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Las finanzas públicas de los gobiernos locales y, de manera específica el de las entidades federativas en México, dependen de los recursos económicos provenientes del gobierno federal (transferencias), por consiguiente, en los últimos 35 años los estados han adoptado una actitud conformista, no interesándoles la generación de ingresos propios, ni el modo de eficientar la asignación del gasto con recursos federales, así como la irresponsabilidad en la contratación de financiamiento o deuda pública. La desvinculación entre su capacidad fiscal y las necesidades de gasto han generado diversos problemas y efectos, entre ellos el desequilibrio fiscal vertical y horizontal. En este sentido es importante determinar la relación que existe entre el desequilibrio fiscal vertical, la dependencia de las transferencias (participa­ciones y aportaciones) federales y el financiamiento público del gobierno del Estado de Michoacán (1980-2015).

Background: The first monograph of the genus Viguiera was published in 1918 by Blake, including about 141 species. Schilling & Panero based on studies of molecular sequences of nuclear Internal Transcribed Spacer and External Transcribed Spacer, as well as cpDNA, proposed to reclassify the genus, relocating its species in at least other nine genera. Question: Is it possible to identify distinctive patterns between the species of the new classification of Viguiera s. l. and the results of the chemical studies reported? Species considered: Sixty-seven species within the wide Viguiera circumscription with chemical studies and biological activities reported. Results: The species of the genus Viguiera synthesize terpenoids represented mainly by sesquiterpene lactones and diterpenes, with triterpenes, polyacetylenes, volatile terpenoids and flavonoids also present. The main types of secondary metabolites were present in the studied species, although some compounds were more frequent than others in some clades. Conclusion: Germacrolides, heliangolides, furanoheliangolides, tetracyclic diterpenes and flavonoids are the main constituents of Viguiera and segregated genera. Some interesting chemotaxonomic relationships are noted. Nevertheless, nondistinctive clear patterns were observed between clades and chemical groups. These results may be a consequence of the reported chemical studies of the species of Viguiera s. l., which have not agreed on objetives or methodologies.

El presente estudio comprende una breve visión de la segunda vuelta electoral en México, aplicada por primera vez en el plano municipal en el estado de San Luis Potosí en el año 1997 y retirada ocho años después aludiendo a costos políticos y económicos. Por tanto, se observa que en poco más de veinte años de su aplicación, la reflexión gira en torno a la posibilidad de retomar su uso en tales elecciones, pero atendiendo a los nuevos tiempos, necesidades y posibles retos que exige hoy en día el sistema electoral nacional.

El presente trabajo tiene la finalidad de evaluar la productividad del conocimiento científico sobre el uso de plaguicidas en la producción de fresa y el riesgo que estos representan social y ambientalmente. Se revisaron artículos en Google Scholar y ScienceDirect de los últimos 11 años. Se analizaron indicadores bibliométricos como productividad por países, instituciones, autores y concurrencia de palabras clave, así como autores más relevantes en el tema. Para el análisis se utilizó el programa de Rstudio para crear los gráficos representados en las figuras y posteriormente describir las variables de acuerdo con lo obtenido en el programa. Los resultados indican que existe un paulatino crecimiento en el número de trabajos sobre el tema en las distintas áreas del conocimiento y su posible convergencia, resaltando las investigaciones que analizan el riesgo social. La mayor productividad fue en el año 2020. Los países con mayor actividad son China y Estados Unidos. Este análisis hace evidente la necesidad de mayores esfuerzos e incentivos para mostrar los riesgos que los plaguicidas usados en la fresa pueden causar en el ser humano y la biota. La investigación facilita el diseño de política pública orientada a disminuir los riesgos analizados en el medio rural.

PDF file - 86K, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ATP Quantification, and XF Bioenergetic Assay.

PDF file - 428K, Supplemental Figure 1. Administration of rIL-2 inhibits tumor growth in murine hepatic metastasis model in a dose dependent fashion. Supplemental Figure 2. HDIL-2 alone or combined with CQ significantly inhibits Panc02 tumor growth, prolonging survival time in a hepatic metastasis model. Supplemental Figure 3. HDIL-2 combined with CQ inhibits Renca tumor growth in an hepatic metastasis model. Supplemental Figure 4. CQ treatment results in mitochondrial morphologic changes in MC38 cells. Supplemental Figure 5. Murine tumor cells are dependent on glycolysis. Supplemental Figure 6. Ethyl pyruvate alters tumor cell metabolism. Supplemental Figure 7. Proposed mechanisms of autophagy inhibition during HDIL-2 immunotherapy promoting long term tumor regression.

PDF file - 56K, HDIL-2 administration does not result in liver and idney dysfunction in mice.

Las comunidades de Temacapulín, Acasico y Palmarejo, ubicadas en los Altos de Jalisco, han luchado durante más de quince años para superar la condición de subalternidad a la cual han sido constantemente sometidas, bajo la máxima de un discurso desarrollista y promotor del megaproyecto de la presa “El Zapotillo”. Las acciones desplegadas por los pobladores han sido de diversa naturaleza, sin embargo, en este artículo se analizan aquellas que hacen uso de herramientas propias de la institucionalidad para defender su territorio, sus recursos naturales y, en general, su patrimonio material e inmaterial. El análisis propuesto involucra una aproximación a la contranarrativa edificada por la resistencia histórica que han tenido estas comunidades, a partir de una caracterización del proceso de lucha y acción de los pobladores de cada uno de los pueblos en peligro de inundación. Finalmente, se explican los efectos e impactos de estas formas de resistencia sociojurídica, especialmente se logra identificar un grado importante de efectividad para detener el despojo y proteger el territorio de las comunidades. El análisis de la contranarrativa de las comunidades frente al desarrollismo ofrece un panorama de cuestiones socioculturales e identitarias frente al territorio que son usualmente inobservadas en el marco de los megaproyectos.

We describe a new eusphenodontian, Lanceirosphenodon ferigoloi gen. et sp. nov., from the Upper Triassic (Norian) Riograndia Assemblage Zone (AZ) of the Candelaria Sequence (Santa Maria Supersequen...

En años recientes, las humanidades y las ciencias sociales han experimentado un viraje afectivo (Massumi, 2002b), (Clough y Halley, 2007), (Gregg y Seigworth, 2010). Esta reorientación teórica privilegia a la experiencia y al encuentro como categorías desde las cuales pensar múltiples fenómenos. Este trabajo es una aproximación al cine desde las teorías del afecto; es un recorrido, a través de una multitud de voces, por algunos postulados del evento cinemático. Es también una investigación sobre el alcance de la imagen-afección deleuzeana y un acercamiento afectivo a la trilogía Reconstrucción (2003), Allegro (2005), Offscreen (2006) del director danés Christoffer Boe.

Triassic rhynchocephalians from South America are relatively sparse, based on one taxon from the Norian of Argentina (i.e., Sphenotitan leyesi) and three records from the Late Carnian (i.e., indet....

Black paint is common on Remojadas style ceramics of Central Veracruz, Mexico, dating to 100 BCE–CE 600. An early study considers this paint to be Moraceae latex, with some bitumen. The present study analyzes 20 samples from the site of La Joya, from the Remojadas culture: paint from 14 jars and 5 figurines, and 1 residue of bitumen processing inside a jar, using standard bitumen analysis combining Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry and δ13C isotopic values, and compares the results to published data from Gulf Coast oil seeps. The conclusion is that the samples are bitumen without latex added, which probably comes from the same local seep group. The study provides a third set of data for bitumen analysis in the Americas, offering comparable information on this important but little known resource in the ancient cultures of the New World.

INTRODUCTION Previous studies report the isolation mainly of terthiophene derivatives and flavonoids from Dyssodia species. Terthiophenes are known as photosensitizers by their capacity to generate singlet oxygen (1 O2 ), and flavonoid antioxidant activity is recognized. These opposite properties could represent interesting options in photodynamic therapy. OBJECTIVE To determine the antioxidant and photosensitizer activities of extracts and isolates of Dyssodia pinnata by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). METHODOLOGY Extracts and isolates were evaluated as antioxidants by the interactions with copper ion (Cu2+ ) observed in EPR, and by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and the thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) methods. Their abilities as 1 O2 producers were also estimated by EPR. RESULTS Terthiophenes were obtained from hexane (DPH) and acetone (DPA) extracts, and flavonoids from DPA and methanol (DPM) extracts. The interaction with Cu2+ of extracts and isolated compounds of Dyssodia pinnata showed two effects in EPR: reduction and chelation; flavonoids exhibited both effects, while terthiophenes showed only reduction. DPA, DPM, and flavonoids were active in DPPH and TBARS assays. Quercetagetin-7-O-β-glucoside showed the highest antioxidant and chelating activities, 3-glycosidated flavonoids were less active. Upon irradiation extracts and terthiophenes induced 1 O2 formation. CONCLUSION Flavonoid reducing activity on Cu2+ and free radical scavenging capacity were related to the number of hydroxy groups and to the conjugation between the B and C rings. All tested flavonols showed a major complex with Cu2+ , with the most probable site of chelation between the 5-hydroxy and 4-oxo groups. Extracts and terthiophene derivatives showed photosensitizer activity. Thus, EPR is useful to evaluate free radical scavenging and pro-oxidant properties.

The phytochemical study of the aerial parts of Verbesina sphaerocephala A. Gray afforded six sesquiterpene lactones of cadinene type, five of them described for the first time, along with known phenyl propanoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. Structures on new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques including CD and X-ray analyses, and known compounds were identified by comparing their spectral data with those previously reported. Cadinene-like sesquiterpene lactones could be characteristic metabolites of V. sphaerocephala.

The presence of fossil hydrocarbons in archaeological construction samples from a Mexican Gulf coast site, dated 100BC-AD600, led to the hypothesis that petroleum derivatives were used to stabilize earthen construction, a knowledge thought to originate in the early XX century. A two-step study first compared 10 construction and 6 paleosoil samples with previously profiled archaeological bitumen of the site of La Joya. This procedure required to adapt the standard bitumen protocol by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry and δ13C Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry for low concentration of organic extract in earthen sediment samples, and allowed to infer that bitumen was added to the construction samples. A second step compared the La Joya results with 63 earthen architecture samples from 13 sites in Mesoamerica to evaluate whether the strategy was unique to the site or if it was shared and possibly exported. The results indicate that the use of bitumen as a stabilizer was opportunistic in sites on the Gulf coast located nearby surface seeps, but that the technology was not exported to sites in contact with the Gulf region.

Clevosaurus was a cosmopolitan Rhynchocephalia genus restricted to the Late Triassic and the Early Jurassic. In Brazil, C. brasiliensis is one of the most conspicuous species collected from the Candelaria Sequence (Riograndia Assemblage Zone, Norian age) of the Santa Maria Supersequence. Several jaws of C. brasiliensis are housed in the Laboratorio de Paleontologia de Vertebrados of the Instituto de Geociencias-UFRGS. Some of these jaws bear a relatively small protuberant bony callus on the anterolateral margin of the dentary, evidenced by a different tissue pattern incorporating small pits and discrete grooves. This pattern closely resembles a common bone infection known in the mandible of the extant Sphenodon punctatus. Although this similarity, the infection may be the result of two possible processes: as consequence of orthal jaw shearing movements during feeding at the moments that the dentary impacts with the enlarged premaxillary tooth or due to injuries produced after fights between conspe...

"La familia extinta Albanerpetontidae es, a la fecha, la única familia incluida dentro de Allocaudata, y junto con Anura, Caudata y Gymnophiona conforma el clado Lissamphibia, el cual tiene un alcance temporal desde el Triásico temprano al reciente. Esta familia incluye un único género norteamericano, Albanerpeton, cuya distribución temporal se extendió desde el Cretácico Temprano (Aptiano/Albiano temprano) al Plioceno. Desde 2004 se han realizado expediciones paleontológicas en rocas de la formación El Gallo, de edad campaniana (Cretácico Tardío), en Baja California, México. Como resultado se han descubierto numerosos sitios con abundantes restos de microfósiles. En uno de ellos, denominado ROS51, fueron colectados fragmentos de un dentario y un premaxilar con dientes, identificados como pertenecientes a la Familia Albanerpetontidae. Los caracteres morfológicos que permitieron su identificación son: dientes robustos, pleurodontos no pedicelados que se encuentran muy cercanos entre sí. Estos materiales constituyen el primer registro para México siendo el más austral y el primero en la costa pacífica de Norte América."

In this contribution, we re-describe the holotype (i.e., the posterior fragment of a left dentary with dentition) of Cargninia enigmatica from the Riograndia Assemblage Zone, Candelaria Sequence, S...

The phytochemical study of Pittocaulon filare afforded three oplopanes (1-3), a eudesmane (6), and three oplopane glucosides (7-9), one of them reported as its acetyl derivative (7a), together with several known compounds. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and chemical reactions. The anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 1-5 was determined using the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced ear edema model, and the effect of compounds 1-4 on the recruitment of neutrophils was evaluated using the myeloperoxidase test. Compounds 1 and 2 were the more active anti-inflammatory agents, with lower ID50 values (0.17 and 0.18 μmol/ear, respectively) than indomethacin (0.24 μmol/ear), but they had a lesser effect on the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration than both indomethacin and compound 3, indicating that the tested compounds do not have the same ability to inhibit edema and to prevent cell infiltration.

The phytochemical study of the aerial parts of Melampodium perfoliatum afforded six melampolides (1, 3, 5–8), a eudesmanolide (9), two diterpene lactones (10, 11), and two ent-kaurane derivatives (12, 13), together with the known melampodin (2) and polymatin A (4). The structures of the compounds were elucidated by physical data analysis and chemical reactions. Compounds 2, 4, 5, and 10 exhibited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity on the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced ear edema model, with ID50 values of 1.14, 0.56, 1.15, and 1.49 μmol/ear, respectively, compared to the reference compound indomethacin (0.24 μmol/ear).

Administration of high-dose interleukin-2 (HDIL-2) has durable antitumor effects in 5% to 10% of patients with melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. However, treatment is often limited by side effects, including reversible, multiorgan dysfunction characterized by a cytokine-induced systemic autophagic syndrome. Here, we hypothesized that the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine would enhance IL-2 immunotherapeutic efficacy and limit toxicity. In an advanced murine metastatic liver tumor model, IL-2 inhibited tumor growth in a dose-dependent fashion. These antitumor effects were significantly enhanced upon addition of chloroquine. The combination of IL-2 with chloroquine increased long-term survival, decreased toxicity associated with vascular leakage, and enhanced immune cell proliferation and infiltration in the liver and spleen. HDIL-2 alone increased serum levels of HMGB1, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-18 and also induced autophagy within the liver and translocation of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the cytosol in hepatocytes, effects that were inhibited by combined administration with chloroquine. In tumor cells, chloroquine increased autophagic vacuoles and LC3-II levels inhibited oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production and promoted apoptosis, which was associated with increased Annexin-V+/propidium iodide (PI)− cells, cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase-3, and cytochrome c release from mitochondria. Taken together, our findings provide a novel clinical strategy to enhance the efficacy of HDIL-2 immunotherapy for patients with cancer. Cancer Res; 72(11); 2791–801. ©2012 AACR.

The chemical study of Ageratina deltoidea afforded grandiflorenic acid (1), ent-kaurenoic acid (2), and eight benzylbenzoates (3 - 10), two of them, 3,5-dimethoxybenzyl 2,3,6-trimethoxybenzoate (5) and 4-(β-d-glucopyranosyloxy)-3-hydroxybenzyl 2,6-dimethoxybenzoate (9), described for the first time. In addition, the new sesquiterpene lactone deltoidin C (13), together with the known 11 and 12, the phenolic compounds: ayanin, 2,6-dimethoxybenzoic acid, methyl 3,4-dihydroxycinnamate, chlorogenic acid, and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were also isolated. The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods and chemical reactions. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of compounds 1 - 12 were evaluated on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Deltoidin A (11) was the most active antibacterial agent (MIC 16.0 μg ml-1 ) against E. coli, and the ent-kaurenoid derivatives (1 - 2) showed activity (MIC 31.0 μg ml-1 ) against S. aureus.

While plants of the genus Dyssodia are used by man to a certain extent, few phytochemical and pharmacological studies have been performed with species of this genus. D. tagetiflora is an endemic plant of Mexico and has been used as fodder. The aim of this research was to isolate and identify the main bioactive components and evaluate the insecticidal, antioxidant, genotoxic and cytoprotective activities of D. tagetiflora. The isolated substances included an essential oil composed of six monoterpenes, and extracts containing two flavonols, three flavonol-glycosides and four thiophenes. The compounds were characterized using spectroscopic and spectrometric methods, including GC/MS, MS and NMR. The essential oil showed insecticidal activity against Drosophila melanogaster larvae. The methanolic extract of D. tagetiflora (DTME) had strong antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals; DTME showed no evidence of genotoxic or cytotoxic effects. In contrast, DTME showed a cytoprotective effect attenuating the formation of H2 O2 -induced micronuclei in Vicia faba roots. This report is the first to describe the phytochemical and biological activity of D. tagetiflora.

The development of biologic therapies for patients with cancer has in part been impeded by the extraordinary complexity and intrinsic feedback mechanisms promoting homeostasis in tissue injury, repair, inflammation, and immunity. Recombinant interleukin 2 (IL-2) therapy was initiated in 1984 based on its role as the prototypic T-cell growth factor, with novel roles deduced late after its FDA approval in regulating not only effector T cells but also regulatory T cells. Complicating its application, even in the most sophisticated centers, has been the manageable but difficult toxicities attendant on its use in spite of clear evidence of complete responses in 5-10% of treated patients with melanoma and renal cell carcinoma with extraordinary durability lasting now for almost 25 years, thus tantamount to "cures." Although efforts have been made to diminish toxicity or enhance efficacy the only substantive advance in combination therapy has been the application of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and the antibody to CTLA4. A deeper understanding of the "limiting" toxicity associated with mild flu-like symptoms and more debilitating cytokine "storm" not forthcoming. Here we propose the notion that the systemic syndrome associated with IL-2 administration is due to global cytokine-induced autophagy and temporally limited tissue dysfunction. The possible role of autophagy inhibitors to enhance efficacy and limit toxicity as well as possible problems with this approach are considered.

The first demonstration of ethyl pyruvate inhibition of liver tumor growth associated with induction of tumor apoptosis, diminished HMGB1 release, and decreased inflammation is reported. EP is a potent inhibitor of HMGB1 release that has significant anti–inflammatory activities and exerts a protective effect in animal models of inflammation. As inflammation is linked to cancer growth, we hypothesized that EP would have anti–tumor activity and explored its effects in a liver tumor model. Mice injected intraportally with MC38 colorectal cancer cells led to the growth of visible hepatic tumors within 2 weeks. Pretreatment with EP 30 min prior to infusion of tumor cells and continuing daily for 9 days inhibited tumor growth significantly in a dose–dependent manner, with 80 mg/kg EP achieving >70% reduction in the number of tumor nodules when compared with untreated animals. Delayed treatment with EP also suppressed tumor growth significantly, although to a lesser extent. Tumors had early, marked leukocytic infiltrates, and EP administration decreased innate (NK cells, monocytes) and adaptive (T and B cell lymphocytic) immune cell infiltrates acutely and significantly in the liver. Serum IL–6 and HMGB1 levels, which were elevated following tumor injection, were decreased significantly in EP–treated animals. Tumors showed an increase in apoptosis in EP–treated mice, and tumor cells treated in vitro with EP had marked increases in LC3–II and cleaved PARP, consistent with enhanced autophagic flux and apoptosis. Thus, EP inhibition of tumor growth in the liver was mediated by tumor (induction of apoptosis) and host (decreased inflammation) effects. EP administration may have a therapeutic role in the treatment of cancer in conjunction with other therapeutic agents.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the eighth most common malignancy in adults in the United States. More than 50% of individuals present with metastatic disease and conventional chemotherapeutic strategies have been associated with poor response rates. Immunotherapy with Interleukin (IL)-2, however, induces durable remission, achieving >10 year recurrence free survival in 5–10% of patients with advanced RCC. First described as a T cell growth factor, IL-2 has a wide spectrum of effects in the immune system. Some of the possible mechanisms by which IL-2 carries out its anticancer effects include the augmentation of cytotoxic immune cell functions and reversal of T cell anergy, enabling delivery of immune cells and possibly serum components into tumor. IL-2 indirectly limits tumor escape mechanisms such as defective tumor cell expression of Class I or Class II molecules or expansion of regulatory T cells. Indirect effects on the tumor microenvironment are also likely and associated with rather dramatic T cell infiltration during the global delayed type hypersensitivity response that is associated with systemic IL-2 administration. The IL-2 signaling pathway, its effects on immune cells, and its role in various independent mechanisms of tumor surveillance likely play a role but little substantive data defining a clear phenotype or genotype of IL-2 responders distinguishing them from nonresponders has emerged in the last 25 years since IL-2 therapy was initiated. At best, we can only speculate that the disturbed homeostatic host/tumor interaction is reset in a small subset of patients allowing an antitumor response to recover or ensue.

The new eremophilanolide 1 , the known eremophilane derivatives 2 and 3 , already described as part of mixtures, the known compounds hyperin, 2″-acetylhyperin and two calenduladiol esters were isolated from Roldana lineolata . Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1 and 2 as well as their acetylated and oxidized derivatives were tested against several fungi strains. Eremophilanolide 1 showed a mild activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes .

The chemical study of Roldana platanifolia led to the isolation of β-caryophyllene, five eremophilanolides, chlorogenic acid, and a mixture of β-sitosterol-stigmasterol, β-sitosteryl glucopyranoside, and sucrose. The anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts and isolated products were tested using the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) model of induced acute inflammation. The acetone and methanol extracts showed dose dependent activities (ID50 0.21 and 0.32 mg/ear, respectively), while none of the isolated compounds exhibited relevant edema inhibition. The active extracts were also evaluated with the myeloperoxidase assay technique (MPO) to determine their ability to prevent neutrophil infiltration. Results showed that the anti-inflammatory activity was related to the compound’s ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators such as neutrophils.

Four new modified eremophilanes, angulifolide (1) and angulifolins A-C (2-4), and two new triacetylglucosides (7 and 8) were isolated from Roldana angulifolia, together with several known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and chemical reactions. The absolute configuration of compounds 2 and 3 was established by Mosher ester methodology. Cytotoxicity against selected human cancer cell lines was determined for the more abundant isolated metabolites.

En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de un estudio sobre la consistencia y distribución del conocimiento tradicional de la flora medicinal de San Rafael, en el municipio de Coxcatlán, Puebla. Se efectuaron dos tipos de entrevistas (abierta y estructurada) a 60 informantes. La aplicación de la prueba de ji cuadrada y el coeficiente de Spearman a los datos, revelaron que no existen diferencias significativas en el conocimiento sobre las plantas medicinales y las características personales de los informantes, aunque pudo observarse una tendencia que señala que las personas de más edad conocen un mayor número de plantas que los jóvenes. Un análisis de correspondencia mostró que no hay ningún patrón de distribución del conocimiento sobre la flora medicinal y que la variación observada es al azar. El análisis de los datos obtenidos en la entrevista estructurada y ajustados a un modelo lineal frente a los datos de la primera entrevista, mostró que más de 90% de los eventos registrados en la entrevista estructurada son determinados por lo registrado en las entrevistas abiertas. El reducido tamaño del poblado y la sistemática interacción entre sus habitantes, podrían explicar la homogeneidad en el conocimiento tradicional de los pobladores de San Rafael acerca de las propiedades curativas de las plantas.

Two new furanoeremophilanes, roldehrenbergin A and roldehrenbergin B, and several known compounds were isolated from Roldana ehrenbergiana. Structural determination of the new compounds was achieved by spectroscopic analyses and chemical evidence.

In the course of the basic hydrolysis of four eremophilane esters isolated from Robinsonecio gerberifolius, some rearrangements, eliminations, and additions occurred. Five compounds were obtained, three of them not previously described. Additionally, a new sesquiterpene was produced by autooxidation of compound 1. The (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra of these compounds were completely assigned by utilization of HMQC, HMBC, COSY, DEPT, and NOESY techniques. The long-range coupling constants of the peroxide 10 are reported, and all its coupling constants (2)J(H, H), (3)J(H, H), and (4)J(H, H) are calculated at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of theory. Their magnitude is explained in terms of electronic delocalization and the additivity of stereoelectronic effects.

The essential oil of the aerial parts of Lantana achyranthifolia Desf. (Verbenaceae) was examined by GC and GC-MS. Eighteen constituents were identified. Carvacrol, 1,8-cineole, isocaryophyllene, beta-bisabolene and alpha-bisabolol were found to be the major components. The oil exhibited antibacterial activity against fourteen Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

The village of Zapotitlán de las Salinas is situated in the Valley of Tehuacán-Cuicatlán, Puebla, Mexico. Plant species used by the local inhabitants to treat gastrointestinal diseases were identified using ethnobotanical, ethnographic and taxonomic methods. Out of 119 interviews, 44 plant species were registered, of which the following are the most frequently used (listed in descending order): Lippia graveolens H.B. et K. (Verbenaceae), Lantana achyranthifolia Desf. (Verbenaceae), Turnera diffusa (Willd.) ex Schult. (Turneraceae), Lippia oaxacana Rob. et Greenm. (Verbenaceae), Gymnolaena oaxacana (Greenm.) Rydb. (Asteraceae), Cordia curassavica (Jacq.) Roem. et Schult. (Boraginaceae), Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) and Acalypha hederacea Torrey (Euphorbiaceae). From these plants, hexane, chloroform and ethanol extracts were prepared in order to assess their antibacterial activity against 14 bacterial strains causing the most common gastrointestinal diseases in Mexican population. All hexane extracts showed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. There is a correlation between the frequency of mention (of plant use) and the antibacterial activity. In conclusion, the knowledge of plants most frequently used for gastrointestinal infections in Zapotitlán de las Salinas is supported by scientific rationale.

A phytochemical study of Robinsonecio gerberifolius afforded six new sesquiterpenoids, two oplopane (1and 2) and four eremophilane derivatives (3-6). The structures of these compounds were elucidated on spectroscopic grounds, and the absolute configurations of compounds 3 and 4 were established from CD analysis. The known 3beta-angeloyloxy-1,10-epoxyfuranoeremophilane (7) was also isolated, and its stereochemistry was revised. The cytotoxic activities of compounds 1-7 were determined against five human cancer cell lines.

were extracted withMeOHuntiltheextractgaveanegativeDragendor!test.Thesolventwasevaporatedtoone-tenthofitsvolume;acidi"edwith2.5%aq.H2SO4(topH1),stirredovernightwith Zn powder (32.0g) at room temperature and "ltered. The acidic "ltrate waswashed with CHCl3, basi"ed with aq. NH3(to pH10), and extracted with CHCl3.The organic solution dried over Na2SO4, was concentrated to yield 4.56g of alkal-oidal extract. This was submitted to consecutive CCs on silica gel (60 GF254Merck,1:15) elutingwith CHCl3}MeOH19: 1, to give retrorsine(1, 60.1mg), mp 209}2113(SegallandDallas,1983),senecionine(2,89.4mg),mp235-73(SegallandDallas,1983),andretrorsinehydrochloride(1zHCl,14.0mg).Thelesspolarfractionswerecombinedandpuri"edbyCCelutedwithhexane-EtOAc9:1a!ordingmethyl

Infectious diseases produced by free-living amoebae from the genus Acanthamoeba have been recently recognized. The need for antiamebic compounds is urgent as the occurrence of these diseases is being registered more frequently since the late sixties. We screened the aqueous and methanolic extract of a plant used by folk medicine (Buddleia cordata) against eye and skin inflammation for antiamebic activity. We tested the extracts on 29 strains of free-living amoebae, with the result that they were amebostatic for 14 and 15 strains, respectively. We obtained linarin and vanillic acid from the extracts, but only linarin was amebostatic to all the strains and vanillic acid had no activity. However, acetyl vanillic acid had similar effects on amoebae to linarin. Threshold values of these two active compounds ranged from 31.25 microg/ml to 4 mg/ml and from 31.25 microg/ml to 8 mg/ml for linarin and acetyl vanillic acid, respectively. These differences in threshold values were observed even on several strains belonging to the same species (as in the case of A. castellanii and A. polyphaga) indicating the need of susceptibility testing for each clinical isolate of free-living amoebae.

We evaluate the mode of action of verbascoside obtained from Buddleja cordata against Staphylococcus aureus by killing kinetics and incorporation of precursors methods. Verbascoside induced lethal effect on S. aureus, by affecting protein synthesis and inhibiting leucine incorporation.

Two new 13-membered macrocyclic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, (13R)-13-hydroxyretroisosenine (2b) and (12S)-12-hydroxyretroisosenine (2c), have been isolated from Senecio roseus and Senecio helodes. Their structures were established from spectral and chemical studies including 2D NMR. The hydrochloride of retroisosenine (2a·HCl) was also isolated, and its absolute configuration was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis.

Ten new diterpenes were isolated along with some known compounds. Eight of the new diterpenes are esters of capric, lauric, myristic and palmitic acids.

Acid treatment of eremophilanes (I), (V) leads to eremophilanoids (II), (III), an aldehyde (IV), the intramolecular addition product (VI), and the water addition products (VII) and (VIII).

The structure and absolute configuration of the new 13-membered macrocyclic alkaloids mulgediifoline and oxyretroisosenine were determined on the basis of chemical reactions and conventional spectral studies including differential nOe and 2D NMR techniques, COSY, HETCOR, COLOC, HMBC and NOESY. The absolute stereochemistry of the already known compounds retroisosenine and cis -nemorensic acid was assigned unambiguously.

The structure of the new sesquiterpenes, isocapnell-9-en-8-one and 6α-hydroxyisocapnell-9-en-8-one, isolated from two Buddleia species have been elucidated mainly on spectral grounds. The existence of a new carbon skeleton is described.

A chemical examination of MONTANOA TOMENTOSA subsp. XANTHIIFOLIA afforded in addition to some known compounds, four new sesquiterpene lactones: 4beta,5alpha-epoxy-8alpha-isobutyryloxy- TRANS-germacr-1(10)-en-12,6beta-olide ( 1A), 4beta,5alpha-epoxy-7alpha-hydroxy-8alpha-isobutyryloxy- TRANS-germacr-1(10)-en-12,6beta-olide ( 1B), (1 R,4 S)-1,5-cyclo-5alpha-hydroxy-8alpha-isobutyryloxy-7alpha, 10alpha-oxagermacran-12,6beta-olide ( 2A), and 4beta-hydroxy-8alpha-isobutyryloxy-7alpha,10alpha-oxaguaian-12,6beta-olide ( 3). The structures were determined mainly by spectroscopic methods. The structure of 1B was confirmed by an X-ray analysis.

A phytochemical study of Roldana barba-johannis afforded two triterpenic esters, an eremophilanolide and three compounds structurally related to the antioxidants vitamin E and plastoquinone. Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of sargahydroquinoic acid, sargachromenol, their mixture, and their methyl esters showed that most of them are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.

Two seco-eremophiladiolides, velatumolide (1) and epi-velatumolide (2), the trihydroxyfuranoeremophilane velatumin (3), and three eremophilane glucosides (4–6) were isolated from Pittocaulon velatum, together with several known compounds. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and chemical reactions. The anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds was investigated using the TPA-induced ear edema model.