PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

V Núñez

Publications and source records attributed to V Núñez.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Neutralization of the edema-forming, defibrinating and coagulant effects of Bothrops asper venom by extracts of plants used by healers in Colombia.

We determined the neutralizing activity of 12 ethanolic extracts of plants against the edema-forming, defibrinating and coagulant effects of Bothrops asper venom in Swiss Webster mice. The material used consisted of the leaves and branches of Bixa orellana (Bixaceae), Ficus nymphaeifolia (Moraceae), Struthanthus orbicularis (Loranthaceae) and Gonzalagunia panamensis (Rubiaceae); the stem barks of Brownea rosademonte (Caesalpiniaceae) and Tabebuia rosea (Bignoniaceae); the whole plant of Pleopeltis percussa (Polypodiaceae) and Trichomanes elegans (Hymenophyllaceae); rhizomes of Renealmia alpinia (Zingiberaceae), Heliconia curtispatha (Heliconiaceae) and Dracontium croatii (Araceae), and the ripe fruit of Citrus limon (Rutaceae). After preincubation of varying amounts of each extract with either 1.0 microg venom for the edema-forming effect or 2.0 microg venom for the defibrinating effect, the mixture was injected subcutaneously (sc) into the right foot pad or intravenously into the tail, respectively, to groups of four mice (18-20 g). All extracts (6.2-200 microg/mouse) partially neutralized the edema-forming activity of venom in a dose-dependent manner (58-76% inhibition), with B. orellana, S. orbicularis, G. panamensis, B. rosademonte, and D. croatii showing the highest effect. Ten extracts (3.9-2000 microg/mouse) also showed 100% neutralizing ability against the defibrinating effect of venom, and nine prolonged the coagulation time induced by the venom. When the extracts were administered either before or after venom injection, the neutralization of the edema-forming effect was lower than 40% for all extracts, and none of them neutralized the defibrinating effect of venom. When they were administered in situ (sc at the same site 5 min after venom injection), the neutralization of edema increased for six extracts, reaching levels up to 64% for C. limon.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Scorpion envenoming in two regions of Colombia: clinical, epidemiological and therapeutic aspects.

To determine clinical and epidemiological features of scorpion stings in two departments of Colombia, a descriptive study was performed in the hospitals of 10 towns from Antioquia (2 256 071 inhabitants) and five from Tolima (630 424 inhabitants). One hundred and twenty-nine cases were admitted during one year, 51 in Antioquia, 78 in Tolima and 41 were children less than 15 years old. Most stings (70.5%) occurred inside the house; 27.9% were on the hands and 26.4% on the feet. The scorpion species involved were Tityus pachyurus (51), Centruroides gracilis (31), T. fuehrmanni (29), T. asthenes (7) and Chactas spp. (1). In 10 cases the scorpion involved was not identified. Systemic envenoming signs (e.g. vomiting, tachypnea) were significantly more frequent in children than in adults (P < 0.05). Four children had hypertension, but none developed pulmonary oedema. One 3-year-old girl, stung by T. asthenes, had acute oedematous pancreatitis. Ninety-eight patients had mild envenoming. Moderate (27 patients) and severe (four patients) envenoming was significantly more frequent in children than in adults (P = 0.003; relative risk = 2.97). A pepsin-digested anti-Centruroides spp. antivenom was administered to 19 of 31 patients presenting systemic envenoming signs. No adverse reactions to antivenom were observed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in patients with coronary disease].

BACKGROUND: B-mode ultrasonography is a simple and valid method to evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis of the major superficial arteries. The aim of this study was toknow by this technique the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosisin patients with coronary disease and related factors. PATIENTS AND METHOD: In 232patients (205 men and 27 women; age: mean [standard deviation]59 [8] years) with coronary disease, intima-media thickness (IMT),presence and number of atheroma plaques in carotid arteries wereevaluated by B-mode ultrasonography. Controls were 50 healthy subjects whose age was not different from patients. Carotid atherosclerosis was considered when IMT was higher than mean plus two standarddeviations of control values, and/or existence of atheroma plaques. RESULTS: Carotid IMT wasincreased in patients compared to controls 0.82 [0.22] vs 0.62[0.12] mm; p < 0.001) and there were more patients with plaques(67 vs 20%; p < 0.001). Carotid atherosclerosis was found in170 patients and 11 controls (73 vs 22%; p < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, carotid atherosclerosis was associated with age (oddsratio: 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.09) and smoking(odds ratio, 2.11; 95% CI: 1.04-4.26). The presence of more thanone plaque was associated with levels of low-density-lipoprotein(LDL)-cholesterol (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02). CONCLUSIONS: In the patients with coronary disease, prevalence of subclinical carotid atherosclerosisis very high (73%), and it is associated with age and smoking. The advanced stage of atherosclerosis, evaluated by the existence of more than one plaque, is correlated with LDL-cholesterol levels.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Snakebites and ethnobotany in the northwest region of Colombia: Part I: traditional use of plants.

In Antioquia and Chocó, traditional healers attend 60% of snakebites. With the aim to produce an inventory of the plants used by the healers to treat snakebites and to document the methods of preparation, administration, the dosage, number of patients treated throughout their years of practice with treatment results, 20 healers with experience in Bothrops, Porthidium and Bothriechis envenomations were interviewed between August, 1996 and November, 1998. They belong to nine black and three indigenous rural communities located near the towns of Bojayá, Vigía del Fuerte, Unguía (Atrato river valley), Nuquí and Bahía Solano (Pacific coast). Based on field interviews, 101 species of plants were identified as used to treat snakebites. The part used of each plant varies according to the species. Sixty plants are used in the form of drinks prepared by infusion, decoction or maceration; 78 as external baths on the affected extremity; 11 for steam application and 39 for poultices; the latter is used mainly when the bite is complicated by local necrosis. In mild and moderate envenomations, they generally use a mixture of three plants, while in severe cases they mix from five to 12, a handful of each one. Treatment is generally performed for 1-3 days, when the patient reacts positively. They reported to have treated 454 patients during their years of experience, 20 of them (4.4%) died. With the guidance of the healers, 77 species of plants were collected and photographed. These plants belong to 41 families, of which Piperaceae (13 species), Araceae (six species), Asteraceae (five species) and Gesneriaceae (three species) have the highest number of species.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Snakebites and ethnobotany in the northwest region of Colombia. Part III: neutralization of the haemorrhagic effect of Bothrops atrox venom.

Thirty-one of 75 extracts of plants used by traditional healers for snakebites, had moderate or high neutralizing ability against the haemorrhagic effect of Bothrops atrox venom from Antioquia and Chocó, north-western Colombia. After preincubation of several doses of every extract (7.8-4000 microg/mouse) with six minimum haemorrhagic doses (10 microg) of venom, 12 of them demonstrated 100% neutralizing capacity when the mixture was i.d. injected into mice (18-20 g). These were the stem barks of Brownea rosademonte (Caesalpiniaceae) and Tabebuia rosea (Bignoniaceae); the whole plants of Pleopeltis percussa (Polypodiaceae), Trichomanes elegans (Hymenophyllaceae) and Senna dariensis (Caesalpiniaceae); rhizomes of Heliconia curtispatha (Heliconiaceae); leaves and branches of Bixa orellana (Bixaceae), Philodendron tripartitum (Araceae), Struthanthus orbicularis (Loranthaceae) and Gonzalagunia panamensis (Rubiaceae); the ripe fruits of Citrus limon (Rutaceae); leaves, branches and stem of Ficus nymphaeifolia (Moraceae). Extracts of another 19 species showed moderate neutralization (21-72%) at doses up to 4 mg/mouse, e.g. the whole plants of Aristolochia grandiflora (Aristolochiaceae), Columnea kalbreyeriana (Gesneriaceae), Sida acuta (Malvaceae), Selaginella articulata (Selaginellaceae) and Pseudoelephantopus spicatus (Asteraceae); rhizomes of Renealmia alpinia (Zingiberaceae); the stem of Strychnos xinguensis (Loganiaceae); leaves, branches and stems of Hyptis capitata (Lamiaceae), Ipomoea cairica (Convolvulaceae), Neurolaena lobata (Asteraceae), Ocimum micranthum (Lamiaceae), Piper pulchrum (Piperaceae), Siparuna thecaphora (Monimiaceae), Castilla elastica (Moraceae) and Allamanda cathartica (Apocynaceae); the macerated ripe fruits of Capsicum frutescens (Solanaceae); the unripe fruits of Crescentia cujete (Bignoniaceae); leaves and branches of Piper arboreum (Piperaceae) and Passiflora quadrangularis (Passifloraceae). When the extracts were independently administered by oral, i.p. or i.v. route either before or after an i.d. venom injection (10 microg), neutralization of haemorrhage dropped below 25% for all the extracts. Additionally, B. rosademonte and P. percussa extracts were able to inhibit the proteolytic activity of B. atrox venom on casein.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2000

Snakebites and ethnobotany in the northwest region of Colombia: Part II: neutralization of lethal and enzymatic effects of Bothrops atrox venom.

Twelve of 74 ethanolic extracts of plants used by traditional healers for snakebites in the northwest region of Colombia, were active against lethal effect of Bothrops atrox venom when they were i.p. injected into mice (18-20 g). After preincubation of sublethal doses of every extract (0.5-4.0 mg/mouse) with 1.5 i.p. lethal dose 50% (LD50) (99.3 microg) of venom, seven of them demonstrated 100% neutralizing capacity within 48 h. These were the stem barks of Brownea rosademonte (Caesalpiniaceae) and Tabebuia rosea (Bignoniaceae); rhizomes of Renealmia alpinia (Zingiberaceae) and Heliconia curtispatha (Heliconiaceae); the whole plants of Pleopeltis percussa (Polypodiaceae) and Trichomanes elegans (Hymenophyllaceae); and the ripe fruits of Citrus limon (Rutaceae). The other five extracts showing partial neutralization (45-80%; 10-30% survival rate in the control group receiving the venom alone; P<0.05) were: leaves, branches and stem of Costus lasius (Costaceae); the whole plant of Sida acuta (Malvaceae); rhizomes of Dracontium croatii (Araceae); leaves and branches of Bixa orellana (Bixaceae) and Struthanthus orbicularis (Loranthaceae). When the extracts were independently administered per oral or i.p. route 60 min before an i.m. venom injection (204 microg=1.5 i.m. LD50), C. limon, T. elegans, B. orellana and T. rosea extracts had partial and significant neutralizing capacity against B. atrox venom lethal effect. C. limon extract was also partially effective when it was administered either i.v. 15 min before or i.p. 5 min after an i.m. venom injection. Three of the 12 extracts with anti-lethal effect (C. limon, D. croatii and S. acuta) were devoid of antiphospholipase A2 activity, when they were tested against one minimum indirect hemolytic dose of B. atrox venom (2 microg) in agarose-erythrocyte-egg yolk gels.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

A randomized blinded clinical trial of two antivenoms, prepared by caprylic acid or ammonium sulphate fractionation of IgG, in Bothrops and Porthidium snake bites in Colombia: correlation between safety and biochemical characteristics of antivenoms.

A randomized blinded clinical trial was performed in 53 patients bitten by Bothrops sp. and Porthidium sp. in Antioquia and Chocó, Colombia, in order to compare the efficacy and safety of two antivenoms made of whole IgG obtained by either ammonium sulphate (monovalent anti-B. atrox) or caprylic acid (polyvalent) fractionation. Additionally, antivenoms were compared by electrophoretic and chromatographic analyses and anticomplementary activity in vitro. With a protocol of 2, 4 and 6 antivenom vials for the treatment of mild, moderate and severe envenomings, respectively, both antivenoms were equally efficient to neutralize the most relevant signs of envenoming and to clear serum venom levels in patients from the first hour and later on. Three patients with severe envenoming and initially treated with less than six vials on admission had persistent or recurrent venom antigenemia within 12-48 h. Monovalent antivenom fractionated by ammonium sulphate precipitation had higher amounts of protein aggregates and nonimmunoglobulin proteins than polyvalent antivenom fractionated by caprylic acid precipitation. Both antivenoms presented anticomplementary activity in vitro, being higher in the monovalent product. In agreement, monovalent antivenom induced a significantly higher incidence of early antivenom reactions (52%) than polyvalent antivenom (25%).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Comparative study of the venoms of three subspecies of Lachesis muta (bushmaster) from Brazil, Colombia and Costa Rica.

A comparative study was performed on the pharmacology and biochemistry of venoms from three subspecies of Lachesis muta (L. m. stenophrys, L. m. muta and L. m. rhombeata) from Brazil, Colombia and Costa Rica. All venoms induced lethal, hemorrhagic, edema-forming, myotoxic, coagulant and defibrinating effects, showing also proteolytic and indirect hemolytic activities. The venoms of L. m. stenophrys from Costa Rica and L. m. muta from Cascalheira, Brazil, had the highest lethal and hemorrhagic activities and the venom of L. m. rhombeata showed the highest coagulant activity, whereas no significant differences were observed in myotoxic and edema-forming activities at most of the time intervals studied. In addition, venoms showed similar electrophoretic patterns on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In conclusion, despite quantitative differences in toxic and enzymatic activities, together with subtle variations in electrophoretic patterns, our results indicate that experimental envenomation by these venoms induce a qualitatively similar pathophysiological profile.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A randomized double-blind clinical trial of two antivenoms in patients bitten by Bothrops atrox in Colombia. The Regional Group on Antivenom Therapy Research (REGATHER).

A randomized double-blind clinical trial in 39 patients envenomed by Bothrops atrox in Antioquia and Chocó, Colombia, was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of 2 equine-derived antivenoms prepared at Instituto Clodomiro Picado, University of Costa Rica. Twenty patients received a monovalent anti-B. atrox antivenom (group A) and 19 patients were treated with a polyvalent (Crotalinae) antivenom (group B). Both antivenoms were equally efficient in the neutralization of the most relevant signs of envenoming (haemorrhage and blood clotting time alteration). Fourteen patients (36%) presented early adverse reactions to antivenoms and no significant difference between the 2 groups was observed. Urticaria (18%) was the most frequent early adverse reaction and there was no life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. Based on clinical criteria and serum venom levels, estimated by an enzyme immunoassay, 15 patients were classified into 2 groups: mild and moderate/severe envenoming. With the antivenom doses used in this study (3, 6 and 9 vials for mild, moderate and severe envenoming, respectively), both antivenoms were equally efficient in clearing serum venom levels within the first hour of treatment, and the levels remained below the lower limit of venom detection for 24 h. Antivenom concentration in serum remained high for up to 24 h after antivenom infusion, suggesting that an excess of antibody in relation to circulating antigen had been administered.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Preoperative nutritional assessment: a 1-year experience].

A study was made of 443 surgical patients using a standard protocol for nutritional evaluation based on anthropometrical, analytical and immunological tests. The main criteria used for considering the presence of malnutrition was a weight loss of 10% and/or seric albumin level of less than 3.5 g/dl., by which method four nutritional groups were established. The average age of the sample was 56 +/- 15 years and 35% of patients had neoplasias, 9.25% of patients were classified as belonging to Group A (weight loss and low albumin levels), 10.15% as group B (low albumin levels), 14.44% as group C (weight loss), and 66.16% as group D (normal), so that the global malnutrition percentage was 33.84%. The Body Mass Index (BMI) and Ideal Weight Percentage (% IWP) were of similar importance, and there was a significant alteration in the Triceps Skin Fold (% TSF) and Muscular Area Percentage of the arm (% MAP) when malnutrition was in evidence. In the study of the Delayed Hypersensitivity Skin Tests (DSST) 21.4% showed anergia, 15.8% hypoergia and 62.8% were reactive, with a reduction in reactivity in the case of malnutrition. This was the parameter that most affected the albumen level.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The nutritional status and immunological situation of cancer patients].

A study was performed on the nutritional state of a sample of 138 patients with digestive and extradigestive neoplasias. The study protocol was based on anthropometric, analytical and immunological tests. The main criteria for malnutrition were as follows: loss of 10% or more in normal weight and/or albumen levels of less than 3.5 gr/dl. A global malnutrition percentage of 56.5% was obtained. The highest malnutrition percentages were found among patients with neoplasia of the oesophagus (78.9%) and the lowest in neoplasias of the breast (9.1%). From the nutritional standpoint, neoplasias of the rectum showed an extradigestive behaviour, with a low malnutrition percentage (40%) compared to digestive tumors. The global malnutrition level for the sample studied was 56.6%. The muscular compartment was the most affected in cases of malnutrition. In the PCHR results, no evidence of the effect of the nutritional state on the alteration of these was recorded (Chi 2 = 6.42, p = 0.207).

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Immunologic consequences of malnutrition: assessment with multitest].

Presentation of a clinical study of 256 patients eligible for elective surgery, with the purpose of evaluating the immunological consequences of malnutrition. With this aim, retarded hypersensitivity skin tests were performed. The malnutrition criteria used included 10% normal weight loss and/or seric albumin levels of less than 3.5 g/dl. There were 99 patients in total (38.67%) with malnutrition criteria. Within this group 21.79% showed positive responses compared to 38.88% of control group (p less than 0.001). The "average papule" in the group suffering from malnutrition was 4.18 +/- 2.06 and in the control group, 3.64 +/- 2.20 (p less than 0.001), with a significant increase in tuberculine papule in the group with malnutrition.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Peroperative transfusion and postoperative infections in patients with benign pathology of the digestive tract].

A prospective study of 136 patients submitted to elective surgery for benign digestive tract pathology, submitted to elective surgery, has been done to evaluate the influences of the nutritional state and the perioperative transfusions on the development of postoperative infections. All patients were given a nutritional evaluation protocol based on anthropometric parameters, analytical data and delayed-type hypersensitivity skin tests (DHST). The criteria for undernourishment were a standard weight percentage lower than 90% and/or an albumin level lower than 3.5 g/dl. Transfusion indication was established at hemoglobin levels lower than 10 g/dl and/or hematocrit values below 30% with perioperative transfusion being considered as that which took place within three weeks prior to the surgery, that taking place during the surgery, and that which took place within the first 48 postoperative hours. The infections were qualitatively evaluated as wound infection, intraabdominal infection and respiratory infection, and quantitatively by means of the Elebeute and Stoner index. 32 of the patients (23.5%) presented undernourishment, and 18 of the patients (13.2%) were transfused. A total of 20 patients (14.7%) presented a postoperative infection. A significant association between under nourishment and infection has been shown (p =), as between transfusion and undernourishment (p < 0.001). Finally, we confirm that the combination of the factors undernourishment and transfusion leads a significance increase (f = 28,462, p < 0.001) of infectious complications.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The role of multiparameter indices in preoperative nutritional assessment].

The consequence of malnutrition in surgical patients is an increase in post-operative complications. Detection of alteration in the nutritional state is a target in surgery theatres, using a variety of methods, notably anthropometry, analytic protein calculation, and delayed hypersensitivity cutaneous trials, which provide and objective assessment of the different body behaviors. A drawback is the large number of calculations required per patient, so that there is a limited number of patients with all the normal tests. To improve results in predicting complications in surgical patients based on nutritional parameters, the use is proposed of Multiparametric Nutritional Indices, obtained from the joint valuation of those parameters, by using multivariable statistical calculation techniques. The main indices in the literature are described. Multiparametric Indices are useful and easily calculated for the nutritional screening of surgical populations.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The prediction of postoperative septic complications by means of nutritional parameters. II. The verification of the predictive formula].

An assessment was made of the predictive capacity of the following predictive formulation named Nutritional Sepsis Risk: NSR = 14.26 - 1.76 (albumin) - 1.47 (risk area) This was done in a sample of 65 surgery patients with digestive pathology who were candidates for selective surgery. All had undergone a pre-operative nutritional evaluation program, based on anthropometric and analytical data and Retarded Hypersensitivity Cutaneous Tests (RHCT). NSR was calculated pre-operatively. Infections were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively using Elebeute and Stoner's sepsis index. There were a total of five post-operative infections (7.69%). The NSR intersection point was calculated with an ROC curve, situated in a score of 3. The NSR detected the five infections, so is 100% sensitive, with 70% specificity and, in the detection of the septic risk population, surpassed the other nutritional parameters, whether anthropometric or analytical, and the RHCTs, when they were studied individually.

Aged↗