Liquid and Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives Based on Cassava Starch and Gelatin Capsule Residue: Green Alternatives for the Packaging Industry.

Natural polymer-based adhesives are green alternatives, necessary to reduce the problems impacted by synthetic adhesives. Starch and gelatin have extraordinary potential for the synthesis of biobased adhesives. Citric acid (CA), a natural acid, induces the crosslinking and hydrolyzing of both gelatin and starch. In this sense, this work deals with the use of gelatin capsule residues as a promising material to produce biobased adhesives in combination with cassava starch in the presence of different CA concentrations characterizing their mechanical, physicochemical and microstructural properties. Depending on CA concentration, formulations adjusted to different applications can be obtained such as liquid and pressure-sensitive adhesive films. The inclusion of CA allows us not only to improve the applicability of the system since it modifies the flowability of the adhesives as evidenced by the observed changes in the viscosity (from 158.3 to 90.3 for formulations with 20 and 80% CA, respectively). In addition, mechanical profiles showed that the inclusion of CA increased the adhesive bond strength (from 2230.7 to 2638.7 for formulations with 20 and 80% CA, respectively). Structural modifications induced by CA in adhesive formulations were highlighted by ATR-FTIR analysis.

Sustainable and Bio-Based Food Packaging: A Review on Past and Current Design Innovations.

Food loss and waste occur for many reasons, from crop processing to household leftovers. Even though some waste generation is unavoidable, a considerable amount is due to supply chain inefficiencies and damage during transport and handling. Packaging design and materials innovations represent real opportunities to reduce food waste within the supply chain. Besides, changes in people's lifestyles have increased the demand for high-quality, fresh, minimally processed, and ready-to-eat food products with extended shelf-life, that need to meet strict and constantly renewed food safety regulations. In this regard, accurate monitoring of food quality and spoilage is necessary to diminish both health hazards and food waste. Thus, this work provides an overview of the most recent advances in the investigation and development of food packaging materials and design with the aim to improve food chain sustainability. Enhanced barrier and surface properties as well as active materials for food conservation are reviewed. Likewise, the function, importance, current availability, and future trends of intelligent and smart packaging systems are presented, especially considering biobased sensor development by 3D printing technology. In addition, driving factors affecting fully biobased packaging design and materials development and production are discussed, considering byproducts and waste minimization and revalorization, recyclability, biodegradability, and other possible ends-of-life and their impact on product/package system sustainability.

Advancing convergence research: Renewable energy solutions for off-grid communities.

Millions of people across the world live off-grid not by choice but because they live in rural areas, have low income, and have no political clout. Delivering sustainable energy solutions to such a substantial amount of the world's population requires more than a technological fix; it requires leveraging the knowledge of underserved populations working together with a transdisciplinary team to find holistically derived solutions. Our original research has resulted in an innovative Convergence Framework integrating the fields of engineering, social sciences, and communication, and is based on working together with communities and other stakeholders to address the challenges posed by delivering clean energy solutions. In this paper, we discuss the evolution of this Framework and illustrate how this Framework is being operationalized in our on-going research project, cocreating hybrid renewable energy systems for off-grid communities in the Brazilian Amazon. The research shows how this Framework can address clean energy transitions, strengthen emerging industries at local level, and foster Global North-South scholarly collaborations. We do so by the integration of social science and engineering and by focusing on community engagement, energy justice, and governance for underserved communities. Further, this solution-driven Framework leads to the emergence of unique approaches that advance scientific knowledge, while at the same time addressing community needs.

Prevención de cáncer de piel en el Hospital de Clínicas: ¿qué sabe el personal de salud? / Prevention of skin cancer in the Hospital de Clínicas: what do health personnel know? / Prevenção do câncer de pele no Hospital de Clínicas: o que sabem os profissionais de saúde?

El cáncer de piel es la neoplasia maligna más frecuente en Uruguay así como a nivel mundial, donde muere una persona cada menos de cuatro días por ésta causa. La medida de prevención primaria más efectiva es tener hábitos de fotoprotección, lo cual se consigue mediante la educación en salud y campañas preventivas. En el presente trabajo se resumen los resultados del examen físico realizado a funcionarios del Hospital de Clínicas en el contexto de la Campaña de Prevención de Cáncer de Piel 2017 y los hábitos y conocimientos de fotoprotección de los mismos. La amplia mayoría de los asistentes considera que cuenta con información suficiente sobre cómo protegerse del sol, que proviene, en un 39% de los casos de la televisión. Aún asi, el 41% de ellos, sólo se protege en ocasiones especiales como viajes y verano y únicamente 3 de los participantes emplea medidas adecuadas. Con respecto a campañas previas, 94% no recordaba otra campaña de prevención de cáncer de piel y era la primera vez que concurría a una el 99% de los individuos, lo que pone en manifiesto la necesidad de reforzar la planificación y ejecución de campañas y medidas efectivas para la promoción y prevención del cáncer de piel en los próximos años a fin de lograr disminuir la incidencia de cáncer de piel que continúa en aumento.

O câncer de pele é a neoplasia maligna mais frequente no Uruguai e no mundo, onde uma pessoa morre a cada menos de quatro dias por essa causa. A medida de prevenção primária mais eficaz é ter hábitos fotoprotetores, o que é alcançado por meio de educação em saúde e campanhas preventivas. Este artigo sintetiza os resultados do exame físico realizado em funcionários do Hospital de Clínicas no contexto da Campanha de Prevenção do Câncer de Pele 2017 e seus hábitos e conhecimentos sobre fotoproteção. A grande maioria das pessoas considera que possui informações suficientes sobre como se proteger do sol, o que ocorre em 39% dos casos de televisão. Ainda assim, 41% deles são protegidos apenas em ocasiões especiais, como viagens e verão, e apenas 3 dos participantes usam medidas adequadas. Com relação às campanhas anteriores, 94% não se lembraram de outra campanha de prevenção do câncer de pele e foi a primeira vez que 99% dos indivíduos compareceram, o que evidencia a necessidade de reforçar o planejamento e a execução de campanhas e medidas eficazes para a promoção e prevenção do câncer de pele nos próximos anos, a fim de reduzir a incidência de câncer de pele que continua a aumentar.

Skin cancer is the most frequent malignancy in Uruguay as well as worldwide, where a person dies every less than four days for this cause. The most effective prevention measure is to have photoprotective habits, which is achieved through health education and preventive campaigns. This paper summarizes the results of the physical examination performed on officials of the Hospital de Clínicas in the context of the 2017 Skin Cancer Prevention Campaign and their habits and knowledge of photoprotection. The vast majority of individuals consider that they have enough information on how to protect themselves from the sun, which comes in 39% of television cases. Still, 41% of them are only protected on special occasions such as trips and summer and only 3 of the participants use adequate measures. With respect to previous campaigns, 94% did not remember another skin cancer prevention campaign and it was the first time that 99% of the individuals attended, which highlights the need to reinforce the planning and execution of campaigns and effective measures for the promotion and prevention of skin cancer in the coming years in order to reduce the incidence of skin cancer that continues to increase.

Starch Nanocomposite Films: Migration Studies of Nanoparticles to Food Simulants and Bio-Disintegration in Soil.

In this work, films containing AgNPs were obtained by different green synthesis techniques (AgNP in situ and AgNP L). The inclusion of nanoparticles in the starch matrix improved both mechanical and barrier properties. The migration of AgNPs from the nanocomposite material to three food simulants (water, 3% v/v acetic acid and 15% v/v ethanol) was studied. The experimental data were fitted by using different widely accepted mathematical models (Fickian, Ritger and Peppas, and Weibull), indicating that the AgNP migration followed a complex mechanism. The silver concentration (mg Ag per kg of simulant) that was released from the nanocomposite films was higher for the samples with AgNPs in situ than for those containing AgNP L. Likewise, the maximum release value (0.141 mg/dm2 for AgNPs in situ in acetic acid simulant) was lower than the limits proposed by the legislation (European Commission and MERCOSUR; 10 and 8 mg/dm2, respectively). The replacement of conventional plastic materials by biodegradable ones requires the evaluation of bio-disintegration tests in soil. In this sense, a period of 90 days was necessary to obtain ≥50% weight loss in both nanocomposite films. Additionally, the bio-disintegration of the samples did not contribute with phytotoxic compounds to the soil, allowing the germination of fast-growing seeds.

Biobased composites from agro-industrial wastes and by-products.

The greater awareness of non-renewable natural resources preservation needs has led to the development of more ecological high-performance polymeric materials with new functionalities. In this regard, biobased composites are considered interesting options, especially those obtained from agro-industrial wastes and by-products. These are low-cost raw materials derived from renewable sources, which are mostly biodegradable and would otherwise typically be discarded. In this review, recent and innovative academic studies on composites obtained from biopolymers, natural fillers and active agents, as well as green-synthesized nanoparticles are presented. An in-depth discussion of biobased composites structures, properties, manufacture, and life-cycle assessment (LCA) is provided along with a wide up-to-date overview of the most recent works in the field with appropriate references. Potential uses of biobased composites from agri-food residues such as active and intelligent food packaging, agricultural inputs, tissue engineering, among others are described, considering that the specific characteristics of these materials should match the proposed application.

Dermatobia hominis: una dermatosis inusual en zonas no endémicas / Dermatobia hominis: an unusual dermatosis in non-endemic areas

La miasis forunculoide es una parasitosis producida por la larva de una mosca endémica en las regiones tropicales y subtropicales de América y África. Se presenta un caso de la enfermedad en un residente de Mendoza y una breve revisión bibliográfica de esta parasitosis, poco frecuente en Argentina.

Furuncular myiasis is a parasitosis infestation caused by fly larvae, it is endemic in the tropical and subtropical regions of America and Africa. We present a case in a patient living in Mendoza. A review of the literature regarding this uncommon parasitosis in Argentina is also presented here.

Concomitant Antihyperalgesic and Antitumor Effects of Gabapentin in a Murine Cancer Pain Model.

Cancer pain may be the consequence of physical nerve compression by a growing tumor. We employed a murine model to study whether gabapentin was able to regulate tumor growth, in addition to controlling hyperalgesic symptoms. A fluorescent melanoma cell line (B16-BL6/Zs green) was inoculated into the proximity of the sciatic nerve in male C57BL/6 mice. The tumor gradually compressed the nerve, causing hypersensitivity. Tumor growth was characterized via in vivo imaging techniques. Every other day, gabapentin (100 mg/Kg) or saline was IP administered to each animal. In the therapeutic protocol, gabapentin was administered once the tumor had induced increased nociception. In the preventive protocol, gabapentin was administered before the appearance of the positive signs. Additionally, in vitro experiments were performed to determine gabapentin's effects on cell-line proliferation, the secretion of the chemokine CCL2, and calcium influx. In the therapeutically treated animals, baseline responses to noxious stimuli were recovered, and tumors were significantly reduced. Similarly, gabapentin reduced tumor growth during the preventive treatment, but a relapse was noticed when the administration stopped. Gabapentin also inhibited cell proliferation, the secretion of CCL2, and calcium influx. These results suggest that gabapentin might represent a multivalent strategy to control cancer-associated events in painful tumors.

Resiniferatoxin promotes adult worm expulsion in Trichinella spiralis-infected rats by Th2 immune response modulation.

BACKGROUND: The immune response during T spiralis infection is characterized by an increase in eosinophils and mast cells, as well as Th2 cytokine production, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10 and IL-13, promoting T spiralis expulsion from the host. However, this response damages the host, favouring the parasite survival. In the search for new pharmacological strategies that protect against T spiralis infection, a recent study showed that treatment with resiniferatoxin (RTX) modulates the Th1 cytokines production, reducing muscle parasite burden. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of RTX treatment on the Th2 cytokines production, the number of eosinophils, mast cells and the intestinal expulsion of T spiralis. METHODS: Serum levels of IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 were quantified by ELISA; the number of eosinophils, mast cells and the adult worms of T spiralis in the small intestine was quantified. RESULTS: RTX treatment increased serum levels of IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13, and it decreases intestinal eosinophilia, however, favours the mastocytosis, promoting T spiralis intestinal expulsion. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that RTX is capable to modulate the Th2 immune response, promoting T spiralis expulsion, which contributes to the defence against T spiralis infection, placing the RTX as a potential immunomodulatory drug.

Bio-Packaging Material Impact on Blueberries Quality Attributes under Transport and Marketing Conditions.

Blueberries are highly appreciated for their high antioxidant content but are also particularly susceptible to fungal deterioration. In this work, corn starch and chitosan, byproducts of the fishing industry, as well as active compounds obtained from citrus processing waste were used to obtain active biodegradable film packaging. Blueberries were packed in corn starch-chitosan (CS:CH) films and in active films containing lemon essential oil (LEO) or grapefruit seed extract (GSE). The effects of film packaging on the quality parameters of berries and the fungal incidence of disease during storage were studied and compared to benchmark materials. A conservation assay simulating transport and commercialization conditions was conducted. Blueberries packed in CS:CH films showed antioxidant capacity values closer to those packed in commercial PET containers (Clamshells), preserving 84.8% of the initial antioxidants content. Fruit packed in LEO films exhibited the greatest weight loss and rot incidence, and poor surface color. CS:CH and GSE films controlled the fruit respiration rate and weight loss, therefore they are materials with adequate barrier properties for blueberries conservation. Bags formulated with GSE showed adequate barrier properties to maintain fruit quality attributes without the incidence of rottenness, being an interesting option for blueberries exportation.

Sustainable panels based on starch bioadhesives: An insight into structural and tribological performance.

This work was focused on evaluating the effects of polycarboxylic acid addition and retrogradation phenomenon on tribological performance, thermal, and mechanical properties of both, bioadhesives and sustainable panels. The rheological behavior of adhesives was affected by retrogradation, exhibiting formulations containing CA higher elastic modulus than those with BTCA, regardless of the acid concentration. With regard to tribomechanical properties, panels formulated with CA20 and BTCA80 adhesives presented the lower friction coefficient and wear degree. Thermocompression process induced a crosslinking reaction between wood fibers and starch-based adhesives, leading to more hydrophobic and thermally stable matrices in the presence of BTCA. The selection of the adhesive formulation depends on the moment of its use, since retrogradation limits its performance and that of the derived sustainable panels, being the adhesive CA20 more appropriate in freshly prepared formulations. Meanwhile, when the storage of the adhesive prepared in batch is required, the BTCA80 formulation would be more suitable. Thus, bioinspired materials can provide a valuable insight towards incorporating starch-based adhesives for wood applications.

Características epidemiológicas de pacientes con enfermedad oclusiva venosa retiniana en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá Colombia / Epidemiological characteristics of patients with retinal vein occlusive disease at the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá Colombia

Método: la población objetivo fueron los pacientes que asistieron por urgencias al hospital entre enero/2014 y diciembre/2018 y recibieron diagnóstico de oclusión venosa de la retina. Se realizó un registro y tabulación de los aspectos más relevantes Resultados: Se incluyeron 63 pacientes, con edad media de 57 años. Los antecedentes más frecuentemente referidos fueron hipertensión arterial (51%), dislipidemia y diabetes mellitus. 4.8% reportaron antecedente de glaucoma. 60.3% ocurrieron en el ojo derecho y el tipo más frecuente fué oclusión de vena central de la retina (65,1%). Los hallazgos encontrados al examen oft almológico fueron dilatación y tortuosidad venosa (100%), hemorragias retinianas (98.4%) y edema macular (61,9%). El 39.7% presentó agudeza visual cuenta dedos Conclusión: La población estudiada se comportó análogamente a lo descrito en la literatura, con distribución similar por género, aumento de la incidencia con la edad e hipertensión arterial como factor de riesgo más relevante. El edema macular se asocia con pérdida más signifi cativa de la agudeza visual. Es importante realizar un estudio más amplio para caracterizar la patología a nivel nacional

Background: Venous occlusive disease of the retina is the second most frequently associated retinal vascular disease with visual loss. Th e increase in the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases is associated with an increase in the presentation of complications derived from these Objective: Characterize the population of patients with retinal occlusive venous disease of the San Ignacio University Hospital Study design: A retrospective cross-sectional observational study Method: the target population were patients who attended the hospital for emergencies between January/2014 and December/2018, and received a diagnosis of retinal vein occlusion. A registry and tabulation of the most relevant aspects were carried out Results: 63 patients were included, with a mean age of 57 years. Th e most frequently reported antecedents were hypertension (51%), dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. 4.8% reported a history of glaucoma. 60.3% occurred in the right eye and the most frequent type was central retinal vein occlusion (65.1%). Th e fi ndings found on ophthalmological examination were venous dilation and tortuosity (100%), retinal hemorrhages (98.4%), and macular edema (61.9%). 39.7% presented visual acuity with fi nger counts Conclusion: Th e study population behaved similarly to that described in the literature, with a similar distribution by sex, increased incidence with age, and hypertension as the most relevant risk factor. Macular edema is associated with a more signifi cant loss of visual acuity. It is important to carry out a larger study to characterize the pathology at a national level

Dipylidiasis in children, a generally misdiagnosed cestodiasis. First case reported in Venezuela / Dipylidiasis en niños, una cestodiasis generalmente mal diagnosticada. Primer caso reportado en Venezuela

The first case report of human dipylidiasis in Venezuela is presented, including the diagnosis and treatment of a two-year-old child's infection. The diagnosis was parasitologically confirmed, the child was treated with praziquantel and the animal reservoir and its fleas were identified

Se presenta el primer caso de dipylidiasis humana en Venezuela, incluyendo el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la infección de un niño de dos años. El diagnóstico fue confirmado parasitológicamente, se trató al niño con praziquantel y fueron identificados el reservorio animal y sus pulgas

Fermentation and drying effects on bread-making potential of sour cassava and ahipa starches.

Cassava sour starch is a gluten-free product obtained by natural fermentation and sun-drying that outstrips the native starch baking expansion properties. Although maize starch has been subjected to a similar process, this desirable feature could not be achieved. Ahipa, an unexploited tuberous root, renders starch with relatively low gelatinization temperature and amylose content, like that of cassava. The aim of this work was to study the characteristics and technological properties of ahipa starch subjected to different fermentation processes and drying methods (oven- or sun-drying) and compare the bakery quality of its derived products to those from fermented cassava starches. Ahipa starch followed similar fermentation paths to those followed by cassava's, and sun-drying significantly reduced the content of the resultant lactic and butyric acids. Rheological behavior of starch pastes as well as moisture content and hardness of the doughs obtained from fermented and sun-dried ahipa starches differed from those of cassava. Sun-light exposure resulted detrimental for the expansion properties of ahipa sour starches, while the native one showed baking expansion properties like those of fermented sun-dried cassava starch. Thus, ahipa starch represents an interesting ingredient for the elaboration of gluten-free baked products.

Caracterización sociodemográfica y clínica del trauma maxilofacial en un hospital de referencia de Bogotá / Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of maxillofacial injuries in a tertiary hospital in Bogotá

Introducción: el trauma maxilofacial es un motivo de consulta frecuente, y puede llevar a daño funcional, estético y emocional. Existen estudios previos sobre su epidemiología, sin embargo, sabemos que esta cambia a través del tiempo porque está determinada por diversos factores. El objetivo de este estudio es describir las características del trauma maxilofacial en un hospital de referencia de Bogotá. Diseño: estudio observacional descriptivo. Metodología: Se revisaron historias clínicas de pacientes mayores de 18 años que ingresaron por urgencias a la Unidad de Cirugía Maxilofacial del Hospital San José entre el 2013 y 2017. Se calculó frecuencias absolutas y relativas para las variables cualitativas. Resultados: se obtuvieron 391 pacientes. La mayoría fueron hombres (76,3 %) entre los 30-49 años. Las causas más comunes son la violencia (36,8 %) y los accidentes de tránsito (25 %). Las fracturas más frecuentes fueron las de huesos propios nasales (52 %). De las fracturas mandibulares, las más prevalentes fueron las fracturas condilares y subcondilares, ángulo y cuerpo con 21,4 % cada una. El tratamiento más usado fue el manejo médico (52,9 %). Discusión: el trauma maxilofacial es una patología frecuente en hombres adultos jóvenes. Sin embargo, el tipo de fractura y etiología podría estar influenciado por factores como el sexo y la edad. La causa más común es la violencia y los accidentes de tránsito, las cuales son potencialmente prevenibles. Esto debe servir como referencia para incitar a la realización de medidas preventivas para estas situaciones.

Background: Nowdays, the maxilofacial injuries are a common cause for consultation in the emergency department. These kinds of fractures may cause functional, and emotional damage. There are many publication about the epidemiology of maxilofacial trauma. Nevertheless, this data can change through the time. The aim of this study was to describe the maxilofacial injuries in a tertiary hospital in Bogotá. Desing: observational study. Methods: We retrospectibly assessed 391 medical records from the department of maxilofacial surgery in our Hospital during the period between 2013 to 2017. We include patients over 18 years admitted in the emergency department, we exclude patients seeing in the outpatients clinic. All the cases were assessed according age, sex, etiology and type of the fractures, in addition, we analyzed the treatment modalities. Results: We recolected 391 medical records. The majority of the facial fractures were man (76.3 %) between 30 and 49 years old. The most common cause of maxilofacial fracture was violence (36.8 %). The most common fracture site was nasal bones (52 %). Within the mandibular fractures the most common was the condylar, subcondylar fracture and body (21 % each). 53 % of cases were treated with conservative methods. Conclusion: The maxilofacial injuries are a common in our service especially in young men. Moreover depending on the sex and age we could observed diferents etiologies and typess of fracture. Mostly of the cases were for violence reasons or traffic accidents, which are preventable causes. This information is importante for public health awarness and it can be use as a referral for prevental measures for this situations.

Household survey data of adoption of improved varieties and management practices in rice production, Ecuador.

This article provides a description of an agricultural household survey data of rice growers collected in Ecuador between October 2014 and March 2015. The household survey was implemented using a structured questionnaire administered among 1028 households in the main rice production areas of Ecuador (i.e. Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, and El Oro provinces). Information collected was provided by household heads (male or female) and included household and plot level data. The survey information includes household socio-demographic characteristics (e.g. age, education, gender, main economic activity, etc.), farm characteristics (e.g. farm land size, assets ownership, other crops planted, etc.), rice management practices (e.g. variety and input use, production costs, etc.), and rice production and utilization (e.g. yields, prices, sales, etc.). Additional socio-economic context variables were also recorded such as government subsidies to rice production, participation in rural organizations, and food security related questions. The dataset contains a total of 6288 variables among numeric, categorical and string variables. The dataset is shared publicly on the Harvard dataverse site and provide access to questionnaires, the complete data and a brief report.

EVALUACIÓN DE ANTICUERPOS ANTI-Trichinella spiralis OBTENIDOS POR INMUNIZACIONES SUBLINGUALES Y CONVENCIONALES CON LA PROTEÍNA 45kDa / Evaluation of Anti-Trichinella spiralis Obtained by Sublingual and Conventional Immunizations with the 45kDa Protein

RESUMEN La trichinellosis es una enfermedad parasitaria zoonótica y cosmopolita, se debe al consumo de carne deficientemente cocida, principalmente proveniente del cerdo, diversos estudios avalan la eficacia de la administración de inmunoterapia. Se ha caracterizado un antígeno inmunodominante de 45 kDa y se plantea como objetivo evaluar la presencia de anticuerpos IgA, IgM e IgG antti-Trichinella spiralis a lo largo de la infección, así como el comportamiento en la administración de la inmunización de 45 kDa de Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) administrado por vía sublingual y vía parenteral. Se utilizaron 36 murinos (Long Evans), seis para la infección y purificación del antígeno de 45 kDa, 30 para formar los grupos de trabajo, control sano (cinco murinos), control infectado (cinco murinos), y 20 para los grupos experimentales, se inmunizaron dos grupos con cuatro dosis (0, 7, 14 y 21 días) del inmunógeno de 45 KDa de T. spiralis, uno por vía sublingual y otro por vía parenteral y se retaron con 500 larvas infectantes (LI) de T. spiralis siete días después de la ultima inmunización y dos grupos más se infectaron con 500 LI y se inmunizaron a las cuatro semanas postinfección por ambas vías. La respuesta se evaluó por inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI) por microscopia confocal para determinar la respuesta humoral con anticuerpos de clase IgG, IgM e IgA.

ABSTRACT Trichinellosis is a cosmopolitan zoonotic disease produced mainly by the consumption of poorly cooked swine meat. Several studies have probed the efficiency of immunotherapy as a method for the treatment of trichinellosis. In this work, a 45 kDa immunodominant antigen was characterized, and the presence of IgA, IgM and IgG antti-Trichinella spiralis antibodies was evaluated during the course of the infection. In addition, the differences between sublingual and parenteral administration of the 45 kDa T. spiralis antigen were determined. Long Evans rats were used both to purify the 45 kDa antigen and to evaluate the immune response produced in six different groups: healthy and infected controls; two groups of immunized murines (sublingually and parenterally) with four doses of the 45 kDa T. spiralis immunogen administered at days 0, 7, 14 and 21 and challenged with 500 T. spiralis infective larvae (IL) 7 days after the last immunization; and finally, two groups of murines infected with 500 IL ofT. spiralis, immunized at week 4 post infection by the same two routes. The humoral response was evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence by confocal microscopyin order to determine the presence of IgA, IgM and IgG antibodies.

Therapeutic Effects of Resiniferatoxin Related with Immunological Responses for Intestinal Inflammation in Trichinellosis.

The immune response against Trichinella spiralis at the intestinal level depends on the CD4+ T cells, which can both suppress or promote the inflammatory response through the synthesis of diverse cytokines. During the intestinal phase, the immune response is mixed (Th1/Th2) with the initial predominance of the Th1 response and the subsequent domination of Th2 response, which favor the development of intestinal pathology. In this context, the glucocorticoids (GC) are the pharmacotherapy for the intestinal inflammatory response in trichinellosis. However, its therapeutic use is limited, since studies have shown that treatment with GC suppresses the host immune system, favoring T. spiralis infection. In the search for novel pharmacological strategies that inhibit the Th1 immune response (proinflammatory) and assist the host against T. spiralis infection, recent studies showed that resiniferatoxin (RTX) had anti-inflammatory activity, which decreased the serum levels of IL-12, INF-γ, IL-1ß, TNF-α, NO, and PGE2, as well the number of eosinophils in the blood, associated with decreased intestinal pathology and muscle parasite burden. These researches demonstrate that RTX is capable to inhibit the production of Th1 cytokines, contributing to the defense against T. spiralis infection, which places it as a new potential drug modulator of the immune response.