Croton stipulaceus Kunth, a native Mexican medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities / Croton stipulaceus Kunth, planta medicinal mexicana con actividad antioxidante y antiinflamatoria

Leaves of Croton stipulaceuswere extracted (EHex, ECHCl3and EEtOH extracts) to assesstheir antioxidant potential, anti-inflammatory activity in murine models and acute toxicity. EEtOH showed the highest effect in DPPH (37.80% inhibition), FRAP (1065.00 ± 55.30 µmolFe2+) and total polyphenols (231.24 ± 9.05 meq AG/gM). EHex was the most active, ~ 50% inhibition of TPA-induced ear edema; while EEtOH (dose of 2 mg/ear) showed the highest inhibition in the chronic model (97% inhibition), and inhibited MPO activity (48%). In carrageenan-induced edema, ECHCl3(dose 500 mg/kg) was the most active. None of the extracts showed acute toxicity (LD50) at 2 g/kg (p.o.). This work is the first report that supports the traditional use of C. stipulaceusas an anti-inflammatory.

De las hojas de Croton stipulaceusse obtuvieron diferentes extractos (EHex, ECHCl3y EEtOH) evaluando el potencial antioxidante y la actividad antiinflamatoria en modelos murinos y la toxicidad aguda. El EEtOH mostró mayor efecto en DPPH (37.80% inhibición), FRAP (1065.00 ± 55.30 µmolFe2+) y polifenolestotales (231.24 ± 9.05 meq AG/gM). El EHex fue el más activo, cercano al 50% de inhibición del edema auricular inducido con TPA; mientras que el EEtOH (dosis de 2 mg/oreja) mostró la mayor inhibición en el modelo crónico (97% inhibición), e inhibió la actividad de la MPO (48%). En el edema inducido con carragenina, el ECHCl3(dosis 500 mg/kg) fue el más activo. Ninguno de los extractos mostró una toxicidad aguda (DL50) mayor a 2 g/kg (p.o). Este trabajo es el primer reporte que sustenta el uso tradicional de C. stipulaceuscomo antiinflamatorio.

Flaxseed Oil (Linum usitatissimum) Prevents Cognitive and Motor Damage in Rats with Hyperammonemia.

Hyperammonemia is characterized by the excessive accumulation of ammonia in the body as a result of the loss of liver detoxification, leading to the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). These metabolic alterations carry cognitive and motor deficits and cause neuronal damage, with no effective treatment at present. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of two subacute oral administrations of flaxseed oil (0.26 and 0.52 mL/kg) on short- and long-term memory, visuospatial memory, locomotor activity, motor coordination, and the neuronal morphology of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) via tests on Wistar rats with hyperammonemia. The goal was to identify its role in the regulation of cerebral edema, without liver damage causing cerebral failure. In contrast with an ammonium-rich diet, flaxseed oil and normal foods did not cause cognitive impairment or motor alterations, as evidenced in the short-term and visuospatial memory tests. Furthermore, the flaxseed oil treatment maintained a regular neuronal morphology of the prefrontal cortex, which represents a neuroprotective effect. We conclude that the oral administration of flaxseed oil prevents cognitive and motor impairments as well as neuronal alterations in rats with hyperammonemia, which supports the potential use of this oil to ameliorate the changes that occur in hepatic encephalopathy.

Consideraciones bioéticas para la investigación científica de plantas medicinales contra el cáncer en México / Bioethical considerations for scientific research on medicinal plants against cancer in Mexico

El presente artículo de reflexión revisa aspectos bioéticos en estudios científicos de plantas utilizadas en medicina tradicional para el tratamiento del cáncer en México. El conocimiento de las plantas medicinales documentadas en la medicina tradicional se relaciona con enfermedades como el cáncer. Esta enfermedad presenta altas tasas de mortalidad en el mundo, lo que incrementa la necesidad de nuevos fármacos para la quimioterapia. Aquí las plantas medicinales juegan un papel importante. Así, al ejecutar un estudio de plantas medicinales se deben considerar aspectos bioéticos fundamentales para la medicina tradicional como el muestreo, el estudio fitoquímico y biológico en líneas celulares de cáncer, basándose en la normatividad vigente, en estándares internacionales del Instituto Nacional del Cáncer y, principalmente, en los cuatro principios básicos de la bioética. Concluimos que es tarea de la comunidad científica avalar o desmentir el uso tradicional de las plantas medicinales para el tratamiento de enfermedades. El estudio de especies vegetales debe cumplir criterios donde la teoría, la investigación y la práctica ofrezcan soluciones a largo plazo y la protección ética de estas, del conocimiento tradicional y de los pacientes que recurren a esta alternativa.

The present reflection paper reviews bioethical aspects in scientific studies of plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of cancer in Mexico. The knowledge of medicinal plants documented in traditional medicine is related to diseases such as cancer. This disease has high mortality rates worldwide, increasing the need for new chemotherapy drugs. Here medicinal plants play an important role. Thus, when executing a study of medicinal plants, fundamental bioethical aspects for traditional medicine such as sampling, phytochemical and biological study in cancer cell lines, based on current regulations, international standards of the National Cancer Institute and, mainly, the four basic principles of bioethics, should be considered. We conclude that it is the task of the scientific community to endorse or deny the traditional use of medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases. The study of plant species must meet criteria where theory, research and practice offer long-term solutions and the ethical protection of plant species, traditional knowledge and patients who resort to this alternative.

Fractura del cuerpo del astrágalo en un niño: a propósito de un caso / Talar body fracture in a 10-year-old boy. Case presentation

La fractura del cuerpo del astrágalo es un cuadro extremadamente raro en la población infantil, y se asocia con mecanismos de alta energía. Se trata de una lesión muy grave y tiene un manejo complejo para el cirujano ortopedista, no exento de complicaciones, como la necrosis avascular, la artrosis postraumática o la seudoartrosis. Presentamos a un niño de 10 años con una fractura-luxación del cuerpo del astrágalo, su manejo de urgencia, el tratamiento definitivo y la evaluación clínico-radiológica al año de la lesión. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Talar body fractures are an extremely rare presentation in children that are associated with high-energy trauma. They constitute devastating injuries and a management challenge for orthopedic surgeons, which could be further complicated by avascular necrosis, post-traumatic arthritis, and non-union. We report a case of a fracture-dislocation of the talar body in a 10-year-old boy, including emergency management, definitive treatment, and 1-year follow-up clinical and radiologic findings. Level of Evidence: IV

Nutritional Enhancement of Farmed Salmon Meat via Non-GMO Nannochloropsis Gaditana: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3), Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA, 22:5 n-3) and Vitamin D3 for Human Health.

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC PUFAs) and vitamin D3 are essential components of human nutrition. A regular human diet is highly deficient in n-3 LC PUFAs. Fish like salmon are highly recommended in the human diet as they are a major source of high-value n-3 LC PUFAs and vitamin D3. The levels of these nutrients have been decreasing over the last few years in farmed salmon, whose production urgently needs sustainable sources of these nutrients. The microalga Nannochloropsis gaditana (NG) is known for its naturally high potential for the production of eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 20:5 n-3) fatty acid. A commercial diet for Atlantic salmon was supplemented with 1% and 10% of spray-dried NG grown under controlled conditions for a high EPA content. Salmon were harvested on day 49, following which, boneless and skinless salmon meat was recovered from fish and analyzed for the fatty acid profile, total fat, and vitamin D3. Vitamin D3, EPA, and docosapentaenoic fatty acid (DPA, 22:5 n-3) levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05) by supplementing the basal diet with 10% NG, thus, NG represents a novel, functional, natural ingredient and a sustainable source of n-3 LC-PUFAs that can raise the levels of healthy fats and vitamin D3 in farmed salmon meat.

Agenesis of third molars and its association with other dental anomalies in a peruvian population / Agenesia de terceros molares y su asociación con otras anomalías dentales en una población peruana

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the association between agenesis of the third molar and other dental anomalies. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, retrospective, cross-sectional and analytical study. The sample included 367 patients, aged 14 to 20 years old with adequate digital panoramic radiography. Patients with syndromes, who had extractions of any third molar and with orthodontic treatment prior to panoramic radiographic examination, were excluded. For data collection, each radiograph was recorded with patient code, sex and age. Results: The prevalence of third molar agenesis was 20.71%. Subsequently, patients were divided into two groups, with agenesis of at least one third molar and a control group; the prevalence of other dental anomalies was 48.69% of third molar agenesis group and 21.31% in the control group. A highly significant association was found between the presence of third molar agenesis and the presence of other tooth abnomalities (p= 0.0000; contingency coefficient = 0.2425).The most frequent dental anomaly was dental inclusion with 20.44% of the population studied; followed by the agenesis of other teeth (7.90%) and finally the presence of supernumerary teeth (1.63%). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that there is an association between third molar agenesis and other dental abnormalities, with a higher prevalence of dental abnormalities in patients with third molar agenesis.

Objetivo: La presente investigación tuvo como finalidad determinar la asociación que existe entre la agenesia del tercer molar y otras anomalías dentarias. Material y Métodos: El estudio fue observacional, retrospectivo, transversal y analítico. La muestra que incluyó 367 pacientes de 14 a 20 años de edad con radiografía panorámica digital con parámetros adecuados. Se excluyeron pacientes con algún tipo de condición sindrómica, con exodoncias de algún tercer molar y con tratamiento ortodóntico previo al examen radiográfico panorámico. Para la recolección de datos, cada radiografía fue registrada con código de paciente, sexo, edad. Resultado: Se reportó una prevalencia de 20,71% de casos con agenesia de terceros molares. Los pacientes fueron divididos en 2 grupos, con agenesia de al menos un tercer molar y un grupo control, en ambos se calculó la prevalencia las otras anomalías dentarias, la cual fue de 48.69% de los pacientes que presentan agenesia de tercer molar tienen otra anomalía dentaria y 21.31% del grupo control tienen otra anomalía dentaria. Se encontró una asociación altamente significativa entre la presencia de agenesia de tercer molar y presencia de otras anomalías dentales (p=0.0000; coeficiente de contingencia=0.2425). La anomalía dental encontrada con más frecuencia es la inclusión dentaria con 20,44% del total de la población estudiada; seguido de la agenesia de otros dientes con 7,90% y finalmente la presencia de dientes supernumerarios con 1,63%. Conclusion: Este estudio demuestra que existe asociación entre la agenesia de tercer molar y otras anomalías dentarias, existiendo una mayor prevalencia de anomalías dentales en pacientes con agenesia del tercer molar.

Immune responses induced by inactivated vaccine against Aeromonas hydrophila in pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus.

Aeromonas hydrophila is responsible for outbreaks of a severe infectious disease in fish farms around the world and is one of the major causes of economic losses to the neotropical fish farmers. This study assessed the induction of immune responses and protection against A. hydrophila in pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, vaccinated through intraperitoneal and immersion route with inactivated virulent strain. Fish were randomly distributed in three vaccinated groups: intraperitoneal (i.p.) route; immersion; and immersion + booster; and control group (unvaccinated). All vaccination protocols used the concentration of 1.7 × 108 CFU mL-1 of inactivated A. hydrophila., and an oil adjuvant was used for vaccine prepararion for i.p. route vaccination. Blood and skin mucus from 9 fishes per treatment were collected at 14, 28, 42 and 84 days post-vaccination (DPV) for determination of lysozyme concentration in skin mucus, as well as antibodies anti-A. hydrophila in blood serum and skin mucus. Fish were challenged at 84 DPV with homologous and virulent strain of A. hydrophila for evaluation of resistance against bacterial infection. The results demonstrated that vaccination with inactivated A. hydrophila suspension by i.p. or immersion resulted in significant increase of skin mucus lysozyme and specific antibody levels in serum and skin mucus, at 28 and 42 DPV, and this increase in innate and adaptive immunity remained significant in pacu vaccinated through i.p. route up to 84 DPV. Although no significant differences were observed in the survival study, pacu vaccinated through i.p. route presented 31,33% of relative percentage survival (RPS) in LD50-96h when compared unvaccinated fish challenged at 84 DPV. The results observed in this study indicate that vaccination programs with inactivated A. hydrophila, including booster doses by i.p. or immersion routes, could result in more effective protection in pacu against this bacteriosis, by increasing innate and adaptive mucosal and systemic immune responses.

El lado oculto de la hipoxemia / The dark side of hypoxemia

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by an increase in the intrapulmonary shunt (measured by the PaO2/FiO2 ratio) caused by bilateral alveolar-interstitial infiltrates which are not fully explained by fluid overload. However, there are some ARDS cases which present severe hypoxemia without clear lung infiltrates. An example of this, which has generated great controver- sy, is the infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the pathophysiology of hypoxemia is absolutely crucial in order to establish the most appropriate therapeutic strategy for each patient. In the case of a severe hypoxemia (PaO/ FiO2 < 200 which represents a shunt greater than 30%) with a chest X-ray (or CT) without clear and extensive bilateral infiltrates, it is important to consider that the shunt can be caused due to vascular involvement. This shunt could be explained two ways: an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), which generates a right-to-left shunt through the patent foramen ovale (PFO), or an alteration of the hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction reflex (HPV). The HPV reflex is activated in an attempt to redistribute the vascular flow to better ventilated areas. However, there are some situations (such as viral infections) that can alter this reflex and worsen the hypoxemia. The concomitant use of vasoactive drugs (such as inhaled nitric oxide) and vasopressors (such as dopa- mine or norepinephrine) has been proposed with the aim of reducing PVR and the flow through the PFO; or to redistribute the flow to better ventilated areas if an alteration of the RVP is suspected.

Un síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA) se caracteriza por un incremento del intrapulmonar (medido por el cociente PaO2/FiO2) causado por una afectación alveolo-intersticial bilateral no explicada por sobrecarga hídrica. Sin embargo, hay casos de SDRA que presentan una marcada hipoxemia sin claros infiltrados pulmonares. Un ejemplo de este caso, que ha generado gran controversia, es la infección por SARS-CoV-2. El entendimiento de la fisiopato- logía de la hipoxemia es absolutamente clave para establecer la estrategia terapéutica más adecuada en cada paciente. Ante una hipoxemia grave (PaO2/FiO2 < 200 que representa un superior al 30%) y con una radiografía de tórax (o con TAC) sin claros y extensos infiltrados bilaterales, el podría deberse a una afectación vascular. Esto podría explicarse por dos causas: un aumento de las resistencias vasculares pulmonares (RVP), que genera un derecha- izquierda a través del foramen oval permeable (FOP) o una alteración del reflejo de vasoconstricción pulmonar hipóxico (VPH). El reflejo de VPH se activa en un intento por redistribuir el flujo vascular hacia las zonas mejor ventiladas. Sin embargo, existen situaciones (como infecciones víricas) que pueden alterar dicho reflejo y agravar la hipoxemia. Se ha propuesto el uso concomitante de fármacos vasoactivos (como el óxido nítrico inhalado) y vasopresores (como do- pamina o noradrenalina) con el objetivo de disminuir las RVP y el flujo a través del FOP; o para redistribuir el flujo a zonas mejor ventiladas si se sospecha una alteración del RVP.

Somatotipo de atletas de taekwondo del centro de entrenamiento regional de Valparaíso, Chile / Somatotype of taekwondo athletes at the regional training center in Valparaíso, Chile

RESUMEN: El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el somatotipo de atletas de Taekwondo del Centro de Entrenamiento Regional (CER) de Valparaíso, Chile. Se evaluaron a los primeros cuatro clasificados según sexo (8 deportistas en total), hombres (18,75 ± 2,62 años) y mujeres (18,50 ± 1,91 años), competidores activos a nivel nacional e internacional en la disciplina deportiva. Para la evaluación se consideraron las normas establecidas por la International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) y el grupo español de Cineantropometría (GREC). Los materiales utilizados fueron el kit Innovare básico CESCORF®, tallímetro y balanza TANITA®. Para determinar el somatotipo se consideró la propuesta de Heath & Carter. Los resultados encontrados muestran en el género masculino una clasificación del somatotipo de mesomorfo balanceado (2,5-4,0-3,0), mientras que en el género femenino se clasificó como mesomorfo - endomorfo (3,3-3,6-2,3). Se concluye que en ambos géneros predomina el componente mesomorfia, las mujeres presentan un mayor nivel de endomorfia y un menor desarrollo de la mesomorfia en comparación con los hombres.

SUMMARY: The aim of the study was to determine the somatotype of taekwondo athletes at the Regional Training Center (CER) in Valparaíso, Chile. The first four were classified according to sex (8 athletes in total), men (18.75 ± 2.62 years) and women (18.50 ± 1.91 years), all of them active competitors in the discipline nationally and internationally. For the evaluation, the standards established by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) and the Spanish Group of Cineanthropometry (GREC) were considered. The materials used were CESCORF® basic Innovare kit, TANITA® weight/height scale. To determine the somatotype, the Heath & Carter proposal was considered. The results showed that in men a classification of the somatotype of balanced mesomorph (2.5-4.0- 3.0), while in women it was classified as mesomorphic - endomorphic (3,3-3,6 - 2,3). It is concluded that in both sexes the mesomorphic component predominates, women present a higher level of endomorphy and a lower development of mesomorphy compared to men.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potential of Ternstroemia sylvatica Schltdl. & Cham.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant and acute toxicity of extracts obtained from a successive extraction with solvents of ascending polarity [hexane, hex; chloroform, CHCl3 and ethanol (EtOH)] of Ternstroemia sylvatica Schltdl. & Cham. METHODS: The antioxidant potential was evaluated by 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, the ferric reducing/antioxidant power assays and by determining the total phenolic content. The anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects were evaluated using the in vivo croton oil-induced ear edema, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induced ear edema, carrageenan-induced paw edema, acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin murine models. The acute toxicity was tested using the Lorke's method in mice. RESULTS: The EtOH extract was the most active for the antioxidant potential tests diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (68.70% inhibition), ferric reducing/antioxidant power [(2431.30 ± 102.10) mmol Fe2+ and total polyphenols content (215.80 ± 8.50) meqAG/g]. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by topical application of croton oil (2 mg/ear dose) where the EtOH extract showed the strongest activity compared to the control group (45.13% inhibition), whereas in the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate model, at the same dose, the CHCl3 extract showed the highest inhibition (42.88%). In the carrageenan induced edema model, the EtOH extract showed a stronger inhibition compared to indomethacin (56.34% and 50.70% at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg of extract, respectively) during the first hour. Similarly, the same extract showed the highest analgesic activity (30.60% inhibition) in the acetic acid contortion assay, and in the formalin test it showed a greater effect with respect to the control group in both phases. CONCLUSIONS: Our work confirms the value of Ternstroemia sylvatica as an important anti-inflammatory and analgesic plant, whose mechanism seems to be associated to its antioxidant effects, and supports its uses in the Mexican traditional medicine.

Fracturas periprotésicas de fémur en artroplastia total de rodilla: experiencia con técnica mínimamente invasiva / Peri-prosthetic femoral fractures in total knee arthroplasty: experience using minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis

ANTECEDENTES: La fractura periprótesica de fémur en artroplastia total de rodilla supone uno de los mayores retos quirúrgicos. La tasa de complicaciones generales supera el 30% tanto con tratamiento conservador como con el quirúrgico. Parece que la técnica de osteosíntesis con placas bloqueadas de manera mínimamente invasiva ofrece buenos resultados para el tratamiento de las fracturas en las que no existe movilización del componente femoral. MÉTODOS: Se estudian retrospectivamente, desde enero de 2005 hasta diciembre del 2011, 32 pacientes, evaluando el tiempo de consolidación, el rango de movilidad, la deambulación y el alineamiento final mediante la realización de telemetrías en carga. El seguimiento medio fue de 56,5 meses (25-144). RESULTADOS: Se siguieron 32 pacientes (31 mujeres; un hombre) de los cuales el rango medio de edad fue de 77 años (70-89). Tres pacientes fallecieron (9%) y 4 pacientes (12%) se perdieron en la evolución final. La tasa media de consolidación fue de 16,5 semanas (8-24); no se produjeron infecciones, presentaron 3 seudoartrosis y solo se produjo un alineamiento en excesivo valgo (15°). El balance articular fue similar al previo a la fractura. La deambulación final fue igual a la previa en 24 de los 25 casos. CONCLUSIONES: Es una técnica adecuada para conseguir la consolidación en este tipo de fracturas y restablecer tanto la movilidad previa como un alineamiento correcto de la extremidad.

BACKGROUND: Peri-prosthetic fracture of the distal femur above total knee arthroplasty presents a challenging surgical problem for orthopaedic surgeons, as complication rates for both surgical and non-surgical treatment have been reported to be as high as 30%. The minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique seems to have better results than other techniques in this type of fracture when there is no loosening of the femoral implant. METHODS: A total of 32 patients with this fracture were treated from January 2005 to December 2011. A retrospective review was conducted on the weeks of consolidation, range of motion, final alignment, and the ability to walk. The mean follow up was 56.5 months (25-144). RESULTS: A total of 32 (31 female, 1 male) patients, with a mean age 77 (70-89) years old were treated, of whom 3 (9%) died and 4 were lost to follow-up. The mean time of consolidation was 16.5 weeks (8-24). There were no infections, although there were 3 non-unions and 1 malalignment (15° of valgus). We were able to restore the range of motion in every patient as it was before the fracture, as well as the ability to walk outdoors in 24 patients. CONCLUSION: The MIPO technique is a great technique in order to achieve a good range of motion and alignment of these fractures.

Chemometrics-enhanced high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection of bioactive metabolites from phytochemically unknown plants.

This work describes the use of Colubrina greggii as a model to investigate the use of chemometric analysis combined with data from a leishmanicidal bioassay, using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures (O-PLS), to detect biologically active natural products in crude extracts from plants having little or no phytochemical information. A first analysis of the HPLC-UV profiles of the extract and its semi-purified fractions using both Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares (O-PLS) indicated that the components at tR 48.2, 48.7, 51.8min correlated with the variation in bioactivity. However, a further O-PLS analysis of the HPLC-UV profiles of fractions obtained through a final semi-preparative HPLC purification showed two components at tR 48.7 and 49.5min which correlated with the variation of the bioactivity in a high performance predictive model, with high determination coefficient, high correlation coefficient values (R(2) and Q(2)=0.99) and a low root mean square error (RMSE=0.018). This study demonstrates that the association of chemometric analysis with bioassay results can be an excellent strategy for the detection and isolation of bioactive metabolites from phytochemically unknown plant crude extracts.

Salvinorin A content in legal high products of Salvia divinorum sold in Mexico.

Salvia divinorum (Lamiaceae) is a herb native to Mexico where it is used by Mazatec shamans for spiritual and divination purposes. S. divinorum products are easily available to consumers and are used worldwide as legal highs because of the hallucinogenic effects caused mainly by salvinorin A. Highly popular videos and websites on the internet depicting the use of S. divinorum products have contributed to an increase in their consumption. Recent reports have highlighted the potential of these products to induce psychosis in consumers. In Mexico, dried leaf extracts of S. divinorum are sold in different strengths, claiming to correlate with increasing amounts of salvinorin A. In order to determine the variability of salvinorin A content between brands and to investigate possible correlation between brand strengths, this study sought to quantify salvinorin A in commercial products available in Mexico using an HPLC method. The HPLC analytical method showed a correlation coefficient R(2)>0.99, with LOD of 0.44 µg/mL and LOQ of 1.34 µg/mL. The retention time for salvinorin A was 23.09±0.95 min and the measured concentrations ranged between 8.32±0.65 and 56.52±3.77 mg/g dried leaf. The results for brand c did not show an agreement between the declared and the calculated amount of salvinorin A. Additionally, the emergence in Mexico of high strength salvia products (100×), the lack of regulation and the observed variability of salvinorin A content between brands of commercial legal highs products of S. divinorum could result in a health problem for consumers.

Cnidoscolus chayamansa Mc Vaugh, an important antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective plant used in Mexico.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cnidoscolus chayamansa Mc Vaugh (Euphorbiaceae) is commonly known as 'chaya' in Central America. In South East Mexico, because of its high nutritional values, is an important part of the diet of many indigenous communities. Chaya is also used as a traditional remedy for the treatment of diabetes, rheumatism, gastrointestinal disorders and inflammation-related diseases. Although Cnidoscolus chayamansa is one of most used and valued medicinal plants, only few studies on documenting its pharmacological properties can be found. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dried leaves of Cnidoscolus chayamansa were subjected to a successive maceration using Hex, EtOAc and EtOH. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were tested using the DPPH radical scavenging, Ferric reducing/antioxidant power and total phenolic content assays. To determine the anti-inflammatory activity, the TPA-induced mouse ear edema and the carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema assays were used. The cardioprotective effects of the EtOH extract was determined using the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) rat model. Finally, the acute toxicity was determined using Lorke's method. RESULTS: The results showed a similar anti-inflammatory activity (≈30%) for all extracts but only the EtOAc extract showed relevant activity when applied intraperitoneally. When tested for their antioxidant activity none of the extracts showed a significant activity suggesting that the antinflammatory activity is not related to a direct free radical scavenging of the extracts. Additionally, the EtOH extract showed a strong cardioprotective effect at 500mg/kg when given orally. Both the EtOAc and the EtOH extract have a LD50 >5g/kg, confirming their safety in acute oral administration. CONCLUSIONS: All these results are relevant for a better understanding of the therapeutic used of Cnidoscolus chayamansa in the Mexican traditional medicine and highlights its cardioprotective potential.

Patrones de comportamiento de la malaria en el departamento de Risaralda, Colombia, 2007-2009 / Patterns of occurrence of malaria in the department Risaralda, Colombia, 2007-2009

Introducción: La malaria es la enfermedad parasitaria de mayor morbimortalidad en Latinoamérica, especialmente en países de la cuenca amazónica, incluido Colombia. Risaralda, uno de sus departamentos con baja carga, requiere vigilancia y evaluación periódicas con el fin de contribuir a mayor control. Materiales y métodos: Estudio epidemiológico de evaluación de incidencia, etiología, distribución geográfica y mortalidad por malaria en el período 2007-2009, en Risaralda, Colombia. Resultados: Durante el período se registraron 2640 casos (promedio 880±290/año). La incidencia osciló entre 60,01 (2008) a 122,87 (2011) casos/100.000 hab (IPA, 0,6-1,23 casos/1.000 hab). Del total de casos, 93,4% correspondieron a P. vivax, 3,7% a P. falciparum y 2,9% a P. vivax/P. falciparum, siendo 68,9% de los casos del municipio Pueblo Rico, 14,0% Mistrató y 3,1% Pereira, adicionalmente 13% fueron importados de otros departamentos. La mortalidad fue constante, 0,1 muertes/100.000 hab/año. Discusión: La carga de la malaria en Risaralda se explica en parte por las condiciones sociales de los municipios así como ambientales, los cuales se han visto reflejados en ésta y otras enfermedades transmitidas por vectores en Colombia, Latinoamérica y el Mundo. Por ello deben hacerse mayores esfuerzos en investigación operativa que permitan profundizar actividades orientadas al mayor control y reducción de la enfermedad en el departamento.

Introduction: Malaria is parasitic disease with highest morbidity and mortality in Latin America, especially in those sharing the Amazon basin, included Colombia. Risaralda, one of its departments with low burden, requires periodical surveillance and evaluation in order to contribute to a better control. Materials and methods: Epidemiological study of evaluation of incidence, etiology, geographical distribution and mortality due to malaria in the period 2007-2009, in Risaralda, Colombia. Results: During the period 2,640 cases were recorded (mean 880±290/year). Incidence range from 60.01 (2008) to 122.87 (2011) cases/100,000 pop. (API, 0.6-1.23 cases/1,000 pop.). From the total, 93.4% corresponded to P. vivax, 3.7% to P. falciparum and 2.9% to P. vivax/P. falciparum, 68.9% were from the municipality Pueblo Rico, 14.0% Mistrató and 3.1% Pereira, additionally 13% were imported from other departments. Mortality was stable in 0.1 deaths/100,000 pop./year. Discussion: Burden of malaria in Risaralda it is explained in part due to the social conditions of the municipalities as well due to environmental issues, which has been impacting in this and other vector-borne diseases in Colombia, Latin America and the World. For this reason, more efforts in operative research, leading to get deeper in activities oriented to a higher control and reduction of this disease in the department, should be done.

Identification of sakurasosaponin as a cytotoxic principle from Jacquinia flammea.

The crude ethanolic extract of leaves, stem-bark and roots of J. flammea were tested for their cytotoxic effect against two mammalian cell lines (HeLa and RAW 264.7) and four bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). When tested at the concentration of 100 microg/mL, the root extract showed the highest cytotoxic activity against mammalian cells followed by the stem-bark extract while the leaves extract did not show significant activity. No antibacterial activity was detected for all extracts when tested up to 500 microg/disc in the disc diffusion assay. The cytotoxic root extract was subjected to fractionation using solvents of ascending polarity: petroleum ether, chloroform, ethylacetate, butanol and water. The water fraction which showed cytotoxic activity was further subjected to routine bioassay-guided fraction to lead to the isolation of sakurasosaponin as the active principle. The recorded IC50 value for sakurasosaponin was 11.3 +/- 1.52 and 3.8 +/- 0.25 microM (n=3) against HeLa and RAW 264.7 respectively. The identification of sakurasosaponin was based on analysis of spectroscopic data.

Títulos de anticuerpos postvacunales en équidos inmunizados con la cepa tc-83 del virus de la encefalitis equina Venezolana / Post- vaccination antibody titles in equines vaccinated with TC83 strain of the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus

A raíz de la última epidemia de Encefalitis Equina Venezolana (EEV) ocurrida en Venezuela en 1995, que afectó a équidos y humanos del estado Zulia y otras entidades del país, se implementó el reforzamiento de los programas de vigilancia epidemiológica para la prevención y control de las encefalitis equinas. Se tomó como medida eficaz la implementación de nuevos ciclos de inmunización sistemática de los équidos en las zonas de riesgo. Para evaluar la duración de la inmunidad proporcionada por la vacuna a base de virus atenuado, cepa TC-83, utilizada en el programa de inmunización, se analizaron 662 muestras séricas de équidos vacunados en diferentes períodos (194 con dos años después de vacunados, 412 con un año y 56 con seis meses), sin antecedentes de enfermedad y procedentes de diferentes Municipios del estado Zulia, Venezuela. Las muestras fueron analizadas mediante la técnica de inmunoensayo enzimático (ELISA) para determinar títulos de anticuerpos IgG anti-EEV. Se detectó 39,8% (164/412) de sueros positivos en los animales con un año de vacunación, de los cuales al 60,2% no se les detectaron títulos de anticuerpos. Así mismo, se detectó un 95,9% (186/194) de équidos con dos años de vacunación sin inmunidad anti-EEV. De los 56 équidos con 6 meses de vacunados, 48 (87,7%) mostraron altos títulos de anticuerpos. Los resultados evidencian una pérdida de la inmunidad anti-EEV relacionada con el tiempo post vacunal y una efectiva respuesta en los équidos con seis meses de inmunización, sugiriendo una pronta revisión del programa de vacunación específicamente en cuanto a la evaluación del tiempo de duración de la actividad antigénica y/o posibles fallas en la aplicación de la misma.

As a result of the last Venezuelan equine encephalitis epizoodemic (VEE), happened in Venezuela during 1995 that affected equidae and humans of Zulia State and another states of the country, the reinforcement of epidemiological surveillance programs for the prevention and control of equine encephalitis was stablished. As an efficient measure, the new cycles implementation of systematic equine immunization in the risk areas was taken. In order to evaluate the duration of the immunity with a TC-83 strain attenuated virus vaccine, used in the vaccination program, 662 equidae sera samples, vaccinated at different times (194 with two years, 412 with a year and 56 with 6 months postvaccinated) without disease precedents and from different municipalities of Zulia State, Venezuela, were analyzed through an immune enzymatic assay (ELISA) to determine IgG anti VEE antibodies titles. A 39.8% (164/412) of positive sera in one year postvaccinated animals was detected, from which 60.2% do not showed antibodies titles. Furthemore, a 95.9% (186/194) equidae with two years postvaccinated without immunity to anti-VEE were detected. From the 56 equidae with 6 months postvaccinated, 48 (87.7%) showed high antibodies titles. The results demonstrated a lack of anti-VEE immunity, suggesting a prompt revision of the vaccination program specifically related to the evaluation of the antigenic’s activity length time and/or possible faults in its application.

Factores de riesgo asociados a la ocurrencia de rabia urbana en el Municipio Maracaibo del Estado Zulia, Venezuela / Risk Factors Associated to the Ocurrence of Urban Rabies on Maracaibo County, Zulia State, Venezuela

La presente investigación, realizada en el municipio Maracaibo del estado Zulia, Venezuela, en 76 caninos que ingresaron al laboratorio de rabia del Ministerio de Salud y Desarrollo Social permitió determinar con la metodología estadística empleada que no existe asociación entre el sexo, la edad y la tenencia (dueños) de los animales estudiados y la ocurrencia de rabia urbana (P > 0,005); fueron significativos los hallazgos entre la enfermedad con la condición inmunitaria y el libre acceso a la calle (P < 0,005). En cuanto a la variable socioeconómica del grupo familiar del cual procede la casuística de rabia se encontró que la positividad más alta correspondió al estrato social medio bajo. En este sentido, el análisis estadístico utilizado (Prueba Z para proporciones) evidenció asociación entre el nivel socio económico medio alto y medio bajo (P < 0,005), encontrándose el mismo resultado entre el estrato social medio y medio bajo, así como entre este último y la condición social baja. Consecuentemente, la casuística humana registrada durante el decenio 1995-2004, procede de aquellos barrios y parroquias donde predomina la condición social baja seguida del nivel socioeconómico medio bajo, siendo la población infantil menor de doce años la más afectada. Se determinó también que la respuesta de los servicios de salud en los diferentes niveles de decisión política, táctica y operativa no es oportuna, lo que se traduce en bajas coberturas de vacunación. La investigación de los focos en términos de eficacia y eficiencia es cuestionable, siendo muy escasa la participación activa de los organismos gubernamentales regionales y municipales (gobernación, alcaldías, intendencias y jefaturas civiles) y de la comunidad.

The present investigation made at the Maracaibo municipality of Zulia state, Venezuela, over 76 canines admitted in the rabies laboratory of the Health and Social Development Ministry, allowed to determine through used statistical methodology that there is not association between sex, age and property (owner) of evaluated animals and the occurrence of urban rabies (P > 0.005); the disease outcomes between disease and immunitary conditions and free access to street (P < 0.005) were significative. Related to the socialeconomical variable of the familiar group from the rabies casuistic come, the high positivity corresponding to the middle low social stratus. In this sense, the used statistical analysis showed association among the middle high and the middle low socialeconomical level (P < 0.005) found the same result among the middle and middle low socialeconomical levels, such as between the same result and the low social condition. Consecuently, the registered human casuistic during 1995-2004, come from neighborhoods and parrish where the low social condition predominant, followed for the middle low socialeconomical level; the child population below of twelve years of age were the most affected. It was determined the response of the health services at different levels of political, tactical and operative is not opportune, which is translated in low vaccination covering. The research of focus in term of efficacy and efficiency is cuestionable, being very scarce the active participation of the regional and municipalities governmental organisms (Government, Mayoralty, City hall and Civil headquarters) and Community.

Efecto del celecoxib en la colitis inducida en ratas / Effect of the colecoxib in the the colitis induced in rats

Debido a las controversias sobre los inhibidores selectivos de la ciclooxigenasa 2 (COX-2) sobre la inflamación intestinal, decidimos estudiar el Celecoxib, un inhibidor de COX-2 sobre la evolución de la inflamación experimental del colon de rata. Se utilizaron tres grupos de 12 ratas cada uno (ratas machos Sprague-Dawley). Al grupo control se les administró por vía intrarectal 2 ml de agua, al grupo inflamado 1 ml de ácido acético al 10 por ciento más 1 ml de agua, y al grupo medicado 1 ml de ácido acético y 1 ml de Celecoxib (10 mg/Kg-p). Se registró el peso durante 3 días, al cabo de ese tiempo se sacrificaron y se evaluó el colon macro y microscópicamente. El tratamiento con colecoxib ocasiona una significativa disminución de las lesiones macroscópicas. El grupo control no presentó edema, ulceración o erosión. Se encontró 33 por ciento de edema en el grupo medicado contra 93 por ciento en el grupo inflamado (p<0.0005); 22 por ciento de erosión en el grupo medicado contra 65 por ciento en el grupo inflamado (p<0.03) y 12 por ciento de ulceración en el grupo medicado contra el 44 por ciento en el grupo inflamado (p<0.047). La severidad de las lesiones microscópicas fueron significativamente menores en el grupo medicado con regeneración de la mucosa en el 50 por ciento y regenración parcial en 50 por ciento restante. En el grupo inflamado hubo pérdida del 90 por ciento de la mucosa y el grupo control sin alteraciones. La perdida de peso fue de 6g en el inflamado. El Celecoxib mejora notablemente el cuadro de inflamación en el colon de las ratas, mediante la inhibición de la Cox-2 y disminución de la interleucina 1 (IL-1)

Tricoberozoares gástrico como hallazgo incidental / Gastric tricoberozoar as incidental discovery

Se presenta un caso de un paciente femenino de 18 años de edad, quien ingresa a la CIUDAD HOSPITALARIA DR. ENRIQUE TEJERA el día 04/03/2002 presentando Hiporexia y pérdida de peso, de manera acentuada y progresiva, de 7 meses de evolución, y para el día 04/03/2002 presenta dolor en hipogastrio, irradiado hacia la región dorsal, hipertermia no cuantificada y debilidad generalizada. Los únicos antecedentes patológicos que presentaba, eran cifras de hemoglobina bajas, detectadas hace 6 meses; y dentro de sus hábitos psicobiológicos, se encontraba una tricosis durante su último embarazo. Al momento de su ingreso la paciente presenta desnutrición proteico-calórica y se encontraba caquectica. Se efectuaron una serie de estudios diagnósticos, entre los que se encontraban un ecosonograma abdominal, una ultrasonografía abdomino-pélvica, Rx de esófago y estómago y una endoscopia digestiva superior que revelaba un tricobezoares gástrico. Se realiza intervención quirúrgica y se extrae tricobezoares de la cavidad gástrica. El paciente se compensa en sus condiciones clínicas y se decide su egreso con controles periódicos por la consulta externa