Norfloxacin monodose use in patients with cholera in Salta, Argentina

The use ofmonodose (800 mg) per os of Norfloxacin was evaluated in 32 patients with cholera at Salvador Mazza's Hospital, Salta, Argentina. It was considered the celerity in negativization of stool culture (100% of cases: 12 hours post administration), its efficiency along time (24/24 controlled patients were negative at 10th day) and MIC of isolated strains (100% of strains were sensitive: range 0.008 to 0.016 mug/ml). It was included oral administration of sorbitol 70% in peanut oil in order to study patients at 10th day's control. This method could be an alternative one in the study of asymptomatic carrier. Norfloxacin monodose shows good performance in early negativization of stool culture and it was also effective along the whole observation period, suggesting it could prevent carriage.

UNA virus: first report of human infection in Argentina

Una virus (UNAV), Togaviridae family, is widely distributed in South America, where infections have been detected in mosquitoes and vertebrate hosts (humans, birds and horses). We analyzed human sera from Córdoba inhabitants aged 44 to 89 years and using a neutralization test, we found a prevalence of UNAV antibodies of 3.8% (3/79). The low titers detected suggest past infections probably acquired in rural areas of the Province of Córdoba (central Argentina). None sera were found positive for MAYV neutralizing antibodies. This is the first report of human infections by UNAV in Argentina.

Liver abscess due to Salmonella enteritidis in a returned traveler with HIV infection: case report and review of the literature

Bacteremia due to non-typhi Salmonella is more frequent in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, focal complications have been rarely described. We report a case of liver abscess due to Salmonella enteritidis in an HIV-infected patient who recently returned to Sao Paulo, Brazil, from a trip in the Caribbean. A good clinical and radiological response was seen with both percutaneous catheter drainage and antibiotic treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first culture proven case of non-typhi Salmonellaliver abscess in an HIV-infected patient in Brazil.

HTLV- I infection is not associated with a higher risk of death in peruvian HIV-infected patients

Limited and contradictory information exists regarding the prognosis of HIV/HTLV-I co-infection. Our goal was to estimate the effect of HTLV-I infection on mortality in HIV-infected patients at a HIV reference center in Peru. We studied a retrospective cohort of HIV-infected patients, who were exposed or unexposed to HTLV-I. Exposed patients were Western Blot (WB) positive for both retroviruses. Unexposed patients were WB positive for HIV, and had least one negative EIA for HTLV-I. These were selected among patients who entered our Program immediately before and after each exposed patient, between January 1990 and June 2004. Survival time was considered between the diagnosis of exposure to HTLV-I and death or censoring. Confounding variables were age, gender, baseline HIV clinical stage, baseline CD4+ T cell count, and antiretroviral therapy. We studied 50 exposed, and 100 unexposed patients. Exposed patients had a shorter survival compared to unexposed patients [median survival: 47 months (95% CI: 17-77) vs. 85 months (95% CI: 70-100), unadjusted p = 0.06]. Exposed patients had a higher rate of mortality compared to unexposed patients (HIV/HTLV-I (24/50 [48%]) vs. HIV only (37/100 [37%]), univariable p = 0.2]. HTLV-I exposure was not associated to a higher risk of death in the adjusted analysis: HR: 1.2 (0.4-3.5). AIDS clinical stage and lack of antiretroviral therapy were associated to a higher risk of dying. In conclusions, HTLV-I infection was not associated with a higher risk of death in Peruvian HIV-infected patients. Advanced HIV infection and lack of antiretroviral therapy may explain the excess of mortality in this population.

Envenoming by coral snakes (Micrurus) in Argentina, during the period between 1979-2003

Envenomation by coral snakes (Micrurus sp.) is one of the most dangerous injuries in America and it is considered as a serious medical emergency, however bites by these snakes appear to be rare. We analyzed epidemiological data, clinical signs and antivenom use in Argentina during the period between 1979-2003. During this period of study 46 non-fatal Micrurus bites were reported. The majority of cases were men from 31 to 40 years old. Bites occurred primarily in spring and summer. Most cases were reported from the northeast and northwest provinces of the country. The bites were mostly located on hands or feet and occurred mostly during agricultural activities and so mainly involved farmers. Only four cases occurred as a result of handling snakes. The median time it took for antivenom to be administrated was 60 minutes after the bite, and the median number of vials applied was 2. Local pain was mentioned and edema was reported in 41% of patients. All patients recovered without sequelae. This study showed a low incidence of Micrurus bites and low severity of envenomation. However, although no deaths have been reported during the last 30 years, given the toxicity of the venom of Micrurus snakes, the risk of severe envenomation should be considered.

Apoptosis as a target for gene therapy in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the synovial joints resulting from hyperplasia of synovial fibroblasts and infiltration of lymphocytes, macrophages and plasma cells, all of which manifest signs of activation. All these cells proliferate abnormally, invade bone and cartilage, produce an elevated amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines, metalloproteinases and trigger osteoclast formation and activation. Some of the pathophysiological consequences of the disease may be explained by the inadequate apoptosis, which may promote the survival of autoreactive T cells, macrophages or synovial fibroblasts. Although RA does not result from single genetic mutations, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms implicated in joint destruction has revealed novel targets for gene therapy. Gene transfer strategies include inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, blockade of cartilage-degrading metalloproteinases, inhibition of synovial cell activation and manipulation of the Th1-Th2 cytokine balance. Recent findings have iluminated the idea that induction of apoptosis in the rheumatoid joint can be also used to gain therapeutic advantage in the disease. In the present review we will discuss different strategies used for gene transfer in RA and chronic inflammation. Particularly, we will highlight the importance of programmed cell death as a novel target for gene therapy using endogenous biological mediators, such as galectin-1, a beta-galactoside-binding protein that induces apoptosis of activated T cells and immature thymocytes.

First detection of Rio Negro virus (Venezuelan equine encephalitis complex subtype VI) in Córdoba, Argentina

Rio Negro virus (RNV) (Venezuelan equine encephalitis subtype VI) circulates only in Argentina; in northern provinces, isolates have been obtained from mosquitoes and rodents since 1980 and have been associated with acute febrile illness in humans. However, no studies of RNV have been performed in the central area of the country. We carried out molecular and serological detection of RNV in Córdoba, a province of the central part of the country, in mosquitoes and humans, respectively. One mosquito pool tested positive for alphavirus RNA by reverse transcriptase-nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nested PCR). Subsequent sequencing determined that this alphavirus grouped with RNV. Serological studies detected antibodies to RNV in one human serum sample, which was obtained during the same period that RNV was detected using the aforementioned molecular methods. This is the first report of RNV circulation in the central area of Argentina, indicating an expansion of its original distribution. These results highlight the importance of strengthening surveillance procedures in endemic areas, as well as in new regions where RNV may emerge.

Tolerância e potencial fitorremediador de Stizolobium aterrimum associada ao fungo micorrízico arbuscular Glomus etunicatum em solo contaminado por chumbo

A poluição do solo com metais pesados tem aumentado significativamente nos últimos anos, devido à ação antrópica. Diversas técnicas podem ser utilizadas para reverter ou minimizar a condição de contaminação do solo, porém muitas delas são prejudiciais ao solo. Uma alternativa é a utilização da fitorremediação, já que as plantas possuem a capacidade de absorver elementos do solo e, dessa maneira, promover sua descontaminação com teores excessivos de metais e outros elementos potencialmente tóxicos. A associação de plantas com fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs) pode influenciar a absorção desses elementos. Com o objetivo de avaliar o potencial fitorremediador de plantas de Stizolobium aterrimum associadas ou não a FMAs em solos com concentrações crescentes de Pb, realizou-se um experimento sob condições de casa de vegetação, em esquema fatorial 4 x 2. Os tratamentos consistiram na adição de quatro doses de Pb (0, 250, 500 e 1.000 mg dm-3) e da inoculação ou não de FMA. Os resultados mostraram que a planta foi tolerante ao Pb nas doses utilizadas. A associação com FMA não influenciou a absorção de Pb pela planta. No entanto, a micorrização influenciou a fixação biológica de N2, observando-se maior atividade da enzima nitrogenase em plantas micorrizadas. Apesar dos bons resultados obtidos com relação à tolerância dessa planta ao Pb, mais estudos precisam ser realizados acerca da absorção desse elemento, principalmente em solo multicontaminado, que é a realidade encontrada em sistemas poluídos.

Efeito do peso corporal na fecundidade e na longevidade do percevejo predador Podisus rostralis

Considerando a importância dos percevejos predadores como agentes de controle biológico e a necessidade de se otimizar sua produção massal, realizou-se o presente trabalho para avaliar a influência do peso corporal sobre a sobrevivência e a reprodução de fêmeas de Podisus rostralis (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Os tratamentos foram constituídos por fêmeas desse predador com peso médio de: 39,5 mg, 45,5 mg, 51,5 mg, 57,5 mg e 63,5 mg. O período de preoviposição foi menor nas fêmeas mais pesadas, enquanto o número de ovos e de ninfas por dia apresentou relação linear positiva com o peso das fêmeas de P. rostralis. A longevidade das fêmeas desse predador foi semelhante entre tratamentos, porém não apresentou tendência de variação em razão do seu peso corporal. Como o objetivo de uma criação massal é produzir o maior número possível de ninfas por dia, recomenda-se o uso de fêmeas de P. rostralis com peso acima de 60,0 mg.

Biomassa e atividade microbianas do solo sob influência de chumbo e da rizosfera da soja micorrizada

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da adição de chumbo (Pb) ao solo na biomassa e atividade microbianas do solo sob influência da rizosfera de soja micorrizada. O trabalho foi realizado em casa de vegetação, com delineamento inteiramente casualizado num esquema fatorial 4x2x2 utilizando-se 0, 150, 300 e 600 mg dm-3 de Pb, inoculação ou não do fungo micorrízico arbuscular (FMA), Glomus macrocarpum, e duas épocas de amostragem - florescimento e maturação da soja. Avaliaram-se o C da biomassa microbiana, a liberação de CO2 do solo e a atividade de três enzimas, desidrogenase, fosfatase alcalina e arilssulfatase. O Pb afetou negativamente o C da biomassa e a atividade da microbiota rizosférica, ocorrendo interação entre a presença de propágulos de FMA e o estádio de desenvolvimento da planta. A atividade da fosfatase alcalina foi a mais afetada pelas altas concentrações de Pb adicionadas ao solo, com redução de 60% na sua atividade, mostrando-se um indicador sensível do estresse metabólico da comunidade microbiana do solo causado pelo excesso de chumbo. A micorrização da soja influenciou de forma direta a microbiota rizosférica, resultando em maior atividade e biomassa, principalmente no estádio de maturação da soja. A microbiota do solo apresentou sintomas de estresse decorrentes da adição de chumbo.

Toxicidade do níquel em plantas de feijão e efeitos sobre a microbiota do solo

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da adição de Ni ao solo (0, 2,3, 10,5, 47 e 210 mg kg-1), na presença e ausência de calcário, sobre: o desenvolvimento do feijoeiro; a fitodisponibilidade de Ni e algumas características biológicas do solo. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em Latossolo Vermelho distrófico. A dose de Ni de 210 mg kg-1 causou a morte de todas as plantas, tanto na presença como na ausência de calcário. Houve aumento da produção de grãos de feijão no tratamento que recebeu calcário. A concentração de Ni dos grãos aumentou com o incremento de Ni no solo, ultrapassando o limite máximo permitido, de 5 mg kg-1 de matéria fresca, na dose de 2,3 mg kg-1, indicando que a aplicação de calcário não foi suficiente para reduzir os teores de Ni no grão de feijão a níveis apropriados para o consumo. Observou-se diminuição da biomassa microbiana do solo nos tratamentos com altas concentrações de Ni, que foi acompanhada por aumento no qCO2. O qCO2 foi um indicador adequado do grau de estresse que teve a comunidade microbiana do solo com a adição de Ni.

Synthesis of 1H-benzoxazine-2,4-diones from heterocyclic anhydrides: evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

A facile one-step synthesis of 1H-benzoxazine-2,4-diones from heterocyclic anhydrides and TMSA was described. This paper determines their antimicrobial activity against nine human bacterial pathogens by the broth microdilution method; antioxidant activity by DPPH• inactivation and a ferric-reducing power assay; and toxicity by a brine shrimp, Artemia salina, assay. The 1H-benzoxazine-2,4-dione yields were in the range of 57 to 98%. The novel compound 1H-pyrazino[2,3-][1,3]oxazine-2,4-dione 4c showed the highest antioxidant capacity (DPPH 35.4% and FRAP 0.063 µmol TEs/µmol).

Enanismo y podredumbre basal de eustoma grandiflorum y su relación con la densidad de fusarium solani en el suelo

En cultivos comerciales de lisianthus de La Plata y alrededores (Argentina), se observó que Fusarium solani afecta al 100% de los establecimientos productivos provocando enanismo y podredumbre basal. Se realizó un ensayo para analizar la densidad de F. solani del suelo bajo el efecto de distintos tratamientos y relacionarla con la evolución de ambas patologías. Los análisis del suelo se hicieron en 3 épocas: antes del transplante (octubre), al inicio (enero) y al final (marzo) de la floración. En enero y marzo se evaluó la incidencia de cada enfermedad y se cuantificaron las plantas cosechadas. La población de F. solani no varió en las 3 épocas y se redujo significativamente con los fumigantes y el vapor. Esto determinó una incidencia del enanismo (enero) de 0 a 9,5% con los primeros y de 31,4% con el vapor. Para el testigo y los fungicidas la incidencia varió entre el 87,9 y el 100%, disminuyendo las plantas cosechadas. La podredumbre basal comenzó con el ingreso del patógeno a través de las heridas producidas por la cosecha. Ésta fue significativamente mayor con los fumigantes (90,7 a 99%) y también con el vapor (76,8%), produciéndose la mayor incidencia en marzo (15,7 a 22,2 y 10,1% respectivamente), reduciéndose el período productivo. Se destaca la importancia de disminuir la densidad de F. solani en el momento del transplante. Entre los métodos de control el Metam sodio y Dazomet podrían ser eficaces sustitutos del Bromuro de metilo, seguidos por el vapor.

Purple urine bag syndrome in end-stage chronic kidney disease

Introduction: When faced with violet, purple or purplish-blue urine, clinicians should consider urinary tract infection in their differential diagnosis. Case report: A 60-year-old woman with end-stage kidney disease and non-adherence to renal replacement therapy was admitted to our hospital for placement of hemodialysis catheter. During her hospitalization she had purple urine, and purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) was diagnosed. She was effectively treated with antibiotics and her urine returned to a dark yellow color. Discussion: Although this condition is often easily treated, diagnosing PUBS in chronic renal patients probably means an increased serum concentration of indoxyl sulfate, metabolite that is involved in the progression of both CKD and cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: Hence, in the context of our renal patients, perhaps PUBS is not as benign as supposed.