Pupil size change in agricultural workers exposed to pesticides.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pupil size evaluation using clinical examination may be important for detecting and monitoring individuals at risk of neurotoxic effects from chemical exposure, as it may enable early intervention and the implementation of preventive measures. BACKGROUND: This work aimed to investigate the association between pesticide exposure and pupil size. Pupil size is regulated by muscarinic and nicotinic receptors, and it is well-established that common pesticide chemicals disrupt this regulation. METHODS: Twenty agricultural workers exposed to pesticides, and twenty participants not exposed, underwent visual screening, and pupil size evaluation under mesopic and photopic conditions. Additionally, signs of neurotoxicity and pesticide exposure in both groups were evaluated using the modified version of the neurotoxic symptoms questionnaire (Q16) and measuring cholinesterase (AChE) levels in blood, respectively. RESULTS: Agricultural workers exposed to pesticides had a score indicating medium-high level of neurotoxicity (49.85 (SD ± 8.94)) which was significantly higher (t (36) = 7.659, p ≤ 0.0001) than non-exposed participants who had low levels of neurotoxicity (27.25 SD ± 8.86). There was a significant difference in pupil size (mm) under mesopic (t (19) 4.42 p = 0.003) and scotopic (t (19) 4.63, p = 0.0002) conditions between the two groups. Additionally, there was a significant difference in AChE blood levels (t (19) 2.94 p = 0.008) between exposed and non-exposed participants, indicating that exposed workers had low levels of this enzyme (average exposed group 3381 U/L (SD ± 1306)) compared to the non-exposed group (average non-exposed group 4765 U/L (SD ± 1300)). A significant negative correlation between AChE levels, years of exposure, and pupil size was found. The latter finding importantly showed that smaller pupils are associated with the accumulation of acetylcholine or a decrease in the activity of the enzyme AChE. CONCLUSION: Pupil size of agricultural workers exposed to pesticides can be abnormal and is associated with neurotoxicity as indicated by symptomatology and cholinesterase levels. Evaluation of pupil size may be useful for clinically detecting neurotoxicity.

Impairment of visual and neurologic functions associated with agrochemical use.

To determine whether exposure to occupational levels of agrochemicals is associated with a range of low- (contrast and colour) and higher-level visual functions, particularly the detection of global form and motion coherence. We compared the performance of workers exposed to occupational levels of pesticides and non-exposed individuals on visual tasks that measured colour discrimination (Farnsworth Munsell 100 and Lanthony D15 desaturated) and the contrast sensitivity function (1-16 cpd). Global form and motion detection thresholds were measured using Glass-pattern and global dot motion stimuli. Neurotoxicity symptoms and biological markers associated with pesticide exposure were quantified using the Q16 modified questionnaire and via tests for levels of acetylcholinesterase in blood and substance P from the tear film, respectively. Workers exposed to pesticides had significantly more neurotoxic symptoms than non-exposed workers. No significant difference between groups for acetylcholinesterase levels was found, but there was a significant group difference in Substance P. The exposed group also had significantly poorer contrast sensitivity, colour discrimination and higher coherence detection thresholds for global form and motion perception. Exposure to occupational levels of agrochemicals in workers with signs of neurotoxicity is associated with low and high visual perception deficits.

Actividad antimicrobiana de extractos de plantas frente a Staphylococcus aislados de pacientes con conjuntivitis bacteriana / Antimicrobial Activity of Plant Extracts against Isolated Staphylococcus Infection in Patients with Bacterial Conjunctivitis / Atividade antimicrobiana de extratos vegetais contra Staphylococcus isolados de pacientes com conjuntivite bacteriana

Staphylococcus aureus y Staphylococcus epidermidis son los principales agentes etiológicos de las conjuntivitis bacterianas, que al tratarse con antibióticos de manera empírica, incrementan la resistencia antimicrobiana después de exposiciones repetidas. Se están buscando alternativas naturales para el tratamiento de infecciones bacterianas autolimitadas de la conjuntiva. Objetivo: determinar la actividad antimicrobiana de ocho extractos de las plantas frente a bacterias aisladas de pacientes con conjuntivitis bacterianas. Materiales y métodos: se tomaron muestras de 15 pacientes con conjuntivitis bacterianas. Se cultivaron en agar sangre y chocolate durante 24 h a 37 °C y se identificaron mediante el sistema automatizado vitek y pruebas de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana por el método de Kirby-Bauer. A cada aislamiento identificado con el género Staphylococcus se le evaluó su susceptibilidad frente a siete extractos: Ocimum basilicum, Sambucus nigra L., Delphinium elatum, Calendula officinalis, Bixa ore-llana (parte aérea y fruto independiente), Clinopodium brownei y Laurus nobilis, con un uso tradicional reportado para el tratamiento de infecciones oculares. Resultados: las bacterias aisladas con más frecuencia fueron S. epidermidis, S. hominis y S. aureus, las cuales presentaron resistencia antimicrobiana a oxacilina, tetraciclinas y eritromicina. Todos los aislamientos fueron inhibidos por los extractos de O. basilicum (cmi: >0.9 mg/mL) y L. nobilis (cmi: hasta 15 mg/mL). Conclusión: los extractos de C. officinalis y D. elatum tuvieron actividad antimicrobiana solo frente a los aislados con mayor sensibilidad antimi-crobiana. Los extractos etanólicos de O. basilicum y L. nobilis pueden ser una alternativa de tratamiento de las infecciones de la conjuntiva.

Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are the primary etiological agents of bacterial conjunctivitis which are empirically treated with antibiotics. This results in an increase in antimicrobial resistance due to repeated exposure. Currently, natural treatment alternatives are being sought for self-limited bacterial infections of the conjunctiva. Objective: To determine the antimicrobial activity of eight extracts from Colombian plants against bacteria isolated from patients with bacterial conjunctivitis. Materials and methods: Samples were taken from 15 patients with bacterial conjunctivitis which were grown on blood and chocolate agar for 24 h at 37 °C. These samples were identified by the vitek automated system and antimicrobial susceptibility tests by the Kirby Bauer method. Each isolate identified with the genus Staphylococcus was evaluated for susceptibility to the following eight plant extracts of seven plant: Ocimum basilicum (basil), Sambucus nigra L. (elderberry), Delphinium elatum(belladonna), Calendula officinalis (marigold), Bixa orellana (annatto) (aerial part and independent fruit), Clinopodium brownei (pennyroyal), and Laurus nobilis (laurel), with traditional use previously reported for treating eye infections. Results: The most frequently isolated bacteria were S. epidermidis, S. hominis, and S. aureus, which exhibited antimicrobial resistance mainly to oxacillin, tetracyclines, and erythromycin. All isolates were inhibited by O. basilicum extracts (mic > 0.9 mg/mL) and L. nobilis (mic < 15 mg/mL). Conclusion: The extracts of C. officinalis y D. elatum showed antimicrobial activity only against isolates with higher antimicrobial sensitivity. Ethanolic extracts of O. basilicum y L. nobilis can be used as an alternative treatment for infections of the anterior segment of the eye.

Staphylococcus aureus e Staphylococcus epidermidis são os principais agentes etiológicos da conjuntivite bacteriana, estes são tratados empiricamente com antibióticos, causando aumento da resistência antimicrobiana após repetidas exposições aos mesmos. Atualmente, estão sendo estudadas alternativas naturais para o tratamento de infecções bacterianas autolimitadas da conjuntiva. Objetivo: determinar a atividade antimicrobiana de oito extratos de sete vegetais contra bactérias isoladas de pacientes com conjuntivite bacteriana. Materiais e métodos: foram retiradas amostras de 15 pacientes com conjuntivite bacteriana. As amostras foram cultivadas em ágar sangue e ágar chocolate por 24 horas a 37°C e os isolados foram identificados pelo sistema automatizado vitek, além de testes de susce-tibilidade antimicrobiana pelo método Kirby Bauer. Cada isolado identificado como sendo pertencente ao gênero Staphylococcus foi avaliado quanto à suscetibilidade a oito extratos vegetais: Ocimum basili-cum (manjericão), Sambucus nigra L. (sabugueiro), Delphinium elatum (belladona), Calendula officinalis(calêndula), Bixa orellana (urucum; parte aérea e fruto independente), Clinopodium brownei (poejo) e Laurus nobilis (louro), anteriormente relatados como uso tradicional para o tratamento de infecções ocu-lares. Resultados: as bactérias mais frequentemente isoladas foram S. epidermidis, S. hominis e S. aureus, que apresentaram resistência antimicrobiana principalmente à oxacilina, tetraciclinas e eritromicina. Todos os isolados foram inibidos por extratos de O. basilicum (cim: >0,9 mg/mL) e L. nobilis (cim: até 15 mg/mL). Conclusão: os extratos de C. officinalis e D. elatum apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana apenas contra os isolados com maior sensibilidade antimicrobiana. Os extratos etanólicos de O. basilicum e L. nobilis podem ser uma alternativa de tratamento para infecções conjuntivais.

Ocular surface and tear film changes in workers exposed to organic solvents used in the dry-cleaning industry.

Workers in the dry-cleaning industry are exposed to organic solvents that may cause eye irritation and tear film changes. Objective To quantify changes in the ocular surface and tear film in dry cleaners exposed to organic solvents and associate these changes with ocular irritation as reported in a symptom questionnaire for dry eye diagnosis. Methods This was a case and control study in which the characteristics and eye-irritation symptoms were compared between two groups of 62 participants that were either exposed or not exposed to organic solvents. A general optometric examination and the following test were performed: lipid interferometry, Lissamine Green Stain, tear breakup time, Schirmer I, conjunctival impression cytology and the Donate dry eye symptoms questionnaire. Results Sixty-five percent of exposed workers obtained a higher score than 13 on the Donate dry eye symptoms questionnaire which indicated the presence of more irritation symptoms than those in the non- exposed group. A Chi-square analysis indicated the exposed group reported significantly higher incidences (P <0.005) for eye irritation symptoms of sandy sensation; tearing eyes sensation; foreign body sensation; tearing; dry eye; dryness; eyestrain and heavy eyelids. A Mann Whitney-U indicated greater severity only for symptoms relating to dry eye; sandy sensation; foreign body sensation, tearing; tearing eyes and dryness. There was a statistically significant difference (P <0.05) for Schirmer I; tear break up time; and the ocular surface assessed with Lissamine green staining and conjunctival impression cytology between groups. A reduction in the thickness of the lipid layer in the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group was observed. Surprisingly, clinical test outcomes were not significantly correlated with dry eye symptoms nor years of exposure. Conclusion Workers in the dry-cleaning industry exposed to organic solvents are associated with changes in ocular surface and tear film generating irritation symptoms commonly present in evaporative dry eye.

Propiedades químicas y biológicas de Arbutus unedo: una planta con potencial medicinal / Chemical and biological properties of arbutus unedo, a potential medicinal plant

Introducción: en los últimos años se ha incentivado la búsqueda de nuevos tratamientos basados en los productos naturales con bastante aceptación a nivel mundial; sin embargo, para muchos de estas plantas medicinales se desconoce la toxicidad, dosis y mecanismo de acción. A. unedo, conocido como el árbol de la fresa, es ampliamente utilizado en la medicina tradicional alrededor del mundo, popularmente se le reconoce por sus propiedades diuréticas, antisépticas y su uso en enfermedades cardiovasculares e hipertensión. Objetivo: conocer la composición química y las aplicaciones biológicas de Arbutus unedo para establecer su potencial en el tratamiento de enfermedades infecciosas y crónicas. Métodos: se realizó una revisión exhaustiva y actualizada entre 1999 a 2014 en diferentes bases de datos como Science Direct, Scopus, Ebsco, PubMed y SciELO, que permitió identificar los principales compuestos químicos y la actividad biológica de extractos de diferentes órganos de A. unedo. Resultados: la revisión permitió determinar la riqueza química en cuanto a compuestos fenólicos y la variedad de actividades biológicas que presenta esta especie y amplía la posibilidad de su uso como fuente de compuestos antioxidantes, antibacteriales, antihipertensivos, antiaterogénicos y antiagregante plaquetario, entre otros. Conclusión: la riqueza química, los reportes sobre el bajo reporte de efectos adversos en seres humanos, la presencia de vitaminas, flavonoides, carotenoides y taninos convierte a la planta en una fuente potencial para la obtención de fitofármacos útiles en la prevención y el tratamiento de muchas enfermedades. Se debe continuar con investigaciones biodirigidas que identifiquen principios activos para el desarrollo de antibióticos, antioxidantes, antihipertensivos y antiinflamatorios de origen natural(AU)

Introduction: in recent years, there has been encouragement for the search of new treatments based on natural products with rather good acceptance worldwide; however, toxicity, dose and mechanism of action of many of these plants are unknown. Arbutus unedo, known as the strawberry tree, is widely used in traditional medicine around the world, popularly known for its diuretic, antiseptic properties and its use in cardiovascular diseases and hypertension Objective: to determine the chemical composition and biological applications of Arbutus unedo to establish its potential for treatment of chronic infectious diseases. Methods: comprehensive and updated review was conducted from 1999 to 2014 in different databases such as Science Direct, Scopus, Ebsco, PubMed and SciELO; it served to identify the main chemical compounds and the biological activity of extracts from different A. unedo parts. Results: ihe review allowed us to determine the chemical wealth in terms of phenolic compounds and the variety of biological activities presented by this species which expands the possibilities of using it as a source of antioxidants, antibacterial, antihypertensive, anti-atherogenic and antiplatelet compounds, among others. Conclusion: chemical richness, reports on few adverse effects in human beings, existence of vitamins, flavonoids, carotenoids and tannins turn this plant into a potential source of useful phytodrugs for the prevention and treatment of many diseases. It is necessary to continue performing bio-directed research to identify active principles for the development of antibiotics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive and anti-inflammatory drugs of natural origin(AU)

Edema corneal durante el uso diario de lentes de contacto blandos de alta y baja transmisibilidad / Corneal edema for daily wear of soft contact lenses of high and low transmissibility

Objetivo: determinar el comportamiento en el espesor corneal durante 30 días con lentes alta y baja transmisibilidad (Dk/t). Materiales y métodos: se estudiaron 26 ojos de 13 sujetos no usuarios de lentes de contacto, en el ojo derecho se adaptó un lente de alto Dk, lotrafilcon A y en el ojo izquierdo un lente de bajo Dk, vasurfilcon A, durante 30 días en uso diario. Antes de la adaptación se midió el espesor corneal con el Pentacam de Oculus, el examen se repitió durante el primer día a las 4 y 8 horas y posteriormente a los 3, 8, 15, 20, 25 y 30 días. En cada control se midió el espesor corneal después de 8 horas de uso. Se usó Anova, t de Student y el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Resultados: Durante el uso diario por 30 días con el lotrafilcon A se encontraron diferencias significativas (p<0,05) en el edema (0,76 ± 2,05 %) a los 8 días de uso. Con vasurfilcon A se presentó incremento a partir de las 4 horas de uso siendo estadísticamente significativo (p<0,05) el edema (1,27 ± 1,64) a los 3 días uso. anova demostró diferencias significativas (p<0,05) en el porcentaje de edema durante el mes de uso de cada tipo de lente pero no en la varianza intergrupos (p>0,05). Conclusión: Los lentes lotrafilcon A y vasurfilcon A en uso diario no indujeron cambios significativos en el espesor corneal, con edemas inferiores al 2 %.

Objective: To determine the behavior in corneal thickness during 30 days using high and low lens transmissibility (Dk/t). Materials and methods: 26 eyes of 13 non contact lens wearers were studied. On the right eye, a high Dk lens was adapted, lotrafilcon A and in the left eye a low Dk lens, vasurfilcon A, for 30 days in daily use. Before adaptation, the corneal thickness was measured with the Oculus Pentacam, the test was repeated on the first day within 4 and 8 hours and then within 3, 8, 15, 20, 25 and 30 days. In each control, the corneal thickness was measured after 6 hours of use. The Anova test was used, as well as the Student’s t test and the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: During daily use for 30 days with lotrafilcon A, significant differences (p<0.05) in edema (0.76 ± 2.05 %) were found within 8 days of use. With vasurfilcon A, increment occurred after 4 hours of use, being statistically significant (p<0.05), edema (1.27 ± 1.64) within 3 days of use. anova showed significant differences ( <0.05) in the percentage of edema during the month of use of each type of lens, but not in the intergroup variance (p>0.05). Conclusion: The lotrafilcon A and vasurfilcon A lenses in daily use did not induce significant changes in corneal thickness,with edemas lower than 2 %.

Tratamiento con clorhidrato de epinastina al 0.05 en pacientes con síndrome de disfunción lagrimal moderado / Treatment with epinastine hydrochloride to 0.05 in patients with moderate tear dysfunction syndrome

Antihistamínicos como el clorhidrato de epinastina tienen actividad antinflamatoria y podrían usarse como tratamiento del síndrome de ojo seco. Objetivo: evaluar los cambios en la sintomatología, película lagrimal y superficie ocular antes y después del tratamiento con clorhidrato de epinastina en pacientes con síndrome de ojo seco. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio piloto doble ciego en 20 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de ojo seco moderado. Un ojo de cada paciente recibió tratamiento con clorhidrato de epinastina al 0,05 % y el otro recibió hialuronato de sodio al 0,4 %. Los dos ojos recibieron suplemento lagrimal con hialuronato de sodio al 0,4 %. La dosis de tratamiento fue una gota tres veces al día por 45 días. Antes del tratamiento y 30 y 45 días después, se aplicó cuestionario validado para ojo seco (osdi), test de Schirmer 1, but y lisamina verde. Se aplicó la prueba t de Student y rangos de Wilcoxon. Resultados: se encontró un mejoría estadísticamente significativa en sintomatología a l s 30 días de intervención con epinastina (p = 0,000) y 45 días (p = 0,0000). En la superficie ocular hubo mejoría clínica y significativa estadísticamente a los 45 días (p = 0,0001). No se encontraron cambios significativos en la calidad ni en la cantidad de la película lagrimal. La reducción en la sintomatología y el grado de tinción con la epinastina a los 45 días fue estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,05) con respecto al grupo control. Conclusión: la combinación clorhidrato de epinastina al 0,05% y hialuronato de sodio al 0,4% mejora la sintomatología y la superficie ocular en los pacientes con ojo seco moderado. Tratamiento con clorhidrato de epinastina al 0,05 % en pacientes con síndrome de disfunción lagrimal moderado.

Treatment with Epinastine Hydrochloride to 0.05% in Patients with Moderate Tear Dysfunction Syndrome Antihistamines such as epinastine hydrochloride have anti-inflammatory activity and could be used as a treatment for dry eye syndrome. Objective: To assess changes in symptoms, tear film and ocular surface before and after treatment with epinastine hydrochloride in patients with dry eye syndrome. Materials and methods: A double-blind pilot study was carried out in 20 patients with clinical diagnosis of moderate dry eye. One eye of each patient was treated with 0.05% of epinastine hydrochloride and the other received 0.4% of sodium hyaluronate. Both eyes received tear supplement with 0.4% of sodium hyaluronate. The treatment dose was one drop three times a day for 45 days. Before treatment and 30 and 45 days after, the validated questionnaire for dry eye (osdi), the Schirmer 1 Test, but and lissamine green were used. The Student’s t test and Wilcoxon ranges were used. Results: A statistically significant improvement in symptoms after 30 days of the intervention with epinastine was found (p = 0.000) and after 45 days (p = 0.0000).In the ocular surface there was clinically and statistically significant improvement after 45 days (p = 0.0001). No significant changes were found in quality or quantity of the tear film. The reduction in symptoms and in the degree of staining with epinastine after 45 days was statistically significant (p < 0.05) compared with the control group. Conclusion: The combination of epinastine hydrochloride 0.05% and sodium hyaluronate 0.4% improves symptoms and the ocular surface in patients with moderate dry eye.