Three-dimensional analysis of the heart function and effect cholinergic agonists in the cockroach Gromphadorhina portentosa.

Many relevant aspects of mammal's cardiac physiology have been mainly investigated in insect models such as Drosophila melanogaster and Periplaneta americana. Cardiac function has been poorly studied in the cockroach Gromphadorhina portentosa, which has some advantages for experimental purposes such as an easier culture, bigger organs and a robust physiology. On the other hand, the study of cardiac physiology in insects has been largely improved since the arrival of digital imaging technologies for recording purposes. In the present work, we introduce a methodology of video recording coupled to an isotonic transducer for a three-dimensional analysis of the heart and intracardiac valves of G. portentosa. We used this methodology for assessing the physiological responses of the cockroach heart upon the application of different cholinergic neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, nicotine and muscarine). We recorded in detail the relationship between intracardiac valves movement, hemolymph flow, diastole and systole. Acetylcholine and nicotine induced a biphasic effect on the cardiac frequency. Acetylcholine increased the diastolic opening. Nicotine at high concentration caused paralysis. Muscarine induced no major effects. These findings suggest a combined action of cholinergic agonists for a finely tuned the cardiac frequency, intracardiac valves function and cardiac cycle.

Accuracy of Computer-Aided Dynamic Navigation Compared to Computer-Aided Static Navigation for Dental Implant Placement: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: To analyze the accuracy capability of two computer-aided navigation procedures for dental implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 dental implants were selected, which were randomly distributed into two study groups, namely, group A, consisting of those implants that were placed using a computer-aided static navigation system (n = 20) (guided implant (GI)) and group B, consisting of those implants that were placed using a computer-aided dynamic navigation system (n = 20) (navigation implant (NI)). The placement of the implants from group A was performed using surgical templates that were designed using 3D implant-planning software based on preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and a 3D extraoral surface scan, and the placement of group B implants was planned and performed using the dynamic navigation system. After placing the dental implants, a second CBCT was performed and the degree of accuracy of the planning and placement of the implants was analyzed using therapeutic planning software and Student's t-test. RESULTS: The paired t-test revealed no statistically significant differences between GI and NI at the coronal (p = 0.6535) and apical (p = 0.9081) levels; however, statistically significant differences were observed between the angular deviations of GI and NI (p = 0.0272). CONCLUSION: Both computer-aided static and dynamic navigation procedures allow accurate implant placement.

Tea toxicity and cholinesterase inhibition of Huilliche herbal medicine.

Eleven species of Huilliche medicinal plants used traditionally against infections and for wound healing were tested for their cholinesterase inhibition activity. Two different teas (a 5-7 min infusion and a 1 h decoction, both in water) were tested for their toxicity against Artemia salina. The results from the present study clearly show that teas boiled for 1 h is much more toxic than teas infused for 5-7 min. These results support the different traditional use of the two teas, where the 1h tea is for external use only. Additionally, significant inhibition of cholinesterase has been observed for MeOH extracts of Acaena argentea, Amomyrtas meli and Pseudopanax laetevirens, with that of A. argentea being the most potent. All findings call for further investigations.

Novel inhibitory activity of the Staphylococcus aureus NorA efflux pump by a kaempferol rhamnoside isolated from Persea lingue Nees.

OBJECTIVES: To isolate a plant-derived compound with efflux inhibitory activity towards the NorA transporter of Staphylococcus aureus. METHODS: Bioassay-guided isolation was used, with inhibition of ethidium bromide efflux via NorA as a guide. Characterization of activity was carried out using MIC determination and potentiation studies of a fluoroquinolone antibiotic in combination with the isolated compound. Everted membrane vesicles of Escherichia coli cells enriched with NorA were prepared to study efflux inhibitory activity in an isolated manner. RESULTS: The ethanolic extract of Persea lingue was subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation and led to the isolation of the known compound kaempferol-3-O-α-L-(2,4-bis-E-p-coumaroyl)rhamnoside (compound 1). Evaluation of the dose-response relationship of compound 1 showed that ethidium bromide efflux was inhibited, with an IC(50) value of 2 µM. The positive control, reserpine, was found to have an IC(50) value of 9 µM. Compound 1 also inhibited NorA in enriched everted membrane vesicles of E. coli. Potentiation studies revealed that compound 1 at 1.56 mg/L synergistically increased the antimicrobial activity of ciprofloxacin 8-fold against a NorA overexpresser, and the synergistic activity was exerted at a fourth of the concentration necessary for reserpine. Compound 1 was not found to exert a synergistic effect on ciprofloxacin against a norA deletion mutant. The 2,3-coumaroyl isomer of compound 1 has been shown previously not to cause acute toxicity in mice at 20 mg/kg/day. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that compound 1 acts through inhibition of the NorA efflux pump. Combination of compound 1 with subinhibitory concentrations of ciprofloxacin renders a wild-type more susceptible and a NorA overexpresser S. aureus susceptible.

Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Chilean plants traditionally used for wound healing therapy against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Anti-staphylococcal activity of Chilean medicinal plants traditionally used by the Huilliche people for wound healing therapy was evaluated against nine Staphylococcus aureus strains. Three extracts of 26 plant samples (20 species) were evaluated by agar overlay bioautography and MIC determination. Total phenolics and tannins were determined, and the antibacterial contribution of the latter was evaluated. The diffusion assay showed that 17 species were active against susceptible S. AUREUS and that 15 species were active against resistant S. aureus. Removal of tannins from extracts rendered only six species active. MIC-determination showed that 20 extracts had antibacterial activity on all eight strains, and the most potent MIC value was 64 µg/mL. Remarkably, 37 extracts were active against the otherwise multidrug-resistant vanthida strain. Our findings support the wound healing properties of Huilliche medicinal plants and the hypothesis that these plants are promising sources of potential anti-staphylococcal agents towards multidrug-resistant strains.

Mapuche herbal medicine inhibits blood platelet aggregation.

12 plant species traditionally used by the Mapuche people in Chile to treat wounds and inflammations have been evaluated for their direct blood platelet inhibition. Seven of the 12 tested plant species showed platelet inhibitory effect in sheep blood, and four of these were also able to inhibit the ADP- (5.0 µM) and collagen- (2.0 µg/mL) induced aggregations in human blood. These four species in respective extracts (in brackets) were Blechnum chilense (MeOH), Luma apiculata (H(2)O), Amomyrtus luma (DCM : MeOH 1 : 1) and Cestrum parqui (DCM : MeOH 1 : 1). The platelet aggregating inhibitory effects of A. luma (DCM : MeOH 1 : 1), and L. apiculata (H(2)O) were substantial and confirmed by inhibition of platelet surface activation markers.

Antimicrobial evaluation of Huilliche plant medicine used to treat wounds.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The traditional use of 40 plant species used for treatment of wounds and associated infections by the Huilliche people of Chile was evaluated against bacterial and fungal human pathogens, especially including wound pathogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The extracts were tested against the fungi Penicillium expansum, Candida albicans and the bacteria Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (four different strains), Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli (four different strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae (four different strains with one being resistance to streptomycin). RESULTS: Thirteen of the plant species have interesting antimicrobial activities, with that of Acaena argentea, Aristotelia chilensis, Blechnum chilense, Francoa appendiculta, Gevuina avellana and Laureliopsis philippiana being the most noteworthy. CONCLUSIONS: The findings in the manuscript support the traditional use by the Huilliche people, and allow enhanced economical benefit and use by the locals. The results obtained on Acaena argentea, Aristotelia chilensis, Blechnum chilense, Francoa appendiculta, Gevuina avellana and Laureliopsis philippiana are of specific scientific interest, and further studies is needed in order to establish the active constituents of the species.

Update on the global spread of dengue.

The global spread of dengue fever within and beyond the usual tropical boundaries threatens a large percentage of the world's population, as human and environmental conditions for persistence and even spread are present in all continents. The disease causes great human suffering, a sizable mortality from dengue haemorrhagic fever and its complications, and major costs. This situation has worsened in the recent past and may continue to do so in the future. Efforts to decrease transmission by vector control have failed, and no effective antiviral treatment is available or foreseeable on the immediate horizon. A safe and effective vaccine protective against all serotypes of dengue viruses is sorely needed.

New bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid from Laureliopsis philippiana.

Phytochemical investigation of Laureliopsis philippiana resulted in isolation of a new bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid (1) named laureliopsine A. The structure was established by spectroscopic methods, including 2D homo- and heteronuclear NMR experiments. This finding of a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid in Laureliopsis supports its close relationship to Atherosperma and its taxonomic segregation from Laurelia.

Utilidad del gatillado precoz en SPECT de percusión miocárdica con tecneciados y vasodilatadores: problemas inherentes y análisis de experiencia preliminar local / Usefulness of gated myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging with technetium and vasodilators

En enfermedad coronaria (EC) severa por disfunción transitoria del ventrículo izquierdo (VI) se puede observar dilatación cavitaria e incremento en la captación pulmonar del radiofármaco mediante imágenes de perfusión miocárdica, descrito inicialmente con 201Talio en estrés. La isquemia inducida por dipiridamol (DIP) que es controvertida, en cuanto a su mecanismo, también puede disminuir la función sistólica. La fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda (FEVI) post estrés puede no pesquisar esta alteración, dependiendo del momento de inicio de la adquisición gatillada. Hay diversas publicaciones al respecto con diferentes resultados. Objetivos: Evaluar la correlación de parámetros funcionales del VI e isquemia en SPECT gatillado precoz usando perfusión miocárdica en pacientes referidos para evaluación de EC. Además, se decidió revisar ampliamente las dificultades del protocolo. Método: De 158 pacientes evaluados inicialmente, se excluyó 31 por ciento por presencia de actividad extra cardiaca que interfería con la delimitación automática de bordes. El grupo analizado incluyó 109 sujetos entre 33 y 91 años (promedio 64,3 + - 11,7), 52 por ciento de mujeres. Treinta de ellos con EC conocida; 18 con infarto de miocardio y 31 con isquemia en imágenes de perfusión. El estudio tomográfico SPECT 99mTc-Sestamibi fue efectuado durante los 60 min post DIP, con protocolo de 1 día. Se usó programa Cedars QGS y QPS para FEVI, volúmenes y cálculo de dilatación isquémica transitoria (DIT) en imágenes de fin de diástole. También se calculó índice pulmón/corazón (IPC) de imágenes SPECT. Resultados: El lapso promedio entre inyección estrés y adquisición fue 27 min (rango: 18-43). No hubo diferencia significativa entre FEVI post DIP y reposo (66,55 + -17,33 por ciento versus 67,58 + - 18,41 por ciento, con delta FEVI: 1,03 + - 6,72 por ciento). Tampoco hubo correlación de los parámetros analizados en globo según presencia de isquemia, infarto o EC. Sólo se encontró diferencias...

Using myocardial perfusion studies, severe coronary artery disease (CAD) with left ventricular dysfunction could be observed through transient cavity dilation and radiopharmaceutical lung uptake increase, described initially with stress 201Tl. Dipyridamole (DIP) induced ischemia also can diminish systolic function. Delayed post stress left ventricular ejection fraction (FEVI) may not be able to detect this phenomena, depending on the acquisition timing. There are diverse reports and results in this issue. Goal: Evaluate the correlation between left ventricular parameters and ischemia presence in early gated DIP tomography in patients referred for CAD evaluation along to review the new protocol difficulties.Methods: From 158 patients evaluated initially, 31% presenting extra-cardiac activity were excluded due to interference with automatic edge detection. The analyzed group included 109 subjects between 33 and 91 years, mean age 64.3 ± 11.7; 52% women. Thirty of them were known CAD patients; 18 with myocardial infarction and 31 with ischemia in perfusion images. 99mTc-Sestamibi SPECT was carried out during the 60 min post DIP infusion, using 1 day protocol. Cedars QGS QPS Programs were used to measure LVEF and left ventricular volumes. Diastolic transient ischemic dilation (TID) calculation was performed as well as lung/heart index (LHR). Results: The mean time lapse between DIP injection and acquisition was 27 min (range: 18-43 min). There was not significant difference between DIP and rest LVEF (66.55±17.33% vs 67.58±18.41%) LVEF delta was 1.03±6.72%. There was not correlation observed between measured functional parameters and presence of ischemia, infarction or known CAD. There was clear difference in left ventricular volumes in patients with and without CAD and known myocardial infarction. Conclusion: Nor association between LHR, LVEF delta or TID and ischemia was demonstrated in early post DIP...

Ethnopharmacological evaluation of radal (leaves of Lomatia hirsuta) and isolation of 2-methoxyjuglone.

BACKGROUND: Leaves of Lomatia hirsuta are used in traditional medicine in Chile under the common name of "radal". A tea of radal is traditionally used for treatment of cough, bronchial troubles, and asthma. In a preliminary screening, extracts of the leaves revealed antifungal activity, and the present phytochemical study was undertaken to explain this activity and support the traditional use. METHODS: Along with the traditional tea, extracts of the leaves were screened for antifungal and toxic activities. The profile of secondary constituents was obtained using GC-MS. RESULTS: 2-Methoxyjuglone was isolated from the leaves of Lomatia hirsuta and found to be active against the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans (MIC = 8 microg/mL). Cinnamic acid and vanillic acid were identified as major constituents in the tea by GC-MS. The tea was found not to be toxic against Artemia salina. CONCLUSION: The presence of phenolic acids with antimicrobial properties supports the traditional use of Radal, and encourages further studies.

Efectos de la vincamina en pacientes con envejecimiento cerebral: un estudio multicéntrico venezolano / Effects of the vincamine in patients with cerebral aging: a multicenter venezuelan study

Estudio multicéntrico en diferentes zonas de Venezuela en 78 pacientes con síntomas de envejecimiento cerebral, tratados con vincamina 20 mg t.i.d. durante 6 semanas. Los pacientes se evaluaron por método de Student y Willcoxon. Se demonstró la mejoría estadísticamente significativa de todos los parámetros con una buena tolerancia, sólo 5 epigastralgias que no ameritaron interrupción de la terapia