ABSTRACT Basal cell carcinoma is a common condition throughout medical centers in Paraguay. The nasal alar region is disadvantaged compared to other body regions due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. How- ever, these tumors generally have a good prognosis. The lack of nodal dissemination and distant metastasis makes them quite manageable. The bilobed flap is an excellent option for small defects in this region; it is practical and yields excellent aesthetic results. Paraguay radiation How ever prognosis manageable results

RESUMEN El carcinoma basocelular, es una patología de presentación frecuente centros nacionales de referencia. La región del ala nasal sufre una des- ventaja con respecto a otras regiones del cuerpo debido a su exposición prolongada a la luz solar. Pero, estos tumores son de buen pronóstico en general. La falta de diseminación linfática y de metástasis a distancia los hacen bastante controlables. El colgajo bilobulado representa una excelente opción para defectos pequeños en esta región, es práctico y deja resultados estéticos excelentes. basocelular referencia des solar Pero general controlables excelentes

Abstract Historically, phenol/croton oil deep chemical peeling has been very effective and has generated excellent results compared to other formulas used in dermatological clinics. However, it can cause serious side effects in patients sensitive to phenol. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a liquid crystalline structure containing croton oil (without phenol) as well as to evaluate the physical characteristics and cytotoxicity of this new system. Rational proportions of the croton oil, purified water, and polyethylene glycol hexadecyl ether were designed through a partial phase diagram to obtain 26 formulations. After macroscopic analysis and polarized light microscopy evaluation, formulations with lamellar liquid crystalline phase (4 samples) were identified and chosen to determine pH, size, polydispersion index (PDI), zeta potential, and rheological behavior. After 48 hours, three samples presented phase separation. Formulation 8 remained stable, but hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC, 0.5%, w/w) was added to the aqueous phase, to prevent coalescence. Sample 8A exhibited a pH compatible with the skin, nanometric size, narrow PDI, negative zeta potential, and stability throughout the study period. The addition of HEC improved the organization of the system, making the formulation more stable. The oil, fractions of the oil, and the sample exhibited increasing cytotoxicity, respectively. This result could be attributed to the fractionation process of the vegetal matrix, and the surfactant present in the formulation increased the cell membrane permeability. The proposed approach successfully achieved a physically stable liquid crystal system containing croton oil.

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the pressures, resistances, oxygenation, and decarboxylation efficacy of two oxygenators associated in series or in parallel during venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Methods: Using the results of a swine severe respiratory failure associated with multiple organ dysfunction venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support model and mathematical modeling, we explored the effects on oxygenation, decarboxylation and circuit pressures of in-parallel and in-series associations of oxygenators. Results: Five animals with a median weight of 80kg were tested. Both configurations increased the oxygen partial pressure after the oxygenators. The return cannula oxygen content was also slightly higher, but the impact on systemic oxygenation was minimal using oxygenators with a high rated flow (~ 7L/minute). Both configurations significantly reduced the systemic carbon dioxide partial pressure. As the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation blood flow increased, the oxygenator resistance decreased initially with a further increase with higher blood flows but with a small clinical impact. Conclusion: Association of oxygenators in parallel or in series during venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support provides a modest increase in carbon dioxide partial pressure removal with a slight improvement in oxygenation. The effect of oxygenator associations on extracorporeal circuit pressures is minimal.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar as pressões, as resistências, a oxigenação e a eficácia da descarboxilação de dois oxigenadores associados em série ou em paralelo durante o suporte com oxigenação veno-venosa por membrana extracorpórea. Métodos: Usando os resultados de insuficiência respiratória grave em suínos associada à disfunção de múltiplos órgãos, ao modelo de suporte com oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea veno-venosa e à modelagem matemática, exploramos os efeitos na oxigenação, descarboxilação e pressões do circuito de associações de oxigenadores em paralelo e em série. Resultados: Testaram-se cinco animais com peso mediano de 80kg. Ambas as configurações aumentaram a pressão parcial de oxigênio após os oxigenadores. O teor de oxigênio da cânula de retorno também foi ligeiramente maior, mas o efeito na oxigenação sistêmica foi mínimo, usando oxigenadores com alto fluxo nominal (~ 7L/minuto). Ambas as configurações reduziram significativamente a pressão parcial de dióxido de carbono sistêmico. Como o fluxo sanguíneo na oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea aumentou, a resistência do oxigenador diminuiu inicialmente, com aumento posterior, com fluxos sanguíneos mais altos, mas pouco efeito clínico. Conclusão: A associação de oxigenadores em paralelo ou em série durante o suporte com oxigenação veno-venosa por membrana extracorpórea proporciona um modesto aumento na depuração da pressão parcial de dióxido de carbono, com leve melhora na oxigenação. O efeito das associações de oxigenadores nas pressões de circuitos extracorpóreos é mínimo.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar o conhecimento dos cuidadores e os fatores associados ao desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor em crianças. Métodos: estudo transversal, de abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 220 binômios criança-cuidador atendidos nos serviços públicos de saúde do município de Parnaíba, estado do Piauí. Foi utilizado o “Teste de Denver II” e o “Inventário do Conhecimento de Desenvolvimento Infantil”. Resultados: 197 crianças foram classificadas com desenvolvimento normal; e 23, com desenvolvimento suspeito. Cuidadores com maior nível de conhecimento sobre o desenvolvimento infantil foram associados a crianças com melhor desenvolvimento. Mediante o modelo de regressão, encontrou-se conhecimento dos cuidadores, idade gestacional e aleitamento materno exclusivo como fatores protetores para um desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor adequado. Conclusões: para a melhora do desenvolvimento infantil, ações destinadas aos indicadores que apresentaram associações positivas devem ser realizadas, como atividades de educação para aumento do nível de conhecimento dos cuidadores, melhora do acompanhamento pré-natal e incentivo ao aleitamento materno.

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the knowledge of caregivers and the factors associated with neuropsychomotor development in children. Methods: a cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach, was conducted with 220 child-caregiver binomials attended in the public health services of the municipality of Parnaíba, State of Piauí. The study used the “Denver Test II” and the “Inventory of Child Development Knowledge”. Results: the study classified 197 children with natural development and 23 with suspicious development. Caregivers with a higher level of knowledge about child development were associated with children with better development. The study considered caregiver knowledge, gestational age, and exclusive breastfeeding as protective factors for appropriate neuropsychomotor development when used the regression model. Conclusions: actions aimed at indicators that presented positive associations must be implemented to improve child development, such as educational activities to increase the level of knowledge of caregivers, improvement of prenatal monitoring, and encouragement of breastfeeding.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar el conocimiento de los cuidadores y factores relacionados al desarrollo neuropsicomotor en niños. Métodos: estudio transversal, de abordaje cuantitativo, realizado con 220 binomios niño-cuidador atendidos en los servicios públicos de salud del municipio de Parnaíba, estado de Piauí. Fue utilizado el “Test de Denver II” e “Inventario del Conocimiento de Desarrollo Infantil”. Resultados: 197 niños fueron clasificados con desarrollo normal; y 23, con desarrollo sospechoso. Cuidadores con mayor nivel de conocimiento sobre el desarrollo infantil fueron relacionados a niños con mejor desarrollo. Mediante el modelo de regresión, se encontró conocimiento de los cuidadores, edad gestacional y lactancia materna exclusiva como factores protectores para un desarrollo neuropsicomotor adecuado. Conclusiones: para la mejora del desarrollo infantil, acciones destinadas a los indicadores que presentaron relaciones positivas deben ser realizadas, como actividades de educación para aumento del nivel de conocimiento de los cuidadores, mejora del acompañamiento prenatal e incentivo a lactancia materna.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar clinicamente o efeito do debridamento ultrassônico de boca toda no tratamento da periodontite crônica severa em pacientes diabéticos. Métodos: Dezesseis pacientes diabéticos descompensados (Hemoglobina Glicada ≥ 7%) com periodontite crônica severa (mínimo de 8 dentes com profundidade de sondagem ≥ 5 mm e sangramento à sondagem) separados aleatoriamente em 2 grupos: Controle (7): raspagem e alisamento radicular por quadrante e Teste (9): debridamento ultrassônico sessão única de 45 minutos. Os parâmetros clínicos avaliados foram: Índice de placa, Índice gengival, Sangramento à Sondagem, Profundidade de Sondagem, Nível de inserção clínico e Posição da Margem Gengival. As variáveis foram avaliadas no início, 1 e 3 meses após o tratamento. Para análise das variáveis quantitativas (Profundidade de sondagem, Nível de inserção e Posição da margem gengival de bolsas moderadas) foram realizados ANOVA e teste de Tukey e para as demais foram utilizados os testes de Friedman e Mann-Whitney. Resultados: Observou-se melhora na profundidade de sondagem e nível de inserção clínica após o tratamento em ambos os grupos, sem diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre eles. Após 3 meses, nas bolsas inicialmente profundas, a profundidade de sondagem reduziu 1,6 e 1,7 mm nos grupos teste e controle, respectivamente. Houve um ganho estatisticamente significante no nível de inserção ≥ 2 mm nos grupos controle (10,1%) e teste (13,4%), aos 3 meses. Conclusão: O debridamento ultrassônico de boca toda promoveu resultados clínicos semelhantes aos obtidos com a raspagem e alisamento radicular no tratamento da periodontite crônica severa em indivíduos diabéticos.

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate the effect of one-stage full-mouth ultrasonic debridement in the treatment of diabetic subjects with severe chronic periodontitis. Methods: Sixteen patients with uncontrolled diabetes (glycated hemoglobin ≥ 7%) and severe chronic periodontitis (at least 8 teeth with a probing depth and bleeding on probing were selected and randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups: control group (n=7) - quadrant-wise scaling and root planning; test group (n=9) - full-mouth ultrasonic debridement in one session of 45 minutes. The following outcomes were assessed: plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, clinical attachment level and gingival margin position. All parameters were assessed at baseline, 1 and 3 months after treatment. Probing depth, clinical attachment level and gingival margin position were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey test, and the other clinical parameters analysed with the Friedman and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: An improvement in probing depth, clinical attachment level was observed after treatment in both groups, but without statistically significant differences between them. After 3 months, in initially deep pockets, the PD decreased 1.6 mm and 1.7 mm in test and control group, respectively. Clinical attachment level gain ≥ 2 mm was statistically significant at sites in control (10.1%) and test (13,4%) groups in 3 months. Conclusions: One-stage full-mouth ultrasonic debridement promoted similar clinical outcomes to those obtained with the scaling and root planning in the treatment of diabetic subjects with severe chronic periodontitis.

Abstract Introduction: Hemodynamic Depression (HD) characterized by hypotension and bradycardia is a complication of carotid surgery due to direct autonomic stimulation in the carotid sinus. The authors believe the incidence of HD is high and possibly related to major cardiac complications. Methods: Analysis of patient records during admissions for carotid surgery between January 2014 and December 2018 in two hospitals. HD was defined as bradycardia or hypotension in the first 24 postoperative hours. Bradycardia was defined as heart rate < 50bpm; hypotension as systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg, continuous use of vasopressors, or a drop in SBP > 20% compared to preoperative values. Myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death were defined as adverse events. Results: Overall, 237 carotid surgeries (178 endarterectomies, 59 angioplasties) were studied, and the global incidence of HD was 54.4% (hypotension in 50.2%, bradycardia in 11.0%, and hypotension and bradycardia in 6.8%). The independent predictors of HD were asymptomatic carotid stenosis (OR = 1.824; 95% CI 1.014 −3.280; p = 0.045), endovascular surgery (OR = 3.319; 95% CI 1.675−6.576; p = 0.001) and intraoperative hypotension or bradycardia (OR = 2.144; 95% CI 1.222−3.762; p = 0.008). Hypotension requiring continuous vasopressor infusion was the only factor independently associated with adverse cardiovascular events (OR = 5.504; 95% CI 1.729-17.529; p = 0.004). Discussion/conclusion: Incidence of Hemodynamic Depression after carotid surgery is high and independently associated with surgical technique, symptomatic repercussion of the carotid stenosis, and intraoperative hypotension or bradycardia. Hypotension requiring the continuous infusion of vasopressors was independently associated with the occurrence of MACE.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a adesão ao protocolo de profilaxia de úlcera de estresse em pacientes críticos de um hospital universitário terciário. Métodos: Neste estudo de coorte prospectiva, incluímos todos os pacientes adultos admitidos às unidades de terapia intensiva clínica e cirúrgica de um hospital terciário acadêmico. Nosso único critério de exclusão foi a presença de sangramento gastrointestinal alto quando da admissão à unidade de terapia intensiva. Colhemos as variáveis basais e indicações de profilaxia de úlcera de estresse, segundo o protocolo institucional, assim como o uso de profilaxia. Nosso desfecho primário foi a adesão ao protocolo de profilaxia de úlcera de estresse. Os desfechos secundários foram uso apropriado da profilaxia de úlcera de estresse, incidência de sangramento gastrointestinal superior e fatores associados com o uso apropriado da profilaxia de úlcera de estresse. Resultados: Foram incluídos 234 pacientes no período compreendido entre 2 de julho e 31 de julho de 2018. Os pacientes tinham idade de 52 ± 20 anos, sendo 125 (53%) deles cirúrgicos, e o SAPS 3 médio foi de 52 ± 20. No seguimento longitudinal, foram estudados 1.499 pacientes-dias; 1.069 pacientes-dias tiveram indicação de profilaxia de úlcera de estresse, e 777 pacientes-dias tiveram uso profilático (73% de adesão ao protocolo de profilaxia de úlcera de estresse). Dentre os 430 pacientes-dias sem indicações de profilaxia de úlcera de estresse, 242 envolveram profilaxia (56% de uso impróprio de profilaxia de úlcera de estresse). O total de uso apropriado de profilaxia de úlcera de estresse foi de 64%. Fatores associados com prescrição adequada de profilaxia de úlcera de estresse foram ventilação mecânica, com RC 2,13 (IC95% 1,64 - 2,75), e coagulopatia, com RC 2,77 (IC95% 1,66 - 4,60). A incidência de sangramento do trato gastrointestinal superior foi de 12,8%. Conclusão: A adesão ao protocolo de profilaxia de úlcera de estresse foi baixa, e o uso inadequado de profilaxia de úlcera de estresse foi frequente nesta coorte de pacientes críticos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate adherence to the stress ulcer prophylaxis protocol in critically ill patients at a tertiary university hospital. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we included all adult patients admitted to the medical and surgical intensive care units of an academic tertiary hospital. Our sole exclusion criterion was upper gastrointestinal bleeding at intensive care unit admission. We collected baseline variables and stress ulcer prophylaxis indications according to the institutional protocol and use of prophylaxis. Our primary outcome was adherence to the stress ulcer prophylaxis protocol. Secondary outcomes were appropriate use of stress ulcer prophylaxis, upper gastrointestinal bleeding incidence and factors associated with appropriate use of stress ulcer prophylaxis. Results: Two hundred thirty-four patients were enrolled from July 2nd through July 31st, 2018. Patients were 52 ± 20 years old, 125 (53%) were surgical patients, and the mean SAPS 3 was 52 ± 20. In the longitudinal follow-up, 1499 patient-days were studied; 1069 patient-days had stress ulcer prophylaxis indications, and 777 patient-days contained prophylaxis use (73% stress ulcer prophylaxis protocol adherence). Of the 430 patient-days without stress ulcer prophylaxis indications, 242 involved prophylaxis (56% inappropriate stress ulcer prophylaxis use). The overall appropriate use of stress ulcer prophylaxis was 64%. Factors associated with proper stress ulcer prophylaxis prescription were mechanical ventilation OR 2.13 (95%CI 1.64 - 2.75) and coagulopathy OR 2.77 (95%CI 1.66 - 4.60). The upper gastrointestinal bleeding incidence was 12.8%. Conclusion: Adherence to the stress ulcer prophylaxis protocol was low and inappropriate use of stress ulcer prophylaxis was frequent in this cohort of critically ill patients.

RESUMO: Uma fêmea Dachshund de 14 anos de idade foi encaminhada para um hospital veterinário universitário com histórico e manifestação de “head pressing”, andar compulsivo e em círculos para o lado direito. No exame oftalmológico foi diagnosticado catarata matura bilateral e ausência de reflexo fotomotor pupilar no olho direito. O exame neurológico revelou sinais encefálicos multifocais. Na necropsia, uma massa sólida cônica, branco-amarelada, foi observada envolvendo o nervo óptico em toda a sua extensão até o quiasma óptico. O exame histopatológico confirmou diagnóstico de meningioma papilar retrobulbar, considerado raro e pouco incluído no diagnóstico diferencial de pacientes com sinais neurológicos.

ABSTRACT: A 14-year-old female Dachshund was referred to a veterinary hospital with a history and signalment of head pressing, compulsive walking, and right circling. At ophthalmologic examination, a mature cataract and absence of photomotor reflex in the right eye were observed. The neurological exam revealed multifocal encephalic signs. At necropsy, a conical solid tan mass was observed involving the right optic nerve throughout its extension to the optic chiasm. Histopathological findings confirmed a retrobulbar papillary meningioma, considered rare and seldom included as differential diagnosis in patients with neurological signs.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre a razão neutrófilo/linfócito e a presença de sinais de artrose em ambos os quadris em pacientes acompanhados neste serviço. Métodos: Estudo transversal, retrospectivo, que usou análise de prontuários e revisão de banco de dados de pacientes maiores de 18 anos com diagnóstico de artrose de quadril acompanhados no ambulatório deste hospital. Resultado: Com relação à análise do teste de Mann-Whitney para correlacionar a razão neutrófilo/linfócito e a lateralidade, observou-se um resultado de teste bilateral de 0,036, evidenciou desse modo a diferença entre os grupos. Quando os valores absolutos de neutrófilos e linfócitos foram analisados, observaram-se p = 0,14 e p = 0,24, não foi possível observar diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os valores absolutos nos dois grupos. Conclusões: Considerando-se as interações entre os mecanismos inflamatórios na osteoartrose e o fato de que a interação entre os neutrófilos e os linfócitos tem diferenças com relação à lateralidade da coxartrose, é possível levantar a hipótese de que a etiologia inflamatória da osteoartrose unilateral e da bilateral tem dinâmicas diferentes. Entretanto, são necessários estudos mais aprofundados, com citometria de fluxo, para avaliar o impacto com relação às diferenças nos mecanismos inflamatórios observados nesse estudo.

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and the presence of signs of arthrosis in both hips in patients followed at this medical center. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study through the analysis of medical records and database review of patients over 18 years of age with hip arthrosis, followed at the outpatient clinic of this hospital. Results: Regarding the analysis of the Mann-Whitney test to correlate the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and laterality, a bi-lateral test result of p = 0.036 was obtained, thus demonstrating a significant difference between the observed groups. When we analyzed the absolute values of neutrophils and lymphocytes, the authors obtained results of p = 0.14 and p = 0.24. Therefore, it was not possible to observe statistically significant differences between the absolute values in the two groups. Conclusion: Considering the interactions between the inflammatory mechanisms in osteoarthritis and the fact that the interaction between neutrophils and lymphocytes has differences in relation to the laterality of the coxarthrosis, it is hypothesized that the inflammatory etiology of unilateral and bilateral osteoarthritis could have different dynamics. However, more in-depth studies with flow cytometry are needed to assess the possible impact of these differences in the inflammatory mechanisms observed in this study.

Abstract The α-amylase enzyme was produced by solid state fermentation (SSF) and its partition behavior in Aqueous Two-Phase Systems (ATPS) was determined using systems consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and potassium phosphate buffer. To determine the best conditions for α-amylase production, a central composite design was constructed for two independent variables: fermentation time and moisture content, and for the partition study, a face-centered central composite design (CCF) with four independent variables: PEG molecular weight, pH, temperature and partition time. It was indicated that the best enzyme production conditions were a fermentation time of 35.0 hours and 45.7% moisture content. From the results obtained, it was found that increasing the polymer molecular weight promotes a reduction of the enzyme concentration in the upper phase, increasing its concentration in the lower phase. It was also observed that the partition coefficients increased with increasing pH values and a reduction in temperature.

Residual solutions containing Cr(VI) ions can be harmful to the environment as well as to human health. Hence, practical and efficient methods for the treatment of such solutions are welcome. In this note, the treatment with commercial steel wool pads of a Cr(VI) residual solution from electrochemical coloration processes of stainless steel is described in detail. Successful treatment was achieved when an amount of steel wool equivalent to 20% in excess in relation to the theoretical stoichiometric amount was used, followed by chemical precipitation with sodium hydroxide up to pH 10-11 and separation by filtration under reduced pressure. The treatment yielded a final solution with concentrations of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions of only 0.29 ± 0.02 mg L-1 and < 0.01 mg L-1, respectively. These concentration values are significantly lower than the maximum limits established by CONAMA for industrial wastewaters, attesting the efficiency of the treatment.

ABSTRACT Leishmaniasis is a disease complex with various clinical symptoms caused by different species of parasites of the genus Leishmania. The visceral form of the disease, characterized by severe symptoms is fatal, if not treated. The high toxicity of current antileishmanial drugs and the need for long-term treatment make the therapy complicated, especially in a large number of infected children. Hence, the search for new therapies must be intensified. Oral administration of the trace element zinc has been considered in alternative treatments against different clinical forms of leishmaniasis. This study revealed that the administration of zinc in children with visceral leishmaniasis, during treatment with amphotericin B or glucantime, accelerates the regression of the spleen enlargement without interfering with the recovery of hematological parameters.

ABSTRACT The leaves of the Xanthium spinosum plant have been used culturally in Paraguay for their medicinal properties. Acute toxicity of mature leaf extract was evaluated. For the study, 35 Balb/c mice were selected and allocated into 7 groups, 6 test groups and 1 control group. The extract was prepared in concentrations of 6% and 9% (g/dL). The 6% concentration was administrated to 3 test groups and 9% concentration to the remaining 3 groups, with doses between 200 and 1000 mg/kg per mouse. After 14 days of observation, blood samples were taken for laboratory studies of urea and transaminases and organs were examined for pathological studies. There were increased levels of GOT and urea in the test groups compared to the control group. In conclusion, the consumption of mature leaf extract of Xanthium spinosum can cause hepatic damage.

RESUMEN Las hojas de la planta Xanthium spinosum se utilizan culturalmente en Paraguay por sus propiedades medicinales. Se evaluó la toxicidad aguda del extracto de hojas maduras; para el estudio se seleccionaron 35 ratones BALB/C machos que fueron distribuidos en 7 grupos, 6 de ensayo y 1 de control. El extracto fue preparado en concentraciones de 6 y 9% (g/dL); se administró la solución 6% a tres grupos y la solución 9% a los otros tres grupos, con dosis entre 200 y 1000 mg/kg. Al final de 14 días de observación, se extrajeron muestras de sangre para estudios laboratoriales de urea y transaminasas, además de órganos para estudios anatomopatológicos. Se determinaron aumentos en los niveles de GOT y urea en comparación al grupo control. Se concluye que el consumo del extracto de hojas maduras de Xanthium spinosum puede causar daño hepático.

The leaves of the Xanthium spinosum plant have been used culturally in Paraguay for their medicinal properties. Acute toxicity of mature leaf extract was evaluated. For the study, 35 Balb/c mice were selected and allocated into 7 groups, 6 test groups and 1 control group. The extract was prepared in concentrations of 6% and 9% (g/dL). The 6% concentration was administrated to 3 test groups and 9% concentration to the remaining 3 groups, with doses between 200 and 1000 mg/kg per mouse. After 14 days of observation, blood samples were taken for laboratory studies of urea and transaminases and organs were examined for pathological studies. There were increased levels of GOT and urea in the test groups compared to the control group. In conclusion, the consumption of mature leaf extract of Xanthium spinosum can cause hepatic damage.

Las hojas de la planta Xanthium spinosum se utilizan culturalmente en Paraguay por sus propiedades medicinales. Se evaluó la toxicidad aguda del extracto de hojas maduras; para el estudio se seleccionaron 35 ratones BALB/C machos que fueron distribuidos en 7 grupos, 6 de ensayo y 1 de control. El extracto fue preparado en concentraciones de 6 y 9% (g/dL); se administró la solución 6% a tres grupos y la solución 9% a los otros tres grupos, con dosis entre 200 y 1000 mg/kg. Al final de 14 días de observación, se extrajeron muestras de sangre para estudios laboratoriales de urea y transaminasas, además de órganos para estudios anatomopatológicos. Se determinaron aumentos en los niveles de GOT y urea en comparación al grupo control. Se concluye que el consumo del extracto de hojas maduras de Xanthium spinosum puede causar daño hepático.