Aspergilosis pulmonar crónica en asociación con tuberculosis activa: reporte de un caso / Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in association with active tuberculosis: a case report

La aspergilosis es una infección fúngica causada por el microorganismo Aspergillus spp. Las manifestaciones clínicas dependen del estado inmunológico del paciente y de las alteraciones estructurales del parénquima pulmonar. Pese a su baja incidencia, siempre se debe considerar como diagnóstico diferencial en el contexto de pacientes con enfermedades pulmonares de base. Se presenta un caso de hombre de 66 años, agricultor, con antecedente de tuberculosis pulmonar y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, quien consultó por cuadro de 5 meses de disnea progresiva, fiebre, tos, hemoptisis y pérdida de peso. Los hallazgos imagenológicos fueron sugestivos de tuberculosis pulmonar asociado a aspergiloma, lo que fue confirmado por tinción de hidróxido de potasio (KOH) y cultivo de hongos positivo para Aspergillus fumigatus. El Gene Xpert fue positivo para Mycobacterium tuberculosis demostrando coinfección activa.

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by the microorganism Aspergillus spp. Clinical manifestations depend on the patient's immune status and structural alterations of the lung parenchyma. Despite its low incidence, it should always be considered as a differential diagnosis in the context of patients with underlying lung diseases. We present the case of a 66-year-old male farmer, with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who presented with progressive dyspnea months, fever, cough, hemoptysis and weight loss for 5 months. Imaging findings were suggestive of aspergiloma- associated pulmonary tuberculosis, which was confirmed by potassium hydroxide (KOH) staining and positive fungal culture for Aspergillus fumigatus. Gene Xpert was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis showing active co-infection.

UV-R mitigation strategies in encapsulated embryos of the intertidal gastropod Acanthina monodon: A way to compensate for lack of parental care.

Intracapsular embryonic development in the intertidal zone exposes embryos to various stress sources characteristic of this environment, including UV-R. They require defensive mechanisms to mitigate its adverse effects. The presence of total carotenoids (TC), and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) was studied in adults, in encapsulated embryos, and in the egg capsule walls of the intertidal gastropod Acanthina monodon. Oxygen consumption rates (OCR) were determined in encapsulated and excapsulated embryos exposed to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and PAR + UV-A + UV-B to understand if the capsule wall is a protective structure for encapsulated embryos. The results showed the presence of TC in adult pedal and gonad tissues, and in all encapsulated stages. MAAs were not detected. The physical structure of the capsule wall retained most wavelengths, being particularly efficient in the UV-B range. Excapsulated embryos exposed to PAR + UV-A + UV-B radiation increased its OCR compared to encapsulated embryos, indicating the protective character of the capsule wall.

Evaluación del efecto acaricida de Momordica charantia, Megaskepasma erythrochlamys y Gliricidia sepium sobre Rhipicephalus microplus / Acaricidal effect of Momordica charantia, Megaskepasma erythrochlamys and Gliricidia sepiumon the Rhipicephalus microplus

RESUMEN Objetivo. Se evaluó la actividad acaricida de Momordica charantia (Mc), Megaskepasma erythrochlamys (Me) y Gliricidia sepium (Gs) sobre Rhipicephalus microplus (Rm). Materiales y métodos. Se realizó la marcha fitoquímica preliminar de hojas del extracto metanólico de Mc (EMc), del extracto etanólico de Me (EMe) y del extracto acetónico de Gs (EGs) a través de la técnica de colorimetría y cromatografía en capa delgada (CCD). La actividad acaricida se realizó a través de pruebas in-vitro utilizando la prueba de inmersión de larvas (LIT) y la prueba de inmersión de adultos (AIT). Para las pruebas in-situ se usaron bovinos en pastoreo infestados naturalmente con garrapatas, utilizando las CL50 obtenidas en las pruebas in-vitro AIT; posteriormente las teleoginas se llevaron a incubación para evaluar su capacidad reproductiva. Resultados. Se determinó la presencia de varios grupos de metabolitos secundarios de interés acaricida. Se demostró el efecto acaricida de los extractos de las plantas sobre teleoginas; aunque sólo EGs mostró actividad larvicida. Los extractos a 160 mg/mL afectaron el ciclo de vida de Rm inhibiendo la ovoposición en un 46.9%, 66.1% y 84.03% (p<0.05) para EGs, EMc y EMe, respectivamente. Por otro lado, en las pruebas in situ se observó diferencia significativa (p<0.05) entre el tratamiento de EMc y EMe respecto a los grupos controles. Conclusiones. Los resultados obtenidos son prometedores para fortalecer la posibilidad de vinculación de los extractos de estas plantas dentro de planes integrados de control de garrapatas en sistemas de producción de bovinos.

ABSTRACT Objective. The acaricidal activity of Momordica charantia (Mc), Megaskepasma erythrochlamys (Me) and Gliricidia sepium (Gs) on Rhipicephalus microplus (Rm) was evaluated. Materials and methods. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of leaves of the methanolic extract of Mc (EMc), the ethanolic extract of Me (EMe) and the acetone extract of Gs (EGs) were carried out through the technique of colorimetry and thin layer chromatography (CCD). The acaricidal activity was performed through in-vitro tests using the larval immersion test (LIT) and the adult immersion test (AIT). For in-situ tests, grazing cattle naturally infested with ticks were used, using the LC50 obtained from the in-vitro AIT tests; later the teleogines were taken to incubation to evaluate their reproductive capacity. Results. The presence of several groups of secondary metabolites of acaricidal interest was determined. The acaricidal effect of the extracts of the plants on teleogines was demonstrated; although only EGs showed larvicidal activity. Extracts at 160 mg/mL affected the life cycle of Rm by inhibiting ovoposition in 46.9%, 66.1% and 84.03% (p<0.05) for EGs, EMc and EMe, respectively. On the other hand, the in-situ tests showed a significant difference (p<0.05) between the treatment of EMc and EMe with respect to the control groups. Conclusions. The results obtained are promising to strengthen the possibility of linking the extracts of these plants into integrated plans for the control of ticks in cattle systems.

[Molecular and histological detection of Helicobacter pylori and genotyping based on babA2 and iceA in patients with benign gastric pathologies]. / Detección histológica y molecular de Helicobacter pylori y genotipificación con base en los genes de virulencia babA2 e iceA en pacientes con patología gástrica benigna.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of Helicobacter pylori in a Colombian population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Gastric biopsies from 60 patients with benign gastric pathologies were submitted to histopathological examination and genotyped by PCR through amplification of babA2 and iceA genes. RESULTS: The presence of H. pylori was demonstrated in 78.3%, 63.3% and 66.7% of the samples after Giemsa staining, andH. pylori 16S DNAr and iceA gene amplification, respectively. In addition, H. pylori babA2 positive was found infecting 7 patients. Among the iceA positive samples, 35% were identified as iceAl, 47.5% as iceA2 and 17.5% contained iceAl and iceA2 or different iceA2 types. This work allowed detection and genotyping of H. pylori, demonstrating a low proportion of patients carrying strains babA2 positive and an iceA genotype distribution according to previous reports. No association was found between the presence of babA2 and iceA genes and ulcer disease.

Detección histológica y molecular de Helicobacter pylori y genotipificación con base en los genes de virulencia babA2 e iceA en pacientes con patología gástrica benigna / Molecular and histological detection of Helicobacter pylori and genotyping based on babA2 and iceA in patients with benign gastric pathologies

Objective: To investigate the presence of Helicobacter pylori in a Colombian population. Material and Methods: Gastric biopsies from 60 patients with benign gastric pathologies were submitted to histopathological examination and genotyped by PCR through amplification of babA2 and iceA genes. Results: The presence of H. pylori was demonstrated in 78.3 percent, 63.3 percent and 66.7 percent of the samples after Giemsa staining, andH. pylori 16S DNAr and iceA gene amplification, respectively. In addition, H. pylori babA2 positive was found infecting 7 patients. Among the iceA positive samples, 35 percent were identified as iceAl, 47.5 percent as iceA2 and 17.5 percent contained iceAl and iceA2 or different iceA2 types. This work allowed detection and genotyping of H. pylori, demonstrating a low proportion of patients carrying strains babA2 positive and an iceA genotype distribution according to previous reports. No association was found between the presence of babA2 and iceA genes and ulcer disease.

Objetivo: El presente estudio investiga la presencia de Helicobacter pylori en pacientes de una población colombiana con enfermedad gastro-duodenal benigna y realiza su genotipificación usando como blanco los genes babA2 e iceA. Pacientes y Métodos: Se analizaron biopsias gástricas de 60 pacientes usando histopatologíay RPC. Resultados: La presencia de H. pylori se demostró en 78,3 por ciento, 63,3 por ciento y 66,7 por ciento de los pacientes, mediante tinción de Giemsa, amplificación del gen 16S ADNr y del locus iceA, respectivamente. Helicobacter pylori babA2 positivo se encontró infectando 7 pacientes y de las 40 muestras positivas para la presencia del locus iceA, 35 por ciento eran iceAl, 47.5 por ciento iceA2 y en 17,5 por ciento se evidenció infección múltiple. Se aportan datos sobre la prevalencia de H. pylori encontrando una baja proporción de casos babA2 positivos y una distribución de los genotipos iceA acorde con datos reportados previamente. La presencia de los genes babA2 e iceA no se encontró asociada con la presentación de úlcera.

ACTIVIDAD TIPO ANTI-AUSENCIA DEL EXTRACTO METANÓLICO DE Cecropia membranacea Trécul EN RATONES / KIND OF ACTIVITY ANTIABSENCE IN MICE PRODUCED BY THE METHANOLIC EXTRACT FROM Cecropia Membranacea Trécul

En este artículo se describe el efecto anticonvulsivante del extracto obtenido de Cecropia membranacea Trécul (Urticaceae, N.V: “yarumo”), especie utilizada en Colombia con fines tranquilizantes. El extracto metanólico (0.5 g/kg v.o.), administrado a ratones albinos ICR, ejerce actividad anticonvulsivante (73% de protección) frente a las convulsiones mioclónicas inducidas por pentilentetrazol (PTZ), modelo químico de las crisis de ausencia. También confiere protección significativa frente a las convulsiones inducidas por electroshock (80% de protección), modelo de las crisis tónicas clónicas generalizadas; y ejerce efectos positivos en el parámetro de frecuencia de la prueba de laberinto en cruz elevado, modelo de trastornos de ansiedad (p<0.05). En contraste, carece de efectos significativos en las pruebas de sueño barbitúrico y de nado forzado, sugiriendo ausencia de efectos de tipo hipnótico y antidepresivo. En el análisis fitoquímico se detecta la presencia de taninos, terpenoides y flavonoides. El estudio sugiere que la especie C. membranacea podría ser fuente de sustancias con propiedades anticonvulsivantes y ansiolíticas.

The methanolic extract obtained from Cecropia membranacea Trécul (0,5 g/kg v.o.) administered to mice albinos ICR, elicits antiseizure activity (73% of protection) in mice exposed to pentilentetrazol (PTZ, 80 mg/kg, sc.), chemical model of absence crisis. Additionally, the extract conferred significant protection against the maximal electroshock seizure, model of tonic clonic seizures and the parameter of frequency in the elevated plus maze test, screening model of anxiety. On the other hand, the extract lacked effect on the pentobarbitone induced sleep test and in the forced swimming test, screening model for antidepressants. Phytochemical preliminary analysis showed presence of tannin, terpenoid and flavonoid metabolites. This study suggests that C. membranacea could be source of substances with anticonvulsant and anxiolitic properties.

Gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea por tracción. Descripción de una nueva técnica para optimización de costos

La Gastrostomía Endoscópica Percutánea es un procedimiento que ha reemplazado al tradicional quirúrgico. Sinembargo, el alto costo de los kits comerciales han impedido su uso en pacientes de bajos recursos. El objetivo fue el de establecer una nueva técnica que la hiciera alcanzable para esta población. En la primera etapa se realizó en 5 perros adultos sanos bajo anestesia general mediante la técnica tradicional por tracción pero con el uso de la sonda de Foley modificada y un dilatador en acero inoxidable. Luego de aprobado por la Dirección del Hospital, se realizó el procedimiento a ocho (8) pacientes, con una complicación grave al parecer asociada a su condición de base, enterocolitis necrotizante. Se concluye que la técnica descrita es factible, segura y de fácil ejecución. Además permite su uso en forma crónica con aparente baja frecuencia de complicaciones y un costo equivalente al 5 por ciento del Kit comercial

Liver angiotensinogen synthesis and release during captopril treatment in sodium-depleted rats.

In vivo generation of angiotensins depends upon both plasma renin and angiotensinogen concentrations. Those factors which may influence hepatic angiotensinogen synthesis and release were examined. We have evaluated in vivo the effects of converting enzyme inhibition on several plasma renin-angiotensin system components, and, using an in vitro preparation of liver slices, we also investigated the effects of converting enzyme inhibition on the synthesis and release of hepatic angiotensinogen. Angiotensinogen concentrations were determined by two different methods. The first was an indirect enzymatic assay which measures the amount of angiotensin I liberated from plasma by an excess of renin. The second was a direct RIA that measures both angiotensinogen and its inactive residue the des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen. The difference between the methods represents the circulating levels of des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen. Captopril administration in sodium-depleted rats increased plasma concentrations of renin, des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen, and angiotensin I and decreased plasma angiotensinogen concentration measured by both methods. Plasma des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen was significantly correlated to plasma renin concentration, which suggests an increase in the consumption of angiotensinogen when the renin secretion is extremely increased. The angiotensinogen liver content and in vitro angiotensinogen release were decreased in sodium-depleted rats treated with a converting enzyme inhibitor, and these parameters were negatively correlated to in vivo plasma levels of renin, angiotensin I, and des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen. They were positively correlated to plasma angiotensinogen concentration measured by the indirect assay. These data suggest that captopril administration during sodium depletion has two simultaneous effects: it increases angiotensinogen consumption and second, decreases angiotensinogen production and release.

Angiotensinogen production and consumption in the adrenalectomized rat.

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which angiotensinogen decreases after adrenalectomy. Plasma angiotensinogen was measured by two different methods: an indirect assay, which measures angiotensin I liberated from the plasma by an excess of renin, and a direct RIA, which measures both angiotensinogen and des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen. In the normal rat angiotensinogen concentrations were found to be slightly, but not significantly, higher using the direct assay. After adrenalectomy a large discrepancy was observed between the indirect assay, which showed a considerable drop in plasma angiotensinogen levels, and the direct assay, which revealed a small but significant decrease. This discrepancy arose from the presence of a molecule that cross-reacts with angiotensinogen antibodies, and has a more acidic pI in isoelectric focusing than angiotensinogen: des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen. This molecule accumulates in adrenalectomized rat plasma. The decrease in plasma angiotensinogen levels, measured by the indirect assay, could not be explained by a decrease in angiotensinogen production, as this was unchanged in the in vitro liver slice system, but was caused by an increase in angiotensinogen consumption, due to a rise in the plasma concentration of renin. Renin concentration shows a negative correlation with angiotensinogen (as measured by the indirect assay), and a positive correlation with des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen level. Moreover, mineralocorticoids were shown to correct both renin and angiotensinogen concentrations, whereas a replacement dose of glucocorticoids (dexamethasone) had no effect on the level of renin or angiotensinogen, as measured by the indirect assay. We conclude that after adrenalectomy, plasma angiotensinogen decreases, due to an increase in renin production. A parallel accumulation of des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen is observed.

El sismo de Armenia (Colombia) del 25 de enero de 1999 : Un análisis Telesísmico de Ondas de Cuerpo, Observaciones de campo y aspectos sismotectónicos

El sismo de Armenia (Colombia) del 25 de Enero de 1999 18:19:16 UT, fue originado por una falla Normal de desplazamiento lateral izquierdo, con una longitud de ruptura de 11.7 km y un ancho de 10.6 km, para un área total de ruptura estimada en 124 km2. Se obtuvieron 903 réplicas de buena localización, distribuidas en su mayoría en profundidades de 9-20 km, para la determinación del área de ruptura. La distribución de réplicas, el mapa tectónico y el estudio del parámetro b de Ritcher, indican una fuente de ruptura simple con orientanción SE - NW, que involucró dos fallas aledañas a la falla Córdoba, con movimientos posteriores al evento principal. El proceso de ruptura se modeló utilizando una inversión formal de ondas telesísmicas de cuerpo, con registros de desplazamiento de banda ancha con ondas en el rango de 5 a 0.01 Hz. El mecanismo focal sugiere una falla normal de desplazamiento lateral izquierdo con un buzamiento d 67.3º hacia el este, un azimuth 10 356 f y un ángulo de deslizamiento ?8 . 33 l . Se obtuvo una profundidad el centroide de H= 18.6 km, con un RMS normalizado de 0.51 m m . El momento sísmico calculado fue de 2.1*1025dina-cm y una dislocación estimada 4 . 48 u cm. Se estimó la energía radiada para nueve réplicas con 22 0 20 10 * 13 . 1 10 * 0 . 3 M dina-cm, calculados con la onda SH y el Método de Brune. (AU)