Synthetic single and double aza-scorpiand macrocycles acting as inhibitors of the antioxidant enzymes iron superoxide dismutase and trypanothione reductase in Trypanosoma cruzi with promising results in a murine model

Synthetic scorpiand-like azamacrocycles selectively inhibit SOD and TR enzymes of Trypanosoma cruzi in mice causing death of the parasites and increasing the mouse survival rate after infection and treatment.

Clinical use of oral antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids in patients with allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Second-generation oral antihistamines (AH) and intranasal corticosteroids (ICS) are the most widely used drugs for allergic rhinitis (AR).

OBJECTIVE

To obtain information on the preferences for and applications of these drugs under conditions of routine clinical practice.

METHODS

We performed a multicenter multidisciplinary observational study. Participating physicians completed a questionnaire with information on preferences for and application of drugs for AR, patient characteristics, and physician/patient satisfaction with the treatment provided (visual analog scale).

RESULTS

A total of 1008 physicians participated in the study (primary care physicians, 53%; ear, nose, and throat specialists, 28%; allergologists, 19%). Treatment preferences in AR were AH combined with ICS (7.68), AH (7.25), and ICS (6.94). AH and ICS were used continuously by 58% and 71% of patients, respectively. Physicians reported having a good knowledge of the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma guidelines (93%), and 90% claimed to follow the guidelines. A total of 4040 patients were recruited (52% females, mean [SD] age 34 [14] years). The findings for AR were as follows: mean (SD) duration, 9 (8) years; persistent AR, 52%; mild AR, 72%; moderate AR, 7%; and severe AR, 1%. Patients considered the disorder to be well controlled/almost controlled (79%). As for treatment, 77% followed the regimen recommended by the physician. Oral treatment (41%) and intranasal treatment (22%) were preferred, while 35% showed no preference for any given administration route. The treatments prescribed were AH combined with ICS (66%), AH (20%), ICS (11%), other antihistamines (4%), and other drugs (6%). Combination treatment was the preferred therapy, regardless of the type of rhinitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians prefer and more often use combination treatment with oral AH and ICS, regardless of the frequency and intensity of AR.

Intestinal and haematic parasitism in the birds of the Almuñecar (Granada, Spain) ornithological garden

Birds from the Almuñecar ornithological garden (Granada, Spain) were surveyed from June 2006 to May 2007 to establish programmes to prevent, control, and treat intestinal and haematic parasites. A total of 984 faecal samples and 41 samples of blood were collected from Psittacidae, Cacatuidae, Phasianidae, and Anatidae. One or more intestinal parasites were identified in 51.6% of the samples. Blood parasites were found in 26.8% of the birds examined. The most frequent pathogenic endoparasites were coccidians, such as Cyclospora sp. (4.5%), Eimeria sp. (4.1%) and Isospora sp. (2%) and helminths such as Capillaria sp. (10. 1%), Ascaridia sp. (4.9%) and Heterakis gallinarum (4.9%). All the parasites varied with season but the most were found year round. Multiple parasitic infections by intestinal parasites were common, with 196 of 984 faecal samples having 2-5 intestinal parasites. The most frequent cases of multiple parasitism were Blastocystis plus Entamoeba sp. and Blastocystis plus Cyclospora sp. The haematic protozoa detected were Haemoproteus sp. (17%) and Plasmodium sp. (7.3%). Multiple parasitism by Haemoproteus sp. and Plasmodium sp. was detected in 1 sample of Gallus gallus. After each sampling, some of the affected animals were treated according to our results, and the corresponding programmes of prevention and control were designed.

More productive in vitro culture of Cryptosporidium parvum for better study of the intra- and extracellular phases

The great difficulties in treating people and animals suffering from cryptosporidiosis have prompted the development of in vitro experimental models. Due to the models of in vitro culture, new extracellular stages of Cryptosporidium have been demonstrated. The development of these extracellular phases depends on the technique of in vitro culture and on the species and genotype of Cryptosporidium used. Here, we undertake the molecular characterization by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism of different Cryptosporidium isolates from calves, concluding that all are C. parvum of cattle genotype, although differing in the nucleotide at positions 472 and 498. Using these parasites, modified the in vitro culture technique for HCT-8 cells achieving greater multiplication of parasites. The HCT-8 cell cultures, for which the culture had not been renewed in seven days, were infected with C. parvum sporozoites in RPMI-1640 medium with 10% IFBS, CaCl2 and MgCl2 1 mM at pH 7.2. Percentages of cell parasitism were increased with respect to control cultures (71% at 48 h vs 14.5%), even after two weeks (47% vs 1.9%). Also, the percentage of extracellular stages augmented (25.3% vs 1.1% at 96 h). This new model of in vitro culture of C. parvum will enable easier study of the developmental phases of C. parvum in performing new chemotherapeutic assays.

Extracellular like-gregarine stages of Cryptosporidium parvum

The present study confirms the existence of extracellular stages of Cryptosporidiumparvum during in vitro culture on MDCK, HCT 8 and Vero cells as well as alveolar macrophages, by optic, Nomarski and transmission electron microscopy images. Extracellular trophozoite/gamont, stages in syzygy, zygotes and spores with eight sporozoites were seen in the supernatant of the cultures. The first ultrastructural images of extracellular stages of C. parvum are shown in this study. The morphology of these stages, which have characteristics similar to those of some gregarines, support the contention that Cryptosporidium has closer affinity with gregarines. It also supports the necessity of reconsidering the life cycle of Cryptosporidium and the classification within the coccidia.

Purification and characterization of two iron superoxide dismutases ofPhytomonassp. isolated fromEuphorbia characias(plant trypanosomatids)

Two superoxide dismutases (SODI and SODII) have been purified by differential centrifugation, fractionation with ammonium sulphate followed by chromatographic separation (ionic exchange and affinity), from a plant trypanosomatid isolated fromEuphorbia characias, and then characterized for several biochemical properties. Both enzymes were insensitive to cyanide but sensitive to hydrogen peroxide, properties characteristic of iron-containing superoxide dismutase. SODI had a molecular mass of approximately 66 kDa, whereas the molecular mass of SODII was approximately 22 kDa, both enzymes showing single bands. The isoelectric points of SODI and SODII were 6·8 and 3·6, respectively. The enzymatic stability persisted at least for 6 months when the sample was lyophilized and preserved at −80 °C. Digitonin titration and subcellular fractionation showed that both enzymes were in the cytoplasmic fraction, although part of SODII isoenzyme was also associated with glycosomes. We assayed these activities (SOD) in 18 trypanosomatid isolates on isoelectric focusing gels, and have demonstrated that the SOD is a biochemical marker sufficient to identify a trypanosomatid isolated from a plant as belonging to the genusPhytomonasand to distinguish between a truePhytomonasand other trypanosomatids that are capable of causing transient infections in plants.

In vitro culture of Glugea sp

Recently the low host specificity of some microsporidians has been demonstrated and it has been indicated that many of these micro-organisms could be transmitted from invertebrates to mammals and adapt to changes in temperature. In this work, we demonstrate the first successful in vitro culture of a fish microsporidia of the genus Glugea on larval cells of the mosquito Aedes albopictus at 28 degrees C, and we show ultrastructural aspects of the different life cycle stages. It was impossible on salmon cells CHSE-214 at 21 degrees C. This study will be valuable for further work in biochemistry and immunology in addition to chemotherapy for microsporidiosis humans and animals.

Diet and organochlorine contaminants in women of reproductive age under 40 years old

The diet of the breast-feeding mother impacts on the quality and quantity of the milk that she feeds her child. Milk can be a vehicle for toxins, such as drugs and their metabolites, viruses, nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, and organochlorine molecules such as PCBs, DDT, HCB, HCH and dioxins, which can harm the health of the breast-feeding child. The 24-h recall diet was considered appropriate to adequately study the diet of breast-feeding mothers and was used in the present preliminary study to establish the possible relationship between the food items consumed and the presence of pesticides in her milk. Two groups of randomly selected healthy breast-feeding volunteers aged between 17 and 35 years from two different areas were recruited: 34 from intensive agriculture zone, El Ejido (Almeria), from the "Hospital de Poniente" and 21 urban zone, the city of Granada, from the "Clinico" University Hospital. Application of the Spearman Correlation Test to the results from Almeria showed a certain positive correlation between the total intake of fats and both the p,p'DDD (rho=0.53, p< or =0.05) and methoxychlor (rho=0.48, p< or =0.05) in mature milk, and between the energy supplied by vegetables and the endosulfan-lactone in mature milk (rho=0.50, p< or =0.05). Among the group of breast-feeding women from Granada, there was a strong correlation between the intake of fats and both the p,p'DDT in transition milk (rho=0.90, p< or =0.05) and the p,p'DDD in mature milk (rho=0.90, p< or =0.05). In conclusion, there is a statistically significant relationship between the consumption of fatty foods and some organochlorine molecules and between the consumption of vegetables and pesticides, and the latter relationship occurs in Almeria but not in Granada.

Biochemical and ultrastructural alterations caused by newly synthesized 1,2,4-triazole[1,5a]pyrimidine derivatives against Phytomonas staheli (Trypanosomatidae)

Six compounds, all newly synthesized triazole-pyrimidine derivatives that proved inhibitory of in in vitro growth of epimastigotes in Trypanosoma cruzi and of promastigotes of Leishmania donovani and Phytomonas staheli, were studied to investigate their toxic effects. As a biological model, the plant trypanosome P. staheli, which causes sudden wilt in the oil palm and Hartrot in the coconut palm, was used. The six compounds markedly inhibited macromolecule synthesis (nucleic acids and proteins) by the parasite. The cells treated with these compounds present severe damage in their ultrastructure-intense 'vacuolization, and appearance of lysosomes as well as other residual bodies. The mitochondrial section appeared larger in size. with a swollen matrix. In addition, these compounds changed the excretion of end metabolites, primarily affecting ethanol and acetate excretion, possibly by directly influencing certain enzymes (alcohol dehydrogenase and acetate synthetase) or their synthesis. 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.

In vitro evaluation of newly synthesised [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5a]pyrimidine derivatives against Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania donovani and Phytomonas staheli

The antiprotozoal activity of newly synthesised compounds, all [1,2,4]triazolo [1,5a]pyrimidine derivatives, was tested against the protozoan parasites Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania donovani and Phytotmonas staheli. Six of these compounds significantly inhibited in vitro cell growth of the epimastigote forms of T. cruzi, and the promastigote forms of L. donovani and P. staheli. Some of the compounds reached complete growth inhibition at 1 microg/ml for 48 h of parasite/drug interaction. None of the compounds tested showed significant toxicity against cells of Aedes albopictus, mouse macrophages J-774A.1 and Lycopersicum esculentum at dosages five times greater than used against parasites.

Inhibition of cryptosporidium parvum in vitro by 9-(alkylthio)acridine derivatives

The synthesis of several acridinic thioethers is described. Compounds prepared were tested in vitro as potential drugs against the opportunistic infection known as cryptosporidiosis. With a view to predict activity, the quantitative structure-activity relationships were investigated. Correlations between experimental data and either log P or pKa are discussed.

Ultrastructural details of Cryptosporidium parvum development in calf intestine

Cryptosporidium parvum and C. muris appear to be different species found in calves, with different oocysts size and distribution on the gastrointestinal tract. This work presents new images of C. parvum ultrastructure in calf intestine, mainly its development in nonmicrovillous cells and the presence of microtubular structures in the membrane enveloping the macrogamonts and immature oocysts.

The effects of IFN-gamma activated mouse peritoneal and alveolar macrophages on Cryptosporidium parvum development

Mouse peritoneal and alveolar macrophages were interacted in vitro with C. parvum oocysts and cultured in normal medium and in medium with IFN-gamma. The results showed that in vitro activation of macrophages by IFN-gamma limits C. parvum development although the inhibitory effect is not as potent as in other intracellular parasitic protozoa.

In vitro activity and biochemical effectiveness of new organometallic complexes of osmium(III) against Leishmania donovani and Trypanosoma cruzi

In the present paper, the in vitro activities of 10 osmium(III) complexes with [OSIII(L)] degrees structure against promastigote forms of Leishmania donovani and epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi haven been assayed. The complexes OSIII-2,4dinitroimidazole dithiocarbamate, OSIII-4-nitroimidazole dithiocarbamate, OSIII-benznidazole dithiocarbamate and OSIII-2-amino-6-Br-benzothiazole dithiocarbamate induced high percentages of growth inhibition in the parasites. The four compounds showed moderate cell toxicity. The inhibitory effects of these complexes on macromolecule synthesis have been evaluated using [3H]-thymidine, [3H]-uridine and [3H]-leucine incorporation. These metal-drug complexes clearly inhibit the DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, as well as the enzymatic activities of succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase.

Isolation, in vitro culture, ultrastructure study, and characterization by lectin-agglutination tests of Phytomonas isolated from tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) and cherimoyas (Anona cherimolia) in southeastern Spain

Plants of Lycopersicon esculentum (grown in greenhouses) and Anona cherimolia cultivated in southeastern Spain were examined for the presence of trypanosomatid flagellates. Kinetoplastid protozoa were found in the fruits but not in the phloem or other plant tissues. Parasites were detected from the onset of fruiting. Isolates were detected from the onset of fruiting. Isolates were adapted to in vitro culturing in monophase media. The form and the structural organization was studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The parasites showed an ultrastructural pattern similar to that of other species of the genus Phytomonas. In tomatoes experimentally inoculated with flagellates cultivated in vitro, we observed that the parasites did not lose their infectious capacity. Three strains of trypanosomatids of the genus Phytomonas, isolated from different species of Euphorbia (E. characias and E. hyssopifolia) and from Cocos nucifera, were compared with our isolates by lectin-agglutination tests. Our isolates were different from the two strains isolated from Euphorbia, but with this technique we could not differentiate our isolates from those of the coconut, nor could we differentiate between the isolates, their ultrastructural similarity together with their similar behavior in the lectin-agglutination test suggesting that these isolates have a common origin.

Respiratory cryptosporidiosis in a bovine

Intestinal cryptosporidiosis has been extensively studied in young calves, but respiratory invasion by Cryptosporidium in these animals has, surprisingly, not been investigated. In the present study the parasite was observed in lung tissue of a calf, using light and electron microscopy. This demonstrates that Cryptosporidium can develop in the bronchial epithelium in bovines.

Ultrastructural study of Cryptosporidium development in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

Transmission electron microscope studies have been made into phases of the life cycle of a bovine isolate of Cryptosporidium cultured in vitro on Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. The cytoplasm of parasitized cells was noticeably altered, including marked vacuolization and the appearance of membrane structures close to the developing parasites. These changes suggest that the protozoan may release cytopathogenic factors.

In vitro multiplication of Cryptosporidium parvum in mouse peritoneal macrophages

Cryptosporidium parvum of bovine origin was developed in vitro in unsensitized mouse peritoneal macrophages. Macrophages growing in RPMI medium were infected with sporozoites or with oocysts, and after staining infections were studied by light microscopy. A high parasitic index was obtained with multiple infections occurring commonly. This is a simple method for the study of Cryptosporidium biology, and for in vitro assays of pharmacological activity.

Sucker-like structures in two strains of Acanthamoeba: scanning electron microscopy study

Amebostomes are labile sucker-like structures repeatedly observed and described in Naegleria by different authors. Studying the phagocytic action of some Acanthamoeba species on Vero cells, the formation of similar structures to the Naegleria amebostomes was observed, apparently related to the phagocytic activity on cells.

Crystal, molecular and electronic structure of 1-H-3-methyl-4-amine-5-thione-1,2,4-triazol

The crystal and molecular structure of the title compound has been determined from three-dimensional X-ray intensity data. The crystals are orthorhombic with space group Pbcm, a = 8.877(4), b = 9.813(2), c = 6.545(2) Å, Z = 4. The structure has been refined to R = 0.029 and Rw = 0.035. The molecules are present in the thione form as planar molecules with only intermolecular interactions. Bond lengths and angles suggest that the electron density is more localized in the N—N—C—S ring fragment. Theoretical calculations (MNDO method) were also carried out on the compound both in the thione and its thiol tautomeric forms. Some comparisons are made between several properties (formation enthalpies, proton affinities, molecular electrostatic potentials, atomic charges) of both tautomers. The results indicate some important differences in reactivity between both forms. Keywords: crystal structure, molecular structure, electronic structure, 1-H-3-methyl-4-amine-5-thione-1,2,4-triazol.

The Structure of Triketones in the Solid-State. The Crystal-Structure of 1,5-Diphenylpentane-1,3,5-Trione

The crystal structure of 1,5-diphenylpentane-1,3,5-trione was determined, C17F14O3, M266.14, orthorhombic, space group Pbca , a 8.602(2), b 10.398(2), c 30.010(10) �, V 2684 14 �3, p(ca1c) 1.317g cm-3, Z 8, F(000) 1120, �(Cu Ka) 6.91 cm-l. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined to a final R value of 0.040 for 1539 unique reflections. The molecules of the compound are found in the dienol form.

Crystal structure of N,N '-Ethylenebis(1,1,1-Trifluoro-4-iminopentan-2-one)

The crystal structure of N,N'-ethylenebis(1,1,1-trifluoro-4-iminopentan-2-one) (tfaen) was determined: C12H14F6N2O2, M 342.04, monoclinic, space group P21/n, a 6.939(2), b 20.529(5), c 10.662(2) �, V 1507.84 �3 β 96.87(2)�, p(calc.) 1.506 g cm-3 (Z = 4), F(000)680, �(Cu Kα) 13.15 cm-1. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined to a final R value of 0.073 for 1198 unique reflections. Discrete molecules in the crystal are characterized by a conjugated enamino ketone structure with intramolecular hydrogen bridges.