New Phytol Derivatives with Increased Cosmeceutical Potential.

Natural compounds are widely incorporated into cosmetic products for many purposes. Diterpenes often function as fragrances, enhancing the sensory experience of these formulations. However, current trends in cosmetic science aim to develop multifunctional products, where compounds traditionally used for texture or fragrance also possess biological activities that contribute to the product's efficacy. In this context, this study focuses on synthesizing derivatives of phytol-a compound already presents in cosmetic formulations-to enhance its anti-aging properties. The derivatives were synthesized through esterification with substituted benzoic and cinnamic acids, known for their antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties. Reaction yields ranged from 91.0% to 5.2%, depending on the substituents in acid derivatives. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed through NMR and MS techniques. Both the natural and newly synthesized derivatives were evaluated for their cosmeceutical potential using antioxidant assays and inhibition assays for tyrosinase, elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase. This work presents the first report of the synthesis and cosmetic evaluation of several of these derivatives. Comparing with phytol (1), which presented an IC50 of 77.47 µM, four of the derivatives presented improved tyrosinase inhibitory activity, with phytyl 4-methoxybenzoate being the most active (IC50 = 27.9 µM), followed by phytyl benzoate with an IC50 of 34.73 µM. Substitutions at other positions on the aromatic ring were less effective. Molecular docking studies confirmed that the modifications potentiated a stronger interaction between the synthesized compounds and tyrosinase.

Ascophyllum nodosum Extract Improves Olive Performance Under Water Deficit Through the Modulation of Molecular and Physiological Processes.

The olive tree is well adapted to the Mediterranean climate, but how orchards based on intensive practices will respond to increasing drought is unknown. This study aimed to determine if the application of a commercial biostimulant improves olive tolerance to drought. Potted plants (cultivars Arbequina and Galega) were pre-treated with an extract of Ascophyllum nodosum (four applications, 200 mL of 0.50 g/L extract per plant), and were then well irrigated (100% field capacity) or exposed to water deficit (50% field capacity) for 69 days. Plant height, photosynthesis, water status, pigments, lipophilic compounds, and the expression of stress protective genes (OeDHN1-protective proteins' dehydrin; OePIP1.1-aquaporin; and OeHSP18.3-heat shock proteins) were analyzed. Water deficit negatively affected olive physiology, but the biostimulant mitigated these damages through the modulation of molecular and physiological processes according to the cultivar and irrigation. A. nodosum benefits were more expressive under water deficit, particularly in Galega, promoting height (increase of 15%) and photosynthesis (increase of 34%), modulating the stomatal aperture through the regulation of OePIP1.1 expression, and keeping OeDHN1 and OeHSP18.3 upregulated to strengthen stress protection. In both cultivars, biostimulant promoted carbohydrate accumulation and intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE). Under good irrigation, biostimulant increased energy availability and iWUE in Galega. These data highlight the potential of this biostimulant to improve olive performance, providing higher tolerance to overcome climate change scenarios. The use of this biostimulant can improve the establishment of younger olive trees in the field, strengthen the plant's capacity to withstand field stresses, and lead to higher growth and crop productivity.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, and Anticancerous Effects against Human Lung Cancer Cells of a Terpenoid-Rich Fraction of Inula viscosa.

Inula viscosa is a widely used plant in traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern medicine for various illnesses. I. viscosa has been shown to have anticancer effects against various cancers, but its effects against lung cancer have been under limited investigation. At the same time, I. viscosa is rich in terpenoids whose anti-lung cancer effects have been poorly investigated. This study aimed to examine the potential anticancer properties of methanolic and aqueous extracts of stems and leaves of I. viscosa and its terpenoid-rich fraction against human lung cancer A549 cells. Results showed that the methanolic extracts of I. viscosa had significantly higher polyphenol and flavonoid content and radical scavenging capacity than the aqueous extracts. In addition, leaves methanolic extracts (IVLM) caused the highest reduction in viability of A549 cells among all the extracts. IVLM also reduced the viability of human ovarian SK-OV-3, breast MCF-7, liver HepG2, and colorectal HCT116 cancer cells. A terpenoid-rich I. viscosa fraction (IVL DCM), prepared by liquid-liquid separation of IVLM in dichloromethane (DCM), displayed a substantial reduction in the viability of A549 cells (IC50 = 27.8 ± 1.5 µg/mL at 48 h) and the panel of tested cancerous cell lines but was not cytotoxic to normal human embryonic fibroblasts (HDFn). The assessment of IVL DCM phytochemical constituents using GC-MS analysis revealed 21 metabolites, highlighting an enrichment in terpenoids, such as lupeol and its derivatives, caryophyllene oxide, betulin, and isopulegol, known to exhibit proapoptotic and antimetastatic functions. IVL DCM also showed robust antioxidant capacity and decent polyphenol and flavonoid contents. Furthermore, Western blotting analysis indicated that IVL DCM reduced proliferation (reduction of proliferation marker Ki67 and induction of proliferation inhibitor proteins P21 and P27), contaminant with P38 MAP kinase activation, and induced the intrinsic apoptotic pathway (P53/BCL2/BAX/Caspase3/PARP) in A549 cells. IVL DCM also reduced the migration of A549 cells, potentially by reducing FAK activation. Future identification of anticancer metabolites of IVL DCM, especially terpenoids, is recommended. These data place I. viscosa as a new resource of herbal anticancer agents.

A novel potato peels waste ß-cyclodextrin biocomposite for the efficient uptake of diuron and glyphosate herbicides.

A novel biocomposite (FPPW-ß-CD) was prepared by a simple and sustainable method involving fine potato peel waste, ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD), and green citric acid through the crosslinking reaction. The polymer was characterized using SEM, FTIR, XRD, TGA, and DSC analyses. The adsorbent performance was evaluated about the glyphosate and diuron adsorption from the aqueous solution. Pesticide removal was investigated regarding the influence of solution pH, temperature, and initial concentration of contaminants. Also, it highlights the main interactions involved in the adsorption phenomenon based on the pH effect and characteristics of adsorbent and adsorbate molecules. The maximum adsorption capacity values according to the Sips model were higher than 2000 µg g-1. The pseudo-second-order and general-order models described the kinetic data well. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that pesticide removal was spontaneous and favorable. The magnitude of enthalpy variation values (27.37 kJ mol-1 and - 100.79 kJ mol-1) revealed that the glyphosate and diuron adsorption occurred through the physisorption and chemisorption, respectively. The novel biocomposite is a promising green adsorbent for the uptake of micropollutant pesticides in aqueous solutions at concentrations of µg L-1.

Chemometric study on the effect of cooking on bioactive compounds in tomato pomace enriched sauces.

Tomato pomace (TP) is an underutilized source of bioactive compounds with potential application in the food sector. A factorial experiment was designed to compare three culinary techniques, Thermomix®, Roner®, and traditional pan-frying, for the preparation of tomato sauces, enriched or not with TP, applying two temperatures and two cooking times. A multivariate analysis was performed on all the results obtained for the metabolites. The addition of TP significantly increased the content of bioactive compounds, especially phenolic compounds. OPLS-DA models were generated using cooking technique, temperature, and time as discriminant factors. The cooking technique had a greater effect on the phenolic content than cooking temperature or time. Thermomix® released bioactive compounds from the tomato into the sauce to a similar extent as pan-frying. Roner® proved to be effective in preserving the volatile fraction of the sauce. The Thermomix® significantly increased the amount of bioactive compounds, while the Roner® increased the volatile compounds.

Engineering the Rhizosphere Microbiome with Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria for Modulation of the Plant Metabolome.

Plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) have beneficial effects on plants. They can promote growth and enhance plant defense against abiotic stress and disease, and these effects are associated with changes in the plant metabolite profile. The research problem addressed in this study was the impact of inoculation with PGPB on the metabolite profile of Salicornia europaea L. across controlled and field conditions. Salicornia europaea seeds, inoculated with Brevibacterium casei EB3 and Pseudomonas oryzihabitans RL18, were grown in controlled laboratory experiments and in a natural field setting. The metabolite composition of the aboveground tissues was analyzed using GC-MS and UHPLC-MS. PGPB inoculation promoted a reconfiguration in plant metabolism in both environments. Under controlled laboratory conditions, inoculation contributed to increased biomass production and the reinforcement of immune responses by significantly increasing the levels of unsaturated fatty acids, sugars, citric acid, acetic acid, chlorogenic acids, and quercetin. In field conditions, the inoculated plants exhibited a distinct phytochemical profile, with increased glucose, fructose, and phenolic compounds, especially hydroxybenzoic acid, quercetin, and apigenin, alongside decreased unsaturated fatty acids, suggesting higher stress levels. The metabolic response shifted from growth enhancement to stress resistance in the latter context. As a common pattern to both laboratory and field conditions, biopriming induced metabolic reprogramming towards the expression of apigenin, quercetin, formononetin, caffeic acid, and caffeoylquinic acid, metabolites that enhance the plant's tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress. This study unveils the intricate metabolic adaptations of Salicornia europaea under controlled and field conditions, highlighting PGPB's potential to redesign the metabolite profile of the plant. Elevated-stress-related metabolites may fortify plant defense mechanisms, laying the groundwork for stress-resistant crop development through PGPB-based inoculants, especially in saline agriculture.

Bacteriemia asociada a catéteres venosos centrales no tunelizados en niños en hemodiálisis crónica / Bacteremia associated with non-tunneled central venous catheters in children undergoing chronic hemodialysis

Introducción. La infección asociada a catéter venoso central (CVC) es la principal complicación que presentan los pacientes en hemodiálisis en los que se usa este tipo de acceso. Objetivo. Estimar la incidencia de bacteriemia asociada a CVC no tunelizado, analizar la frecuencia de agentes causales y explorar factores de riesgo asociados en niños en hemodiálisis. Población y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo realizado en niños en hemodiálisis por CVC no tunelizado entre el 1 junio de 2015 y el 30 de junio de 2019. Para evaluar factores de riesgo predictores de bacteriemia asociada a CVC, se realizó regresión logística. Los factores de riesgo independiente se expresaron con odds ratio con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza del 95 %. Se consideró estadísticamente significativo un valor de p <0,05. Resultados. En este estudio se incluyeron 121 CVC no tunelizados. La incidencia de bacteriemia fue de 3,15 por 1000 días de catéter. El microorganismo aislado con mayor frecuencia fue Staphylococcus epidermidis (16 casos, 51,5 %). La infección previa del catéter fue el único factor de riesgo independiente encontrado para el desarrollo de bacteriemia asociada a CVC no tunelizado (OR: 2,84; IC95%: 1,017,96; p = 0,04). Conclusiones. El uso prolongado de los CVC no tunelizados para hemodiálisis crónica se asoció con una incidencia baja de bacteriemia. Los gérmenes grampositivos predominaron como agentes causales. La presencia de infección previa del CVC aumentó en casi 3 veces el riesgo de bacteriemia asociada a CVC en nuestra población pediátrica en hemodiálisis.

Introduction. Central venous catheter (CVC)-related infection is the main complication observed in patients undergoing hemodialysis with this type of venous access. Objective. To estimate the incidence of non-tunneled CVC-related bacteremia, analyze the frequency ofcausative agents, and explore associated risk factors in children undergoing hemodialysis. Population and methods. Retrospective study in children receiving hemodialysis via a non-tunneled CVC between June 1 st, 2015 and June 30 th, 2019. A logistic regression was carried out to assess risk factors that were predictors of CVC-related bacteremia. Independent risk factors were described as odds ratios with their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. A total of 121 non-tunneled CVCs were included in this study. The incidence of bacteremia was 3.15 per 1000 catheter-days. The most commonly isolated microorganism was Staphylococcus epidermidis(16 cases, 51.5%). Prior catheter infection was the only independent risk factor for the development of bacteremia associated with non-tunneled CVC (OR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.01­7.96, p = 0.04). Conclusions. Prolonged use of non-tunneled CVCs for chronic hemodialysis was associated with a low incidence of bacteremia. Gram-positive microorganisms prevailed among causative agents. A prior CVC infection almost trebled the risk for CVC-related bacteremia in our pediatric population receiving hemodialysis.

Statistical physical modeling insights for urinary analgesic drug adsorption on carbon nanomaterial derivative.

The presence of phenazopyridine in water is an environmental problem that can cause damage to human health and the environment. However, few studies have reported the adsorption of this emerging contaminant from aqueous matrices. Furthermore, existing research explored only conventional modeling to describe the adsorption phenomenon without understanding the behavior at the molecular level. Herein, the statistical physical modeling of phenazopyridine adsorption into graphene oxide is reported. Steric, energetic, and thermodynamic interpretations were used to describe the phenomenon that controls drug adsorption. The equilibrium data were fitted by mono, double, and multi-layer models, considering factors such as the numbers of phenazopyridine molecules by adsorption sites, density of receptor sites, and half saturation concentration. Furthermore, the statistical physical approach also calculated the thermodynamic parameters (free enthalpy, internal energy, Gibbs free energy, and entropy). The maximum adsorption capacity at the equilibrium was reached at 298 K (510.94 mg g-1). The results showed the physical meaning of adsorption, indicating that the adsorption occurs in multiple layers. The temperature affected the density of receptor sites and half saturation concentration. At the same time, the adsorbed species assumes different positions on the adsorbent surface as a function of the increase in the temperature. Meanwhile, the thermodynamic functions revealed increased entropy with the temperature and the equilibrium concentration.

Design of Promising Thiazoloindazole-Based Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors Guided by Molecular Docking and Experimental Insights.

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a progressive deterioration of cognitive function and memory loss, and it is closely associated with the dysregulation of cholinergic neurotransmission. Since acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a critical enzyme in the nervous system, responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, its inhibition holds a significant interest in the treatment of various neurological disorders. Therefore, it is crucial to develop efficient AChE inhibitors capable of increasing acetylcholine levels, ultimately leading to improved cholinergic neurotransmission. The results reported here represent a step forward in the development of novel thiazoloindazole-based compounds that have the potential to serve as effective AChE inhibitors. Molecular docking studies revealed that certain of the evaluated nitroindazole-based compounds outperformed donepezil, a well-known AChE inhibitor used in Alzheimer's disease treatment. Sustained by these findings, two series of compounds were synthesized. One series included a triazole moiety (Tl45a-c), while the other incorporated a carbazole moiety (Tl58a-c). These compounds were isolated in yields ranging from 66 to 87% through nucleophilic substitution and Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions. Among the synthesized compounds, the thiazoloindazole-based 6b core derivatives emerged as selective AChE inhibitors, exhibiting remarkable IC50 values of less than 1.0 µM. Notably, derivative Tl45b displays superior performance as an AChE inhibitor, boasting the lowest IC50 (0.071 ± 0.014 µM). Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis indicated that derivatives containing the bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl-triazolyl group demonstrated the most promising activity against AChE, when compared to more rigid substituents such as carbazolyl moiety. The combination of molecular docking and experimental synthesis provides a suitable and promising strategy for the development of new efficient thiazoloindazole-based AChE inhibitors.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Anti-Alzheimer, And α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Effect Of Algerian Peganum harmala Seeds Extract.

Peganum harmala seeds crude hydro-methanolic extract and their fractions (obtained with ethyl acetate and butan-1-ol) were analyzed and compared for their chemical profiles of alkaloids and polyphenols content. Moreover, their antioxidant, a-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities were evaluated. The butan-1-ol fraction revealed the highest total phenolic content and exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity. From the inhibitory enzyme evaluations, it should be highlighted the butan-1-ol fraction inhibitory potential of ɑ-glucosidase (the IC50= 141.18±4µg/mL), which was better than the acarbose inhibitory effect (IC50= 203.41±1.07 µg/mL). The extracts' chemical profile analysis revealed several compounds, in which quercetin dimethyl ether, harmine and harmaline emerged as the major compounds. The different solvents used impacted Peganum harmala seed contents and biological responses. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between bioactive compounds and biological activities. Thus, Peganum harmala seeds could be a promising natural source of bioactive compounds at the crossroads of many human diseases, and its cultivation may be encouraged.

Analysis of factors associated with admission to the intensive care unit of children and adolescents with COVID-19: application of a multilevel model.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with hospitalization in the intensive care unit in children and adolescents with COVID-19. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study using secondary data of hospitalized children and adolescents (zero to 18 years old) with COVID-19 reported in Paraíba from April 2020 to July 2021, totaling 486 records. Descriptive analysis, logistic regression and multilevel regression were performed, utilizing a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: According to logistic regression without hierarchical levels, there was an increased chance of admission to the intensive care unit for male patients (OR = 1.98; 95%CI 1.18 - 3.32), patients with respiratory distress (OR = 2.43; 95%CI 1.29 - 4.56), patients with dyspnea (OR = 3.57; 95%CI 1.77 - 7.18) and patients living in large cities (OR = 2.70; 95%CI 1.07 - 6.77). The likelihood of requiring intensive care was observed to decrease with increasing age (OR = 0.94; 95%CI = 0.90 - 0.97), the presence of cough (OR = 0.32; 95%CI 0.18 - 0.59) or fever (OR = 0.42; 95%CI 0.23 - 0.74) and increasing Gini index (OR = 0.003; 95%CI 0.000 - 0.243). According to the multilevel analysis, the odds of admission to the intensive care unit increased in male patients (OR = 1.70; 95%CI = 1.68-1.71) and with increasing population size of the municipality per 100,000 inhabitants (OR = 1.01; 95%CI 1.01-1.03); additionally, the odds of admission to the intensive care unit decreased for mixed-race versus non-brown-skinned patients (OR = 0.981; 95%CI 0.97 - 0.99) and increasing Gini index (OR = 0.02; 95%CI 0.02 - 0.02). CONCLUSION: The effects of patient characteristics and social context on the need for intensive care in children and adolescents with SARS-CoV-2 infection were better estimated with the inclusion of a multilevel regression model.

Comparative metabolomics of leaves and stems of three Italian olive cultivars under drought stress.

The Mediterranean will be one of the focal points of climate change. The predicted dry and hot summers will lead to water scarcity in agriculture, which may limit crop production and growth. The olive tree serves as a model woody plant for studying drought stress and improving water resource management; thus, it is critical to identify genotypes that are more drought tolerant and perform better under low irrigation or even rainfed conditions. In this study, the metabolomic approach was used to highlight variations in metabolites in stems and leaves of three Italian olive cultivars (previously characterized physiologically) under two and four weeks of drought stress. Phenolic and lipophilic profiles were obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. The findings identified the leaf as the primary organ in which phenolic variations occurred. The Maurino cultivar exhibited a strong stress response in the form of phenolic compound accumulation, most likely to counteract oxidative stress. The phenolic compound content of 'Giarraffa' and 'Leccino' plants remained relatively stable whether they were exposed to drought or not. Variations in the lipid profile occurred in leaves and stems of all the cultivars. A high accumulation of compounds related to epicuticular wax components was observed in the leaf of 'Giarraffa', while a strong reduction of lipids and long-chain alkanes occurred in 'Maurino' when exposed to drought stress conditions.

A Multi-Component Intervention to Improve Therapeutic Adherence in Uncontrolled Hypertensive Patients Within the Primary Care Level: A Before-and-After Study.

INTRODUCTION: Non-adherence to medication severely affects chronic disease control. AIM: To assess whether a multi-component intervention implemented at the public primary care level in Argentina improves adherence to antihypertensive medication and helps to reduce blood pressure (BP) levels in uncontrolled hypertensive patients. METHODS: A before-and-after study was conducted in five public primary care clinics located in the city of Almirante Brown, Argentina. One hundred and twenty-five uncontrolled hypertensive patients received a multi-component intervention based on the Chronic Care model and the 5As strategy (Ask, Advise, Agree, Assist, and Arrange). Medication possession ratio (MPR) and BP values were assessed before and after a 6-month period. RESULTS: The follow-up rate was 96.8%. Main baseline characteristics were as follows, male: 44.8%, mean age: 57.1 years (± 8.1), exclusive public healthcare coverage: 83.5%, primary school level or less: 68.8%, and mean systolic/diastolic BP: 157.4 (± 13.6)/97.7 (± 8.2) mmHg. After implementing the intervention, a significant increase in the proportion of adequate adherence (MPR ≥ 80%) was observed, from 16.8% at baseline to 47.2% (p < 0.001). A significant reduction of 16.4 mmHg (CI 95%: 19.6, 13.1) was observed for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 12.0 mmHg (CI 95%: 14.2, 9.9) for diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p < 0.001). At 6 months, 51.2% of the population achieved blood pressure control (SBP < 140 mmHg and DBP < 90 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: The study intervention was associated with an increased adherence rate, achieving a significant reduction in BP values and reaching BP control in more than half of the population.

Bacteremia associated with non-tunneled central venous catheters in children undergoing chronic hemodialysis. / Bacteriemia asociada a catéteres venosos centrales no tunelizados en niños en hemodiálisis crónica.

Introduction. Central venous catheter (CVC)-related infection is the main complication observed in patients undergoing hemodialysis with this type of venous access. Objective. To estimate the incidence of non-tunneled CVC-related bacteremia, analyze the frequency of causative agents, and explore associated risk factors in children undergoing hemodialysis. Population and methods. Retrospective study in children receiving hemodialysis via a non-tunneled CVC between June 1st, 2015 and June 30th, 2019. A logistic regression was carried out to assess risk factors that were predictors of CVC-related bacteremia. Independent risk factors were described as odds ratios with their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. A total of 121 non-tunneled CVCs were included in this study. The incidence of bacteremia was 3.15 per 1000 catheter-days. The most commonly isolated microorganism was Staphylococcus epidermidis (16 cases, 51.5%). Prior catheter infection was the only independent risk factor for the development of bacteremia associated with non-tunneled CVC (OR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.01-7.96, p = 0.04). Conclusions. Prolonged use of non-tunneled CVCs for chronic hemodialysis was associated with a low incidence of bacteremia. Gram-positive microorganisms prevailed among causative agents. A prior CVC infection almost trebled the risk for CVC-related bacteremia in our pediatric population receiving hemodialysis.

Introducción. La infección asociada a catéter venoso central (CVC) es la principal complicación que presentan los pacientes en hemodiálisis en los que se usa este tipo de acceso. Objetivo. Estimar la incidencia de bacteriemia asociada a CVC no tunelizado, analizar la frecuencia de agentes causales y explorar factores de riesgo asociados en niños en hemodiálisis. Población y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo realizado en niños en hemodiálisis por CVC no tunelizado entre el 1 junio de 2015 y el 30 de junio de 2019. Para evaluar factores de riesgo predictores de bacteriemia asociada a CVC, se realizó regresión logística. Los factores de riesgo independiente se expresaron con odds ratio con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza del 95 %. Se consideró estadísticamente significativo un valor de p <0,05. Resultados. En este estudio se incluyeron 121 CVC no tunelizados. La incidencia de bacteriemia fue de 3,15 por 1000 días de catéter. El microorganismo aislado con mayor frecuencia fue Staphylococcus epidermidis (16 casos, 51,5 %). La infección previa del catéter fue el único factor de riesgo independiente encontrado para el desarrollo de bacteriemia asociada a CVC no tunelizado (OR: 2,84; IC95%: 1,017,96; p =0,04). Conclusiones. El uso prolongado de los CVC no tunelizados para hemodiálisis crónica se asoció con una incidencia baja de bacteriemia. Los gérmenes grampositivos predominaron como agentes causales. La presencia de infección previa del CVC aumentó en casi 3 veces el riesgo de bacteriemia asociada a CVC en nuestra población pediátrica en hemodiálisis.

Evolution of the Quinoline Scaffold for the Treatment of Leishmaniasis: A Structural Perspective.

Since the beginning of the XXI century, Leishmaniasis has been integrated into the World Health Organization's list of the 20 neglected tropical diseases, being considered a public health issue in more than 88 countries, especially in the tropics, subtropics, and the Mediterranean area. Statistically, this disease presents a world prevalence of 12 million cases worldwide, with this number being expected to increase shortly due to the 350 million people considered at risk and the 2-2.5 million new cases appearing every year. The lack of an appropriate and effective treatment against this disease has intensified the interest of many research groups to pursue the discovery and development of novel treatments in close collaboration with the WHO, which hopes to eradicate it shortly. This paper intends to highlight the quinoline scaffold's potential for developing novel antileishmanial agents and provide a set of structural guidelines to help the research groups in the medicinal chemistry field perform more direct drug discovery and development programs. Thus, this review paper presents a thorough compilation of the most recent advances in the development of new quinoline-based antileishmanial agents, with a particular focus on structure-activity relationship studies that should be considerably useful for the future of the field.

Toxic Shock Syndrome: Eighteen Years of Experience in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Introduction Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a life-threatening disease usually caused by a Staphylococcus aureus or group Aß-hemolytic Streptococcus infection. Methods In this retrospective study, we included patients with TSS admitted to a tertiary hospital's pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) over the last 18 years. We compared the staphylococcal TSS (Staph-TSS) and streptococcal TSS (Strep-TSS) groups. Results We included 17 patients (64.7% male), with a median age of 6.1 years (3.0 years for streptococcal TSS versus 13.3 years for staphylococcal TSS, p = 0.040), a median of 3.0 days from symptom onset to diagnosis, and a median of 6.0 days of hospitalization. Ten patients met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria for staphylococcal TSS (one menstrual-related) and seven met the criteria for streptococcal TSS (four of them occurring since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared). Fifteen patients had identified risk factors, primarily cutaneous lesions (29.4%). In 15 patients, at least three organs or systems were affected, with fever, rash, and hypotension as universal findings. Mucous membrane hyperemia was present in 16 patients, gastrointestinal symptoms in 14 patients, and desquamation in nine. Muscular involvement was present in seven patients, all with staphylococcal TSS (p = 0.010). All patients received two or more antibiotics, including a protein synthesis inhibitor (except for one), and required fluid resuscitation and vasoactive amines (median three days). Six patients needed invasive mechanical ventilation (median seven days). Albumin infusion was necessary in six patients, significantly more frequently in patients with streptococcal TSS (p = 0.035). Two patients with staphylococcal TSS died, while the seven patients with streptococcal TSS survived hospital discharge. There were no recurrent cases. Conclusions Our study revealed TSS severity and multiorgan involvement, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Risk factors were prevalent, and we noted an increased frequency of group A streptococcal (GAS) TSS post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Salicornia ramosissima Biomass as a Partial Replacement of Wheat Meal in Diets for Juvenile European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

The green tips of Salicornia ramosissima are used for human consumption, while, in a production scenario, the rest of the plant is considered a residue. This study evaluated the potential of incorporating salicornia by-products in diets for juvenile European seabass, partially replacing wheat meal, aspiring to contribute to their valorization. A standard diet and three experimental diets including salicornia in 2.5%, 5% and 10% inclusion levels were tested in triplicate. After 62 days of feeding, no significant differences between treatments were observed in fish growth performances, feeding efficiency and economic conversation ratio. Nutrient digestibility of the experimental diets was unaffected by the inclusion of salicornia when compared to a standard diet. Additionally, salicornia had significant modulatory effects on the fish muscle biochemical profiles, namely by significantly decreasing lactic acid and increasing succinic acid levels, which can potentially signal health-promoting effects for the fish. Increases in DHA levels in fish fed a diet containing 10% salicornia were also shown. Therefore, the results suggest that salicornia by-products are a viable alternative to partially replace wheat meal in diets for juvenile European seabass, contributing to the valorization of a residue and the implementation of a circular economy paradigm in halophyte farming and aquaculture.

Comparative analysis between mercury levels in fish tissues evaluated using direct mercury analyzer and inductively plasma-coupled mass spectrometer.

Recent ecotoxicological studies have indicated mercury (Hg) contamination in aquatic ecosystems in the Amazon Basin. Although Hg contamination can be associated with small-scale gold mining, the soils of the Amazon region have naturally high Hg concentrations, and can be transported to aquatic ecosystems via deforestation and mining activities. Biomagnification of Hg can pose risks to the local human population; therefore, its concentration in fish tissues must be monitored consistently. Fast and sensitive Hg determination is required for continuously monitoring ecosystems impacted by mineral exploration. The direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80) is widely used for determining total Hg levels in tissue samples; it is fast and cost-effective, without requiring sample preparation. Here, we determined the sensitivity and specificity of Hg detection accomplished using DMA-80, and whether these results are reliable compared to those obtained using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS), which is the gold standard. We obtained 106 paired dried samples of muscle tissue from fish species occupying different trophic levels in the Lower Amazon region, and analyzed them using both equipment (DMA-80 and ICP-MS). The results obtained using DMA-80 had an overall Hg mean of 1.90 ± 0.18 mg/kg which was higher (p < 0.05) than the mean of those obtained using ICP-MS (1.55 ± 0.13 mg/kg). Linear regression analysis comparing the Hg levels obtained using both devices was within the 95% prediction interval, and a high coefficient of correlation showed agreement between the devices (r = 0.979; 0.069 to 0.986, 95% CI). Bland-Altman analysis showed that DMA-80 had a positive bias of 6.5% in relation to ICP-MS, which is more evident in samples with high Hg concentrations. DMA-80 was efficient in determining whether the Hg levels exceeded the maximum allowed levels required by the European Union, USA, and Brazil, showing a specificity and sensitivity of above 95%.

Comparative analysis of antioxidant and fatty acid composition in avocado (Persea americana Mill.) fruits: Exploring regional and commercial varieties.

On Madeira Island, Portugal, the avocado crop benefits from a Mediterranean climate, exhibiting exceptional phytochemical and biochemical properties. Aiming to evaluate the antioxidant quality and fatty acid composition with a commercial avocado, flours were obtained from five varieties (four regional and one commercial Hass) across different tissues (pulp and by-products) and cycles (years and on-tree maturation stages). Results showed that a regional variety with thin purple skin had the highest antioxidant qualities and lipid content, surpassing the other regional and commercial Hass varieties. Oleic acid prevailed in all samples, with regional avocados containing arachidonic acid which is an uncommon occurrence among higher plants. Variations in fatty acid content were influenced by the timing of harvest. These outcomes highlight the promising potential of avocados from Madeira Island.

Novel insights into enzymes inhibitory responses and metabolomic profile of supercritical fluid extract from chestnut shells upon intestinal permeability.

The health benefits of chestnut (Castanea sativa) shells (CSs) have been ascribed to phytochemicals, mainly phenolic compounds. Nevertheless, an exhaustive assessment of their intestinal absorption is vital considering a possible nutraceutical application. This study evaluated the bioactivity of CSs extract prepared by Supercritical Fluid Extraction and untargeted metabolomic profile upon in-vitro intestinal permeation across a Caco-2/HT29-MTX co-culture model. The results demonstrated the neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic properties of CSs extract by inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, α-amylase, and lipase activities. The untargeted metabolic profiling by LC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS unveiled almost 60 % of lipids and 30 % of phenolic compounds, with 29 metabolic pathways indicated by enrichment analysis. Among phenolics, mostly phenolic acids, flavonoids, and coumarins permeated the intestinal barrier with most metabolites arising from phase I reactions (reduction, hydrolysis, and hydrogenation) and a minor fraction from phase II reactions (methylation). The permeation rates enhanced in the following order: ellagic acid < o-coumaric acid < p-coumaric acid < ferulaldehyde ≤ hydroxyferulic acid ≤ dihydroferulic acid < ferulic acid < trans-caffeic acid < trans-cinnamic acid < dihydrocaffeic acid, with better outcomes for 1000 µg/mL of extract concentration and after 4 h of permeation. Taken together, these findings sustained a considerable in-vitro intestinal absorption of phenolic compounds from CSs extract, enabling them to reach target sites and exert their biological effects.