Computed tomography attenuation in differential diagnosis of transudative and exudative pleural effusions.

OBJECTIVE: Pleural effusion is a common medical problem. It is important to decide whether the pleural fluid is a transudate or an exudate. This study aims to measure the attenuation values of pleural effusions on thorax computed tomography and to investigate the efficacy of this measurement in the diagnostic separation of transudates and exudates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 380 cases who underwent thoracentesis and thorax computed tomography with pleural effusion were classified as exudates or transudates based on Light's criteria. Attenuation measurements in Hounsfield units were performed through the examination of thorax computed tomography images. RESULTS: 380 patients were enrolled (39 % women), the mean age was 69.9 ± 15.2 years. 125 (33 %) were transudates whereas 255 (67 %) were exudates. The attenuation values of exudates were significantly higher than transudates (15.1 ± 5.1 and 5.0 ± 3.4) (p < 0.001). When the attenuation cut-off was set at ≥ 10 HU, exudates were differentiated from transudates at high efficiency (sensitivity is 89.7 %, specificity is 94.4 %, PPV is 97 %, NPV is 81.9 %). When the cut-off value was accepted as < 6 HU, transudates were differentiated from exudates with 97.2 % specificity. CONCLUSION: The attenuation measurements of pleural fluids can be considered as an efficacious way of differentiating exudative and transudative pleural effusions.

Exudate and Propolis from Escallonia pulverulenta: Phytochemical Characterization and Antibacterial Activity.

Propolis is a complex mixture formed from exudates that bees collect from plants and then mix with beeswax and their own salivary enzymes. Chilean propolis is characterized by the presence of phenolic compounds, which are considered responsible for the biological activities. The endemic species Escallonia pulverulenta (Ruiz and Pav.) Pers. [Escalloniaceae] is a recognized source of exudate to produce propolis. This study reports for the first time the chemical profile and antibacterial activity of E. pulverulenta exudate and leaves, as well as two samples of Chilean propolis. Palynological and morphological analysis showed the presence of E. pulverulenta as one of the main species in the propolis samples. UPLC-MS/MS analyses enabled the identification of phenolic acids in the leaves and in the propolis. Conversely, flavonoids are mainly present in exudates and propolis. Quercetin is the most abundant flavonol in the exudate, with similar concentrations in the propolis samples. Nevertheless, the main compound present in both samples of propolis was the flavanone pinocembrin. The antibacterial results obtained for exudate and propolis have shown a similar behavior, especially in the inhibition of Streptococcus pyogenes. These results show the importance of the exudates collected by the bees in the chemical composition and antibacterial capacity of propolis.

Rapid Molecular Diagnosis of Sporotrichosis Directly from Biological Samples from a Reference Center in Brazil.

The gold standard diagnosis of sporotrichosis is the isolation of Sporothrix sp. in culture media, but this is a time-consuming test that is susceptible to contamination and can be affected by the fungal load. Molecular methods such as nested PCR are gaining more ground in the management of several infections as they are tools for the rapid and accurate identification of microorganisms from pure cultures or directly from biological samples. This study aimed to apply a nested PCR molecular protocol for the rapid detection of Sporothrix spp. directly from clinical samples. Thirteen samples-six from skin biopsies, five from skin exudates, and two from conjunctival secretions-were obtained from patients diagnosed with sporotrichosis due to S. brasiliensis. Calmodulin gene sequencing identified all the isolates as S. brasiliensis. Nested PCR was able to detect all the Sporothrix sensu lato directly from clinical samples as well as the CBS 120339 reference strain. The nested PCR protocol stands out as a diagnostic alternative, as it allows the identification of Sporothrix spp. directly from clinical samples without the need for fungal isolation.

Plant seedlings of peas, tomatoes, and cucumbers exude compounds that are needed for growth and chemoattraction of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae 3841 and Azospirillum brasilense Sp7.

This study characterizes seedling exudates of peas, tomatoes, and cucumbers at the level of chemical composition and functionality. A plant experiment confirmed that Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae 3841 enhanced growth of pea shoots, while Azospirillum brasilense Sp7 supported growth of pea, tomato, and cucumber roots. Chemical analysis of exudates after 1 day of seedling incubation in water yielded differences between the exudates of the three plants. Most remarkably, cucumber seedling exudate did not contain detectable sugars. All exudates contained amino acids, nucleobases/nucleosides, and organic acids, among other compounds. Cucumber seedling exudate contained reduced glutathione. Migration on semi solid agar plates containing individual exudate compounds as putative chemoattractants revealed that R. leguminosarum bv. viciae was more selective than A. brasilense, which migrated towards any of the compounds tested. Migration on semi solid agar plates containing 1:1 dilutions of seedling exudate was observed for each of the combinations of bacteria and exudates tested. Likewise, R. leguminosarum bv. viciae and A. brasilense grew on each of the three seedling exudates, though at varying growth rates. We conclude that the seedling exudates of peas, tomatoes, and cucumbers contain everything that is needed for their symbiotic bacteria to migrate and grow on.

Zuccagnia punctata Cav., a Potential Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Bionematicide for the Control of Argentinean Horticultural Crops.

This research was designed to investigate the metabolite profiling, phenolics, and flavonoids content as well as the potential nematicidal properties of decoction (ZpDe), orange-yellow resin (ZpRe) and essential oil (ZpEO) from Argentinean medicinal plant Zuccagnia punctata Cav. Additionally, the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of ZpDe and ZpEO were determined. Metabolite profiling was obtained by an ultrahigh-resolution liquid chromatography MS analysis (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/OT-MS-MS) and GCMS. The nematicidal activity was assayed by a standardized method against Meloidogyne incognita. The antioxidant properties were screened by four methods: (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH), Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity assay (TEAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), and lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes (ILP). The antibacterial activity was evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) rules. The ZpDe, ZpRe and ZpEO displayed a strong nematicidal activity with an LC50 of 0.208, 0.017 and 0.142 mg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, the ZpDe showed a strong DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 28.54 µg/mL); ILP of 87.75% at 250 µg ZpDe/mL and moderated antimicrobial activity. The ZpEO showed promising activity against a panel of yeasts Candida albicans and non-albicans (ATCC and clinically isolated) with MIC values from 750 to 1500 µg/mL. The ZpDe showed a content of phenolics and flavonoid compounds of 241 mg GAE/g and 10 mg EQ/g, respectively. Fifty phenolic compounds were identified in ZpDe by ultrahigh-resolution liquid chromatography (UHPLC-PDA- Q-TOF-MS) analysis, while forty-six phenolic compounds were identified in ZpRe by UHPLC-ESI-Q-OT-MS-MS and twenty-nine in ZpEO using a GC-MS analysis, updating the knowledge on the chemical profile of this species. The results support and standardize this medicinal plant mainly as a potential environmentally friendly and sustainable bionematicide for the control of Argentinean horticultural crops including tomatoes and peppers and as a source of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds which could be further explored and exploited for potential applications.

Analysis of two sampling treatments of beef for microbiome studies based on metataxonomic.

Microbial enumeration by serial dilution is one of the best resources to estimate cellular density for microbiological analysis. However, for metataxonomic analysis, it is not clear if serially diluted samples may accurately be used for metataxonomic analysis to represent species composition in beef samples. In this study, the effect of sampling preparation of beef samples on the bacterial composition was evaluated by the comparison of dilution and exudate. Based on the obtained results, data obtained from the exudate of the samples were more robust in terms of number of generated reads, but no significant differences in terms of biological diversity were observed (P < .05, Wicoxon Test). Besides, both sample preparation procedures evidenced equivalent results of bacterial composition as well as its relative abundances. In conclusion, the use of exudate allows bacterial enumeration and metataxonomic analysis, which is interesting for the point of view of food microbiologists as cellular loads and microbial composition of culturable and unculturable bacteria could be compared.

Differences in Exudates Between Strains of Chlorella sorokiniana Affect the Interaction with the Microalga Growth-Promoting Bacteria Azospirillum brasilense : Differences in Exudates Between Strains of Chlorella sorokiniana Affect the Interaction with the Microalga Growth-Promoting Bacteria Azospirillum brasilense.

The microalga Chlorella sorokiniana and the microalgae growth-promoting bacteria (MGPB) Azospirillum brasilense have a mutualistic interaction that can begin within the first hours of co-incubation; however, the metabolites participating in this initial interaction are not yet identified. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used in the present study to characterize the metabolites exuded by two strains of C. sorokiniana (UTEX 2714 and UTEX 2805) and A. brasilense Cd when grown together in an oligotrophic medium. Lactate and myo-inositol were identified as carbon metabolites exuded by the two strains of C. sorokiniana; however, only the UTEX 2714 strain exuded glycerol as the main carbon compound. In turn, A. brasilense exuded uracil when grown on the exudates of either microalga, and both microalga strains were able to utilize uracil as a nitrogen source. Interestingly, although the total carbohydrate content was higher in exudates from C. sorokiniana UTEX 2805 than from C. sorokiniana UTEX 2714, the growth of A. brasilense was greater in the exudates from the UTEX 2714 strain. These results highlight the fact that in the exuded carbon compounds differ between strains of the same species of microalgae and suggest that the type, rather than the quantity, of carbon source is more important for sustaining the growth of the partner bacteria.

Meloidogyne enterolobii-induced Changes in Guava Root Exudates Are Associated With Root Rotting Caused by Neocosmospora falciformis.

Despite the worldwide importance of disease complexes involving root-feeding nematodes and soilborne fungi, there have been few in-depth studies on how these organisms interact at the molecular level. Previous studies of guava decline have shown that root exudates from Meloidogyne enterolobii-parasitized guava plants (NP plants), but not from nematode-free plants (NF plants), enable the fungus Neocosmospora falciformis to rot guava roots, leading to plant death. To further characterize this interaction, NP and NF root exudates were lyophilized; extracted with distinct solvents; quantified regarding amino acids, soluble carbohydrates, sucrose, phenols, and alkaloids; and submitted to a bioassay to determine their ability to enable N. falciformis to rot the guava seedlings' roots. NP root exudates were richer than NF root exudates in amino acids, carbohydrates, and sucrose. Only the fractions NP-03 and NP-04 enabled fungal root rotting. NP-03 was then sequentially fractionated through chromatographic silica columns. At each step, the main fractions were reassessed in bioassay. The final fraction that enabled fungal root rotting was submitted to analysis using high performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, and computational calculations, leading to the identification of 1,5-dinitrobiuret as the predominant substance. In conclusion, parasitism by M. enterolobii causes an enrichment of guava root exudates that likely favors microorganisms capable of producing 1,5-dinitrobiuret in the rhizosphere. The accumulation of biuret, a known phytotoxic substance, possibly hampers root physiology and the innate immunity of guava to N. falciformis.

Mass Balance and Compositional Analysis of Biomass Outputs from Cacao Fruits.

The global chocolate value chain is based exclusively on cacao beans (CBs). With few exceptions, most CBs traded worldwide are produced under a linear economy model, where only 8 to 10% of the biomass ends up in chocolate-related products. This contribution reports the mass balance and composition dynamics of cacao fruit biomass outputs throughout one full year of the crop cycle. This information is relevant because future biorefinery developments and the efficient use of cacao fruits will depend on reliable, robust, and time-dependent compositional and mass balance data. Cacao husk (CH), beans (CBs), and placenta (CP) constitute, as dry weight, 8.92 ± 0.90 wt %, 8.87 ± 0.52 wt %, and 0.57 ± 0.05 wt % of the cacao fruit, respectively, while moisture makes up most of the biomass weight (71.6 ± 2.29 wt %). CH and CP are solid lignocellulosic outputs. Interestingly, the highest cellulose and lignin contents in CH coincide with cacao's primary harvest season (October to January). CB contains carbohydrates, fats, protein, ash, and phenolic compounds. The total polyphenol content in CBs is time-dependent, reaching maxima values during the harvest seasons. In addition, the fruit contains 4.13 ± 0.80 wt % of CME, a sugar- and nutrient-rich liquid output, with an average of 20 wt % of simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose), in addition to minerals (mainly K and Ca) and proteins. The total carbohydrate content in CME changes dramatically throughout the year, with a minimum of 10 wt % from August to January and a maximum of 29 wt % in March.

Laboratory diagnosis of canine uroperitoneum based on cellular and biochemical characteristics of serum and abdominal fluid.

BACKGROUND: Literature on the laboratory diagnosis of uroperitoneum is scarce, and it is mostly based on the biochemical findings of cavitary fluid and serum. Cell count and protein concentrations measurements are rarely used and available studies on this subject are based on a relatively small cohort of individuals. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to use a large sample pool of dogs to establish cutoff points for biochemical analytes in cavitary fluids and serum for the diagnosis of uroperitoneum. We also sought to evaluate the general classification of these cavitary fluids. METHODS: In a retrospective and prospective study, 180 canine abdominal effusion cases were evaluated, 30 of which were uroperitoneum (uroperitoneum group, UG) and 150 with other etiologies (non-uroperitoneum group, NUG). RESULTS: The results showed that 83.3% of UG and 12.7% of NUG abdominal fluid cases were not classified as transudates or exudates. The use of specific cutoffs for fluid creatinine concentrations (≥2.1 mg/dL) and fluid:serum creatinine ratios (Cf: Cs ≥ 1.25) in these unclassified effusions resulted in an accuracy of 99.0% for the laboratory diagnosis of uroperitoneum. CONCLUSIONS: The adoption of a new set of criteria and cutoffs based on the combination of parameters such as TP, TNCC, fluid creatinine and Cf: Cs improves the diagnosis of uroperitoneum in dogs.

The ethnobotanical relevance of the tribe Symphonieae (Clusiaceae) around the world.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The tribe Symphonieae (Clusiaceae) encompasses 48 species accommodated in seven genera (Lorostemon, Montrouziera, Moronobea, Pentadesma, Platonia, Symphonia and Thysanostemon). Parts of these plants, mainly the exudates and the seeds oil are useful for different purposes, especially for treating dermatological conditions. In addition to the role in the folk medicine, some species are of great economic and cultural importance for native people from different continents. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The goal of this review is to critically summarize the current knowledge on systematics, ethnobotanical, chemical and pharmacological aspects of species from the tribe Symphonieae, as well as to provide support for future taxonomic and phylogenetic studies on the Clusiaceae family. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The available information was gathered from many different databases (Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Pubmed, ChemSpider, SciFinder, ACS Publications, Wiley Online Library, Useful Tropical Plants Database, Google Scholar). Additional data from books, theses and dissertations were also included in this review. RESULTS: Chemical studies of Symphonieae have demonstrated that the genera are a source of benzophenones, xanthones and biflavonoids. Components as sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, free fatty acids, among others, have also been reported. Extracts and compounds isolated from a variety of species have been exhibiting antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antiprotozoal activities, corroborating part of their medicinal uses. In addition, certain species produce edible fruits and a kind of "butter" with economic importance. All species produce exudate, which often has great relevance in the daily lives of local people. CONCLUSION: Several species of Symphonieae have potential therapeutic applications and some of them have been investigated to scientifically validate their popular uses. In addition, a number of species have proved to be a rich source of promising pharmacologically active compounds. Finally, the value of fruits, exudate and butter, for instance, should serve as a stimulus for the sustainable development of products that aim to take advantage of these natural resources.

The short but useful life of Prepusa montana Mart. (Gentianaceae Juss.) leaf colleters-anatomical, micromorphological, and ultrastructural aspects.

Colleters are secretory structures involved in the protection of young and developing plant organs. Although the presence of colleters in Gentianales is described as a synapomorphy, studies on the morphofunctionality of colleters and the mechanisms underlying the synthesis and release of colleter secretion in Gentianaceae are scarce. Here, we described the ontogeny and the morphological and functional aspects of colleters of Prepusa montana, revealed the nature of the key compounds present in the secretion, and explored the cellular aspects of the synthesis and release of secretion and senescence of colleters. Samples of the stem apical meristem with leaf primordium and young leaves; adult and senescent leaves were observed using light and electron microscopy. The colleters, located in the axil of the leaf, have a protodermal origin and develop asynchronously. They are digitiform, possessing a short peduncle and a secretory head containing homogeneous cells with dense cytoplasm and abundant endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi bodies. The secretion, composed of polysaccharides and proteins, is accumulated in schizogenous spaces and released through the separation of peripheral secretory cells and loosening of the external periclinal wall. Presumably, senescence is caused by programmed cell death. The morphoanatomical characterization of P. montana leaf colleters described here is the first record for the genus and the peculiar accumulation of colleter secretion in schizogenous spaces expanding our knowledge on the diversity of these secretory structures. Our results also provide insights into programmed cell death as an eminent topic related to secretory structures.

Effect of Age of Agave tequilana Weber Blue Variety on Quality and Authenticity Parameters for the Tequila 100% Agave Silver Class: Evaluation at the Industrial Scale Level.

Due to the oversupply and scarcity cycles of the Agave tequilana Weber blue variety, the effect of agave age (harvested in 4, 5, and 6 years) as raw material for the tequila 100% agave silver class was studied for each stage in a full-scale (industrial) process. Harvested plants showed differences in their morphological characteristics that affected the amount of juice; this had an impact in the fermentation stage since must composition was modified in the nitrogen content and juice/exudate ratio. This was noticed due to an increase in the production of higher alcohols attributed to the odd-chain fatty of the exudate, which affects n-propanol production. The characterization of the final product showed the feasibility to use agaves (less than 7 years) to produce the Tequila 100% agave silver class and to comply with the quality criteria. Furthermore, the final product was analyzed with the gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass-spectrometry technique to determine its authenticity. The δ13CVPDB isotopic parameter (-13.40‱ in average) values show the type of plant used as a raw material for ethanol production, while the δ18OVSMOW (20.52‱ in average) isotopic parameter can be helpful in corroborating and ensuring the traceability of the product and the geographical location of the beverage production.

Cellulose biosynthesis using simple sugars available in residual cacao mucilage exudate.

Worldwide only 8% of the biomass from harvested cacao fruits is used, as cacao beans, in chocolate-based products. Cacao mucilage exudate (CME), a nutrient-rich fluid, is usually lost during cacao beans fermentation. CME's composition and availability suggest a potential carbon source for cellulose production. CME and the Hestrin and Schramm medium were used, and compared, as growth media for bacterial cellulose (BC) production with Gluconacetobacter xylinus. CME can be used to produce BC. However, the high sugar content, low pH, and limited nitrogen sources in CME hinder G. xylinus growth affecting cellulose yields. BC production increased from 0.55 ± 0.16 g L-1 up to 13.13 ± 1.09 g L-1 after CME dilution and addition of a nitrogen source. BC production was scaled up from 30 mL to 15 L, using lab-scale experiments conditions, with no significant changes in yields and production rates, suggesting a robust process with industrial possibilities.

Activity of Adesmia boronioides resinous exudate against phytopathogenic bacteria.

Resinous exudate obtained from the aerial parts of Adesmia boronioides Hook.f. were evaluated to determine anti-phytopathogenic effects. Briefly, resinous exudate was obtained by dipping fresh plant material in dichloromethane; chemical composition was determined by GC-MS; and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were evaluated against four phytopathogenic bacteria. Resinous exudate yield was 8.5% (resin/fresh plant), of which esquel-6-en-9-one (14.25%), esquel-7-en-9-one (5.86%), and veratric acid (2.59%) were the effective antibacterial compounds. Tested against Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovora, Erwinia amylovora, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas syringae, MICs and MBCs ranged from 16 to 128 µg/mL and 32-256 µg/mL, respectively. These results provide initial evidence that resinous bush A. boronioides is a new and alternative source of substances with agricultural interest.

Neumonía necrotizante y empiema pleural por Salmonella no Typhi en paciente inmunocompetente

Los distintos serotipos de Salmonella han sido involucrados generalmente en infecciones gastrointestinales. Las complicaciones pulmonares tanto la neumonía como el empiema son consideradas muy raras y generalmente se presentan en hospederos con alteraciones del sistema inmunológico o con enfermedades predisponentes. Se reporta el caso de una niña de 7 años de edad sin enfermedad previa y sin síntomas gastrointestinales, quien presentó fiebre, tos productiva y dificultad respiratoria progresiva. La radiografía mostró una zona de opacidad de compromiso pulmonar total derecho con desplazamiento del cardiomediastino hacia la izquierda. Se realizó toracentesis con colocación inmediata de sonda de drenaje torácico; del líquido pleural se aisló Salmonella no Typhi. Recibió tratamiento endovenoso con ceftazidima y ciprofloxacina por 12 días, seguido de 12 días más de trimetoprim/sulfametoxazol de forma ambulatoria. Este es el primer reporte para el país, del asilamiento de Salmonella no Typhi relacionado con enfermedad respiratoria severa en una paciente inmunológicamente competente.

The different serotypes of Salmonella have been generally involved in gastrointestinal infections, pulmonary complications both pneumonia and empyema are considered very rare and usually occur in hosts with alterations of the immune system or with predisposing diseases. We report the case of a 7-year-old girl without previous illness and without gastrointestinal symptoms, who presented fever, productive cough and progressive respiratory difficulty. The radiograph showed a zone of opacity of right total pulmonary involvement with displacement of the cardiomediastinum to the left. Thoracentesis was performed with immediate thoracic drainage tube replacement; of the pleural fluid was isolated Salmonella no Typhi. She received intravenous treatment with ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin for 1 days, followed by 12 days of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole on an outpatient basis. This is the first report for the country, of the isolation of Salmonella non Typhi related to severe respiratory disease in an immunologically competent patient.

Efectividad de un apósito de hidrofibra reforzada, con plata iónica al 1,2%, potenciado con EDTA y cloruro de bencetonio: casos de estudio.

Objetivo: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, observacional, de seguimiento de casos en el servicio de cirugía plástica del hospital El Tunal, Bogotá, Colombia, para evaluar la efectividad de un apósito de hidrofibra reforzada, con plata iónica al 1,2%, potenciado con ácido etilendiaminotetraacético (EDTA) y cloruro de bencetonio en pacientes con heridas de difícil cicatrización. Método: Se incluyeron 23 pacientes con heridas de diferentes etiologías, signos locales de infección, presencia de exudado e indicadores visuales o indirectos de biofilm. Los pacientes fueron divididos en tres grupos: heridas que requerían cicatrización por segunda intención (n=10) (grupo 1), heridas con absceso (n=4) (grupo 2) y heridas en las que se requería preparar el lecho para cobertura quirúrgica (n=9) (grupo 3). El seguimiento de cada caso duró tres meses. Resultados: El grupo 1 demostró una disminución de exudado, infección y signos indirectos de biofilm, así como una reducción significativa de la superficie de la herida con cierre total en ocho de los 10 casos pertenecientes a este grupo. El grupo 2 logró el control de exudado y cierre de la cavidad en un promedio de 21 días. El grupo 3 obtuvo adecuada preparación del lecho de la herida y alcanzó una cobertura quirúrgica en 15 días, en promedio. No se encontraron efectos adversos en los pacientes tratados. Conclusión: Los resultados muestran que el apósito estudiado es efectivo para controlar exudado, infección y signos indirectos de biofilm, así como para disminuir el tamaño de la herida, lograr el cierre de heridas con absceso y preparar el lecho para una cobertura quirúrgica definitiva.Objective: A prospective, observational, case-series study evaluated the efficacy of a hydrofiber dressing with ionic silver, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and benzethonium chloride in patients with hard-to-heal wounds at El Tunal hospital in Bogota, Colombia. Method: A total of 23 patients with wounds of different aetiologies, local signs of infection, exudate and biofilm were recruited. Patients were divided into three groups: wounds for secondary intention healing (group 1), abscesses (group 2) and wounds for surgical coverage (group 3). Patients were followed up for 3 months. Results: Group 1 showed a reduction in exudate and infection levels, and a decrease in indirect signs of biofilm. There was also a significant reduction in wound surface, with eight out of 10 patients in this group achieving complete wound closure. Group 2 obtained exudate control and wound closure in 21 days, on average. Group 3 demonstrated an adequate wound bed preparation for surgical coverage in 15 days, on average. No side effects were observed. Conclusion: The results showed that the hydrofiber dressing could be effective in controlling exudate and infection levels, and managing the indirect signs of biofilm, as well as reducing the wound surface, achieving wound closure in abscesses and performing wound bed preparation for surgical coverage.

[Case studies: efficacy of a hydrofiber dressing with ionic silver, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and benzethonium chloride]. / Efectividad de un apósito de hidrofibra reforzada, con plata iónica al 1,2%, potenciado con EDTA y cloruro de bencetonio: casos de estudio.

SINOPSIS: Objetivo: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, observacional, de seguimiento de casos en el servicio de cirugía plástica del hospital El Tunal, Bogotá, Colombia, para evaluar la efectividad de un apósito de hidrofibra reforzada, con plata iónica al 1,2%, potenciado con ácido etilendiaminotetraacético (EDTA) y cloruro de bencetonio en pacientes con heridas de difícil cicatrización. Método: Se incluyeron 23 pacientes con heridas de diferentes etiologías, signos locales de infección, presencia de exudado e indicadores visuales o indirectos de biofilm. Los pacientes fueron divididos en tres grupos: heridas que requerían cicatrización por segunda intención (n=10) (grupo 1), heridas con absceso (n=4) (grupo 2) y heridas en las que se requería preparar el lecho para cobertura quirúrgica (n=9) (grupo 3). El seguimiento de cada caso duró tres meses. Resultados: El grupo 1 demostró una disminución de exudado, infección y signos indirectos de biofilm, así como una reducción significativa de la superficie de la herida con cierre total en ocho de los 10 casos pertenecientes a este grupo. El grupo 2 logró el control de exudado y cierre de la cavidad en un promedio de 21 días. El grupo 3 obtuvo adecuada preparación del lecho de la herida y alcanzó una cobertura quirúrgica en 15 días, en promedio. No se encontraron efectos adversos en los pacientes tratados. Conclusión: Los resultados muestran que el apósito estudiado es efectivo para controlar exudado, infección y signos indirectos de biofilm, así como para disminuir el tamaño de la herida, lograr el cierre de heridas con absceso y preparar el lecho para una cobertura quirúrgica definitiva. ABSTRACT: Objective: A prospective, observational, case-series study evaluated the efficacy of a hydrofiber dressing with ionic silver, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and benzethonium chloride in patients with hard-to-heal wounds at El Tunal hospital in Bogota, Colombia. Method: A total of 23 patients with wounds of different aetiologies, local signs of infection, exudate and biofilm were recruited. Patients were divided into three groups: wounds for secondary intention healing (group 1), abscesses (group 2) and wounds for surgical coverage (group 3). Patients were followed up for 3 months. Results: Group 1 showed a reduction in exudate and infection levels, and a decrease in indirect signs of biofilm. There was also a significant reduction in wound surface, with eight out of 10 patients in this group achieving complete wound closure. Group 2 obtained exudate control and wound closure in 21 days, on average. Group 3 demonstrated an adequate wound bed preparation for surgical coverage in 15 days, on average. No side effects were observed. Conclusion: The results showed that the hydrofiber dressing could be effective in controlling exudate and infection levels, and managing the indirect signs of biofilm, as well as reducing the wound surface, achieving wound closure in abscesses and performing wound bed preparation for surgical coverage.

Labdanes: antifungal compounds isolates from the resinous exudate of Madia sativa against Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands.

In this study, resinous exudate from Madia sativa was analyzed by GC-MS. The major bioactive compounds 13,14,15-trihydroxylabd-7-ene (14) and 3,14,15-trihydroxylabd-8-ene (15) were isolated and their structures were determined by NMR. The antifungal activity of the resinous exudate and the labdanes compounds was evaluated using the inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth of plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi causing root rot of various crops. The evaluation of the resinous exudate showed no inhibition over 50% at 75 mg/L, while compound 15 had the stronger effect on the myceliar growth of P. cinnamomi, with a 94.6% inhibition at 175 mg/L. The same way, the mixture of both compounds in equal parts did not show a synergistic effect but showed similar percentages of mycelial growth inhibition from 25 mg/L with respect to the compounds separately.

Chemical structure and rheological studies of arabinoglucuronoxylans from the Cercidium praecox exudate brea gum.

The structure of the arabinoglucuronoxylans from brea gum was elucidated through an chemical and NMR spectroscopical analysis. They are composed of xylose, arabinose, glucuronic acid and 4-O-methylglucuronic acid in a molar ratio 1:0.44:0.16:0.22. The structure consists of a central chain of (1→4)-ß-d-xylopyranose of which ca.70% are susbstituted in C2 with single stubs of others sugars (ß-d-Xylp, α-d-GlcpA and 4-O-Me-α-d-GlcpA), with disaccharides (α-l-Arap-(1→2)-4-O-Me-α-d-GlcpA-(1→, α-l-Arap-(1→2)-α-d-GlcpA-(1→, ß-l-Araf-(1→3)-α-l-Araf-(1→ and α-l-Araf-(1→3)-α-l-Araf-(1→5), and possibly with trisaccharides of xylose. The determination of the location of the acetyl groups and their quantification in these arabinoglucuronoxylans has been achieved for the first time. Brea gum presents a higher thickening effect than gum arabic in 5% aqueous solution, demonstrating its potential usefulness for food and pharmaceutical applications.