Ethnobotanical Insights: Qualitative Analysis of Medicinal Plants in Colón Putumayo for Traditional Knowledge Preservation.

The ancestral knowledge of the community of Colón Putumayo unfolds in several dimensions that allow us to recognise the ethnomedicinal properties of plants. The research focused on systematising ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal knowledge on the use of plants as alternatives for treating illnesses. A cross-sectional study was carried out through semi-structured questionnaires to 100 inhabitants of the community of Colón. We found 38 plant species catalogued in 18 botanical families where 10 species of medicinal plants were prioritised by the community for the treatment of illnesses. The use value (UV) evaluation showed that Chamaemelum nobile equals 0.18 compared to Cymbopogon citratus and Lippia alba with 0.04. The Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) for the cited medicinal use categories equivalent to 1.00 are for the treatment of six types of ailments, however, the plants can treat 16 types of ailments. The Fidelity Level (LF) found identified that four plants are used for the treatment of one type of ailment while three are used to alleviate several ailments. The local knowledge of the community of Colón Putumayo is linked to the ancestry of the territory, culture, and family farming practices.

Inteligencia emocional, compromiso y autoeficacia académica. Análisis de mediación en universitarios ecuatorianos / Emotional intelligence, engagement and academic self-efficacy. Analysis mediation within Ecuadorian universities

Resumen El objetivo es conocer acerca del efecto indirecto de la inteligencia emocional en la autoeficacia académica a través del compromiso académico en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios del Ecuador. Para ello se realizó un análisis de tipo descriptivo correlacional, de determinación, de mediación parcial a través de SEM y de corte transversal. El instrumental empleado corresponde a la Brief Emotional Intelligence Inventory for Senior Citizens, la Utrecht Work Engagement Scale y la Escala de Autoeficacia Percibida Específica de Situaciones Académicas. La muestra estuvo conformada por 500 estudiantes (57.5 % mujeres y 42.4 % hombres), entre 18 y 45 años (M = 24.5 años; SD = 6.9), procedentes de dos universidades de Ambato y Quito en Ecuador y de 11 carreras de pregrado. Entre los resultados se encontró que los niveles de las variables en análisis son normales entre los estudiantes, aunque un 30 % se encuentran en zona de riesgo por baja autoeficacia académica. Se confirma la relación entre inteligencia emocional (r = .522; p < .01) y el compromiso académico (r = .326; p < .01) en la autoeficacia académica. Estas variables forman un modelo explicativo del 30.6 % del cambio de la varianza de la autoeficacia académica. Además, la inteligencia emocional ejerce un efecto indirecto sobre la autoeficacia académica por medio del compromiso académico (ab = .031; p < .01). Como conclusión se establece que la inteligencia emocional y el compromiso académico son predictores de la autoeficacia académica. Además, que el compromiso académico es una variable de mediación parcial entre la inteligencia emocional y la autoeficacia académica en universitarios del Ecuador. La inteligencia emocional tiene como propiedad que ejerce un efecto directo en la autoeficacia académica e indirecto-parcial por medio del compromiso.

Abstract The intrapersonal and self-influence elements of individuals are necessary to know the impact they maintain in the educational context, because they are strong internal motivators that direct the behaviour of the individual to carry out various activities, as well as their achievement and success. There is evidence of the capacities that students have to monitor, control and regulate their own behaviours in the learning process. Although historically academic performance has been associated with intelligence in general, elements such as self-monitoring, self-control, self-regulation, self-motivation and others are key pieces to prevent school failure and maintain an adequate school performance. Within educational research, phenomena such as emotional intelligence, engagement and academic self-efficacy stand out due to their impact on academic performance. There are several studies that analyse the existing dynamics of these three variables, although separately, so a multifactorial study could expand the current conception of these internal elements and their effect on education. This investigation's objectives are to identify the current state of emotional intelligence, engagement and academic self-efficacy in a sample of university students from Ecuador, as well as the relationship between these variables and the indirect effect of emotional intelligence on academic self-efficacy through academic engagement. Thus, this study is a descriptive correlational, determination and partial mediation analysis, carried out through SEM using the Brief Emotional Intelligence Inventory for Senior Citizens, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the Scale of Perceived Self-efficacy Specific to Academic Situations. The sample was made up of 500 students (57.5 % women and 42.4 % men), between 18 and 45 years old (M = 24.5 years; SD = 6.9), from two universities in Ambato and Quito in Ecuador and 11 undergraduate majors. The participants were selected through an intentional non-probabilistic sampling with inclusion criteria, which were: (a) be legally enrolled in one of the universities in this study; (b) voluntary participation in the study; (c) signed participation consent; and (c) be of legal age. In general, the levels of emotional intelligence, engagement and self-efficacy are normal among students; however, in academic engagement, 30 % are in a risk zone. The relationship between emotional intelligence (r = 0.522; p < .01) and academic engagement (r = 0.326; p < .01) in academic self-efficacy is confirmed. Together, these variables form an explanatory model that can predict changes in variance by 30.6 %. The theoretical model proposed by means of structural linear regression has an adequate adjustment indicator χ. = 252.9; p < .001; df = 116; χ./df = 2.1; CFI = .96; TLI = .95; RMSEA = .049 [.040 - .057]; SRMR = .042. In addition, emotional intelligence has an indirect effect on academic self-efficacy through academic engagement (ab = .0031; p < .01). Among the conclusions of the study, it is mentioned that emotional intelligence and academic engagement are predictors of academic self-efficacy. Therefore, their interest and management in the educational context is relevant. Moreover, the academic engagement is a partial mediation variable between emotional intelligence and academic self-efficacy in university students in Ecuador. Emotional intelligence has the ability to exert not only direct effects, but also partial indirect effects through a third variable. One of the implications of the study is that the use of more contemporary methods such as SEM allows a broader vision of the modelling of academic behaviour, which is an important contribution because it significantly reduces measurement bias. In addition, these results contribute to the future development of psychoeducational intervention processes that contribute to the improvement of the academic performance of students and to the teaching-learning processes in general. Finally, it is important to replicate similar studies in order to generalize these findings.

Body composition and ventricular function in hemodialysis patients.

There is no evidence about the potential role of body composition on cardiovascular mortality in dialysis patients. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between body composition and changes in ventricular function. We conducted an observational study over a population of 78 patients on chronic hemodialysis. A transthoracic echocardiogram and a bioimpedance were performed at the beginning and at the end of the study. The mean follow-up time was 30.6 months. Patients who had a higher fat tissue index (FTI > 9.20 kg/m2 ) experienced a worsening in right and left ventricular function. They developed a greater fall in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (-1 ± 4.3 mm) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)(-4.2 ± 6.8%), compared to those with lower FTI (p = 0.032 and p = 0.045, respectively). No associations were found between any other echocardiography or body composition parameters and overall mortality. Patients with right ventricular dysfunction (determined as TAPSE) experienced a tendency to higher mortality rate along the study (HR for mortality of 13.5 (95% CI, 1.1-166.7; p = 0.041)]. A higher fat tissue index could be associated with a deleterious effect over right and left ventricular function in dialysis patients.

Relación entre clima organizacional y violencia laboral en funcionarios de una universidad pública / Relationship between organizational climate and workplace violence in public university officials

Introducción: El clima laboral se relaciona con el acoso psicológico en el trabajo. No obstante, son escasos los estudios encontrados sobre la relación entre clima y violencia laboral en el contexto universitario. Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre el clima y la violencia laboral en funcionarios de una universidad pública. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo correlacional con diseño transversal, con la participación de 410 funcionarios. Se utilizó el Cuestionario de Clima Laboral del Departamento Administrativo de la Función Pública de Colombia y el Inventario de Violencia y Acoso Psicológico en el Trabajo. Resultados: Se encontró que existe una relación negativa entre el clima y la violencia laboral (r=-0,441, p<0,005), en esta se resaltan estrechas asociaciones entre la dimensión obstáculos al desempeño laboral, y estilo de liderazgo, administración del talento humano y clima general. Conclusiones: La presencia de violencia laboral se relaciona con bajos niveles de favorabilidad de clima laboral y viceversa. Los comportamientos característicos de obstáculos al desempeño laboral y los referentes a "manipulación para inducir al castigo" son los que aportan en mayor medida a esta desfavorabilidad. Este tipo de violencia, sin una debida intervención puede llegar a convertirse en acoso psicológico en el trabajo.

Introduction: Work environment isaffected by psychological harassment in the workplace. However, there are few studies on the relationship between workplace climate and violence in the university context. Objective: To analyze the relationship between workplace climate and violence in public university employees. Materials and Methods: A descriptive correlational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted with 410 workers. The Work Climate Questionnaire of the Administrative Department of Public Service of Colombia and the Inventory of Violence and Psychological Harassment at Work were used. Results: It was found that there is a negative relationship between climate and violence in the workplace (r = -0.441, p <0.005), in which two close associations are highlighted: (i) the dimension of work performance obstacles and the leadership style; and (ii) human talent management and general climate. Conclusions: The presence of workplace violence is related to low levels of a favorable work environment and vice versa. The characteristic behaviors of the dimension world performance obstacles and those related to the variable manipulation to induce punishment are the ones that contribute the most to this unfavorable association. This type of violence, without proper intervention, can become psychological harassment at work.

COVID-19: clinical course and outcomes of 36 hemodialysis patients in Spain.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Unfortunately, there is a lack of evidence about the optimal management of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and even less is available in patients on maintenance hemodialysis therapy than in the general population. In this retrospective, observational, single-center study, we analyzed the clinical course and outcomes of all maintenance hemodialysis patients hospitalized with COVID-19 from March 12th to April 10th, 2020 as confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Baseline features, clinical course, laboratory data, and different therapies were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors to identify risk factors associated with mortality. Among the 36 patients, 11 (30.5%) died, and 7 were able to be discharged within the observation period. Clinical and radiological evolution during the first week of admission were predictive of mortality. Among the 36 patients, 18 had worsening of their clinical status, as defined by severe hypoxia with oxygen therapy requirements greater than 4 L/min and radiological worsening. Significantly, 11 of those 18 patients (61.1%) died. None of the classical cardiovascular risk factors in the general population were associated with higher mortality. Compared to survivors, nonsurvivors had significantly longer dialysis vintage, increased lactate dehydrogenase (490 U/l ± 120 U/l vs. 281 U/l ± 151 U/l, P = 0.008) and C-reactive protein levels (18.3 mg/dl ± 13.7 mg/dl vs. 8.1 mg/dl ± 8.1 mg/dl, P = 0.021), and a lower lymphocyte count (0.38 ×103/µl ± 0.14 ×103/µl vs. 0.76 ×103/µl ± 0.48 ×103/µl, P = 0.04) 1 week after clinical onset. Thus, the mortality among hospitalized hemodialysis patients diagnosed with COVID-19 is high. Certain laboratory tests can be used to predict a worsening clinical course.

Elaboration and Biocompatibility of an Eggshell-Derived Hydroxyapatite Material Modified with Si/PLGA for Bone Regeneration in Dentistry.

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is the most commonly used biomaterial in modern bone regeneration studies because of its chemical similarity to bone, biocompatibility with different polymers, osteoconductivity, low cost, and lack of immune response. However, to overcome the disadvantages of HAp, which include fragility and low mechanical strength, current studies typically focus on property modification through the addition of other materials. Objective. To develop and evaluate the biocompatibility of a HAp material extracted from eggshells and modified with silicon (Si) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA). Materials and Methods. An in vitro experimental study in which a HAp material prepared from eggshells was synthesized by wet chemical and conventional chemical precipitation. Subsequently, this material was reinforced with Si/PLGA using the freezing/lyophilization method, and then osteoblast cells were seeded on the experimental material (HAp/Si/PLGA). To analyse the biocompatibility of this composite material, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM) techniques were used. PLGA, bovine bone/PLGA (BB/PLGA), and HAp/PLGA were used as controls. Results. A cellular viability of 96% was observed for the experimental HAp/Si/PLGA material as well as for the PLGA. The viability for the BB/PLGA material was 90%, and the viability for the HAp/PLGA was 86%. Cell adhesion was observed on the exterior surface of all materials. However, a continuous monolayer and the presence of filopodia were observed over both external and internal surface of the experimental materials. Conclusions. The HAp/Si/PLGA material is highly biocompatible with osteoblastic cells and can be considered promising for the construction of three-dimensional scaffolds for bone regeneration in dentistry.

Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure Patients with Preserved or Reduced Ejection Fraction. Prognostic significance of Rhythm control strategy with Catheter Ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often coexist with an increase in morbidity and mortality. AF catheter ablation (CA) has proved to be a safe and efficient option for HF patients, but long-term evolution and prognosis remain uncertain. The aim is to assess the efficacy and safety of CA in HF patients with AF, and analyze HF long-term evolution. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed consecutive patients with AF and congestive HF or left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) less than 45%, who underwent CA of AF between 2011 and 2016. We excluded patients who did not complete one year of follow-up. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients were included. Mean age was 62.1 years, 72.4% were men, 67.2% had hypertension and 8.6% were diabetics. Mean EF was 49%, left atrial area was 26.5 cm2 and mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2. 70.6% were on NYHA FC II-III.The recurrence rate of AF was 60%, and after a second CA the rate decreased to 27.8%. Only persistent AF prior to the procedure was identified as independent predictor of recurrence. There was a significant NYHA FC improvement in the sinus rhythm (SR) group vs those with recurrence (63.6% vs 36.4%; p=0.047). None of the patients in SR were hospitalized, whereas six with recurrence were hospitalized due to HF (0% vs. 18.2%; p = 0.07). The rate of complications was 9.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in heart failure presents an adequate success rate, improving symptoms and reducing rehospitalizations due to heart failure.

Evolución a largo plazo de pacientes con miocardiopatía hipertrófica / Long-term Outcome of Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Introducción: La miocardiopatía hipertrófica es una enfermedad compleja que se ha asociado durante años con tasas altas de morbimortalidad. Sin embargo, mucha de la información que tenemos en relación con su evolución proviene de centros en los que se incluyeron pacientes seleccionados, principalmente de riesgo alto. Objetivo: Evaluar los eventos en el seguimiento de pacientes con miocardiopatía hipertrófica en nuestro medio. Material y métodos: Se evaluó una cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes con diagnóstico de miocardiopatía hipertrófica. Se analizó la evolución de la clase funcional junto con la ocurrencia de eventos clínicos. Se recabaron datos del ecocardiograma y de la resonancia magnética cardíaca. Resultados: Se incluyeron 259 pacientes, con una mediana de seguimiento de 3,5 años (2-10). La edad promedio fue de 56 ± 16,8 años y el 38,2% de los pacientes tenían formas obstructivas de la enfermedad. Al inicio del seguimiento, el 67% se encontraban en clase funcional I. En la evolución, la mortalidad global fue del 1,6%, con el 1,1% de muerte súbita o choque apropiado de desfibrilador y el 6,6% de los pacientes presentaron fibrilación auricular. La tasa de internación por insuficiencia cardíaca resultó del 5,8% y en el 14,3% de los pacientes empeoró la clase funcional. Se realizaron 22 procedimientos de ablación septal y 15 miectomías, con mejoría significativa de la sintomatología. Conclusiones: El trabajo muestra que en el seguimiento de esta cohorte de pacientes con miocardiopatía hipertrófica la tasa de morbimortalidad fue baja; el principal evento adverso fue el empeoramiento de la clase funcional, seguido por el desarrollo de fibrilación auricular y la insuficiencia cardíaca, con una tasa baja de muerte súbita.

High-sensitivity troponin is associated with high risk clinical profile and outcome in acute heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) for identifying high-risk patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-seven patients admitted with acute heart failure (HF) (without myocardial infarction) were consecutively included; hs-cTn was measured at admission; the relation between elevated hs-cTn and the clinical outcome during hospitalization and at 90 days was analyzed; 93% (n = 174) had hs-cTn above the maximal normal value (14 ng/L); median hs-cTn was 42 ng/L (IQR 24-81). Patients with ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 45% had higher hs-cTn values (p = 0.0004). Patients with low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) or shock had higher troponin levels compared with those with less severe clinical presentations (p = 0.004). Patients who required inotropic presented higher troponin values (p = 0.002), troponin values were also higher in those requiring complex therapies (intra-aortic balloon pump, mechanical ventilation or hemodialysis, p = 0.002). At 90-day follow-up, 28 (15.5%) patients died and 27 rehospitalizations occurred (55 events). The risk of events was greater in patients with hs-cTn > 42 ng/L (0.021), low blood pressure at admission (p = 0.002), LCOS or shock (p < 0.0001), EF ≤ 45% (p = 0.005) and inotropic use (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, only inotropic agents requirements was associated independently with a high risk of death or rehospitalizations at 90 days (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Elevation of hs-cTn is a finding almost constant in patients with decompensated HF. In subjects with higher troponin levels ventricular dysfunction is frequent. The use of hs-cTn for risk stratification at admission helps to identify populations with poor outcome during hospitalization and increased risk of death or rehospitalizations during follow-up who will require rapid implementation of aggressive treatment.

Descripción de un modelo de infección in vitro con virus dengue empleando células mononucleares humanas de sangre periférica / Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells as an in vitro model for dengue virus infection

No existen modelos animales apropiados para el estudio de la fisiopatología y las manifestaciones clínicas de la enfermedad causada por la infección con virus dengue, por lo que para ello se requiere desarrollar modelos experimentales. El propósito del presente trabajo fue establecer un modelo de infección in vitro con virus dengue serotipo-2 (DENV-2). Para esto se obtuvieron células mononucleares de sangre periférica (CMSP) usando un gradiente de Ficoll, y se las cultivó e infectó con DENV-2 a una baja multiplicidad de infección. La subpoblación celular que se infectó y produjo citocinas se identificó empleando un análisis multiparamétrico por citometría de flujo. Como resultado, las CMSP fueron permisivas a la infección, que se detectó a las 24 horas de inoculado el virus. Además, en este mismo tiempo, los monocitos CD14+, pero no los linfocitos CD3+ o CD19+, fueron la subpoblación celular preferencialmente infectada y responsable de la producción de TNF-α e IL-6. En conclusión, se estableció un modelo de infección in vitro usando CMSP no fraccionadas, en el que se identificó a los monocitos CD14+ como la principal célula blanco de la infección con DENV-2 y productora de citocinas proinflamatorias.

To date, there are no appropriate animal models for the study of the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of the disease caused by dengue virus infection; therefore, experimental models are required for that purpose. The objective of the present work was to establish a model of in vitro infection with DENV-2. To this end, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained using a Ficoll gradient, and infected with DENV-2 using a low multiplicity of infection. The cell populations infected and responsible for the production of cytokines were identified using a multiparametric analysis by flow cytometry. As a result, PBMC were permissive to infection that was detected 24 hours after virus inoculation. Additionally, at this same time, CD14+ cells, but not CD3+ or CD19+ cells, were preferentially infected and responsible for the production of TNF-α and IL-6. In conclusion, we established a model of in vitro infection using unfractionated PBMC, in which CD14+ cells were identified as the primary target cells for infection with DENV-2, and the production of proinflammatory cytokines.

Occurrence of porphyromonas gingivalis and its antibacterial susceptibility to metronidazole and tetracycline in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Chronic periodontitis is a multifactorial infectious disease associated with Gram-negative strict anaerobes which are immersed in the subgingival biofilm. Porphyromonas gingivalis, an important periodontal pathogen, is frequently detected in patients with chronic periodontitis. Although isolates of P. gingivalis tend to be susceptible to most antimicrobial agents, relatively little information is available on its in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of P. gingivalis in patients with chronic periodontitis and to assess antimicrobial susceptibility in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of clinical isolates to metronidazole and tetracycline. A descriptive, observational study was performed including 87 patients with chronic periodontitis. Samples were taken from the periodontal pocket using paper points, which were placed in thioglycollate broth. Samples were incubated for 4 hours at 37°C in anaerobic conditions and finally replated on Wilkins-Chalgren anaerobic agar (Oxoid). Bacteria were identified using the RapIDTMANAII system (Remel) and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined with the M.I.C. Evaluator test (MICE, Oxoid). P. gingivalis was identified in 30 of the 87 patients with chronic periodontitis, which represents a frequency of 34.5%. All 30 isolates (100%) were sensitive to metronidazole, with MIC values ranging from 0015-4ug/ml. Regarding tetracycline, 27 isolates (90%) were sensitive, with MIC values ranging from <0.015 to 4 ug /ml, the remaining three isolates (10%) were resistant to tetracycline with MIC values of 8ug/ ml. There was no statistically significant difference in age, gender, pocket depth, clinical attachment level and severity of periodontitis between the group of patients with chronic periodontitis and P. gingivalis and the group of patients with chronic periodontitis without P. gingivalis. In conclusion, P. gingivalis was found at a frequency of 34.5% in patients with chronic periodontitis and clinical isolates were highly sensitive to metronidazole and tetracycline.

Occurrence of Porphyromonas gingivalis and its antibacterial susceptibility to metronidazole and tetracycline in patients with chronic periodontitis

La periodontitis crónica es una enfermedad infecciosa multifactorialasociada a bacilos Gram-negativos anaeróbicos estrictos que se encuentran inmersos en la biopelícula subgingival. Porphyromonas gingivalis, importante patógeno periodontal, es frecuentemente detectado en pacientes con periodontitis crónica. Los aislamientos clínicos de P. gingivalis tienden a ser susceptibles a la mayoría de agentes antimicrobianos; sin embargo, se tiene poca información sobre la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana invitro. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la frecuencia de P. gingivalis en pacientes con periodontitis crónica y determinar la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana en términos de concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM) de los aislamientos clínicos a metronidazol y tetraciclina. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo enel que se incluyeron 87 pacientes con periodontitis crónica. Las muestras tomadas con conos de papel de la bolsa periodontal se depositaron en caldo tioglicolato, se incubaron durante 4 horas a 37 oC en anaerobiosis y se resembraron en agar anaeróbico Wilkins-Chalgren (Oxoid). La identitficación de los aislamientos serealizó con el sistema RapIDTM ANA II (Remel) y la susceptibilidadantibiótica para metronidazol y tetraciclina se evaluó mediante la técnica M.I.C.Evaluator (M.I.C.E., Oxoid). En 30 de los 87 pacientes con periodontitis crónica se identificó P. gingivalis, lo que representa una frecuencia de 34.5 por ciento. Todos los 30 aislamientos (100 por ciento) fueron sensibles al metronidazol con valores de CIM desde 0.015 hasta 4 ug/ml. En cuanto a tetraciclina, 27 aislamientos(90 por ciento) fueron sensibles con valores de CIM desde <0.015 hasta4 ug/ml; los restantes 3 aislamientos (10%) fueron resistentes a tetraciclina con valores de CIM de 8 ug/ml. En cuanto a edad, género, profundidad de bolsa, nivel de inserción clínico y severidad de la periodontitis no se presentaron diferencias estadísticamentesignificativas

Occurrence of porphyromonas gingivalis and its antibacterial susceptibility to metronidazole and tetracycline in patients with chronic periodontitis. / Occurrence of porphyromonas gingivalis and its antibacterial susceptibility to metronidazole and tetracycline in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Chronic periodontitis is a multifactorial infectious disease associated with Gram-negative strict anaerobes which are immersed in the subgingival biofilm. Porphyromonas gingivalis, an important periodontal pathogen, is frequently detected in patients with chronic periodontitis. Although isolates of P. gingivalis tend to be susceptible to most antimicrobial agents, relatively little information is available on its in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of P. gingivalis in patients with chronic periodontitis and to assess antimicrobial susceptibility in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of clinical isolates to metronidazole and tetracycline. A descriptive, observational study was performed including 87 patients with chronic periodontitis. Samples were taken from the periodontal pocket using paper points, which were placed in thioglycollate broth. Samples were incubated for 4 hours at 37°C in anaerobic conditions and finally replated on Wilkins-Chalgren anaerobic agar (Oxoid). Bacteria were identified using the RapIDTMANAII system (Remel) and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined with the M.I.C. Evaluator test (MICE, Oxoid). P. gingivalis was identified in 30 of the 87 patients with chronic periodontitis, which represents a frequency of 34.5

. All 30 isolates (100

) were sensitive to metronidazole, with MIC values ranging from 0015-4ug/ml. Regarding tetracycline, 27 isolates (90

) were sensitive, with MIC values ranging from <0.015 to 4 ug /ml, the remaining three isolates (10

) were resistant to tetracycline with MIC values of 8ug/ ml. There was no statistically significant difference in age, gender, pocket depth, clinical attachment level and severity of periodontitis between the group of patients with chronic periodontitis and P. gingivalis and the group of patients with chronic periodontitis without P. gingivalis. In conclusion, P. gingivalis was found at a frequency of 34.5

in patients with chronic periodontitis and clinical isolates were highly sensitive to metronidazole and tetracycline.

Presence and antimicrobial profile of gram-negative facultative anaerobe rods in patients with chronic periodontitis and gingivitis.

Chronic periodontitis is a multifactorial infectious disease associated with Gram-negative anaerobes which are part of the subgingival microflora. In recent years, studies have been conducted to assess the presence of Gram-negative facultative anaerobes (Enterobacteriaceae) and their participation in the development and progression of chronic periodontitis. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Enterobacteriaceae in patients with chronic periodontitis and gingivitis and to assess antimicrobial susceptibility of clinical isolates. A descriptive, observational study was performed including 64 patients with chronic periodontitis and 22 patients with gingivitis. Microbiological samples were taken from the gingival sulcus using paper points, which then were placed in thioglycollate broth. Samples were incubated for 4 hours at 37 degrees C and finally replated on MacConkey agar Bacteria were identified using the API-20E system (Biomerieux, France) and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the disk diffusion method. The evaluation of samples showed presence of 29 enterobacterial species distributed as follows: 7 in the group with gingivitis and 22 in the group with chronic periodontitis. In the chronic periodontitis group the most common species were: K. oxytoca n = 5, S. liquefaciens n = 4 and K. pneumoniae and E. coli with n = 3. The gingivitis group had the highest frequency of Erwinia sp. (n = 2). Clinical isolates showed very low sensitivity levels to beta-lactam ampicillin and amoxicillin/ clavulanic acid, 17.2% and 27.6% respectively, and higher sensitivity levels to ciprofloxacin (96.6%), amikacin (79.3%), gentamicin (68.9%) and ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, kanamycin and trimethoprimsulfa (65.5%). In conclusion, the existence of a high frequency of enterobacteria in patients with chronic periodontitis and gingivitis shows that periodontologists should pay greater attention to prevention protocols, and develop mechanical and antimicrobial therapies in which antimicrobial susceptibility profile reports should be considered as part of periodontal treatment.

Presence and antimicrobial profile of Gram-negative facultative anaerobe rods in patients with chronic periodontitis and gingivitis

La periodontitis crónica es una enfermedad infecciosa multifactorial hacen parte de la microflora subgingival. En los últimos años se han realizado estudios para valorar la presencia de bacilos Gramnegativos anaerobios facultativos (enterobacterias) y suimportancia en el desarrollo y rogresión de la periodontitis crónica. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la presencia de enterobacterias en pacientes con periodontitis crónica y gingivitis y conocer la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana de los aislamientosclínicos. Se realizó un estudio observacional y descriptivo en elque se incluyeron 64 pacientes con periodontitis crónica y 22 pacientes con gingivitis. Las muestras tomadas en el surco gingival con conos de papel se depositaron en caldo tioglicolato, seincubaron durante 4 horas a 37 oC y se resembraron finalmente en Agar MacConkey. En la identificación de las bacterias se utilizó el sistema API-20E (Biomerieux, France) y la susceptibilidadantimicrobiana se realizó por el método de difusión en disco. En los dos grupos se identificaron 29 especies enterobacterianas, 7 en el grupo con gingivitis y 22 en el grupo con periodontitis crónica. En el grupo de periodontitis crónica las especies masfrecuentes fueron: K. oxytoca n=5, S. liquefaciens n=4 y K.pneumoniaey E. coli con n=3. En el grupo con gingivitis, Erwiniasp tuvo la mayor frecuencia (n=2). Los aislamientos clínicos presentaron níveles muy bajos de sensibilidad a los B-lactamicosampicilina y amoxicilina/ ac.clavulanico, 17.2 y 27.6 por ciento, y la mayor sensibilidad a ciprofloxacina. En conclusión, la alta frecuencia de enterobacterias en pacientes con periodontitis debe conducir a la prevención y a desarrollar terapias mecánicas y antimicrobianas en las cuales se tengan en cuenta, como parte del tratamiento periodontal, los perfiles antimicrobianos reportados.