Two in vitro anthelmintic assays of four Paraguayan medicinal plants for proof of concept of the role of polyphenols in their biological activities and LC-HRMS analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) control in small ruminants has relied on the systematic use of synthetic anthelmintics (AH), their effectiveness has been progressively decreasing due to the rise and diffusion of anthelmintic resistances. The most prevalent genera affecting small ruminants were Haemonchus spp., and Trichostrongylus spp. The investigation of new anthelmintics in plants is a highly studied option, especially when it is linked to ethnobotanical knowledge and phenolic compounds. THE AIMS OF OUR STUDY: Four medicinal plants mentioned in traditional medicine were selected to evaluate their anthelmintic proprieties at different stages of the life cycle of GIN, namely: Kyllinga odorata Valh., Cassia occidentalis L., Artemisia absinthium L, and Verbena litoralis Kunth and to explore the role of polyphenols in the AH activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate the anthelmintic activity in this study, two models of GIN species, namely Haemonchus contortus (Hc) and Trichostrongylus colubriformis (Tc) were selected and tested on two in vitro assays: 1) Larval Exsheathment Inhibition Assay (LEIA) and, 2) Egg Hatch Assay (EHA). To explore the role of tannins and polyphenols in AH activity by comparing the effects of LEIA and EHA with or without polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) and to characterize the phytochemical composition of the most active plants using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). RESULTS: C. occidentalis exhibited the highest activity on LEIA (EC50 = 250.42-41.80 µg/mL) and A. absinthium on egg hatching processes (EC50 = 121.70-137.34 µg/mL) in both species of GIN. The inhibition in the development of eggs was from 67.70% to 96.36% on H. contortus, and from 78.87% to 99.65% on T. colubriformis. At the maximal dose, Additionally, it was observed that the AH on eggs varies according to the GIN species: on H. contortus the extracts tested blocked the formation of larvae Ovicidal Effect (% higher OE) and on T. colubriformis they blocked the appearance of L1 larvae, Larvae Failing Eclosion (% higher LFE). After PVPP, a reduction in AH activity on LEIA and EHA was noted, especially with C. occidentalis (87.20-67.00% of larvae exsheathment, (p < 0.05) and 40.51-24.96% of egg hatching, (p > 0.05) of both parasite species. Nine putative features were identified using HRMS and MS/MS after addition of PVPP. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that C. occidentalis, A. absinthium, and K. odorata, which parts have been traditionally used as medicinal plants are a valuable source of active compounds with anthelmintic activity. The medicinal use of these plants against GIN parasites was proven by in vitro analysis. Therefore exploration of the secondary metabolites of these plant extracts and testing of isolated fractions of active compounds under in vivo experiments are planned and represent a specific challenge for alternative drug research. Regarding the PVPP, in this study we hypotheses about the standard doses it was not able to completely absorb the polyphenols of extracts of K. odorata, C. occidentalis, and A. absinthium, which would lead to more studies to evaluate the role of this product in the absorption of phenolic compounds.

Antiviral activity of two Acanthospermum species against herpes simplex virus 1.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Acanthospermum species are used in traditional medicine for treating various pathologies, including bacterial and viral infections. In a screening study, we identified the activity of the ethanolic extracts of Acanthospermum australe and Acanthospermum hispidum against herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). AIM OF THE STUDY: In this work, we analyzed the phytochemical profile and antiviral activity of the chemical fractionation products of Acanthospermum australe and Acanthospermum hispidum. Additionally, we identified the effect of these fractions on different steps of the viral cycle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acanthospermum samples were extracted with methanol and further partitioned with solvents of increasing polarities: hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol. Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity were analyzed for each fraction. The active fractions were tested to identify the virucidal effect and the inhibition of virus-cell binding. Further, the effect of these fractions on the replication and viral gene was quantitated by qPCR, and the expression of gD protein was evaluated by Western blot. RESULTS: The chloroform and hexane fractions of Acanthospermum hispidum and Acanthospermum australe showed dose-dependent antiviral activity. The chloroform fraction inhibited the virus-cell binding and virus cycle in a post-entry mechanism by decreasing replication and the expression of early and late viral genes. The hexane fraction did not inhibit virus binding; however, it showed antiviral activity in post-entry events by inhibiting the immediate-early, early, and late genes. We identified in both species the presence of 3.6-dimetoxiapigenin, axillarin, and penduletin in the chloroform fraction and methyl-(Z,Z)-9,12-octadecadienoate and phytol in the hexane fraction. CONCLUSIONS: Acanthospermum hispidum and Acanthospermum australe possess antiviral activity against HSV-1 and affect different steps of the viral cycle. These characteristics make them good candidates for developing phytotherapeutic products against HSV-1.

In Vivo Antidepressant-Like Effect Assessment of Two Aloysia Species in Mice and LCMS Chemical Characterization of Ethanol Extract.

Medicinal plants belonging to the Verbenaceae family demonstrated antidepressant effects in preclinical studies. Depression is one of the largest contributors to the global health burden of all countries. Plants from the Aloysia genus are traditionally used for affective disorders, and some of them have proven anxiolytic and antidepressant activity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antidepressant effect of the ethanolic extract of Aloysia gratissima var. gratissima (Agg) and Aloysia virgata var. platyphylla (Avp) in mice. A tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST) were conducted after three doses in a period of 24 h and after 7 days of treatment. Imipramine was used as an antidepressant drug. The main results demonstrated that Agg extract reduced the immobility time in mice treated orally for 7 consecutive days when compared to the control group (reduced by about 77%, imipramine 70%). Animals treated with three doses of Avp in a 24-h period had reduced immobility time in the FST (60%), and after 7 days of treatment the reduction was greater (Avp 50, 100, and 200 about 85%; Avp 400, 96.5%; p < 0.0001, imipramine, 77%). LCMS analysis showed the presence of verbascoside, hoffmaniaketone, and hoffmaniaketone acetate in both, A. virgata var. platyphylla and A. gratissima var gratissima. The flavonoids nepetin and 6-hydroxyluteolin were also found in Agg. Both tested extracts demonstrated promising antidepressant-like activity in mice.

Terpenes Combinations Inhibit Biofilm Formation in Staphyloccocus aureus by Interfering with Initial Adhesion.

The biofilm is a conglomerate of cells surrounded by an extracellular matrix, which contributes to the persistence of infections. The difficulty in removing the biofilm drives the research for new therapeutic options. In this work, the effect of terpenes (−)-trans-Caryophyllene, (S)-cis-Verbenol, (S)-(−)-Limonene, (R)-(+)-Limonene, and Linalool was evaluated, individually and in combinations on bacterial growth, by assay with resazurin; the formation of biofilm, by assay with violet crystal; and the expression of associated genes, by real-time PCR, in two clinical isolates of Staphyloccocus aureus, ST30-t019 and ST5-t311, responsible for more than 90% of pediatric infections by this pathogen in Paraguay. All combinations of terpenes can inhibit biofilm formation in more than 50% without affecting bacterial growth. The most effective combination was (−)-trans-Caryophyllene and Linalool at a 500 µg/mL concentration for each, with an inhibition percentage of 88%. This combination decreased the expression levels of the sdrD, spa, agr, and hld genes associated with the initial cell adhesion stage and quorum sensing. At the same time, it increased the expression levels of the cap5B and cap5C genes related to the production of capsular polysaccharides. The combinations of compounds tested are promising alternatives to inhibit biofilm formation in S. aureus.

New Variant in Placophilin-2 Gene Causing Arrhythmogenic Myocardiopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited disease characterized by progressive fibroadipose replacement of cardiomyocytes. Its diagnosis is based on imaging, electrocardiographic, histological and genetic/familial criteria. The development of the disease is based mainly on desmosomal genes. Knowledge of the phenotypic expression of each of these genes will help in both diagnosis and prognosis. The objective of this study is to describe the genotype-phenotype association of an unknown PKP2 gene variant in a family diagnosed with ACM. METHODS: Clinical and genetic study of a big family carrying the p.Tyr168* variant in the PKP2 gene, in order to demonstrate pathogenicity of this variant, causing ACM. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (proband and relatives) were evaluated. This variant presented with high arrhythmic load at an early age, but without evidence of structural heart disease after 20 years of follow-up, with low risk in predictive scores. We demonstrate evidence of its pathogenicity. CONCLUSIONS: The p.Tyr168* variant in the PKP2 gene causes ACM with a high arrhythmic load and with an absence of structural heart disease. This fact emphasizes the value of knowing the phenotypic expression of each variant.

Crushed Capsicum chacoense Hunz Fruits: A Food Native Resource of Paraguay with Antioxidant and Anthelmintic Activity.

The nutritional composition and toxicity of native plants with food potential like Capsicum chacoense are important for the safe use of populations and could be used as a source for searching for new drug candidates. Infections produced by parasites such as helminths are a public health concern for many countries. The drugs used for treating these diseases are few, and the emergence of resistance is a risk. In this work, the nutritional composition, acute toxicity, antioxidant activity, and anthelmintic activity of crushed C. chacoense fruits were evaluated. The composition was analyzed by standard procedures. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the ABTS radical and the total phenolic compound (TPC) tests. The toxicity was evaluated on Swiss albino mice by the single-DL50-dose procedure. The anthelmintic activity was tested against Eisenia foetida. The samples presented high levels of dietary fiber (47.05-49.19 g/100 g), proteins (14.43-15.60 g/100 g), and potassium (1708-1733 mg/100 g). In the samples, the absence of acute lethal effects in doses lower than 2000 mg/kg was observed. A rich composition of TPC (517.26-543.32 mg GAE/100 g sample), total carotenoids (125.72-239.57 mg/kg), ß-carotene (3.29-5.60 mg/kg), and good TAC was observed (154-158 mM TEAC/g SMTC). The methanolic extracts at the doses tested (2.5 to 40 mg/mL) showed good anthelmintic activity. The presence of alkaloids was demonstrated in the methanolic extract, consistent with the levels of capsaicin (131.85 and 98.80 mg/100 g) and dihydrocapsaicin (80.75 and 63.68 mg/100 g), with significant statistical differences between samples (p < 0.05). These results show that through the chemical composition of this underutilized native resource and good fruit processing procedures, the C. chacoense fruits have a great nutraceutical potential of interest for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Screening of Natural Products Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Entry.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the search for new molecules with antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. The entry of the virus into the cell is one of the main targets for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection. Natural products are an important source of new therapeutic alternatives against diseases. Pseudotyped viruses allow the study of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry inhibitors, and due to their simplicity, they allow the screening of a large number of antiviral candidates in Biosafety Level 2 facilities. We used pseudotyped HIV-1 with the D614G SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein to test its ability to infect ACE2-expressing HEK 293T cells in the presence of diverse natural products, including 21 plant extracts, 7 essential oils, and 13 compounds from plants and fungi. The 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) was evaluated using the resazurin method. From these analyses, we determined the inhibitory activity of the extract of Stachytarpheta cayennensis, which had a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 91.65 µg/mL, a CC50 of 693.5 µg/mL, and a selectivity index (SI) of 7.57, indicating its potential use as an inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 entry. Moreover, our work indicates the usefulness of the pseudotyped-virus system in the screening of SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors.

In vitro antibacterial activity, biofilm formation inhibition and chromatographic profile of methanolic extracts of two Pterocaulon species against MRSA.

The methanolic extracts of Pterocaulon alopecuroides and Pterocaulon angustifolium were assayed for antibacterial activity and biofilm formation inhibition of four community-acquired-MRSA isolates representative of ST30 t975, ST30 t021, ST5 t311, and ST4335 t008 clones that are responsible for invasive infections in Paraguayan children. Both Pterocaulon extracts showed significant antibacterial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 200 µg/mL against the four isolates. P. angustifolium showed inhibition of biofilm formation for the four isolates, whereas P. alopecuroides showed inhibition for three of them. The chemical constituents were identified by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Phenolic compounds were detected in the two species as well as coumarins. These results showed that these plants are sources of compounds with activity against MRSA.

Nutritional and Bioactive Characterization of Sicana odorifera Naudim Vell. Seeds By-Products and Its Potential Hepatoprotective Properties in Swiss Albino Mice.

The "Kurugua" (Sicana odorifera) is a native fruit that demonstrates attractive nutritional, coloring, flavoring, and antioxidant properties. The main by-products from the processing and consumption of kurugua fruit are epicarp and seeds. In this work, the properties of the seeds of S. odorifera were evaluated. The nutritional composition of the fruit seeds was determined through AOAC official methods and UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS profiling. The antioxidant activities were determined using in vitro methods, and the acute toxicity and hepatoprotective properties were investigated in Swiss albino mice. Quercetin derivatives and cucurbitacins were the main phytochemicals in the seeds' methanolic extract and demonstrated some biological activities. GC-MS analysis revealed the essential fatty acids linolenic and linoleic as the main compounds present in seeds oil. The methanolic extract significantly reduced the serum levels of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) in mice with induced hepatotoxicity (GPT p < 0.05; GOT p < 0.001) at the minor concentration tested (100 mg/kg EMSo). The results suggest that the S. odorifera seeds as by-products show potential use as a source of phytochemicals and in the production of oils with application in food supplements and nutraceuticals. Their integral use could contribute to waste reduction from kurugua fruits processing within the food safety and environmental sustainability framework.

Actividad sinérgica in vitro de los alcaloides Crotsparina y Esparsiflorina aislados de Croton bomplandianum frente a Pseudomonas aeruginosa / In vitro synergic activity of the alkaloids Crotsparine and Sparsiflorine, isolated from Croton bomplandianum, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Se evaluó la actividad sinérgica de los alcaloides crotsparina y esparsiflorina, aislados de Croton bomplandianum Baill. con los antibacterianos gentamicina y ciprofloxacina frente a Pseudomonas aeruginosa, microorganismo frecuentemente responsable de infecciones intrahospitalarias. Se empleó el método del "tablero de damas". Se encontraron combinaciones que presentaban efecto sinérgico, logrando la reducción de 87,5% de la CMI de gentamicina, mientras que para ciprofloxacina se logró una reducción del 25,0%. Esto abre interesantes perspectivas sobre el uso combinado de productos naturales puros y fármacos en uso clínico para el tratamiento de infecciones producidas por este microrganismo(AU)

Extractos vegetales de tres especies del género Baccharis inducen la proliferación de células mononucleares humanas / Plant extracts of three species of the genus Baccharis induce human mononuclear cells proliferation

Las plantas de uso en medicina tradicional constituyen una fuente importante de compuestos con actividad inmunomoduladora; entre ellas las especies del género Baccharis, conocidas popularmente como "Jaguareteka´a" en nuestro país, son ampliamente empleadas. En este estudio se evaluó la actividad inmunomoduladora de extractos metanólicos de tres especies del género Baccharis (B. trimera, B. notosergilay B. punctulata) sobre la proliferación de células mononucleares humanas de sangre periférica. Los extractos de las tres especies estudiadas estimularon la proliferación de las células mononucleares. Específicamente, el extracto de B. notosergila estimuló la proliferación celular a todas las concentraciones probadas (5, 10, 25 y 50 µg/mL), mientras que los extractos de B. trimera y B. punctulata mostraron este efecto a 5 y 10 µg/mL. Además, por presentar mayor inducción de la proliferación, se realizó un fraccionamiento con diferentes solventes del extracto metanólico de B. notosergila y B. punctulata. La fracción de acetato de etilo de ambos extractos vegetales aumentó la proliferación celular, sugiriendo que compuestos de polaridad media son los responsables de esta actividad. Estos resultados demuestran que los extractos de B. trimera, B. notosergila y B. punctulata poseen actividad inmunomoduladora sobre células mononucleares humanas y servirán de base a otros estudios para determinar el o los componentes activos de los extractos sobre el sistema inmune(AU)

Plants used in traditional medicine are an important source of compounds with immunomodulatory activity. Species of the genus Baccharis, popularly known as "Jaguareteka'a" in our country, are used in folk medicine for the treatment of liver, gastrointestinal, inflammatory and infectious diseases. In this study, we evaluated the immunomodulatory activity of methanolic extracts of three species of the genus Baccharis (B. trimera, B. notosergila and B. punctulata) on the proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Extracts of the three species studied stimulated the proliferation of mononuclear cells. The extract of B. notosergila stimulated cell proliferation at all concentrations tested, while extracts of B. trimera and B. punctulata stimulated at 5 and 10 µg/mL. In addition, we carried out a separation with different solvents of the methanolic extract of B. notosergila and B. punctulata. The ethyl acetate fraction of both plant extracts induced the proliferation of immune cells. These results show that the extracts of B. trimera, B. notosergila and B. punctulata had immunomodulatory activity on human mononuclear cells. Future work will be required to identify the components responsible for the activity on the immune system(AU)

In vitro antiprotozoal activity of (S)-cis-Verbenol against Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi.

(S)-cis-Verbenol, a monoterpene frequently found as a component of essential oils, was assayed against Leishmania amazonensis, Leishmania infantum, Leishmania brasiliensis and against two strains of Trypanosoma cruzi. The cytotoxicity of the compound was also assayed against human fibroblast cells using a colorimetric method. Benznidazole was used as reference drug against T. cruzi and amphotericin B was used against Leishmania spp. The compound showed good activity against the trypanosomes, being more active against the CL Brenner strain, with an IC50 value of 8.3µg/mL. Against Leishmania, the IC50 values were between 2.1 and 3.8µg/mL. The compound showed no cytotoxicity against human fibroblasts at the concentrations assayed and was 100-500 times more toxic for the parasites than for the human cells, as indicated by the selectivity indexes. The results open interesting perspectives about the potential of (S)-cis-Verbenol and other individual components of essential oils for the treatment of these diseases.

Cytotoxic effect of tobacco extracts on human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell-line.

Cancer is a public health problem worldwide. Incidences of oral carcinomas are increasing in the last decades, and the developed countries are the most affected. Current therapeutic options for this type of cancer are aggressive and/or invasive, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In addition, they have not yet translated into an improvement of life quality or expectancy to patients. In this scenario, new therapeutics are urgently needed and actively sought after. The goal of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effects of tobacco crude extract (TCE) and two fractions thereof in the human lineage of oral squamous cell carcinoma, OSCC-3. Exposure of human oral cancer cells to TCE-induced cell death and decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Of the fractions tested, one was able to induce significant cell death (over 50%) after 48 h treatment. DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activation indicated that the type of cell death induced by TCE and its fraction was apoptosis. Our results indicate that tobacco contains compounds that could be useful in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. More specifically, because of the neutral chemical nature of the fraction capable of inducing apoptosis, we postulate that the putative compound responsible for the cell death is non-polar. Further investigation is needed to uncover its chemical nature and structure.

Comparison of 8-mm-tip and irrigated-tip catheters in the ablation of isthmus-dependent atrial flutter: a prospective randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Both 8-mm-tip and irrigated-tip catheters improve outcomes in typical atrial flutter ablation. However, it is not yet known which is preferable. The objective was to compare the effectiveness of 8-mm-tip (Group 1) and open irrigated-tip (Group 2) catheters in the first ablation attempt. METHODS: A prospective randomized trial with a long-term follow-up was performed in patients with documented typical atrial flutter. For both types of catheter, the power was initially set to 50 W. The primary endpoint was ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus in a procedure lasting, at most, 600 s. RESULTS: Group 1 contained 65 patients and Group 2 contained 66, with no significant intergroup difference in baseline characteristics. Their mean age was 63+/-12 years, 80% were men, and 65% had structural heart disease. The primary endpoint was achieved in 48 patients (73.8%) in Group 1 and 49 (74.2%) in Group 2 (P=NS). In the remaining patients, the procedure was continued at the physician's discretion and ablation was finally achieved in all cases. In the intention-to-treat analysis, there was no significant difference between the groups in the number of applications of the ablation device or in the duration of the ablation procedure, radioscopy or the total procedure. By 16+/-5 months of follow-up (>1 year in 98%), 8 (6.3%) patients had experienced recurrence and 95 (74.2%) were free from any arrhythmia. There was no differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: No difference was found between the effectiveness of 8-mm-tip and open irrigated-tip catheters in the first attempt at ablation of typical atrial flutter.

Catéter de 8 mm frente a punta irrigada en la ablación del flutter auricular dependiente del istmo: un estudio prospectivo y aleatorizado / Comparison of 8-mm-tip and irrigated-tip catheters in the ablation of isthmus-dependent atrial flutter: a prospective randomized trial

Introducción y objetivos. En la ablación del flutter auricular típico se utilizan catéteres con puntas de 8 mm e irrigadas para mejorar los resultados; sin embargo, la mejor opción aún no está establecida. Quisimos comparar la efectividad de un catéter de 8 mm (grupo 1) y uno irrigado abierto (grupo 2) en el primer intento de ablación. Métodos. Realizamos un estudio prospectivo, aleatorizado y con seguimiento a largo plazo, incluyendo a pacientes con flutter típico documentado. Para ambos catéteres se programó inicialmente una potencia de 50 W. El objetivo primario fue lograr la ablación del istmo cavotricuspídeo con 600 s de aplicación como máximo. Resultados. Se incluyó a 65 pacientes en el grupo 1 y 66 en el grupo 2 sin diferencias significativas en las características basales. La media de edad era 63 ± 12 años; el 80% eran varones y el 65% tenía cardiopatía estructural. Alcanzaron el punto final primario 48 (73,8%) pacientes del grupo 1 y 49 (74,2%) del grupo 2. En los restantes pacientes se continuó según el criterio del operador y la ablación fue efectiva en todos. Por intención de tratamiento no hubo diferencias significativas en el número de aplicaciones ni en los tiempos de aplicación, radioscopia y el total del procedimiento. A los 16 ± 5 meses de seguimiento (el 98%, más de 1 año) hubo 8 (6,3%) pacientes con recurrencia y 95 (74,2%) libres de toda arritmia, sin diferencia entre ambos grupos. Conclusiones. No encontramos diferencia en la efectividad entre un catéter de 8 mm y uno irrigado abierto en la primera intención de ablación del flutter auricular común (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Both 8-mm-tip and irrigated-tip catheters improve outcomes in typical atrial flutter ablation. However, it is not yet known which is preferable. The objective was to compare the effectiveness of 8-mm-tip (Group 1) and open irrigated-tip (Group 2) catheters in the first ablation attempt. Methods. A prospective randomized trial with a longterm follow-up was performed in patients with documented typical atrial flutter. For both types of catheter, the power was initially set to 50 W. The primary endpoint was ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus in a procedure lasting, atmost, 600 s.Results. Group 1 contained 65 patients and Group 2 contained 66, with no significant intergroup difference in baseline characteristics. Their mean age was 63±12 years, 80% were men, and 65% had structural heart disease. The primary endpoint was achieved in 48 patients (73.8%) in Group 1 and 49 (74.2%) in Group 2 (P=NS). In the remaining patients, the procedure was continued at the physician’s discretion and ablation was finally achieved in all cases. In the intention-to-treat analysis, there was no significant difference between the groups in the number of applications of the ablation device or in the duration of the ablation procedure, radioscopy or the total (..) (AU)

Leishmanicidal activity of Maytenus illicifolia roots.

In vitro evaluation of leishmanicidal activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Maytenus illicifolia against three species of Leishmania. The root extracts showed differential activity against parasites, whereas the aerial part of the extracts was inactive.

Electrical interference from an abdominal muscle stimulator unit on an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: report of two consecutive cases.

Two consecutive cases are presented of patients with ICDs in whom the use of commercial units for muscle stimulation for abdominal training caused interference with the device, mimicked cardiac signals, and resulted in inappropriate treatment shock delivery.

[Radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of focal atrial fibrillation using circumferential mapping and segmentary disconnection of pulmonary veins]. / Ablación por radiofrecuencia para el tratamiento de la fibrilación auricular focal a través de cartografía circunferencial y aislamiento segmentario de las venas pulmonares.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients without structural heart disease using radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary veins is a recently developed procedure with a good clinical success rate, although there have only been a few published series. We analyzed our results with this technique. METHOD: The procedure was performed in 33 highly symptomatic patients with focal atrial fibrillation that had probably originated in the pulmonary veins. The electrophysiological study was carried out with a decapolar catheter inserted by transeptal catheterization. Ablation was performed using a 4-mm catheter and directed to the segments of the ostium of pulmonary veins where venous potentials with greatest precocity were recorded. Subsequent radiofrecuency applications were performed until pulmonary vein disconnection was achieved. RESULTS: Venous electrical activity was recorded in 59 of 115 pulmonary veins that were mapped (58 were disconnected). During a median follow-up of 180 days, 8 patients recurred and only 2 of these continue with repeat episodes. The success rate at short term was 74.2% and at mid-term was 93.5%. Nineteen patients continue to receive antiarrhythmic treatment innefective before the procedure. Two patients showed complications related to catheter manipulation during tansseptal catheterization, probably due to air embolism, that was resolved spontaneously without consequences. No patient showed pulmonary stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Teatment of focal atrial fibrillation using circumferential mapping and radiofrecuency application in segments of the ostium of pulmonary veins is a highly effective procedure in selected patients and has potentially severe although infrequent complications.

Ablación por radiofrecuencia para el tratamiento de la fibrilación auricular focal a través de cartografía circunferencial y aislamiento segmentario de las venas pulmonares / Radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of focal atrial fibrillation using circumferential mapping and segmentary disconnection of pulmonary veins

Introducción. El tratamiento de la fibrilación auricular paroxística en pacientes sin cardiopatía estructural a través de la ablación con radiofrecuencia de las venas pulmonares es un procedimiento reciente y con una tasa de éxito clínico importante, aunque las series publicadas son escasas. Analizamos nuestros resultados. Método. Fueron sometidos al procedimiento 33 pacientes muy sintomáticos y en fibrilación auricular de probable origen focal en venas pulmonares. Se realizó cartografía con un catéter decapolar por punción transeptal. Se utilizó un catéter de 4 mm para ablación de los segmentos del ostium de las venas donde se registraba el potencial eléctrico venoso con mayor precocidad, y se aplicó radiofrecuencia hasta obtener la desconexión de la vena pulmonar. Resultados. Se registró actividad eléctrica en 59 de 115 venas pulmonares cartografiadas (58 fueron desconectadas). Durante un seguimiento medio de 180 días, 8 pacientes presentaron recurrencia de la arritmia y de éstos sólo dos siguen con episodios repetitivos. La tasa de éxito a corto plazo fue del 74,2 por ciento y a medio plazo, del 93,5 por ciento. Diecinueve pacientes reciben tratamiento antiarrítmico antes inefectivo. Dos pacientes presentaron complicaciones en relación con el manejo de catéteres durante la punción transeptal, probablemente por embolia gaseosa, que se resolvieron espontáneamente sin secuelas. Ningún paciente presentó signos o síntomas de estenosis pulmonar. Conclusiones. El tratamiento de la fibrilación auricular focal a través de cartografía circunferencial y aplicación de radiofrecuencia en segmentos del ostium de las venas pulmonares es un procedimiento de gran eficacia en pacientes seleccionados y con complicaciones potencialmente graves pero infrecuentes (AU)

A simplified method for sample collection and DNA isolation for polymerase chain reaction detection of Trypanosoma rangeli and Trypanosoma cruzi in triatomine vectors

Due to the overlapping distribution of Trypanosoma rangeli and T. cruzi in Central and South America, sharing several reservoirs and triatomine vectors, we herein describe a simple method to collect triatomine feces and hemolymph in filter paper for further detection and specific characterization of these two trypanosomes. Experimentally infected triatomines feces and hemolymph were collected in filter paper and specific detection of T. rangeli or T. cruzi DNA by polymerase chain reaction was achieved. This simple DNA collection method allows sample collection in the field and further specific trypanosome detection and characterization in the laboratory