Antifungal activity of Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes containing 1,3-bis(benzotriazol-1-yl)-propan-2-ol on the growth and virulence traits of fluconazole-resistant Candida species: synthesis, DFT calculations, and biological activity.

Relevant virulence traits in Candida spp. are associated with dimorphic change and biofilm formation, which became an important target to reduce antifungal resistance. In this work, Co(II) complexes containing a benzotriazole derivative ligand showed a promising capacity of reducing these virulence traits. These complexes exhibited higher antifungal activities than the free ligands against all the Candida albicans and non-albicans strains tested, where compounds 2 and 4 showed minimum inhibitory concentration values between 15.62 and 125 µg mL-1. Moreover, four complexes (2-5) of Co(II) and Cu(II) with benzotriazole ligand were synthesized. These compounds were obtained as air-stable solids and characterized by melting point, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared, Raman and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy. The analysis of the characterization data allowed us to identify that all the complexes had 1:1 (M:L) stoichiometries. Additionally, Density Functional Theory calculations were carried out for 2 and 3 to propose a probable geometry of both compounds. The conformer Da of 2 was the most stable conformer according to the Energy Decomposition Analysis; while the conformers of 3 have a fluxional behavior in this analysis that did not allow us to determine the most probable conformer. These results provide an important platform for the design of new compounds with antifungal activities and the capacity to attack other target of relevance to reduce antimicrobial resistance.

Crianza kichwa en Medellín: tensiones entre lo ancestral y lo occidental / Kichwa childrearing in Medellin: tensions between ancestral and western practices / Criação Kichwa em Medellín: tensões entre o ancestral e o occidental

Resumen (analítico) El abordaje de la crianza indígena en el ámbito científico y occidental es complejo e interesante, en un contexto de realidades diversas que requieren ser visibilizadas para ampliar la comprensión de la crianza infantil. La investigación es cualitativa, apoyada en el inter-accionismo simbólico, y cuenta con la participación de cuatro familias y cinco líderes de la comunidad kichwa. Los resultados dan cuenta de la noción de infancia y de las prácticas que implementa esta comunidad para mantener la identidad kichwa. Asimismo, se evidencian las tensiones que produce la crianza, según el entorno. Como conclusión, los kichwa han buscado mantener sus tradiciones en la crianza de los infantes; sin embargo, las dinámicas de la ciudad afectan su cotidianidad, en especial en entornos citadinos como el comercio y la educación.

Abstract (analytical) Addressing a topic such as indigenous child rearing using scientific and western concepts becomes complex and interesting in a context of diverse realities that need to be examined to broaden understanding of these practices. This research study is qualitative and uses a symbolic interactionism approach. It involved the participation of four families and five leaders from the Kichwa community living in the city of Medellin. The results capture the notion of childhood for this indigenous group and the practices they implement to maintain the Kichwa identity, as well as the complexities that a non-indigenous environment creates for raising their children. In conclusion, the Kichwa have sought to maintain their traditions for the upbringing of the children. However, the dynamics of the city affect these practices, especially in urban scenarios such as commerce and education.

Resumo (analítico) Abordar um tópico como a criação indígena em escopos científicos e ocidentais torna-se complexo e interessante em um contexto de diversas realidades que precisam ser tornadas visíveis para ampliar a compreensão da criação infantil. A pesquisa é qualitativa com foco no interacionismo simbólico, e contou com a participação de quatro famílias e cinco lideranças da comunidade Kichwa habitantes de Medellín. Os achados mostram a importância de manter a identidade Kichwa e a noção de infância partindo da própria cultura e a complexidade que traz um meio distinto de formação e acompanhamento familiar. Concluindo, o povo Kichwa tem procurado manter suas tradições desde a formação das crianças, porém, as dinâmicas da cidade e suas interações influenciam na sua cotidianidade particularmente nos meios comerciais e educativos.

Tuberculosis ileocecal: a propósito de un caso / Ileocecal tuberculosis: A case report

Resumen La tuberculosis es una enfermedad de importancia en la salud pública a nivel mundial, con una alta incidencia a nivel del territorio colombiano. Principalmente, afecta el parénquima pulmonar; sin embargo, en un porcentaje elevado de casos se diagnostica en su forma extrapulmonar y el tracto gastrointestinal es uno de los sitios más frecuentes. Así mismo, la región ileocecal y el íleon terminal son las regiones con más predilección por la bacteria Mycobaterium tuberculosis. Las manifestaciones en esta rara presentación de la enfermedad están dadas por dolor abdominal y sensación de masa principalmente, lesiones ulcerosas en la mucosa intestinal y hallazgos histológicos correspondientes a granulomas caseificantes de gran tamaño y de morfología confluente, que se diferencian de otras entidades como la enfermedad de Crohn. La búsqueda de la enfermedad dentro del tracto gastrointestinal se realiza con ayuda de métodos invasivos como la colonoscopia y de ayudas diagnósticas de laboratorio como cultivos, tinciones o reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Dada la complejidad en el diagnóstico de esta forma de tuberculosis, el conocimiento y la manera en que se aborda un paciente con un cuadro sugestivo de esta enfermedad son factores importantes para establecer el manejo terapéutico oportuno. Se comparte un caso inusual de tuberculosis ileocecal como manifestación de síndrome febril prolongado con desenlace fatal.

Abstract Tuberculosis is a disease of public health importance worldwide with a high incidence in Colombia. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma. However, in a large number of cases, it is diagnosed in its extrapulmonary form, with the gastrointestinal tract being one of the most frequent sites. Mycobacterium tuberculosis has a strong predilection for the ileocecal region and the terminal ileum. Manifestations of this rare form of the disease are abdominal pain and mass sensation mainly, as well as ulcerative lesions in the intestinal mucosa and histological findings corresponding to large caseating granulomas of confluent morphology, which distinguish it from other entities such as Crohn's disease. Invasive procedures, such as colonoscopy, and diagnostic laboratory aids, such as cultures, stains, and PCR, are used to find the disease in the gastrointestinal tract. Given the difficulty of diagnosing this type of tuberculosis, knowledge and how a patient with symptoms suggestive of the disease is approached are critical factors for establishing timely treatment. The following is an unusual case of ileocecal TB as a manifestation of prolonged febrile illness with a fatal outcome.

Familial hypercholesterolemia in Mexico: Initial insights from the national registry.

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. OBJECTIVE: Report the results of the first years (2017-2019) of the Mexican FH registry. METHODS: There are 60 investigators, representing 28 federal states, participating in the registry. The variables included are in accordance with the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) FH recommendations. RESULTS: To date, 709 patients have been registered, only 336 patients with complete data fields are presented. The mean age is 50 (36-62) years and the average time since diagnosis is 4 (IQR: 2-16) years. Genetic testing is recorded in 26.9%. Tendon xanthomas are present in 43.2%. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is 11.3% and that of premature CAD is 9.8%. Index cases, male gender, hypertension and smoking were associated with premature CAD. The median lipoprotein (a) level is 30.5 (IQR 10.8-80.7) mg/dl. Statins and co-administration with ezetimibe were recorded in 88.1% and 35.7% respectively. A combined treatment target (50% reduction in LDL-C and an LDL-C <100 mg/dl) was achieved by 13.7%. Associated factors were index case (OR 3.6, 95%CI 1.69-8.73, P = .002), combination therapy (OR 2.4, 95%CI 1.23-4.90, P = .011), type 2 diabetes (OR 2.8, 95%CI 1.03-7.59, P = .036) and age (OR 1.023, 95%CI 1.01-1.05, P = .033). CONCLUSION: The results confirm late diagnosis, a lower than expected prevalence and risk of ASCVD, a higher than expected prevalence of type 2 diabetes and undertreatment, with relatively few patients reaching goals. Recommendations include, the use of combination lipid lowering therapy, control of comorbid conditions and more frequent genetic testing in the future.

Severe fingolimod rebound syndrome after switching to cladribine treatment.

We present the clinical and imaging characteristics of a patient whom presented with rebound syndrome after switching from fingolimod to cladribine treatment due to hematologic toxicity. Previous imaging studies had shown a non-aggressive phenotype of the disease, however multiple active tumefactive lesions became evident after beginning treatment with cladribine. The patient responded well to plasmapheresis.

The Nontoxic Cholera B Subunit Is a Potent Adjuvant for Intradermal DC-Targeted Vaccination.

CD4+ T cells are major players in the immune response against several diseases; including AIDS, leishmaniasis, tuberculosis, influenza and cancer. Their activation has been successfully achieved by administering antigen coupled with antibodies, against DC-specific receptors in combination with adjuvants. Unfortunately, most of the adjuvants used so far in experimental models are unsuitable for human use. Therefore, human DC-targeted vaccination awaits the description of potent, yet nontoxic adjuvants. The nontoxic cholera B subunit (CTB) can be safely used in humans and it has the potential to activate CD4+ T cell responses. However, it remains unclear whether CTB can promote DC activation and can act as an adjuvant for DC-targeted antigens. Here, we evaluated the CTB's capacity to activate DCs and CD4+ T cell responses, and to generate long-lasting protective immunity. Intradermal (i.d.) administration of CTB promoted late and prolonged activation and accumulation of skin and lymphoid-resident DCs. When CTB was co-administered with anti-DEC205-OVA, it promoted CD4+ T cell expansion, differentiation, and infiltration to peripheral nonlymphoid tissues, i.e., the skin, lungs and intestine. Indeed, CTB promoted a polyfunctional CD4+ T cell response, including the priming of Th1 and Th17 cells, as well as resident memory T (RM) cell differentiation in peripheral nonlymphoid tissues. It is worth noting that CTB together with a DC-targeted antigen promoted local and systemic protection against experimental melanoma and murine rotavirus. We conclude that CTB administered i.d. can be used as an adjuvant to DC-targeted antigens for the induction of broad CD4+ T cell responses as well as for promoting long-lasting protective immunity.

Sporothrix schenckii Immunization, but Not Infection, Induces Protective Th17 Responses Mediated by Circulating Memory CD4+ T Cells.

Sporotrichosis is a chronic subcutaneous mycosis caused by the Sporothrix schenckii species complex and it is considered an emerging opportunistic infection in countries with tropical and subtropical climates. The host's immune response has a main role in the development of this disease. However, it is unknown the features of the memory cellular immune response that could protect against the infection. Our results show that i.d. immunization in the ears of mice with inactivated S. schenckii conidia (iC) combined with the cholera toxin (CT) induces a cellular immune response mediated by circulating memory CD4+ T cells, which mainly produce interleukin 17 (IL-17). These cells mediate a strong delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction. Systemic and local protection against S. schenckii was mediated by circulating CD4+ T cells. In contrast, the infection induces a potent immune response in the skin mediated by CD4+ T cells, which have an effector phenotype that preferentially produce interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and mediate a transitory DTH reaction. Our findings prove the potential value of the CT as a potent skin adjuvant when combined with fungal antigens, and they also have important implications for our better understanding of the differences between the memory immune response induced by the skin immunization and those induced by the infection; this knowledge enhances our understanding of how a protective immune response against a S. schenckii infection is developed.

Síndrome de Morquio, enfermedad de interés para la odontopediatría: presentación de un caso / Morquio syndrome, a disease of interest for pediatric dentistry: case report

El Síndrome de Morquio es un trastorno de almacenamiento de mucopolisacáridos se caracteriza principalmente por estatura corta y afectación ósea grave, pero el coeficiente intelectual es normal. La prevalencia es rara se estima que afecta a uno de cada 200.000 nacimientos hombres y mujeres por igual. La MPS IV A y B son enfermedades autosómicas recesivas con esto queremos decir que ambos progenitores son portadores del mismo gen afectado el cual se encuentra alterado produciendo así una deficiencia en la producción de la enzima. Las manifestaciones esqueléticas en esta displasia son retardo en el crecimiento, hipoplasia del odontoides, cifosis toracolumbar, displasia de cadera, genu valgo, manchas cutáneas y laxitud articular, en cuando a cuestiones dentales tenemos: el esmalte es delgado, rugoso e hipoplásico afectando dientes deciduos como permanentes. Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 8 años 3/12 presentando MPS el cual requiere un protocolo de rehabilitación lo cual se realiza en el área de odontopedriatría del Hospital del Niño DIF.

Morquio syndrome is a mucopolysaccharide storage disorder is mainly characterized by short stature, severe bone involvement, but IQ is normal. The prevalence is rare is estimated to affect one in every 200,000 births men and women alike. The MPS IV A and B are autosomal recessive diseases with this we mean that both parents are carriers of the same gene affected which is altered thus producing a deficiency in the production of the enzyme. The skeletal manifestations in this dysplasia are growth retardation, hypoplasia of the odontoid, thoracolumbar kyphosis, hip dysplasia, genu valgus, skin blemishes and joint laxity, then dental issues are: the enamel is thin rugged and hypoplastic affecting deciduous theeth as permanent. The case of a male patient presenting eight years 3/12 MPS which requires a rehabilitation protocol which is done in the dental area of Hospital del Niño DIF is presented.

Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus infection of fish cell lines: Preliminary analysis of gene expressions related to extracellular matrix remodeling and immunity.

The pathogenic infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) causes high economic losses in fish farming. This virus can modulate several cellular processes during infection, but little is known about the infection mechanism. To investigate gene activation in response to IPNV, CHSE/F and SHK-1 cell line were infected with a cytopathic Sp field isolate of IPNV, and the expression profiles of proinflammatory, antiviral cytokine, and extracellular matrix markers were analyzed. IPNV induced the production of perlecan, fibulin-1, matrix metalloproteinase-2, 14-3-3ß, interleukin-1ß, Mx1, and interferon regulatory factors-1, -3, and -9. Interestingly, IPNV-mediated activity was blocked by pharmacological inhibitors of the NF-κB signaling pathway. These results, together with in silico analyses showing the presence of several regulatory consensus-target motifs, suggest that IPNV regulates gene expressions in fish through the activation of several key transcription factors. Collectively, these data indicate that IPNV is a viral regulator of expression for extracellular-matrix and immune markers, even during early infection. Finally, this is the first report in fish to find IPNV modulating the activation of interleukin-1ß production primarily through the NF-κB pathway.

A Key Role for Inhibins in Dendritic Cell Maturation and Function.

Inhibins are members of the TGFß superfamily, which regulate many cellular processes including differentiation, proliferation, survival and apoptosis. Although initially described as hormones regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, based on their ability to antagonize Activins, our group has recently reported that they play a role in thymocyte differentiation and survival, as well as in thymic stromal cell maturation and nTreg generation. Here, we used Inhibin knock out mice (Inhα-/-) to investigate the role of Inhibins in peripheral dendritic cell maturation and function. We first demonstrated that LPS treated Inhα+/+ bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDC) were capable to produce significant levels of Inhibin A. Interestingly, Inhα-/- BMDC showed reduced MHCII and CD86 upregulation and increased PD-L1 expression in response to LPS compared to Inhα+/+, which correlated with reduced ability to induce proliferation of allogeneic T cells. The "semi-mature" phenotype displayed by Inhα-/- mBMDC correlated with increased levels of IL-10 and slightly decreased IL-6 production after LPS stimulation. In addition, Inhα-/- mBMDC showed impaired migration towards CCL19 and CCL21, assessed by in vitro chemotaxis and in vivo competitive homing experiments, despite their normal CCR7 expression. Furthermore, in vivo LPS-induced DC maturation was also diminished in Inhα-/- mice, specially within the LC (CD207+ CD11b+ CD103-) subpopulation. Finally, analysis of delayed type hypersensitivity responses in Inhα-/- mice, showed reduced ear swelling as a result of reduced cellular infiltration in the skin, correlating with impaired homing of CD207+ DCs to the draining lymph nodes. In summary, our data demonstrate for the first time that Inhibins play a key role in peripheral DC maturation and function, regulating the balance between immunity and tolerance.

Trombo mural en el cayado aórtico: Presentación de caso / Aortic Arch Mural Thrombus: Case Report

Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 78 años de edad con hallazgo incidental de trombo en el cayado aórtico asociado a enfermedad aterosclerótica en aorta torácica, sin sintomatología relacionada. Se revisan con detalle los cambios que se observan en las imágenes de la tomografía computarizada; además, se explican brevemente la fisiopatología y las manifestaciones clínicas.

We present a case of a 78 year old woman with incidental finding of thrombus in the aortic arch associated with atherosclerotic disease in thoracic aorta without associated symptomatology. Changes seen in the images on the Computerized Tomography (CT) are explained in detail. In addition, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations are briefly explained.

Efecto de los factores socioculturales en la capacidad de autocuidado del paciente hospitalizado con diabetes tipo 2 / The Effect of Socio-cultural Factors on the Self-care Capacity of Hospitalized Patients with Type 2 Diabetes / Efeito dos fatores socioculturais na capacidade de autocuidado do paciente hospitalizado com diabete tipo 2

Introducción: la diabetes tipo 2 es considerada como un problema de salud pública por su creciente prevalencia e incidencia. Objetivo: describir el efecto de los factores socioculturales en la capacidad de autocuidado del paciente hospitalizado con diabetes tipo 2 en el Hospital General de Tecomán, Colima, México. Método: estudio transversal, observacional. Se trabajó con 68 pacientes hospitalizados con diabetes tipo 2; se utilizó un instrumento que midió el efecto de los factores socioculturales en la capacidad de autocuidado. El análisis de datos se realizó con Razón de Momios, intervalos de confianza al 95% y fracción atribuible en expuestos. Resultados: los factores socioculturales tuvieron un leve efecto positivo en la capacidad de autocuidado (RM = 1,10; IC 95%: 0,26-4,74) en pacientes hospitalizados con diabetes tipo 2. Conclusiones: los factores socioculturales: experiencias vitales, experiencias laborales, religión, costumbres y tradiciones, prácticas curativas y ritos, señalados en la Teoría General del Déficit de Autocuidado, muestran un efecto positivo sobre la capacidad de autocuidado de las personas con diabetes tipo 2.

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is considered a public health problem because of its increasing prevalence and incidence. Objective: The purpose of this research is to describe the effect of socio-cultural factors on the self-care capacity of patients with type 2 diabetes who are hospitalized at the Tecomán General Hospital in Colima, Mexico. Method: This is a cross-sectional, observational study of 68 hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes. An instrument to measure the effect of socio-cultural factors on the capacity for self-care was used. Data analysis was conducted with the odds ratio method, confidence intervals at 95% and attributable fraction in exposures. Results: Socio-cultural factors had a slight positive effect on the capacity for self-care among hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes (RM = 1.10, 95% CI, 0.26 to 4.74). Conclusions: The socio-cultural factors outlined in the General Self-care Deficit Theory; namely, life experiences, work experiences, religion, customs and traditions, healing practices and rituals, were shown to have a positive effect on the self-care capacity of people with type 2 diabetes.

Introdução: a diabete tipo 2 é considerada um problema de saúde pública por sua crescente prevalência e incidência. Objetivo: descrever o efeito dos fatores socioculturais na capacidade de autocuidado do paciente hospitalizado com diabete tipo 2 no Hospital General de Tecomán, Colima, México. Método: estudo transversal, observacional. Trabalhou-se com 68 pacientes hospitalizados com diabete tipo 2; utilizou-se um instrumento que mediu o efeito dos fatores socioculturais na capacidade de autocuidado. A análise de dados foi realizada com Razão de Chances, intervalos de confiança de 95% e fração atribuível em expostos. Resultados: os fatores socioculturais tiveram um leve efeito positivo na capacidade de autocuidado (RM = 1,10; IC 95%: 0,26-4,74) em pacientes hospitalizados com diabete tipo 2. Conclusões: os fatores socioculturais, como experiências vitais, experiências laborais, religião, costumes e tradições, práticas curativas e rituais, indicados na Teoria Geral do Déficit de Autocuidado, mostram um efeito positivo sobre a capacidade de autocuidado das pessoas com diabete tipo 2.

A randomized control trial: training program of university students as health promoters.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported the following as determining factors for the adoption of healthy lifestyles among undergraduate students: gender, socioeconomic level, prior lifestyles, environment, parental lifestyles and health status, career choice, and healthy support networks. However, these factors are influenced by students' knowledge about healthy lifestyles. METHODS/DESIGN: We will carry out a randomized trial in a sample of 280 new undergraduate students at the National Autonomous University of Mexico's Faculty of Higher Studies-Zaragoza (FES-Zaragoza, UNAM). There will be an experimental group (n = 140), comprising 20 students from each of the seven university departments (careers); these students will receive training as university student health promoters through an e-learning course. This course will allow the topics necessary for such promoters to be reviewed. There will be a control group (n = 140), comprising 20 students from each of the seven departments (careers); these students will not undergo the training. Later, the students who comply satisfactorily with the e-learning course will replicate the course to 10 of their classmates. A healthy-lifestyle questionnaire will be given to all the participants, and the parameters established in the self-care card will be recorded before and after the training. The study variables are as follows: (i) independent variable-compliance with the e-learning course; (ii) dependent variables-lifestyles changes prior to the educative intervention (including healthy eating, physical activity, and addiction prevention) and parameters related to health status established in self-care (including weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and hip circumference). Data will be analyzed using Student's t test and logistic regression analysis odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. The analysis of the open answers will be carried out with ATLAS. ti 5.5 software. DISCUSSION: Health promotion among university students should incorporate options that are feasible for and attractive to students. Thus, as proposed in the present protocol, e-learning courses offer excellent possibilities because they allow students to program their learning in their available time without affecting their academic studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://ISRCTN77787889.

Chemical composition and antiprotozoal activities of Colombian Lippia spp essential oils and their major components.

The chemical composition and biological activities of 19 essential oils and seven of their major components were tested against free and intracellular forms of Leishmania chagasi and Trypanosoma cruzi parasites as well as Vero and THP-1 mammalian cell lines. The essential oils were obtained from different species of Lippia, a widely distributed genus of Colombian plants. They were extracted by microwave radiation-assisted hydro-distillation and characterised by GC-FID and GC-MS. The major components were geranial, neral, limonene, nerol, carvacrol, p-cymene, gamma-terpinene, carvone and thymol. The essential oil of Lippia alba exhibited the highest activity against T. cruzi epimastigotes and intracellular amastigotes with an IC50 of 5.5 microg/mL and 12.2 microg/mL, respectively. The essential oil of Lippia origanoides had an IC50 of 4.4 microg/mL in L. chagasi promastigotes and exhibited no toxicity in mammalian cells. Thymol (IC50 3.2 +/- 0.4 microg/mL) and S-carvone (IC50 6.1 +/- 2.2 microg/mL), two of the major components of the active essential oils, were active on intracellular amastigotes of T. cruziinfected Vero cells, with a selective index greater than 10. None of the essential oils or major components tested in this study was active on amastigotes of L. chagasi infected THP-1 cells.

Chemical composition and antiprotozoal activities of Colombian Lippia spp essential oils and their major components

The chemical composition and biological activities of 19 essential oils and seven of their major components were tested against free and intracellular forms of Leishmania chagasi and Trypanosoma cruzi parasites as well as Vero and THP-1 mammalian cell lines. The essential oils were obtained from different species of Lippia, a widely distributed genus of Colombian plants. They were extracted by microwave radiation-assisted hydro-distillation and characterised by GC-FID and GC-MS. The major components were geranial, neral, limonene, nerol, carvacrol, p-cymene, ã-terpinene, carvone and thymol. The essential oil of Lippia alba exhibited the highest activity against T. cruzi epimastigotes and intracellular amastigotes with an IC50 of 5.5 ìg/mL and 12.2 ìg/mL, respectively. The essential oil of Lippia origanoides had an IC50 of 4.4 ìg/mL in L. chagasi promastigotes and exhibited no toxicity in mammalian cells. Thymol (IC50 3.2 ± 0.4 ìg/mL) and S-carvone (IC50 6.1 ± 2.2 ìg/mL), two of the major components of the active essential oils, were active on intracellular amastigotes of T. cruziinfected Vero cells, with a selective index greater than 10. None of the essential oils or major components tested in this study was active on amastigotes of L. chagasi infected THP-1 cells.

Composición química y actividad anti-tripanosomal de aceites esenciales obtenidos de Tagetes (Fam. Asteraceae), recolectados en Colombia / Chemical composition and anti-tripanosomal activity of essential oils from Tagetes (Asteraceae Fam) grown in Colombia

Introducción: La quimioterapia actual para enfermedad de Chagas es precaria con solo dos opciones de tratamiento: nifurtimox y benznidazol. Las plantas representan una fuente inmensa de moléculas potencialmente activas contra agentes infecciosos. Objetivo: Determinar la composición química y evaluar la actividad de aceites esenciales de Tagetes, recolectados en Colombia, contra Trypanosoma cruzi y su célula de mamífero hospedera. Materiales y métodos: Los aceites esenciales se obtuvieron de plantas colectadas en diversas regiones de Colombia; se extrajeron por hidrodestilación asistida por la radiación de microondas y se caracterizaron por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas. La actividad de siete (7) aceites esenciales se determinó en epimastigotes, amastigotes intracelulares de T. cruzi y en células Vero. Los resultados fueron expresando como la concentración que inhibe (CI50, CI90) o destruye (CC50, CC90) 50 ó 90 % de parásitos o células. Resultados: Los componentes mayoritarios de los aceites fueron estragol, dihidrotagetona y cis-tagetona con diferencias de composición entre las especies de Tagetes evaluadas. Todos los aceites esenciales fueron activos en epimastigotes de T. cruzi. El aceite de T. heterocarpha fue activo en amastigotes intracelulares (CI50:41.35 µg/mL). Los aceites de T. caracasana y T. heterocarpha fueron tóxicos para las células Vero. Conclusiones: Los aceites esenciales obtenidos de T. heterocarpha, T. caracasana y T. zipaquirensis mostraron capacidad para inhibir el crecimiento de T. cruzi. Estudios complementarios de sus componentes mayoritarios se realizan actualmente.

Introduction: The current chemotheraphy of Chagas diseases is poor, with only two treatment options: nifurtimox and benznidazole. The plants represent an immense source of potentially active molecules against infectious agents. Aim: To determine the chemical composition and biological activity of Colombian Tagetes essential oils against Trypanosoma cruzi and its mammalian host cell. Materials and methods: Plants were collected in various region of Colombia and essential oils were extracted by microwave-assisted hidrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The activities of seven (7) essentials oils were determinate in epimastigotes and amastigotes of T. cruzi and on Vero cells. The result were expressed as the concentration to inhibit (IC50 IC90) or destroy (CC50 CC9) 50 or 90 % of parasites or cells. Results: Estragole, dihidrotagetone and cis-tagetone were the main components of essential oils, with quantitative differences between the evaluated Tagetes species. All essential oils were active in epimastigotes of T. cruzi. T. heterocarpha essential oil was active in intracellular amastigotes (IC50:41.35 µg/mL). The oils from T. caracasana y T. heterocarpha were toxic to Vero cells. Conclusions: The essential oils obtained from T. heterocarpha, T. caracasana and T. zipaquirensis inhibit the growth of T. cruzi. Additional studies on the major components activities against parasites are now under study.

Nosocomial pediatric bacteremia: the role of intravenous set contamination in developing countries.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the rate of bacterial contamination of intravenous administration sets at their rubber injection ports and matching infusates. DESIGN: Cultures of injection ports and infusate during 26 visits to 4 hospitals. SETTING: Four public general pediatric hospitals in Mexico City with substandard care practices. PATIENTS: Hospitalized pediatric patients receiving intravenous solutions. RESULTS: Overall, 176 of 251 injection ports were contaminated (70.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI95], 64.5% to 75.8%), 35 (13.9%; CI95, 9.7% to 18.2%) with gram-negative rods, primarily of the tribe Klebsielleae. Cultures of infusates were positive in 17 cases (6.8%, CI95, 3.7% to 9.9%), 5 of which grew gram-negative rods (2%; CI95, 0.6% to 4.6%). In 3 cases (1.2%), the same species with gram-negative rods was found in the infusates and on the injection ports. During one visit, 8 clustered cases of injection port contamination with a clonal Enterobacter cloacae were found; this agent was also found in the blood culture, intravenous fluid, and parenteral nutrition of one patient. Inadequate chlorination of tap water, a potential risk factor, was recorded during 22 visits (84.6%). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that external contamination of the intravenous administration set could play a role in infusate contamination.