Chemical Profile and Biological Potential of Hornodermoporus martius (Agaricomycetes) from Paraguay.

To further knowledge of the biological activity of native neotropical fungal species, this study aimed to determine the chemical composition and microbiological activity of Hornodermoporus martius. Ethanol, hexane, diethyl ether, and ethyl acetate fractions and the water residue were analyzed and resulted in a total phenolic compound content between 13 and 63 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram of crude extract. The total antioxidants ranged between 3 and 19 mg of ascorbic acid equivalents per gram of crude extract, and the percentage of antioxidant activity was determined to be between 6 and 25%. A preliminary profile of compounds is provided for the first time for the species; the results from the nonpolar fraction showcased the presence of saturated and unsaturated acids, fatty alcohol, sterols, and cis-vaccenic acid. Our findings also revealed antimicrobial properties from compounds within the hexane and diethyl ether fractions at concentrations of 1 mg mL-1, which inhibited the growth of certain gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. For the first time in academic literature, our work analyzed and documented the chemical characteristics and microbial properties of H. martius, suggesting potential for medicinal applications.

The use of medicinal plants by Paraguayan migrants in the Atlantic Forest of Misiones, Argentina, is based on Guaraní tradition, colonial and current plant knowledge.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Information on the use of medicinal plants in the daily life by Paraguayan people is scarce in mainstream scientific literature. The study on the Paraguayan diaspora in the Provincia de Misiones, Argentina, gives an insight into Guaraní traditions, colonial legacy and current search for new medicinal plants to address new health challenges. AIM OF THE STUDY: To document the use of medicinal plants by Paraguayan mestizo migrants who moved into a new country, yet within the same ecological region. The present and past uses of medicinal plants were compared to understand the continuity and change in the Paraguayan herbal pharmacopoeia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fieldwork based on ethnographic and ethnobotanical techniques was carried out in the Provincia de Misiones, Argentina, in 2014, 2015, and 2019. Eighty-five Paraguayan migrants and their descendants from eastern Paraguay took part in the study. The list of recorded plants was compared with the information in historical sources from Paraguay, to examine the continuity and changes in Paraguayan herbal medicine, and with the present-day ethnobotanical studies from Paraguay. Ethnopharmacological and phytochemical studies on the medicinal plants with the highest consensus of uses were reviewed. RESULTS: Altogether, 204 medicinal plant species were recorded. The most frequently mentioned species represented a combination of plants native to the New and Old World. Nearly 40% of the present-day Paraguayan pharmacopoeia shows continuity from colonial and post-colonial periods. Plants were used for 19 medical categories, of which digestive, circulatory and those belonging to humoral medicine were the most prevalent. The ongoing search of plants to treat new health problems is illustrated by reports of 40 species used for hypertension, 26 for diabetes and 18 to lower cholesterol. There is still little evidence for the effectiveness of these plants in the pharmacological literature. Paraguayan migrants were able to continue their traditional plant medicine in Misiones, Argentina, in a substantial way. CONCLUSION: This study was carried out in a geographic area with a long-standing tradition of Guaraní medicine. Paraguayan migrants in Misiones integrate pre-Hispanic Guaraní names and uses of plants and old humoral concepts with current adaptation of plants to meet new health challenges. Several of the uses described in early colonial times are still practiced, giving a solid background for in-depth studies of the local pharmacopoeia.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Four Native Species of the Ganodermataceae Family (Agaricomycetes) from Paraguay.

The lack of information on the chemistry of higher fungi in Paraguay and the search for new sources of secondary metabolites motivated this chemical study of four wild species of the Ganodermataceae family and the comparison with a commercial species cultivated under laboratory conditions. Qualitative identification of secondary metabolites as well as a quantification of phenolic compounds content and antioxidant potential of ethanolic extracts was carried out of four wild species: Cristataspora flavipora, two specimens of different phylogenetic clades of Ganoderma australe (clade 1 and clade 2), G. martinicense, G. multicornum, and a strain of G. sessile E47. Qualitative chemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, sterols and terpenes. Significant variations were noted in metabolite content and antioxidant potential throughout the studied species. The best biological profiles found were of G. australe clade 1, with a concentration of 96.7 ± 0.362 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) g-1, an antioxidant compound (AC) content of 139.25 ± 0.32 mg g-1 ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE), and an activity percentage of 96.87%, and G. australe clade 2, with a concentration of 92.6 ± 0,350 mg GAE g-1, an AC content of 153.62 ± 3.36 mg g-1 AAE, and an activity percentage of 95.23%.

A quantitative PCR assay for antiviral activity screening of medicinal plants against Herpes simplex 1.

Herpes simplex virus one is one of the most prevalent pathogens worldwide. Strains resistant to current treatment have been reported, so it is necessary to search for new antiviral molecules. The most common method to quantify antiviral activity from natural products is the plaque reduction assay, a technically demanding method. In order to provide a simple alternative to this method, we have established a procedure for viral quantification by qPCR, and coupled with a cytotoxicity evaluation system using resazurin. In this way, it is possible to obtain both the estimation of cytotoxicity and the antiviral activity simultaneously, allowing rapid screening of plant extracts. Ten out of twenty-eight Paraguayan medicinal plant extracts evaluated using this method showed antiviral activity, and the EC50, CC50, and SI values were calculated for each extract. Our experience supports the employment of the described method for a rapid identification of plant extracts with antiviral activity.

[Anti-diabetic effect of ethanol extract of Cyclolepis genistoides D. Don (Palo azul), made in Paraguay].

Extract of Cyclolepis genistoides D. Don (vernacular name Palo azul; Palo) are traditionally consumed in the Republic of Paraguay in South America for the treatment of diabetes and kidney disease, and is sold in Japan as dietary supplement. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of anti-diabetes activity of Palo, especially focused on insulin resistance. Palo promoted adipocytes differentiation and regulated adipokine profiles in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by modulation of PPARγ, a major regulator of adipose differentiation. Human adipocyte showed almost similar profile with 3T3-L1 against Palo treatment. Furthermore, Palo treatment (250 or 1000 mg/kg) was performed with C57BL/6J mice for 14 weeks, being fed high-fat-diet (HFD60) simultaneously. Palo 250 mg/kg exhibited a tendency to decrease subcutaneous adipose volume along with increase of PPARγ and its target, adiponectin mRNA expression. In addition, as the other insulin targeted cell, effect on muscle differentiation was examined. Palo increased differentiation of C2C12 mouse muscle myoblasts by increase of IGF-1, myogenin, and myosine heavy chain (MHC) as well as 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Palo subsequently promoted myotube formation under differentiation condition. From the above, it was clarified that Palo acts variously on the differentiation and maturation of both adipocytes and muscle cells, and from the viewpoint of the regulatory mechanism for adipocytes, PPARγ-inducing action was shown to be a mechanism that acts across species.

Iridoids and Amino Acid Derivatives from the Paraguayan Crude Drug Adenocalymma marginatum (ysypó hû).

The crude drug ysypó hû (Adenocalymma marginatum DC., Bignoniaceae) is used traditionally by the Guarani of Eastern Paraguayan as a male sexual enhancer. The aim of the present study was to identify the main constituents of the crude drug and to evaluate the in vitro inhibitory activity towards the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5). The main compounds were isolated by counter-current chromatography (CCC). The metabolites were identified by spectroscopic and spectrometric means. The chemical profiling of the extracts was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The crude extract and main isolated compounds were tested for their PDE-5 inhibitory activity using commercial kits. The iridoid theviridoside and 4-hydroxy-1-methylproline were isolated as the main constituent of the crude drug. Four chlortheviridoside hexoside derivatives were detected for the first time as natural products. Chemical profiling by HPLC-MS/MS led to the tentative identification of nine iridoids, six phenolics, and five amino acids. The crude extracts and main compounds were inactive towards PDE-5 at concentrations up to 500 µg/mL. Iridoids and amino acid derivatives were the main compounds occurring in the Paraguayan crude drug. The potential of ysypó hû as a male sexual enhancer cannot be discarded, since other mechanisms may be involved.

[Regional integration of healthcare services in twin cities, Paraná State, Brazil]. / Integração regional em cidades gêmeas do Paraná, Brasil, no âmbito da saúde.

This field research aimed to identify healthcare integration among four twin cities in Paraná State, Brazil, the determinants of cross-border movements of foreigners, and the obstacles to such integration. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with key informants that were analyzed with thematic content analysis. The results showed that asymmetries in the structure, resources, supply, and quality of the network's health services are determinants of cross-border movements. The experiences with integration are limited basically to emergency measures in health surveillance. Working groups are formed with limited case-resolution capacity, depending on personal, non-institutionalized initiatives. Public underfinancing is a limiting factor for access to health services. Municipal health services managers play a leading role in border areas, and they should be acknowledged as international political actors.

Pesquisa de campo que objetivou identificar a integração em quatro cidades gêmeas do Paraná, Brasil, os determinantes no deslocamento de estrangeiros nas fronteiras e os entraves existentes para a sua efetivação. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas em profundidade com informantes-chave, utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo do tipo temática para o tratamento dos mesmos. Os resultados mostram que as assimetrias de estrutura, recursos, oferta e qualidade da rede de atenção à saúde são determinantes para as circulações transfronteiriças; as experiências de integração se limitam basicamente a ações emergenciais de vigilância em saúde; constituição de grupos de trabalho com pouca resolutividade, dependentes de iniciativas pessoais, não institucionalizadas; o subfinanciamento público é fator de restrição do acesso aos serviços de saúde. Destaca-se o protagonismo do gestor municipal nas regiões de fronteira e a necessidade de seu reconhecimento como ator político internacional.

Se trata de una investigación de campo que tuvo por objetivo identificar la integración en cuatro ciudades gemelas del Paraná, Brasil, los determinantes para el desplazamiento de extranjeros en las fronteras y las trabas existentes para hacerla efectiva. Los datos fueron recogidos mediante entrevistas en profundidad con informantes clave, se utilizó el análisis de contenido de tipo temático para el tratamiento de los mismos. Los resultados muestran que las asimetrías de estructura, recursos, oferta y calidad de la red de atención a la salud son determinantes para la circulación transfronteriza; las experiencias de integración se limitan básicamente a acciones de emergencia de vigilancia en salud; constitución de grupos de trabajo con poca resolutividad, dependientes de iniciativas personales, no institucionalizadas; la escasa financiación pública es un factor de restricción para el acceso a los servicios de salud. Se destaca el protagonismo del gestor municipal en las regiones de frontera y la necesidad de su reconocimiento como actor político internacional.

Integração regional em cidades gêmeas do Paraná, Brasil, no âmbito da saúde / Regional integration of healthcare services in twin cities, Paraná State, Brazil / Integración regional en ciudades gemelas del Paraná, Brasil, dentro del ámbito de la salud

Resumo: Pesquisa de campo que objetivou identificar a integração em quatro cidades gêmeas do Paraná, Brasil, os determinantes no deslocamento de estrangeiros nas fronteiras e os entraves existentes para a sua efetivação. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas em profundidade com informantes-chave, utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo do tipo temática para o tratamento dos mesmos. Os resultados mostram que as assimetrias de estrutura, recursos, oferta e qualidade da rede de atenção à saúde são determinantes para as circulações transfronteiriças; as experiências de integração se limitam basicamente a ações emergenciais de vigilância em saúde; constituição de grupos de trabalho com pouca resolutividade, dependentes de iniciativas pessoais, não institucionalizadas; o subfinanciamento público é fator de restrição do acesso aos serviços de saúde. Destaca-se o protagonismo do gestor municipal nas regiões de fronteira e a necessidade de seu reconhecimento como ator político internacional.

Abstract: This field research aimed to identify healthcare integration among four twin cities in Paraná State, Brazil, the determinants of cross-border movements of foreigners, and the obstacles to such integration. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with key informants that were analyzed with thematic content analysis. The results showed that asymmetries in the structure, resources, supply, and quality of the network's health services are determinants of cross-border movements. The experiences with integration are limited basically to emergency measures in health surveillance. Working groups are formed with limited case-resolution capacity, depending on personal, non-institutionalized initiatives. Public underfinancing is a limiting factor for access to health services. Municipal health services managers play a leading role in border areas, and they should be acknowledged as international political actors.

Resumen: Se trata de una investigación de campo que tuvo por objetivo identificar la integración en cuatro ciudades gemelas del Paraná, Brasil, los determinantes para el desplazamiento de extranjeros en las fronteras y las trabas existentes para hacerla efectiva. Los datos fueron recogidos mediante entrevistas en profundidad con informantes clave, se utilizó el análisis de contenido de tipo temático para el tratamiento de los mismos. Los resultados muestran que las asimetrías de estructura, recursos, oferta y calidad de la red de atención a la salud son determinantes para la circulación transfronteriza; las experiencias de integración se limitan básicamente a acciones de emergencia de vigilancia en salud; constitución de grupos de trabajo con poca resolutividad, dependientes de iniciativas personales, no institucionalizadas; la escasa financiación pública es un factor de restricción para el acceso a los servicios de salud. Se destaca el protagonismo del gestor municipal en las regiones de frontera y la necesidad de su reconocimiento como actor político internacional.

Cognition, culture and utility: plant classification by Paraguayan immigrant farmers in Misiones, Argentina.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted in three rural communities of small farmers of Paraguayan origin living in the province of Misiones, Argentina. These Criollos (Mestizos) hail chiefly from departments located in the east of Paraguay, where the climate and flora have similar characteristics as those in Misiones. These ecological features contribute to the continuation and maintenance of knowledge and practices related to the use of plants. METHODS: Fieldwork was conducted between September 2014 and August 2015. Forty five informants from three rural localities situated along the Parana River participated in an ethno-classification task. For the classification event, photographs of 30 medicinal and edible plants were chosen, specifically those yielding the highest frequency of mention among the members of that community (based on data obtained in the first stage of research in 2014). Variation in local plant classifications was examined and compared using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. RESULTS: We found that people classify plants according to application or use (primarily medicinal, to a lesser extent as edible). Morphology is rarely taken into account, even for very similar and closely-related species such as varieties of palms. In light of our findings, we highlight a dominant functionality model at work in the process of plant cognition and classification among farmers of Paraguayan origin. Salient cultural beliefs and practices associated with rural Paraguayan plant-based medicine are described. Additionally, the manner by which residents' concepts of plants articulate with local folk epistemology is discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Culturally constructed use patterns ultimately override morphological variables in rural Paraguayans' ethnobotanical classification.

Descripción de Tessaria dodeneifolia (Hook. & Arn.) Cabrera, (Asteraceae), "la planta dulce" como endulzante natural / Description of Tessaria dodeneifolia (Hook. & Arn.) Cabrera, (Asteraceae), the sweet plant

Los conocimientos etnobotánicos constituyen aportes importantes en la vida del hombre y han permitido la aplicación del uso tradicional de las plantas medicinales, aromáticas, alimenticias. Así, en la comunidad de Ybabiyu, Distrito de Guazucua del Departamento de Ñeembucú, Paraguay, se reporta la utilización de las hojas de una especie vegetal conocida con el nombre de "hierba dulce" ("ka ́a he ́ê") (hierba dulce) como endulzante en sustitución del azúcar. El estudio fue cualitativo, observacional y descriptivo. El ámbito geográfico fue la Región del Ñeembucú, en la localidad conocida como Ybabiyu, distrito de Guazucua. La especie fue colectada en su hábitat natural, procedente de una propiedad privada de la zona. Fue identificada como Tessaria dodoneifolia (Hook. & Arn.) Cabrera (Asteraceae). Este uso, para esta especie, es reportado por primera vez para el Paraguay. A, además se describe las características y los aspectos ecológicos de la especie denominada "ka ́a he ́hierba dulceê" (Tessaria dodoneifolia) utilizada como endulzante de alimentos líquido, en la Región de Ñeembucú, Paraguay. Esta especie tiene amplia distribución y usos variados en países de América del Sur.

Ethnobotanical knowledge is important contributions in the life of man and allowed the application of traditional use of medicinal, aromatic, food plants. Thus, in the community of Ybabiyu, Guazucua District Department of Ñeembucú, the use of the leaves of a plant species known as "sweet plant" ("ka ́a he ́ê " (sweet plant) as a sweetener to replace sugar is reported . The study was qualitative, observational and descriptive. The geographical area was the region of Ñeembucú, in the locality known as Ybabiyu, Guazucua district. The species was collected in the wild, from a private property in the area. It was identified as Tessaria dodoneifolia (Hook. & Arn.) Cabrera (Asteraceae). This use is reported for the first time for Paraguay, plus features and ecological aspects of the species called "ka ́a he ́ê " (Tessaria dodoneifolia) used as a sweetener in liquid food, in the region of Ñeembucú, Paraguay. This species is widely distributed and has varied used in South America countries.

The Paraguayan Rhinella toad venom: Implications in the traditional medicine and proliferation of breast cancer cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Toads belonging to genus Rhinella are used in Paraguayan traditional medicine to treat cancer and skin infections. AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of the study was to determine the composition of venoms obtained from three different Paraguayan Rhinella species, to establish the constituents of a preparation sold in the capital city of Paraguay to treat cancer as containing the toad as ingredient, to establish the effect of the most active Rhinella schneideri venom on the cell cycle using human breast cancer cells and to assess the antiprotozoal activity of the venoms. METHODS: The venom obtained from the toads parotid glands was analyzed by HPLC-MS-MS. The preparation sold in the capital city of Paraguay to treat cancer that is advertised as made using the toad was analyzed by HPLC-MS-MS. The effect of the R. schneideri venom and the preparation was investigated on human breast cancer cells. The antiprotozoal activity was evaluated on Leishmania braziliensis, L. infantum and murine macrophages. RESULTS: From the venoms of R. ornata, R. schneideri and R. scitula, some 40 compounds were identified by spectroscopic and spectrometric means. Several minor constituents are reported for the first time. The preparation sold as made from the toad did not contained bufadienolides or compounds that can be associated with the toad but plant compounds, mainly phenolics and flavonoids. The venom showed activity on human breast cancer cells and modified the cell cycle proliferation. The antiprotozoal effect was higher for the R. schneideri venom and can be related to the composition and relative ratio of constituents compared with R. ornata and R. scitula. CONCLUSIONS: The preparation sold in the capital city of Paraguay as containing the toad venom, used popularly to treat cancer did not contain the toad venom constituents. Consistent with this, this preparation was inactive on proliferation of human breast cancer cells. In contrast, the toad venoms of Rhinella species altered the cell cycle progression, affecting the proliferation of malignant cells. The findings suggest that care should be taken with the providers of the preparation and that the crude drug present a strong activity towards human breast cancer cell lines. The antiprotozoal effect of the R. schneideri venom was moderate while the venom of R. ornata was devoid of activity and that of R. scitula was active at very high concentration.

In vitro antiprotozoal activity of (S)-cis-Verbenol against Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi.

(S)-cis-Verbenol, a monoterpene frequently found as a component of essential oils, was assayed against Leishmania amazonensis, Leishmania infantum, Leishmania brasiliensis and against two strains of Trypanosoma cruzi. The cytotoxicity of the compound was also assayed against human fibroblast cells using a colorimetric method. Benznidazole was used as reference drug against T. cruzi and amphotericin B was used against Leishmania spp. The compound showed good activity against the trypanosomes, being more active against the CL Brenner strain, with an IC50 value of 8.3µg/mL. Against Leishmania, the IC50 values were between 2.1 and 3.8µg/mL. The compound showed no cytotoxicity against human fibroblasts at the concentrations assayed and was 100-500 times more toxic for the parasites than for the human cells, as indicated by the selectivity indexes. The results open interesting perspectives about the potential of (S)-cis-Verbenol and other individual components of essential oils for the treatment of these diseases.

Adecuación de la terapia nutricional enteral y la relación con la evolución en pacientes adultos críticos durante su estancia en el Sanatorio San Sebastián / Adequacy of enteral nutritional therapy and the relationship with the evolution in critical adult patients during their stay at the San Sebastián Sanatorium

Introducción: La Terapia Nutricional Enteral (TNE) en el paciente crítico forma parte del manejo integral y se asociada a una mejor evolución clínica. Objetivo: Determinar el porcentaje de adecuación de la TNE y la relación con la evolución en pacientes adultos críticos durante su estancia en el Sanatorio San Sebastián en el año 2016 al 2017. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio Observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo con componente analítico en pacientes adultos críticos de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Se evaluaron 54 pacientes críticos sometidos a NE mayores de 18 años de edad de ambos sexos desde el periodo 2016 al 2017. Se consideró un porcentaje de adecuación calórico-proteica como suficiente a partir de ≥ 70%. Resultados: El 85,2% recibió un aporte calórico suficiente y un aporte proteico suficiente, el 59,3%. El promedio de calorías y proteínas administradas fueron de 1303 ±308 kcal y 62,26 ±30,8 gr respectivamente, mientras que la adecuación calórica alcanzada fue 86 ±16% y la proteica 72,8 ±22,9%. La complicación gastrointestinal más frecuente fue la diarrea y Residuo Gástrico aumentado (RG). Conclusión: Aunque no se observaron diferencias significativas entre aporte calórico y proteico con los días de ventilación mecánica, estancia hospitalaria y mortalidad; no se descarta la posibilidad que los mismos resulten significativos con una población más homogénea y numerosa, junto con un aumento de los días de evaluación.

Introduction: Enteral Nutritional Therapy (ENT) is part of an integral management and has been associated to better clinical outcomes in critically ill adult patients. Purpose: To determine the percentage of adequacy to ENT and its relationship with clinical outcomes in critically ill adult patients during their stay at the Sanatorio San Sebastián from 2016 to 2017. Material and methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with analytic component in critically ill adult patients admitted to the ICU who met the inclusion criteria. 54 patients of both sexes, over 18 years old with EN were studied during the evaluation period between 2016-2017. It was considered as a goal a percentage of caloric-protein adequacy of ≥ 70%. Results: 85.2% received a sufficient caloric intake and the 59.3% also received sufficient protein intake. The average intake of calories and protein were 1303 ±308 kcal and 62,26 ±30,8 gr respectively, while the adequacy of calories was 86 ±16% and protein 72,8 ±22,9%. The most common gastrointestinal complication was diarrhea and the increase in gastric residue. Conclusions: Although there was no statistical significant difference between the amount of energy and protein intake with days of mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay and mortality, the possibility that these could be significant with a more homogeneous and numerous population, together with an increase of the evaluation days, is not ruled out

Insecticidal activity of neem oil against Gyropsylla spegazziniana (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) nymphs on Paraguay tea seedlings / Atividade inseticida de óleo de nim contra ninfas de Gyropsylla spegazziniana (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) em mudas de erva-mate

Abstract Gyropsylla spegazziniana (Paraguay tea ampul) is one of the most important pests of Paraguay tea plants, and prohibition of synthetic insecticide use for control of this pest has led to the search for alternative methods. This laboratory study aimed to compare different control strategies for G. spegazziniana, utilizing a commercial neem seed oil product. Paraguay tea seedlings were treated with neem oil solution both pre- and post-infestation with 5th instar nymphs. The systemic action of neem oil was also evaluated by treating plant soil with the neem oil solution, followed by transfer of the insects to plants 24 h post-treatment. Spray treatments were effective against the pest, especially post-infestation (80% mortality), demonstrating the potential of neem oil for control of the Paraguay tea ampul. No significant effects were observed with respect to systemic activity.

Resumo Gyropsylla spegazziniana (ampola da erva-mate) é uma das principais pragas da erva-mate, tanto em áreas de plantio como em viveiros. A proibição do uso de inseticidas para o controle de pragas da cultura tem levado à busca de alternativas. Este trabalho visou avaliar comparativamente, em laboratório, estratégias de aplicação de um produto comercial à base de óleo de nim sobre G. spegazziniana, em solução a 5%. Os testes foram realizados em mudas de erva-mate, tratadas pré e pós-infestação com ninfas de 5º instar do inseto, para avaliação de contato. Também, avaliou-se a ação sistêmica do óleo de nim, aplicando-se a solução do produto no solo da muda de erva-mate, seguido da transferência dos insetos após 24 h. Verificou-se que os tratamentos via pulverização foram eficientes contra a praga, principalmente na aplicação pós-infestação (80% de mortalidade), comprovando o potencial inseticida do óleo de nim contra a ampola-da-erva-mate em mudas. Entretanto, em relação à atividade sistêmica, não foram observados efeitos consideráveis sobre a praga.

[Lithogenic risk in patients from Paraguay with urolithiasis]. / Perfil de riesgo litogénico en pacientes con urolitiasis en Paraguay.

UNLABELLED: The lithogenic risk profile is a graphical representation of metabolic factors and urinary saturation involved in the stone formation with their respective critical values. AIM: To determine the lithogenic risk profile in patients with urolithiasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Personal data such as anthropometric, history of diseases and family history of urolithiasis were recorded. Different compounds acting as promoters or inhibitors of crystallization were measured in serum and urine samples, and the data obtained were used to calculate urinary saturation using Equil software. RESULTS: We included 30 men and 43 women with a median age of 45 (34-54) years. Overweight and family history of urolithiasis was reported in 63 and 32% respectively. Crystallization risk was detected in 74% of participants. The most common urinary abnormalities were hypocitraturia in 48% and hypercalciuria in 40%. CONCLUSIONS: The lithogenic profile revealed urinary saturation compatible with crystallization risk in 74% of the studied patients.

Perfil de riesgo litogénico en pacientes con urolitiasis en Paraguay / Lithogenic risk in patients from Paraguay with urolithiasis

The lithogenic risk profile is a graphical representation of metabolic factors and urinary saturation involved in the stone formation with their respective critical values. Aim: To determine the lithogenic risk profile in patients with urolithiasis. Material and Methods: Personal data such as anthropometric, history of diseases and family history of urolithiasis were recorded. Different compounds acting as promoters or inhibitors of crystallization were measured in serum and urine samples, and the data obtained were used to calculate urinary saturation using Equil software. Results: We included 30 men and 43 women with a median age of 45 (34-54) years. Overweight and family history of urolithiasis was reported in 63 and 32% respectively. Crystallization risk was detected in 74% of participants. The most common urinary abnormalities were hypocitraturia in 48% and hypercalciuria in 40%. Conclusions: The lithogenic profile revealed urinary saturation compatible with crystallization risk in 74% of the studied patients.

Insecticidal activity of neem oil against Gyropsylla spegazziniana (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) nymphs on Paraguay tea seedlings.

Gyropsylla spegazziniana (Paraguay tea ampul) is one of the most important pests of Paraguay tea plants, and prohibition of synthetic insecticide use for control of this pest has led to the search for alternative methods. This laboratory study aimed to compare different control strategies for G. spegazziniana, utilizing a commercial neem seed oil product. Paraguay tea seedlings were treated with neem oil solution both pre- and post-infestation with 5th instar nymphs. The systemic action of neem oil was also evaluated by treating plant soil with the neem oil solution, followed by transfer of the insects to plants 24 h post-treatment. Spray treatments were effective against the pest, especially post-infestation (80% mortality), demonstrating the potential of neem oil for control of the Paraguay tea ampul. No significant effects were observed with respect to systemic activity.

High-Dose Magnesium Sulfate Infusion for Severe Asthma in the Emergency Department: Efficacy Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of a high-dose prolonged magnesium sulfate infusion in patients with severe, noninfectious-mediated asthma. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, open-label study. SETTING: Twenty-nine-bed pediatric emergency department located in a children's hospital in Asuncion, Paraguay. PATIENTS: All patients of 6-16 years old who failed to improve after 2 hours of standard therapy for asthma. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomized to receive magnesium sulfate, 50 mg/kg over 1 hour (bolus) or high-dose prolonged magnesium sulfate infusion of 50 mg/kg/hr for 4 hours (max, 8.000 mg/4 hr). Patients were monitored for cardiorespiratory complications. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Asthma severity was assessed via asthma scores and peak expiratory flow rates at 0-2-6 hours. The primary outcome was discharge to home at 24 hours. An analysis of the hospital length of stay and costs was a secondary outcome. Thirty-eight patients were enrolled, 19 in each group. The groups were of similar ages, past medical history of asthma, asthma score, and peak expiratory flow rate. There was a significant difference in the patients discharged at 24 hours: 47% in high-dose prolonged magnesium sulfate infusion (9/19) versus 10% (2/21) in the bolus group (p = 0.032) with an absolute risk reduction 37% (95% CI, 10-63) and a number needed to treat of 2.7 (95% CI, 1.6-9.5) to facilitate a discharge at or before 24 hours. The length of stay was shorter in the high-dose prolonged magnesium sulfate infusion group (mean ± SD in hr: high-dose prolonged magnesium sulfate infusion, 34.13 ± 19.54; bolus, 48.05 ± 18.72; p = 0.013; 95% CI, 1.3-26.5). The cost per patient in the high-dose prolonged magnesium sulfate infusion group was one third lower than the bolus group (mean ± SD: high-dose prolonged magnesium sulfate infusion, $603.16 ± 338.47; bolus, $834.37 ± 306.73; p < 0.016). There were no interventions or discontinuations of magnesium sulfate due to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The early utilization of high-dose prolonged magnesium sulfate infusion (50 mg/kg/hr/4 hr), for non-infectious mediated asthma, expedites discharges from the emergency department with significant reduction in healthcare cost.