Design of Alginate/Gelatin Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: Fine-Tuning Osteogenesis in Dental Pulp Stem Cells While Preserving Other Cell Behaviors.

Alginate/gelatin (Alg-Gel) hydrogels have been used experimentally, associated with mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs), to guide bone tissue formation. One of the main challenges for clinical application is optimizing Alg-Gel stiffness to guide osteogenesis. In this study, we investigated how Alg-Gel stiffness could modulate the dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) attachment, morphology, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation, identifying the optimal conditions to uncouple osteogenesis from the other cell behaviors. An array of Alg-Gel hydrogels was prepared by casting different percentages of alginate and gelatin cross-linked with 2% CaCl2. We have selected two hydrogels: one with a stiffness of 11 ± 1 kPa, referred to as "low-stiffness hydrogel", formed by 2% alginate and 8% gelatin, and the other with a stiffness of 55 ± 3 kPa, referred to as "high-stiffness hydrogel", formed by 8% alginate and 12% gelatin. Hydrogel analyses showed that the average swelling rates were 20 ± 3% for the low-stiffness hydrogels and 35 ± 2% for the high-stiffness hydrogels. The degradation percentage was 47 ± 5% and 18 ± 2% for the low- and high-stiffness hydrogels, respectively. Both hydrogel types showed homogeneous surface shape and protein (Alg-Gel) interaction with CaCl2 as assessed by physicochemical characterization. Cell culture showed good adhesion of the DPSCs to the hydrogels and proliferation. Furthermore, better osteogenic activity, determined by ALP activity and ARS staining, was obtained with high-stiffness hydrogels (8% alginate and 12% gelatin). In summary, this study confirms the possibility of characterizing and optimizing the stiffness of Alg-Gel gel to guide osteogenesis in vitro without altering the other cellular properties of DPSCs.

Impact of high-pressure processing on the bioactive compounds of milk - A comprehensive review.

High-pressure processing (HPP) is a promising alternative to thermal pasteurization. Recent studies highlighted the effectivity of HPP (400-600 MPa and exposure times of 1-5 min) in reducing pathogenic microflora for up to 5 logs. Analysis of modern scientific sources has shown that pressure affects the main components of milk including fat globules, lactose, casein micelles. The behavior of whey proteins under HPP is very important for milk and dairy products. HPP can cause significant changes in the quaternary (> 150 MPa) and tertiary (> 200 MPa) protein structures. At pressures > 400 MPa, they dissolve in the following order: αs2-casein, αs1-casein, k-casein, and ß-casein. A similar trend is observed in the processing of whey proteins. HPP can affect the rate of milk fat adhering as cream with increased results at 100-250 MPa with time dependency while decreasing up to 70% at 400-600 MPa. Some studies indicated the lactose influencing casein on HP, with 10% lactose addition in case in suspension before exposing it to 400 MPa for 40 min prevents the formation of large casein micelles. Number of researches has shown that moderate pressures (up to 400 MPa) and mild heating can activate or stabilize milk enzymes. Pressures of 350-400 MPa for 100 min can boost the activity of milk enzymes by up to 140%. This comprehensive and critical review will benefit scientific researchers and industrial experts in the field of HPP treatment of milk and its effect on milk components.

Composite 2D Material-Based Pervaporation Membranes for Liquid Separation: A Review.

Today, chemistry and nanotechnology cover molecular separations in liquid and gas states by aiding in the design of new nano-sized materials. In this regard, the synthesis and application of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials are current fields of research in which structurally defined 2D materials are being used in membrane separation either in self-standing membranes or composites with polymer phases. For instance, pervaporation (PV), as a highly selective technology for liquid separation, benefits from using 2D materials to selectively transport water or other solvent molecules. Therefore, this review paper offers an interesting update in revising the ongoing progress of PV membranes using 2D materials in several applications, including solvent purification (the removal of water from organic systems), organics removal (the removal of organic molecules diluted in water systems), and desalination (selective water transport from seawater). In general, recent reports from the past 3 years have been discussed and analyzed. Attention has been devoted to the proposed strategies and fabrication of membranes for the inclusion of 2D materials into polymer phases. Finally, the future trends and current research gaps are declared for the scientists in the field.

Intelligent Learning-Based Methods for Determining the Ideal Team Size in Agile Practices.

One of the significant challenges in scaling agile software development is organizing software development teams to ensure effective communication among members while equipping them with the capabilities to deliver business value independently. A formal approach to address this challenge involves modeling it as an optimization problem: given a professional staff, how can they be organized to optimize the number of communication channels, considering both intra-team and inter-team channels? In this article, we propose applying a set of bio-inspired algorithms to solve this problem. We introduce an enhancement that incorporates ensemble learning into the resolution process to achieve nearly optimal results. Ensemble learning integrates multiple machine-learning strategies with diverse characteristics to boost optimizer performance. Furthermore, the studied metaheuristics offer an excellent opportunity to explore their linear convergence, contingent on the exploration and exploitation phases. The results produce more precise definitions for team sizes, aligning with industry standards. Our approach demonstrates superior performance compared to the traditional versions of these algorithms.

Mangiferin: A comprehensive review on its extraction, purification and uses in food systems.

With the target of fabricating healthier products, food manufacturing companies look for natural-based nutraceuticals that can potentially improve the physicochemical properties of food systems while being nutritive to the consumer and providing additional health benefits (biological activities). In this regard, Mangiferin joins all these requirements as a potential nutraceutical, which is typically contained in Mangifera indica products and its by-products. Unfortunately, knowing the complex chemical composition of Mango and its by-products, the extraction and purification of Mangiferin remains a challenge. Therefore, this comprehensive review revises the main strategies proposed by scientists for the extraction and purification of Mangiferin. Importantly, this review identifies that there is no report reviewing and criticizing the literature in this field so far. Our attention has been targeted on the timely findings on the primary extraction techniques and the relevant insights into isolation and purification. Our discussion has emphasized the advantages and limitations of the proposed strategies, including solvents, extracting conditions and key interactions with the target xanthone. Additionally, we report the current research gaps in the field after analyzing the literature, as well as some examples of functional food products containing Mangiferin.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Extracellular Vesicles in the Search for Novel Plasma and Thrombus Biomarkers of Ischemic Stroke Etiologies.

Accurate etiologic diagnosis provides an appropriate secondary prevention and better prognosis in ischemic stroke (IS) patients; still, 45% of IS are cryptogenic, urging us to enhance diagnostic precision. We have studied the transcriptomic content of plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) (n = 21) to identify potential biomarkers of IS etiologies. The proteins encoded by the selected genes were measured in the sera of IS patients (n = 114) and in hypertensive patients with (n = 78) and without atrial fibrillation (AF) (n = 20). IGFBP-2, the most promising candidate, was studied using immunohistochemistry in the IS thrombi (n = 23) and atrium of AF patients (n = 13). In vitro, the IGFBP-2 blockade was analyzed using thromboelastometry and endothelial cell cultures. We identified 745 differentially expressed genes among EVs of cardioembolic, atherothrombotic, and ESUS groups. From these, IGFBP-2 (cutoff > 247.6 ng/mL) emerged as a potential circulating biomarker of embolic IS [OR = 8.70 (1.84-41.13) p = 0.003], which was increased in patients with AF vs. controls (p < 0.001) and was augmented in cardioembolic vs. atherothrombotic thrombi (p < 0.01). Ex vivo, the blockage of IGFBP-2 reduced clot firmness (p < 0.01) and lysis time (p < 0.001) and in vitro, diminished endothelial permeability (p < 0.05) and transmigration (p = 0.06). IGFBP-2 could be a biomarker of embolic IS and a new therapeutic target involved in clot formation and endothelial dysfunction.

Hydrogen-Induced Reduction Improves the Photoelectrocatalytic Performance of Titania.

One of the main challenges to expand the use of titanium dioxide (titania) as a photocatalyst is related to its large band gap energy and the lack of an atomic scale description of the reduction mechanisms that may tailor the photocatalytic properties. We show that rutile TiO2 single crystals annealed in the presence of atomic hydrogen experience a strong reduction and structural rearrangement, yielding a material that exhibits enhanced light absorption, which extends from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared (NIR) spectral range, and improved photoelectrocatalytic performance. We demonstrate that both magnitudes behave oppositely: heavy/mild plasma reduction treatments lead to large/negligible spectral absorption changes and poor/enhanced (×10) photoelectrocatalytic performance, as judged from the higher photocurrent. To correlate the photoelectrochemical performance with the atomic and chemical structures of the hydrogen-reduced materials, we have modeled the process with in situ scanning tunneling microscopy measurements, which allow us to determine the initial stages of oxygen desorption and the desorption/diffusion of Ti atoms from the surface. This multiscale study opens a door toward improved materials for diverse applications such as more efficient rutile TiO2-based photoelectrocatalysts, green photothermal absorbers for solar energy applications, or NIR-sensing materials.

Recent advances in reinforced bioplastics for food packaging - A critical review.

Recently, diversifying the material, method, and application in food packaging has been massively developed to find more environment-friendly materials. However, the mechanical and barrier properties of the bioplastics are major hurdles to expansion in commercial realization. The compositional variation with the inclusion of different fillers could resolve the lacking performance of the bioplastic. This review summarizes the various reinforcement fillers and their effect on bioplastic development. In this review, we first discussed the status of bioplastics and their definition, advantages, and limitations regarding their performance in the food packaging application. Further, the overview of different fillers and development methods has been discussed thoroughly. The application of reinforced bioplastic for food packaging and its effect on food quality and shelf life are highlighted. The environmental issues, health concerns, and future perspectives of the reinforced bioplastic are also discussed at the end of the manuscript. Adding different fillers into the bioplastic improves physical, mechanical, barrier, and active properties, which render the required protective functions to replace conventional plastic for food packaging applications. Various fillers, such as natural and chemically synthesized, could be incorporated into the bioplastic, and their overall properties improve significantly for the food packaging application.

Powder diet exacerbates oropharyngeal candidiasis in a mouse model.

This study reports on the influence of a powder diet in a mouse model of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), a significant health concern caused primarily by Candida albicans. Despite identical nutritional composition, we found that a powdered diet significantly increased Candida burdens and oral lesions, and aggravated weight loss compared to a standard pelleted diet. High fungal burdens and severe oral lesions were accomplished within 48 hours after infection with only one dose of cortisone. Moreover, mice on a powder diet recovered a week after infection. Using a powder diet, we thus modified the cortisone OPC murine model in a way that simplifies the infection process, enhances reproducibility, and facilitates studies investigating both pathogenesis and recovery processes. Our findings also underscore the pivotal role of the physical form of the diet in the progression and severity of oral Candida infection in this model. Future research should investigate this relationship further to broaden our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, potentially leading to novel prevention strategies and improved disease management.IMPORTANCEOropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is a multifactorial disease and a significant health concern. We found that the physical form of the diet plays a critical role in the severity and progression of OPC. We developed a modified cortisone OPC murine model that facilitates studies investigating pathogenesis and recovery processes.

Arabinoxylans: A review on protocols for their recovery, functionalities and roles in food formulations.

Arabinoxylans (AXs) are compounds with high nutritional value and applicability, including prebiotics or supplementary ingredients, in food manufacturing industries. Unfortunately, the recovery of AXs may require advanced separation and integrated strategies. Here, an analysis of the emerging techniques to extract AXs from cereals and their by-products is discussed. This review covers distinct methods implemented over the last 2-3 years, identifying that the type of method, extraction source, AX physicochemical properties and pre-treatment conditions are the main factors influencing the recovery yield. Alkaline extraction is among the most used methods nowadays, mostly due to its simplicity and high recovery yield. Concurrently, recovered AXs applied in food applications is timely reviewed, such as potential bread ingredient, prebiotic and as a wall material for probiotic encapsulation, in beer and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturing, complementary ingredient in bakery products and cookies, improvers in Chinese noodles, 3D food printing and designing of nanostructures for delivery platforms.

Bodybuilders and high-level meat consumers' behavior towards rabbit, beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb meat: A comparative review.

In bodybuilders' diets, protein plays a crucial role in supporting muscle growth and repairing damaged muscle tissue. These individuals meet their protein needs by combining dietary sources with supplements. Animal-based proteins are often preferred over plant-based proteins because they are believed to better support muscle protein synthesis. This review explores the meat consumption patterns of bodybuilders and high-level meat consumers, focusing on rabbit, beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb. We describe and compare the types of meat bodybuilders commonly consume and provide an overview of protein supplements, including meat-based options, plant-based alternatives, and whey-based products. Our aim is to gain insight into the dietary preferences of bodybuilders and high-level meat consumers, considering their nutritional requirements and the potential effect on the meat industry. We conducted an extensive search across various databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. We found that individual choices vary based on factors such as attitudes, trust, taste, texture, nutritional content, ethical considerations, and cultural influences. Nutritional factors, including protein content, amino acid profiles, and fat levels, significantly influence the preferences of bodybuilders and high-level meat consumers. However, it is crucial to maintain a balance by incorporating other essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals to ensure a complete and balanced diet. The findings from this review can inform strategies and product development initiatives tailored to the needs of bodybuilders and discerning meat enthusiasts.

Role of factor XIII in ischemic stroke: a key molecule promoting thrombus stabilization and resistance to lysis.

BACKGROUND: Active coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) catalyzing crosslinking of fibrin and other hemostatic factors plays a key role in clot stability and lysis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of FXIII inhibition in a mouse model of ischemic stroke (IS) and the role of activated FXIII (FXIIIa) in clot formation and lysis in patients with IS. METHODS: A ferric chloride IS murine model was performed before and after administration of a FXIIIa inhibitor (FXIIIinh). Thromboelastometry in human and mice blood was used to evaluate thrombus stiffness and lysis with FXIIIinh. FXIIIa-dependent fibrin crosslinking and lysis with fibrinolytic drugs (tissue plasminogen activator and tenecteplase) were studied on fibrin plates and on thrombi and clotted plasma of patients with IS. Finally, circulating and thrombus FXIIIa were measured in 85 patients with IS. RESULTS: FXIIIinh administration before stroke induction reduced infarct size, α2-antiplasmin (α2AP) crosslinking, and local microthrombosis, improving motor coordination and fibrinolysis without intracranial bleeds (24 hours). Interestingly, FXIII blockade after stroke also reduced brain damage and neurologic deficit. Thromboelastometry in human/mice blood with FXIIIinh showed delayed clot formation, reduced clot firmness, and shortened tissue plasminogen activator lysis time. FXIIIa fibrin crosslinking increased fibrin density and lysis resistance, which increased further after α2AP addition. FXIIIinh enhanced ex vivo lysis in stroke thrombi and fibrin plates. In patients with IS, thrombus FXIII and α2AP were associated with inflammatory and hemostatic components, and plasma FXIIIa correlated with thrombus α2AP and fibrin. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a key role of FXIIIa in thrombus stabilization, α2AP crosslinking, and lysis resistance, with a protective effect of FXIIIinh in an IS experimental model.

An overview of fermentation in the food industry - looking back from a new perspective.

Fermentation is thought to be born in the Fertile Crescent, and since then, almost every culture has integrated fermented foods into their dietary habits. Originally used to preserve foods, fermentation is now applied to improve their physicochemical, sensory, nutritional, and safety attributes. Fermented dairy, alcoholic beverages like wine and beer, fermented vegetables, fruits, and meats are all highly valuable due to their increased storage stability, reduced risk of food poisoning, and enhanced flavor. Over the years, scientific research has associated the consumption of fermented products with improved health status. The fermentation process helps to break down compounds into more easily digestible forms. It also helps to reduce the amount of toxins and pathogens in food. Additionally, fermented foods contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help the body to digest food and absorb nutrients. In today's world, non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and allergies have increased. In this regard, scientific investigations have demonstrated that shifting to a diet that contains fermented foods can reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases. Moreover, in the last decade, there has been a growing interest in fermentation technology to valorize food waste into valuable by-products. Fermentation of various food wastes has resulted in the successful production of valuable by-products, including enzymes, pigments, and biofuels.

Effects of underwater lipus on the morphohistology of the CF-1 mice growth plate in late lactation stage / Efectos del ultrasonido subacuático sobre la morfohistología de la placa de crecimiento de ratones CF-1 en etapa de lactancia tardía

SUMMARY: Ultrasound is one of the most used tools in physiotherapy, its LIPUS modality allows to treat musculoskeletal injuries, but like the conventional ultrasound it is contraindicated its application in areas close to growth cartilage by a possible closure of this one. In the literature there is no conclusive evidence of this contraindication, so the objective of the present study is to evaluate the effects of doses equivalent to underwater LIPUS on the histomorphometry of the proximal tibial epiphysis growth plate in an animal model. LIPUS was applied in underwater mode in the right pelvic limb to 8 mice in p 15 for 4 days, 2 times a day. On completion of 8 sessions the histology of the stimulated limb growth plate was sacrificed and the histology. When evaluating the histomorphometry of the plaque, a significant increase in the thickness and area of the proliferative zone stimulated with LIPUS (p = 0.048) was observed. In the hypertrophic area were observed no significant differences in thickness or areas, but in the hypertrophic area there were significant changes in the histological organization, observing a significant increase of the entire columns in the stimulated plaque (p = 0.04). LIPUS in underwater modality modifies the histomorphometry of the proximal epiphyseal PC of the tibia of rodents in the late postnatal stage, promoting proliferation and columnar organization in the proliferative and hypertrophic zone, respectively.

RESUMEN: El ultrasonido es una de las herramientas más utilizadas en fisioterapia, su modalidad LIPUS permite tratar lesiones músculo-esqueléticas, pero al igual que el ultrasonido convencional está contraindicada su aplicación en zonas próximas a cartílago de crecimiento por un posible cierre de éste. En la literatura no existe evidencia contundente de esta contraindicación, por lo cual el objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar los efectos de dosis equivalentes a LIPUS subacuático sobre la histomorfometría de la placa de crecimiento de la epífisis proximal de tibia en un modelo animal. Metodología. Se aplicó LIPUS en modalidad subacuática en el miembro pélvico derecho a 8 ratones en p 15 por 4 días, 2 veces al día. Al cumplir 8 sesiones se sacrificaron y se evaluó la histología de la placa de crecimiento del miembro estimulado. Al evaluar la histomorfometría de la placa se observó un aumento significativo en el espesor y el área de la zona proliferiva estimulada con LIPUS (p=0.048). En la zona hipertrófica no se observaron diferencias significativas en el espesor ni en las áreas, pero si existieron cambios significativos en la organización histológica de la zona, observando un aumento significativo de las columnas completas en la placa estimulada (p=0,04). El LIPUS en modalidad subacuática modifica la histomorfometría de la PC epifisiaria proximal de la tibia de roedores en el etapa postnatal tardía, promoviendo la proliferación y la organización columnar en la zona proliferativa e hipertrófica, respectivamente.

Accidentes laborales con exposición a material biológico y grupo más sensible a los mismos (ALEMB), hospitales Luis Vernaza, maternidad Enrique C. Sotomayor, maternidad Mariana de Jesús, del niño Francisco de Ycaza Bustamante y Abel Gilbert Pontón de Guayaquil / Occupational accidents with biological material exposure (OABME) and most sensitive groups. Cross-sectional multicenter study conducted in hospitals, Luis Vernaza maternity hospital Enrique C. Sotomayor, maternity hospital “Mariana de Jesus, Children’s hospital Francisco de Ycaza Bustamante and Abel Gilbert Ponton of Guayaquil

Antecedentes: la exposición a material biológico es una realidad que enfrentan diariamente miles de trabajadores de la salud (TS) en el mundo, así como los riesgos que esto implica. Objetivos: determinar cuál es el área hospitalaria con mayor frecuencia de accidentes laborales con exposición a material biológico (ALEMB), el grupo más sensible de las TS y la prevalencia de la vacunación contra la hepatitis B en los mismos. Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal, multicéntrico, donde se recolectó la información sobre bioseguridad por medio de 795 encuestas hechas a los TS. Desde el mes de junio hasta septiembre de 2009, en 5 hospitales de la ciudad de Guayaquil. Esta encuesta es una adaptación de dos previamente validadas en español. Resultados: se demostró que de 795 encuestados el 53% ha tenido más de un ALEMB. El 70,2% refiere haber recibido capacitación durante los últimos 2 años y el 90,1% de todos los encuestados refiere aplicar las normas de bioseguridad durante su trabajo. El 51,8% tiene las vacunas completas contra Hepatitis B. Se determinó que las personas que presentaban mayor riesgo de padecer accidentes laborales eran los médicos residentes; con referencia al accidente se determinó que el lugar de mayor riesgo es la sala de cirugía (0,32%); el objeto de lesión más común es la aguja hueca (0.32), finalmente se determinó que los funcionarios en estudio, identifican como la causa más común por la que ocurren accidentes, es el descuido personal (0,38%). Conclusión: los resultados varían en cada hospital; sin embargo, se determinó que en general, a pesar de que existe una preocupación por parte de los hospitales de dar capacitación a todos los trabajadores de la salud, al parecer ésta no ha sido eficaz, pues existe un alto índice de ALEMB, así como también existe una falta de conocimiento o preocupación, de la importancia de la vacunación por parte de los trabajadores de la salud.

Background: exposure to biological materials is a reality faced daily by thousands of health workers (HW) in the world, as are the risks involved. Objectives: to determine which hospital area has a higher frequently of occupational accidents involving exposure to biological material (OAEBM), the most sensitive group of the HW, and the prevalence of hepatitis B vaccination in them. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional, multicenter study, through which we collected information on biosafety using the data from 795 surveys applied by HW from June to September 2009 in five hospitals in the city of Guayaquil. This survey is an adaptation of two previously validated ones in Spanish. Results: it was shown that out of the 795 respondents, 53% have had more than one OAEBM. 70.2% of respondents reported having received training during the last 2 years, and 90.1% reported to comply with biosafety regulations in their work. 51.8% of respondents have complete vaccinations against Hepatitis B. It was found that the people who had a higher risk of occupational accidents were the resident physicians; with reference to the accident, it was determined that the place with the highest risk is the operating room (0.32%); the most common object for injury is the hollow needle (0.32%); finally, it was determined that the officials in the study identified self-neglect as the most common cause for accidents (0.38%). Conclusion: the results vary by hospital; however, it was found that in general, although there is concern on the part of hospitals to provide training to all health workers, apparently it has not been effective because there is a high rate of OAEBM, as well as a lack of knowledge or concern about the importance of vaccination by the health workers.

Tratamiento de la colecistitis aguda por cirugía laparoscópica / Treatment by laparoscopic surgery of acute cholecystitis

De 1993-1996, 250 colecistectomía laparoscópicas (cole-lap) fueron realizadas. La conversión en general, a colecistectomía abierta (cole-ab) fue del 6 por ciento, en las colecistitis agudas (Co. A) fue del 33 por ciento. Las causas fueron: Dificultad anatómica (6 casos), engrosamiento de las paredes (4 casos), coledocolitiasis (3) y absceso hepático (1 caso)

Intoxicación por nitratos: presentación de un caso / Intoxication by nitrates: presentation of a case

Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 41 años de edad, quien ingirió erróneamente sal de nitratos por bicarbonato de sodio, ingresada a la emergencia del Hospital Universitario de Caracas por pérdida del conocimiento, cianosis y acidosis metabólica. Se demostraron niveles de metahemoglobinemia en un 26,47%. Los síntomas desaparecieron progresivamente con disminución paralela del porcentaje de metahemoglobinemia

Un caso de hematoma subcapsular esplenico organizado / A case of hematoma subcapsular organized esplenico

Los autores presentan un caso de Hematoma Subcapsular Esplénico Organico, patologia poco frecuente en nuestro medio, al igual que en la literatura revisada. Se describe la historia clinica de la paciente, y los estudios complementarios a que fue sometida, relato operatoria y estudio anatomopatológico, concluyéndose con un comentario relativo al caso