Desarrollo de Escala sobre Celos Románticos en Redes Sociales (Facebook y Whatsapp) / Development of the Social Networking Sites (Facebook and Whatsapp) Romantic Jealousy Scale

Resumen El propósito de este trabajo fue desarrollar y validar psicométricamente una escala para medir celos románticos en Facebook y WhatsApp, asimismo se buscó evidencia de que los reactivos no tuvieran un funcionamiento diferencial por sexo mediante análisis de invarianza factorial. Se trabajó con dos grupos de participantes de la Ciudad de México, 300 para un análisis factorial exploratorio y 300 para un análisis factorial confirmatorio y prueba de invarianza. Se encontró una estructura con 24 reactivos, adecuada confiabilidad (α = .96) correcto ajuste [χ2 (246) = 433.99, p <.01; CF1 = .99; RMSEA = .05] e invarianza factorial por sexo, por lo que se concluye que la escala es confiable y válida y permite comparación por sexo sin sesgos de medición.

Abstract The purpose of this work was to develop and psychometrically validate a Scale to measure romantic jealousy on Facebook and WhatsApp, also evidence of non-differential function of the items by sex is presented in the form of a factorial invariance test. Two groups of Participants from Mexico City worked on, 300 for an exploratory factor analysis and 300 for confirmatory factor analysis and invariance testing. A structure was found with 24 items, adequate reliability (α .96) corrects fit [χ2 (246) = 433.99, p <.01; CF1 = .99; RMSEA = .05] and factorial invariance by sex, so it is concluded that the Scale is reliable, valid, and allows sex comparison by sex without bias due to measurement.

Abnormal expression of H-Ras induces S-phase arrest and mitotic catastrophe in human T-lymphocyte leukemia.

Background: Leukemia is a neoplasm with high incidence and mortality rates. Mitotic death has been observed in tumor cells treated with chemotherapeutic agents. Ras family proteins participate in the transduction of signals involved in different processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, and paradoxically, initiation of cell death. Methods: This study investigated the effect of H-Ras expression on human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia MOLT-4 cells. Cells were electroporated with either wild-type (Raswt) or oncogenic mutant in codon 12 exon 1 (Rasmut) versions of H-Ras gene and stained for morphological analysis. Cell viability was assessed using trypan blue staining and cell cycle analysis using flow cytometry. H-Ras gene expression was determined using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The t, ANOVA, and Scheffe tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia MOLT-4 cells showed nuclear fragmentation and presence of multiple nuclei and micronuclei after transfection with either wt or mutant H-Ras genes. Cell cycle analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in cells in the S phase when transfected with either wt (83.67%, P<0.0005) or mutated (81.79%, P<0.0001) H-Ras genes. Although similar effects for both versions of H-Ras were found, cells transfected with the mutated version died at 120 h of mitotic catastrophe. Conclusion: Transfection of human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia MOLT-4 cells with either normal or mutated H-Ras genes induced alterations in morphology, arrest in the S phase, and death by mitotic catastrophe.

Changes in the microbiota during biological treatment of palm oil mill waste: A critical review.

Palm oil mill waste has a complex cellulosic structure, is rich in nutrients, and provides a habitat for diverse microbial communities. Current research focuses on how the microbiota and organic components interact during the degradation of this type of waste. Some recent studies have described the microbial communities present in different biodegradation processes of palm oil mill waste, identifying the dominant bacteria/fungi responsible for breaking down the cellulosic components. However, understanding the degradation process's mechanisms is vital to eliminating the need for further pretreatment of lignocellulosic compounds in the waste mixture and facilitating the commercialization of palm oil mill waste treatment technology. Thus, the present work aims to review microbial community dynamics via three biological treatment systems comprehensively: composting, vermicomposting, and dark fermentation, to understand how inspiration from nature can further enhance existing degradation processes. The information presented could be used as an umbrella to current research on biological treatment processes and specific research on the bioaugmentation of indigenous microbial consortia isolated during the biological degradation of palm oil mill waste.

Therapeutic Values of Earthworm Species Extract from Azad Kashmir as Anticoagulant, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Agents.

AIMS: Current research aimed to explore the therapeutic values of different earthworms as antibacterial, anticoagulant, and antioxidant agents. METHODS: Ten different earthworms, i.e., Amynthas corticis, Amynthas gracilis, Pheretima posthuma, Eisenia fetida, Aporrectodea rosea, Allolobophora chlorotica, Aporrectodea trapezoides, Polypheretima elongata, Aporrectodea caliginosa, and Pheretima hawayana, were collected and screened for biological activities. Antibacterial effect analysis of earthworm species was done against fourteen bacterial pathogens, i.e., Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1), Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella flexneri, Enterobacter amnigenus, Serratia odorifera, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2), Staphylococcus warneri, and Lactobacillus curvatus, via agar well diffusion, crystal violet, MTT, agar disc diffusion, and direct bioautography assays. Antioxidant potential was evaluated through ABTS and DPPH assays. Lipolytic, proteolytic, and amylolytic assays were done for lipase, protease, and amylase enzymes confirmation. In vitro anticoagulant effects were examined in the blood samples by measuring prothrombin time. RESULTS: Results revealed that all earthworm extracts showed the inhibition of all tested bacterial pathogens except P. aeruginosa (1), P. aeruginosa (2), S. warneri, and L. curvatus. The maximum zone of inhibition of E. coli was recorded as 14.66 ± 0.57 mm by A. corticis, 25.0 ± 0.0 mm by P. posthuma, 20.0 ± 0.0 mm by E. fetida, and 20.0 ± 0.0 mm by A. trapezoid. Cell proliferation, biofilm inhibition, the synergistic effect of extracts along with antibiotics, and direct bioautography supported the results of agar well diffusion assay. Similarly, P. hawayana, A. corticis, A. caliginosa, and A. trapezoids increase the prothrombin time more efficiently compared to other earthworms. A. corticis, A. gracilis, A. rosea, A. chlorotica, P. elongata, and A. trapezoides showed maximum DPPH scavenging potential effect. CONCLUSIONS: The coelomic fluid of earthworms possessed several bioactive compounds/enzymes/antioxidants that play an important role in the bacterial inhibition and act as anticoagulant agents. Therefore, the development of new therapeutic drugs from invertebrates could be effective and potential for the prevention of the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Establishment of the upstream processing for renewable production of hydrogen using vermicomposting-tea and molasses as substrate.

This study aimed to establish the optimal operational conditions for hydrogen production using vermicomposting-tea and sugarcane molasses as substrate. The experiments were carried out by triplicate in 110 ml serological bottles, a Box-Behnken design of experiments was performed in anaerobic dark conditions. The maximal hydrogen production (HP), hydrogen production rate (HPR), and hydrogen yield (HY) attained were 1021.0 mlL-1, 5.32 mlL-1h-1, and 60.3 mlLH2-1/gTCC, respectively. The statistical model showed that the optimal operational conditions for pH, molasses concentration, and temperature were 6.5; 30 % (v/v) and 25 °C. The bioreactor run showed 17.202 L of hydrogen, 0.58 Lh-1, and 77.2 mlH2gTCC-1 For HP, HPR, and HY. Chemometric analysis for the volatile fatty acids obtained at the fermentation showed that only two principal components are required to explain 90 % of the variance. The representative pathways for hydrogen production were acetic and butyric acids. This study established the operational conditions for the upstream processing amenable to pilot and industrial-scale operations. Our results add value to molasses within the circular economy for hydrogen production using a novel consortium from vermicompost.

Differential Gene Expression Induced by Acute Exposure to Water Accommodated Fraction (WAF) and Chemically Enhanced WAF (CEWAF) of Light Crude Oil and Nokomis 3-F4 in Limulus polyphemus Larvae.

In 2018 we evaluated at 48 h and 96 h, the gene expression profile of larvae of Limulus polyphemus exposed to 10% and 100% of water-accommodated fraction (WAF) of light crude oil (API 35), and 10% and 100% of a chemically enhanced WAF (CEWAF) with the dispersant Nokomis 3-F4® in a static-acute (96 h) bioassay. Alkanes and PAHs concentrations were higher in CEWAF than in WAF stock solutions. Under the proved conditions, the expression profile of genes associated to detoxification processes (glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase), stress (heat shock protein), innate immunity (tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 traf4), cell death (apoptosis inhibitor 5) and DNA repairing (E3 ubiquitin protein ligase), showed a deregulation at 48 h followed by an upregulation at 96 h, with exception of glutathione peroxidase, heat shock protein and innate immunity that remained low in CEWAF. In conclusion, by using genes that have been proposed as biomarkers to pollutants exposure, L. polyphemus larvae showed an early activation of genes related to the immune system, antioxidant, heat shock and NER.

Sensibilidad ética en estudiantes versus profesionales de enfermería / Ethical sensitivity in nursing students and professionals / Sensibilidade ética em estudantes e profissionais de enfermagem

RESUMEN Objetivo: comparar la sensibilidad ética de estudiantes de una universidad privada del estado de Puebla versus profesionales de enfermería adscritos a instituciones de salud. Método: comparativo, prospectivo y de corte transversal, en 217participantes divididos en 109 para estudiantes y 108 para profesionales. Se aplicó el instrumento de sensibilidad ética. Se aplico estadística descriptiva y ANOVA de un factor. Resultados:la sensibilidad etica de las enfermeras y enfermeros en general es alta (= 73.14 ±15.38); Sin embargo, en relación al grado académico el promedio de la sensibilidad ética fue más alto en la licenciatura en enfermería (= 74.41 ±14.47) y posgrado en enfermería (= 73.77 ±11.57) en comparación el postécnico en enfermería (= 69.78 ±18.22). Al realizar el análisis de varianza de la ANOVA de un factor,se muestra que no existe diferencia entre el grado académico y la sensibilidad ética (F= 1.865, p = .167). Conclusión: la sensibilidad ética en estudiantes como profesionales de enfermería es alta y no cambia a pesar de que estén en ámbitos hospitalarios o universitarios, por lo que en la profesión de enfermería existen valores consistentes en sus diferentes ámbitos.

ABSTRACTObjective:to compare the ethical sensitivity of students from a Public University of the state of Puebla versus nursing professionals assigned to health institutions. Method:comparative, prospective, cross-sectional, in 217 participants divided into 109 for students and 108 for professionals. The instrument of ethical sensitivity was applied. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were applied. Results:the Ethical Sensitivity of Nurses in general is high (X̅= 73.14 ±15.38); However, in relation to the academic degree, the average ethical sensitivity was higher in the undergraduate nursing (X̅= 74.41 ±14.47) and postgraduate in nursing (X̅= 73.77 ±11.57) compared to the post-technical in nursing (X̅= 69.78 ±18.22). When performing the one-way ANOVA analysis of variance, it is shown that there is no difference between academic grade and ethical sensitivity (F = 1.865, p = .167). Conclusion: the ethical sensitivity in students as nursing professionalsis high and does not change even though they are in hospital or university settings, so that in the nursing profession there are consistent values in its different fields.

RESUMOObjetivo:comparar a sensibilidade ética de estudantes de uma universidade privada do estado de Puebla com profissionais de enfermagem designados a instituições de saúde. Método:comparativo, prospectivo y transversal, com 217 participantes divididos em 109 estudantes e 108 profissionais. Foi aplicado o instrumento de sensibilidade ética. Estatísticas descritivas e ANOVA de uma via foram aplicadas. Resultados:a sensibilidade ética dos enfermeiros em geral é alta (X̅= 73,14 ±15,38), porém, em relação ao grau acadêmico, a média da sensibilidade ética foi maior na graduação em enfermagem (X̅= 74,41 ±14,47) e na pós-graduação em enfermagem (X̅= 73,77 ±11,57) em comparação àpós-técnica em enfermagem (X̅= 69,78±18,22). Ao realizar a análise de variância ANOVA de um fator, émostrado que não hádiferença entre a nota acadêmica e a sensibilidade ética (F = 1,865, p = 0,167). Conclusão:a sensibilidade ética dos estudantes como profissionais de enfermagem é elevada e não se altera mesmo estando em ambientes hospitalares ou universitários, de modo que na profissão de enfermagem existem valores consistentes em suas diferentes áreas.

Effectiveness of vermicomposting for bioconversion of grape marc derived from red winemaking into a value-added product.

Grape marc, the main solid by-product of the wine industry, can be used as a nutrient-rich organic amendment if treated appropriately before its application into soil. In this study, we evaluated the potential of vermicomposting to process grape marc derived from the red winemaking of Mencía grapes in order to yield a high-quality, polyphenol-free organic vermicompost that could be used as an environmentally friendly fertiliser. We observed that the grape marc from this cultivar appears to be an optimum substrate for feeding earthworms providing optimum conditions for growth and reproduction, and sufficient energy to sustain large populations. Moreover, earthworm activity favoured the stabilisation of the grape marc resulting in a final vermicompost characterised by a higher concentration of macro- and micro-nutrients and a reduced polyphenol content after 112 days of vermicomposting. Lower values of microbial activity, indicative of stabilised materials, were recorded at the end of the process. These findings highlight vermicomposting as an environmentally sound management system for processing grape marc that could easily be scaled up for industrial application.

Bacterial succession and functional diversity during vermicomposting of the white grape marc Vitis vinifera v. Albariño.

Winemaking produces millions of tons of grape marc, a byproduct of grape pressing, each year. Grape marc is made up of the skins, stalks, and seeds remaining after pressing. Raw grape marc can be hazardous to the environment due to its low pH and high polyphenol content, but previous work has shown that grape marc can be stabilized via vermicomposting to produce organic fertilizer. Here, we utilize 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to characterize the bacterial community composition, diversity and metabolic function during vermicomposting of the white grape marc Vitis vinifera v. Albariño for 91 days. Large, significant changes in the bacterial community composition of grape marc vermicompost were observed by day 7 of vermicomposting and throughout the duration of the experiment until day 91. Similarly, taxonomic and phylogenetic α-diversity increased throughout the experiment and estimates of ß-diversity differed significantly between time points. Functional diversity also changed during vermicomposting, including increases in cellulose metabolism, plant hormone synthesis, and antibiotic synthesis. Thus, vermicomposting of white grape marc resulted in a rich, stable bacterial community with functional properties that may aid plant growth. These results support the use of grape marc vermicompost for sustainable agricultural practices in the wine industry.

Strategies for recycling and valorization of grape marc.

Grapes are one of the most cultivated fruit crops worldwide. Either for wine or juice production, grape processing generates a large amount of residues that must be treated, disposed of or reused properly to reduce their pollution load before being applied to the soil. In this review, a special focus is given to the treatment and valorization of the winemaking by-product like grape marc via anaerobic digestion, composting and vermicomposting at laboratory, pilot, and industrial scales. The impact of the final products (digestates, composts, and vermicomposts) on soil properties is briefly addressed. Moreover, the role of grape marc and seeds as a valuable source of natural phytochemicals that include polyphenols and other bioactive compounds of interest for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries is also discussed. This is of paramount importance given the fact that sustainability requires the use of management and valorization strategies that allow the recovery of valuable compounds (e.g. antioxidants) with minimum disposal of waste streams.

Bioconversion of Scotch broom into a high-quality organic fertiliser: Vermicomposting as a sustainable option.

Wild Scotch broom ( Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link) shrubs are widely distributed throughout the world and, in some countries, are considered to be a threat to other plant species. The use of plant biomass from Scotch broom as a fertiliser seems to be the optimum solution for its disposal because it contains considerable amounts of macronutrients. However, its direct application to soils may cause phytotoxicity due to the release of polyphenols, which could negatively affect crop growth. This study evaluated the efficiency of vermicomposting in processing this leguminous plant on an industrial scale. Vermicomposting substantially reduced the biomass of Scotch broom (by 84%), mainly as a result of the loss of volatile solids. Simultaneously, the initial population of earthworms ( Eisenia andrei) increased remarkably throughout the process, offering the possibility of obtaining earthworm protein for animal feed. A nutrient-rich and stabilised peat-like material without polyphenol-associated phytotoxicity was obtained after 42 days of vermicomposting. Lower values of microbial biomass and activity, indicative of stabilised materials, were recorded at the end of the trial. These findings suggest that vermicomposting is an environmentally sound management system for Scotch broom and could easily be scaled up for industrial application.

Cantidad de dientes perdidos en sujetos fumadores, no fumadores y exfumadores / Number of lost teeth in smokers, nonsmokers and ex-smokers

Introducción: El tabaquismo afecta la salud de millones de personas y está relacionado con la presencia de periodontitis. Objetivo: Determinar la cantidad de dientes perdidos en personas fumadoras, exfumadoras y no fumadoras en una muestra del sur de Tamaulipas. Material y métodos: Es un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. Se incluyeron 80 personas que acudieron a la Clínica Dental de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas y que dieron su consentimiento informado. Mediante interrogatorio se determinó la condición de tabaquismo como fumador, exfumador o no fumador, además se registró el género y la edad en los sujetos examinados. En radiografías panorámicas se revisaron la cantidad de dientes presentes en la cavidad oral de individuos fumadores, no fumadores y exfumadores. Se utilizaron descriptivos de tendencia central, Rho de Spearman para establecer correlación y ANOVA para el análisis de los datos en el programa SPSS 21 de IBM a un alfa 0.05. Resultados: Se observó que los hombres fuman más que las mujeres. Se identifi caron diferencias estadísticamente signifi cativas entre el tipo de fumador y la cantidad de dientes perdidos (p < 0.05). Se identifi có una relación positiva en fumadores (r = 0.77) comprobando que a mayor edad, mayor cantidad de dientes perdidos. Conclusiones: Las personas que fuman tienen mayor cantidad de dientes perdidos que las que no fuman. Los individuos que fueron fumadores tienen menos dientes que los que no fuman. A mayor edad de los individuos fumadores mayor cantidad de dientes perdidos (AU)

Introduction: Smoking affects the health of millions of people and is related to the presence of periodontitis. Objective: To determine the amount of teeth lost in smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers in a sample of southern Tamaulipas. Material and methods: This is an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study. We included 80 people who came to the Dental Clinic of the Faculty of Dentistry of the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas and gave their informed consent. Through questioning the smoking status was determined as a smoker, ex-smoker or non-smoker, and gender and age were recorded in the subjects examined. The number of teeth present in the oral cavity of smokers, nonsmokers and former smokers was reviewed in panoramic radiographs. Central tendency descriptive, Rho Spearman for establishing correlation and ANOVA were used for the analysis of the data in the SPSS 21 software from IBM to an alpha 0.05. Results: It was observed that men smoke more than women. Statistically signifi cant diff erences were identifi ed between the type of smoker and the number of teeth lost (p < 0.05). A positive relationship was identifi ed in smokers (r = 0.77), identifying that the older the number of missing teeth. Conclusions: People who smoke have more lost teeth than those who do not smoke. Individuals who were smokers have fewer teeth than nonsmokers. The older the smokers, the greater number of missing teeth (AU)

Factores asociados a mal pronóstico en pacientes con sangrado digestivo bajo en un hospital público / Poor outcome factors associated to patients with lower digestive bleeding in a public hospital

Introducción: El sangrado digestivo bajo (SDB) es una entidad cuyas tasas de complicaciones y mortalidad se han incrementado en las últimas décadas. Si bien se han identificado algunos factores relacionados a mal pronóstico, aún quedan variables por evaluar. Objetivo: Identificar factores de mal pronóstico en pacientes que presentaron SDB en el Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins de Lima, Perú. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional analítico de tipo cohorte retrospectivo. Se realizó un censo de todos los pacientes que presentaron SDB agudo entre enero 2010 y diciembre 2013. Las variables principales a evaluar fueron frecuencia cardiaca ≥100/min, presión arterial sistólica <100 mmHg y hematocrito bajo (≤35%) al ingreso. Se definió mal pronóstico como cualquiera de los siguientes criterios: muerte durante la hospitalización, sangrado que requiera transfusión de ≥4 unidades de sangre, reingreso dentro del primer mes, o necesidad de cirugía de hemostasia. Resultados: Se incluyó un total de 341 pacientes con SDB, de los cuales el 27% tuvo mal pronóstico y 2% fallecieron. Se encontró como variables asociadas a mal pronóstico: frecuencia cardiaca ≥100/min al ingreso (RR: 1,75, IC 95% 1,23-2,50), presión arterial sistólica <100 mmHg al ingreso (RR: 2,18, IC 95% 1,49-3,19), hematocrito ≤35% al ingreso (RR: 1,98, IC 95% 1,23-3,18) y sangrado de origen no determinado (RR: 2,74, IC 95% 1,73-4,36). Conclusiones: Frecuencia cardiaca elevada al ingreso, hipotensión sistólica al ingreso, hematocrito bajo al ingreso y presentar un sangrado en el cual no se encuentra el punto de origen son factores que incrementan el riesgo de presentar mal pronóstico, por lo que se recomienda un monitoreo más estricto en estos pacientes

Background: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is an event that has shown an increase in complications and mortality rates in the last decades. Although some factors associated with poor outcome have been identified, there are several yet to be evaluated. Objective: To identify risk factors for poor outcome in patients with LGIB in the Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins of Lima, Peru. Material and methods: A prospective analytic observational cohort study was made, and a census was conducted with all patients with acute LGIB between January 2010 and December 2013. The main variables were heart rate ≥100/min, systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg and low hematocrit (≤35%) at admission. Poor outcome was defined as any of the following: death during hospital stay, bleeding requiring transfusion of ≥4 blood packs, readmission within one month of hospital discharge, or the need for hemostatic surgery. Results: A total of 341 patients with LGIB were included, of which 27% developed poor outcome and 2% died. Variables found to be statistically related to poor outcome were: heart rate ≥ 100/min at admission (RR: 1.75, IC 95% 1.23-2.50), systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg at admission (RR: 2.18, IC 95% 1.49-3.19), hematocrit ≤35% at admission (RR: 1.98, IC 95% 1.23-3.18) and LGIB of unknown origin (RR: 2.74, IC 95% 1.73-4.36). Conclusions: Elevated heart rate at admission, systolic hypotension at admission, low hematocrit at admission and having a LGIB of unknown origin are factors that increase the risk of developing poor outcome, and these patients should be monitored closely due to their higher risk of complications

[Poor outcome factors associated to patients with lower digestive bleeding in a public hospital]. / Factores asociados a mal pronóstico en pacientes con sangrado digestivo bajo en un hospital público.

BACKGROUND: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is an event that has shown an increase in complications and mortality rates in the last decades. Although some factors associated with poor outcome have been identified, there are several yet to be evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for poor outcome in patients with LGIB in the Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins of Lima, Peru. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective analytic observational cohort study was made, and a census was conducted with all patients with acute LGIB between January 2010 and December 2013. The main variables were heart rate ≥100/min, systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg and low hematocrit (≤35%) at admission. Poor outcome was defined as any of the following: death during hospital stay, bleeding requiring transfusion of ≥4 blood packs, readmission within one month of hospital discharge, or the need for hemostatic surgery. RESULTS: A total of 341 patients with LGIB were included, of which 27% developed poor outcome and 2% died. Variables found to be statistically related to poor outcome were: heart rate ≥ 100/min at admission (RR: 1.75, IC 95% 1.23- 2.50), systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg at admission (RR: 2.18, IC 95% 1.49-3.19), hematocrit ≤35% at admission (RR: 1.98, IC 95% 1.23-3.18) and LGIB of unknown origin (RR: 2.74, IC 95% 1.73-4.36). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated heart rate at admission, systolic hypotension at admission, low hematocrit at admission and having a LGIB of unknown origin are factors that increase the risk of developing poor outcome, and these patients should be monitored closely due to their higher risk of complications.

Earthworm-induced carboxylesterase activity in soil: Assessing the potential for detoxification and monitoring organophosphorus pesticides.

Soil enzyme activities are attracting widespread interest due to its potential use in contaminant breakdown, and as indicators of soil deterioration. However, given the multiple environmental and methodological factors affecting their activity levels, assessment of soil pollution using these biochemical endpoints is still complex. Taking advantage of the well-known stimulatory effect of earthworms on soil microbes, and their associated enzyme activities, we explored some toxicological features of carboxylesterases (CbEs) in soils inoculated with Lumbricus terrestris. A microplate-scale spectrophotometric assay using soil-water suspensions was first optimized, in which kinetic assay parameters (Km, Vmax, dilution of soil homogenate, and duration of soil homogenization) were established for further CbE determinations. Optimal conditions included a soil-to-water ratio of 1:50 (w/v), 30-min of shaking, and 2.5mM of substrate concentration. As expected, CbE activity increased significantly in soils treated with L. terrestris. This bioturbed soil was used for exploring the role of CbE activity as a bioscavenger for organophosphorus (OP) pesticides. Soil treated with two formulations of chlorpyrifos revealed that CbE activity was a significant molecular sink for this pesticide, reducing its impact on soil microbial activity as shown by the unchanged dehydrogenase activity. Dose-dependent curves were adjusted to an exponential kinetic model, and the median ecological dose (ED50) for both pesticide formulations was calculated. ED50 values decreased as the time of pesticide exposure increased (14 d-ED50s=20.4-26.7 mg kg(-1), and 28 d-ED50s=1.8-2.3 mg kg(-1)), which suggested that chlorpyrifos was progressively transformed into its highly toxic metabolite chlorpyrifos-oxon, but simultaneously was inactivated by CbEs. These results were confirmed by in vitro assays that showed chlorpyrifos-oxon was a more potent CbE inhibitor (IC50=35.5-4.67 nM) than chlorpyrifos (0.41-0.84 µM). The results showed that earthworm-induced CbE activity is an efficient bioscavengers for OP pesticides, acting as a soil safeguarding system. Moreover, the simple dose-response curves against OP exposure suggest that this enzyme--combined with other enzyme activities (e.g., dehydrogenase)--may be a suitable biomarker of pesticide exposure.

Efecto de la adición de metformina a un pretratamiento con esteroides en pacientes adultos con leucemia linfoblástica aguda y en la viabilidad de la línea celular MOLT-4 / Effect of metformin to a pretreatment with steroids in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and in the viability of the MOLT-4 cell line

Introducción: metformina es un medicamento antidiabético evaluado en varios modelos in vitro e in vivo de cáncer ya que es capaz de incrementar la proteincinasa activada por adenosin monofosfato y bloquear las vías de señalización tumoral. Objetivo: evaluar los efectos antitumorales de metformina en línea celular MOLT-4 en pacientes bajo tratamiento de inducción a la remisión. Materiales y métodos: fase in vitro: ensayo en línea celular MOLT-4 adicionando metformina 40 mM evaluando la viabilidad y ciclo celular mediante citometría de flujo. Fase clínica: Estudio de casos y controles en pacientes portadores de leucemia linfoblástica aguda de novo, adicionando metformina 850 mg cada ocho horas en etapa de pretratamiento e inducción a la remisión, contra el registro histórico del protocolo institucional HGMLAL07. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el test de chi-cuadrado, estudio multivariado para factores de riesgo y evaluación del efecto sobre la remisión mediante Odds Ratio. Resultados: ensayo celular: meformina inhibió la viabilidad celular a las 120 horas, reduciendo el porcentaje de células en fase S. Estudio clínico: en un total de 151 pacientes, el 29,1% correspondieron al brazo de metformina. La mayor tasa de respuesta favorable a esteroides como de remisiones completas se encontraron en los pacientes que recibieron metformina (59,1% versus 26,2% y 81,8% versus 57,9%) con significancia estadística (p= 0.000* y 0,006 95% IC). Conclusiones: la adición de metformina a la quimioterapia incremento la respuesta favorable a esteroides y las tasas de remisiones completas. In vitro, y semejante a otros modelos, metformina arresta a las células en G0 /G1 , induciendo una disminución en la viabilidad celular.

Introduction: metformin, antidiabetic drug evaluated in several in vitro and in vivo cancer models, is able of increasing the adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase and block tumor signaling pathways. Objetive: to evaluate the antitumor effects of metformin in MOLT-4 cell line and in patients under treatment for remission induction. Materials and methods: in vitro phase: essay in MOLT-4 cell line adding metformin 40 mM evaluating the viability and cell cycle by flow cytometry. Clinic phase: Case-control study in patients with de novo acute lymphoblastic leukemia, adding metformin three time a day on pretreatment stage and remission induction, against the historical record of the institutional protocol HGMLAL07. Statistical analysis: chi-square analysis, multivariate analysis for risk factors and evaluation of the effect over the remission by Odds ratio. Results: celular assay: metformina inhibited cell viability at 120 hours reducing the percentage of cells in phase S. Clinical assay: 151 patients were studied, 29.1% on metformina arm. The highest rate of good steroid response and complete remissions were found in patients who received metformin (59,1% versus 26,2% and 81,8% vs 57,9%) statistically significant (p= 0.000* and 0.006, 95% IC). Conclusions: the addition of metformin to chemotherapy increased the good steroids response to steroids and rates of complete remissions. In vitro, and similar to other models, metformin arrest cells in G0 /G1 , inducing a decrease in cell viability.

Use of ethyl lactate to extract bioactive compounds from Cytisus scoparius: Comparison of pressurized liquid extraction and medium scale ambient temperature systems.

An important trend in the extraction of chemical compounds is the application of new environmentally friendly, food grade solvents. Ethyl lactate (ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate), produced by fermentation of carbohydrates, is miscible with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds being a potentially good solvent for bioactive compounds. Despite its relatively wide use as a general solvent, the utilization of ethyl lactate as an extraction solvent has only recently been considered. Here, we evaluate the possible use of ethyl lactate to extract phenolic compounds from wild plants belonging to Cytisus scoparius, and we compare the characteristics of the extracts obtained by Pressurized Solvent Extraction (the total phenolics content, the antioxidant activity and the concentration of the major polyphenols) with those of other extracts obtained with methanol. In order to explore the industrial production of the ethyl lactate Cytisus extract, we also evaluate medium scale ambient temperature setups. The whole plant and the different parts (flowers, branches, and seed pods) were evaluated separately as potential sources of polyphenols. All extracts were analyzed by LC-MS/MS for accurate identification of the major polyphenols. Similar phenolic profiles were obtained when using ethyl lactate or methanol. The main bioactives found in the Cytisus extract were the non-flavonoid phenolic compounds caffeic and protocatechuic acids and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde; the flavonoids rutin, kaempferol and quercetin; the flavones chrysin, orientin and apigenin; and the alkaloid lupanine. Regarding the comparison of the extraction systems, although the performance of the PLE was much better than that of the ambient-temperature columns, the energy consumption was also much higher. Ethyl lactate has resulted an efficient extraction solvent for polyphenols from C. scoparius, yielding extracts with high levels of plant phenolics and antioxidant activity. The antimicrobial activity of these extracts was also tested, showing antibacterial activity against Gram +ve bacteria. Qualitatively similar extracts were obtained either by using PLE or medium-scale-ambient-temperature systems, these last rendering larger volumes of extract with lower energy cost. Good results have been obtained with whole plant extracts; nevertheless, extracts enriched in a particular polyphenol can be obtained from different parts of the plant.

Vermicomposting grape marc yields high quality organic biofertiliser and bioactive polyphenols.

Grape is the largest fruit crop in the world, and most (80%) of the harvested fruit is used to make wine. The main by-product of the wine industry is called grape marc, which consists of the stalks, skin, pulp and seeds that remain after pressing the grapes. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether grape marc could be processed by vermicomposting on an industrial scale to yield both a high-quality organic, polyphenol-free fertiliser and grape seeds (as a source of bioactive polyphenols). Vermicomposting reduced the biomass of grape marc substantially (by 58%), mainly as a result of the loss of volatile solids. After 2 weeks, the process yielded a nutrient-rich, microbiologically active and stabilised peat-like material that was easily separated from the seeds by sieving. Although the polyphenol content of the seeds was considerably reduced, this disadvantage was outweighed by the ease of separation of the seeds. Separation of the seeds also eliminated the polyphenol-associated phytotoxicity from the vermicompost. The seeds still contained useful amounts of polyphenols, which could be directly extracted for use in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. The procedure described is effective, simple and economical, and could easily be scaled up for industrial application.

Biospeciation of tungsten in the serum of diabetic and healthy rats treated with the antidiabetic agent sodium tungstate.

It is known that oral administration of sodium tungstate preserves the pancreatic beta cell function in diabetic rats. Healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with sodium tungstate for one, three or six weeks, after which the species of W in serum, were analysed. An increase in serum W with treatment time was observed. After six weeks, the serum W concentration in diabetic rats (70 mg L(-1)) was about 4.6 times higher than in healthy specimens. This different behaviour was also observed for Cu accumulation, while the Zn pattern follows the contrary. The patterns observed in the retention of Cu and Zn may be attributable to a normalization of glycaemia. The speciation analysis of W was performed using 2D separations, including an immunoaffinity packing and a SEC (Size Exclusion Chromatography) column coupled to an ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) for elemental detection. Ultrafiltration data together with SEC-ICP-MS results proved that around 80% of serum W was bound to proteins, the diabetic rats registering a higher W content than their healthy counterparts. Most of the protein-bound W was due to a complex with albumin. An unknown protein with a molecular weight higher than 100 kDa was also found to bind a small amount of W (about 2%). MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight) analysis of the desalted and concentrated chromatographic fractions confirmed albumin as the main protein bound to tungstate in rat serum, while no binding to transferrin (Tf) was detected. The interaction between glutathione and W was also evaluated using standard solutions; however, the formation of complexes was not observed. The stability of the complexes between W and proteins when subjected to more stringent procedures, like those used in proteomic methodologies (denaturing with urea or SDS, boiling, sonication, acid media, reduction with ß-mercaptoethanol (BME) or DTT (dithiotreitol) and alkylation with iodoacetamide (IAA), was also evaluated. Our results indicate that the stability of the complexes between W and proteins is not too high enough to remain unaltered during protein separation by SDS-PAGE in denaturing and reducing conditions. However, the procedures for in-solution tryptic digestion and for ESI-MS analysis in MeOH/H(2)O/with 0.1% formic acid could be used for protein identification without large loss of binding between W and proteins.