Talinumpaniculatum: a plant with antifungal potential mitigates fluconazole-induced oxidative damage-mediated growth inhibition of Candida albicans / Talinum paniculatum: una planta con potencial antifúngico atenúa la inhibición del crecimiento de Candida albicans mediada por el daño oxidativo inducido por fluconazol

SUMMARY Aims: This study investigated the bioactivity of the crude leaf extract (CLE) and fractions hexane (HX) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) from Talinum paniculatum alone and in association with fluconazole (FLC) against reference strain and clinical isolates of FLC-resistant Candida albicans. Furthermore, the antioxidant capability, chemical composition of this plant, and the effect's underlying mechanisms were evaluated. Methods: The antifungal activity was evaluated using checkerboard assay to establish the minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum microbicidal concen trations (MMC). During FLC and plant products challenges, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (hydroxyl radicals [HO●]) were detected in C. albicans cells using the membrane-permeable fluorescent probes APF and HPF. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) profile, quantitative analysis of antioxidant compounds, and free radical scavenging activity (DPPH assay) tests were performed. Results: The CLE and fractions presented outstanding antifungal activity and selectivity against C. albicans cells but had no synergistic effect's with FLC. The MIC values for CLE and its fractions against C. albicans reference strain were in the order of HX (31.25 µg ml-1) < EtOAc (62.5 μg ml-1) < CLE (500 μg ml-1), and against FLC-resistant C. albicans HX (125 μg ml-1) = EtOAc < CLE (500 μg ml-1). CLE and its fractions had more potent antifungal activities than FLC against the clinical isolates. Moreover, fungicidal effect's for these plant products were demonstrated against FLC-resistant C. albicans, which further conirmed an antifungal potential. Conversely, during association, plant products were shown to cause an increase in FLC MIC anywhere from 2- to 16-fold. FLC exposure led to an increase in the steady-state levels of ROS (HO●) in C. albicans cells. Next, we found that the increases in FLC MICs were owing to action of antioxidants containing-CLE and its fractions in preventing FLC-induced ROS-mediated growth inhibition of C. albicans. Conclusion: T. paniculatum can be a source of bioactive compounds with antifungal potential. However, because of the common use of its edible leaf, caution is advised during therapy with FLC (since it can decrease FLC susceptibility).

RESUMEN Objetivos: este estudio investigó la bioactividad del extracto de hoja en bruto (EHB) y las fracciones hexano (HX) y acetato de etilo (AcOEt) de Talinum paniculatum solo y en asociación con fluconazol (FLC) contra cepas de referencia y aislados clínicos de Candida albicans resistente a FLC. Además, evaluó la capacidad antioxidante, la composición química de esta planta y los mecanismos subyacentes del efecto fungicida. Métodos: la actividad antifúngica se evaluó mediante microdilución en caldo para establecer las concentraciones inhibitorias mínimas (CIM) y microbicidas mínimas (CMM). Durante el tratamiento con FLC y productos vegetales se detectó la generación de especies reactivas de oxígeno (ERO) (radicales hidroxilo [HO●]) en células de C. albicans utilizando las sondas fluorescentes permeables a la membrana APF y HPF. El perfil de cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (CLAR), el análisis cuantitativo de compuestos antioxidantes y el ensayo DPPH fueron evaluados. Resultados: el EHB y las fracciones presentaron una excelente actividad antifúngica y selectividad contra las células de C. albicans, pero no tuvieron efectos sinérgicos con FLC. Los valores de CIM para EHB y sus fracciones contra la cepa referencia de C. albicans fueron del orden de: HX (31,25 μg ml-1) < AcOEt (62,5 μg ml-1) < EHB (500 μg ml-1), y contra C. albicans resistente a FLC: HX (125 μg ml-1)= AcOEt < EHB (500 µg ml-1). EHB y sus fracciones fueron más potentes antifúngicos que FLC contra los aislados clínicos. Además, estos productos vegetales tienen efectos fungicidas contra C. albicans resistentes a FLC, esto conirmó el potencial antifúngico. Por el contrario, durante la asociación se demostró que los productos vegetales causan un aumento en la CIM de FLC de 2 a 16 veces. La exposición a FLC aumentó los niveles de ERO (HO●) en las células de C. albicans. Los aumentos en las CIM de FLC se debieron a la acción de los antioxidantes presentes en EHB y sus fracciones para prevenir la inhibición del crecimiento mediada por ERO inducida por FLC en C. albicans. Conclusión: T. paniculatum puede ser una fuente de compuestos bioactivos con potencial antifúngico. Sin embargo, debido al uso común de su hoja comestible, se recomienda usarla con precaución durante la terapia con FLC (ya que puede disminuir la susceptibilidad a FLC).

Absceso del psoas ilíaco: importancia del tratamiento percutáneo en una serie consecutiva de casos / Psoas abscess: importance of percutaneous drainage in a consecutive case series

Antecedentes: el absceso del psoas ilíaco es una entidad poco frecuente y de etiología variable. Su ubicación y cuadro clínico inespecífico la convierte en una entidad de difícil diagnóstico para el cirujano general. La oportunidad de tratar una serie de casos en un período de tiempo relativamente corto para este tipo de patología motivan esta comunicación. Objetivo: a partir de una serie consecutiva de casos, analizar etiología, clínica, y enfoque diagnóstico terapéutico, con especial énfasis en el drenaje percutáneo , como así también una sucinta revisión de la bibliografía reciente. Material y métodos: estudio observacional retrospectivo de una serie consecutiva de casos Resultados: la serie consta de 6 casos, 5 de tipo primario y 1 de tipo secundario. La signos más frecuentes fueron el dolor, la impotencia funcional y la leucocitosis. La Tomografía axial computada de abdomen con y sin contraste fue el método diagnóstico de elección. El drenaje percutáneo fue el tratamiento de elección en 5 casos (83,3%) mientras que en el restante se optó por antibioticoterapia y el drenaje de una colección adyacente. La evolución de todos los casos fue favorable. Conclusión: el absceso de psoas ilíaco es una patología que necesita un alto nivel de sospecha dada su clínica inespecífica. Para su diagnóstico, junto acon la clínica la Tomografía es el método de elección. El drenaje percutáneo de las colecciones bajo control tomográfico es un opción segura y eficaz para el tratamiento de esta entidad.

Background: The of the iliopsoas abscess is a rare entity with a variable etiology. Its location and nonspecific clinical features makes it becomes a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the general surgeon. The opportunity to treat a series of cases in a relatively short period of time motivates this communication. Objective: From a consecutive case series, we analyze etiology, clinical features , as well as diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, with special emphasis on percutaneous drainage, as well as a brief review of recent literature. Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of six patients diagnosed with an ilipsoas abscess in a tertiary care center. Results: The series consists of 6 cases, 5 of primary type and 1 of secondary type. Pain, Limp and leucocitosis were the more prevalent signs; computed tomography of the abdomen was the diagnostic method of choice. Percutaneous drainage was the therapeutic option in 5 cases (83.3%), while in the remaining, antibiotic therapy and the drainage of an adjacent collection were indicated. The evolution of all cases was favorable with no mortality nor morbidity. Conclusion: The iliac psoas abscess is a pathology that needs a high level of suspicion given its nonspecific presentation. For diagnosis, together with the clinic, computed tomography is the method of choice. Percutaneous drainage of collection under tomographic control is a safe and effective option for the treatment of this entity.

Profile of estimated glomerular filtration rate of children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Background: Kidney disease is more common in people of African descent in developed countries. Studies reporting estimate Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) in African populations and people living with HIV have been carried more frequently on adults than children. The study aimed to assess eGFR by use of the SCHWARTZ formula in HIV infected children seen at tertiary hospital.Methods: A descriptive, prospective and cross sectional study of 221 children with HIV infection. Schwartz formula was used to determine eGFR. The main outcome measures were eGFR. The study population comprised HIV infected children attending Paediatric out-patients' clinic and those admitted into the Paediatric wards, aged between 6 months and 15 years. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20 and results presented in tables and figures. Results: The age range of the study subjects was 12 months to 15 years with the mean age and SD of 8.21'3.61 years. There were 129 (58.4%) male and 92 (41.6%) female children with male to female ratio 1: 0.7.' The mean age for males was 7.87'3.49 years while that for females was 8.70'3.71 years. The eGFR for the study as determined by Schwartz formula had a range of 49.21 to 463.67 ml/ min/ 1.73m2 with the mean of 159.56'59.04 ml/min. The mean eGFR for the males and females were 166.39'63.54ml/ min and 149.99'45.01 ml/ min respectively. Conclusion: The study, in comparison with other studies, observed a lower prevalence of CKD in HIV infected children. Detection of CKD in HIV infection children may be more optimal if combined methods are employed.

Hepatic and Renal Biochemical Profile of Albino Rats Exposed to Chloroform and Methanol Leaf Extracts of Portulaca oleracea Linn.

Portulaca oleracea Linn. is among the medicinal plants used globally in the treatment of diseases and management of health challenges. The dearth of information on the long term effect of Portulaca oleracea on hepatic and renal toxicity prompted this study. The study investigated the subchronic effect of the oral administration of chloroform leaf extracts of Portulaca oleracea (CLEPO) and methanol leaf extracts of Portulaca oleracea (MLEPO) on plasma activity of some enzymes (ALT, ALP & AST) and levels of other biochemical parameters such as blood electrolytes, total protein, albumin, bilirubin, urea and creatinine in male albino rats. One hundred and twelve (112) animals were randomly divided into seven (7) groups of sixteen (16) rats each. Group A (Control) received 0.5ml/kg of 20% Tween 80 (vehicle), Groups B, C & D received 125, 250 & 500 mg/kg of CLEPO respectively and Groups E, F & G received 125, 250 & 500 mg/kg of MLEPO respectively for 60 days. On days 14, 28, 42 and 60; four rats from each group were anaesthetized and blood samples were collected for plasma biochemical assay. MLEPO caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in plasma AST and ALP level while CLEPO significantly (p<0.05) decreased the plasma AST level. MLEPO produced a highly significant (p<0.01) reduction in both total bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin levels as well as significant (p<0.05) decline in urea level. CLEPO produced a significant (p<0.05) decrease on conjugated bilirubin. Both extracts significantly (p<0.05) reduced the chloride level. Oral administration of CLEPO and MLEPO over a 60 day period is neither hepatotoxic nor nephrotoxic.

Modified Orbitozygomatic Approach without Orbital Roof Removal for Middle Fossa Lesions

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to describe an OrBitoZygomatic (OBZ) surgical variant that implies the drilling of the orbital roof and lateral wall of the orbit without orbitotomy.METHODS: Design : cross-sectional study. Between January 2010 and December 2014, 18 patients with middle fossa lesions underwent the previously mentioned OBZ surgical variant. Gender, age, histopathological diagnosis, complications, and percentage of resection were registered. The detailed surgical technique is described.RESULTS: Of the 18 cases listed in the study, nine were males and nine females. Seventeen cases (94.5%) were diagnosed as primary tumoral lesions, one case (5.5%) presented with metastasis of a carcinoma, and an additional one had a fibrous dysplasia. Age ranged between 27 and 73 years. Early complications were developed in four cases, but all of these were completely resolved. None developed enophthalmos.CONCLUSION: The present study illustrates a novel surgical OBZ approach that allows for the performance of a simpler and faster procedure with fewer complications, and without increasing surgical time or cerebral manipulation, for reaching lesions of the middle fossa. Thorough knowledge of the anatomy and surgical technique is essential for successful completion of the procedure.

Modified Orbitozygomatic Approach without Orbital Roof Removal for Middle Fossa Lesions

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to describe an OrBitoZygomatic (OBZ) surgical variant that implies the drilling of the orbital roof and lateral wall of the orbit without orbitotomy. METHODS: Design : cross-sectional study. Between January 2010 and December 2014, 18 patients with middle fossa lesions underwent the previously mentioned OBZ surgical variant. Gender, age, histopathological diagnosis, complications, and percentage of resection were registered. The detailed surgical technique is described. RESULTS: Of the 18 cases listed in the study, nine were males and nine females. Seventeen cases (94.5%) were diagnosed as primary tumoral lesions, one case (5.5%) presented with metastasis of a carcinoma, and an additional one had a fibrous dysplasia. Age ranged between 27 and 73 years. Early complications were developed in four cases, but all of these were completely resolved. None developed enophthalmos. CONCLUSION: The present study illustrates a novel surgical OBZ approach that allows for the performance of a simpler and faster procedure with fewer complications, and without increasing surgical time or cerebral manipulation, for reaching lesions of the middle fossa. Thorough knowledge of the anatomy and surgical technique is essential for successful completion of the procedure.

La ergonomía de la persona. la medicina del trabajo en la aviación y en el trabajo médico / Work medicine and the ergonomics of the person

La Organización Internacional de Trabajo (OIT) señala que la magnitud de las lesiones, enfermedades y muertes ocasionadas por el trabajo indica la necesidad imperiosa de los Estados de proseguir la acción para reducirlas. Medicina del trabajo y ergonomía de la persona. Importancia de los exámenes médicos en la prevención de accidentes y enfermedades laborales.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) indicates that the magnitude of work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths caused by work, indicates the imperative need for States to continue to reduce them. Medicine the work and ergonomics of the person, importance of medical examinations in prevention of accidents and labor diseases.

Primer relevamiento de marcadores de resistencia a antibióticos en Enterobacteriaceae en Cochabamba, Bolivia / First survey on antibiotic resistance markers in Enterobacteriaceae in Cochabamba, Bolivia

A molecular survey was conducted in Cochabamba, Bolivia, to characterize the mechanism involved in the resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics. Extended Spectrum β-lactamase encoding genes and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) markers were investigated in a total of 101 oxyimino-cephalosporin-resistant enterobacteria recovered from different health centers during four months (2012-2013). CTX-M enzymes were detected in all isolates, being the CTX-M-1 group the most prevalent (88.1%). The presence of blaOXA-1 was detected in 76.4% of these isolates. A high quinolone resistance rate was observed among the included isolates. The aac(6′)-Ib-cr gene was the most frequent PMQR identified (83.0%). Furthermore, 6 isolates harbored the qnrB gene. Interestingly, qepA1 (6) and oqxAB (1), were detected in 7 Escherichia coli, being the latter the first to be reported in Bolivia. This study constitutes the first molecular survey on resistance markers in clinical enterobacterial isolates in Cochabamba, Bolivia, contributing to the regional knowledge of the epidemiological situation. The molecular epidemiology observed herein resembles the scene reported in South America.

Se llevó a cabo un relevamiento molecular de la resistencia a antibióticos de importancia clínica en aislamientos recuperados en Cochabamba, Bolivia. Se estudiaron los genes codificantes de β-lactamasas de espectro extendido y de resistencia a quinolonas de localización plasmídica (PMQR) en un total de 101 aislamientos de enterobacterias resistentes a oximinocefalosporinas recuperados en distintos centros de salud, durante 4 meses (2012-2013). En todos ellos se detectó la presencia de cefotaximasas, las CTX-M grupo 1 fueron las más prevalentes (88,1%). La presencia de blaOXA-1 se detectó en el 76,4% de estos aislamientos. Se observó una elevada proporción de aislamientos resistentes a quinolonas. El gen aac(6′)-Ib-cr fue el determinante PMQR más frecuentemente identificado (83%). Además, 6 aislamientos resultaron ser portadores de qnrB. Por otro lado, cabe remarcar que 7 Escherichia coli presentaron qepA1 (6) y oqxAB (1); se documenta así por primera vez la presencia de oqxAB en Bolivia. Este estudio constituye el primer relevamiento de marcadores de resistencia en aislamientos clínicos de enterobacterias en Cochabamba, Bolivia; de este modo se contribuye al conocimiento regional de la situación epidemiológica, la cual presenta un escenario similar al observado en el resto de Latinoamérica.

Association between Family Developmental Stages and Clinical Manifestations of Patients with Psychosomatic Morbidity Presenting at a Primary Care Clinic in South-West Nigeria.

Aim: This study aimed to find out the relationship between the clinical manifestations of patients with psychosomatic morbidity (PSM) and their family developmental stages. Study Design: A cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study period span between February 1st and April 30th 2013, during which patients who presented at the General Outpatient (GOP) clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan for various complaints were encountered. Methods: A sample of 360 patients with varying forms of PSM identified by five or more from the symptoms in the primary evaluation of mental disorder- patient health questionnaire somatoform, anxiety and depression modules (PRIME-MD PHQ SADs) was recruited consecutively. The international classification for primary care second electronic version (ICPC-2E) was used to categorize the clinical manifestations of respondents while Stevenson’s family developmental model classified the family developmental stages into emerging, crystallizing, interacting and actualizing family. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences soft ware version 17. Statistical significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Among the 360 respondents studied, 275 were married with age range between 19 and 80 years, 62.5% lived with their spouses, 3.1% divorced∕ separated and 10.8% were widowed. Majority was females (74.9%) and the predominant family developmental stage was the crystallizing family (30.2%). General and unspecified physical (GUP) complaints were the commonest clinical manifestation seen in all the stages except the emerging family which has gynaecological complaints. Comparing the mean scores of married respondents with moderate-severe PSM and family stages shows that being married and living with spouses may be protective against severe forms of PSM (P = .04). On the other hand, comparing the mean scores of single and married respondents with moderate-severe PSM shows that respondents who are single may come with severe forms of somatoform disorder when compared with other single respondents with anxiety or depressive disorder (P < .05). There is however no relationship between the family developmental stage and severity of PSM. Conclusion: There was interplay between medically unexplained physical complaints and patient’s family characteristics. Being married and living with spouses may be protective against severe forms of PSM.

Identification of polymorphisms of XRCC1 gene in patients with cancer in a city of northern Brazil / Identificação dos polimorfismos do gene XRCC1 em indivíduos com câncer em uma cidade da Região Norte do Brasil

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cancer is considered a genetic disease. For this reason, identification and characterization of the genes involved in its origin and progression are of fundamental importance in understanding its molecular basis. Objective: Our objective was to determine whether people from Macapá with a diagnosis of cancer have genetic polymorphisms related to the XRCC1 gene. Materials and methods: We analyzed 30 samples of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of cases with cancer and 30 control samples. All samples were amplified and analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) method, with the use of restriction enzyme MspI. Results: Regarding the 194T polymorphism, we found that all samples of the cases presented the polymorphic allele Trp (Arg/Trp). In control samples, 96.6% also identify the polymorphic allele Trp and, among these, one was homozygous for the same allele (Trp/Trp). Regarding the 399A polymorphism, 83.3% of the cases and 23.3% of the controls had the Arg/ Gln genotype, respectively. We found that 73.3% of controls and 16.6% of cases had the Arg/Arg genotype. Among the controls, we found only a sample that was homozygous for the polymorphic allele Trp/Trp. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated the allele frequency of 194Trp polymorphism in both sample groups analyzed. We also found a significant number of polymorphic allele 399A in people with cancer. Thus, we can highlight 399Gln polymorphism as a genetic marker of cancer risk in this population. .

RESUMO Introdução: O câncer é considerado uma doença genética, por isso identificar e caracterizar os genes envolvidos em sua origem e progressão é fundamental para compreender suas bases moleculares. Objetivos: Nosso objetivo foi verificar se os indivíduos de Macapá com diagnóstico de câncer apresentavam os polimorfismos genéticos relacionados com o gene XRCC1. Materiais e métodos: Foram analisadas 30 amostras de ácido desoxirribonucleico (DNA) de indivíduos com câncer e 30 amostras controle. Todas elas foram amplificadas e analisadas pela técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR)-polimorfismo de tamanho de fragmentos de restrição (RFLP), com a utilização da enzima de restrição MspI. Resultados: Com relação ao polimorfismo 194T, observamos que todas as amostras dos casos apresentaram o alelo polimórfico Trp (Arg/Trp). Nas amostras controle, em 96,6% também identificamos o alelo polimórfico Trp e, entre essas, uma foi homozigota para o mesmo alelo (Trp/Trp). Quanto ao polimorfismo 399A, 83,3% das amostras dos indivíduos com câncer e 23,3% das amostras controle apresentaram o genótipo Arg/Gln. Verificamos que 73,3% dos controles e 16,6% dos casos apresentaram genótipo Arg/Arg. Encontramos apenas uma amostra, entre os controles, homozigota para o alelo polimórfico Trp/Trp. Conclusão: Nossos resultados demonstraram a frequência do alelo polimórfico 194Trp nos dois grupos amostrais analisados. Encontramos também um número significativo do alelo polimórfico 399A em indivíduos com câncer. Desse modo, podemos destacar o polimorfismo 399Gln como possível marcador genético para ser usado no prognóstico do câncer nessa população. .

Antibiotic resistance and integrons in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cause hemorrhagic colitis (HC) and hemolytic-uremic syndrome in humans (HUS). Cattle are the main reservoir of STEC and transmission to humans occurs through contaminated food and water. Antibiotics are used in pig production systems to combat disease and improve productivity and play a key role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes to the bacteria. Integrons have been identified in resistant bacteria allowing for the acquisition and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes. STEC strains isolated from humans and animals have developed antibiotic resistance. In our laboratory, 21 non-157 STEC strains isolated from pigs were analyzed to detect class 1 and 2 integrons by PCR. Eight carried integrons, 7 of them harbored intl2. In another study 545 STEC strains were also analyzed for the presence of intl1 and intl2. Strains carrying intl1 belonged to isolates from environment (n = 1), chicken hamburger (n = 2), dairy calves (n = 4) and pigs (n = 8). Two strains isolated from pigs harbored intl2 and only one intl1/intl2, highlighting the presence of intl2 in pigs. The selection for multiresistant strains may contribute to the emergence of antibiotic resistant pathogens and facilitate the spreading of the mobile resistance elements to other bacteria.

Anti-venom Activity of Mucuna pruriens Leaves Extract Against Cobra Snake (Naja hannah) Venom.

The study was done to investigate the anti-venom activity of Mucuna pruriens leaves extract against cobra snake (Naja hannah) venom. Study Design: The mice were randomly grouped into six groups (A, B, C, D, E, and F) of five rats each. Group A served as the normal control (no induction), and the mice in the group were given normal saline (1ml/kg/body weight).Group B served as the test control (snake venom was induced but no treatment administered), Group C served as the standard control (snake venom was induced and treated with antivenin, a standard drug), Group D, E and F were all induced with the cobra snake venom and treated with ethanolic extracts of the leaves of M. pruriens for 14 days. Methodology: The induction with cobra snake venom was done with 0.075mg/kg b.w of venom and thereafter the treatment with M. pruriens extract for Group D, E and F were done with 40 mg/ kg, 60 mg/ kg and 80 mg/ kg respectively intraperitoneally in the mice. Serum blood of the animals was used to assay for total cholesterol, bilirubin, AST, ALT, GSH and catalase levels after 14days. Result: The injection of crude venom of cobra snake (Naja hannah) caused an increase in cholesterol, AST, ALT, bilirubin, catalase and glutathione in envenomated mice which significantly reduced (p<0.05) compared to all the controls after 14 days of treatment with the extract. Conclusion: The results suggests that 80 mg/ kg of the plant extract is more effective than the standard drug, therefore M. pruriens leaves has a greater anti-venom potential for curing snake bite, than antivenin.

ß-lactamases produced by amoxicillin-clavulanate-resistant enterobacteria isolated in Buenos Aires, Argentina: A new blaTEMgene / ß-lactamasas producidas por enterobacterias resistentes a amoxicilina-ácido clavulánico aisladas en Buenos Aires, Argentina: un nuevo gen blaTEM

La resistencia a la combinación de ß-lactámico/inhibidor de ß-lactamasa en enterobacterias es un problema creciente que no ha sido estudiado intensamente en Argentina. En el presente trabajo, 54/843 enterobacterias recolectadas en un hospital universitario de la ciudad de Buenos Aires fueron resistentes a ampicilina-sulbactama, pero se mantuvieron sensibles a las cefalosporinas de segunda y tercera generación. Se analizaron los mecanismos enzimáticos presentes en los aislamientos que también fueron resistentes a amoxicilina-ácido clavulánico (AMC) (18/54). La secuenciación reveló dos variantes diferentes de blaTEM-1, donde blaTEM-1b es el alelo más frecuentemente detectado (10 Escherichia coli, 3 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 2 Proteus mirabilis y 1 Raoultella terrigena), seguidos por blaTEM-1a(1 K. pneumoniae). La resistencia a AMC parece estar asociada principalmente con la hiperproducción de TEM-1 (sobre todo en E. coli) o con la coexpresión con ß-lactamasas tipo OXA-2 y/o SHV (K. pneumoniae y P. mirabilis). Se describió una nueva variante de blaTEM(TEM-163) en un aislamiento de E. coli que presentó una CIM frente a AMC de 16/8 µg/ml. La enzima TEM-163 contiene dos sustituciones de aminoácidos respecto de TEM-1, Arg275Gln y His289Leu. Teniendo en cuenta la alta actividad específica observada y la baja IC50 para el ácido clavulánico, el patrón de resistencia de este aislamiento parece obedecer a la hiperproducción de la nueva variante de la ß-lactamasa de amplio espectro, en lugar de vincularse con un comportamiento similar al de una TEM resistente a inhibidores (IRT).

Resistance to ß-lactam/ß-lactamase inhibitors in enterobacteria is a growing problem that has not been intensively studied in Argentina. In the present work, 54/843 enterobacteria collected in a teaching hospital of Buenos Aires city were ampicillin-sulbactam-resistant isolates remaining susceptible to second-and third-generation cephalosporins. The enzymatic mechanisms present in the isolates, which were also amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC)-resistant (18/54) were herein analyzed. Sequencing revealed two different variants of blaTEM-1, being blaTEM-1b the most frequently detected allelle (10 Escherichia coli, 3 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 2 Proteus mirabilis and 1 Raoultella terrigena) followed by blaTEM-1a(1 K. pneumoniae). Amoxicillin-clavulanate resistance seems to be mainly associated with TEM-1 overproduction (mostly in E. coli) or co-expressed with OXA-2-like and/or SHV ß-lactamases (K. pneumoniae and P. mirabilis). A new blaTEMvariant (TEM-163) was described in an E. coli strain having an AMC MIC value of 16/8 µg/ml. TEM-163 contains Arg275Gln and His289Leu amino acid substitutions. On the basis of the high specific activity and low IC50 for clavulanic acid observed, the resistance pattern seems to be due to overproduction of the new variant of broad spectrumß-lactamase rather than to an inhibitor-resistant TEM (IRT)-like behavior.

Comparative Studies of the Effect of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre on High Fat and High Carbohydrate Diet Induced Obesity in Rats.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of ethanolic extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum on high fat and high carbohydrate diet induced obesity in male wistar rats. Methodology: 30 male wistar rats used for this study were divided into 5 groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 was fed the normal pellet diet (NPD), Group 2 and 3 were fed with high fat diet (HFD), Group 4 and 5 were with fed high carbohydrate diet (HCD) and all groups had free access to diets and water ad libitum for 18 weeks. Treatment with 500mg/kg b.w ethanolic extract of S. jollyanum for Group 3 and 5 started in the 14th week, that is, at the end of obesity induction and lasted for another four weeks. The extract was suspended in normal saline and administered orally to the rats using a gavage tube. Thereafter, the food intake, body weight, total fat mass, adiposity index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose, insulin and leptin were measured. Results: The results showed that feeding with HFD and HCD significantly increased (p<0.05) body weight, total fat mass, adiposity index, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), very density low cholesterol (VDL-C), low density low cholesterol (LDL-C), creatine kinanse (CK) activity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose, insulin and leptin levels. The ethanolic extract of S. jollyanum significantly decreased total fat mass, adiposity index, TC, TG, VDL-C, LDL-C, CK activity, LDH, glucose and leptin levels in the HFD group. While among the HCD group, S. jollyanum significantly decreased total fat mass, adiposity index and CK activity. Conclusion: The high fat and high carbohydrate diet induced obesity in the wistar rats and the decrease in the lipid profile, heart biomarkers, glucose and leptin by ethanolic extract of S. jollyanum shows that the plant might possess anti-obesity effect.

Primera detección de CMY-2 en Salmonella Heidelberg en Sudamérica / First detection of CMY-2 plasmid mediated ß-lactamase in Salmonella Heidelberg in South America

Salmonellaenterica serovar Heidelberg es uno de los principales agentes causantes de salmonelosis en humanos en Estados Unidos y Canadá, sin embargo, resulta infrecuente en los países de Sudamérica y Europa. En este trabajo se caracterizó un aislamiento de S. Heidelberg resistente a oximino-cefalosporinas recuperado de un paciente internaen un hospital de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Se evidenció la presencia de un plásmido de 97 kbperteneciente al grupo de incompatibilidad IncN, portador del gen blaCMY-2. ISEcp1 fue localizado corriente arriba de blaCMY-2, promoviendo su expresión y movilización.El aislamiento de S. Heidelberg correspondió al secuenciotipo 15 y en la virotipifi cación se detectó el gen sopE. En este trabajo describimos por primera vez la producción de CMY-2 en una cepa de S. Heidelberg en nuestro país y América Latina

Salmonellaenterica serovar Heidelberg ranks among the most prevalent causes of human salmonellosis in the United States and Canada, although it has been infrequently reported in South American and European countries.Most Salmonella infections are self-limiting; however, some invasive infections require antimicrobial therapy. In this work we characterized an oxyimino-cephalosporin resistant S. Heidelberg isolate recovered from an inpatient in a Buenos Aires hospital. CMY-2 was responsible for the ß-lactam resistance profi le. S. Heidelberg contained a 97 kb plasmid belonging to the Inc N groupharboring blaCMY-2. ISEcp1 was located upstream blaCMY-2 driving its expression and mobilization.The isolate belonged to sequence type 15 and virotyping revealed the presence of sopE gene. In this study we identifi ed the fi rst CMY-2 producing isolate of S. Heidelberg in Argentina and even in South Americ

Discectomía percutánea dorsolateral para el tratamiento de la hernia discal hansen tipo II en los segmentos T11 a L6 en perros: Estudio en cadáveres / Dorsolateral percutaneous discectomy for the treatment of the hansen type II herniated disc of the T11-L6 segments in dogs: A study on cadavers

El propósito de este estudio fue describir un abordaje quirúrgico para una discectomía percutánea en los discos intervertebrales de los niveles T11-L6 en cadáveres de perros. El abordaje se realizó por vía percutánea dorsolateral, guiado por fluoroscopio, en los niveles T11 a L6 en seis cadáveres frescos de caninos adultos sanos de diferentes razas. Se les practicó una discectomía mecánica con pinzas sacabocados de 2 mm y discectomía térmica con radiofrecuencia por abordaje mínimamente invasivo. El abordaje percutáneo y la discectomía fueron posibles en el 96% de las muestras. La distancia promedio de ingreso de la aguja con respecto a la línea media fue de 4,3 (± 1,276 cm). El promedio de angulación fue de 50,1 ± 14,785 grados, con respecto al plano horizontal. La cantidad de material discal retirada fue de aproximadamente 10 mm y la implementación de todo el procedimiento dejó una herida de 4 mm. Se demostró que el abordaje percutáneo dorsolateral en perros hace posible acceder directamente al disco intervertebral a través de un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo. La discectomía percutánea podría ser una alternativa de descompresión en pacientes con patología degenerativa discal y hernias protruidas en el segmento toracolumbar. Se hace necesario realizar un estudio clínico para evaluar la eficacia de este procedimiento.

The purpose of this study was to describe surgical approach for a percutaneous discectomy of the T11-L6 intervertebral discs in canine cadavers. A percutaneous dorsolateral approach, guided by fluoroscopy, at the level of the T11 to L6 intervertebral discs in six healthy adult fresh canine cadavers of different breeds was performed. A minimally invasive mechanical percutaneous discectomy with a 2-mm forceps and a thermal discectomy with radiofrequency, were carried out. Both the percutaneous approach and the discectomy were possible in 96% of the samples. The average distance of needle penetration with respect to the midline was 4.3 ± 1276 cm. With respect to the horizontal plane, the mean angle was 50.1 ± 14785 degrees. The amount of disc material removed was approximately 10 mm, and the implementation of the entire procedure left a 4 mm wound. It was demostrated that the dorsolateral percutaneous approach in dogs enables a direct access to the intervertebral disk through a minimally invasive procedure. Percutaneous discectomy could be an alternative for decompression in patients with degenerative disc pathologies and protruded hernias in the thoracolumbar segment. It is deemed clinical studies to evaluate the efficacy of this procedure.

Dos aislamientos de Salmonella Infantis multirresistentes se comportan como hipoinvasivos pero con elevada proliferación intracelular

En este trabajo se investigó la presencia de determinantes característicos de plásmidos de virulencia en dos aislamientos clínicos de Salmonella Infantis portadores de plásmidos de multirresistencia. Además, se estudió la capacidad de invasión y proliferación en células eucariotas no fagocíticas. Ninguno de los aislamientos de S. Infantis mostró los determinantes genéticos que caracterizan a los plásmidos de virulencia para este género (operón spv). Los ensayos de invasión sobre líneas celulares eucariotas mostraron que los aislamientos de S. Infantis presentan una capacidad de invasión disminuida pero persisten y proliferan en el citoplasma, independientemente de utilizar una línea celular permisiva (HeLa) o no permisiva (NRK) para tal fin. Finalmente, no se observaron indicios microscópicos que podrían hacer sospechar un efecto bactericida de estas líneas celulares sobre los aislamientos estudiados.

Two multidrug-resistant Salmonella Infantis isolates behave like hypo-invasive strains but have high intracellular proliferation. In this work, plasmid-encoded virulence factors in two Salmonella Infantis isolates carrying multiresistance plasmids were investigated. In addition, their invasion and proliferative ability in non-phagocytic cells was studied. None of them showed the typical determinants of virulence plasmids (spv operon). The invasion assays of S. Infantis isolates on eukaryotic cells showed a decreased ability to Invade but they remained and proliferated In the cytoplasm regardless of having used a permissive (HeLa) or non-permissive (NRK) cell line. Finally, there was no microscopic evidence suggesting a bactericidal effect of these eukaryotic cell lines on the Isolates tested.

The effects of penicillin-streptomycin on liver aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase and total serum protein in rabbits (Orcytolagus coniculus).

The effects of penicillin-streptomycin on some liver enzymes and total serum protein were investigated using thirty adult rabbits (Orcytolagus coniculus) weighing 1.8 – 2.5kg. They were divided into six groups (Groups A – F) of five animals each. Groups A – C received high, moderate and low doses of penicillin-streptomycin, respectively; Group D received penicillin at 10mg/kg twice daily, Group E received streptomycin at 50mg/kg once daily while Group F received normal saline throughout the period of drug administration. All treatments were administered intramuscularly and lasted for ten consecutive days. Serum samples were taken before drug administration (0 hour) to establish baseline parameters and then at 24 and 168 hours post administration of the last dose of the drugs, that is, 11th and 17th days post commencement of treatment. Aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatse (ALP) and total serum protein were determined in all the serum samples using appropriate methods. The results showed significant increase in AST and ALT when compared with baseline parameters (p < 0.05). In contrast, there was significant decrease in total serum protein (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in ALP activities before and after drug administration. In conclusion, penicillin-streptomycin could interfere with liver functions by induction of acute hepatitis especially when given in high dosages.