In vitro ovicidal activity of Brongniartia montalvoana against small ruminant gastrointestinal nematodes.

Several plants of the Fabaceae family have been assessed regarding their high nutritional value and anthelmintic properties. The ovicidal effect of the hydroalcoholic extract (Bm-HAE) and subfractions from the aerial parts of Brongniartia montalvoana (Fabaceae) against a mixed strain of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) (Haemonchus spp., Trichostrongylus spp. and Oesophagostomum spp.) resistant to albendazole sulfoxide, ivermectin and levamisole was evaluated by the egg hatch test (EHT). The Bm-HAE was subjected to liquid-liquid chemical separation with ethyl acetate giving two fractions, an aqueous (Bm-Aq) and an organic (Bm-EtOAct). The purification of the bioactive fraction (Bm-EtOAct) through chromatographic separation resulted in four bioactive subfractions (BmR6, BmR7, BmR8 and BmR10). The treatments were designed as follows: Bm-HAE at 800, 1,500, 3,000 and 6,000 µg/mL, and Bm-Aq, Bm-EtOAct and subfractions (BmR6, BmR7, BmR8 and BmR10) at 100, 200, 400 and 800 µg/mL. Two properly negative controls (distilled water and 2% methanol) and thiabendazole (100 µg/mL) as a positive control were used for each bioassay. The chemical identification of the extract, fractions and subfractions was performed through chromatographic processes like open column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-PDA). Additionally, the GIN eggs exposed to the bioactive compounds were observed through confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The Bm-HAE showed 99.5% egg hatching inhibition (EHI) at 6,000 µg/mL with a lethal concentration (LC50) of 1110 µg/mL. The Bm-EtOAc fraction displayed 99.1% EHI at 800 µg/mL with LC50 = 180 µg/mL. The ovicidal activity of the four subfractions was similar at 800 µg/mL: BmR6 (92% EHI); BmR7 (100% EHI); BmR8 (97.8%); and BmR10 (99.1%). The HPLC-PDA analysis of the bioactive subfractions allowed identification of p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid and coumarin derivatives as major compounds. The CLSM analysis allowed observation of morphological alterations in unhatched larvae caused by bioactive compounds present in the Bm-EtOAc and BmR10. In addition, the flavonoids eriodyctiol, luteolin and cynaroside were described for the first time for B. montalvoana.

Green Synthesis of Iron Oxides and Phosphates via Thermal Treatment of Iron Polyphenols Synthesized by a Camellia sinensis Extract.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) prepared with plant extracts have been emerging as green and sustainable materials. FeONPs are usually amorphous due to the chelation of the tea polyphenols (TPs) to the iron, and the real nature of the iron compounds is not completely understood. The main goal of this study was to investigate the behavior of the green FeONPs synthesized from an Fe3+ salt and Cammelia sinensis (black tea) extract upon thermal treatment, in order to remove TPs and enable the formation of crystalline materials suitable for a thorough characterization and with the potential for diverse applications. The as-prepared FeONPs were assigned as mixed-valence Fe(III) oxyhydroxides and Fe(II)/Fe(III) ions bound to TPs. A detailed description of the phase transformation upon heating revealed the formation of the rare nano ß-Fe2O3 phase at 400 °C, followed by a transformation to α-Fe2O3 as the temperature increased. Above 600 °C, the unprecedented formation of FePO4 and Fe3PO7 was observed, produced from the reaction of Fe2O3 and free phosphate ions present in the black tea leaves, Fe3PO7 being the major phase obtained at 900 °C. Finally, the catalytic potential of the FeONPs to treat the azo dye methyl orange through a heterogeneous Fenton-like system was investigated.

Media preferences, micro-morphometric analysis, and cardinal growth temperature determination for Phytophthora infestans sensu lato isolated from different hosts in Colombia / Preferências de mídia, análise micro-morfométricos e determinação da temperature cardeal de crescimento para Phytophthora infestans sensu lato isolada de diferentes hospedeiros na Colômbia

Abstract During the last years Phytophthora infestans sensu lato (Mont. De Bary) has caused epidemics in Colombia in Andean fruit crops such as Solanum quitoense and Solanum betaceum. Establishment of new or modified experimental procedures to study this pathogen is a mandatory subject for scientists. Twelve isolates of Phytophthora spp. obtained from six different Solanum hosts in Colombia were used to evaluate the effect of five different solid media for growth and ability to produce sporangia and liberate zoospores. Determination of the best media culture and optimal growth temperature were necessary to perform measurements and correlate the provenance of isolates with phenotypic traits. Modifications were made to use ingredients available in local markets on the following media: lime bean agar (LBA), Tree tomato or tree tomato agar (TA), carrot agar (AZ), Rye A modified agar and 32% non-clarified V8 agar. Cardinal temperature determination was performed at 10, 15, 20, and 25 °C. Morphometric traits were measured once the optimal media culture and temperature were defined. Correlation analysis showed that there is a relationship between the host and isolate's preferences for media culture and optimal growth temperature. In addition, the production of characteristic sporangia, sporangiophore and mycelia was related with the media type used and host from which the isolate was collected. In this work useful information was provided to make studies about the biology and development of isolates gathered from cultivated and wild non-traditional hosts.

Resumo Durante os últimos anos Phytophthora infestans sensu lato causou epidemias na Colômbia em lavouras de frutos andinos, como Solanum quitoense e Solanum betaceum. Estabelecimento de procedimentos experimentais novos ou modificados para estudar este patógeno é um assunto obrigatório para os cientistas. Doze isolados de Phytophthora spp. obtidos de seis diferentes hosts Solanum na Colômbia foram usados para avaliar o efeito de cinco diferentes mídias sólidas para o crescimento e a capacidade de produzir esporângios e libertar zoósporos. Determinação da melhor cultura de mídia e temperatura de crescimento ideal foram necessárias para realizar medições e correlacionar a proveniência de isolados com traços fenotípica. Foram feitas modificações para usar os ingredientes disponíveis nos mercados locais nos seguintes meios: ágar do feijão de cal (LBA), tomate da árvore ou ágar do tomate da árvore (TA), ágar da cenoura (AZ), centeio um ágar modificado e 32% de ágar-V8 não-esclarecido. A determinação da temperatura Cardeal foi realizada em 10, 15, 20 e 25 °C. Traços morfométricos foram medidos uma vez que a cultura de mídia ideal e temperatura foram definidos. Análise de correlação mostrou que há uma relação entre o hospedeiro e isolar as preferências para a cultura de mídia e temperatura de crescimento ideal. Além disso, a produção de esporângios característica, esporangióforo e mycelia foi relacionada com o tipo de mídia utilizado e hospedeiros a partir do qual o isolado foi coletado. Neste trabalho foram fornecidas informações úteis para fazer estudos sobre a biologia e o desenvolvimento de isolados recolhidos de hospedeiros não-tradicionais cultivados e selvagens.

Perioperative anesthetic management of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma undergoing cytoreductive surgery and intraoperative chemotherapy. / Manejo anestésico perioperatorio de pacientes con mesotelioma maligno pleural intervenidos mediante cirugía citorreductora y quimioterapia intratorácica.

INTRODUCTION: Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy (HITHOC) is a therapeutic option for treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Anesthetic management might be challenging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive analysis of a case series is presented. Seven patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma diagnostic undergoing HITHOC surgery were studied. Combined general and epidural anesthesia were administered. An intensive hemodynamic monitorization was implemented. Data regarding perioperative course was analyzed. RESULTS: Between May 2015 and October 2018 7patients underwent HITHOC procedure. Blood transfusions were administered in all patients, and 5of the 7patients required vasoactive drug administration. Extubation at the end of the procedure was able in 6of the 7patients. The median length of stay in ICU was 4 days, and 29 days for the whole hospitalary stay. No significant postoperative pain was observed. CONCLUSIONS: HITHOC surgery is a complex procedure in which several hemodynamic changes occur. An intensive intraoperative monitorization was useful for controlling complications.

Media preferences, micro-morphometric analysis, and cardinal growth temperature determination for Phytophthora infestans sensu lato isolated from different hosts in Colombia.

During the last years Phytophthora infestans sensu lato (Mont. De Bary) has caused epidemics in Colombia in Andean fruit crops such as Solanum quitoense and Solanum betaceum. Establishment of new or modified experimental procedures to study this pathogen is a mandatory subject for scientists. Twelve isolates of Phytophthora spp. obtained from six different Solanum hosts in Colombia were used to evaluate the effect of five different solid media for growth and ability to produce sporangia and liberate zoospores. Determination of the best media culture and optimal growth temperature were necessary to perform measurements and correlate the provenance of isolates with phenotypic traits. Modifications were made to use ingredients available in local markets on the following media: lime bean agar (LBA), Tree tomato or tree tomato agar (TA), carrot agar (AZ), Rye A modified agar and 32% non-clarified V8 agar. Cardinal temperature determination was performed at 10, 15, 20, and 25 °C. Morphometric traits were measured once the optimal media culture and temperature were defined. Correlation analysis showed that there is a relationship between the host and isolate's preferences for media culture and optimal growth temperature. In addition, the production of characteristic sporangia, sporangiophore and mycelia was related with the media type used and host from which the isolate was collected. In this work useful information was provided to make studies about the biology and development of isolates gathered from cultivated and wild non-traditional hosts.

Validation of HIV-infected cohort identification using automated clinical data in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

OBJECTIVES: The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated health care provider for HIV-infected patients in the USA. VA data for HIV-specific clinical and quality improvement research are an important resource. We sought to determine the accuracy of using the VA Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW), a fully automated medical records database for all VA users nationally, to identify HIV-infected patients compared with a gold-standard VA HIV Clinical Case Registry (CCR). METHODS: We assessed the test performance characteristics of each of our CDW criteria-based algorithms (presence of one, two or all of the following: diagnostic codes for HIV, positive HIV laboratory tests, and prescription for HIV medication) by calculating their sensitivity (proportion of HIV-positive patients in the CCR accurately detected as HIV-positive by the CDW algorithm) and positive predictive value (PPV; the proportion of patients identified by the CDW algorithm who were classified as HIV-positive from the CCR). RESULTS: We found that using a CDW algorithm requiring two of three HIV diagnostic criteria yielded the highest sensitivity (95.2%) with very little trade-off in PPV (93.5%). CONCLUSIONS: A two diagnostic criteria-based algorithm can be utilized to accurately identify HIV-infected cohorts seen in the nationwide VA health care system.

In vitro nematicidal effect of Chenopodium ambrosioides and Castela tortuosa n-hexane extracts against Haemonchus contortus (Nematoda) and their anthelmintic effect in gerbils.

The in vitro nematicidal effect of Chenopodium ambrosioides and Castela tortuosa n-hexane extracts (E-Cham and E-Cato, respectively) on Haemonchus contortus infective larvae (L3) and the anthelmintic effect of these extracts against the pre-adult stage of the parasite in gerbils were evaluated using both individual and combined extracts. The in vitro confrontation between larvae and extracts was performed in 24-well micro-titration plates. The results were considered 24 and 72 h post confrontation. The in vivo nematicidal effect was examined using gerbils as a study model. The extracts from the two assessed plants were obtained through maceration using n-hexane as an organic agent. Gerbils artificially infected with H. contortus L3 were treated intraperitoneally with the corresponding extract either individually or in combination. The results showed that the highest individual lethal in vitro effect (96.3%) was obtained with the E-Cham extract at 72 h post confrontation at 40 mg/ml, followed by E-Cato (78.9%) at 20 mg/ml after 72 h. The highest combined effect (98.7%) was obtained after 72 h at 40 mg/ml. The in vivo assay showed that the individual administration of the E-Cato and E-Cham extracts reduced the parasitic burden in gerbils by 27.1% and 45.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the anthelmintic efficacy increased to 57.3% when both extracts were administered in combination. The results of the present study show an important combined nematicidal effect of the two plant extracts assessed against L3 in gerbils.

Efecto de la terapia biológica en las concentraciones de DKK1 y esclerostina, riesgo cardiovascular y metabolismo óseo en pacientes con artritis reumatoide / Effect of biological therapy on concentrations of DKK1 and sclerostin, cardiovascular risk and bone metabolism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Introducción: Estudios previos han relacionado la vía Wnt con la alteración del metabolismo óseo y la patología cardiovascular. Así mismo, el control de la inflamación con terapia biológica tiene un efecto positivo sobre la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) y el riesgo cardiovascular. El objetivo de este estudio fue, por tanto, evaluar el efecto de la terapia biológica en pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR) que no habían recibido previamente terapia biológica sobre la carga inflamatoria, y su relación con el riesgo cardiovascular y el metabolismo óseo. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo en pacientes con diagnóstico de AR activa que iniciaban terapia biológica. Los pacientes fueron seleccionados de forma consecutiva no seleccionada. Se recogieron: las concentraciones séricas de proteína Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) y esclerostina, ambas mediante el método ELISA (Biomedica Medizinprodukte GmbH and Co. KG, Viena, Austria); características sociodemográficas y clínicas; marcadores de remodelado óseo; la DMO en columna lumbar y en cadera mediante absorciometría de rayos X de energía dual (DXA); el grosor íntima-media carotídea (c-IMT); y la evaluación de riesgo cardiovascular mediante el modelo Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE). Resultados: El 46,7% de los pacientes presentaron respuesta EULAR al tratamiento a los 12 meses. Sólo en este subgrupo de pacientes encontramos un aumento en las concentraciones de DKK1 tras el inicio de la terapia biológica (basal: 20,55±8,13 pg/ml vs. 12 meses: 31,20±4,88 pg/ml, p=0,03). En cuanto a los marcadores de remodelado óseo, se detectó un aumento en los niveles de osteocalcina (basal: 11,25±3,28 ng/ml vs. 12 meses: 15,78,±4,11 ng/ml, p=0,01). No se encontraron cambios estadísticamente significativos en el c-IMT ni en el SCORE tras 12 meses de tratamiento. Conclusiones: En pacientes con AR tratados con terapia biológica y con respuesta al tratamiento hemos observado un aumento significativo de las concentraciones séricas de DKK1 a los 12 meses de tratamiento, no asociado a cambios en el metabolismo óseo o al riesgo cardiovascular

Introduction: Previous studies have linked the Wnt pathway in the alteration of bone metabolism and cardiovascular pathology. Also, the control of inflammation with biological therapy has a positive effect on bone mineral density (BMD) and cardiovascular risk. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of biological therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, naïve to these therapy, on the inflammatory load and its relation with cardiovascular risk and bone metabolism. Patients and methods: Prospective cohort study performed in patients diagnosed with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) initiating biological therapy. Patients were selected consecutively not selected. The serum concentrations of Dickkopf-1 protein (DKK1) and sclerostin were collected, both by means of the ELISA method (Biomedica Medizinprodukte GmbH and Co. KG, Vienna, Austria); demographic and clinical variables, markers of bone remodeling, hip and lumbar spine BMDs were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), measurement of intima-media thickness (IMT), evaluation cardiovascular risk by Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE). Results: 46.7% of patients presented EULAR response to treatment at 12 months. Only in this subgroup of patients, we found in the subgroup of patients an increase in the concentrations of DKK1 following the initiation of biological therapy (baseline 20.55±8.13 pg/ml vs 12 months 31.20±4.88 pg/ml, p=0.03). Regarding markers of bone remodeling, an increase in osteocalcin levels (baseline: 11.25±3.28 ng/ml vs 12 months 15.78±4.11 ng/ml, p=0.01). There was no change in IMT or SCORE at 12 months of treatment. Conclusions: In patients with RA treated with biological therapy who presented EULAR response we observed a significant increase in serum concentrations of DKK1 at 12 months of treatment not associated with changes in bone metabolism and cardiovascular risk

Cambios inducidos en DKK1 en pacientes con artritis reumatoide que inician tratamiento con terapia biológica / Changes induced by DKK1 in rheumatoid arthritis patients who commence biologic therapy treatment

Introducción: El objetivo del estudio es evaluar la relación entre la carga inflamatoria, el riesgo cardiovascular y el metabolismo óseo en pacientes con artritis reumatoide que inician tratamiento con terapia biológica. Pacientes y métodos: Se trata de un estudio de cohortes prospectivo realizado en pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide (AR) activa evaluados en la Unidad de Reumatología y que inician terapia biológica. Los pacientes serán seleccionados de forma consecutiva. Presentamos los datos preliminares de 14 pacientes. Resultados: Encontramos una reducción en las concentraciones de Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) tras el inicio de la terapia biológica (basal: 53,12±60,43 pg/ml vs. 6 meses 23,2±13,5 pg/ml, p=0,307) pero no se alcanzó la significación estadística. Se encontraron cambios en los marcadores de remodelado con aumento en los niveles de osteocalcina y CTX que no alcanzó la significación estadística. Conclusiones: En pacientes con AR activa tratados con terapia biológica hemos observado un descenso no significativo de las concentraciones séricas de DKK1. La ampliación tanto de los sujetos de estudio como de las determinaciones bioquímicas pendientes nos permitirán en un futuro próximo establecer de forma más precisa esta asociación, así como la relación entre DKK1, remodelado óseo, terapia biológica y enfermedad cardiovascular en pacientes con AR (AU)

Introduction: The aim of this study is to assess the relationship among inflammatory charge, cardiovascular risk and bone metabolism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis initiating biological therapy treatment. Patients and methods: This is a prospective cohort study conducted in patients diagnosed with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) assessed in the Rheumatology Unit and initiating biological therapy. Patients will be selected consecutively, with preliminary data on 14 patients. We present preliminary data from 14 patients. Results: Reduced Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) concentrations after commencing biological therapy were detected (baseline: 53.12±60.43 pg/ml vs 6 months 13.5±23.2 pg/ml, p=0.307) but without statistical significance. Changes were found in markers for bone remodeling with increased osteocalcin levels and CTX which were not statistically significant either. Conclusions: We observed a nonsignificant decrease in DKK1 serum in patients with active RA treated with biologic therapy. Expanding the scope of study subjects and pending biochemical determinations will allow us, in the near future, to establish more precisely this link and the relationship of DKK1, bone remodeling, biological therapy and cardiovascular disease in RA patients (AU)

Cross-reactivity between cassava and latex in a colombian patient with an anaphylactic reaction

No disponible

An investigation into the upward transport of uranium-series radionuclides in soils and uptake by plants.

The upward migration of radionuclides in the (238)U decay series in soils and their uptake by plants is of interest in various contexts, including the geological disposal of radioactive waste and the remediation of former sites of uranium mining and milling. In order to investigate the likely patterns of behaviour of (238)U-series radionuclides being transported upward through the soil column, a detailed soil-plant model originally developed for studying the behaviour of (79)Se in soil-plant systems has been adapted to make it applicable to the (238)U series. By undertaking a reference case simulation and a series of sensitivity studies, it has been found that a wide variety of behaviour can be exhibited by radionuclides in the (238)U decay chain in soils, even when the source term is limited to being a constant flux of either (238)U or (226)Ra. Hydrological conditions are a primary factor, both in respect of the overall advective flow deeper in the soil, which controls the rate of upward migration, and in the influence of seasonally changing flow directions closer to the soil surface, which can result in the accumulation of radionuclides at specific depths irrespective of changes in sorption between the oxic and anoxic regions of the soil. However, such changes in sorption can also be significant in controlling the degree of accumulation that occurs. This importance of seasonally varying factors in controlling radionuclide transport in soils even in very long-term simulations is a strong argument against the use of annually averaged parameters in long-term assessment models. With a water table that was simulated to fluctuate seasonally from a substantial depth in soil to the surface soil layer, the timing of such variations in relation to the period of plant growth was found to have a major impact on the degree of uptake of radionuclides by plant roots. In long-term safety assessment studies it has sometimes been the practice to model the transport of (226)Ra in soil, but to assume that both (210)Pb and (210)Po can be treated as being present in secular equilibrium with the (226)Ra. This simplification is not always appropriate. Where geochemical conditions are such that the (226)Ra migrates upward in the soil column faster than (210)Pb and (210)Po, disequilibrium is not a significant issue, as the (226)Ra supports (210)Pb and (210)Po at concentrations somewhat below those estimated on the basis of assumed secular equilibrium. However, for low, but realistic, values of the distribution coefficients for (210)Pb and (210)Po and high, but realistic, distribution coefficients for (226)Ra, the (210)Pb and (210)Po can reach the surface soil in high concentrations that are not locally supported by (226)Ra. This means that models based on the assumption of secular equilibrium should not be employed without a careful consideration of the hydrological and hydrochemical situation of interest.

A Fraxinus excelsior L. seeds/fruits extract benefits glucose homeostasis and adiposity related markers in elderly overweight/obese subjects: a longitudinal, randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled nutritional intervention study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential benefits of an extract obtained from seeds/fruits of an Oleaceae (Fraxinus excelsior L.) on glucose homeostasis and associated metabolic markers in non-diabetic overweight/obese subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed in 22 participants (50-80 years-old; BMI 31.0 kg/m(2)). The design was a longitudinal, randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled 7-week nutritional intervention. The participants received daily 3 capsules each containing either 333 mg of an extract from Fraxinus excelsior L. seeds (Glucevia(®)) or placebo capsules (control) in a random order for 3 weeks with 1 week of washout between treatments. Moreover, they followed a balanced covert energy-restricted diet (-15% energy). All variables were measured at the beginning and at the end of each period. RESULTS: Compared to baseline, the administration of 1 g of Glucevia(®) for 3 weeks resulted in significantly lower incremental glucose area under the curve (-28.2%; p<0.01), and significantly lower 2 h blood glucose values (-14%; p<0.01) following an oral glucose tolerance test. No significant changes were found in the control group (-7.9% AUC, -1.6% 2h blood glucose). Furthermore, significant differences were found between responses in the control and Glucevia(®) groups with respect to serum fructosamine and plasma glucagon levels (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). Interestingly, administration of Glucevia(®) significantly increased the adiponectin:leptin ratio (p<0.05) and decreased fat mass (p<0.01) compared to control (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The administration of an extract from Fraxinus excelsior L. seeds/fruits in combination with a moderate hypocaloric diet may be beneficial in metabolic disturbances linked to impaired glucose tolerance, obesity, insulin resistance and inflammatory status, specifically in older adults.

A review of the behaviour of U-238 series radionuclides in soils and plants.

The U-238 series of radionuclides is of relevance in a variety of environmental contexts ranging from the remediation of former uranium mining and milling facilities to the deep geological disposal of solid radioactive wastes. Herein, we review what is known concerning the behaviour of radionuclides from the U-238 decay chain in soils and plants. This review is intended to provide a single comprehensive source of information to anyone involved in undertaking environmental impact assessment studies relating to this decay chain. Conclusions are drawn relating to values and ranges of distribution coefficients appropriate to uranium, thorium, radium, lead and polonium in different soil types and under various environmental conditions. Similarly, conclusions are drawn relating to plant:soil concentration ratios for these elements for different plant and soil types, and consideration is given to the distribution of these elements within plants following both root uptake and foliar application.

Rabbit sexual behavior, semen and sperm characteristics when supplemented with sprouted wheat.

The sprouted wheat (SW) contains the 6-methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone (6-MBOA), a phenol compound that stimulates reproduction in certain small wild herbivorous mammals. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of short-term supplemental dietary SW on libido, semen and sperm characteristics of rabbit bucks. Five-month old New Zealand White pubertal rabbits (n=18) were randomly allocated to one of two treatments: supplementation or not (control) supplemented with SW. The experimental design was completely random with nine replications, experimental unit was one buck. Semen collection for each male was conducted once a week with two ejaculations during 20 weeks. The SW was given during four consecutive days prior to each semen collection. Analysis of variance was under a mixed model: treatment, ejaculate number and season were fixed and rabbit random effects. There was no effect of treatment (P>0.05) on reaction time, gel presence, volume, pH, sperm motility, sperm number per ml and sperm number per ejaculate. The percentage of normal alive spermatozoa was 13.5% greater in SW-supplemented bucks than in the control and the percentage of abnormal alive spermatozoa was 44.1% greater in the control than in the SW-supplemented bucks. The morphology of dead spermatozoa, integrity of acrosome, number of normal alive motile sperm and semen doses per ejaculate were not influenced (P>0.05) by SW supplementation. The proportion of presence of gel and semen volume in the first ejaculate was greater than the second ejaculate (+140% and +56.4%). However, the semen quality in the latter was greater (P=0.0001) than the former in terms of an increase in motility (+29.7%). Reproductive traits were more desirable (P<0.05) in winter than autumn. Dietary wilted SW as a source of biological 6-MBOA enhanced sperm characteristics in terms of a greater percentage of normal alive and lesser percentage of abnormal alive spermatozoa but did not affect the number of normal motile live sperm and suitable semen doses in rabbit bucks in autumn and winter.

Anthelmintic effects of Prosopis laevigata n-hexanic extract against Haemonchus contortus in artificially infected gerbils ( Meriones unguiculatus).

The anthelmintic effect of Prosopis laevigata (mezquite) n-hexanic extract was evaluated against Haemonchus contortus endoparasitic stages in artificially infected gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Prosopis laevigata leaves were collected from the Sierra de Huautla, Ecological Reserve of the Biosphere, in Morelos State, Mexico; dehydrated under shade and macerated with n-hexane for 3 days, followed by distillation for 8 h. This procedure was repeated three times and the final extract was kept at 4 degrees C. The in vivo effect of the plant extract was evaluated in gerbils artificially infected with H. contortus. Plant extract concentration was 40 mg/ml. Three groups of gerbils were as follows: group 1 (n = 7), P. laevigata extract at 100 microl intraperitoneally (IP); group 2 (n = 6), control--Tween 20 in water at a single dose of 100 microl IP; group 3 (n = 8) also served as a control, receiving water only, to determine the mortality due to causes other than the plant extract. An additional group of seven gerbils (group 4) was administered fenbendazole, as a positive control. Five days later the animals were euthanized and stomach and mucosa removed to quantify the nematodes. Data were analysed using the Student's t-test to compare the mean of nematodes obtained in groups 1, 2 and 3. The parasite population in the plant extract treated group 1 was reduced by 42.5% (P < 0.05) with respect to the control group 2; and when control group 3 was used for comparison the parasitic reduction was estimated as 53.11%. This study shows the in vivo anthelmintic effect of P. laevigata n-hexane extract for the first time, using gerbils as an in vivo model, with potential use in sheep.

Highly methoxylated pectin improves insulin resistance and other cardiometabolic risk factors in Zucker fatty rats.

In this study, we evaluated the effect of a highly methoxylated apple pectin (HMAP) on cardiometabolic risk factors in Zucker fatty rats. beta-Glucan, a fiber known for its hypocholesterolemic properties, also was used. The rats fed both fiber-enriched diets exhibited a reduction in body weight and in total cholesterol and triglycerides when compared to the Zucker fatty rats fed the standard diet. The effect on the lipid profile was more remarkable in the HMAP group. A decrease in blood glucose was only noticed in this group. Moreover, a decrease in plasma insulin, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-beta was noticed in the fiber groups, and in particular in the HMAP group, these variables being similar to the lean rats. Blood pressure and endothelial function were similar in all the Zucker fatty rats. These results warrant evaluation in humans to determine if HMAP could be used as a functional ingredient to reduce lipid profile, insulin resistance, and other cardiometabolic risk factors.

In vitro nematicidal effects of medicinal plants from the Sierra de Huautla, Biosphere Reserve, Morelos, Mexico against Haemonchus contortus infective larvae.

Twenty extracts from plants from Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve, Morelos, Mexico were evaluated against Haemonchus contortus infective larvae in an in vitro assay. The plant species evaluated were Bursera copallifera, B. grandifolia, Lippia graveolens, Passiflora mexicana, Prosopis laevigata, Randia echinocarpa and Urtica dioica. The plants were separated into their parts and macerated with different solvents (n-hexane, acetone, ethanol and methanol). An in vitro assay was used to evaluate the anthelmintic activity against unsheathed third stage H. contortus infective larvae. The experiment was carried out in 24-well cell culture plates at room temperature with three replicates per treatment and using a concentration of 20 mg ml- 1. Ten 5 microl aliquots were taken from the corresponding wells and deposited on a slide for microscopical observation at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h post-exposure. The evaluation criteria were based on the average numbers of live and/or dead larvae in the different treatments. Alive and dead larval numbers were statistically analysed through the ANOVA test (P>0.01). The Tukey test was used as a complementary tool to determine which treatment was different from the other treatments (P>0.05). The highest mortality was observed with P. laevigata hexanic extract from stem and leaves combined, which produced 51%, 81% and 86% larval mortality at 24, 48 and 72 h post-exposure, respectively. On the other hand, B. copallifera stem acetonic extract exhibited 18%, 59% and 66% nematicidal activity after 24, 48 and 72 h of exposure, respectively.

Optimización de la calidad del proceso de dispensación de medicamentos en dosis unitaria mediante la implantación del sistema semiautomático Kardex® / No disponible

Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de la incorporación del sistema semiautomático del almacenaje y dispensación de medicamentos Kardex® sobre la calidad del proceso de llenado de carros de medicamentos en dosis unitaria. Método: Se analiza retrospectivamente la velocidad de llenado de carros de medicamentos en dosis unitaria utilizando el sistema Kardex® (n = 33.946 dispensaciones) comparativamente conel sistema de llenado manual (n = 5.284 dispensaciones); se utilizan y comparan diferentes procedimientos de llenado. Para cada sistema y procedimiento de llenado se obtiene el número de dispensaciones y el tiempo invertido en realizarlas y se calcula la velocidad de proceso expresada en número de dispensaciones por hora. También, se revisan los medicamentos contenidos en el Kardex® y se evalúa la concordancia entre el contenido real y teórico del mismo.Resultados: La velocidad del proceso de llenado de carros,expresada en número dispensaciones por hora, pasa de 394 con el sistema manual (llenado de carros individual, n = 5.284 dispensaciones)a 417, 540 y 592 con Kardex®, realizando el llenado individual (n = 16.530 dispensaciones), o agrupando los carros de2 en 2 (n = 10.369 dispensaciones) o de 3 en 3 (n = 7.047 dispensaciones), respectivamente, en el momento de iniciar el llenado.La revisión del contenido del Kardex® permite detectar un 36% de cubetas con diferencias en cantidad, una cubeta con (..) (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the incorporation of the semi-automated Kardex® medication storage and dispensing systemon the quality of the filling process of medicine trolleys in unitdoses.Method: The speed of filling medicine trolleys in unit dosesusing the Kardex® system was analysed retrospectively (n =33,946 dispensings) and compared with the manual filling system(n = 5,284 dispensings); different filling procedures were used and compared. For each filling system and procedure, we obtained information for the number of dispensings and the time spent carryingthis out. The speed of the process was calculated as the number of dispensings per hour. In addition, the drugs contained in the Kardex® system were checked and the correspondence between both the actual and the theoretical content was assessed. Results: The speed of the trolley filling process, expressed as the number of dispensings per hour, increased from 394 with the manual system (filling trolleys individually, n = 5,284 dispensings)to 417, 540 and 592 with the Kardex® system when trolleys were filled individually (n = 16,530 dispensings), or grouped in twos (n= 10,369 dispensings) or in threes (n = 7,047 dispensings)respectively, at the start of the filling process. The check of the contents in the Kardex® system detected 36% of trays with differences in quantity, one tray with out of date medication and threetrays which should in theory have been empty and contained (..) (AU)

Fluorouracil-based chemotherapy in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies: influence of nutritional folate status on toxicity.

This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the potential influence of folate status on the toxicity induced by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy in patients with gastrointestinal tumors. 105 patients with colorectal, pancreatic or gastric cancer were entered into the study. Treatment regimens consisted of bolus 5-FU/leucovorin or infusional 5-FU combined with cisplatin. Baseline homocysteine, vitamin B(12) and folic acid serum levels were determined in all patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify predictive factors for toxicity. Univariate analysis showed a significant association between older age, low BSA, gastric/pancreatic cancer and treatment with 5-FU/cisplatin and the incidence of grade 3-4 hematological toxicity, and between female sex, low BSA and gastric/pancreatic cancer and the incidence of severe non-hematological toxicity. Variables that retained independent prognostic value in the multivariate model were tumor type, chemotherapy schedule and BSA for both hematological and non-hematological toxicities. Baseline homocysteine, vitamin B(12) or folate status were not significant predictors of any kind of toxicity either according to univariate or multivariate analysis. This study failed to demonstrate a significant association between a patient s nutritional folate status and the toxicity induced by fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy in a cohort of patients with various gastrointestinal malignancies.

A static magnetic field modulates severity of audiogenic seizures and anticonvulsant effects of phenytoin in DBA/2 mice.

RATIONALE: In a search for potential supplements or alternatives to the pharmacological treatment of epilepsy, we examined the effects of static magnetic fields on audiogenic seizures of DBA/2 mice. METHODS: Two strains of DBA/2 mice were subjected to auditory stimulation that resulted sequentially in wild running, loss of righting, clonus, tonic hindlimb extension, and death in 80-95% of animals in different experiments. The incidence of seizure stages in groups of animals pretreated with a static magnetic field, phenytoin (PHT) or both was compared to the incidence in sham-exposed control mice. RESULTS: Depending on magnetic flux density and duration of exposure to the field, seizure severity decreased significantly, but not completely, in both strains. However, incidence of five seizure stages was reduced in one strain, with about half of the mice seizure free. Two seizure stages (tonic hindlimb extension and death) were reduced significantly in the other. Magnetic field pretreatment potentiated the effect of PHT. Clonic seizures refractory to PHT or magnetic field pretreatment in DBA/2J mice responded to pretreatment with a combination of PHT and the magnetic field. CONCLUSIONS: A static magnetic field had some anticonvulsant effects when employed alone. More robust effects were seen in combination with PHT. Further testing of magnetic fields for anticonvulsant effects and elucidation of mechanisms of action seem to be warranted.