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Objective: Antifungal activity of total ethanolic extract and fractions of Usnea varieties were proved against Aspergillus niger, Penicillium digitatum, and Rhizopus nigricans fungi. Methods: To perform the study of relative antifungal activity (AFR), fluconazole and ketoconazole were used as standards. The inhibition coefficient 50 (IC50) for each extract and the fractions was determined. Results: It was established that the highest activity was presented by the acetone fraction with a value of 58.53. In the study of antifungal activity, the fraction that presented the best activity against P. digitatum was ethanolic with a value of 44.33, while for R. nigricans was petrol extract, with a value of 75.35 and finally for A. niger was the total extract with a value of 35.48. Conclusions: Comparing the values obtained from the extract and the different fractions resulted in the dichloromethane fraction showing the best values.

Resumen Los musgos son utilizados por muchas culturas para tratar diferentes enfermedades, probablemente por sus compuestos bioactivos, algunos de los cuales pueden presentar actividad antioxidante. Esta investigación evaluó la actividad antioxidante (AA) de Breutelia subdisticha (Hampe) A. Jaeger, Leptodontium viticulosoides (P. Beauv.) Wijk & Margad. y Pylaisia falcata Schimp., a partir de extractos de diclorometano y etanólicos, mediante los métodos 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidracilo (DPPH*) y ácido 2,2/-azino-bis-3-etilbenzotiazolin-6-sulfónico (ABTS*+). A los extractos obtenidos mediante la técnica Soxhlet se les determinó la concentración inhibitoria (IC50) y la actividad antioxidante relativa (%AAR), con posteriores análisis estadísticos de ANOVA y post-hoc de Tukey. Los extractos etanólicos presentaron mayor capacidad antioxidante que los de diclorometano. Por el método DPPH* los extractos etanólicos mostraron una%AAR respecto al ácido ascórbico de 3.06 para L. viticulosoides, 177.00 para B. subdisticha y 141.66 para P. falcata; mientras que con el método ABTS*+ la%AAR con respecto al ácido ascórbico fue de 1.75 para L. viticulosoides, 139.17 para B. subdisticha y 120.22 para P. falcata. Como conclusión, L. viticulosoides exhibió la mejor actividad antioxidante, por lo cual se sugiere continuar con su investigación y lograr una aplicación farmacológica de origen natural. Abstract Mosses are used by many cultures to treat different diseases, probably due to their bioactive compounds, some of which may have antioxidant activity. This research evaluated the antioxidant activity (AA) of the species Breutelia subdisticha (Hampe) A. Jaeger, Leptodontium viticulosoides (P. Beauv.) Wijk & Margad. and Pylaisia falcata Schimp., from dichloromethane and ethanolic extracts, using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydracil (DPPH*) and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS*+) methods. Inhibitory concentration (IC50) and relative antioxidant activity (% AAR) were determined from the extracts obtained using the Soxhlet technique, with subsequent statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc). The ethanolic extracts exhibited higher antioxidant capacity than those of dichloromethane. By the DPPH* method the ethanolic extracts showed a relative antioxidant activity with respect to ascorbic acid for L. viticulosoides 3.06, B. subdisticha 177.00 and P. falcata 141.66. Using ABTS*+ method, ethanolic extracts showed a relative antioxidant activity with respect to ascorbic acid for L. viticulosoides 1.75, B. subdisticha 139.17 and P. falcata 120.22. In conclusion, L. viticulosoides exhibited the best antioxidant activity, therefore, we propose to continue with its research, in order to achieve a pharmacological application from a natural source.

Introduction Cocaine and ethanol (EtOH) co-consumption is a risk factor for physiologically and clinically negative outcomes. We describe the occurrence of cocaine consumption alone or co-consumption with EtOH and others psychotropics. Patients and methods The descriptive research used data on medical records of patients positive to cocaine test who attended an emergency room between 2016 and 2017. We determined the frequency of cocaine consumption alone and co-consumption with EtOH, cannabis or benzodiazepines (BZDs). Results Over one year period, 88 patients (13.3%) were positive to cocaine test, mainly attended on weekends, in holiday months, young adults or men. Among those positive for cocaine, 72% were also positive for EtOH, cannabis or BZD. Cocaine co-consumption with one or two out of three substance was 55.2% (CI95%; 44.7-65.8%) and 16.4% (CI95%;8.58-24.3%), respectively. Co-consumption was more frecuently wih EtOH, followed by cannabis or BZD. Conclusion Co-consumption of cocaine with EtOH is very common and could be associated with acute or chronic consumption of cannabis or acute exposure to BZDs. It is important that emergency physicians use a systematic approach to diagnose and treat more than one psychotropic substance in cocaine positive patients.

IntroductionAsymptomatic carriers (AC) of the new SARS-CoV-2 represent an important source of spread for COVID-19. Early diagnosis of these cases is a powerful tool to control the pandemic. Our objective was to characterise patients with AC status and identify associated sociodemographic factors.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design and the national database of daily occurrence of COVID-19, we characterised both socially and demographically all ACs. Additional correspondence analysis and logistic regression model were performed to identify characteristics associated with AC state (OR, 95% CI).Results76.162 ACs (12.1%; 95% CI 12.0% to 12.2%) were identified, mainly before epidemiological week 35. Age≤26 years (1.18; 1.09 to 1.28), male sex (1.51; 1.40 to 1.62), cases imported from Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Puerto Rico, Spain, USA or Mexico (12.6; 3.03 to 52.5) and autochthonous cases (22.6; 5.62 to 91.4) increased the risk of identifying ACs. We also identified groups of departments with moderate (1.23; 1.13 to 1.34) and strong (19.8; 18.6 to 21.0) association with ACs.ConclusionSociodemographic characteristics strongly associated with AC were identified, which may explain its epidemiological relevance and usefulness to optimise mass screening strategies and prevent person-to-person transmission.

Background: Daily dietary calcium intake below the requirements has been related to low levels of vitamin D (Vit-D) and osteoarticular diseases. Objective: To determine the prevalence of Vit-D deficiency in the general population living in Bogotá, its relationship to dietary calcium intake, and the influence of socio-demographic factors and sunlight exposure. Materials and methods: In a pro-spective cohort of the general population (randomly selected), excluding individuals with conditions affecting calcium absorption or adequate Vit-D action, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (95 % ci) and regular consumption of calcium (RCI, mg/day) is measured according to socio-demographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and sunlight exposure variables. A multiple regression model is implemented (no intercept) to predict Vit-D concentration based on the factors described. Results: Ninety-seven patients are included, 61 % of which are women, with a median age of 23 years, a weight of 65 kg (IQR: 55.2-70.5), a height of 165 cm ± 8.9, and BMI of 22.8 kg/m2 (IQR: 21.2-25.2). The RCI was 393.7 mg/day, less than the benchmark for Colombian adults (p < 0.001); serum calcium concentration was 9.7 mg/dL. The mean Vit-D concentration (95 % ci) was 23.7 ng/mL (22.6-24.7); hypovitaminosis D was identified in 87 % of the sample (80.6-94.7 %), 24.7 % were classified as poor (15.6-33.8 %) and 62.9% as insufficient (52.8-73%). Vit-D concentration was predicted in a quadratic function by the interaction between sex, sunlight exposure, and RCI (R2 > 90 %). Conclusion: The suspected high prevalence of Vit-D deficiency is confirmed in the general Colombian adult population as a result of low dietary calcium intake, demographic factors, and sunlight exposure. Resumen: El consumo diario de calcio en la dieta por debajo de los requerimientos se ha relacionado con bajos niveles de Vitamina D (Vit-D) y con enfermedades osteoarticulares. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de la deficiencia de Vit-D en la población general que vive en Bogotá, su relación con la ingesta de calcio en la dieta y la influencia de factores sociodemográficos y de la exposición a la luz solar. Materiales y métodos: En una cohorte prospectiva seleccionada aleatoriamente de la población general, excluyendo individuos con condiciones que afectaran la absorción de calcio o la acción de la Vit-D, se midió la prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D (IC 95 %) y el consumo habitual de calcio (CHC, mg/día), según variables sociodemográficas, antropométricas, bioquímicas y de exposición solar; se implementó un modelo de regresión múltiple (sin el intercepto) para predecir la concentración de Vit-D en función de los factores descritos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 97 pacientes, edad mediana 23 años, 61 % mujeres; con peso mediano 65 kg (RIC; 55,2-70,5), estatura 165 cm ± 8,9 e IMC 22,8 kg/m2 (RIC; 21,2-25,2). El CHC fue 393,7 mg/día, menor que el recomendado para adultos colombianos (p < 0,001); la concentración de calcio sérico fue 9,7 mg/dL. La concentración media (IC 95 %) de Vit-D fue 23,7 ng/mL (22,6-24,7), se identificó hipovitaminosis D en 87% (80,6-94,7%); 24,7% se clasificaron como deficientes (15,6-33,8 %) y 62,9 % como insuficientes (52,8-73 %). La concentración de Vit-D se logró predecir, en función cuadrática, por la interacción entre el sexo, la exposición solar y el CHC (R2 > 90 %). Conclusiones: Teniendo en cuenta los resultados obtenidos, se confirma la sospecha de alta prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D en población general colombiana adulta, relacionada con un bajo consumo de calcio en la dieta habitual, factores demográficos y de exposición solar. Resumo: Introdução: O consumo diário de cálcio na dieta abaixo dos requerimentos necessários tem sido relacionado com baixos níveis de vitamina D (Vit-D) e com doenças osteoarticulares. Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência da deficiência de Vit-D na população geral que vive em Bogotá, Colômbia, sua relação com a ingestão de cálcio na dieta, a influência de fatores sociodemográficos e a exposição à luz solar. Materiais e métodos: em uma coorte prospectiva selecionada aleatoriamente da população geral, excluindo indivíduos com condições que afetassem a absorção de cálcio ou a ação de Vit-D, foi medida a prevalência de hipovitaminose D (IC 95 %) e o consumo habitual de cálcio (CHC, mg/dia), segundo variáveis sociodemográficas, antropométricas, bioquímicas e exposição solar; foi implementado um modelo de regressão múltipla (sem o intercepto) para predizer a concentração de Vit-D em função dos fatores descritos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 97 pacientes, com idade média 23 anos, 61 % mulheres; com peso médio de 65 kg (RIC; 55,2-70,5), estatura 165 cm ± 8,9 e IMC 22,8 kg/ m2 (RIC; 21,2-25,2). O CHC foi 393,7 mg/dia, menor do que o recomendado para adultos colombianos (p < 0,001); a concentração sérica de cálcio foi 9,7 mg/dL. A concentração média (IC 95 %) de Vit-D foi 23,7 ng/mL (22,6-24,7), foi identificada hipovitaminose D em 87 % (80,6-94,7 %), foram classificados deficientes 24,7% (15,6-33,8%) e insuficientes 62,9% (52,8-73%). A concentração de Vit-D foi possível predizer, em função quadrática, pela interação entre sexo, exposição solar e CHC (R2 > 90%). Conclusões: A partir dos resultados obtidos, é confirmada a suspeita de alta prevalência de hipovita-minose D em população geral colombiana adulta, relacionada com um baixo consumo de cálcio na dieta habitual, fatores demográficos e exposição solar.

ObjectiveAsymptomatic carriers (AC) of the new Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) represent an important source of spread for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Early diagnosis of these cases is a powerful tool to control the pandemic. Our objective was to characterize patients with AC status and identify associated sociodemographic factors.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design and the national database of daily occurrence of COVID-19, we characterized both socially and demographically all ACs. Additional Correspondence Analysis and Logistic Regression Model were performed to identify characteristics associated with AC state (OR, 95% CI).Results2338 ACs (11.8%; 95% CI, 11.3-12.2%) were identified, mainly in epidemiological week 18 [EW] (3.98; 3.24-4.90). Age ≤ 39 years (1.56; 1.42-1.72). Male sex (1.39; 1.26-1.53), cases imported from Argentina, Spain, Peru, Brazil, Costa Rica or Mexico (3.37; 1.47-7.71) and autochthonous cases (4.35; 2.12-8.93) increased the risk of identifying AC. We also identified groups of departments with moderate (3.68; 3.13-4.33) and strong (8.31; 6.10-7.46) association with AC.DiscussionSociodemographic characteristics strongly associated with AC were identified, which may explain its epidemiological relevance and usefulness to optimize mass screening strategies and prevent person-to-person transmission.

Introducción: se denomina infección asociada a la atención en salud (IAAS) a toda infección contraída por un paciente durante su tratamiento en un hospital, y que dicho paciente no tenía ni estaba incubando en el momento de su ingreso. En el mundo afectan a uno de cada 20 pacientes hospitalizados; en Colombia, la incidencia es del 5,9 % del total de pacientes hospitalizados. Objetivos: describir las características de las IAAS en pediatría y caracterizar los términos utilizados durante la atención de pacientes pediátricos con IAAS. Fecha y lugar: Clínica Juan N. Corpas, julio de 2016- julio de 2017. Métodos: estudio descriptivo dividido en tres fases; fase 1: se realizó una búsqueda sistemática sobre IAAS en pediatría en EBSCO, PubMed y LILACS; fase 2: se diseñaron casos clínicos de infecciones, los cuales fueron entregados a profesionales de la salud, como médicos pediatras y neonatos, médicos generales y enfermeras, y a personal administrativo, como auditores que tuvieran contacto con la población pediátrica; se les solicitó que hicieran un breve análisis de los casos para concebir un modelo teórico de factores predictivos o presentes al momento del diagnóstico; fase 3: se revisaron los registros de pacientes con diagnóstico de IAAS durante el periodo 2014-2016, y se identificaron las características demográficas, sociales y clínicas de esos pacientes. Se calcularon frecuencias y los datos cualitativos se analizaron mediante Atlas ti 8.0. Resultados: en la búsqueda sistemática se identificaron términos predictivos de IAAS comunes en las tres bases de datos, como neonatos, sexo masculino, cirugía, entre otros; se obtuvieron términos utilizados por profesionales de la salud que coincidían con los hallados en la literatura científica y, por último, se identificaron y se analizaron los casos de IAAS de una clínica de III Nivel, a raíz de lo cual se encontró una tasa de IAAS de 0,46 por cada 100 egresos hospitalarios. Conclusión: existen términos que pueden ser interpretados como factores predictivos para contribuir al diagnóstico temprano de una IAAS.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain due to discopathy has become one of the most expensive and highest impact problems of global public health at present.AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of alternative therapies (AT) and related factors in lumbar disk disease (LDD).METHODS: Information was collected by using a retrospective descriptive design from medical records of patients treated from January to December 2013 with LDD who were attended in a clinic specialized in AT. Sociodemographic and clinical variables included clinical diagnostic time, Visual Analog Scale at admission (V.A.S.) and post-treatment pain (0-100 points) were identifi ed. General and specifi c infl uence of the AT was measured.RESULTS: 453 medical records were identifi ed, at admission V.A.S. was 8.2 (CI95%, 7,9 to 8,3) and showed pain relief (scale 0-100) of 54,5 points (CI95%, 52.2 to 56.8). In overall, 13 types of ATs were implemented with LDD patients. The median of pain relief (p25-p75) in the general population was 60 (40-70); 8 of 13 interventions provided an estimated median of pain relief lower than the one evidenced in the general population .CONCLUSION: The AT treatment in our study showed a reduction in pain of 50-60 points and an absolute reduction of 35 points after two months of treatment, which remained over 6 or more months of follow-up. Our results suggest that the use of AT has signifi cant effect on chronic pain in patients with LDD with no response to conventional treatment

Heavy metal contamination in water resources, soil, and food sources is an issue that compromises food safety in Sibaté, Colombia. In the present study concentration of heavy metals [HMs], such as Cu, As, Pb, Cr, Zn, Co, Cd and Ni, present in vegetables included in the typical Colombian diet were measured. The study was conducted as follows: samples of parsley, artichoke and carrots produced in a location near the Muña dam were collected, where the Bogotá River water is treated for use as a water resource. To determine food safety, national and international [HMs] established limits were compared with quantified [HMs] in samples of different vegetable parts and of the surrounding soil. Fresh samples were separated in their respective parts for cold acid digestion with HCl and HNO3 (1:1) for 15 days. Heavy metal mean ± standard error (SE) were as follows (mg/kg) As 2.36 ± 0.185, Cd 0.16 ± 0.009, Co 0.43 ± 0.019, Cr 12.1 ± 0.453, Cu 13.1 ± 1.68, Ni 0.00, Pb 7.07 ± 0.482 and Zn 3.976 ± 0.332. Cd, Cr, As, Co and Ni showed high transfer factor in Cynara scolymus. Moreover, high Pb, Cu and Zn transfer factor were present in Petroselinum crispum. Except for Daucus carota roots, there was a high metal transfer specifically in Petroselinum crispum leaves and other different plant parts, with high transfer factor for Cr, As, Co, Pb, Cu and Zn., Heavy metals; Vegetables; Atomic absorption; Food safety; Public health, Agricultural soil science; Environmental impact assessment; Natural product chemistry; Toxicology.

Background: Vitamin D (25OHD) has immunomodulatory properties that can play a major role in patients with active lupus or lupus nephritis. His immunomodulatory function could be influenced by demographic factors, comorbidities (Charlson score), bone supplements, and other features. Objectives: We explored the association between the best 25OHD cut-off points and specific clinical features that were present in patients with active lupus or lupus nephritis. Methods: A retrospective descriptive research using clinical registers of patients diagnosed with systemic erythematosus lupus, attended in two rheumatology clinics was performed. A decisions tree model was used to identify the best cut-off points of 25OHD [ng/mL] and clinical features associated with active lupus (SLEDAI-2k >6) or lupus nephritis. Results: We identified 81 patients, median age 41 years, women 91.3%. Active lupus and lupus nephritis were present in 69.1% and 29.6%, respectively. Median 25OHD was 26.49, without a difference at comparing with active lupus patients 24.85, but lower in lupus nephritis patients 21.50 (p: 0.015). Lupus nephritis was absent in patients with 25OHD cut-off points >38.8 (alone) or ≤38.8 if they were older than >57 years. Active lupus was always present in patients ≤44 years with 1. High comorbidity or 2. Low comorbidity plus cut-off point 25OHD >35; in >44 years, both a euthyroid state and the absence of bone supplements were present in patients with active lupus. Conclusion: Exist a strong relationship between vitamin D levels and LES activity. References [1] American College of Rheumatology. Guidelines for referral and management of systemic lupus erythematosus in adults. Arthritis Rheum. 1999 Sep;42(9):1785-96 [2] Simioni J, Heimovski F, Skare T. On lupus, vitamin D and leukopenia. 2016;56(3):206-211. [3] Guzman R.A, Pineros L.G, Theran A, Flechas J, Mejia M. AB0795 Hypovitaminosis D and Calcium Intake of Adult Population in Bogota (DICAVITD). Ann Rheum Dis 2016;75:1175-. 1176. Acknowledgement: To Fundacion Universitaria Juan N. Corpas Disclosure of Interests: None declared

In recent decades, essential oils (EOs) have become an important alternative source of antimicrobial agents. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of EOs obtained from the leaves of Myrcianthes leucoxyla Mc. Vaughn., Vallea stipularis L.f and Phyllanthus salviioius Kunth for prevalent microbial strains and also to contribute to the knowledge of their chemical composition. EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. The main compounds for V. stipularis EO were α-tujene (6.6%) and cedrene epoxide (12.0%), for M leucoxila EO 1,8 cineole (6.3%) and caryophyllene oxide (21.7%), and for P. salviifolius aristolene (17.3%) and geranyl tiglate (15.9%). Antimicrobial tests showed that M leucoxyla EO was the most active, showing zones of inhibition against all strains used, specifically against Pseudomonas aenginosa and Salmonella typhimurium with percentages of inhibition higher than 50%. Compared with positive controls, this activity may be related to the presence of 1,8 cineole.

Background Vitamin D is a steroid hormone with pleiotropic effects on physiological processes. Among others, immune system regulation and their analogues prevent symptom development of autoimmune diseases such as SLE. A previous research in a colombian clinic found a prevalence of hipovitaminosis D of 87% in healthy population, but hypovitaminosis D is higher in SLE patients than healthy controls. Objectives To establish the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients with SLE and relationship with SLEDAI – 2K. Methods A cross sectional study was carried out. 80 medical records with a diagnoses of SLE o CIE-10 M30-M36 were identified and we included patients>18 years of age who meet at least 4 of the 11 criteria to diagnoses of SLE for medical record. The analysis included means, DS and Kruskall Wallis with p-value Results The majority of patients are women (94%), with an average age of 39.9 years, married (41%), with secondary education (56.7%) and different occupations. It was found that the patients with higher activity, had lower vitamin D levels. Additionally, if the patient had lupus nephritis, vitamin D levels decreased even more. Conclusions Patients with active systemic lupus Erythematosus, (SLE) have hypovitaminosis D more frequently and we noticed that patients with renal involvement have the lowest levels of vitamin D, which justifies a later analysis. References [1] American College of Rheumatology. Guidelines for referral and management of systemic lupus erythematosus in adults. Arthritis Rheum. 1999Sep;42(9):1785–96. [2] Simioni J, Heimovski F, Skare T. On lupus, vitamin D and leukopenia. 2016;56(3):206–211. [3] Guzman R.A, Pineros L.G, Theran A, Flechas J, Mejia M. AB0795 Hypovitaminosis D and Calcium Intake of Adult Population in Bogota (DICAVITD). Ann Rheum Dis2016;75:1175–1176. [4] Alele J., et al. Autoimmun Rev2010;9:137–39. [5] Dall, era M., et al. in KelleyF Philadelphia 2017; 1368–89. Disclosure of Interest None declared

La especie Pelargonium odoratissimum (geranio de olor) pertenece a la familia Geraniaceae. Dentro de su composición química, presenta flavonoides tales como quercetina, kaempferol y miricetina; el aceite esencial de sus hojas es rico en metil-eugenol, limoneno y fencona. A partir de hojas y flores de la especie P. odoratissimum se obtuvo el aceite esencial por hidrodestilación (rendimiento 0,3% m/v); la composición química se determinó por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas (CG-EM), comparando los índices de retención y los espectros de masas con los datos reportados en la literatura. Se determinó la presencia de 4 monoterpenos, 20 sesquiterpenos y algunos compuestos oxigenados entre ellos 7 ésteres y un ácido, los cuales constituyen cerca del 74% de la composición relativa total del aceite. Los monoterpenos identificados representan el 22,60% de la composición del aceite esencial, en los cuales los componentes mayoritarios encontrados fueron geraniol (12,69%) y citronelol (8,99%). La actividad antimicrobiana medida como la Concentración Mínima Inhibitoria (CMI) se realizó por el método de microdilución en placas de 96 pozos utilizando como indicador de viabilidad el MTT (bromuro de 3-[4,5dimetiltiazol-2-il]-2,5-difeniltetrazolio). El aceite esencial mostró actividad frente a todas las cepas microbianas ensayadas. La mayor actividad se encuentra frente a Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Aspergillus brasiliensis y Candida albicans con una CMI < 3,9 µg/mL. Se encontró una menor actividad inhibitoria, aunque no menos importante, contra Trichophytum rubrum (CMI = 62,5 µg/mL) y Trichophytum mentagrophytes (CMI = 125 µg/mL).

Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. es una planta popular que se emplea en medicina tradicional en muchas partes del mundo y, en especial, en Suramérica. Estudios previos de la especie han reportado actividad antialérgica, antileishmaniasis, antiinflamatoria, cicatrizante, colerética, antidiabética y anticonceptiva. Químicamente, se ha reportado la presencia de alcaloides, glucósidos, flavonoides, saponinas y taninos. En este artículo se presentan los resultados de un estudio que buscó evaluar la actividad antiinflamatoria del extracto etanólico completo de la especie Kalanchoe pinnata en modelo animal de inflamación inducida en pata de rata con lambda-carragenina, cuya valoración se evaluó utilizando la técnica de pletismometría. inflamación, actividad antiinflamatoria, Kalanchoe pinnata, crassulaceae.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Folk medicine uses aqueous and alcoholic extracts from Petiveria alliacea ( Phytolaccaceae ) in leukemia and breast cancer treatment in the Caribbean, Central and South America. Herein, we validated the biological activity of a Petiveria alliacea fraction using a metastatic breast adenocarcinoma model (4T1). Materials and methods Petiveria alliacea fraction biological activity was determined estimating cell proliferation, cell colony growth capacity and apoptosis (caspase-3 activity, DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial membrane potential) in 4T1 cells. Petiveria alliacea was used at IC 50 concentration (29 µg/mL) and 2 dilutions below, doxorubicin at 0.27 µg/mL (positive control) and dibenzyl disulfide at 2.93 µg/mL (IC 50 fraction marker compound). Proteomic estimations were analyzed by LC–MS–MS. Protein level expression was confirmed by RT-PCR. Glucose and lactate levels were measured by enzymatic assays. LD 50 was established in BALB/c mice and antitumoral activity evaluated in mice transplanted with GFP-tagged 4T1 cells. Mice were treated with Petiveria alliacea fraction via I.P (182 mg/kg corresponding to 1/8 of LD 50 and 2 dilutions below). Results Petiveria alliacea fraction in vitro induces 4T1 cells apoptosis, caspase-3 activation, DNA fragmentation without mitochondria membrane depolarization, and decreases cell colony growth capacity. Also, changes in glycolytic enzymes expression cause a decrease in glucose uptake and lactate production. Fraction also promotes breast primary tumor regression in BALB/c mice transplanted with GFP-tagged 4T1 cells. Conclusion A fraction of Petiveria alliacea leaves and stems induces in vitro cell death and in vivo tumor regression in a murine breast cancer model. Our results validate in partly, the traditional use of Petiveria alliacea in breast cancer treatment, revealing a new way of envisioning Petiveria alliacea biological activity. The fraction effect on the glycolytic pathway enzymes contributes to explain the antiproliferative and antitumor activities.

Background Several treatment alternatives are available for primary breast cancer, although those for metastatic disease or inflammation associated with tumor progression are ineffective. Therefore, there is a great need for new therapeutic alternatives capable of generating an immune response against residual tumor cells, thus contributing to eradication of micrometastases and cancer stem cells. The use of complex natural products is an excellent therapeutic alternative widely used by Chinese, Hindu, Egyptian, and ancestral Latin-American Indian populations. Methods The present study evaluated cytotoxic, antitumor, and tumor progression activities of a gallotannin-rich fraction derived from Caesalpinia spinosa (P2Et). The parameters evaluated in vitro were mitochondrial membrane depolarization, phosphatidylserine externalization, caspase 3 activation, DNA fragmentation, and clonogenic activity. The parameters evaluated in vivo were tumor growth, leukocyte number, metastatic cell number, and cytokine production by flow cytometry. Results The in vitro results showed that the P2Et fraction induced apoptosis with mitochondrial membrane potential loss, phosphatidylserine externalization, caspase 3 activation, DNA fragmentation, and decreased clonogenic capacity of 4T1 cells. In vivo, the P2Et fraction induced primary tumor reduction in terms of diameter and weight in BALB/c mice transplanted with 4T1 cells and decreased numbers of metastatic cells, mainly in the spleen. Furthermore, decreases in the number of peripheral blood leukocytes (leukemoid reaction) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) serum levels were found, which are events associated with a poor prognosis. The P2Et fraction exerts its activity on the primary tumor, reduces cell migration to distant organs, and decreases IL-6 serum levels, implying tumor microenvironment mechanisms. Conclusions Overall, the P2Et fraction lessens risk factors associated with tumor progression and diminishes primary tumor size, showing good potential for use as an adjuvant in breast cancer ER(+) treatment.

Introduction: Conventional homeopathy recommends giving 10 strokes (succussions) to prescription bottle, before taking it. To scientifically support such activity, it must be based on studies on the physicochemical aspects of the memory of water and agitated water chains, supplemented with spectrometry. Objective: To analyze spectrometric profiles of homeopathic high dilutions, comparing additionally agitated and non-agitated dilutions, and to define differences according to each dilution´s kingdom. Methodology: Homeopathic dilutions were prepared using a ratio of 1:100 obtaining dilutions from 1cH to 15cH. Measurements of absorbance of 15cH dilutions were performed at 340 nm and 200 nm, with and without additional agitation. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between agitated and non-agitated dilutions (p