Anthelmintic-like activity of polyphenolic compounds and their interactions against the cattle nematode Cooperia punctata.

Polyphenolic compounds (PCs) have been proposed as one of the most bioactive group of secondary metabolites occurring in nature and have been associated to anthelmintic (AH)-like activity of plants against cattle nematodes. However, little is known regarding their synergetic / antagonistic interactions. This study assessed the in vitro AH-like activity of commercial PCs: quercetin, caffeic acid, rutin and coumarin, and their combinations against the egg hatching and larval exsheathment of Cooperia punctata; one of the most prevalent nematodes affecting grazing cattle in tropical regions. The molecules selected for the in vitro analysis were identified as bioactive phytochemicals of plants through bio-guided fractionation in previous studies. To estimate mean effective concentrations (EC50) five increasing concentrations were used for both Egg hatching inhibition assay (EHIA) and larval exsheathment inhibition assay (LEIA) (0.6-9.8 mg mL-1 and 0.15-2.4 mg mL-1, respectively). From the four molecules, only rutin did not affect egg hatching; while quercetin, showed no bioactivity against eggs or larvae (P > 0.766 and P > 0.621, respectively). Best-fit EC50 estimated through the EHIA was considered for PCs classification as bioactive (coumarin and caffeic acid) and non-bioactive (quercetin and rutin). Phytochemical interactions were subsequently assessed combining bioactive:non-bioactive PCs (8:2 ratio), and the nature of their interaction was classified using the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICindex). Combinations had a highly synergistic interaction against larval exsheathment (FICindex < 0.5) except for coumarin:rutin against egg hatching (FICindex> 0.5). Quercetin and rutin acted as PCs AH-like activity enhancers, reducing EC50 of bioactive molecules in a range of 43%-64% and 68%-83% for EHIA and LEIA, respectively. A linear relationship between low molecular weight of molecules and ovicidal activity was observed; where, molecules with lower molecular weight displayed better-fit EC50 for ovicidal activity. Furthermore, coumarin and caffeic acid bioactivity against free-living stages of C. punctata makes them suitable candidates as markers for anthelmintic-like activity in bioactive forages. Combinations used through this investigation showed a potent anthelmintic-like activity against free-living forms of C. punctata, representing a first step towards the identification of promising alternatives for nematode control.

Effect of immunocastration with Bopriva on carcass characteristics and meat quality of feedlot Holstein bulls.

To evaluate the effect of immunocastration on carcass and meat characteristics, Holstein bulls aged between 7 and 8months with a live weight of 232±1.19kg were given two separate treatments, placebo (intact bulls) versus Bopriva, and then slaughtered after approximately 239days of fattening. While the testosterone levels in intact bulls remained at 0.42ng/ml throughout the study, by day 181, differences (P<0.05) were observed in immunized bulls, with values of 0.21ng/ml. The carcasses of animals treated with Bopriva recorded both a higher hot carcass weight (HCW) and a cold carcass weight (CCW), as well as higher dorsal fat density, marbling and KPH (P<0.05); however, no differences (P>0.05) were observed in the Longissimus lumborum area. No significant differences (P>0.05) were recorded between the treatments for pH, L*, a*, b* C* and H*. The carcasses of the animals treated with Bopriva were heavier, with higher dorsal fat density and marbling score.

Increasing roughness of the human breast cancer cell membrane through incorporation of gold nanoparticles.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been proposed for use in the treatment of different types of cancer, including breast cancer. At present, neither the mechanisms of AuNP interaction with the plasma membrane surface and their delivery and intracellular distribution in cancer cells nor their effect on the plasma membrane so as to allow cell incorporation of larger amounts of AuNPs is known. The objective of this work was to study the interaction of bare 20 nm diameter AuNPs with the plasma membrane of human MCF-7 breast cancer cells, as well as their uptake, intracellular distribution, and induction of changes on the cell surface roughness. The dynamics of intracellular incorporation and the distribution of AuNPs were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Changes in roughness were monitored in synchronized MCF-7 cells by atomic force microscopy high-resolution imaging at 6 hour intervals for 24 hours during a single cell cycle. The results show that bare AuNPs are capable of emitting fluorescence at 626 nm, without the need for a fluorescent biomarker, which allows monitoring their uptake and intracellular distribution until they reach the nucleus. These results are correlated with changes in cell roughness, which significantly increases at 12 hours of incubation with AuNPs, when compared with control cells. The obtained data provide bases to understand molecular processes of the use of AuNPs in the treatment of different diseases, mainly breast cancer.

DNA Damage in Vicia faba by Exposure to Agricultural Soils from Tlaxcala, Mexico.

The aim of this research was to quantify some POPs, such as p,p' DDT, p,p' DDE, and PCBs in agricultural soils of Tlaxcala, Mexico and evaluate their capacity for eliciting DNA damage, using Vicia faba as bioindicator. The values of ΣDDTs and ΣPCBs ranged from 8-24 to 118-26,983 µg/kg, respectively. The samples T1 (HQ = 9.3) and T2 (HQ = 53.9) showed concentrations of ΣPCBs higher than Canadian guidelines (SQGE = 500 µg/kg). The genotoxicity testing produced percentages of DNA fragmentation higher than negative control and statistically significant (p < 0.05), both in agricultural soils and organic extracts. The soils T2, T3, N4, and N5 showed a DICA from 2.6 to 3.1 times, statistically higher (p < 0.05) than negative control. In general, the agricultural soils have greater genotoxic capacity than the organic extracts, suggesting a potential risk to biota that depends upon this ecosystem.

Effects of systemic administration or intrabursal injection of serotonin on puberty, first ovulation and follicular development in rats.

To elucidate the role of serotonin in the onset of puberty, the effects of both systemic and in-ovarian bursa administration of serotonin on the neuroendocrine mechanism that modulates the onset of puberty, follicular development and first ovulation were evaluated. Two experiments were carried out. For the first, 25 or 37.5 mg kg⁻¹ of bodyweight of serotonin creatinine sulfate was administered by a subcutaneous route to 30-day-old female rats. In the second experiment, serotonin creatinine sulfate was administered directly into the ovarian bursa of 34-day-old female rats. Systemic administration of 25 or 37.5 mg kg⁻¹ of serotonin creatinine sulfate induced a delay in the ages of vaginal opening and first vaginal oestrus, a decrease in the number of ovulating animals, and serum concentrations of FSH, LH, oestradiol and progesterone. An increase in the number of Class 3 (>500 µm) and atretic follicles was observed in the ovaries of these animals. The administration of serotonin creatinine sulfate in the ovarian bursa did not modify the onset of puberty and ovulation, but a reduced serum concentration of oestradiol was observed. Our results suggest that serotonin acts on the components of the hypothalamus-hypophysis-ovary axis by modulating follicular development, ovarian functions and the onset of puberty.

Effect of germinated soybean protein hydrolysates on adipogenesis and adipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells.

Germination of soybeans increases the bioavailability of some nutrients. An evaluation was done to determine if germination increased the anti-adipogenic and lipolytic effects of soybean. Soybeans were germinated for 0 to 6 days and protein concentrates extracted from beans germinated at each period. Soy protein concentrates can retain notable amounts of phytochemicals with anti-adipogenic activity. For this reason, it was evaluated the effect of protein hydrolysates with and without phytochemicals in the adipocyte-like cells after 3T3-L1 (murine fibroblasts) cell line differentiation. Cell viability decreased with exposure to the germinated soybean protein hydrolysates during the differentiation stage, but not during the fibroblast or mature adipocyte stages. Adipogenesis and triglycerides accumulation were strongly inhibited by the hydrolysate from soybeans germinated for 2 days (with ethanol-soluble phytochemicals), when compared to ungerminated soybean. Adipolysis increased with exposure to hydrolysates from beans germinated for 2 days (with phytochemicals) and 5 days (without phytochemicals). Germinated soy protein hydrolysates had an effect on inhibition of lipid storage in adypocites and increasing lipolysis, which was improved by changes of the protein and increased phytochemical content due to germination.

Comparative analysis of the street generation of inorganic urban solid waste (IUSW) in two neighborhoods of Mexico City.

Inorganic urban solid waste (IUSW) is a serious problem in developing countries, and IUSW in the street that does not have adequate final disposal is responsible for serious environmental effects. The aim of this work was to determine the dynamics of the generation of IUSW in the streets of two neighborhoods of different socioeconomic strata in Mexico City during 5 weeks in 2006. The amount of IUSW was recorded every day from 9:00 to 12:00 h, separated, classified, and registered. It was found that plastic (50%) and paper (44.5%) wastes were found most frequently, whereas, textiles (0.4%) and glass (0.5%) wastes were present less frequently in all samples. The IUSWs without commercial brands were more abundant. Branded plastic wrappers of PepsiCo and Bimbo, as well as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers of Coca Cola, registered the highest values, while Gatorade, Barrilitos, and Peñafiel registered the lowest. The neighborhood with a higher income and more vegetation on sidewalks or in jardinières, which are used to hide solid waste, had more IUSW than the neighborhood with lower income, where IUSW was thrown out directly into the street. The knowledge of the real generation and composition of IUSW will contribute to the prevention of its negative environmental and social impacts, as well as guarantee the efficiency of its sustainable management.

Expression of genes involved in heme biosynthesis in the human retinoblastoma cell lines WERI-Rb-1 and Y79: implications for photodynamic therapy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), using protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) as a natural photosensitizer, may be a viable alternative therapy of retinoblastoma. In order to evaluate the potential value of PpIX, the expression profiles of genes involved in heme biosynthesis in human retinoblastoma WERI-Rb-1 and Y79 cells were analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Expression levels were highest in protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPOX), uroporphyrinogen synthase and aminolevulinic acid synthase. Ferrochelatase expression showed a reduction compared to PPOX. PpIX levels were 15- and 18-fold higher in WERI-Rb-1 and Y79 cells, respectively, following induction by delta-aminolevulinic acid. PDT may thus be a promising treatment in vitro, at least in these two retinoblastoma cell lines.

Empowerment among Latina nurses in Mexico, New York and Indiana.

BACKGROUND: Increasing empowerment among nurses may help retain nurses and increase the international workforce. There are very few cross-national studies of nurse empowerment reported in the professional literature. AIM: To conduct a cross-national exploratory study testing a theoretical model of nurse empowerment. DESIGN: Descriptive survey of three convenience samples of graduate Latina nurses in Monterrey, Mexico, New York City and Indiana. METHODS: Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. The Klakovich Reciprocal Empowerment Scale (RES) was translated into Mexican-Spanish using a translation back-translation technique. Variables for the study included empowerment, years of experience, job satisfaction and intent to stay. Frequency distributions and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. FINDINGS: Empowerment involves reciprocity between the leader and follower, a common vision and synergy about the work, and a sense of ownership in the work site. Mexican nurses scored significantly higher on synergy than Latina nurses in New York and Indiana. Empowerment is related to job satisfaction, age and years of employment. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate the usefulness of the RES instrument for Latina nurses and the need for further research with larger samples. Cross-national research provides culturally sensitive information. Such research partnerships facilitate modelling the importance of nursing research to graduate nurses and students.

[Pharmacological therapy compliance in diabetes]. / Apego al tratamiento farmacológico en pacientes con diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the frequency of compliance to pharmacological therapy, and to identify non-compliance factors, in relation to metabolic control on patients with type-II diabetes mellitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted between 1997 and 1998, among 150 type-II diabetic patients, at the Family Medicine Unit No. 33, of the Mexican Institute of Social Security, in Chihuahua, Mexico. Compliance to drug therapy was measured by counting tablets at home. Metabolic control was measured through glycosilated hemoglobin. A questionnaire was given to collect data on factors related to compliance. Statistical analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, Student's t and odds ratios. RESULTS: Pharmacological therapy compliance was 54.2%. Factors associated with non-compliance were elementary schooling and lack of information about the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacological therapy compliance was low. Factors related to non-compliance can be modified through education.

[Signet ring cell carcinoma of sigmoid colon in an adolescent patient. Report of a case]. / Carcinoma de Células en anillo de sello del Colon en Adolecentes.

We report the case of a female patient, sixteen years old who was diagnosed of signet ring cell carcinoma of sigmoid colon. We discuss the clinical presentation outstanding the early presentation of this unusual cancer.

In vitro study of biosynthesis of protoporphyrin IX induced by delta-aminolevulinic acid in normal and cancerous cells of the human cervix.

BACKGROUND: delta-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is recognized as the starter in the biosynthesis of the heme group, the structural basis of cytochromes, chlorophylls, biliary pigments, and other porphyrins. It is the first intermediary in the biosynthesis of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), and of the heme group. PpIX is present in low concentration in normal cells, and in high concentration in tumor cells. METHODS: The accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) induced by delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) was tested in two cervico-uterine cancer cell lines (HeLa and CaLo), and in normal human cervical epithelial (NHCE) cells. RESULTS: The optimal concentration of ALA that induced maximum levels of intra- and extracellular accumulation of PpIX in both HeLa and NHCE cells was 300 micrograms of ALA/mL, and for CaLo cells, 150 micrograms/mL. The viability of HeLa, CaLo, and NHCE cells exposed to ALA measured 81, 98, and 84%, respectively. The optimal time for accumulation of PpIX, both intra- and extracellular, was 4 h for HeLa and NHCE cells and 5 h for CaLo cells per 24 h of exposure to optimal concentrations of ALA. After the maximum level of PpIX accumulation was reached, there was a gradual decrease until there was only a small quantity. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) was found in the accumulation of PpIX, depending on the concentrations of ALA used as well as between cervical cancer cell lines and NHCE cells (p < 0.0001). The concentration ratio of PpIX for NHCE and HeLa cells was 1:7, and for NHCE and CaLo cells, 1:5. CONCLUSIONS: These results are important for determining the usefulness of the sensitizer (PpIX).

Salud mental y embarazo en adolescentes: contexto de la gestación y consecuencias biográficas tempranas / Mental health and pregnancy in adolescents: gestation context and early biographic consequencies

Background: Pregnant adolescents have a higher risk of complications of pregnancy and labor. There is also a higher risk of child abuse and neglect among this age group. Aim: To study the psychological and social context, biographical impact and the prevalence of mental disorders among pregnant teenagers. Subjects and methods: A semi structured clinical interview was applied to 60 pregnant or puerperal adolescents, aged 12 to 18 years old, assisting to maternal outpatient clinics in the Western District of Santiago. Results: An 18 percent prevalence of mental disorders was found in these girls. Five percent had emotional problems as a reaction to the pregnancy. The most important psychological and social factors associated to pregnancy were a low educational level, economic dependence and a precocious and unprotected sexual life. Fifty seven percent of pregnancies were accidental, due to inadequate use for contraceptive methods or unforessen sexual intercourse in the context of an informal or unstable couple. Those girls that planned becoming pregnant had better quality couples, higher maternal responsibility and a better biographical repercussion of their pregnancies. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of psychological and social disorders among pregnant adolescents

Community nursing research. Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

After a 10-year history of community health nursing research conducted by graduate students at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in Monterrey, Mexico, the faculty recognized a need to synthesize their work into a monograph. The purpose was to guide nursing practice, incorporate the findings into the body of nursing knowledge, and identify future research needs. Starting in 1994, three faculty members reviewed 29 theses written by community nursing majors from 1986 to 1993 to meet the requirements for the master's degree in nursing. They classified the studies according to their principal focus and synthesized the findings to derive common phenomena and themes. The endeavor resulted in a 40-page document and a proposed model in the form of an unpublished monograph.

Accidental intramuscular vincristine: lack of untoward effects and recommendations for management.

Vincristine was inadvertently injected into a thigh of three children. In each case the accident occurred as a result of the mixing of a syringe containing vincristine with a syringe of L-asparaginase which the patient was scheduled to receive on the same day. Within minutes, each patient was treated topically with cold compresses and the area was infiltrated with a solution of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate. Only one patient had discomfort of the thigh after the injection, none of the patients have had any sequelae, either acute or delayed. Measures to avoid mistaken injection of vincristine for asparaginase are readily achievable and have prevented recurrences of intramuscular vincristine administration at the institutions where they have been implemented. Nonetheless, other instances of intramuscular vincristine injection are anticipated and should be rapidly recognized and quickly managed with local applications of cold and sodium bicarbonate.

Graves' disease triggered by autoinfarction of an autonomously functioning thyroid adenoma.

A patient whose nontoxic autonomously functioning thyroid adenoma had been stable for at least 3 yr developed enlargement of the nodule and hyperthyroidism. It was assumed the hyperthyroidism was caused by evolving toxicity in the autonomous adenoma, but imaging showed the nodule had undergone infarction and the hyperthyroidism was secondary to Graves' disease. This case demonstrates the necessity of thyroid imaging in patients with nontoxic autonomously functioning thyroid adenomas when there is a change in nodule size or thyroid function which requires treatment.

Hartmannella vermiformis isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of a young male patient with meningoencephalitis and bronchopneumonia.

Meningoencephalitis and bronchopneumonia were documented in a patient from Peubla, Mexico. The patient began with symptoms and signs of a common flu and 12 days after the onset of his disease he was admitted to the hospital presenting symptoms and signs of meningoencephalitis. The clinical course evolved into an endocraneal hypertension syndrome with bronchopneumonia, coma and death. Wide-spectrum antibiotics, immunosuppressive and anti-tuberculosis therapy were unsuccessfully administered. Important antecedents were degree I malnutrition and repeated contact with polluted water. Post-mortem autopsy was not performed. Gram-positive cocci were isolated from the spinal fluid 2 days after admission, and then active amebae were isolated from three different samples of the spinal fluid at days 16, 18 and 19 after admission. Such samples were concentrated and inoculated onto specific culture media. Identification of amebae was based on their morphology and biochemistry. All amebae were Hartmannella vermiformis. Amebae were apparently not the cause of the disease and might be considered as an opportunistic colonizer which may have caused the evolution of the disease to become worse.

Raccoon eyes and the MIBG super scan: scintigraphic signs of neuroblastoma in a case of suspected child abuse.

The authors report on an infant suspected of having been abused, who presented with periorbital edema and ecchymoses (clinical "raccoon eyes"). The pattern of the nuclear medicine bone scan suggested neuroblastoma rather than trauma. Both the bone scan and the subsequent MIBG scan revealed multiple abnormalities, including markedly increased activity around the orbits, that we termed the scintigraphic raccoon eyes sign. In addition, the grossly abnormal MIBG scan demonstrated avid uptake of MIBG throughout the entire skeleton with essentially complete absence of visualization of the liver and heart (the MIBG super scan ). These signs have not previously been described in an infant or a child with neuroblastoma.