ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of microorganisms in blood in cats and dogs admitted to a veterinary clinic in the city of Valledupar, Colombia during the period 2016-2018. In total, 957 medical records with a history of hemoparasitic or bacterial infections were analysed (847 in dogs and 110 in cats). In dogs, the seroprevalence of A. platys, Ehrlichia sp, Hepatozoon sp, Babesia sp, Trypanosoma sp and D. immitis was 51.5, 30.9, 22.3, 6.7 and 0.1%, respectively. Also, the level of 4.8% of coinfection in dogs was found. In cats, M. haemofelis was present in all cases. The diversity of microorganisms found shows the possible zoonotic risk, mainly by Anaplasma sp, Ehrlichia sp, Hepatozoon sp, Babesia sp and Trypanosoma sp, to which the owners and veterinary personnel are exposed in the city of Valledupar.

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la distribución de microorganismos a nivel sanguíneo en gatos y perros ingresados a una clínica veterinaria de la ciudad de Valledupar, Colombia durante el periodo 2016-2018. Se analizaron 957 historias médicas con antecedentes de infecciones hemoparasitarias o bacterianas (847 en perros y 110 en gatos). En perros, se encontró una seroprevalencia de A. platys, Ehrlichia sp, Hepatozoon sp, Babesia sp, Trypanosoma sp y D. immitis de 51.5, 30.9, 22.3, 6.7 y 0.1%, respectivamente. Asimismo, una coinfección en 4.8% en perros. En gatos, M. haemofelis estuvo presente en todos los casos. La diversidad de microorganismos encontrados manifiesta el posible riesgo zoonótico, principalmente por Anaplasma sp, Ehrlichia sp, Hepatozoon sp, Babesia sp y Trypanosoma sp, al que están expuestos los dueños y el personal veterinario en la ciudad de Valledupar.

Soy isoflavones have been reported as endocrine disruptors due to their ability to modulate the activity of estrogen receptors (ERs) in mammals; however, its ability to modulate other metabolic pathways is not entirely clear, which makes it necessary to identify new pharmacological targets that interact with these compounds present in soybean. In this work, a virtual screening was executed to identify potential targets of nine soy isoflavones, employing human proteins target from PharmMapper. The best 25 fit scores were selected and prepared for AutoDock Vina docking protocols. The results suggest that equol, daidzein and biochanin A, have the potential to interact with targets such as phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, sex hormone-binding globulin and vitamin D3 receptor, respectively. The validations of docking protocols showed good pose reproducibility (root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) ranged 0.001-3.854 Å) and a modest correlation between binding affinities and agonist concentration, AC50 (correlation coefficient (R) = 0.643, p < 0.001). Protein interaction network revealed that predicted targets for soy isoflavones are involved in different pathways, including neurotransmission, metabolism, and cancer remarking the need of a better understanding of the effects of these compounds on human health.

BACKGROUND Currently, there is an increasing global interest for the study of how infectious diseases could be linked to climate and weather variability. The Chagas disease was described in 1909 by Carlos Chagas, and is caused by the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. The Chagas disease is considered one of the biggest concerns in public health in Latin America. In Chile, the main vectors involved in the transmission of T. cruzi are arthropods of the Triatominae subfamily. Moreover, another main transmission way is through of vectors by fecal-urine way, however, oral way also has been described among others transmission form. OBJECTIVES In order to get understand outbreaks of Chagas-disease, we search for possible relationships between the frequency of cases in the Chilean population and atmospheric oscillations. METHODS We explored the two most important atmospheric oscillations in the Southern Hemisphere: southern oscillation index (SOI) and Antarctic oscillation (AAO), during the available years with official data. Because the number of migrant people born outside from Chile increasing significantively between 2014 and 2018, we used for the analysis two different periods from data available official data: (i) 2001 to 2014, (ii) 2001 to 2017. FINDINGS For both periods we observed a significant and positive relation between AAO one year before. However, for the 2001 to 2014 period positive SOI one year before, which is related with La Niña phases, was the more important variable. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The Chagas disease frequency per year in Chile was found to depend mainly on SOI in previous year, whose values can be determined one year in advance. Therefore, it is possible to partially forecast annual frequency patterns. This could have important applications in public health strategies and for allocating resources for the management of the disease.

ABSTRACT Human activities have increased mercury (Hg) contamination of terrestrial environments, especially gold mining areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate total Hg concentrations (T-Hg) in surface soil samples of San Martín de Loba, south of Bolívar (Colombia), to determine their Hg contamination level. For that purpose, 202 surface soil samples were collected. T-Hg levels were measured by electrothermal atomization and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The T-Hg surface soil concentrations ranged between 0.002 and 23.83 μg/g, with a median value of 3.40 ± 0.36 μg/g, which is slightly higher than the international Hg soil levels. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) for soils reached values greater than 5, indicating extreme pollution (Class 6) in 17 % of samples, while 70 % was Class 5 (strongly to extremely polluted). This study also provides a risk map to evaluate potential negative repercussions. In conclusion, the municipality of San Martín de Loba can be considered as a strongly polluted area with high Hg content. Technology used to extract gold through amalgamation processes causes a high degree of Hg pollution around this gold mining area. Therefore, alternative extraction methods should be considered to reduce Hg levels that can be released into the environment and affect human health.

RESUMEN Las actividades humanas han aumentado la contaminación por mercurio (Hg) en los ambientes terrestres, especialmente en áreas de minería de oro. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las concentraciones de mercurio total (Hg-t) en muestras de suelo superficial de San Martin de Loba, sur de Bolívar (Colombia), así como determinar el nivel de contaminación en el suelo. Un total de 202 muestras de suelo superficial fueron colectadas en San Martín de Loba. Los niveles de Hg-t fueron medidos por atomización electrotérmica y espectroscopia de absorción atómica. Las concentraciones de Hg-t variaron de 0.002 a 23.83 μg/g, con un valor medio de 3.40 ± 0.36 μg/g, el cual es ligeramente más alto que para el Hg en suelo a nivel mundial. El índice de geo-acumulación (Igeo) para suelo alcanzó valores superiores a 5, indicando una contaminación extrema (Clase 6) en el 17 % de las muestras, mientras que el 70 % fueron Clase 5 (fuertemente a extremadamente contaminado). Este estudio también ofrece un mapa de riesgos para evaluar las posibles repercusiones negativas. En conclusión, el municipio de San Martín de Loba puede considerarse una zona fuertemente contaminada con alto contenido de Hg. La tecnología utilizada para extraer oro a lo largo de los procesos de amalgamación provoca un alto grado de contaminación por Hg en torno a esta área de minería de oro. Por lo tanto, deben considerarse métodos alternativos de extracción para reducir los niveles de Hg que pueden liberarse al ambiente y afectar la salud humana.

Resumen El objetivo de este trabajo fue destacar la importancia económica del aprovechamiento óptimo de los productos y subproductos de la palma aceitera. En Colombia este cultivo en etapa productiva puede generar anualmente en promedio 3,14 t de aceite, y hasta 21,68 t de residuos sólidos y líquidos por hectárea. Estos datos permiten estimar que para las 450 131 ha presentes en Colombia en 2014, se produjeron más de nueve millones de toneladas de residuos sólidos y líquidos; la biomasa fue empleada principalmente para la generación de energía y vapor, liberando el contenido de carbono nuevamente al ambiente. Estos residuos poseen un gran potencial en muchas industrias, algunas por desarrollar, por lo que, es de especial importancia intentar maximizar el uso de los residuos para generar beneficios económicos y ambientales. Ejemplo de ello es la torta de palmiste, con un potencial nutricional en la alimentación animal, la fibra en la industria de biocompuestos, la biomasa y el estípite en la industria maderera, el glicerol, el biodiesel y los efluentes líquidos en la industria química y biotecnológica. El aprovechamiento de estas materias primas puede ayudar a establecer un balance positivo en el cultivo de esta especie.

Abstract The objective of this research was to highlight the economic importance of the optimal use of products and byproducts of oil palm. In Colombia, productive crops per hectare can generate, over one year, an average of 3.14 tons of oil, and up to 21.68 t of solid and liquid waste when the plant is on a productive stage. These data allowed the researcher to estimate that more than nine million of t of solid and liquid waste was produced from the 450 131 ha present in 2014, in Colombia; the produced biomass was used to generate energy and steam, releasing carbon dioxide back again into the environment. These residues have great potential in many industries, some to be developed, therefore, it is of special importance to try to maximize the use of waste produced by oil palm production, to generate economic and environmental benefits. An example of this is the palm kernel cake, with a nutritional potential in animal feed, fiber in the biocompound industry, biomass and stipe in the timber industry, glycerol, biodiesel, and liquid effluents in the chemical and biotechnological industry. The use of these raw materials may help to establish a positive balance in the cultivation of this species of oil palm in the country.

Resumen:La teledetección y el conocimiento ecológico tradicional (CET) se pueden combinar para avanzar en la conservación de regiones tropicales remotas como la Amazonía, donde la toma de datos intensiva in situ a menudo es imposible. Integrar el CET en el seguimiento y el manejo de estas áreas permite la participación de la comunidad, y ofrece nuevos puntos de vista sobre el uso sostenible de los recursos naturales. En este estudio se desarrolla un mapa de cobertura del suelo del Escudo Guayanés (Venezuela), con una resolución espacial de 250 m, basado en datos de teledetección, y se utiliza el CET para validar su relevancia en relación con la subsistencia de los pueblos indígenas y el uso que éstos hacen del territorio. En primer lugar se ha empleado un índice de vegetación basado en teledetección hiper-temporal para realizar una clasificación del territorio. Durante una expedición fluvial de 8 días, a lo largo de 1 300 km por áreas sin carreteras en el Estado Amazonas (Venezuela), se han visitado seis comunidades que han proporcionado datos geo-referenciados sobre sus actividades cinegéticas, pesqueras y agrícolas. Estos datos de CET se han superpuesto al mapa de clasificación, con el fin de relacionar las clases de coberturas con los usos indígenas. Se han caracterizado las clases de cobertura en función de patrones de cambio temporal del verdor y la topo-hidrografía, y se han propuesto 12 tipos de cobertura del suelo, agrupadas en cinco tipos principales de paisaje: 1) masas de agua; 2) campo abierto/ márgenes del bosque; 3) bosques siempre-verdes; 4) bosques semi-caducifolios submontanos; y 5) bosques nublados. Cada clase de cobertura del suelo se ha identificado con un perfil pulsátil que describe cambios temporales en el verdor, de ahí que el mapa haya sido titulado “El Pulso del Bosque”. Estos perfiles de verdor han mostrado una tendencia ligeramente ascendente, durante el periodo 2000 a 2009, en las clases que representan pastizales y zonas de matorral, así como una tendencia ligeramente decreciente en las clases que representan bosques. Este hallazgo es compatible con la ganancia de carbono en los pastizales como consecuencia del calentamiento del clima, y también con una cierta pérdida de vegetación en los bosques. De este modo, nuestra clasificación muestra potencial para la evaluación de efectos futuros del cambio climático sobre el paisaje. Algunas clases han resultado estar significativamente relacionadas con la agricultura, la pesca, la caza como práctica general, y más concretamente con la caza de primates, de Mazama Americana, Dasyprocta fuliginosa, y Tayassu pecari. Los resultados demuestran la utilidad de las aproximaciones basadas en CET como base para validar la importancia del paisaje, en áreas con alto valor de conservación, para la supervivencia de las personas, lo que proporciona una base para avanzar en el manejo de los recursos naturales en estas regiones.

Abstract:Remote sensing and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) can be combined to advance conservation of remote tropical regions, e.g. Amazonia, where intensive in situ surveys are often not possible. Integrating TEK into monitoring and management of these areas allows for community participation, as well as for offering novel insights into sustainable resource use. In this study, we developed a 250 m resolution land-cover map of the Western Guyana Shield (Venezuela) based on remote sensing, and used TEK to validate its relevance for indigenous livelihoods and land uses. We first employed a hyper-temporal remotely sensed vegetation index to derive a land classification system. During a 1 300 km, eight day fluvial expedition in roadless areas in the Amazonas State (Venezuela), we visited six indigenous communities who provided geo-referenced data on hunting, fishing and farming activities. We overlaid these TEK data onto the land classification map, to link land classes with indigenous use. We characterized land classes using patterns of greenness temporal change and topo-hydrological information, and proposed 12 land-cover types, grouped into five main landscapes: 1) water bodies; 2) open lands/forest edges; 3) evergreen forests; 4) submontane semideciduous forests, and 5) cloud forests. Each land cover class was identified with a pulsating profile describing temporal changes in greenness, hence we labelled our map as “The Forest Pulse”. These greenness profiles showed a slightly increasing trend, for the period 2000 to 2009, in the land classes representing grassland and scrubland, and a slightly decreasing trend in the classes representing forests. This finding is consistent with a gain in carbon in grassland as a consequence of climate warming, and also with some loss of vegetation in the forests. Thus, our classification shows potential to assess future effects of climate change on landscape. Several classes were significantly connected with agriculture, fishing, overall hunting, and more specifically the hunting of primates, Mazama americana, Dasyprocta fuliginosa, and Tayassu pecari. Our results showed that TEK-based approaches can serve as a basis for validating the livelihood relevance of landscapes in high-value conservation areas, which can form the basis for furthering the management of natural resources in these regions. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (4): 1661-1682. Epub 2016 December 01.

RESUMO O contato com o praguicida diclorodifeniltricloroetano (p, p'-DDT) pode ser a causa de vários efeitos nocivos sobre os seres humanos, animais silvestres e o meio ambiente. Sabe-se de sua característica de bioacumulação, ser altamente persistente no meio ambiente, lipofílico, resistente à degradação e lentamente liberado na corrente sanguínea. Existe uma evidência crescente de que a exposição ao DDT pode ser ligada a Diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Os indivíduos expostos a níveis elevados de DDT e seu metabólito apresentam maior prevalência de diabetes e resistência à insulina. A fim de obter informações sobre essas possíveis relações, camundongos fêmeas de oito semanas de idade foram divididos em três grupos (n = 10 por grupo): Grupo 1 recebeu um veículo de óleo de gergelim via i.p.; os Grupos 2 e 3 receberam, via i.p., 50 e 100 µg/g de p, p'-DDT, respectivamente, dissolvidos em óleo de gergelim. Todos os grupos foram tratados uma vez ao dia durante quatro dias. Além da análise de PCR em Tempo Real de vários genes, os parâmetros bioquímicos e alterações histopatológicas também foram medidos. A expressão gênica do mRNA dos genes NQO1, HMOX1, NR1I3 e NR3C1 foi maior nos animais expostos ao DDT, em comparação ao grupo controle, enquanto a expressão gênica do SREBP1 diminuiu na concentração de 100 µg/g. Os genes MTTP e FABP5 envolvidos na regulação do fluxo de ácidos graxos, embora não estudados quanto à exposição ao DDT, também podem funcionar como biomarcadores de resposta cruzada entre essas vias de sinalização. Esses resultados sugerem que, além de dados epidemiológicos, há cada vez mais evidências moleculares de que o DDT poderia, de fato, imitar diferentes processos que envolvem as rotas de diabetes e de resistência à insulina.

ABSTRACT Contact with the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p′-DDT) can be the cause of various harmful effects in humans, wildlife, and the environment. This pesticide is known to be persistent, lipophilic, resistant to degradation, and bioaccumulive in the environment and to be slowly released into bloodstream. Growing evidence shows that exposure to DDT is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Individuals exposed to elevated levels of DDT and its metabolite have an increased prevalence of diabetes and insulin resistance. To evaluate these possible relationships, experiments were performed on eight-week-old female mice, divided into three groups (n = 10 per group): Group 1 received a vehicle-control intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of sesame oil; Groups 2 and 3 received an i.p. dose of 50 and 100 µg/g p,p′-DDT respectively, dissolved in sesame oil. All groups were treated once daily for four days. Real-time PCR analysis of several genes was undertaken. Additionally, biochemical parameters and histopathological changes were measured. NQO1, HMOX1, NR1I3 and NR3C1 were up-regulated in DDT-exposed animals compared to the vehicle control group, while only SREBP1 was down-regulated in the 100 µg/g group. MTTP and FABP5, not previously reported for DDT exposure, but involved in regulation of fatty acid fluxes, could also function as biomarkers cross-talking between these signaling pathways. These results suggest that beyond epidemiological data, there is increasing molecular evidence that DDT may mimic different processes involved in diabetes and insulin resistance pathways.

Os materiais plásticos são amplamente usados na vida quotidiana. Eles contêm uma grande variedade de compostos de baixa massa molecular, incluindo os resíduos monoméricos e oligoméricos de polimerização, relacionados com resíduos de solventes químicos, e diferentes aditivos. Atualmente, os produtos de poliestireno expandido (EPS) são empregados como recipientes para alimentos. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os compostos orgânicos voláteis liberados por objetos utilizados diretamente em contato com alimentos disponíveis em Cartagena, Colômbia. Produtos baseados em EPS tais como pratos, recipientes para alimentos e sopa foram submetidos a diferentes temperaturas de aquecimento e as substâncias químicas liberadas foram capturadas empregando-se a técnica de microextração em fase sólida, seguida de dessorção térmica e análise por cromatografia a gás/espectrometria de massa. Os resultados revelaram a presença de pelo menos 30 compostos diferentes relacionados aos produtos de EPS examinados, sendo o benzaldeído, estireno, etilbenzeno e tetradecano os mais frequentemente encontrados. A liberação dessas moléculas é dependente da temperatura a que o material é submetido. Portanto, para proteger a saúde humana, diminuindo a exposição a estes agentes químicos, é aconselhável regular o uso de produtos a base de EPS que poderão ser submetidos a aquecimento.

Plastic materials are widely used in daily life. They contain a wide range of compounds with low molecular mass, including monomeric and oligomeric residues of polymerization, solvent-related chemicals residues, and various additives. Plastic products made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) are currently employed as food containers. This study therefore sought to identify volatile organic compounds released by EPS from food packages and utensils used in Cartagena, Colombia. EPS-based plates, food and soup containers were subjected to various temperatures and released chemicals captured by solid phase microextraction, followed by on-column thermal desorption and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. The results revealed the presence of at least 30 different compounds in the EPS-based products examined; the most frequently found were benzaldehyde, styrene, ethylbenzene and tetradecane. The release of these molecules was temperature-dependent. It is therefore advisable to regulate the use of EPS products which may be subjected to heating in order to protect human health by decreasing the exposure to these chemicals.

Many Gram-negative pathogens have the ability to produce N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs) as signal molecules for quorum sensing (QS). This cell-cell communication system allows them to coordinate gene expression and regulate virulence. Strategies to inhibit QS are promising for the control of infectious diseases or antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS) and antibacterial potential of five essential oils isolated from Lippia alba on the Tn-5 mutant of Chromobacterium violaceum CV026, and on the growth of the gram-positive bacteria S. aureus ATCC 25923. The anti-QS activity was detected through the inhibition of the QS-controlled violacein pigment production by the sensor bacteria. Results showed that two essential oils from L. alba, one containing the greatest geranial:neral and the other the highest limonene:carvone concentrations, were the most effective QS inhibitors. Both oils also had small effects on cell growth. Moreover, the geranial/neral chemotype oil also produced the maximum zone of growth inhibition against S. aureus ATCC 25923. These data suggest essential oils from L. alba have promising properties as QS modulators, and present antibacterial activity on S. aureus.

Biochemical processes involving insulin and its receptor are responsible for regulating carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Disruption of these signaling pathways could lead to obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes, among other health problems. Diabetes has a global impact and its high prevalence has been associated with genetic and environmental factors. Recently, there has been a strong interest in establishing the relationship between type II diabetes and exposure to environmental contaminants, particularly persistent organic pollutants (POPs). This association has is based on epidemiological evidence and results from in vitro and in vivo experiments. In this review, the authors present some of the epidemiological aspects of diabetes, the biochemical pathways involved in insulin action, and how these environmental toxicants have impacted on population, through diverse mechanisms, to produce this disease. While several authors consider that the etiology of diabetes has a very important component derived from exposure to environmental pollutants, it is clear that there is still a substantial amount of work to develop in order to identify cause-effect relationships and the mechanisms involved.

Los procesos bioquímicos que involucran la insulina y su receptor son los responsables de regular el metabolismo de carbohidratos y grasas. La alteración de estas vías de señalización puede conllevar a obesidad, resistencia a la insulina y diabetes, entre otros problemas de salud. La diabetes impacta a nivel global y su alta prevalencia ha sido asociada con factores genéticos y ambientales. Recientemente ha surgido un amplio interés por establecer la relación existente entre la diabetes tipo 2 y la exposición a contaminantes ambientales, en especial los compuestos orgánicos persistentes (COPs). Esta asociación está basada en evidencia epidemiológica y resultados de experimentos in vitro e in vivo. En esta revisión los autores presentan algunos de los aspectos epidemiológicos de la diabetes, las rutas bioquímicas que participan en la acción de la insulina, y como estos tóxicos ambientales han impactado sobre la población, a través de diversos mecanismos, para producir esta enfermedad. Si bien algunos autores consideran que la etiología de la diabetes tiene un componente importante derivado de la exposición a contaminantes ambientales, es claro que aún falta mucho por desarrollar para identificar verdaderas relaciones causa-efecto y los mecanismos involucrados.

Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal, considered a highly toxic pollutant. In its elemental state is volatile, making it easy to transport over long distances through the atmosphere, so that environmental pollution caused by it is a serious problem worldwide. Activities such as gold mining, where metallic Hg is used, have contributed with its global distribution, affecting ecosystems and human health. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of total mercury (T-Hg) in air in gold mining areas in Southern Bolivar, particularly in the mining district of San Martín de Loba, in the municipalities of San Martín de Loba and Barranco de Loba (Mina Santa Cruz), Colombia. In situ analyses were performed by atomic absorption spectroscopy, using a portable RA-915+ Zeeman mercury analyzer. In Mina Santa Cruz, one of the most important gold mines in Colombia, concentrations of Hg in air ranged between 163.7 ± 6.6 and 40 455 ± 2154 ng/m³, while in the urban area of San Martin de Loba varied from 223.6 ± 20.8 to 27 140 ± 212.5 ng/m³. In those places where an amalgam burning process was taking place at the time of the measurements, Hg concentrations reached values of 40 455 ± 2154 ng/m³. These data imply a severe occupational exposure to Hg for operators and citizens living in cities located near mines. Therefore, it is important to regulate and control the use of Hg in gold mining, avoiding a chronic impact of the metal on the health of people and the environment.

El mercurio (Hg) es un metal pesado, considerado un contaminante altamente tóxico. En su estado elemental es volátil, lo cual facilita su transporte a largas distancias a través de la atmósfera, por lo que la contaminación ambiental causada por el mismo representa un grave problema a nivel mundial. Actividades como la minería de oro, en donde es empleado el Hg metálico, han contribuido con su distribución global, afectando los ecosistemas y la salud del hombre. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los niveles de mercurio total (Hg-t) en aire en zonas de minería aurífera del sur de Bolívar, en particular en el Distrito Minero de San Martín de Loba, en los municipios de San Martín de Loba y Barranco de Loba (Mina Santa Cruz), Colombia. El análisis in situ fue realizado por espectroscopía de absorción atómica, empleando un analizador portátil de mercurio RA 915+. En Mina Santa Cruz, uno de los asentamientos mineros más importante de Colombia, los niveles de Hg-t en aire variaron entre 163.7 ± 6.6 y 40 455 ± 2154 ng/m³, mientras que en la cabecera municipal de San Martín de Loba oscilaron entre 223.6 ± 20.8 y 27 140 ± 212.5 ng/m³. En aquellos sitios en los que hubo proceso de quema de amalgama al momento de las mediciones, las concentraciones de Hg alcanzaron valores de 40 455 ± 2154 ng/m³. Estos datos implican una exposición ocupacional severa al Hg para los operadores, y ambiental para los ciudadanos que habitan en poblaciones cercanas a las minas. En consecuencia, es de importancia regular y controlar el uso del Hg en la minería del oro, evitando un impacto crónico del metal sobre la salud de las personas y el ambiente.

Introduction: quinones are biological molecules widely distributed on the nature. Recently the group of natural products of the University of Cartagena (Colombia) obtained by extraction of plants of genus tabebuia and by chemistry synthesis an important number of these compounds. However with the purpose of made more detailed studies about the biological activity and structural type reported for these compounds, (naphtoquinone and furanonaphtoquinone linear o angular) reviewed in several database. Objective: search information that allows us to know 1) The compounds were already registered 2) Biological activity and bioassay performed to these molecules, in vivo, in vitro and in silico. Methods: this research was developed using a design of review than involved the edition of molecules by a graphic interface of server (PUBCHEM CHEMIDPLUS ADVANCE, CHEBI) and supplementary data search in PUBMED database. The most relevant data about biological activity was related with chemical structure of the synthesized compounds and their analogues obtained from databases. Results: the compounds tested on the database, 24 were already on PUBCHEM database, 12 molecules show reports of biological activity on the databases. Founding that bigger number of bioassays was reported with furanonaphtoquinones, followed by naphtoquinones. Conclusion: the cytotoxic and anticancer activity in cell lines of different type, represent the most of performed bioassay.

Introducción: las quinonas son moléculas biológicas ampliamente distribuidas en la naturaleza. Recientemente el grupo de investigación de productos naturales, de la Universidad de Cartagena; obtuvo por extracción de plantas del género tabebuia y por síntesis química un número importante de estos compuestos. Sin embargo, con el fin de seguir profundizando en los estudios de sus actividades y su relación con el tipo de estructura lineal o angular se realizó una revisión en varias bases de datos. Objetivo: buscar información que permitiera conocer si los compuestos obtenidos se encontraban reportados; así como también la actividad biológica y los bioensayos realizados a estas moléculas in vivo, in vitro e in silico. Métodos: esta investigación fue desarrollada con el uso de un diseño que aplicó la edición de moléculas, mediante la interfaz gráfica de servidores (PUBCHEM CHEMIDPLUS ADVANCE, CHEBI) y una búsqueda de datos complementarios en la base de datos PUBMED. Los datos de la actividad biológica más relevantes fueron relacionados con la estructura química de los compuestos sintetizados y de los análogos suministrados por PUBMED. Resultados: de los compuestos hallados en las bases de datos, 24 presentaron código en la base de datos PUBCHEM, 12 mostraron reportes de actividad biológica en las bases de datos, y se encontró que el mayor número de bioensayos fue reportado con furanonaftoquinonas, seguido por naftoquinonas. Conclusiones: la actividad citotóxica y anticancerígena en diferentes líneas celulares, representa el mayor número de bioensayos realizados a estos compuestos.

El thinner es uno de los productos de mayor utilización en la industria de las pinturas, lubricantes y pegamentos. Su composición es variable de acuerdo con su uso y calidad. Sin embargo, la exposición crónica es una preocupación debido a que puede afectar órganos principales tales como pulmones, hígado, riñón y glándulas suprarrenales. En este estudio fue caracterizada la composición de varias muestras de thinner, disponibles comercialmente en la ciudad de Cartagena, que fueron recolectadas en diferentes almacenes y analizadas por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas (GC/MS). Los resultados mostraron que no solo la composición, sino también la distribución relativa de los componentes presentes en las muestras son variables. Treinta y dos compuestos fueron detectados, entre los que se encuentran: tolueno, o-xileno, p-xileno y etilbenceno, con frecuencias de aparición de 91,7%, 66,7%, 75,0% y 66,7%, respectivamente. El desconocimiento del riesgo de intoxicación, generado al manipular este tipo de mezclas, puede ser la causa de muchos de los problemas de salud en personas expuestas al thinner, tanto en actividades laborales como domésticas. Una minería de datos mostró la asociación potencial entre los componentes del thinner y manifestaciones clínicas, las cuales incluyen daño renal y hepático, pérdida de cabello, alteraciones hematológicas, dermatitis, ansiedad y problemas de equilibrio, entre otras. En conclusión, el thinner posee gran variabilidad tanto en sus componentes como en la proporción relativa de los mismos. Los efectos perjudiciales en la salud por exposición directa o indirecta a estos componentes han sido ampliamente descritos en la literatura.

Thinner is a widely used product in the industry of paints, lubricants and adhesives. Its composition varies according to its use and quality. However, its chronic exposure is a concern, because it can affect major organs such as lungs, liver, kidney and the adrenal glands. This study characterizes the composition of several thinner samples commercially available in the city of Cartagena. Twelve samples were collected in different stores, these were then analyzed through gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results showed that not only the composition but also the relative distribution of the components present in the samples are variable. Thirty two compounds were detected: toluene, o-xylene, p-xylene and ethylbenzene -among others- with occurrence frequencies of 91.7, 66.7, 75, and 66.7%, respectively. The lack of knowledge regarding the risk of poisoning, produced when handling this type of mixtures, may be the cause of many health problems in people exposed to thinner, both in workplace and domestic activities. A data mining showed the potential association between thinner components and clinical manifestations, which include kidney and liver damage, hair loss, haematological disorders, dermatitis, anxiety and balance problems, among others. In conclusion, thinner has large variability, both in terms of components and of their relative composition. The adverse health effects of direct or indirect exposure to these components have been widely described in the literature.

O Tíner é um dos produtos de maior utilização na indústria das pinturas, lubrificantes e colas. Sua composição é variável conforme a seu uso e qualidade. No entanto, a exposição crônica é uma preocupação devido a que pode afetar órgãos principais tais como pulmões, fígados, rins e glândulas suprarrenais. Neste estudo foi caracterizada a composição de várias amostras de Tíner, disponíveis comercialmente na cidade de Cartagena. Doze amostras de Tíner foram recoletadas em diferentes lojas e analisadas por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massas (GC/MS). Os resultados mostraram que não só a composição, más também a distribuição relativa dos componentes presentes nas amostras são variáveis. Trinta e dois compostos foram detectados, entre os que se encontram: tolueno, o-xileno, p-xileno e etilbenceno, com frequências de aparição de 91.7, 66.7, 75.0 e 66.7%, respectivamente. O desconhecimento do risco de intoxicação, gerado ao manipular este tipo de misturas, pode ser a causa de muitos dos problemas de saúde em pessoas expostas ao Tíner, tanto nas atividades laborais quanto domésticas. Uma mineração de dados mostrou a associação potencial entre os componentes do Tíner e manifestações clínicas, as quais incluem dano renal e hepático, perda de cabelo, alterações hematológicas, dermatite, ansiedade e problemas de equilíbrio, entre outras. Em conclusão, o Tíner possui grande variabilidade tanto em seus componentes quanto na proporção relativa dos mesmos. Os efeitos prejudiciais na saúde por exposição direta ou indireta a estes componentes têm sido amplamente descritos na literatura.

Objetivo: Describir el uso de insecticidas químicos a través de la historia como la principal herramienta contra Aedes aegypti, un mosquito vector del virus del dengue. Métodos: Una búsqueda en minería de textos fue realizada en bases de datos como PubMedy Science Direct, utilizando las palabras clave “Aedes aegypti”, en combinación con “insecticidas”, “resistencia”, “organoclorados”, “organofosforados”,“carbamatos” y “piretroides”.Resultados afines con la información histórica relacionada con el control químico del mosquito Aedes aegypti, en particular las que contienen datos sobre la resistencia a insecticidas de esta especie, fueron examinados y analizados. Resultados: Diferentes grupos químicos han sido desarrollados para el control de A. aegypti, siendo los más utilizados organoclorados, organofosforados, carbamatos y piretroides. En general, la tendencia ha sido la de sustituir un pesticida particular, para el que ha sido detectado resistencia, por uno nuevo, mosquito-sensible, y con evidencia de efectos perjudiciales derivados de su uso. La propagación de la resistencia se ha registrado en varios países de América, Asia y África. Dos mecanismos han sido altamente referenciados de ser responsable de la resistencia, el aumento de actividad de las enzimas de desintoxicación, y los cambios estructurales en el sitio de destino de los insecticidas, en su mayoría dentro del sistema nervioso central. Conclusión: El uso excesivo de insecticidas químicos y la falta de control de dosificación han dado lugar a una resistencia generalizada en Aedes aegypti, y alternativas químicas “más seguras” no están disponibles para el control de vectores en diferentes países, afectando la salud humana.

Objective: To describe the use of chemical insecticides throughout history as the main tool to fight against Aedes aegypti, a vector of dengue virus. Methods: A text mining approach was conducted on databases, such as PUBMED and SCIENCE DIRECT, using the keywords “Aedes aegypti”, combined with the words “insecticides”, “resistance”, “organochlorines”, “organophosphates”, “carbamates” and “pyrethroids”. Results related to historical information dealing with the chemical control of Aedes aegypti, in particular those containing data on insecticide resistance for this species, were scrutinized and analyzed. Results: Different chemical groups have been utilized to control A. aegypti, including organochlorine, organophosphate, carbamate and pyrethroid insecticides. In general, the tendency has been to replace a particular pesticide, for which resistance had been detected, for a new one, mosquito-sensitive, and with little evidence of deleterious effects derived from its use. The spread of resistance has been registered in several countries of America, Asia and Africa. Two mechanisms have been highly cited to be responsible for the resistance; the increase activity of detoxifying enzymes, and structural changes in the insecticide target site, mostly within the central nervous system. Conclusion: Excessive use of chemical insecticides and the lack of dosing control have led to widespread resistance in A. aegypti, as no “safer” alternative chemical options are available for vector control in different countries, impacting human health.

DDT (1,1,1-tricloro-2 ,2-bis (4-clorofenil) etano) tem sido associado ao diabetes tipo 2. Dessa forma, uma triagem virtual foi realizada para detectar possíveis novos alvos para o DDT e seus derivados na sinalização da insulina. As estruturas dos compostos foram otimizadas por mecânica molecular e posteriormente por teoria do funcional da densidade (DFT), e as estruturas proteicas foram obtidas a partir do banco de dados Protein Data Bank (PDB). O docking entre as 59 proteínas envolvidas na via de sinalização da insulina, de acordo com o levantamento de dados no PubMed, e as moléculas derivadas do DDT como ligantes foi realizado com o programa AutoDock Vina. As interações resíduo-ligante foram verificadas com o programa LigandScout 2.0. A maior afinidade de ligação foi encontrada para o complexo AKT-1 (PDB_ID: 3cqu)/p,p'-DDE. Outras proteínas com boa afinidade para derivados do DDT foram eIF4E (PDB_ID: 1wkw) e PKA (PDB_ID: 2qcs). Estes dados mostram a plausibilidade teórica de que o DDT e produtos químicos relacionados podem interferir na sinalização envolvendo essas proteínas. Embora os mecanismos bioquímicos ainda sejam incertos, a prevalência de diabetes em indivíduos expostos ao DDT pode ser influenciada pela ligação desses compostos a proteínas envolvidas na via da insulina.

DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane) has been linked to type 2 diabetes. Accordingly, a virtual screening was used to detect possible new targets for DDT and its derivatives in the insulin signaling. Compound structures were optimized by molecular mechanics and then by density functional theory (DFT), and protein structures were obtained from Protein Data Bank (PDB). Docking between 59 proteins involved in the insulin pathway according to data mining on PubMed, and DDT-related molecules as ligands, was performed with AutoDock Vina program. Residue-ligand interactions were checked with LigandScout 2.0 software. The greatest binding affinity score was found for the complex AKT-1 (PDB_ID:3cqu)/p,p'-DDE. Other proteins with good affinities for DDT derivatives were eIF4E (PDB_ID: 1wkw) and PKA (PDB_ID: 2qcs). These data show the theoretical plausibility that DDT and related chemicals could interfere with insulin receptor-related targets. Although biochemical mechanisms are still uncertain, diabetes prevalence in people exposed to DDT could be influenced by the binding of these compounds to proteins involved in the insulin pathway.