Análisis de la distribución espacial y temporal de los virus del Dengue (2006-2017), Zika (2015-2017) y Chikungunya (2014-2017) en Colombia / Analysis of the spatial and temporal distribution of the Dengue virus (2006- 2017), Zika (2015-2017) and Chikungunya (2014-2017) in Colombia

Objetivo: describir la distribución espacial y temporal de los virus del dengue, zika y Chikungunya en Colombia e identificar si existe agregación espacial, temporal y espacio-temporal. Métodos: se desarrolló un estudio descriptivo de la distribución espacial y temporal de los virus del Dengue (2006-2017), Zika (2015-2017) y Chikungunya (2014-2017) en Colombia, utilizando los principios de la estadística espacial, específicamente en el análisis exploratorio de datos espaciales. Resultados: se identificaron zonas de Colombia donde se presenta una mayor densidad y prevalencia de casos. A partir de los 1124 municipios analizados para cada evento (casos de Dengue, Zika y Chikungunya), se comprobó con significancia estadística (p<0.05) la existencia de dos conglomerados espacio-temporales, en la zona sur-occidental de la región andina y en la región de la Orinoquia. Conclusiones: Se demostró la existencia de dos conglomerados para los eventos Dengue, Zika y Chikungunya que podría establecerse como zonas de mayor riesgo de co-infección.

Objective: to describe the spatial and temporal distribution of dengue, zika and Chikungunya viruses in Colombia and to identify clusters at spatial, temporal and space-temporal levels. Methods: A descriptive study was developed about the space and time distribution of the Dengue virus (2006-2017), Zika (2015-2017) and Chikungunya (2014-2017) in Colombia, using principles of spatial statistics, namely the spatial data exploratory analysis. Results: Areas of Colombia were identified where there is a higher density and prevalence of cases and were analyzed 1124 municipalities for each event (cases of Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya). Significant clusters (P<0.05) were proven in spatial, temporal and space-temporal analysis, in the south-western zone of the Andean region and in the Orinoquia region. Conclusions: Two conglomerates were confirmed for the Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya events, that could be established as areas of higher risk of co-infection.

Dendropsophin 1, a novel antimicrobial peptide from the skin secretion of the endemic Colombian frog Dendropsophus columbianus.

In efforts to find new antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), we studied the skin secretion of the endemic Colombian frog Dendropsophus columbianus belonging to a genus that has not been investigated previously. From HPLC-fractionated secretion, we identified one peptide with slightly antibacterial activity. Its peptide sequence showed no sequence similarity to current annotated peptides. We named this novel peptide dendropsophin 1 (Dc1). Afterward, two analogues were designed (Dc1.1 and Dc1.2) to improve the cationic and amphipathic features. Then, their antiproliferative and cytotoxic properties were evaluated against several pathogens including bacteria, fungi, protozoa and also mammalian cells. Dc1 and its two analogues exhibited moderate antibacterial activities and no hemolytic and cytotoxic effects on mammalian cells. Analogue Dc1.2 showed slightly improved antibacterial properties. Their secondary structures were characterised using CD spectroscopy and Dc1.2 displayed a higher α-helix content and thermal stability compared to Dc1 and Dc1.1 in hydrophobic experimental conditions.

Dendropsophin 1, a novel antimicrobial peptide from the skin secretion of the endemic Colombian frog Dendropsophus columbianus

In efforts to find new antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), we studied the skin secretion of the endemic Colombian frog Dendropsophus columbianus belonging to a genus that has not been investigated previously. From HPLC-fractionated secretion, we identified one peptide with slightly antibacterial activity. Its peptide sequence showed no sequence similarity to current annotated peptides. We named this novel peptide dendropsophin 1 (Dc1). Afterward, two analogues were designed (Dc1.1 and Dc1.2) to improve the cationic and amphipathic features. Then, their antiproliferative and cytotoxic properties were evaluated against several pathogens including bacteria, fungi, protozoa and also mammalian cells. Dc1 and its two analogues exhibited moderate antibacterial activities and no hemolytic and cytotoxic effects on mammalian cells. Analogue Dc1.2 showed slightly improved antibacterial properties. Their secondary structures were characterised using CD spectroscopy and Dc1.2 displayed a higher -helix content and thermal stability compared to Dc1 and Dc1.1 in hydrophobic experimental conditions.

Dendropsophin 1, a novel antimicrobial peptide from the skin secretion of the endemic Colombian frog Dendropsophus columbianus

In efforts to find new antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), we studied the skin secretion of the endemic Colombian frog Dendropsophus columbianus belonging to a genus that has not been investigated previously. From HPLC-fractionated secretion, we identified one peptide with slightly antibacterial activity. Its peptide sequence showed no sequence similarity to current annotated peptides. We named this novel peptide dendropsophin 1 (Dc1). Afterward, two analogues were designed (Dc1.1 and Dc1.2) to improve the cationic and amphipathic features. Then, their antiproliferative and cytotoxic properties were evaluated against several pathogens including bacteria, fungi, protozoa and also mammalian cells. Dc1 and its two analogues exhibited moderate antibacterial activities and no hemolytic and cytotoxic effects on mammalian cells. Analogue Dc1.2 showed slightly improved antibacterial properties. Their secondary structures were characterised using CD spectroscopy and Dc1.2 displayed a higher -helix content and thermal stability compared to Dc1 and Dc1.1 in hydrophobic experimental conditions.

Protective effect of galantamine against oxidative damage using human lymphocytes: a novel in vitro model.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are characterized in the initial stages by an increase in reactive oxygen species that trigger apoptosis or programmed cell death. It has been suggested that the synthetic alkaloid galantamine may offer protection against this cell loss. This investigation sought to assess the protective effect of galantamine against oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) using human lymphocytes cultured in vitro as a model. METHODS: Cell death can be measured indirectly using cell viability testing with trypan blue. Determination of the galantamine concentrations used was made possible by the negative correlation found between galantamine concentration and average mitotic index (MI). RESULTS: Average viability of lymphocytes treated with low and medium concentrations of galantamine was significantly higher than the control. CONCLUSION: Galantamine does indeed demonstrate a protective capacity against cell damage induced by hydrogen peroxide. This finding supports the possible use of the drug in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases related to oxidative stress.