Review: Production and functionality of active peptides from milk.

In recent years, research on the production of active peptides obtained from milk and their potential functionality has grown, to a great extent. Bioactive peptides have been defined as specific protein fragments that have a positive impact on body functions or conditions, and they may ultimately have an influence on health. Individual proteins of casein or milk-derived products such as cheese and yogurt have been used as a protein source to study the isolation and activity of peptides with several applications. Currently, the milk whey waste obtained in the production of cheese also represents a protein source from which active peptides could be isolated with potential industrial applications. The active properties of milk peptides and the results found with regard to their physiological effects have led to the classification of peptides as belonging to the group of ingredients of protein nature, appropriate for use in functional foods or pharmaceutical formulations. In this study, the main peptides obtained from milk protein and the past research studies about its production and biological activities will be explained. Second, an analysis will be made on the methods to determinate the biological activities, the separation of bioactive peptides and its structure identification. All of these form the base required to obtain synthetic peptides. Finally, we explain the experimental animal and human trials done in the past years. Nevertheless, more research is required on the design and implementation of equipment for the industrial production and separation of peptides. In addition, different authors suggest that more emphasis should therefore be given to preclinical studies, proving that results are consistent and that effects are demonstrated repeatedly by several research human groups.

Bioengineering RNA silencing across the life kingdoms.

RNA silencing negatively regulates gene expression at transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels, guided by small RNA molecules. It modulates core regulatory pathways across the eukaryotes, such as developmental processes or stress responses. The widespread existence of this phenomenon and the key pathways regulated have led to the development of a new technology based on the modification of gene expression, which has been applied successfully in different areas such as medicine or agriculture. Here we review the most important patents related to RNA silencing across the life kingdoms, including biotechnological applications into medicine, crop science and bioengineering.

[The importance of fertility control among women of childbearing age in the decrease of infant mortality in Havana province.1979-1983]. / Importancia del control de mujeres en edad fertil en la disminucion de la mortalidad infantil en la provincia de la Habana. Anos 1979-1983.

PIP: The program of fertility control developed for the approximately 133,000 women of fertile age living in the Cuban province of Havana between 1979 and 1984 is described. The focus is on the program's impact on infant mortality (SUMMARY IN ENG AND FRE)^ieng

[The importance of controlling women of fertile age in the lowering of infant mortality in Havana province, 1979-1983]. / Importancia del control de mujeres en edad fertil en la disminucion de la mortalidad infantil en Provincia La Habana, anos 1979-1983.

PIP: The importance of providing contraceptive services for women aged 15-49 in the province of Havana, Cuba, is noted. The role of these services in reducing infant mortality in the province since 1959 is considered. (SUMMARY IN ENG AND FRE)^ieng

[Factors that influence infant mortality. Havana Province. 1983]. / Factores que influyen en la mortalidad infantil. Provincia La Habana. Ano 1983.

PIP: An analysis of infant mortality in the province of Havana, Cuba, is presented. The data, which concern the 133 infant deaths that occurred in 1983, were collected using questionnaires completed by physicians responsible for local health areas. (SUMMARY IN ENG AND FRE)^ieng

[Factors influencing infant mortality. Havana Province, 1983]. / Factores que influyen en la mortalidad infantil. Provincia la Habana. Ano 1983.

PIP: Questionnaires intended to determine the factors involved in deaths in infants under 1 year have been completed in the province of Havana, Cuba, since 1980. The questionnaires are completed by obstetricians and pediatricians of the municipal health areas and analyzed at the secondary care level. This work examines the factors present in the 133 infant deaths occurring in Havana Province in 1983. The infant mortality rate in the province in 1983 was 14.1/1000 live births, the lowest ever recorded in the province. 74 of the deaths occurred in the early neonatal period, 13 in the late neonatal, and 46 in the postneonatal period. 22 of the early neonatal deaths were due to intrapartum anoxia, 15 to hyaline membrane disease, 10 to prematurity, 7 to bronchoaspiration, 3 to sepsis, 1 to bronchial pneumonia, and 13 to malformations. In the late neonatal and postneonatal periods, 11 deaths were attributed to acute diarrheal disease, 6 to meningitis, and 5 to accidents. 8 of the mothers were under 17 years old, 30 were 18-20, 57 were 21-30, and 16 were 31 or over. Maternal age was unknown for 22. 22 of the mothers were overweight, 29 were malnourished, 55 were of normal nutritional status, and the status of 27 was unknown. 67.7% of the early neonatal deaths were in low birth weight babies. Low educational level and rural residence were social factors in infant mortality.^ieng