que fue identificado como ácido oleanólico. Conclusiones: la abundancia de triterpenos y mucílagos en Anredera vesicaria podría contribuir con su actividad antiiflamatoria(AU)

Introduction: Anredera vesicaria is a plant very used in the East of Cuba to treat inflammations provoked by blows and fractures, however, data of the chemical composition that justify its use as antiinflamatory don't exist.Objective: To Identify secondary metabolites with medicinal interest in the sheets, stems and rhizomes from Anredera vesicaria. Methods: To the recollected biomass was applied a process of washing, disinfection, drying and pulverization. A sample was identified and consigned in the Catasús series, with number 2601. Aerial and subterranean samples submitted extractions with water and ethanol themselves using ultrasound. To the extracts were carried out the phytochemical screening whose results were corroborated by thin layer chromatography and ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy. Results: Carbohydrates, phenols, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, triterpenes, mucilages and saponines were identified. In the ethanolic extract from leaves it was found the biggest diversity of secondary metabolites, however, in the rhizomes there are bigger abundance of phenols, steroids and mucilages. Starting from rhizomes was isolate an amorphous white solid which was identified as oleanolic acid.Conclusions: The abundance of triterpenes and mucilages in Anredera vesicaria could to contribute with their anti-inflamatory activit(AU)

Identificación de metabolitos secundarios de Anredera vesicaria (Yuca hiedra) / Identification of secondary metabolites from Anredera vesicaria (Yuca Hiedra)

INTRODUCCIÓN: Anredera vesicaria es una planta muy empleada en la región oriental de Cuba para tratar inflamaciones provocadas por golpes y fracturas, sin embargo, no existen datos de su composición química que justifiquen su uso como antiinflamatorio. OBJETIVO: identificar metabolitos secundarios de interés medicinal en las hojas, tallos y rizomas de Anredera vesicaria. MÉTODOS: a la biomasa recolectada se le aplicó un proceso de lavado, desinfección, secado y pulverización. Un ejemplar fue identificado y consignado en la serie Catasús, número 2601. Muestras aéreas y subterráneas se sometieron a extracciones con agua y etanol usándose ultrasonido. A los extractos se les realizó tamizaje fitoquímico, cuyos resultados fueron corroborados por cromatografía de capa delgada y espectroscopía ultravioleta e infrarroja. RESULTADOS: se identificaron carbohidratos, fenoles, flavonoides, cumarinas, alcaloides, triterpenos, mucílagos y saponinas. En el extracto etanólico de las hojas se encontró la mayor diversidad de metabolitos secundarios, sin embargo, en los rizomas hay mayor abundancia de fenoles, esteroides y mucílagos. A partir de los rizomas se aisló un sólido blanco amorfo que fue identificado como ácido oleanólico. CONCLUSIONES: la abundancia de triterpenos y mucílagos en Anredera vesicaria podría contribuir con su actividad antiiflamatoria.

INTRODUCTION: Anredera vesicaria is a plant very used in the East of Cuba to treat inflammations provoked by blows and fractures, however, data of the chemical composition that justify its use as antiinflamatory don't exist. OBJECTIVE: To Identify secondary metabolites with medicinal interest in the sheets, stems and rhizomes from Anredera vesicaria. METHODS: To the recollected biomass was applied a process of washing, disinfection, drying and pulverization. A sample was identified and consigned in the Catasús series, with number 2601. Aerial and subterranean samples submitted extractions with water and ethanol themselves using ultrasound. To the extracts were carried out the phytochemical screening whose results were corroborated by thin layer chromatography and ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS: Carbohydrates, phenols, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, triterpenes, mucilages and saponines were identified. In the ethanolic extract from leaves it was found the biggest diversity of secondary metabolites, however, in the rhizomes there are bigger abundance of phenols, steroids and mucilages. Starting from rhizomes was isolate an amorphous white solid which was identified as oleanolic acid. CONCLUSIONS: The abundance of triterpenes and mucilages in Anredera vesicaria could to contribute with their anti-inflamatory activity.

Data of ERPs and spectral alpha power when attention is engaged on visual or verbal/auditory imagery.

This article provides data from statistical analysis of event-related brain potentials (ERPs) and spectral power from 20 participants during three attentional conditions. Specifically, P1, N1 and P300 amplitude of ERP were compared when participant׳s attention was oriented to an external task, to a visual imagery and to an inner speech. The spectral power from alpha band was also compared in these three attentional conditions. These data are related to the research article where sensory processing of external information was compared during these three conditions entitled "Orienting attention to visual or verbal/auditory imagery differentially impairs the processing of visual stimuli" (Villena-Gonzalez et al., 2016) [1].

Orienting attention to visual or verbal/auditory imagery differentially impairs the processing of visual stimuli.

When attention is oriented toward inner thoughts, as spontaneously occurs during mind wandering, the processing of external information is attenuated. However, the potential effects of thought's content regarding sensory attenuation are still unknown. The present study aims to assess if the representational format of thoughts, such as visual imagery or inner speech, might differentially affect the sensory processing of external stimuli. We recorded the brain activity of 20 participants (12 women) while they were exposed to a probe visual stimulus in three different conditions: executing a task on the visual probe (externally oriented attention), and two conditions involving inward-turned attention i.e. generating inner speech and performing visual imagery. Event-related potentials results showed that the P1 amplitude, related with sensory response, was significantly attenuated during both task involving inward attention compared with external task. When both representational formats were compared, the visual imagery condition showed stronger attenuation in sensory processing than inner speech condition. Alpha power in visual areas was measured as an index of cortical inhibition. Larger alpha amplitude was found when participants engaged in an internal thought contrasted with the external task, with visual imagery showing even more alpha power than inner speech condition. Our results show, for the first time to our knowledge, that visual attentional processing to external stimuli during self-generated thoughts is differentially affected by the representational format of the ongoing train of thoughts.

Actividad antimicrobiana in vitro de Pteris vittata L / In vitro antimicrobial activity of Pteris vittata L

Introducción: las hojas de Pteris vittata L (helecho) son utilizadas por la población para el tratamiento de la candidiasis y en enfermedades producidas por bacterias en la piel. Objetivo: identificar preliminarmente las familias de metabolitos secundarios presentes en las hojas de la planta y evaluar su posible actividad antimicrobiana. Métodos: se recolectaron las hojas de Pteris vittata L. El material vegetal fue lavado, desinfectado, secado y seguidamente se procedió a su pulverización. Este polvo se utilizó en la elaboración de los diferentes extractos y tintura. La tintura obtenida se concentró y se fraccionó sucesivamente con n-hexano, cloroformo y acetato de etilo. A estos extractos se les realizó el tamizaje fitoquímico, ensayos microbiológicos y cromatografía de capa fina. Resultados: las pruebas in vitro efectuadas a los extractos obtenidos a partir de la tintura 20 por ciento, demostraron que éstos presentan actividad antimicrobiana frente a Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, destacándose los resultados obtenidos frente a Candida sp para los extractos de acetato de etilo y clorofórmico. En estas fracciones están presentes en mayor proporción alcaloides y quinonas, que podrían ser los responsables de esta actividad, lo cual se corrobora con la identificación de estos metabolitos secundarios mediante la cromatografía de capa fina y el tamizaje fitoquímico realizado. Conclusiones: el estudio combinado mediante la cromatografía de capa fina y el tamizaje fitoquímico de los extractos hexánico, acetato de etilo y clorofórmico permite inferir que la actividad antimicrobiana puede deberse a la presencia de quinonas y alcaloides(AU)

Introduction: Pteris vittata L. leaves (fern) are used by people on the candidiasis treatment and some skin illnesses caused by bacteria. Objective: to identify preliminarily the secondary metabolites present in the leaves of the plant and to evaluate their possible antimicrobial activity. Methods: Pteris vittata L. leaves were collected. The plant material was washed, disinfected, dried and pulverized. The powder obtained was used to make the various extracts and the tincture. The latter was concentrated and successively fractionated with n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate. The extracts underwent phytochemical screening, microbiological assays and thin-layer chromatography. Results: in vitro tests performed in the obtained extracts from the 20 percent tincture proved that they have antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, emphasizing the accomplished results against Candida of the ethyl and chloroform acetate extracts. Alkaloids and quinones, which are found in large proportion in the extracts, would be responsible of the above- mentioned antibacterial activity. This was corroborated by the identification of these secondary metabolites through thin-layer chromatography and phytochemical screening. Conclusions: the combined study through thin-layer chromatography and phytochemical screening of the ethyl and chloroform acetate extracts showed that the antimicrobial activity could be possible due to the alkaloids and quinones presence(AU)

Actividad antimicrobiana in vitro de Pteris vittata L / In vitro antimicrobial activity of Pteris vittata L

Introducción: las hojas de Pteris vittata L (helecho) son utilizadas por la población para el tratamiento de la candidiasis y en enfermedades producidas por bacterias en la piel. Objetivo: identificar preliminarmente las familias de metabolitos secundarios presentes en las hojas de la planta y evaluar su posible actividad antimicrobiana. Métodos: se recolectaron las hojas de Pteris vittata L. El material vegetal fue lavado, desinfectado, secado y seguidamente se procedió a su pulverización. Este polvo se utilizó en la elaboración de los diferentes extractos y tintura. La tintura obtenida se concentró y se fraccionó sucesivamente con n-hexano, cloroformo y acetato de etilo. A estos extractos se les realizó el tamizaje fitoquímico, ensayos microbiológicos y cromatografía de capa fina. Resultados: las pruebas in vitro efectuadas a los extractos obtenidos a partir de la tintura 20 por ciento, demostraron que éstos presentan actividad antimicrobiana frente a Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, destacándose los resultados obtenidos frente a Candida sp para los extractos de acetato de etilo y clorofórmico. En estas fracciones están presentes en mayor proporción alcaloides y quinonas, que podrían ser los responsables de esta actividad, lo cual se corrobora con la identificación de estos metabolitos secundarios mediante la cromatografía de capa fina y el tamizaje fitoquímico realizado. Conclusiones: el estudio combinado mediante la cromatografía de capa fina y el tamizaje fitoquímico de los extractos hexánico, acetato de etilo y clorofórmico permite inferir que la actividad antimicrobiana puede deberse a la presencia de quinonas y alcaloides(AU)

Introduction: Pteris vittata L. leaves (fern) are used by people on the candidiasis treatment and some skin illnesses caused by bacteria. Objective: to identify preliminarily the secondary metabolites present in the leaves of the plant and to evaluate their possible antimicrobial activity. Methods: Pteris vittata L. leaves were collected. The plant material was washed, disinfected, dried and pulverized. The powder obtained was used to make the various extracts and the tincture. The latter was concentrated and successively fractionated with n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate. The extracts underwent phytochemical screening, microbiological assays and thin-layer chromatography. Results: in vitro tests performed in the obtained extracts from the 20 percent tincture proved that they have antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, emphasizing the accomplished results against Candida of the ethyl and chloroform acetate extracts. Alkaloids and quinones, which are found in large proportion in the extracts, would be responsible of the above- mentioned antibacterial activity. This was corroborated by the identification of these secondary metabolites through thin-layer chromatography and phytochemical screening. Conclusions: the combined study through thin-layer chromatography and phytochemical screening of the ethyl and chloroform acetate extracts showed that the antimicrobial activity could be possible due to the alkaloids and quinones presence(AU)

Auditory Feedback Differentially Modulates Behavioral and Neural Markers of Objective and Subjective Performance When Tapping to Your Heartbeat.

Interoception, the perception of our body internal signals, plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis and guiding our behavior. Sometimes, we become aware of our body signals and use them in planning and strategic thinking. Here, we show behavioral and neural dissociations between learning to follow one's own heartbeat and metacognitive awareness of one's performance, in a heartbeat-tapping task performed before and after auditory feedback. The electroencephalography amplitude of the heartbeat-evoked potential in interoceptive learners, that is, participants whose accuracy of tapping to their heartbeat improved after auditory feedback, was higher compared with non-learners. However, an increase in gamma phase synchrony (30-45 Hz) after the heartbeat auditory feedback was present only in those participants showing agreement between objective interoceptive performance and metacognitive awareness. Source localization in a group of participants and direct cortical recordings in a single patient identified a network hub for interoceptive learning in the insular cortex. In summary, interoceptive learning may be mediated by the right insular response to the heartbeat, whereas metacognitive awareness of learning may be mediated by widespread cortical synchronization patterns.

Tamizaje fitoquímico de los extractos de Faramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich. (nabaco) / Phytochemical screening of e xtracts from F aramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich. (nabaco)

Introducción: Faramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich. (Rubiaceae) se utiliza de forma tradicional como astringente, galactógeno y como antiséptico en el tratamiento de enfermedades de la piel, principalmente erupciones cutáneas, por lo que es frecuentemente empleada para baños en los recién nacidos con estas afecciones. Hasta el momento no existen reportes de estudios fitoquímicos sobre los metabolitos secundarios de interés biológico y terapéutico presentes en los extractos de esta planta. Objetivo: determinar los metabolitos secundarios de interés biológico y terapéutico presentes en la especie F. occidentalis. Métodos: la planta fue colectada en la localidad de Cienaguilla, municipio Campechuela, provincia Granma, Cuba, e identificada por especialistas del Jardín Botánico Cupaynicú en el municipio Guisa. Fracciones de los órganos aéreos y subterráneos de la planta se lavaron, desinfectaron, secaron, pulverizaron y se sometieron a extracciones asistidas por ultrasonido con solventes de polaridad creciente. A los extractos se les realizó el tamizaje fitoquímico, cuyos resultados fueron corroborados por análisis cromatográfico mediante cromatografía de capa fina y espectroscopía ultravioleta-visible. Resultados: el tamizaje fitoquímico, realizado a los extractos de raíces, tallos y hojas de la planta y la cromatografía de capa fina aplicada a la tintura de las hojas, permitió constatar la presencia de varias familias de metabolitos secundarios de interés biológico y farmacológico, principalmente, alcaloides y coumarinas, siendo más abundantes en los extractos acuoso y etanólico. Conclusiones: la presencia de abundantes alcaloides y coumarinas en F. occidentalis pudiera ser responsable de su actividad antiséptica(AU)

Introduction: Faramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich.(Rubiaceae) is a plant traditionally used as astringent, galactogen and antiseptic in the treatment of skin disorders, mainly rash. Therefore, it is commonly used to bathe newborns suffering from these conditions. No reports are available of phytochemical studies about the secondary metabolites of biological and therapeutic interest contained in extracts from this plant. Objective: determine the secondary metabolites of biological and therapeutic interest present in the species F. occidentalis. Methods: plant samples were collected from the locality of Cienaguilla, municipality of Campechuela, in the province of Granma, Cuba, and identified by specialists from Cupaynicú Botanical Garden in the municipality of Guisa. Fractions of aerial and underground plant parts were washed, disinfected, dried and pulverized, and then subjected to ultrasound-assisted extraction with increasing polarity solvents. The extracts underwent phytochemical screening, and results were corroborated by thin layer chromatography and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Results: phytochemical screening of root, stem and leaf extracts, and thin layer chromatography of the leaf tincture allowed confirmation of the presence of several families of secondary metabolites of biological and pharmacological interest, mainly alkaloids and coumarins, which were more abundant in aqueous and ethanolic extracts(AU)

Tamizaje fitoquímico de los extractos de Faramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich. (nabaco) / Phytochemical screening of e xtracts from F aramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich. (nabaco)

INTRODUCCIÓN: Faramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich. (Rubiaceae) se utiliza de forma tradicional como astringente, galactógeno y como antiséptico en el tratamiento de enfermedades de la piel, principalmente erupciones cutáneas, por lo que es frecuentemente empleada para baños en los recién nacidos con estas afecciones. Hasta el momento no existen reportes de estudios fitoquímicos sobre los metabolitos secundarios de interés biológico y terapéutico presentes en los extractos de esta planta. OBJETIVO: determinar los metabolitos secundarios de interés biológico y terapéutico presentes en la especie F. occidentalis. MÉTODOS: la planta fue colectada en la localidad de Cienaguilla, municipio Campechuela, provincia Granma, Cuba, e identificada por especialistas del Jardín Botánico Cupaynicú en el municipio Guisa. Fracciones de los órganos aéreos y subterráneos de la planta se lavaron, desinfectaron, secaron, pulverizaron y se sometieron a extracciones asistidas por ultrasonido con solventes de polaridad creciente. A los extractos se les realizó el tamizaje fitoquímico, cuyos resultados fueron corroborados por análisis cromatográfico mediante cromatografía de capa fina y espectroscopía ultravioleta-visible. RESULTADOS: el tamizaje fitoquímico, realizado a los extractos de raíces, tallos y hojas de la planta y la cromatografía de capa fina aplicada a la tintura de las hojas, permitió constatar la presencia de varias familias de metabolitos secundarios de interés biológico y farmacológico, principalmente, alcaloides y coumarinas, siendo más abundantes en los extractos acuoso y etanólico. CONCLUSIONES: la presencia de abundantes alcaloides y coumarinas en F. occidentalis pudiera ser responsable de su actividad antiséptica.

INTRODUCTION: Faramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich.(Rubiaceae) is a plant traditionally used as astringent, galactogen and antiseptic in the treatment of skin disorders, mainly rash. Therefore, it is commonly used to bathe newborns suffering from these conditions. No reports are available of phytochemical studies about the secondary metabolites of biological and therapeutic interest contained in extracts from this plant. OBJECTIVE: determine the secondary metabolites of biological and therapeutic interest present in the species F. occidentalis. METHODS: plant samples were collected from the locality of Cienaguilla, municipality of Campechuela, in the province of Granma, Cuba, and identified by specialists from Cupaynicú Botanical Garden in the municipality of Guisa. Fractions of aerial and underground plant parts were washed, disinfected, dried and pulverized, and then subjected to ultrasound-assisted extraction with increasing polarity solvents. The extracts underwent phytochemical screening, and results were corroborated by thin layer chromatography and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. RESULTS: phytochemical screening of root, stem and leaf extracts, and thin layer chromatography of the leaf tincture allowed confirmation of the presence of several families of secondary metabolites of biological and pharmacological interest, mainly alkaloids and coumarins, which were more abundant in aqueous and ethanolic extracts. CONCLUSIONS: the presence of abundant alkaloids and coumarins in F. occidentalis could be the cause of its antiseptic activity.

Empleo de ultrasonido en la extracción de curcumina a partir de su fuente natural / Use of ultrasound in the extraction of curcumin from its natural source

Introducción: Curcuma longa L se comenzó a cultivar en Cuba en la década de los noventa del pasado siglo, a esta planta se le atribuyen propiedades anticancerígenas, antioxidantes, antibacterianas, entre otras. Su principio activo principal es la curcumina, un pigmento amarillo a partir del cual se pueden obtener diversos derivados de gran interés farmacológico. Objetivo: demostrar la factibilidad del uso de curcumina extraída de su fuente natural como precursor de fármacos. Métodos: los rizomas de Curcuma longa L fueron previamente tratados; después de estar secos, se pulverizaron y la extracción se realizó con metanol en un baño ultrasónico. El producto deseado (curcumina) se purificó por cromatografía de columna, para ser usado posteriormente como la materia de partida en la obtención de un análogo semisintético. Los compuestos aislados y sintetizados se caracterizaron por métodos espectroscópicos. Resultados: se logró aislar curcumina con alto grado de pureza a partir de la Curcuma longa L. cultivada en Cuba, mediante un novedoso método de extracción asistido por ultrasonido. Se obtuvo y fue caracterizado un nuevo compuesto de gran interés farmacológico, a partir de la curcumina obtenida de materias primas nacionales. Conclusiones: el empleo de ultrasonido hace más eficiente la extracción de la curcumina a partir de su fuente natural. Curcuma longa L. puede constituir una fuente de materias primas para la industria farmacéutica(AU)

Introduction: cultivation of Curcuma longa L in Cuba started in the 1990s. This plant has been attributed anticancer, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, among others. Its main active principle is curcumin, a yellow pigment from which various derivatives of great pharmacological interest may be obtained. Objective: demonstrate the feasibility of the use of curcumin extracted from its natural source as a drug precursor. Methods: Curcuma longa L rhizomes were previously treated. Once dry, they were pulverized, and extraction was carried out with methanol in an ultrasonic bath. The desired product (curcumin) was purified by column chromatography to be used later on as the starting material to obtain a semisynthetic analogue. The isolated and synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods. Results: curcumin of a high degree of purity could be isolated from Curcuma longa L cultivated in Cuba by means of a novel ultrasound-assisted extraction method. A new compound of great pharmacological interest was obtained and characterized, starting from curcumin obtained from national raw materials. Conclusions: ultrasound improves the efficiency of curcumin extraction from its natural source. Curcuma longa L may constitute a source of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry(AU)

Empleo de ultrasonido en la extracción de curcumina a partir de su fuente natural / Use of ultrasound in the extraction of curcumin from its natural source

Introducción: Curcuma longa L. se comenzó a cultivar en Cuba en la década de los noventa del pasado siglo, a esta planta se le atribuyen propiedades anticancerígenas, antioxidantes, antibacterianas, entre otras. Su principio activo principal es la curcumina, un pigmento amarillo a partir del cual se pueden obtener diversos derivados de gran interés farmacológico. Objetivo: demostrar la factibilidad del uso de curcumina extraída de su fuente natural como precursor de fármacos. Métodos: los rizomas de Curcuma longa L. fueron previamente tratados; después de estar secos, se pulverizaron y la extracción se realizó con metanol en un baño ultrasónico. El producto deseado (curcumina) se purificó por cromatografía de columna, para ser usado posteriormente como la materia de partida en la obtención de un análogo semisintético. Los compuestos aislados y sintetizados se caracterizaron por métodos espectroscópicos. Resultados: se logró aislar curcumina con alto grado de pureza a partir de la Curcuma longa L. cultivada en Cuba, mediante un novedoso método de extracción asistido por ultrasonido. Se obtuvo y fue caracterizado un nuevo compuesto de gran interés farmacológico, a partir de la curcumina obtenida de materias primas nacionales. Conclusiones: el empleo de ultrasonido hace más eficiente la extracción de la curcumina a partir de su fuente natural. Curcuma longa L. puede constituir una fuente de materias primas para la industria farmacéutica(AU)

Introduction: cultivation of Curcuma longa L. in Cuba started in the 1990s. This plant has been attributed anticancer, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, among others. Its main active principle is curcumin, a yellow pigment from which various derivatives of great pharmacological interest may be obtained. Objective: demonstrate the feasibility of the use of curcumin extracted from its natural source as a drug precursor. Methods: Curcuma longa L. rhizomes were previously treated. Once dry, they were pulverized, and extraction was carried out with methanol in an ultrasonic bath. The desired product (curcumin) was purified by column chromatography to be used later on as the starting material to obtain a semisynthetic analogue. The isolated and synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods. Results: curcumin of a high degree of purity could be isolated from Curcuma longa L. cultivated in Cuba by means of a novel ultrasound-assisted extraction method. A new compound of great pharmacological interest was obtained and characterized, starting from curcumin obtained from national raw materials. Conclusions: ultrasound improves the efficiency of curcumin extraction from its natural source. Curcuma longa L. may constitute a source of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry(AU)

Empleo de ultrasonido en la extracción de curcumina a partir de su fuente natural / Use of ultrasound in the extraction of curcumin from its natural source

INTRODUCCIÓN: Curcuma longa L. se comenzó a cultivar en Cuba en la década de los noventa del pasado siglo, a esta planta se le atribuyen propiedades anticancerígenas, antioxidantes, antibacterianas, entre otras. Su principio activo principal es la curcumina, un pigmento amarillo a partir del cual se pueden obtener diversos derivados de gran interés farmacológico. OBJETIVO: demostrar la factibilidad del uso de curcumina extraída de su fuente natural como precursor de fármacos. MÉTODOS: los rizomas de Curcuma longa L. fueron previamente tratados; después de estar secos, se pulverizaron y la extracción se realizó con metanol en un baño ultrasónico. El producto deseado (curcumina) se purificó por cromatografía de columna, para ser usado posteriormente como la materia de partida en la obtención de un análogo semisintético. Los compuestos aislados y sintetizados se caracterizaron por métodos espectroscópicos. RESULTADOS: se logró aislar curcumina con alto grado de pureza a partir de la Curcuma longa L. cultivada en Cuba, mediante un novedoso método de extracción asistido por ultrasonido. Se obtuvo y fue caracterizado un nuevo compuesto de gran interés farmacológico, a partir de la curcumina obtenida de materias primas nacionales. CONCLUSIONES: el empleo de ultrasonido hace más eficiente la extracción de la curcumina a partir de su fuente natural. Curcuma longa L. puede constituir una fuente de materias primas para la industria farmacéutica.

INTRODUCTION: cultivation of Curcuma longa L. in Cuba started in the 1990s. This plant has been attributed anticancer, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, among others. Its main active principle is curcumin, a yellow pigment from which various derivatives of great pharmacological interest may be obtained. OBJECTIVE: demonstrate the feasibility of the use of curcumin extracted from its natural source as a drug precursor. METHODS: Curcuma longa L. rhizomes were previously treated. Once dry, they were pulverized, and extraction was carried out with methanol in an ultrasonic bath. The desired product (curcumin) was purified by column chromatography to be used later on as the starting material to obtain a semisynthetic analogue. The isolated and synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods. RESULTS: curcumin of a high degree of purity could be isolated from Curcuma longa L. cultivated in Cuba by means of a novel ultrasound-assisted extraction method. A new compound of great pharmacological interest was obtained and characterized, starting from curcumin obtained from national raw materials. CONCLUSIONS: ultrasound improves the efficiency of curcumin extraction from its natural source. Curcuma longa L. may constitute a source of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry.

To perceive or not perceive: the role of gamma-band activity in signaling object percepts.

The relation of gamma-band synchrony to holistic perception in which concerns the effects of sensory processing, high level perceptual gestalt formation, motor planning and response is still controversial. To provide a more direct link to emergent perceptual states we have used holistic EEG/ERP paradigms where the moment of perceptual "discovery" of a global pattern was variable. Using a rapid visual presentation of short-lived Mooney objects we found an increase of gamma-band activity locked to perceptual events. Additional experiments using dynamic Mooney stimuli showed that gamma activity increases well before the report of an emergent holistic percept. To confirm these findings in a data driven manner we have further used a support vector machine classification approach to distinguish between perceptual vs. non perceptual states, based on time-frequency features. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were all above 95%. Modulations in the 30-75 Hz range were larger for perception states. Interestingly, phase synchrony was larger for perception states for high frequency bands. By focusing on global gestalt mechanisms instead of local processing we conclude that gamma-band activity and synchrony provide a signature of holistic perceptual states of variable onset, which are separable from sensory and motor processing.

Tamizaje fitoquímico de Cassia uniflora Mill / Phytochemical screening of Cassia uniflora Mill

Introducción: Cassia uniflora Mill se emplea en el control aleloquímico de Parthenium hysterophorus; se ha reportado que presenta actividad larvicida frente a Aedes aegypti. Tradicionalmente se ha usado como antiespasmódico y para el tratamiento de erupciones cutáneas. Objetivo: realizar un tamizaje fitoquímico a los extractos etéreo, alcohólico y acuoso de la especie Cassia uniflora Mill para conocer los metabolitos secundarios que sean de interés biológico en la terapéutica. Métodos: se recolectaron partes aéreas y subterráneas de la planta, se lavaron, desinfectaron, secaron, pulverizaron y se sometieron a extracciones sucesivas con solventes de polaridad creciente. Los extractos se filtraron y se realizaron ensayos fitoquímicos de identificación. Resultados: el tamizaje fitoquímico, efectuado a los extractos etéreo, alcohólico y acuoso de las hojas, tallos, cáscaras de los frutos, semillas y raíces, demostró la existencia de varias familias de metabolitos secundarios de interés biológico y farmacológico, entre los que se destacan, por su significativa presencia, las quinonas y las coumarinas. Conclusiones: de acuerdo con la diversidad de metabolitos secundarios presentes en las partes evaluadas de C. uniflora, así como los efectos biológicos reportados para la especie, sería interesante realizar nuevos estudios que aporten evidencias sobre su eficacia y seguridad, como forma de avalar su empleo tradicional.(AU)

Introduction: Cassia uniflora Mill is used for the allelochemical control of Parthenium hysterophorus; and its larvicidal activity on Aedes aegypti has been reported. It has also been applied as antispasmodic agent and as treatment of cutaneous rash. Objective: to perform a phytochemical screening on alcoholic, ethereal and aqueous extracts from the Cassia uniflora Mill species to identify the secondary metabolites of biological interest in therapeutics. Methods: aerial and underground parts of the plant were harvested, washed, disinfected, dried, powdered and subjected to successive extractions with solvents of increasing polarity. The extracts were filtered to carry out phytochemical tests for identification. Results: the phytochemical screening of ethereal, alcoholic and aqueous extracts from leaves, stems, fruit peels, seeds and roots, confirmed the existence of several families of secondary metabolites of biological and pharmacological interest such as quinones and coumarins that stand out because of their significance presence. Conclusions: according to the diversity of secondary metabolites in the tested parts of Cassia uniflora Mill, as well as the biological effects reported for this species, it would be interesting to conduct new studies to find pieces of evidence on its effectiveness and safety, as a way of supporting traditional use of this plant.(AU)

Tamizaje fitoquímico de Cassia uniflora Mill / Phytochemical screening of Cassia uniflora Mill

Introducción: Cassia uniflora Mill se emplea en el control aleloquímico de Parthenium hysterophorus; se ha reportado que presenta actividad larvicida frente a Aedes aegypti. Tradicionalmente se ha usado como antiespasmódico y para el tratamiento de erupciones cutáneas. Objetivo: realizar un tamizaje fitoquímico a los extractos etéreo, alcohólico y acuoso de la especie Cassia uniflora Mill para conocer los metabolitos secundarios que sean de interés biológico en la terapéutica. Métodos: se recolectaron partes aéreas y subterráneas de la planta, se lavaron, desinfectaron, secaron, pulverizaron y se sometieron a extracciones sucesivas con solventes de polaridad creciente. Los extractos se filtraron y se realizaron ensayos fitoquímicos de identificación. Resultados: el tamizaje fitoquímico, efectuado a los extractos etéreo, alcohólico y acuoso de las hojas, tallos, cáscaras de los frutos, semillas y raíces, demostró la existencia de varias familias de metabolitos secundarios de interés biológico y farmacológico, entre los que se destacan, por su significativa presencia, las quinonas y las coumarinas. Conclusiones: de acuerdo con la diversidad de metabolitos secundarios presentes en las partes evaluadas de C. uniflora, así como los efectos biológicos reportados para la especie, sería interesante realizar nuevos estudios que aporten evidencias sobre su eficacia y seguridad, como forma de avalar su empleo tradicional.

Introduction: Cassia uniflora Mill is used for the allelochemical control of Parthenium hysterophorus; and its larvicidal activity on Aedes aegypti has been reported. It has also been applied as antispasmodic agent and as treatment of cutaneous rash. Objective: to perform a phytochemical screening on alcoholic, ethereal and aqueous extracts from the Cassia uniflora Mill species to identify the secondary metabolites of biological interest in therapeutics. Methods: aerial and underground parts of the plant were harvested, washed, disinfected, dried, powdered and subjected to successive extractions with solvents of increasing polarity. The extracts were filtered to carry out phytochemical tests for identification. Results: the phytochemical screening of ethereal, alcoholic and aqueous extracts from leaves, stems, fruit peels, seeds and roots, confirmed the existence of several families of secondary metabolites of biological and pharmacological interest such as quinones and coumarins that stand out because of their significance presence. Conclusions: according to the diversity of secondary metabolites in the tested parts of Cassia uniflora Mill, as well as the biological effects reported for this species, it would be interesting to conduct new studies to find pieces of evidence on its effectiveness and safety, as a way of supporting traditional use of this plant.

Intraperitoneal calcitriol in infants on peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Calcitriol has long been used as the main therapy in renal osteodystrophy, but the efficacy of the oral route is not always as high as expected. OBJECTIVE: To asses the safety and efficacy of intraperitoneal calcitriol in infants undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: PD patients on oral calcitriol therapy, with serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) >1000 pg/mL during the previous 3 months of treatment, were switched to intraperitoneal calcitriol therapy, 1 microg twice per week. Dose was increased to 1 microg three times per week if PTH remained >1000 pg/mL, and was later readjusted. Target PTH was 200-300 pg/mL according DOQI guidelines. STATISTICS: All results are expressed as mean +/- SE. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to evaluate differences in measurements for each pair of values. The confidence interval for differences between population medians was 96.9%. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Six male children, mean age 17 +/- 3.86 months, completed a 12-month follow-up. Mean pretreatment PTH was 1654 +/- 209 pg/mL. Mean PTH at months 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 was 1448 +/- 439*, 1277 +/- 723, 910 +/- 704, 582 +/- 282*, and 465 +/- 224* pg/mL, respectively (*p < 0.05). Twelve hypercalcemic and 10 hyperphosphatemic episodes were successfully treated. CONCLUSION: Infants on PD who fail to respond to oral calcitriol therapy can be safely treated with intraperitoneal administration of active vitamin D.

Renal osteodystrophy in pediatric patients on peritoneal dialysis.

Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is one of the mostfrequent complications in pediatric uremic patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), and each case requires a different therapeutic approach. In the present study, we characterized ROD in pediatric patients on chronic PD. We studied 20 patients (12 boys, 8 girls) for a 12-month period. The mean age of the patients was 5.82 +/- 5 years. We allocated each patient to one of three groups according to intact parathormone (iPTH) value: group 1, iPTH < or = 150 pg/mL, n = 12; group 2, iPTH 151 - 400 pg/mL, n = 2; and group 3, iPTH > or = 401 pg/mL, n = 6. Monthly, we recorded plasma calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase; Kt/V; normalized protein equivalent of total nitrogen appearance (nPNA); and calcitriol dose. Growth was registered as the Z height/age. Student t-test and analysis of variance for repeated measures were used for the statistical analyses. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. All 20 patients completed 6 months of follow-up; 9 patients completed 12 months. At months 1, 6, and 12, vitamin D doses for groups 1 and 3 were significantly different (p < 0.05), as expected. Mean values of iPTH for groups 1 and 3 were 52 +/- 47 pg/mL and 1239 +/- 718 pg/mL respectively, p < 0.05. At 6 months' follow-up, iPTH values had changed to 163 +/- 177 pg/mL for group 1 and 544 +/- 249 pg/mL for group 3 (p < 0.05), butfor group 3 that trend was lost at 12 months' follow-up, when their mean iPTH value rose to 972 +/- 420 pg/mL. Patients who had been started on PD less than 6 months before entering the study (60% of patients) showed a mean iPTH value of 629.13 pg/mL. Patients with more than 6 months on dialysis before entering the study showed an iPTH value of 115.53 pg/mL (p < 0.05). At 6 months' follow-up, iPTH values in groups 1 and 3 both showed a change toward the value range for group 2. At month 12, iPTH values in group 1 continued to show the same tendency, but iPTH values in group 3 showed a tendency to return to their initial levels. Low-turnover ROD was highly prevalent in the study, correlating strongly with time on dialysis.

Imagenología en la enfermedad de perthes tratada con oxigenación hiperbárica / Imaging in Perhese disease treated with hyperbaric

Se realizó un estudio longitudinal prospectivo en el servicio de oxigenación hiperbárica del hospital Manuel Ascunce Domenech de Camgüey entre 1995-1998, a 39 niños diagnosticados con la enfermedad de Perthes con el objetivo de valorar la eficacia de la terapéutica con oxígeno hiperbárico. Esta se administró a 2 atm absolutas durante 50 minutos de isopresión en cámaras monoplazas OKA-MT soviética, se dieron un total de 35 sesiones divididas en 3 ciclos de 15, 10 y 10 sesiones con un intervalo de 45 días cada una y 6 meses de duración total. Se compararon los resultados radiográficos antes y después de su aplicación. Aquellos que permanecieron sin curar fueron reevaluados a los 10-12 meses. Los complementarios se normalizaron significativamente finalizada la investigación. Se procesaron los datos a través del utilitario estadístico Microstat. Se obtuvo una respuesta más rápida al tratamiento en aquellos pacientes donde se instauró más precozmente(AU)

Uso de la oxigenación hiperbárica en la enfermedad de perthes / Use of the hyperbaric oxygenation in Perthes disease

Se realizó un estudio longitudinal prospectivo a 39 niños diagnosticados de la enfermedad de Perthes en el servicio de oxigenación hiperbárica del Hospital "Manuel Ascunce Domenech" de la ciudad de Camagüey, en el período comprendido entre diciembre 1995-1998, con el objetivo de valorar la eficacia de la terapéutica con oxígeno hiperbárico en esta afección. Este se administró a dos atmósferas absolutas durante 50 minutos de isopresión en cámaras monoplazas OKA-MT soviéticas. Se dieron un total de 35 sesiones en tres ciclos: el primero de 15 sesiones, el segundo de 10 sesiones y el tercero de 10 también, con un intervalo de 45 días cada uno y seis meses de duración total. Se compararon los exámenes clínicos y gammagráficos antes y después de su aplicación. Aquellos casos que permanecieron sin curar fueron reevaluados a los 10-12 meses, se procesaron los datos a través del utilitario estadístico Microstat. Los parámetros analizados se normalizaron significativamente una vez concluida la investigación(AU)