Cu-Co-containing cellulose-based carbon composite materials (Cu-Co/Cel) were formed by a matrix isolation method. Using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), infrared-Fourier spectroscopy (IR-Fourier spectroscopy), and non-isothermal research methods, the physicochemical properties of the composites were established. The catalysts are nanosized particles distributed in a carbon matrix, containing fragments of a system of conjugated bonds (C=C-C=C) of various lengths. Cu-Co/Cel catalysts are active in the synthesis of alcohols from CO and H2, demonstrating high CO conversion (68%) and specific activity (17 mol CO gMe-1 s-1). Differences in the mechanism of alcohol formation from CO and H2 on cellulose-based composites and an oxide support (comparison catalyst) were shown by analyzing the distribution of synthesis products.

RESUMO Objetivos: Hemangioblastoma é um tumor vascular raro do SNC, que ocorre esporadicamente e pode ser associada à doença de Von Hippel-Lindau. Hemangioblastomas são responsáveis por 2-6% de todas as neoplasias da medula espinal e na terceira posição entre lesões, ocupando espaço intramedulares da medula espinal. Métodos: Foi a primeira vez em nossa prática que lidamos com hemangioblastoma paravertebral com o padrão de crescimento ampulheta. As fontes da literatura mundial descrevem apenas 3 casos de um tumor com esse padrão de crescimento. Aspectos cirúrgicos e diagnósticos de tratamentos do paciente são considerados. Resultados: Durante a operação, aderiu-se às seguintes fases: o recipiente de alimentação foi encontrado, os pólos do tumor foram encontrados, a dissecação da superfície do tumor foi feita, o tumor foi removido por um único bloco e a hemostasia da cavidade do tumor foi realizada. Conclusões: Hemangioblastoma de localização extradural é uma patologia muito rara, no entanto, quando sinais de MRI característicos de uma lesão vascular são identificados, o que é necessário para levar a cabo um exame suplementar, o qual pode incluir o estudo de perfusão CT e, se necessário, angiografia seletiva. Nível de Evidência V; Relato de caso.

ABSTRACT Objective: Hemangioblastoma is a rare vascular sporadically occurring CNS tumor that can be associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease. Hemangioblastomas account for 2-6% of all spinal cord neoplasms and rank third among intramedullary space-occupying lesions. Methods: This was the first time in our practice that we had dealt with paravertebral hemangioblastoma with the sandglass growth pattern. The world literature describes only 3 case of a tumor with this growth pattern. Surgical and diagnostic aspects of patient treatment are considered. Results: During the operation, we adhered to the following stages: localization of the feeding vessel and of the poles of the tumor, surface dissection of the tumor, en bloc resection of the tumor, and hemostasis of the tumor cavity. Conclusions: Hemangioblastoma of extradural localization is a very rare pathology. However, when MRI signs characteristic of a vascular lesion are identified, it is necessary to carry out additional examinations, which may include CT perfusion study and, if required, selective angiography. Level of Evidence 5; Case report.

RESUMEN Objetivo: El hemangioblastoma es un tumor vascular raro del SNC que ocurre esporádicamente y que puede asociarse con la enfermedad de von Hippel-Lindau. Los hemangioblastomas representan el 2%-6% de todas las neoplasias de la médula espinal y están en el tercer lugar entre las lesiones intramedulares que ocupan espacio. Métodos: Esta fue la primera vez en nuestra práctica que tratamos el hemangioblastoma paravertebral con patrón de crecimiento de reloj de arena. La literatura mundial describe solo tres casos de un tumor con este patrón de crecimiento. Se consideran aspectos quirúrgicos y de diagnóstico del tratamiento del paciente. Resultados: Durante la operación, elegimos las siguientes etapas: localización del vaso de irrigación y de los polos del tumor, disección superficial del tumor resección en bloque del tumor y hemostasia de la cavidad tumoral. Conclusiones: El hemangioblastoma de localización extradural es una patología muy rara. Sin embargo, cuando se identifican signos característicos de lesión vascular en la RM, es necesario realizar exámenes adicionales, que pueden incluir estudio de perfusión por TC y, si es necesario, una angiografía selectiva. Nivel de Evidencia V; Reporte de caso.

SUMMARY: To determine the effects of 70 % ethanolic extract of Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) L. bulbs contained naphtoquinone in blood pressure and lipids profile level of ovariectomized rats. Thin layer chromatography was performed to analyze the content of the Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) bulbs extracts using Chloroform : Methanol (7:1) as eluent. This study used white female Sprague-Dawley rats which were divided into 6 groups: SHAM and OVX, both given 0.5 % carboxymethyl cellulose; the positive control group that was given tamoxifen (0.36 mg/200 g B.W.); the three various of doses of extract namely dose 1, 2, and 3 that were given 8, 12, and 18 mg/200 g BW respectively on day 29 until 50. All groups were ovariectomized on day 1, except sham group. Measurement of blood pressure were performed on the day before ovariectomy using non-invasive tool CODA®; and on the second, third, and fourth weeks post-ovariectomy. Three weeks after treatment of hypoestrogen rats by the dose 18 mg/200 g B.W, Eleutherine bulbosa extracts could decrease the systolic blood pressure level to 28.06 %, the diastolic to 30.47 %. Lipid profile of Dose 3 also showed recovery of Triglyceride, LDL and also Total Cholesterol. Eleutherine bulbosa extracts could improve blood pressure of ovariectomized rats by controlling lipids profile level.

RESUMEN: Para determinar los efectos del 70 % de extracto etanólico de Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) L. en bulbos que contenían naftoquinona, se analizó la presión arterial de ratas ovariectomizadas. Se realizó un estudio de cromatografía de capa fina para analizar el contenido de los extractos de bulbos de Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) usando cloroformo:metanol (7:1) como diluyente. En este estudio se utilizaron ratas blancas Sprague-Dawley hembras, que se dividieron en 6 grupos: SHAM y OVX, ambos grupos fueron administrados con carboximetilcelulosa al 0,5 %; grupo control positivo, recibió tamoxifeno (0,36 mg / 200 g de B.W.); y tres grupos restantes, que recibieron tres dosis diferentes de extracto, es decir, dosis 1, 2 y 3 a las que se les administró 8, 12 y 18 mg / 200 g de por peso, respectivamente el día 29 hasta el día 50. Todos los grupos fueron sometidos a ovariectomía en el día 1, excepto el grupo simulado. La medición de la presión arterial se realizó el día anterior a la ovariectomía con la herramienta no invasiva CODA®, y, posteriormente, en la segunda, tercera y cuarta semanas de realizada la ovariectomía. Tres semanas después del tratamiento aplicado a las ratas hipoestrógenas, con la dosis de 18 mg / 200 g por peso, los extractos de Eleutherine bulbosa podrían disminuir el nivel de presión arterial sistólica al 28,06 %, y la diastólica al 30,47 %. La dosis 3 del perfil lipídico mostró mejoría en los niveles de Triglicéridos, LDL y Colesterol Total. Los extractos de Eleutherine bulbosa podrían mejorar la presión sanguínea de ratas ovariectomizadas controlando el nivel del perfil lipídico.

BACKGROUND: Selecting the optimal combination of HIV drugs for an individual in resource-limited settings is challenging because of the limited availability of drugs and genotyping. OBJECTIVE: The evaluation as a potential treatment support tool of computational models that predict response to therapy without a genotype, using cases from the Phidisa cohort in South Africa. METHODS: Cases from Phidisa of treatment change following failure were identified that had the following data available: baseline CD4 count and viral load, details of failing and previous antiretroviral drugs, drugs in new regimen and time to follow-up. The HIV Resistance Response Database Initiative's (RDI's) models used these data to predict the probability of a viral load < 50 copies/mL at follow-up. The models were also used to identify effective alternative combinations of three locally available drugs. RESULTS: The models achieved accuracy (area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve) of 0.72 when predicting response to therapy, which is less accurate than for an independent global test set (0.80) but at least comparable to that of genotyping with rules-based interpretation. The models were able to identify alternative locally available three-drug regimens that were predicted to be effective in 69% of all cases and 62% of those whose new treatment failed in the clinic. CONCLUSION: The predictive accuracy of the models for these South African patients together with the results of previous studies suggest that the RDI's models have the potential to optimise treatment selection and reduce virological failure in different patient populations, without the use of a genotype.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar extractos de hojas de Quassia amara L. (Simaroubaceae) y flores de Brugmansia suaveolens L. (Solanaceae) para determinar su efecto nematicida contra Meloidogyne sp. El estudio se realizó en el Campus Agropecuario de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua-León (UNAN-León) en el año 2012. El material vegetal fue deshidratado, pulverizado y sus compuestos fueron extraídos utilizando como solvente metanol. Este estudio se realizó in vitro, se evaluó la mortalidad de los juveniles de Meloidogyne sp. en segundo instar después de 12, 24 y 48 horas de exposición a los extractos. Además, estos se aplicaron a plantas de tomate en maceteras bajo condiciones de invernadero, cuantificándose las poblaciones de nematodos a los 25, 50 y 75 días de exposición al extracto (DEE). En el experimento in vitro Q. amara y B. suaveolens diluidos al 10%, presentaron los más altos porcentajes de mortalidad después de 48 h, alcanzando 89 y 78% de juveniles muertos, respectivamente. En maceteras se evaluó la mortalidad de juveniles, índice de agallamiento (IA) y factor de reproducción (FR). Los mejores resultados para Q. amara se obtuvieron a los 25 DEE, con un porcentaje de mortalidad de 80%, un IA de 1 en una escala de 0-5 y FR de 0,20. Con B. suaveolens, a los 25 DEE se alcanzó el mayor porcentaje de mortalidad de 71%, un IA de 1,2 y un FR de 0,29. Estos resultados in vitro y en maceteras evidenciaron que ambos extractos poseen propiedades nematicidas, ya que redujeron significativamente (P≤ 0,05) las poblaciones de nematodos, su reproducción y el nivel de agallamiento de las raíces de tomate.

The nematicidal activity of leaves of Quassia amara L. (Simaroubaceae) and flowers of Brugmansia suaveolens L. (Solanaceae) was evaluated against Meloidogyne sp. during a study conducted at the Agricultural Campus of the National Agricultural University in León (UNAN- León). The plant material was dehydrated, ground and the compounds quassin and scopolamine were extracted using methanol as a solvent. Then a study was conducted in vitro to evaluate mortality in second stage juveniles of Meloidogyne sp. after exposure to extracts (12, 24 and 48 hours). Subsequently, extracts were also evaluated in tomato plants established in pots under greenhouse conditions, and the corresponding nematode population was quantified after exposure to the extract (25, 50 and 75 days of exposure to extract, DEE). In vitro tests with extracts of B. suaveolens and Q. amara diluted at 10% showed that the highest rate of nematode mortality occurs after 48 h of exposure, leaving 89% and 78% of all juveniles dead, respectively. In the test in pots, several aspects were evaluated including juvenile mortality, the plant galling index (GI), and the nematode reproduction factor (RF). The best result for Q. amara was obtained at 25 DEE, with 80% of mortality, a GI of 1 (in a scale from 0-5) and a RF of 0.2. Similarly, the best effect for B. suaveolens, was obtained at 25 DEE with a 71% of mortality, a GI of 1.2, and a RF of 0.29. These results from tests in vitro and in pots results indicate that both extracts have nematicidal activities, as they significantly reduced the nematode population (.≤ 0.05), the reproductive ability and the incidence of root galling in tomato plants.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to describe HIV prevention programs conducted by nongovernmental organizations (NGO) that are meeting this challenge. METHODS: One NGO undertaking HIV prevention programs was evaluated in each of the 23 countries participating in the Global AIDS Intervention Network (GAIN) Project throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. A two-stage selection process was used: (1) a search in databases and other information sources; (2) identification of NGOs that were best established and most actively engaged in HIV prevention activity. Executive directors were questioned about staffing, budget issues, populations served and barriers faced by these entities. RESULTS: The 23 NGOs conducted 58 direct-service programs and had been conducting HIV prevention activities for a mean of 8 years (SD = 4.45; range 1-18 years). Average annual program budget was US$ 205 393 (range: US$ 10 000 to US$ 1 440 000). The NGOs reported a mean of 4.5 full-time employees (range 0-15, SD = 4.7). Many relied on volunteers (median = 10, mean = 51, range 0-700, SD = 150) to conduct HIV prevention activities. The NGOs provided prevention services for the general community (82.6%), children and adolescents (34.8%) and men who have sex with men (30.4%). Activities conducted by NGOs included train-the-trainer activities (43.5%) and face-to-face prevention activities (34.8%). Obstacles cited included lack of funding (60.9%) and HIV-related stigma and discrimination (56.5%). CONCLUSION: The strategies used by NGOs to overcome barriers to prevention are a testament to their ingenuity and commitment, and serve as examples for NGOs in other world regions.

OBJETIVO: Describir los programas de prevención de la infección por VIH y el sida de algunas organizaciones no gubernamentales (ONG). MÉTODOS: Estudiamos, en cada una de los 23 países que participan en el proyecto Global AIDS Intervention Network (GAIN) en América Latina y el Caribe, una ONG que lleva a cabo programas de prevención. La muestra se seleccionó mediante un proceso bietápico: 1) una búsqueda en bases de datos y otras fuentes; 2) la identificación de las ONG mejor establecidas y más activas en el campo de la prevención de la infección por VIH, según fuentes autorizadas. A los directores ejecutivos se les hizo preguntas acerca de los programas de prevención, el personal, los presupuestos, las poblaciones con las que trabajaban y las barreras a su trabajo. RESULTADOS: Las 23 ONG llevaban a cabo 58 programas de servicio directo y tenían un promedio de 8 años de estar proveyendo programas de prevención. El promedio anual del presupuesto era de US$ 205 393 (intervalo de US$ 10 000 a US$ 1 440 000), y el número promedio de empleados a tiempo completo era de 4,5 (intervalo de 0-15, DE = 4,7.) Muchas ONG dependían de los voluntarios para los programas de prevención (mediana = 10, promedio = 51, intervalo de 0-700, DE = 150). Las ONG ofrecían programas de prevención dedicados a la comunidad en general (82,6%), a jóvenes y adolescentes (34,8%), y a hombres que tienen relaciones sexuales con otros hombres (30,4%). Las actividades de las ONG consistían en entrenar a los entrenadores para todo tipo de actividades (43,5%) y en realizar programas de prevención cara a cara con los participantes (34,8%). Se citaron como obstáculos la falta de fondos (60,9%) y la discriminación y estigma relacionados con la infección por el VIH (56,5%). CONCLUSIONES: Las estrategias que emplean estas ONG para sobrepasar las barreras a la prevención son prueba de su inventiva y dedicación y sirven como ejemplo para las ONG en otras regiones del mundo.

Pregnancy is a physiological condition characterized by a progressive increase of the different components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The physiological consequences of the stimulated RAS in normal pregnancy are incompletely understood, and even less understood is the question of how this system may be altered and contribute to the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Findings from our group have provided novel insights into how the RAS may contribute to the physiological condition of pregnancy by showing that pregnancy increases the expression of both the vasodilator heptapeptide of the RAS, angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], and of a newly cloned angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) homolog, ACE2, that shows high catalytic efficiency for Ang II metabolism to Ang-(1-7). The discovery of ACE2 adds a new dimension to the complexity of the RAS by providing a new arm that may counter-regulate the activity of the vasoconstrictor component, while amplifying the vasodilator component. The studies reviewed in this article demonstrate that Ang-(1-7) increases in plasma and urine of normal pregnant women. In preeclamptic subjects we showed that plasma Ang-(1-7) was suppressed as compared to the levels found in normal pregnancy. In addition, kidney and urinary levels of Ang-(1-7) were increased in pregnant rats coinciding with the enhanced detection and expression of ACE2. These findings support the concept that in normal pregnancy enhanced ACE2 may counteract the elevation in tissue and circulating Ang II by increasing the rate of conversion to Ang-(1-7). These findings provide a basis for the physiological role of Ang-(1-7) and ACE2 during pregnancy.

The spatial and temporal variations of cyclic organochlorine compounds, heavy metals, total hydrocarbons, surfactants, oil and grease, BOD5 (biochemical oxygen demand), dissolved oxygen and nutrients were measured during summer and winter of 1996 from the Valdivia municipal landfill and its surrounding estuarine system. During summer it was found that solid and liquid samples usually contained higher average contents for most of chemical parameters than winter samples, with the exception of oil and grease and Pb from leachate samples. Generally, samples from the landfill showed higher levels of chemical parameters than samples from the Futa River. High levels of heptachlor (52.1 ng/g and 31.5 ng/g during summer and winter, respectively) and endosulfan sulphate (127.4 n/g and 11,5 ng/g during summer and winter, respectively) were observed in sediments from a maximum depository zone of a small river adjacent to the landfill which receives the percolated leachates. The temporal variability (summer-winter) showed a significant dilution of pollutants, probably due to rainfall during winter. Estuarine benthos species, Mulinia edulis (clams) and cancer coronatus (crabs) showed low levels for most metals, except Zn in both species, Ni in clams, Cu and As in crabs. Significant levels of total BHC, 4,4’-DDE, aldrin, endrin ketone and heptachlor epoxide were observed in Mytilus chilensis (mussels).

Se determinó la variación espacio-temporal de compuestos organoclorados cíclicos, metales pesados, hidrocarburos totales, surfactantes, aceites y grasas, demanda bioquímica de oxígeno (DBO5), oxígeno disuelto y nutrientes en el vertedero municipal de Valdivia y su sistema estuarial colindante durante las estaciones de verano e invierno de 1996. Durante el verano se encontró que los parámetros químicos de las muestras sólidas y líquidas fueron mayores que las de invierno, con la excepción de aceites-grasas y Pb en muestras de percolados. En general, las muestras de las celdas del vertedero también mostraron niveles mayores de los parámetros medidos que los correspondientes al Río Futa. Se encontraron niveles altos de heptacloro (52,1 ng/g en verano y 31,5 ng/g en invierno) y endosulfan sulfato (127,4 ng/g en verano y 11,5 ng/g en invierno) en sedimentos provenientes de una zona de máxima deposición de un riachuelo cercano que recibe directamente los percolados del vertedero. La variación temporal (verano-invierno) indicó una significativa dilución de los contaminantes, probablemente debido a aguas lluvia durante el invierno. La especies bentónicas del estuario Mulinia edulis (almeja) y Cancer coronatus (jaiva) presentaron niveles de concentración de metales pesados relativamente bajos, excepto Zn en ambas especies, Ni en almejas, Cu y As en jaivas, mientras que se encontraron niveles significativos de BHC totales, 4,4’-DDE, aldrín, endrín cetona y heptacloro epóxido en Mytilus chilensis (choritos)