General-purpose programmable photonic processor for advanced radiofrequency applications.

A general-purpose photonic processor can be built integrating a silicon photonic programmable core in a technology stack comprising an electronic monitoring and controlling layer and a software layer for resource control and programming. This processor can leverage the unique properties of photonics in terms of ultra-high bandwidth, high-speed operation, and low power consumption while operating in a complementary and synergistic way with electronic processors. These features are key in applications such as next-generation 5/6 G wireless systems where reconfigurable filtering, frequency conversion, arbitrary waveform generation, and beamforming are currently provided by microwave photonic subsystems that cannot be scaled down. Here we report the first general-purpose programmable processor with the remarkable capability to implement all the required basic functionalities of a microwave photonic system by suitable programming of its resources. The processor is fabricated in silicon photonics and incorporates the full photonic/electronic and software stack.

Phytochemical analysis and antihyperglycemic activity of Castilleja arvensis.

Castilleja genus comprises approximately 211 species, some of them exhibiting potential in treating various diseases. Remarkably, despite its abundance, there is a significant lack of scientific studies that explore the chemical composition and/or therapeutic activity of this genus. In this work, the chemical composition of Castilleja arvensis was determined, and its antihyperglycemic activity was evaluated in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo. Hydroalcoholic extract of C. arvensis (HECa) was obtained from the maceration of aerial parts. HECa was fractionated by liquid-liquid extractions to obtain the CH2Cl2 fraction (DF), EtOAc fraction (EF), n-BuOH fraction (BF) and aqueous residue (AR). The antihyperglycemic activity was determined in vivo through oral glucose and sucrose tolerance tests in normoglycemic CD-1 mice. Ex vivo assays were performed to determine intestinal glucose absorption, muscular glucose uptake and hepatic glucose production. α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was evaluated in vitro. Phytochemical screening was carried out through conventional chromatography techniques. Structure elucidation of the isolated compounds was performed by GC-MS and NMR experiments. HECa, its fractions and AR showed significant antihyperglycemic activity in vivo. According to the in vitro and ex vivo assays, this effect can be attributed to different mechanisms of action, including a delay in intestinal glucose absorption, an improvement in insulin sensitivity, and the regulation of hepatic glucose production. These effects may be due to different metabolites identified in fractions from the HECa, including genkwanin, acacetin, verbascoside and ipolamiide. Thus, current research shows that C. arvensis is an important source of bioactive compounds for the management of glycemia.

Enriched-biochar application increases broccoli nutritional and phytochemical content without detrimental effect on yield.

BACKGROUND: Soil fertility is a major concern during vegetable production. Conventional versus organic fertilization has been studied in order to conserve soil properties. While some reports point out an increase in food nutritional properties, the loss of crop yield under organic conditions continues to be a problem. Thus, an experiment with broccoli in the field was carried out, comparing crop management under conventional fertilization (CF) and two soil amendment treatments: manure pellet (M) and an enriched-biochar (EB) supplemented by an organic fertilizer (AND) applied alone (M + CF; EB+AND) or in combination (M + EB + AND). Crop yield and the nutritional properties in the flowering heads (mineral content, phenolic compounds and glucosinolates (GSLs)), were determined. RESULTS: Enriched-biochar and manure as a standalone amendment resulted in higher crop yield regarding CF, but not when they were applied in combination. The number of flowering heads with no-commercial characteristics was lower after enriched-biochar soil application. Finally, enriched-biochar treatment enhanced NO3 - , PO4 3- and SO4 2- levels in the flowering heads, and some of the ion contents can be associated with mineral changes in the soil after the biochar amendment. Also, the contents of phenolic compounds and indole GSLs were higher after enriched-biochar application compared with the other treatments, GSL increase being due to the higher percentage of sulfur in the plant rather that an adequate N/S ratio. CONCLUSION: Application of enriched-biochar amendment in the cultivation of broccoli is appropriate, since there are no losses of yield and an increase in nutritional compounds in the flowering heads. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Effect, Antioxidant Activity, and Polyphenolic Content of Extracts from Capsicum chinense By-Products.

By-products of Capsicum chinense Jacq., var Jaguar could be a source of bioactive compounds. Therefore, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect, antioxidant activity, and their relationship with the polyphenol content of extracts of habanero pepper by-products obtained from plants grown on black or red soils of Yucatán, Mexico. Moreover, the impact of the type of extraction on their activities was evaluated. The dry by-product extracts were obtained by maceration (ME), Soxhlet (SOX), and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Afterward, the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect (TPA-induced ear inflammation) and the in vitro antioxidant activity (ABTS) were evaluated. Finally, the polyphenolic content was quantified by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC), and its correlation with both bioactivities was analyzed. The results showed that the SFE extract of stems of plants grown on red soil yielded the highest anti-inflammatory effect (66.1 ± 3.1%), while the extracts obtained by ME and SOX had the highest antioxidant activity (2.80 ± 0.0052 mM Trolox equivalent) and polyphenol content (3280 ± 15.59 mg·100 g-1 dry basis), respectively. A negative correlation between the anti-inflammatory effect, the antioxidant activity, and the polyphenolic content was found. Overall, the present study proposed C. chinense by-products as a valuable source of compounds with anti-inflammatory effect and antioxidant activity.

Evaluation of a patient-centered integrated care program for individuals with frequent hospital readmissions and multimorbidity.

Managing patients with multimorbidity and frequent hospital readmissions is a challenge. Integrated care programs that consider their needs and allow for personalized care are necessary for their early identification and management. This work aims to describe these patients' clinical characteristics and evaluate a program designed to reducing readmissions. This prospective study analyzed all patients with ≥ 3 admissions to a medical department in the previous year who were included in the Internal Medicine Department chronic care program at the Lucus Augusti University Hospital (Lugo, Spain) between April 1, 2019 and April 30, 2021. A multidimensional assessment, personalized care plan, and proactive follow-up with a case manager nurse were provided via an advanced hospital system. Clinical and demographic variables and data on healthcare system use were analyzed at 6 and 12 months before and after inclusion. Descriptive and survival analyses were performed. One hundred sixty-one patients were included. Program participants were elderly (mean 81.4 (SD 11) years), had multimorbidity (10.2 (3) chronic diseases) and polypharmacy (10.6 (3.5) drugs), frequently used the healthcare system, and were highly complex. Most were included for heart failure. The program led to significant reductions in admissions and emergency department visits (p = .0001). A total of 44.7% patients died within 1 year. The PROFUND Index showed good predictive ability (p = .013), with high values associated with mortality (RR 1.15, p = .001). Patients with frequent hospital readmissions are highly complex and need special care. A personalized integrated care program reduced admissions and allowed for individualized decision-making.

Evaluation of antihyperglycemic activity of plants in northeast mexico.

iabetes mellitus is one of the most common non-contagious diseases. In 2017, The International Diabetes Federation reported that around 425 million people suffer from diabetes worldwide. Medications used for the treatment of diabetes lead to unwanted side effects, and thus, new safe drugs are necessary. Some natural plant-based products exhibit anti hyperglycemic activity and low toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity (using both in vitro and in vivo models) as well as cytotoxicity of the extracts obtained from various plants. Nine extracts from a total of eight plant species were subjected to in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. Subsequently, they were assessed through the ex vivo everted sac assay, and finally, the in vivo antihyperglycemic activity was evaluated. The extracts obtained from Ceanothus coeruleus, Chrysactinia mexicana and Zanthoxylum fagara inhibited the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase in the in vitro assays. Ethyl acetate and hydroalcoholic extracts from Jatropha dioica, hydroalcoholic extract from Salvia ballotaeflora and Chrysactinia mexicana, as well as methanolic extract from Ricinus communis and Zanthoxylum fagara significantly reduced the glucose uptake in the ex vivo everted intestinal sac test. All the eight extracts showed antihyperglycemic effect through the in vivo model of the Glucose Tolerance Test, using starch as the carbohydrate source.  The antihyperglycemic effect of the extracts could be mediated through the inhibition of digestive enzymes and/or the absorption of glucose through the intestine. However, the mechanism of action for the hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia texana and the methanolic extract of Turnera diffusa, which showed a strong in vivo antihyperglycemic effect, is unclear.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Microvascular Variations in Pre- and Posttreatment of Retinoblastoma Tumors.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to describe variations in microvasculature before and after treatment of treatment-naive lesions and during consolidation therapy of retinoblastoma lesions using an investigational portable optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) system. METHODS: This study is a single-center, prospective, observational case series. Recruited subjects were either undergoing surveillance for retinoblastoma or had newly detected retinoblastoma. Nine tumors from 7 eyes in 6 patients were included. During exams under anesthesia, the tumors were imaged with an investigational portable OCTA system. OCTA images were analyzed to assess vascular changes before and after treatment. RESULTS: In all 6 presented cases, OCTA imaging revealed distinctive vascular patterns, such as dilated feeder arteries and draining veins, disorganized and complex branching patterns, irregular vessel calibers, and dilation and tortuosity of vessels. After treatment, OCTA imaging revealed decreased intrinsic tumor vascularity and reduced dilation of draining and feeder vessels. Tumor relapse demonstrated prominent vascularity (n = 1) that resolved on repeat OCTA after transpupillary thermotherapy treatment. Type 2 (n = 1), 3 (n = 6), and 4 (n = 1) tumor regression patterns were seen in our patients after treatment, and OCTA findings were consistent with a previously published report. Interestingly, in one of the presented cases, OCTA demonstrated clear feeder, draining, and intrinsic tumor vessels that were not as evident on fluorescein angiography. CONCLUSIONS: OCTA may offer a noninvasive and sensitive technique to evaluate the vasculature of both the tumor and the surrounding retina in retinoblastoma. With additional research and development into its use in patients with retinoblastoma, OCTA may one day be useful in assessing treatment response and residual tumor activity.

Assessment of metal ion accumulation in oral mucosa cells of patients with fixed orthodontic treatment and cellular DNA damage: a systematic review.

Intraoral fixed appliances remain in the potentially corrosive environment of the mouth for an average of two years. Over time, corrosion causes the release of metal ions, such as nickel and chromium. These metals can become allergenic and cytotoxic, causing different conditions in the human body. The aim of this study therefore is to carry out a systematic review of the available scientific evidence on the accumulation of metal ions, and the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in oral mucosa cells deriving from short- and long-term exposure to them. The systematic review is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The primary outcome (quantification of metal ion deposits and assessment of their genotoxic and/or cytotoxic effects) and secondary outcome (complementary analysis of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects) were examined. The Cochrane Collaboration tool and Toxicological data Reliability Assessment Tool (ToxRTool) were used for quality assessment. Once the search was performed, a total of seven articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. Two main techniques were used to assess genotoxic effects: alkaline comet assay (6/7) and micronucleus method (1/7). Cytotoxicity was evaluated (4/7) using the trypan blue dye test. Accumulations of nickel (7/7), chromium (5/7), and other metals (zinc, cobalt, iron, manganese, molybdenum, titanium) were also quantified. The results allowed us to conclude that release of metal ions and acute cell and DNA damage in oral mucosa cells takes place in the early stages of treatment. However, more long-term studies are needed to evaluate chronic exposure to metals and DNA damage, as well as cellular capacity to recover DNA integrity.

[Evaluation of the hypoglycemic effect of a peptide fraction of chia seeds (Salvia hispánica L.) in male Wistar rats induced with alloxan]. / Evaluación del efecto hipoglucemiante de una fracción peptídica de las semillas de chía (Salvia hispanica L.) en ratas macho Wistar inducidas con aloxano.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: diabetes research with peptides from foods has been conducted in animal experiments to be later applied to humans. Objective: the main purpose of this work was to evaluate in rats the hypoglycemic effect of a peptide fraction of chia seeds derived by enzymatic hydrolysis. Materials and methods: from chia flour a protein-rich fraction was obtained, which was hydrolyzed with pepsin-pancreatin system enzymes to yield a peptide fraction (> 10 kDa) by ultrafiltration. Five rat groups (one normoglycemic and four diabetized with alloxan) were used. A sucrose tolerance curve was performed, providing the disaccharide before measurement. Blood was taken from the tip of the tail at 0 (before sugar), 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Results: the protein content of chia flour was 49.51 %. The peptide fraction (> 10 kDa) had 91 % of protein. A dose of 50 mg/kg showed in rats a tendency to decrease blood glucose within the first hour, but no significance was found between the target and the doses evaluated. There was no decrease in glucose absorption vs. the reference drug. At 120 min postprandial, no differences were found between doses, water, and acarbose, showing a return to the baseline status. The tolerance curve in diabetic rats was opposite to that of acarbose, so there was no relationship between the drug's mechanism of action and this analyzed effect. Conclusion: the peptide fraction of chia of > 10 kDa showed no hypoglycemic effect at the single dose that was administered.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: se han realizado investigaciones sobre la diabetes con péptidos de diferentes fuentes alimentarias en animales experimentales para aplicarse después en los seres humanos. Objetivo: la finalidad de este trabajo fue evaluar en ratas el efecto hipoglucemiante de una fracción peptídica de chía obtenida por hidrólisis enzimática. Materiales y métodos: de la harina de chía se obtuvo una fracción rica en proteína que fue hidrolizada con pepsina-pancreatina, generándose una fracción peptídica (> 10 kDa) por ultrafiltración. Se utilizaron cinco grupos de ratas (uno de normoglucémicas y cuatro de diabetizadas con aloxano). Se realizó una curva de tolerancia a la sacarosa, proporcionándoles el disacárido antes de la medición. La sangre se tomó de la punta de la cola a los 0, 30, 60, 90 y 120 minutos. Resultados: el contenido proteico de la harina fue del 49,51 %. La fracción peptídica (> 10 kDa) presentó un 91 % de proteína; de esta se suministró una dosis de 50 mg/kg que demostró una tendencia a la disminución de la glucosa sanguínea en la primera hora, aunque no se encontró significancia entre el blanco y las dosis evaluadas. No hubo disminución de la absorción de glucosa frente al fármaco de referencia. A los 120 min del periodo postprandial no se encontraron diferencias entre las dosis, el blanco y la acarbosa, lo que denota un retorno al estado basal. Los valores en las ratas diabetizadas fueron opuestos a los de la acarbosa, por lo que no existió relación entre el mecanismo de acción del fármaco con el efecto analizado. Conclusión: las fracciones peptídicas de chía de > 10 kDa no presentaron efecto hipoglucemiante con la dosis única suministrada.

Sobre el suicidio en los profesionales de la salud y la importancia de la creación de estrategias desde un enfoque holístico / On suicide in health professionals and the importance of creating strategies from a holistic approach / Sobre o suicídio em profissionais de saúde e a importância da criação de estratégias a partir de uma abordagem holística

RESUMEN El presente artículo tiene como finalidad analizar y plantear posibles soluciones desde un enfoque holístico para la prevención del suicidio en la comunidad médica, puesto que, es una realidad social que debe ser atendida ya que se encuentra en crecimiento, siendo los profesionales de la salud los que presentan una mayor tasa de suicidio frente a otras profesiones. Por consiguiente, se indaga acerca de los principales factores de riesgo desde el ámbito psicosocial y se cuestiona la forma en cómo se da la formación de los ^ profesionales de la Ciencia de la Salud, ya que se considera que este responde a exigencias sociales y económicas del sector de la salud, pero deja olvidada las condiciones laborales, sociales y psicológicas de los prestadores de salud. En este orden de ideas y reconociendo el escenario globalizado en el que la sociedad está inmersa, es relevante propender por la indagación directa del origen del estrés en el ámbito laboral, analizar las condiciones laborales y los riesgos implícitos a los que se encuentra expuesto el médico dentro de la organización, para poder así brindar herramientas oportunas y preventivas en torno a la disminución de las tasas de suicidios.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to analyze and propose possible solutions from a holistic approach for the prevention of suicide in the medical community, since it is a social reality that must be addressed since it is growing, with health professionals being the that present a higher suicide rate compared to other professions. Consequently the main risk factors are investigated from the psychosocial field and the way in which the training of Health Science professionals is given is questioned, since it is considered that this responds to social and economic demands of the health sector, but neglects the working, social and psychological conditions of health providers. In this order of ideas and recognizing the globalized scenario in which society is immersed, it is relevant to tend to directly investigate the origin of stress in the workplace, analyze working conditions and the implicit risks to which the doctor is exposed within the organization, in order to provide timely and preventive t°°ls around the decrease in suicide rates.

RESUMO O objetivo do artigo é analisar e propor possíveis soluções a partir de uma abordagem holística para a prevenção do suicídio na comunidade médica, visto que se trata de uma realidade social que deve ser abordada porque está em crescimento, sendo os profissionais de saúde quem têm uma taxa de suicídio mais elevada em comparação com outras profissões. Os principais fatores de risco são investigados a partir do campo psicossocial e questiona-se a forma como se dá a formação dos profissionais das Ciências da Saúde, por considerar-se que esta responde às demandas sociais e econômicas do setor saúde, mas deixa esquecidas as condições laborais, sociais e psicológicas dos prestadores deste setor Reconhecendo o cenário globalizado em que a sociedade está imersa, é relevante investigar diretamente a origem do estresse no ambiente de trabalho, analisar as condições de trabalho e os riscos implícitos a que o médico está exposto dentro da organização, a fim de assim, fornecer ferramentas oportunas e preventivas em torno da redução das taxas de suicídio.

Epigenome-wide association meta-analysis of DNA methylation with coffee and tea consumption.

Coffee and tea are extensively consumed beverages worldwide which have received considerable attention regarding health. Intake of these beverages is consistently linked to, among others, reduced risk of diabetes and liver diseases; however, the mechanisms of action remain elusive. Epigenetics is suggested as a mechanism mediating the effects of dietary and lifestyle factors on disease onset. Here we report the results from epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) on coffee and tea consumption in 15,789 participants of European and African-American ancestries from 15 cohorts. EWAS meta-analysis of coffee consumption reveals 11 CpGs surpassing the epigenome-wide significance threshold (P-value <1.1×10-7), which annotated to the AHRR, F2RL3, FLJ43663, HDAC4, GFI1 and PHGDH genes. Among them, cg14476101 is significantly associated with expression of the PHGDH and risk of fatty liver disease. Knockdown of PHGDH expression in liver cells shows a correlation with expression levels of genes associated with circulating lipids, suggesting a role of PHGDH in hepatic-lipid metabolism. EWAS meta-analysis on tea consumption reveals no significant association, only two CpGs annotated to CACNA1A and PRDM16 genes show suggestive association (P-value <5.0×10-6). These findings indicate that coffee-associated changes in DNA methylation levels may explain the mechanism of action of coffee consumption in conferring risk of diseases.

Magnolol and Honokiol: Two Natural Compounds with Similar Chemical Structure but Different Physicochemical and Stability Properties.

Magnolia spp. extracts are known for their use in traditional Korean, Chinese, and Japanese medicine in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, and allergies. Among their main components with pharmacological activity, the most relevant are magnolol and honokiol, which also show antitumoral activity. The objectives of this work were to study some physicochemical properties of both substances and their stability under different conditions of temperature, pH, and oxidation. Additionally, liposomes of honokiol (the least stable compound) were formulated and characterized. Both compounds showed pH-dependent solubility, with different solubility-pH profiles. Magnolol showed a lower solubility than honokiol at acidic pH values, but a higher solubility at alkaline pH values. The partition coefficients were similar and relatively high for both compounds (log Po/w ≈ 4.5), indicating their lipophilic nature. Honokiol was less stable than magnolol, mainly at neutral and basic pH values. To improve the poor stability of honokiol, it was suitably loaded in liposomes. The obtained liposomes were small in size (175 nm), homogeneous (polydispersity index = 0.17), highly negatively charged (-11 mV), and able to incorporate high amounts of honokiol (entrapment efficiency = 93.4%). The encapsulation of honokiol in liposomes increased its stability only at alkaline pH values.

Postharvest LED lighting: effect of red, blue and far red on quality of minimally processed broccoli sprouts.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study was to evaluate physiological and quality changes of minimally processed broccoli sprouts illuminated during postharvest storage under blue, red and far-red LED lighting as compared to darkness or illumination with fluorescent light, as control treatments. RESULTS: Morphological and microbiological changes were determined during 15 days at 5 °C. In addition, total antioxidant activity and bioactive compound changes throughout the shelf life were also monitored. Results showed that far-red LED lighting increased hypocotyl and sprout length, decreased microbial growth and improved the total antioxidant and scavenging activities, compared to darkness and fluorescent lighting treatments. However, it did not stimulate the biosynthesis of phenolic acids. In contrast, blue LED light reduced by 50% the total antioxidant capacity of broccoli sprouts compared to far-red treatment, as well as morphological development. In addition, total scavenging activity was increased under far-red LED light compared with the other treatments by 12-10% (darkness and fluorescence) and 33-31% (blue and red LEDs). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that minimally processed sprouts may benefit from LED lighting during shelf life in terms of quality, although further experiments should be conducted to optimize a proper exposure cycle and intensity aiming for use in the distribution chain. The results also open the way for further development towards the integration of this technology in the food distribution chain.

[Antihypertensive, antihyperglycemic, and antioxidant effects of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (creole variety INIFAP C01) extracts on Wistar rats with induced metabolic syndrome]. / Efecto antihipertensivo, antihiperglucemiante y antioxidante de los extractos de Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (variedad criolla INIFAP C01) en ratas Wistar con síndrome metabólico inducido.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: medicinal plants have demonstrated therapeutic applications for treating different diseases, including chronic and degenerative diseases associated with metabolic syndrome. Objectives: to assess the weight control and the antihypertensive, antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Stevia rebaudiana (creole variety INIFAP C01) leaves and stems cultivated in the Muna and Mocochá municipalities (Yucatán, México). Methods: aqueous and ethanolic extracts of leaves (HAMU and HEMU, respectively) and stems (TAMU and TEMU, respectively) from Muna, and aqueous and ethanolic extracts of leaves (HAMO and HEMO, respectively) and stems (TAMO and TEMO, respectively) from Mocochá were orally administered to Wistar male rats induced to metabolic syndrome. Weight, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in blood plasma were measured. Results: TAMU and HAMO samples reduced weight by 1.91 % and 1.57 %, respectively. On the other hand, HEMU and HAMU samples reduced systolic (PAS) and diastolic (PAD) blood pressure levels by 29.31-30.47 % and 36.69-36.98 %. In the glucose tolerance test (GTT) HEMU showed a reduction in blood sugar levels of 10.94 % on the first day, and of 14.83 % on day 30. TEMO and TAMO samples showed lower malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations of 7.0 and 7.3 µM, respectively. HEMU and TEMU showed a higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration of 1.29 and 1.12 U/mL, respectively. Conclusions: extracts of S. rebaudiana can help to control weight gain, to decrease blood pressure and the incidence of diabetes, and to reduce oxidative damage.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: las plantas medicinales han mostrado tener aplicaciones terapéuticas en el tratamiento de diferentes enfermedades, entre ellas las enfermedades crónicas degenerativas presentes en el síndrome metabólico (SM). Objetivos: evaluar el efecto en el control del peso, así como el efecto antihipertensivo, antihiperglucémico y antioxidante, de extractos acuosos y etanólicos de hojas y tallos de Stevia rebaudiana, variedad criolla INIFAP C01, producidas en los municipios de Muna y Mocochá (Yucatán, México). Métodos: se administraron por vía oral extractos acuosos y etanólicos de hojas (HAMU y HEMU, respectivamente) y tallos procedentes de Muna (TAMU y TEMU, respectivamente), así como extractos acuosos y etanólicos de hojas (HAMO y HEMO, respectivamente) y tallos de Mocochá (TAMO y TEMO, respectivamente), a ratas Wistar macho en las que se indujo un SM. Se registraron los pesos y se midieron los niveles de presión arterial (PA) y glucosa en sangre, así como los niveles de malondialdehído (MDA) y superóxido-dismutasa (SOD) en plasma sanguíneo. Resultados: TAMU y HAMO mostraron porcentajes de reducción del peso del 1,91 % y 1,57 %, respectivamente. HEMU y HAMU mostraron porcentajes de reducción de la presión arterial sistólica (PAS) y diastólica (PAD) del 30,47-29,31 % y 36,98-36,69 %, respectivamente. En el test de tolerancia oral a la glucosa (TTOG), HEMU mostró porcentajes de reducción de la glucosa sanguínea del 10,94 % en el día uno y del 14,83 % en el día 30. TEMO y TAMO mostraron una menor concentración de MDA, de 7,0 y 7,3 µM, respectivamente, y HEMU y TEMU mostraron una mayor concentración de SOD, de 1,29 y 1,12 U/mL, respectivamente. Conclusiones: los extractos de S. rebaudiana pueden ayudar a controlar el aumento de peso, disminuir las cifras de presión arterial y la incidencia de diabetes, y reducir el daño oxidativo.

Efficacy of 1-α-Hydroxycholecalciferol Supplementation in Young Broiler Feed Suggests Reducing Calcium Levels at Grower Phase.

Increasing biopotency of cholecalciferol (D3) from vitamin sources is essential in the poultry industry to meet nutritional demands and counter stressors. D3 exhibits hormonal traits and is responsible for calcium (Ca) absorption. 1-α-Hydroxycholecalciferol (1α) is a synthetic form of D3 that has equal efficacy and is cheaper to synthesize than 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (active form of D3), on broilers. However, 1α bypasses a critical regulatory point, the kidney, and may consequently lead to toxicity levels of Ca via Ca absorption. This study examined 1α supplementation in broiler diets with different Ca inclusion levels to determine if 1α at higher Ca levels caused Ca toxicity at starter and grower phases with Ross 708 male broiler chicks. In Experiment 1 (1-15 days of age), chicks were assigned to one of 10 treatment starter diets with five levels of Ca inclusion (0.80, 0.95, 1.10, 1.25, and 1.40%) with or without 1α supplementation (5 µg 1α/kg in feed) and eight replicate cages per treatment. In Experiment 2, chicks were fed common starter diet until 16 days of age, and then they were assigned to one of eight treatment diets with four levels of Ca inclusion (0.54, 0.76, 0.98, or 1.20%) with or without 1α supplementation (5 µg 1α/kg in feed). At the end of both experiments, blood was collected from broilers to determine blood chemistry, including concentrations of vitamin D metabolites. Intestinal tissues were also collected to examine gene expression. In Experiment 1, broilers not fed 1α exhibited a quadratic effect in ionized blood Ca (iCa) as dietary Ca inclusion levels increased; 1α-fed broilers displayed an increase in iCa as Ca inclusion levels increased (p = 0.0002). For Experiment 2, 1α-fed broilers displayed a decrease in 25-hydroxycholecalciferol plasma concentration as dietary Ca inclusion levels increased (p = 0.035); also, increasing Ca inclusion in diets increased expression of duodenal sodium phosphate cotransporter type II b (NPTIIb, p = 0.03). Our findings imply that inclusion of 1α was beneficial because 1α enhanced Ca absorption during the starter phase; however, to avoid potential Ca toxicity or antagonism while using 1α during the grower phase, there should be consideration with reducing dietary Ca levels.

A Cecropia peltata ethanolic extract reduces insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in rats fed a high-fat diet.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cecropia peltata L. (CP) leaves have been used in Latin American traditional medicine by its purported hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic effects of an ethanolic extract of CP leaves in rats fed a high-fat diet and 10% of sugar in water (HFD). METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1 was fed a control diet; groups 2, 3 and 4 were fed a HFD. In addition, group 3 was co-administered with 10 mg/kg/day of CP extract (HFD + CP) and group 4 with a solution of 5 mg/kg/day metformin (HFD + M) for 90 days. RESULTS: Body weight gain and serum triglycerides were significantly decreased in the HFD + CP group compared with the HFD and HFD + M groups. Glucose tolerance increased in the HFD + CP compared with the HFD group. Administration with CP extract reduced adipose tissue lipolysis and lipid accumulation in liver of HFD + CP rats with respect to HFD and HFD + M groups. Histological examinations showed that the area of the adipocytes in WAT and the area of lipid vesicles in BAT were significantly smaller in the HFD + CP group than in the HFD and HFD + M groups. CONCLUSION: Administration of a CP extract prevented glucose intolerance and hepatic lipid accumulation in rats fed a HFD in association with reduced adipocyte hypertrophy, demonstrating potential antidiabetic properties.

Cuando crear sinergia no siempre es Salud: Análisis y propuesta en la evolución del Sistema de Salud en Perú / When creating Synergy is not always Health: Analysis and Proposal on the Evolution of the Health System in Peru

Resumen Los sistemas de salud, basados en los principios de atención primaria, entendida como primer contacto y atención continua, integral, integrada, y coordinada, logran mejores resultados y mayor equidad en salud que los sistemas con orientación centrada sólo en la atención especializada. La propuesta de Redes Integradas de Salud (RIS) en Perú señala que operarán mediante una cartera de atención integral de salud en redes, que atiendan a las necesidades de la población. El presente artículo de revisión reconoce que para ello se debe impulsar un proceso de modificación del sistema de salud, basado en la Atención Primaria, reconociendo las lecciones aprendidas, debe identificar los valores y principios que generen los cimientos para el desarrollo de políticas de estado en salud centradas en las prioridades nacionales de manera que los cambios sociales respondan a las necesidades y expectativas de toda la población. Ello debe impulsar cambios en la legislación, en criterios evaluativos, en generación y asignación de los recursos, enfoque prestacional y en la operación del sistema sanitario a través de sus componentes organizacionales y funcionales que permiten organizar las políticas, programas y servicios. El desarrollo de RIS en grandes ciudades requiere cambiar la lógica de la prestación materno infantil, hacia un enfoque integrado basado en el perfil epidemiológico, de riesgos y vulnerabilidades, teniendo como motor impulsor, un robusto sistema de referencia y contrarreferencia integrado (emergencias, ambulatorio, hospitalización). Se debe actualizar y aprobar un modelo de atención, remodelar la estructura, adecuar la actual infraestructura, infoestructura, recurso humano, equipamiento y los procesos operativos (operaciones) al interior de los establecimientos de salud certificados y adecuados de la RIS.

Summary Health systems, based on primary care principles, understood as first contact and continuous, comprehensive, integrated, and coordinated healthcare, achieve better results and greater equity in health than systems with a focus only on specialized care. The proposal of Integrated Health Networks (RIS) in Peru indicates that they will operate through a portfolio of comprehensive healthcare in networks, which meet the needs of the population. This review article recognizes that for this, a process of modifying the health system based on Primary Care should be promoted, acknowledging the lessons learned, identifying the values and principles that generate the foundations for the development of state health policies focused on national priorities so that social changes must respond to the needs and expectations of the population. This should promote changes in legislation, in evaluative criteria, in the generation and allocation of resources, in performance approach and in the operation of the health system through its organizational and functional components that allow an adequate organization of health policies, programs and services. The development of RIS in larger cities requires changing the focus on mother-child provision towards an integrated approach based on the epidemiological, risks and vulnerabilities profile, having as a driving engine, a robust integrated referral and counter-referral system (emergencies, outpatient, and hospitalization). A model of care must be updated and approved, modeling the structure, adapting the current infrastructure, human resources, equipment and operational processes (operations) within the certified and adequate health facilities of the RIS.

Using Health Information Technology to Engage African American Women on Nutrition and Supplement Use During the Preconception Period.

Importance: Healthy nutrition and appropriate supplementation during preconception have important implications for the health of the mother and newborn. The best way to deliver preconception care to address health risks related to nutrition is unknown. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial designed to study the impact of conversational agent technology in 13 domains of preconception care among 528 non-pregnant African American and Black women. This analysis is restricted to those 480 women who reported at least one of the ten risks related to nutrition and dietary supplement use. Interventions: An online conversational agent, called "Gabby", assesses health risks and delivers 12 months of tailored dialogue for over 100 preconception health risks, including ten nutrition and supplement risks, using behavioral change techniques like shared decision making and motivational interviewing. The control group received a letter listing their preconception risks and encouraging them to talk to a health care provider. Results: After 6 months, women using Gabby (a) reported progressing forward on the stage of change scale for, on average, 52.9% (SD, 35.1%) of nutrition and supplement risks compared to 42.9% (SD, 35.4) in the control group (IRR 1.22, 95% CI 1.03-1.45, P = 0.019); and (b) reported achieving the action and maintenance stage of change for, on average, 52.8% (SD 37.1) of the nutrition and supplement risks compared to 42.8% (SD, 37.9) in the control group (IRR 1.26, 96% CI 1.08-1.48, P = 0.004). For subjects beginning the study at the contemplation stage of change, intervention subjects reported progressing forward on the stage of change scale for 75.0% (SD, 36.3%) of their health risks compared to 52.1% (SD, 47.1%) in the control group (P = 0.006). Conclusion: The scalability of Gabby has the potential to improve women's nutritional health as an adjunct to clinical care or at the population health level. Further studies are needed to determine if improving nutrition and supplement risks can impact clinical outcomes including optimization of weight. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT01827215.

In Vitro Digestion of Human Milk: Influence of the Lactation Stage on the Micellar Carotenoids Content.

Human milk is a complex fluid with nutritive and non-nutritive functions specifically structured to cover the needs of the newborn. The present study started with the study of carotenoid composition during progress of lactation (colostrum, collected at 3-5 d postpartum; mature milk, collected at 30 d postpartum) with samples donated from full-term lactating mothers (women with no chronic diseases, nonsmokers on a regular diet without supplements, n = 30). Subsequently, we applied an in vitro protocol to determine the micellarization efficiency of the carotenoids, which were separated by HPLC and quantified by the external standard method. That in vitro protocol is tailored for the biochemistry of the digestive tract of a newborn. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first report of carotenoids micellar contents, obtained in vitro. This study reveals, from the in vitro perspective, that colostrum and mature milk produce significant micellar contents of carotenoids despite lipids in milk are within highly complex structures. Indeed, the lactation period develops some influence on the micellarization efficiency, influence that might be attributed to the dynamics of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) during the progress of lactation.