Evaluation of the bactericidal activity of secondary metabolites isolated from Heliotropium genus against Piscirickettsia salmonis / Evaluación de la actividad bactericida de metabolitos secundarios aislados desde especies del género Heliotropiumcontra Piscirickettsia salmonis

The intracellular bacteria Piscirickettsia salmonis is the most prevalent pathogen in the Chilean salmon industry, responsible for 50 percent of losses in recent years. So far, there are no effective treatments to control infections by this pathogen due to the emergence of antibiotics resistance. Therefore, it is extremely important to conduct research to find successful antibacterial therapies. In this paper, we evaluated the in vitro bactericidal activity of flavonoids and aromatic geranyl derivatives isolated from the resinous exudate of species Heliotropium filifolium, H. sinuatum y H. huascoense. The results showed that the compounds Filifolinone, Naringenine and 3-O- methylgalangine cause different percentage of mortality of bacteria and therefore they are good candidates to continue its evaluation in vitro and in vivo.

La bacteria intracelular Piscirickettsia salmonis es el patógeno de mayor incidencia en la industria salmonera chilena siendo responsable de un 50 por ciento de las pérdidas en los últimos años. Hasta ahora no hay tratamientos efectivos para este patógeno que permitan controlar las infecciones provocadas por él debido a la aparición de resistencia a antibióticos. Por lo tanto, resulta de gran importancia investigar para encontrar terapias antibacterianas efectivas. En este trabajo nosotros evaluamos la actividad bactericida in vitro de flavonoides y derivados aromáticos geranilados aislados desde el exudado resinoso de las especies vegetales Heliotropium filifolium, H. sinuatum y H. huascoense. Los resultados mostraron que los compuestos Filifolinona, Naringenina y 3-O-metilgalangina provocan diferentes porcentajes de mortalidad de la bacteria y, por lo tanto, son candidatos para seguir siendo evaluados tanto in vitro como in vivo.

Derivatives of 3H-spiro1-benzofuran-2, 1’-cyclohexanes: immunostimulants for veterinary use / Derivados de 3H-espiro1-benzofurano-2, 1’-ciclohexanos: inmunoestimulantes de uso veterinario

Four 3H-spiro1-benzofuran-2, 1’-cyclohexanes were synthesized from filifolinol, two of which are reported for the first time. Docking molecular studies were carried out to determine in silico whether these derivatives have similar immunostimulant activity to that reported for filifolinol, and its oxidation product, filifolinone. Through of the study of interactions of these compounds with the heterodimer of the protein present in teleost TLR1-TLR2, filifolinol, 3’-filifolinchloride and filifolinyl acetate shows similar interactions between them, allowing to predict that they would have similar immunostimulant activity, but different to filifolinone and filifolinane or that they would act by a different mechanisms.

Cuatro 3H-spiro1-benzofuran-2, 1'-ciclohexanos se sintetizaron a partir de filifolinol, dos de los cuales son reportados por primera vez. Se llevaron a cabo estudios de docking molecular para determinar in silico si estos derivados tienen actividad inmunoestimulante similar a la reportada para filifolinol y su producto de oxidación, filifolinona. A través del estudio de las interacciones de estos compuestos con el heterodímero de la proteína presente en teleósteos TLR1-TLR2 se estableció que el filifolinol, 3'-cloruro de filifolinilo y acetato de filifolinilo tienen interacciones similares con el heterodímero, lo que permite predecir que entre ellos tendrían una actividad simi- lar, pero diferente a la de la filifolinona y filifolinano o que estos últimos actuarían por diferentes mecanismos.

In vitro immunostimulant activity of the aromatic geranyl derivative Filifolinone / Actividad inmunoestimulante in vitro del derivado aromático geranilado Filifolinona

The in vitro effect of the 3 H-spiro [1-benzofuran-2,1’-ciclohexane] derivative (Filifolinone), was evaluated on mouse dendritic cells through the level of expression of MHC molecules class II by flow cytometry. The results show that Filifolinone increases the expression of MHC promoting maturation of dendritic cells. The results suggest that Filifolinone is a potential immunomodulator for veterinary use.

La actividad in vitro del derivado 3H-espiro [1-benzofurano-2,1’-ciclohexano] (Filifolinona), fue evaluado en células dendríticas de ratón a través del nivel de expresión de moléculas MHC clase II utilizando citometría de flujo. Los resultados muestran que Filifolinona incrementa la expresión de MHC promoviendo la maduración de las células dendríticas. Estos resultados permiten sugerir que Filifolinona es un potencial inmunomodulador de uso veterinario.

In vitro antiproliferative activity of 3 H-spiro [1-benzofuran-2,1'-cyclohexane] derivatives / Actividad antiproliferativa in vitro de derivados de 3 H-spiro [1-benzofuran-2, 1'-cyclohexano]

The in vitro effect of the resinous exudate of Heliotropium filifolium, of the 3 H-spiro[1-benzofuran-2,1 '-cyclohexane] derivative called filifolinol 1, isolated from the resin and the semi-synthetic compounds filifolinone 2 and filifolinoic acid 3, obtained from filifolinol 1, were evaluated on the proliferation of an immortalized cell line, UCHT1, derived from rat thyroid. We evaluated the effect of these compounds on UCHT1 cell growth parameters by calculating doubling time; and toxicity using the LIVE/DEAD™ in vitro test. The results showed that the resin is not active, while filifolinone 2, filifolinoic acid 3 and filifolinol 1 produced a significant inhibition of cell doubling time, in concentrations equal or greater than 50, 25 and 75 uM, respectively. The LIVE/DEAD test showed no significant toxicity at these concentrations, compared to cultures kept in absence of compounds. These results suggest a possible cytostatic effect of these compounds, and could therefore constitute potential alternatives for antineoplasic therapy.

Se evaluó el efecto in vitro de la resina aislada desde Heliotropium filifolium y del derivado 3 H-spiro[1-benzofuran-2,1'-cyclohexano] llamado filifolinol 1, obtenido desde este exudado resinoso y los compuestos semi-sintéticos filifolinona 2 y ácido filifolinoico 3, obtenidos a partir de filifolinol 1, sobre la proliferación de la línea celular inmortal, UCHT1, derivada de tumor de tiroide de rata. Evaluamos el efecto de estos compuestos en el desarrollo celular de UCHT1 a través de los parámetros tiempo de doblaje y citotoxicidad usando el test LIVE/DEAD™ in vitro. Los resultados mostraron que la resina no presentó actividad y que filifolinona, ácido filifolinoico y filifolinol producen una inhibición significativa del tiempo de doblaje celular, en concentraciones iguales o superiores a 50, 25 y 75 uM, respectivamente. El test LIVE/DEAD no mostró toxicidad significativa en comparación con los cultivos mantenidos en ausencia de compuestos. Estos resultados sugieren un posible efecto citostático de estos compuestos y por lo tanto, constituirían alternativas potenciales para terapia antineoplásica.

Incidencia de retinopatía de la prematuridad y su evolución en niños sobrevivientes de muy bajo peso al nacer egresados del Instituto Especializado Materno Perinatal de Lima / Incidence of rethinopaty of prematurity (ROP) and its evolution in the population preterms of very low birth weight survivors and that was discharged from the Instituto Especializado Materno Perinatal of Lima

Objetivos: Conocer la incidencia de retinopatía de la prematuridad (ROP) y su evolución en la población de niños pretérminos de muy bajo peso al nacer (MBPN) ó < de 1500 g, sobrevivientes nacidos en el Instituto Especializado Materno Perinatal (IEMP) de Lima y que fueron dados de alta durante el año 2003, así como las características de la población estudiada. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo en el cual se incluyeron 136 niños pretérminos de MBPN que sobrevivieron en el IEMP durante el año 2003. Se conformaron tres grupos de acuerdo al diagnóstico oftalmológico al alta: Fondo de ojo normal (FO N), FO con algún grado de ROP que evolucionó hacia la regresión (FO R) y FO con ROP que requirió terapia con láser (FO T). Se excluyó a 20 sobrevivientes por: ser referidos a otras instituciones, padecer de malformaciones congénitas, corioretinitis o tener su ficha clínica incompleta. Resultados: De los 136 niños de MBPN sobrevivientes estudiados y que fueron dados de alta del IEMP durante el año 2003, la incidencia de ROP de cualquier grado fue 70,6 por ciento (5,45 x 1000 NV), en 70 (51,5 por ciento) hubo regresión espontánea y en 26 (19,1 por ciento) se les administró laserterapia, evolucionando 3 (11,5 por ciento) de ellos con ceguera bilateral. Se halló relación entre los promedios de peso al nacer y edad gestacional con la presencia de ROP: los promedios menores fueron del grupo de ROP que requirió tratamiento con láser. No se encontró asociación entre el sexo y el diagnóstico de ROP (OR= 0,67, IC 95 por ciento: 0,29 - 1,50) y la evolución de la retinopatía (OR= 1,53, IC 95 por ciento: 0,56 - 4,19).

Knowledge about breastfeeding in mothers of infants with gastroesophageal reflux

Infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who are breastfed have significantly shorter clinical episodes of the condition than artificially fed infants. The purpose of this study was to identify the knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding in mothers of babies 0-12 months of age with gastroesophageal reflux. A non-probabilistic sample was taken among patients from various private radiological centers. Sixty mothers completed a self-administered questionnaire, with a median age of 26 years and an educational level of 14 years. Seventy one percent breastfed their last baby, but only 18.6 practiced exclusive breastfeeding. The pediatrician suggested formula to 53.3 of the mothers, and 64 of the mothers were told to combine breast milk with vegetables as treatment for the GERD. Inadequate knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding was exhibited by 27 of the mothers. Mothers of infants with GERD need education on the importance of breastfeeding. Further research is necessary on the factors which impact the duration of breastfeeding in this population.

Factores Asociados al Nivel de Ansiedad del Personal de Enfermería al Ofrecer Cuidado al Paciente VIH Positivo / Factors associated with the level of anxiety of nursing personnel taking care of HIV positive patients

The objective of the study was to measure the level of HIV/AIDS related anxiety among hospital nursing staff and identify its determinants. Data were obtained through anonymous self administered questionnaire distributed to 222 nurses. The rasge anxiety and the HIV/AIDS attitudes were the most determinants of the anxiety level in the participants. Specifically, negative HIV/AIDS attitudes was associated with raise in state anxiety level, as well as high level of rasge anxiety was associated with high level of state anxiety. In conclusion, it is necessary to provide to the participants update trainings that included different aspects of HIV infection, as well as, anxiety management when caring for persons with HIV/AIDS.

Pacientes Renales: aspectos relacionados con el Cumplimiento del Tratamiento Renal / Kidney patients: aspects related to compliance with renal treatment

The Objective of this study was identify the aspects related with the adherence of medical treatment recommended to the patients that received hemodialysis in the tertiary public hospital. A non experimental transectional correlation design was utilized in this study. Fifty-three patients constituted the population study. A structure interview was utilized to gathered the data. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were utilized to analysis. The response rate was 91.0. The 75.0 of patients not compliance with the medical treatment. Significant association between compliance variable and educational level was encountered (p < or = 0.05). This study provides important findings to will develops educative intervention in the Renal Unit, directed to improve the adherence of the patient with medical treatment.

Profile of calls to a breastfeeding clinic information and help telephone line

Breastfeeding mothers need orientation and help in order to succeed with breastfeeding. Lack of support from health professionals and societal barriers result in a median duration of breastfeeding in Puerto Rico of only 3 weeks. A telephone warm line at our breastfeeding clinic tries to provide some much-needed support and orientation. The purpose of this study was to determine the principal reasons for calls to the warm line and the action taken by the counselor. Five hundred and thirty three calls were received in a 4-month period. They were handled by certified lactation educators who gathered demographic and feeding information from the mother and registered the action taken. Descriptive analysis was used with crosstabs tables and multi-response analysis; chi-square test was used to establish the association between variables. 78.7 of callers were breastfeeding fully, while 21.3 were breastfeeding partially or formula feeding, 62.8 of the babies were 2 months old or less. 68.8 of the calls originated in the metropolitan San Juan area. The source of the referral was family/friend in 64.2 of calls, while only 9.8 of the callers were referred by a physician, 3.0 by hospital personnel and 2.0 by other health care providers. Significant differences between full breastfeeders and partial or artificial feeders were found in calls related to position (p = 0.01), engorgement (p = 0.04), breast refusal (p = 0.001), product information (p = 0.02), medications (p = 0.009), breastmilk management and storage (p = 0.001), and relactation (p = 0.02). Actions taken by the counselor included orientation, referral to breastfeeding specialist physician and referral to breastfeeding support groups or classes. Results indicate that more active promotion of referral to breastfeeding support groups or classes is warranted since this action was taken in only 14.5 of fully breastfeeding mothers and 12.6 of partial breastfeeding or formula users. Promotion of the warm line among physicians, hospitals and other health care professionals is also needed.

Conocimiento en sexualidad y prácticas sexuales en estudiantes universitarios con impedimentos visuales: necesidad de materiales educativos / Knowledge about sexuality and sex behavior in university students with visual impairment: need of educational materials

The objective of this study was to identify the knowledge about sexuality (including STD/HIV/AIDS), the sexual practices more frequents and sexuality education sources in a group of students with visual impairments. A self administered questionnaire was utilized in 50 students with visual impairment. Descriptive statistics were utilized. Seventy six percent (76.0) of the participants presented a high knowledge about sexuality and 22.0 presented moderated knowledge. The no penetrative sexual practice more frequent was corporal caress (82.0) and the penetrative was penis-vagina (74.0). The source of sexuality education most common was the conferences (83.9). Although, in general, the knowledge about sexuality was high, there are "gaps" in them. There is the need to develop educational materials adapted to the needs of the studied population.

Aspectos relacionados al cumplimiento de medicamentos en un grupo de encargados(as) de niños y adolescentes con epilepsia / Aspects related to drug adherence in a group of caregivers of children and adolescents with epilepsy

The purpose of this study was to describe the aspects related with the adherence of medicine in patients with epilepsy diagnosis. The non probabilistic sample was composed by fifty-four parents or legal guardians of children/adolescents with epilepsy. A self-report instrument was utilized in this study and the design was based on Health Belief Model. Descriptive statistics were utilized (mean, median, frequencies and percents) to describe the results and crosstabs tables to describe specific relations between variables. It was found that the parents/legal guardians reported that they administered their children's medications as prescribed. However, the two aspects that most affect the adherence with the treatment were that the participant forgot the medicine administration and the time between each medical appointment. We conclude that the adherence problem is complex and involved a lot of individual, social, psychological, structural, attitudes, beliefs, type of medical services factors, among others. These factors will be studied more emphatically in futures studies.

Puerto Rican health teachers: attitudes towards breastfeeding

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to identify attitudes towards breastfeeding and support for breastfeeding in public in a group of health teachers in the Department of Education. METHOD: The study design was correlational descriptive. A self-administered questionnaire was used (Cronbach's alpha = 0.83) for 125 health teachers. Descriptive and inferential statistics (chi square and t test) were used for data analysis. RESULTS: 89.6 were women, 47.1 had 39 years of age or less, 76.4 were married, the median of years in the profession was 12.5. Only 8.8 had breastfed exclusively, 46.1 used artificial feedings exclusively, and 45.1 combined artificial milk and breast milk. A moderate/negative attitude towards breastfeeding was shown by 53.1. 60.3 stated they agreed or totally agreed that in order to breastfeed the mother must follow a specific diet, 36.0 agreed or totally agreed that breast milk should alternate with artificial milk, and 100 of participants do not support breastfeeding in public. No significant difference was found in the attitude scale towards breastfeeding and the gender, the age, years in the profession, and the type of milk given their children. CONCLUSIONS: We must train teachers in the Department of Education, on a priority basis, in the field of human lactation in view of their importance for health promotion.

Reliability and validity of a breastfeeding attitudes instrument for nursing staff

An instrument was designed and validated with the purpose of identifying attitudes towards breastfeeding among nursing professionals. The preliminary instrument contained 19 items which were submitted to experts in the field of human lactation and breastfeeding for content validity. The construct validity was measured through factor analysis and matrix correlation. Four factors were identified in the analysis. Overall internal consistency of the instrument was 0.83, with a subscale's range fluctuating from 0.64 to 0.73. The instrument is valid and reliable, and it is the first of its nature in Puerto Rico.

Introspección hacia su condición de un grupo de pacientes puertorriqueños con trastornos mentales / Introspection into the condition of the group of puertorican patients with mental disorders

The purpose of this study was to explore the degree of insight towards their condition of a group of Puerto Rican mental patients. A non-probabilistic (n = 51) sample was used for convenience and availability from the total patient population with mental conditions who received treatment, during June 1997, in a Diagnostic and Treatment Center (DTC) of the Puerto Rico Department of Health. Descriptive statistics were used, as well as the Cramer chi-square and the Mann Whitney t-test. Fifty two percent of the participants had a high level of insight and the participant's gender (t = 1.92, p = 0.05). Males obtained a higher average grading in the insight scale than females. It was expected that the studied population would be stable in their conditions since they were being treated at the outpatient level. Even so, almost half of the patients had a low level of insight towards their conditions. Implications of these results are very important for health education efforts, since almost half of the patients do not understand that they suffer a serious mental disturbance.

Perceptions assessment of a group of Puerto Rican pregnant adolescents regarding the susceptibility, severity, benefits and barriers of teenage pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: This assessment was aimed at describing the perceptions of a group of Puerto Rican pregnant adolescents regarding the susceptibility, severity, benefits and barriers of adolescents pregnancy. METHOD: A non probabilistic sample of 71 adolescents that receive prenatal services at a hospital in the greater metropolitan area of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Descriptive statistics were utilized to describe the population. RESULTS: A 50.7 per cent of the participants had a moderated high susceptibility perception and 53.5 per cent had a high severity perception. In general, 70.4 per cent of the participants perceived that the prenatal care during the adolescent pregnancy is highly beneficial and 60.0 per cent had a low barriers perceptions. CONCLUSION: The assessment specifically demonstrated the need to create permanent educational programs in hospitals and schools. It is important that the health professionals develop basic educational strategies to procure effective behavior modification in adolescents.

Obstetras y pediatras: Experiencia con la lactancia materna en sus programas de residencia / Obstetricians and pediatricians: experience with breastfeeding in their residency programs

A prior study had the objective of identifying knowledge and experience on breastfeeding of obstetricians and pediatricians in two private hospitals of the Metropolitan Area of San Juan, Puerto Rico. This study presents the experience of those physicians regarding breastfeeding education during their residency training. An exploratory research design was used, the sample was non-probabilistic and was selected according to availability for participation among the physicians who visited those hospitals during June, 1997. The studied sample included 29 pediatricians and 26 obstetricians. Descriptive statistics and crosstab tables were used to describe the results. It was found that participating physicians had little or no exposition to breastfeeding related topics during their respective residency programs. They are aware of the importance of their role in the achievement of successful breastfeeding. They perceive themselves as effective in stimulating breastfeeding although they recognize that they should have received better training on the subject. This attitude is worrisome in face of the fact that this same group presented significant deficiencies in a previous study with regards to knowledge in the management of breastfeeding.

Creencias Hacia la lactancia materna y la actud hacia apoyar la lactancia en público de un grupo de estudiantes de salud de una escuela superior de la Región Educativa de Caguas / Knowledge about breast feeding and attitude to breast feeding in public of a group of high school students in the Caguas Educational Region

The objective of this study was to identify the knowledge and attitudes towards breastfeeding and towards breastfeeding in public of a group of high school students in the Caguas Educational Region. The study design was a descriptive survey. The sample consisted of 101 students gistered in the Health Course. A self administered questionnaire was used to ther the information. Descriptive and inferential statistics (chi quare and t test) were used for data analysis. We found that the majority of the participants have the intention of breastfeeding or supporting breastfeeding for their children. We found, nevertheless, that there were misconceptions regarding breastfeeding hich could develop into barriers for effective breastfeeding. It was also observed that support for breastfeeding varied depending on the location where it took place. Support was greater if it was done in non-public places. In inclusion, it became evident that there is a need for educational programs with correct information on breastfeeding and the importance of breastfeeding in public

Ginecólogos-obstetras y pediatras: conocimientos y experiencia hacia la lactancia materna / Gynecologists-obstetricians and pediatricians: knowledge and experience concerning breast feeding

The objective of this study was to identify the level of knowledge and the experience towards breastfeeding of medical personnel (obstetricians and pediatricians) in two private hospitals in Metropolitan San Juan, Puerto Rico. An exploratory research design was used for the study. The studied population consisted of obstetricians and pediatricians practicing in those hospitals. The sample was non-probabilistic and was selected according to availability for participation among the physicians who visited those hospitals in June 1997. The sample was made up of 55 physicians (29 pediatricians and 26 obstetricians). Descriptive statistics, crosstab tables, chi square and Fisher Exact tests were used to establish association between the physician's specialty and his/her knowledge and experience on breastfeeding. It was found that both the pediatricians and the obstetricians studied had lack of knowledge in areas related to breastfeeding and little practical experience in the management of breastfeeding

Epidemiología, clínica y prevalecencia de Escherichia coli enterotoxigénica y Vibrio cholerae, en pacientes con diarrea acuosa, atendidos en el Hospital Goyeneche durante la 8va. y 9na. semanas epidemiológicas, Arequipa 1995

La diarrea acuosa por su alto contenido de agua y de electrolitos conlleva a una deshidratación rápida que puede acabar con la vida del paciente en pocas horas y por ende requiere del tratamiento de rehidratación adecuado y oportuno. Uno de los principales causantes de este tipo de diarrea es Vibrio Cholerae, pero el comportamiento de éste ha variado ampliamente hasta llegar a desaparecer durante varias semanas de 1994 y principios de 1995 en nuestra región; surgió entonces la interrogante de quién, en ausencia de éste era el causante de la diarrea, podría ser la responsable. En años anteriores, la frecuencia de diarreas fue mayor en las semanas 8va. y 9na.; entonces surgió el interés de conocer cuál era el papel de ECET en la producción de diarrea y de Vibrio Cholerae en caso de que este último reapareciera; además de investigar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los cuadros de diarrea y poder establecer semejanzas o diferencias entre éstos. El grupo de estudio estuvo conformado por todos los pacientes con diarrea acuosa que acudieron por los consultorios de Medicina y Pediatría del servicio de Emergencia del Hospital Goyeneche (MINSA) Arequipa, durante la 8va. y 9na. semana epidemiológica de 1995. Se encontraron 99 pacientes con este tipo de diarrea, a cada uno de ellos o a sus madres en caso de ser menores de edad, se le interrogó para el llenado de una ficha clínico-epidemiológica, los datos epidemiológicos se corroboraron por visita domiciliaria. Posteriormente a los pacientes se les tomó una muestra de heces mediante hisopado rectal. Se encontró que ECET produjo el 10.10 por ciento de las diarreas acuosas y Vibrio Cholerae el 14.14 por ciento; no encontrandose ningún paciente en que se identificó ambos agentes en forma simultánea. ECET causó mayor frecuencia de casos en niños menores de 4 años al igual que Vibrio Cholerae y este fue más frecuente en el sexo masculino. Para ambos agentes el grado de instrucción y la procedencia fueron similares, la mayoría de zonas urbano-marginales y con estudios secundarios. Los servicios de saneamiento básico fueron adecuados para ambos grupos aunque mucho mejores para los pacientes con ECET, mientras que los hábitos higiénico-dietéticos fueron inadecuados en alto porcentaje en ambos. Sobre las características clínicas se observó que los pacientes con ECET acudieron al hospital con una duración de la diarrea mayor que los que tenian Vibrio Cholerae, además en pacientes en quienes se aisló ECET se observó mayor frecuencia de vómitos y menor grado de temperatura; Vibrio Cholerae sin embargo ocasionó dolor abdominal y deshidratación severa en mayor proporción que la anterior