Semisynthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of New Adenosine Derivatives as Antiproliferative Agents.

We describe the semisynthesis and biological effects of adenosine derivatives, which were anticipated to function as agonists for the A3 receptor. Molecular docking was used to select candidate compounds. Fifteen nucleoside derivatives were obtained through nucleophilic substitutions of the N6-position of the nucleoside precursor 6-chloropurine riboside by amines of different origin. All compounds were purified by column chromatography and further characterized by spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques, showing moderate yield. These molecules were then evaluated for their antiproliferative activity in human gastric cancer cells expressing the A3 receptor. We found that the compounds obtained have antiproliferative activity and that new structural modifications can enhance their biological activity. The ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion) properties of the most active compounds were also evaluated theoretically.

Novel Approaches in Astrocyte Protection: from Experimental Methods to Computational Approaches.

Astrocytes are important for normal brain functioning. Astrocytes are metabolic regulators of the brain that exert many functions such as the preservation of blood-brain barrier (BBB) function, clearance of toxic substances, and generation of antioxidant molecules and growth factors. These functions are fundamental to sustain the function and survival of neurons and other brain cells. For these reasons, the protection of astrocytes has become relevant for the prevention of neuronal death during brain pathologies such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and other neurodegenerative conditions. Currently, different strategies are being used to protect the main astrocytic functions during neurological diseases, including the use of growth factors, steroid derivatives, mesenchymal stem cell paracrine factors, nicotine derivatives, and computational biology tools. Moreover, the combined use of experimental approaches with bioinformatics tools such as the ones obtained through system biology has allowed a broader knowledge in astrocytic protection both in normal and pathological conditions. In the present review, we highlight some of these recent paradigms in assessing astrocyte protection using experimental and computational approaches and discuss how they could be used for the study of restorative therapies for the brain in pathological conditions.

In vitro DISSOLUTION OF ACIDULATED ROCK PHOSPHATE BY PHOSPHATE SOLUBILIZING MICROORGANISMS / Disolución in vitro de rocas fosfóricas aciduladas por microorganismos solubilizadores de fósforo

The low availability of phosphorus (P) in the soil and the high cost of P fertilization are factors that limit agricultural productivity. A biotechnological alternative for to handle this problem is to use soil microorganisms capable of dissolving rock phosphate (RP), thus improving its effectiveness as a P fertilizer. This study was carried out with the objective of determining the effectiveness of Aspergillus niger -As-, Penicillium sp. -Pn-, Bacillus sp -B-. and an unidentified actinomycete -At- in the in vitro dissolution of two partially acidulated rock phosphates. The treatments consisted of 2x16 factorial arrangement [2 levels of RP: either Boyaca RP or Norte de Santander RP; 16 levels of inoculum: an uninoculated control, individual inoculations (with As, Pn, B, At), dual inoculations (AsPn, AsB, AsAt, PnB, PnAt, BAt), triple inoculations (AsPnB, AsPnAt, AsBAt, PnBAt), and quadruple inoculation (AsPnBAt)]. Each treatment was replicated three times. It was found that the microbial effectiveness in the in vitro dissolution of RP depended on the type of RP, the composition of the inoculum used and the interaction of both factors. The best results were obtained with the Norte de Santander RP and A. niger used alone. When this fungus combined with the other microorganisms, its capacity to dissolve RP was significantly reduced.

La baja disponibilidad de fósforo (P) en el suelo y el costo de la fertilización fosfórica son limitantes para la productividad agrícola. Una alternativa biotecnológica para manejar este problema es mediante el uso de microorganismos del suelo capaces de disolver rocas fosfóricas (RP) y así mejorar su efectividad como fertilizante fosfórico. Con este fin se realizó un ensayo para determinar la efectividad microbial en la disolución in vitro de dos RP (Norte de Santander y Boyacá) parcialmente aciduladas. Los tratamientos consistieron en un arreglo factorial 2x16 [2 niveles de RP: Boyacá o Norte de Santander; 16 niveles de inóculo: Un control no inoculado, inóculos individuales (Aspergillus niger -As-, Penicillium sp. -Pn-, Bacillus sp. -B-, y un actinomiceto no identificado -At-), inóculos dobles (AsPn, AsB, AsAt, PnB, PnAt, BAt), inóculos triples (AsPnB, AsPnAt, AsBAt, PnBAt), e inóculos cuádruples (AsPnBAt)]. Cada tratamiento tuvo tres replicas. La efectividad en la disolución in vitro de RP fue dependiente del tipo de RP, tipo de inóculo y la interacción de ambos factores, teniendo mejores resultados con la RP del Norte de Santander y A. niger sólo. Cuando este hongo se combinó con otros microorganismos su capacidad para disolver RP se redujo significativamente.

[Nutrient dynamics in forest plantations of Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) established for restoration of degraded lands in Colombia]. / Dinámica de nutrientes en plantaciones forestales de Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) establecidas para restauración de tierras degradadas en Colombia.

Nutrient dynamics in forest plantations of Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) established for restoration of degraded lands in Colombia. Azadirachta indica is a tree species which use is steadily increasing for restoration of tropical and subtropical arid and degraded lands throughout the world. The objective of this research study was to evaluate the potential of these plantations as an active restoration model for the recovery of soils under desertification in arid lands of Colombia. Litter traps and litter-bags were installed in twenty 250m2 plots. Green leaves and soil samples inside and outside this species plantations were taken, and their elemental concentrations were determined. Litterfall, leaf litter decomposition and foliar nutrient resorption were monitored for one year. The annual contributions of organic material, such as fine litterfall, represented 557.54kg/ha, a third of which was A. indica leaves. The greatest potential returns of nutrients per foliar litterfall were from Ca (4.6kg/ha) and N (2.4kg/ha), and the smallest potential returns came from P (0.06kg/ha). A total of 68% of the foliar material deposited in litter-bags disappeared after one year. The greatest release of nutrients was that of K (100%), and the least was that of N (40%). P was the most limiting nutrient, with low edaphic availability and high nutrient use efficiency from Vitousek's index (IEV = 3176) and foliar nutrient resorption (35%). Despite these plantations are young, and that they have not had forestry management practices, as an active restoration model, they have revitalized the biogeochemical cycle, positively modifying the edaphic parameters according to the increases in organic material, P and K of 72%, 31% and 61%, respectively. Furthermore, they improved the stability of aggregates and the microbe respiration rates. The forest plantation model with exotic species has been opposed by different sectors; however, it has been acknowledged that these projects derive many benefits for the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystemic functions. The conditions of severe land degradation demand the initial use of species, such as A. indica, that can adapt quickly and successfully, and progressively reestablish the biogeochemical cycle.

Dinámica de nutrientes en plantaciones forestales de Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) establecidas para restauración de tierras degradadas en Colombia / Nutrient dynamics in forest plantations of Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) established for resto- ration of degraded lands in Colombia

Azadirachta indica is a tree species which use is steadily increasing for restoration of tropical and subtropical arid and degraded lands throughout the world. The objective of this research study was to evaluate the potential of these plantations as an active restoration model for the recovery of soils under desertification in arid lands of Colombia. Litter traps and litter-bags were installed in twenty 250m² plots. Green leaves and soil samples inside and outside this species plantations were taken, and their elemental concentrations were determined. Litterfall, leaf litter decomposition and foliar nutrient resorption were moni- tored for one year. The annual contributions of organic material, such as fine litterfall, represented 557.54kg/ha, a third of which was A. indica leaves. The greatest potential returns of nutrients per foliar litterfall were from Ca (4.6kg/ha) and N (2.4kg/ha), and the smallest potential returns came from P (0.06kg/ha). A total of 68% of the foliar material deposited in litter-bags disappeared after one year. The greatest release of nutrients was that of K (100%), and the least was that of N (40%). P was the most limiting nutrient, with low edaphic availability and high nutrient use efficiency from Vitousek´s index (IEV=3176) and foliar nutrient resorption (35%). Despite these plantations are young, and that they have not had forestry management practices, as an active restoration model, they have revitalized the biogeochemical cycle, positively modifying the edaphic parameters according to the increases in organic material, P and K of 72%, 31% and 61%, respectively. Furthermore, they improved the stability of aggregates and the microbe respiration rates. The forest plantation model with exotic species has been opposed by different sectors; however, it has been acknowledged that these projects derive many benefits for the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystemic functions. The conditions of severe land degradation demand the initial use of species, such as A. indica, that can adapt quickly and successfully, and progressively reestablish the biogeochemical cycle.

Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Nim) ha sido ampliamente empleada en procedimientos de restauración, por lo tanto se evaluó el potencial de sus plantaciones para restaurar tierras secas degradadas por sobrepastoreo, vía reactivación del ciclo biogeoquímico. En 20 parcelas de 250m², se instalaron trampas de hojarasca y litter-bags. Se tomaron muestras de hojas maduras y de suelos dentro y fuera de las plantaciones, y se determinaron sus contenidos elementales. Fueron monitoreados la caída de hojarasca, la descomposición de hojarasca y la reabsorción de nutrientes foliares durante un año. Los aportes anuales de hojarasca fina representaron 557.54kg/ha (33% hojas de Nim). Los mayores retornos potenciales de nutrientes vía foliar fue- ron de Ca (4.6kg/ha) y N (2.4kg/ha) y los menores de P (0.06kg/ha). El 68% del material se descompuso tras un año. La mayor liberación de nutrientes fue de K (100%) y la menor de N (40%). El P fue el nutriente más limitante, con baja disponibilidad edáfica y alta eficiencia en su uso según el Índice de Vitousek (IEV=3 176) y la reabsorción foliar (35%). Estas plantaciones juveniles demostraron efectividad en la reactivación del ciclo biogeoquímico, que mejoraron parámetros edáficos, según incrementos de materia orgánica, P y K; 72%, 31% y 61%, respectiva- mente. Además mejoraron la estabilidad de agregados y las tasas de respiración microbiana.

Use of a one-way flutter valve drainage system in the postoperative period following lung resection.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pleural drainage using a one-way flutter valve following elective lung resection. METHODS: This was a prospective study, with descriptive analysis, of 39 lung resections performed using a one-way flutter valve to achieve pleural drainage during the postoperative period. Patients less than 12 years of age were excluded, as were those submitted to pneumonectomy or emergency surgery, those who were considered lost to follow-up and those in whom water-seal drainage was used as the initial method of pleural drainage. Lung expansion, duration of the drainage, hospital stay and postoperative complications were noted. RESULTS: A total of 36 patients were included and analyzed in this study. The mean duration of pleural drainage was 3.0 +/- 1.6 days. At 30 days after the surgical procedure, chest X-ray results were considered normal for 34 patients (95.2%). Postoperative complications occurred in 8 patients (22.4%) and were related to the drainage system in 3 (8.4%) of those. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a one-way flutter valve following elective lung resection was effective, was well tolerated and presented a low rate of complications.

Utilização da válvula unidirecional de tórax como sistema de drenagem no pós-operatório de ressecções pulmonares / Use of a one-way flutter valve drainage system in the postoperative period following lung resection

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a drenagem pleural através de válvula unidirecional de tórax no pós-operatório de ressecção pulmonar eletiva. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas 39 ressecções pulmonares, de forma prospectiva e com análise descritiva, em pacientes que utilizaram a válvula unidirecional de tórax (VUT) como o método de drenagem pleural durante o período pós-operatório. Foram excluídos os pacientes com idade inferior a 12 anos, os submetidos à pneumectomia ou a operação de urgência, os que não completaram o seguimento do estudo e os pacientes que utilizaram o sistema de frasco em selo d'água como método inicial de drenagem pleural. Observou-se a expansão pulmonar, o tempo de permanência com o sistema de drenagem, o período de internação e as complicações pós-operatórias. RESULTADOS: Neste estudo, foram incluídos e analisados 36 pacientes. A média de permanência com o sistema de drenagem pleural foi de 3,0 ± 1,6 dias. O laudo da radiografia de tórax, realizado após 30 dias do procedimento cirúrgico foi considerado normal em 34 (95,2 por cento) pacientes. Ocorreram oito (22,4 por cento) casos de complicações pós-operatórias, sendo três (8,4 por cento) relacionadas à VUT. CONCLUSÕES: A utilização da VUT no pós-operatório de ressecção pulmonar eletiva foi eficiente, bem tolerada e apresentou baixo índice de complicação.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pleural drainage using a one-way flutter valve following elective lung resection. METHODS: This was a prospective study, with descriptive analysis, of 39 lung resections performed using a one-way flutter valve to achieve pleural drainage during the postoperative period. Patients less than 12 years of age were excluded, as were those submitted to pneumonectomy or emergency surgery, those who were considered lost to follow-up and those in whom water-seal drainage was used as the initial method of pleural drainage. Lung expansion, duration of the drainage, hospital stay and postoperative complications were noted. RESULTS: A total of 36 patients were included and analyzed in this study. The mean duration of pleural drainage was 3.0 ± 1.6 days. At 30 days after the surgical procedure, chest X-ray results were considered normal for 34 patients (95.2 percent). Postoperative complications occurred in 8 patients (22.4 percent) and were related to the drainage system in 3 (8.4 percent) of those. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a one-way flutter valve following elective lung resection was effective, was well tolerated and presented a low rate of complications.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia: considerations regarding six cases of Kartagener syndrome.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), previously known as immotile cilia syndrome, is an autosomal recessive hereditary disease that includes various patterns of ciliary ultrastructural defects. The most serious form is Kartagener syndrome (KS), which accounts for 50% of all cases of PCD. The incidence of PCD ranges from 1:20,000 to 1:60,000. Since PCD causes deficiency or even stasis of the transport of secretions throughout the respiratory tract, it favors the growth of viruses and bacteria. As a result, patients have lifelong chronic and recurrent infections, typically suffering from bronchitis, pneumonia, hemoptysis, sinusitis, and infertility. Bronchiectasis and other chronic conditions infections can be the end result of the irreversible bronchial alterations, leading to chronic cor pulmonale and its consequences. Only half of the patients affected by PDC present all of the symptoms, a condition designated complete KS, compared with incomplete KS, typically defined as cases in which situs inversus does not occur. The diagnosis is made clinically and confirmed through transmission electron microscopy. Since there is no specific therapy for PCD, it is recommended that, upon diagnosis, secondary infections be treated with potent antibiotics and prophylactic interventions be implemented. In this paper, we report six cases of PCD (five cases of complete KS and one case of KS) and review the related literature, focusing on the diagnostic, therapeutic and clinical aspects of this disease.

Discinesia ciliar primária: considerações sobre seis casos da síndrome de Kartagener / Primary ciliary dyskinesia: considerations regarding six cases of Kartagener syndrome

A discinesia ciliar primária (DCP), anteriormente conhecida como síndrome dos cílios imóveis, é uma doença hereditária autossômica recessiva que inclui vários padrões de defeitos em sua ultra-estrutura ciliar. Sua forma clínica mais grave é a síndrome de Kartagener (SK), a qual é encontrada em 50 por cento dos casos de DCP. A DCP causa deficiência ou mesmo estase no transporte de secreções em todo o trato respiratório, favorecendo a proliferação de vírus e bactérias. Sua incidência varia de 1:20.000 a 1:60.000. Como conseqüência, os pacientes apresentam infecções crônicas e repetidas desde a infância e geralmente são portadores de bronquite, pneumonia, hemoptise, sinusite e infertilidade. As bronquiectasias e outras infecções crônicas podem ser o resultado final das alterações irreversíveis dos brônquios, podendo progredir para cor pulmonale crônico e suas conseqüências. Somente a metade dos pacientes afetados pela DCP apresenta todos os sintomas, condição denominada SK completa; no restante, não ocorre situs inversus, condição denominada SK incompleta. O diagnóstico é feito com base no quadro clínico e confirmado por meio da microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Como não há tratamento especifico para a DCP, recomenda-se que, tão logo seja feito o diagnóstico, as infecções secundárias sejam tratadas com antibióticos potentes e medidas profiláticas sejam adotadas. Neste trabalho, relatamos seis casos de DCP (cinco casos de SK completa e um caso de SK incompleta) e revisamos a literatura sobre o assunto, tendo como foco os aspectos diagnósticos, terapêuticos e clínicos desta doença.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), previously known as immotile cilia syndrome, is an autosomal recessive hereditary disease that includes various patterns of ciliary ultrastructural defects. The most serious form is Kartagener syndrome (KS), which accounts for 50 percent of all cases of PCD. The incidence of PCD ranges from 1:20,000 to 1:60,000. Since PCD causes deficiency or even stasis of the transport of secretions throughout the respiratory tract, it favors the growth of viruses and bacteria. As a result, patients have lifelong chronic and recurrent infections, typically suffering from bronchitis, pneumonia, hemoptysis, sinusitis, and infertility. Bronchiectasis and other chronic conditions infections can be the end result of the irreversible bronchial alterations, leading to chronic cor pulmonale and its consequences. Only half of the patients affected by PDC present all of the symptoms, a condition designated complete KS, compared with incomplete KS, typically defined as cases in which situs inversus does not occur. The diagnosis is made clinically and confirmed through transmission electron microscopy. Since there is no specific therapy for PCD, it is recommended that, upon diagnosis, secondary infections be treated with potent antibiotics and prophylactic interventions be implemented. In this paper, we report six cases of PCD (five cases of complete KS and one case of KS) and review the related literature, focusing on the diagnostic, therapeutic and clinical aspects of this disease.

Educacion y sociedad. Sociedad, educacion y politicas educativas

Contiene: Sociedad, economia, politica y educacion - Indicadores de desarrollo humano en Bolivia - Politicas educativas en el cotexto de la reforma educativa - Politicas educativas especificas.

Doença cística traqueobrônquica / Tracheobronchial cystic disease

Cistos aéreos que emergem anormalmente da traquéia e/ou brônquios de maior calibre são doença extremamente rara. Na literatura encontram-se poucas descrições de casos isolados de cistos paratraqueais associados a pneumopatias crônicas. Relatamos dois casos dessa entidade clínica, rara, em membros de uma mesma família: o pai das pacientes faleceu dessa doença com 43 anos de idade e as duas filhas encontram-se em tratamento. O quadro clínico é semelhante ao da supuração pulmonar crônica. O diagnóstico foi firmado através de broncovideoscopia e tomografia computadorizada de tórax com reconstrução em 3D e broncoscopia virtual. As pacientes estão sob observação e tratamento clínico paliativo.

Tuberculosis congénita: estudio prospectivo / Congenital tuberculosis: prospective study

El tratamiento de la Tbc no es un enigma, pero el manejo de un recien nacido con Tbc congénita, ó un recien nacido de madre tuberculosa, es un tópico, que creeemos requiere cierto estudio y sobre todo pautas de detección temprana, laboratorio, tratamiento y normas de seguimiento.