Detection of Antibodies for Pathogenic Leptospira in Wild Mammals and Birds from Southern Chile-First Record of Seropositivity in a Guiña (Leopardus guigna).

Leptospirosis is a neglected bacterial zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution that is present in different animal species. This epidemiological study determined the seroprevalence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in animals at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Puerto Montt, southern Chile, by sampling 60 animals belonging to three classes (birds, mammals, and reptiles). Diagnosis was performed using the microscopic agglutination test with a panel of eight serovars and serogroups. The results showed that 15 animals had anti-Leptospira antibodies, obtaining a seroprevalence of 25.00%, with Leptospira borgpetersenii serogroup Tarassovi presenting reactivity in 13 of the seropositive animals. Among the classes of mammals, chilla foxes (Lycalopex griseus) and pudus (Pudu puda) were seropositive. A guiña (Leopardus guigna) was also seropositive, which was described for the first time in mammals. Among the classes of birds, choroy parrots (Enicognathus leptorhynchus), bandurrias (Theristicus melanopis), and Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) were seropositive. Routine examinations to diagnose leptospirosis, perform epidemiological surveillance, and apply prevention and control measures are necessary, and additional research focusing on the One Health approach to explore the epidemiological role of different wild animal species in the maintenance and transmission of leptospirosis at the local and global levels are recommended.

Reasignación vocal: relación entre autopercepción de la voz, parámetros acústicos y función vocal en mujeres trans / Vocal reassignment: Relationship between voice self-perception, acoustic parameters and vocal function in trans women

Objetivo: Determinar aspectos anatómicos, acústicos y socioemocionales de la voz en mujeres trans.Método: Corresponde a una investigación de tipo cuantitativa con diseño observacional, análisis descriptivo de tipo transversal retrospectivo, en el que participan 10 mujeres trans que forman parte del programa de género del HSJD. Resultados: Destaca el inicio tardío del proceso de evaluación médica, terapia hormonal y acompañamiento multidisciplinario durante la transición de género. La mayor parte de las participantes perciben su voz dentro de rangos masculinos o neutros. Según los datos obtenidos en este estudio con relación a los parámetros acústicos, todas las participantes se encuentran dentro de rangos normales en la medida de Jitter, sin embargo, 2 de ellas presentan alteración en Shimmer y NHR. Además, el 70% de las participantes presentan características de disfonía músculo tensional. Conclusión: Se debe mencionar que el acompañamiento fonoaudiológico, la valoración de la voz, el estudio anatómico y la posible intervención quirúrgica por parte del especialista otorrinolaringólogo/a, son un eje fundamental a considerar en el proceso de salud global de las personas trans.(AU)

Objective: To determine anatomical, acoustic and socio-emotional aspects of the voice in trans women. Method: It corresponds to a quantitative investigation with an observational design, descriptive analysis of a retrospective cross-sectional type, in which 10 trans women who are part of the gender program of the HSJD. Results: The late start of the process of medical evaluation, hormonal therapy and multidisciplinary accompaniment during the gender transition stands out. Most of the participants perceived their voice to be within the masculine or neutral ranges. According to the data obtained in this study in relation to the acoustic parameters, all the participants are within normal ranges in the Jitter measurement, however two of them present presentations in Shimmer and NHR. In addition, 70% of the participants presented characteristics of tension muscle dysphonia. Conclusion: It should be mentioned that speech therapy monitoring, voice assessment, anatomical study and possible surgical intervention by the otorhinolaryngologist specialist are a fundamental axis to consider in the global health process of trans people.(AU)

Entre la estética y la medicina: el cuidado del cuerpo en el Breviarium de Johannes de Sancto Paulo / [Between aesthetics and medicine: care of the body in the Breviarium of Johannes de Sancto Paulo]

El Breviarium de Johannes de Sancto Paulo, compuesto en el entorno de la Escuela de Salerno en la segunda mitad del XII, presenta las características propias del género médico de los compendios o prácticas medievales, una suerte de vademécum que describe en latín los signos, las causas y el tratamiento de las principales enfermedades ordenadas a capite ad calcem. Pese a contar con una importante tradición manuscrita —se han encontrado hasta el momento 36 códices que se conservan en diversas bibliotecas de todo el mundo— el Breviariumes una obra inédita, pues nunca llegó a imprimirse en el Renacimiento. Entre sus capítulos, hallamos algunos dedicados al cuidado y a la higiene del cuerpo (teñido del cabello, manchas y pústulas en el rostro, halitosis, mal olor en las axilas, blanqueamiento de dientes). Todos ellos presentan recetas y experimenta para combatir estos problemas no solo desde un punto de visto médico, sino también estético. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo, por tanto, consiste en analizar estos capítulos, contextualizarlos dentro de la producción médica salernitana, rastrear sus fuentes y atestiguar su pervivencia en tratados posteriores. (AU)

In vitro and in vivo Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma-Based Autologous Topical Serum on Cutaneous Wound Healing.

INTRODUCTION: Skin injury and wound healing is an inevitable event during lifetime. However, several complications may hamper the regeneration of the cutaneous tissue and lead to a chronic profile that prolongs patient recovery. Platelet-rich plasma is rising as an effective and safe alternative to the management of wounds. However, this technology presents some limitations such as the need for repeated blood extractions and health-care interventions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the use of an endogenous and storable topical serum (ES) derived from plasma rich in growth factors promoting wound healing, and to obtain preliminary data regarding its clinical and experimental effect over ulcerated skin models and patient care. METHODS: Human dermal fibroblast and 3D organotypic ulcerated skin models were used to assess ES over the main mechanisms of wound healing including cell migration, edge contraction, collagen synthesis, tissue damage, extracellular matrix remodeling, cell death, metabolic activity, and histomorphometry analysis. Additionally, 4 patients suffering from skin wounds were treated and clinically assessed. RESULTS: ES promoted dermal fibroblast migration, wound edge contraction, and collagen synthesis. When topically applied, ES increased collagen and elastin deposition and reduced tissue damage. The interstitial edema, structural integrity, and cell activity were also maintained, and apoptotic levels were reduced. Patients suffering from hard-to-heal wounds of different etiologies were treated with ES, and the ulcers healed completely within few weeks with no reported adverse events. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study suggests that ES might promote cutaneous wound healing and may be useful for accelerating the re-epithelization of skin ulcers.

An Autologous Protein-Based Topical Ointment for Hard-to-Heal Skin Wounds: A Multiple Case Series.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence regarding the wound healing potential of platelet-derived autologous by-products. We provide preliminary data regarding the use of a new plasma rich in growth factors-derived autologous topical ointment for the management of hard-to-heal wounds. CASES: Four patients suffering from difficult-to-heal wounds were treated with the autologous ointment. Within 2 to 8 weeks, all wounds healed completely with no signs of infection or functional impairment of the affected limbs. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Randomized and controlled trials are needed to determine the clinical efficacy of the autologous ointment. Nevertheless, results from this multiple case series indicate that this approach may be useful for accelerating the re-epithelization of difficult-to-heal wounds.

Victus Ordine Constituto: la alimentación en la medicina de Amato Lusitano, una aproximación / Victus ordine constituto: an approach towards diet in Amatus Lusitanus medicine

Parte de la tarea médica del portugués João Rodrigues de Castelo Branco, pseudónimo de Amato Lusitano (1511-1568), consiste en atender o modificar la dieta de sus pacientes. A través de las prescripciones de la Centuria Tertia, uno de los libros que componen su obra Curationum Medicinalium Centuriae, podemos ver el amplio número de alimentos utilizados con fines terapéuticos, algunos realmente costosos. También conocemos cómo la atención de este médico por la dieta exige la obediencia del paciente.(AU)

The medical practice of João Rodrigues de Castelo Branco, also known as Amatus Lusitanus (1511-1568), pays particular attention to the establishment or modification of the dietary customs of his patients. The prescriptions included in the third volume (Centuria Tertia) of his book Curationum Medicinalium Centuriae show the wide range of food products used for therapy purposes, some of them really expensive. It is also remarkable that Amatus demands obedience to his dietary regulations from his patients.(AU)

Biological Approach for Managing Severe Gunshot Wounds: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Autologous formulations rich in bioactive proteins promote cutaneous tissue regeneration. This case report describes our experiences with a platelet-based autologous formulation in the management of a hard-to-heal and severe gunshot wound. CASE: A healthy, 34-year-old man suffered an accidental gunshot wound of his right foot. After cleansing with saline and application of vacuum-assisted closure therapy for a period of 5 weeks, the resulting full-thickness wound had a surface area of 20 cm and did not show progress toward closure despite ongoing treatment. Plasma-rich growth factor (PRGF) therapy was used in order to promote tissue regeneration. The patient's own blood was drawn, centrifuged, and platelet-rich plasma was obtained. Intradermal injections of freshly activated platelet-rich plasma were administered into the wound edges, and a fibrin membrane was applied on the wound bed. Afterward, a novel topical ointment based on the patient's own growth factors was used as a daily therapy over the affected tissue. RESULTS: This full-thickness wound healed after 16 weeks of autologous growth factor therapy. The patient was able to walk without pain. CONCLUSION: Plasma-rich growth factor therapy successfully healed this full-thickness wound that did not respond to a period of 5 weeks with negative pressure wound therapy using a vacuum-assisted device. Healing occurred after 16 weeks of treatment, and he was able to resume walking without pain or functional deficits.

Relationship among color development, anthocyanin and pigment-related gene expression in 'Crimson Seedless' grapes treated with abscisic acid and sucrose.

'Crimson Seedless' is one of the most important table grape varieties in Chile, but under certain environmental conditions, the fruit exhibits inadequate red color development, causing economic losses due to lower product quality. The use of plant growth regulators, such as abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene, during development increases the anthocyanin content of the skin, improving the color of the berry. Recently, sucrose has been identified as a signaling molecule capable of regulating the expression of genes of the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of application of ABA and/or sucrose on color development and their relationship with anthocyanin metabolism. Applications of ABA (400 ppm or 200 ppm) and/or sucrose (90 mM) were performed close to the véraison stage. During development and at harvest, quality attributes such as berry firmness, total soluble solids and titratable acidity were not affected by these treatments. Increased red color development was observed in fruits treated with ABA and/or sucrose, due to accumulation of anthocyanins. Fruits subjected to sucrose treatment showed higher levels of anthocyanins than untreated fruits but lower levels than fruits treated with ABA. Increased expression of genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis was observed in ABA- and sucrose-treated fruits compared to untreated fruits. Based on these findings, we demonstrated that sucrose improved fruit color development by increasing synthesis and accumulation of anthocyanins, thus allowing earlier harvests and improving table grape quality.

Estereotipos de género y violencia en la Unidad Educativa República de Cuba, La Paz Bolivia

El presente estudio se desarrolló en la escuela "República de Cuba" de la ciudad de La Paz, trabajando a lo largo de diez semanas con niños de tercero y cuarto de primaria, bajo la modalidad de investigación cualitativa, haciendo uso de técnicas de recolección de datos como: observación no participante y participante, asociación libre de palabras, PhotoVoice y grupos focales, los cuales permitieron explorar los principales estereotipos sobre género en la violencia entre los estudiantes, las atribuciones que les asignaron y las valoraciones que estipularon para "mujeres" y para "varones". Los resultados obtenidos mostraron la presencia de estereotipos en los estudiantes de ambos sexos, calificándose al varón de "agresor", mientras que a la mujer de "victima"; dichos estereotipos fueron relacionados por los mismos estudiantes a la violencia física y violencia psicológica, haciendo énfasis en la primera. Es así, que se evidenció la existencia de estereotipos de género en la violencia experimentada y percibida por los mismos estudiantes.

The present study is carried out in the "Republic of Cuba" school of the city La Paz, working during ten weeks with third and fourth elementary school children, under qualitative research modality, using techniques of data collection such as:non participant observation and participant, free word association, PhotoVoice and focus groups, which allowed to explore the main gender stereotypes in violence among students, the attributions they assigned and the assessments they stipulated for "women" and for "Males". The results obtained show marked stereotypes in students of both sexes, calling the male an "aggressor", while the woman "victim"; these stereotypes were related by the students themselves to physical violence and psychological violence, with emphasis on the first one. Thus, it was evident the existence of gender stereotypes in the violence experienced and perceived by the students themselves.

Este estudotem lugar na escola "República de Cuba", nacidade de La Paz, trabalhando mais de dez semanas, com crianças na terceira e quarta série, na forma de pesquisa qualitativa, e usando técnicas de coleta de dados, tais como: observaçãonão participante e participante associaçãolivre de palavras, PhotoVoice e grupos focais, cualespermiten explorar as principais estereótipos de género na violência estudantes, os poderes atribuídos avaliações e estipulando para "mulheres" e "homens"; resultados obtenidos muestran marcada estereótipos sobre os estudantes de ambos os sexos, masculino chamando o "agressor" enquanto a mulher "vítima"; esses estereótipos estão relacionados pelos própriosalunos a violência física e violência psicológica, enfatizando o primeiro. Assim, é evidente a existência de estereotipos violência de gênero vivida e percebida pelos próprios alunos.

Antimalarial activity of imidazo[2,1-a]isoindol-5-ol derivatives and related compounds.

The synthesis of several series of imidazo[2,1-a]isoindol-5-ol derivatives and the results of their evaluation against Plasmodium falciparum are presented and discussed. The effects of electron-withdrawing or-donating substituents on different parts of the molecule, as well as those produced by the incorporation of an additional fused ring, were analyzed. Several compounds showed significant antimalarial activity in vitro with IC(50) values as low as 60 nM and a certain efficacy in vivo by reducing parasitemia in Plasmodium berghei mouse models.

Relación entre el grado de contacto perro-propietario y la carga de helicobacterias en mucosa gástrica canina / Relationship between grade of contact dog-owner and the helicobacterias on gastric mucosa

Las helicobacterias son bacterias Gram negativas de forma curva o helicoidal ampliamente distribuidas en estómago de humanos y de diversos animales, ya sea como microbiota normal o causante de patologías gastrointestinales. El objetivo del trabajo consistió en determinar la relación entre la presencia y carga de helicobacterias en caninos, con el grado de contacto con sus propietarios positivos a estas bacterias utilizando el test rápido de ureasa. Se utilizó una muestra de 31 perros sanos de la ciudad de Chillán, Chile, de los cuales por vía endoscópica se obtuvo biopsias de mucosa de fundus gástrico, los cuales se sometieron al test rápido de ureasa. Los propietarios de estos caninos eran todos positivos a helicobacterias, lo que fue determinado a través del mismo test. El noventa y siete porciento de las biopsias caninas fueron positivas a helicobacterias. El treinta y nueve por ciento de las biopsias que reaccionó positivamente al test de ureasa en menor tiempo, pertenecían a caninos cuyo grado de contacto con sus propietarios era muy cercano. Los resultados sugieren que las altas cargas de helicobacterias encontradas en los caninos podrían deberse al mayor grado de contacto que tienen estos animales con sus propietarios. Por ello, sería importante determinar, en futuros estudios, si estas mascotas pueden ser reservorio o fuente de transmisión para las personas o viceversa y las especies bacterianas involucradas.

Helicobacter, Gram negative bacterias are curved or helicoidal microorganisms, widely spread in the stomach of humans and several animals, found as normal microbiota or causing of gastrointestinal pathologies. The objective of the work consisted of determining the relation between the presence and loads of helicobacterias in canine, with the degree of contact with its positive owners proprietors to these bacteria using rapid urease test. A sample of 31 healthy dogs of the city of Chillán, Chile were used, from which gastric fungus biopsies were obtained by endoscopy. These biopsies were put under the Rapid Urease Test. The owner of these canines were all positive for helicobacteria, determined by means of the same test. Ninety sevent percent of the canine biopsies were positive for helicobacteria. Thirty nine percent of the biopsies with the fastest positive reaction to the urease test belonged to canines with a high contact grade to their owners. The results suggest that the high charges of helicobacteria found in canines could be because of the higher contact grade of these animals with their owner. It would be important then to determine in future studies, whether if these pets could be a reserve or a transmission source for people, or viceverse, and the bacterial species involved.

Utilización de la opinión de los pacientes para la mejora: 5 años de seguimiento (2001-2005) / Using patients’ opinions for quality improvement: a 5-year follow-up (2001-2005)

Objetivo: Evaluar, desde la perspectiva de los pacientes, la evolución de la calidad en los últimos 5 años con el fin de acercarnos a sus expectativas en el nuevo hospital. Método: El procedimiento utiliza como referencia los resultados de un estudio de opinión realizado en el hospital, en el año 2001, para contrastar con los resultados de las encuestas anuales y complementar con información procedente de reclamaciones escritas y demandas de responsabilidad patrimonial. Resultados: Se han recibido y procesado, en el período considerado, 821 encuestas (tasa de respuesta del 22,3%), 3.756 reclamaciones y 105 demandas de responsabilidad administrativa. Las encuestas han mostrado un grado de satisfacción del 96% y el estudio de evolución ha detectado diferencias significativas en confortabilidad y capacidad de respuesta. Los motivos de reclamación más frecuentes han sido: transporte sanitario (15,3%), demora en la asistencia (12,6%) y lista de espera (9,3%). Las demandas, estimadas positivamente sólo el 20%, destacan como motivo final principal la muerte o el resultado secundario grave (59%), y como causas primordiales, la omisión de acción (42,9%) y la práctica no adecuada (22,9%). Discusión: Se ha detectado un ligero empeoramiento de la opinión del paciente en los últimos 5 años, que se relaciona con un incremento de las expectativas del paciente. Los motivos de reclamaciones y demandas son independientes de los problemas destacados en el aspecto de opinión y evidencian dimensiones distintas pero coinciden en ciertos aspectos. Queda pendiente una nota de atención en el área de urgencias y, por supuesto, los problemas relacionados con el confort, cuya mejoría es fácil y evidente con la inauguración del nuevo hospital

Objective: To evaluate changes in quality over a 5-year period from the perspective of patients, in an attempt to meet their expectations in a new hospital. Method: The procedure takes as a reference the results of an opinion survey carried out in the hospital in 2001 and compares these results with those of annual surveys and completes them with information from written complaints and demands for accountability. Results: During the period studied, 821 surveys (a response rate of 22.3%), 3,756 complaints and 105 demands for administrative accountability were received and processed. The surveys revealed a degree of satisfaction of 96%, and study of the changes detected significant differences in comfort and response capacity. The most common reasons for complaints were medical transport (15.3%), delays in receiving care (12.6%), and waiting lists (9.3%). The main reasons for demands for accountability (only 20% of which were accepted) were death or serious secondary outcomes (59%), and the principal causes were related to omissions (42.9%) or malpractice (22.9%). Discussion: Patients' opinions tended to worsen slightly over the 5-year period studied, related to their increased expectations. Although the reasons for making complaints and demands were independent of the problems identified in patients' opinions and showed different dimensions, there were certain areas of overlap. Greater efforts are required in the area of emergency services and, of course, in problems related to comfort, improvement of which is easily achievable and evident with the inauguration of the new hospital

[Not Available]. / Utilización de la opinión de los pacientes para la mejora: 5 años de seguimiento (2001-2005).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in quality over a 5-year period from the perspective of patients, in an attempt to meet their expectations in a new hospital. METHOD: The procedure takes as a reference the results of an opinion survey carried out in the hospital in 2001 and compares these results with those of annual surveys and completes them with information from written complaints and demands for accountability. RESULTS: During the period studied, 821 surveys (a response rate of 22.3%), 3,756 complaints and 105 demands for administrative accountability were received and processed. The surveys revealed a degree of satisfaction of 96%, and study of the changes detected significant differences in comfort and response capacity. The most common reasons for complaints were medical transport (15.3%), delays in receiving care (12.6%), and waiting lists (9.3%). The main reasons for demands for accountability (only 20% of which were accepted) were death or serious secondary outcomes (59%), and the principal causes were related to omissions (42.9%) or malpractice (22.9%). DISCUSSION: Patients' opinions tended to worsen slightly over the 5-year period studied, related to their increased expectations. Although the reasons for making complaints and demands were independent of the problems identified in patients' opinions and showed different dimensions, there were certain areas of overlap. Greater efforts are required in the area of emergency services and, of course, in problems related to comfort, improvement of which is easily achievable and evident with the inauguration of the new hospital.

Elevada prevalencia de blastocystis hominis en manipuladores de alimentos de los mercados públicos de la zona sud de la ciudad de La Paz / A alta prevalência de Blastocystis hominis entre manipuladores de alimentos em mercados públicos na zona sul da cidade de La Paz

Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de blastocystis hominis y otros enteroparásitos en manipuladores de alimentos de los mercados públicos de la zona sud de la ciudad de La Paz. Diseño. Descriptivo transversal. Participantes. Manipuladores de alimentos de los mercados: Achumani, Corazón de Jesus, 16 de Julio y la Merced de la ciudad de La Paz. Lugar. Departamento de patología, cátedra de parasitología. Laboratorio de parasitología. Material y Métodos. Se evaluaron318 muestras de heces, correspondientes a 106 vendedores de alimentos, por examen directo, método de concentracíon de Ritchie modificado y sedimentación espontánea en tubo. Resultados. La prevalencia de la protozoosis intestinal fue de 89,6 por ciento. Los protozoos detectados fueron blastocystis hominis, giardia duodenalis, entamoeba coli, chilomastix mesnili, endolimax nana, lodamoeba butschlii y retortamonas intestinalis. B.hominis fue el protozoo mas frecuente (80,2 por ciento). Se destaca la ausencia de helmintos. En las 101 mujeres y 5 varones, se observó que B. hominis fue más común en el rango de edad de 26 a 37 años (31,8 por ciento) ( p)0.05 ). Las secciones de abarrotes, verduras, comida, jugos y otras mostraron prevalencias entre 29,4 por ciento y 12,9 por ciento, sin embargo, no hubo diferencias significativas ( p)0.05 ). De los 85 manipuladores de alimentos infectados con B. hominis, 13 tenían únicamente este parásito y 72 estaban asociados a otras especies. La combinación estuvo representada por dos, tres y cuatro especies diferentes. Las asociaciones más frecuentes y estadísticamente significativas ( p(0.05 ) fueron con los protozoarios, E. coli y Ch. mesnili. Conclusión. Este es el primer trabajo en Bolivia, donde se determina los valores más altos de prevalencia de B. hominis en la población estudiada, lo que indica...

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of Blastocystis hominis and other intestinal parasites among food handlers in South markets, La Paz City.DesignCross-sectional descriptive,ParticipantsFood handlers of the Achumani, Corazón de Jesus, 16 de Julio, and la Merced south markets, La Paz City.PlaceDepartment of Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology.Material and methodsA serial coproparasitological analysis was performed (3 samples) in 106 food handlers (308 samples) were evaluated by direct examination (saline solution and lugol), modified Ritchie, and simple sedimentation in tube.ResultsThe prevalence of intestinal protozoosis was 89,6%. The detected protozoos was Blastocystis hominis, Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba coli, Chilomastix mesnili, Endolimax nana, Iodomoeba bütschlii. Retortamonas intestinalis. B. hominis was the most frequently detected protozoa (80,2%). There is absence of helminths.In the 101 women and 5 men, B. hominis was more common in the age range from 26 to 37 years (31,8%) (p>0.05).The sections of groceries, vegetables, food, juices and others, showed prevalences between 29,4% and 12,9%, however, no significant differences were found (p>0.05).Of the 85 food handlers infected with B. hominis, 13 had this parasite only, and in 72 cases B. hominis was associated to other species. The combination was of two, three, and four different species. The most frequent and statistically significant associations (p <0.05) were with the protozoa: E. coli and C. mesnili.ConclusionThis is the first time in Bolivia that a highest prevalence of B. hominis is found in a population group, what indicates a high index of fecal contamination.Therefore, this should be a high-priority group to take into account when measures of promoting prevention and control of these parasites are taken in the population, because the food handlers are an epidemically important group for the dissemination of intestinal parasites.

Blastocystis hominis: parásito enigmático / Blastocystis Hominis: Enigmatic parasite

Blastocystis hominis es el protozoario que con mayor frecuencia se encuentra en las heces de las personas sintomáticas, asintomáticas, inmunocompetentes e inmunodeprimidos. Este parásito presenta varias controversias e indefiniciones, especialmente, a nivel de su patogenicidad. Diferentes aspectos merece atención como la biología, el diagnóstico, mecanismo de transmisión, tratamiento y otros. El desconocimiento o la poca importancia que se le da a este microorganismo por los profesionales del área de la salud son frecuentes. Consideramos que B. hominis es digno de atención y en ese sentido, la presente revisión enfoca los siguientes aspectos: taxonomia, patogénesis, manifestaciones clínicas, diagnóstico, mecanismos de transmisión y tratamiento.

Blastocystis hominis is the protozoal infection most frequently found in stool samples of symptomatic, asymptomatic, immunocompetent and immunodeficient persons. This parasite is ill defined, especially on the subject of his pathogenesis. Different aspect are worthy of attention like the diagnosis, mode of transmission and other characteristics. Health personnel frequently fail to recognize this microorganism and give him little attention. B. hominis needs our attention; this revision report the taxonomy, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, modes of transmission and treatment.

Variation of leishmanicidal activity in four populations of Urechites andrieuxii.

Urechites andrieuxii Muell.-Arg. (Apocynaceae) is widely used in the Yucatan Peninsula for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The influence of the environment in the variability of the leishmanicidal activity of the plant was evaluated using crude methanol extracts of roots from individuals belonging to four natural populations growing in the Yucatan Peninsula. The results of the growth inhibition test using three Leishmania spp. promastigotes showed a stronger leishmanicidal activity in populations of U. andrieuxii growing in more humid environments. Further evaluation against four human cancer cell lines and in the brine shrimp bioassay of both extracts from various parts of the plant and from the most active methanol root extracts, suggested that while the leaf extract appears to have selective toxicity against Leishmania parasites, the strong leishmanicidal activity detected in the root extracts of the plant might be due to its cytotoxicity.

Natural products as trypanocidal, antileishmanial and antimalarial drugs.

Parasitic diseases caused by protozoa as Leishmania, Trypanosome or Plasmodium are responsible for more than three millions deaths annually throughout the developing countries. This review covers recent studies on plant-secondary metabolites isolated from medicinal plants and that have demonstrated moderate to high activity in in vitro and in vivo bioassays against these protozoa. The biological activity of the last promising antiparasitic leads are described.

A new diterpene from Tanaecium jaroba.

One new diterpene, 2 alpha-hydroxy-12beta-hydroxy-isopimara-8(14), 15-diene, and six known compounds as triterpenes, sterols and fatty acid, were isolated from the stem bark of Tanaecium jaroba (Bignoniaceae), a Bolivian plant used in traditional medicine. Their structures were established mainly by 1D and 2D NMR (COSY, HMQC, HMBC, ROESY) and their antiplasmodial activities were evaluated in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum.

Técnicas de laboratorio para la selección de sustancias antimaláricas / Laboratory techniques for the selection of malarial substances

El propósito es dar a conocer la mayor información posible sobre los elementos básicos del estudio de la actividad antimalárica de sustancias naturales (o de síntesis) con la finalidad de brindar apoyo a los laboratorios involucrados en la búsqueda de nuevos fármacos para luchar contra esta plaga. Luego de una breve introducción sobre la biología del parásito, en la primera y segunda parte del libro se detalla los métodos de estudio in vitru e in vivo de compuestos potencialmente activos contra la fase exoeritrocitaria. Finalmente se presenta una breve revisión bibliográfica de los productos naturales y de las plantas antimaláricas de mayor interés de América Latina