Optimized carotenoid production and antioxidant capacity of Gordonia hongkongensis.

The current emphasis within the cosmetic market on sustainable ingredients has heightened the exploration of new sources for natural, active components. Actinomycetota, recognized for producing pigments with bioactive potential, offer promising functional cosmetic ingredients. This study aimed to optimize pigment and antioxidant metabolite production from the Gordonia hongkongensis strain EUFUS-Z928 by implementing the Plackett-Burman experimental design and response surface methodology. Extracts derived from this strain exhibited no cytotoxic activity against human primary dermal fibroblast (HDFa, ATCC® PCS-201-012™, Primary Dermal Fibroblast; Normal, Human, Adult). Eight variables, including inoculum concentration, carbon and nitrogen source concentration, NaCl concentration, pH, incubation time, temperature, and stirring speed, were analyzed using the Plackett-Burman experimental design. Subsequently, factors significantly influencing pigment and antioxidant metabolite production, such as temperature, inoculum concentration, and agitation speed, were further optimized using response surface methodology and Box-Behnken design. The results demonstrated a substantial increase in absorbance (from 0.091 to 0.32), DPPH radical scavenging capacity (from 27.60% to 84.61%), and ABTS radical scavenging capacity (from 17.39% to 79.77%) compared to responses obtained in the isolation medium. The validation of the mathematical model accuracy exceeded 90% for all cases. Furthermore, liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) facilitated the identification of compounds potentially responsible for enhanced pigment production and antioxidant capacity in extracts derived from G. hongkongensis. Specifically, six carotenoids, red-orange pigments with inherent antioxidant capacity, were identified as the main enhanced compounds. This comprehensive approach effectively optimized the culture conditions and medium of a G. hongkongensis strain, resulting in enhanced carotenoid production and antioxidant capacity. Beyond identifying bioactive compounds and their potential cosmetic applications, this study offers insights into the broader industrial applicability of these extracts. It underscores the potential of G. hongkongensis and hints at the future utilization of other untapped sources of rare actinomycetes within the industry.

[Exercise and the detection of severe acute mountain sickness]. / Ejercicio y la detección del mal agudo de montaña grave.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a group of non-specific symptoms, seen in subjects that ascend from low to high altitude too quickly, without allowing sufficient time to acclimatize. Usually it is self-limiting, but the severe forms (pulmonary and cerebral edema) can be fatal. Exaggerated hypoxemia at rest is related to later development of AMS but its predictive value is limited. Since exercise at altitude induces greater hypoxemia and symptoms, we postulated the predictive value of a simple exercise test to prognosticate severe AMS. We studied the predictive value of the oxygen saturation during rest and sub-maximum exercise at 2.700 m and 4.300 m in 63 subjects that intended the ascent to Mount Aconcagua (6.962 m). We considered exercise oxygen desaturation to a drop of 5% respect to the resting value. Lake-Louise Score was used to quantify the presence of severe AMS. Six subjects developed severe AMS (9.5%) and required evacuation. Resting oxygen saturation at 2.700 m was not significant to classify subjects that then developed severe AMS. The association of oxygen desaturation during exercise at 2.700 m plus inappropriate resting oxygen saturation at 4.300 m was significant to classify the subjects that then developed severe AMS with a positive predictive value of 80% and a negative predictive value of 97%. Our results are relevant for mountaineering and suggest the use of a simple exercise test in the prediction of severe AMS.

Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation investigation of fibronectin adsorption dynamics driven by electrical stimulation onto a conducting and partially biodegradable copolymer.

Functional surface coatings are a key option for biomedical applications, from polymeric supports for tissue engineering to smart matrices for controlled drug delivery. Therefore, the synthesis of new materials for biological applications and developments is promising. Hence, biocompatible and stimuli-responsive polymers are interesting materials, especially when they present conductive properties. PEDOT-co-PDLLA graft copolymer exhibits physicochemical and mechanical characteristics required for biomedical purposes, associated with electroactive, biocompatible, and partially biodegradable properties. Herein, the study of fibronectin (FN) adsorption onto PEDOT-co-PDLLA carried out by an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation is reported. The amount of FN adsorbed onto PEDOT-co-PDLLA was higher than that adsorbed onto the Au surface, with a significant increase when electrical stimulation was applied (either at +0.5 or -0.125 V). Additionally, FN binds to the copolymer interface in an unfolded conformation, which can promote better NIH-3T3 fibroblast cell adhesion and later cell development.

Assessment of the moisturizing properties of a magnetic mask containing iron oxide particles.

BACKGROUND: Moisturizer is an important component of many cosmetic products. It helps to maintain the skin's integrity and its barrier functions. Recently, magnetic masks that seek to improve the properties of the skin have been developed and have become a new cosmetic trend. However, scientific proof of their stated properties is lacking. AIMS: To test whether iron oxide contained in a face mask with magnetic properties in an oily matrix with a freeze-dried aloe-vera base increases moisturization of the skin and improves skin barrier function. METHODS: Formulations were prepared containing an oil phase (67.3% wt.) and a solid phase (32.7% wt.). The moisturizing properties of the mask were tested by measuring in vivo electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, contact angle, and visual appearance. Meanwhile, human panel tests were performed to evaluate the sensory perception of potential users. RESULTS: The moisturizing effect of the iron oxide mask is clearly superior to that of the other tested samples. Water retention and low transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were evidenced for the iron oxide magnetic mask. Its occlusive action on the skin resulted in larger water contact angles and enhances the barrier effect. A favorable sensory perception on the part of the users was obtained for the iron oxide magnetic mask. CONCLUSION: The presence of iron oxide and the magnetic property of the mask enhance occlusive behavior, diminishing the TEWL. Sensory analysis of the iron oxide magnetic mask performed by human panel tests shows that they possess characteristics including neutral odor, and easy, pleasant-feeling application.

[Polymorphisms of the pfmdr1 gene in field samples of Plasmodium falciparum and their association with therapeutic response to antimalarial drugs and severe malaria in Colombia]. / Polimorfismos del gen pfmdr1 en muestras clínicas de Plasmodium falciparum y su relación con la respuesta terapéutica a antipalúdicos y paludismo grave en Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: The pfmdr1 gene of Plasmodium falciparum has been described as a gene conferring resistance to several antimalarial drugs. In particular, polymorphisms on specific codons have been associated with resistance and treatment failure with cloroquine, amodiaquine and mefloquine. However, the role of these polymorphisms in treatment response to antimalarials remains unexplored in Colombia. Furthermore, the relationship of these polymorphisms to severe malaria is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This work studied the association of the Asn 86Tyr and Asp1246Tyr pfmdr1 polymorphisms with response to cloroquine, amodiaquine and mefloquine treatment in three municipalities of Antioquia, and severe malaria cases from the municipality Tumaco. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The polymorphisms were assessed by nucleic acid amplification followed by restriction length polymorphism analysis. RESULTS: The wild-type codon Asn 86 was detected in 97% of the clinical samples from the treatment response study. No association was detected between this polymorphism and treatment failure to the three antimalarials administered. The 1246Tyr polymorphism was detected with a higher frequency in the samples from Antioquia 92% (130/141) than in those from Tumaco 22% (20/89). However, again, no association was found between the presence of a specific polymorphism and the presence of severe malaria in the municipality of Tumaco. CONCLUSIONS: The 86Tyr and 1246Tyr polymorphisms of the pfmdr1 gene are not useful as predictors of treatment failure or severe malaria in the municipalities studied. In addition, we report for the first time, the presence of the mutant codon 86Tyr in field samples in South America.

Influence of Surface Treatment on Magnetic Properties of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Synthesized by Electrochemical Method.

The changes of magnetic properties in magnetite nanoparticles during two different stabilization processes were investigated. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were obtained by electrochemical synthesis from two kinds of salts: (CH3)4NCl and NaCl. After that, two methods-steric and electrostatic-were used to stabilize MNPs with oleic acid (OA) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), respectively. As a consequence, aqueous and organic dispersions were obtained after surface modification. The coated nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, zeta potential, thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), cyclic voltammetry (CV), magnetization measurements, and infrared and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The results showed that the particles were between 8 and 13 nm in size. In addition, the MNPs were coated with negative charge layers from NaOH by physisorption and coated with carboxylate groups from OA by the chemisorption process, and hence, they exhibited different reactivity and behavior depending on the nature of the electrolyte used in the electrochemical synthesis. Furthermore, the uncoated and coated MNPs had a narrow size distribution. Additionally, the saturation magnetization values showed dependence on the magnetite synthesis conditions and surface modifiers.

Prácticas de crianza y comunicación familiar: una estrategia para la socialización primaria / Parenting and family communication practices: a strategy for primary socialization

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo principal identificar cómo la comunicación familiar y las prácticas de crianza influyen en la socialización de los niños. Para el desarrollo de la indagación se tuvieron en cuenta tres categorías: prácticas de crianza, comunicación familiar y socialización primaria, las cuales se describen a lo largo del artículo. La metodología que se utilizó fue la investigación cualitativa, desde un enfoque metodológico hermenéutico y con la modalidad del estado del arte, lo que permitió hacer un rastreo relevante de bibliografía relacionada con el tema a tratar. Finalmente, los resultados dan cuenta de la relación que tiene la práctica parental y la comunicación familiar expresadas en un hogar, sobre la manera en la que empieza a relacionarse el niño en su entorno.

In this research, the main objective was to identify how family communication and raising practices influence children's socialization. The development of the inquiry took into account three categories: parenting, family communication, and primary socialization, practices which will be described throughout the article. The methodology used was qualitative research, from a hermeneutic methodological approach and State of the art method, which allowed to make a relevant trace of literature related to the subject. Finally, the results state the relationship between parental practice and family communication expressed in a home, about the way in which the child begins to relate the with their environment.

ORIGEN GEOGRÁFICO Y BOTÁNICO DE MIELES DE Apis mellifera (APIDAE) EN CUATRO DEPARTAMENTOS DE COLOMBIA / Geographical and Botanical Origin of Apis mellifera (APIDAE) Honey in four Colombian Departments

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar marcadores palinológicos que permitieran caracterizar el origen geográfico y botánico de mieles provenientes de los departamentos de Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Santander y Magdalena. Se realizaron análisis melisopalinológicos de 184 muestras de miel procedentes de 131 apiarios. Se determinaron diferencias significativas entre tipos de mieles mediante un análisis discriminante y comparando la composición de especies entre las muestras. En total se encontraron 297 especies distribuidas en 69 familias, dentro de las cuales las más representativas fueron Mimosa sp., Cecropiasp., Eucalyptus sp., Piper sp. y Quercus humboldtii . Las familias más importantes fueron Fabaceae, Asteraceae,Myrtaceae, Rubiaceae, Fagaceae, y Melastomataceae. Se lograron determinar seis grupos de mieles diferenciadas por su origen geográfico: altiplano Cundiboyacense, Medio Chicamocha, Sumapaz, Bajo Chicamocha, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta y provincia Comunera; también se encontraron diferencias entre las mieles de las regiones andinas y subandinas. Dentro de los tipos de mieles diferenciadas por origen botánico predominaron las mieles monoflorales de Trifolium Pratense, Coffeaarabica, Eucalyptus sp., Inga sp. y Heliocarpus americanus, mieles oligoflorales de asteráceas y mezclas de mielato de Q. humboldtii y néctar floral (Eucalyptus sp. tipo Brassicaceae, asteráceas). La información de este trabajo junto con la obtenida en análisis fisicoquímicos y sensoriales servirá de base para que los apicultores puedan solicitar la denominación de origen de estas mieles.

The aim of this work was to find palynological markers which permit differentiate honeys from the departments of Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Santander and Magdalena, by its geographical and botanical origin. Melissopalynological analyses were made of 184 honey samples obtained from 131 localities. A discriminant analysis and comparisons between the species composition of honey samples were made to find geographical and botanical origin differences. A total of 297 pollen species distributed in 69 families was found, being Mimosa sp., Cecropiasp., Eucalyptus sp., Piper sp. and Quercus humboldtii the most representatives. The major families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Myrtaceae, Rubiaceae, Fagaceae and Melastomataceae. Six honey groups differentiated by its geographical origin were found: Altiplano Cundiboyacense, Medio Chicamocha, Sumapaz, Bajo Chicamocha, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Comunera Province. In a broader scale, honeys from the Andean and sub-Andean regions could be differentiated as well. Between the honey types differentiated by its botanical origin, the most important were monofloral honeys of Trifolium Pratense, Coffeaarabica, Eucalyptus sp., Inga sp. and Heliocarpus americanus, Asteraceae oligofloral honeys and mixtures of Q. humboldtii honeydew and floral nectar (Eucalyptus sp., Brassicaceae Type, Asteraceae). This information in addition to the obtained by physicochemical and sensorial analysis, may be the basis to acquire honeys´ origin denomination.

Polimorfismos del gen pfmdr1 en muestras clínicas de Plasmodium falciparum y su relación con la respuesta terapéutica a antipalúdicos y paludismo grave en Colombia / Polymorphisms of the pfmdr1 gene in field samples of Plasmodium falciparum and their association with therapeutic response to antimalarial drugs and severe malaria in Colombia

Introducción. El gen pfmdr1 de Plasmodium falciparum se describió como un gen de resistencia a diversos antipalúdicos. Sin embargo, no se han estudiado el papel de su polimorfismo en la respuesta terapéutica al tratamiento con antipalúdicos en Colombia, ni su relación con paludismo grave. Objetivos. Este trabajo determinó la asociación entre los polimorfismos Asn86Tir y Asp1246Tir del gen pfmdr1 con la respuesta terapéutica a cloroquina, amodiaquina y mefloquina, en tres municipios antioqueños, y la asociación de estos polimorfismos con paludismo grave en muestras de pacientes del municipio de Tumaco. Materiales y métodos. Los polimorfismos del gen pfmdr1 se determinaron mediante amplificación de ácidos nucleicos y análisis con enzimas de restricción. Resultados. El alelo silvestre Asn86 se encontró en 97 por ciento (137/141) de las muestras en el estudio de respuesta terapéutica a cloroquina, amodiaquina y mefloquina; no se observó ninguna asociación entre su presencia y la falla terapéutica como sí lo reportan otros autores. El alelo 1246Tir se encontró en una alta proporción en el estudio de respuesta terapéutica, tanto en las muestras del día cero como en los del día de la falla después del tratamiento con los antipalúdicos. Conclusiones. Los polimorfismos 86Tir y 1246Tir en el gen pfmdr1 no son útiles como factores de predicción de falla terapéutica o paludismo grave en los municipios estudiados. Este estudio describe por primera vez la presencia del alelo 86Tir en cuatro muestras clínicas de Suramérica.

Introduction. The pfmdr1 gene of Plasmodium falciparum has been described as a gene conferring resistance to several antimalarial drugs. In particular, polymorphisms on specific codons have been associated with resistance and treatment failure with cloroquine, amodiaquine and mefloquine. However, the role of these polymorphisms in treatment response to antimalarials remains unexplored in Colombia. Furthermore, the relationship of these polymorphisms to severe malaria is unknown. Objective. This work studied the association of the Asn86Tyr and Asp1246Tyr pfmdr1 polymorphisms with response to cloroquine, amodiaquine and mefloquine treatment in three municipalities of Antioquia, and severe malaria cases from the municipality Tumaco. Materials and methods.The polymorphisms were assessed by nucleic acid amplification followed by restriction length polymorphism analysis. Results. The wild-type codon Asn86 was detected in 97% of the clinical samples from the treatment response study. No association was detected between this polymorphism and treatment failure to the three antimalarials administered. The 1246Tyr polymorphism was detected with a higher frequency in the samples from Antioquia 92% (130/141) than in those from Tumaco 22% (20/89). However, again, no association was found between the presence of a specific polymorphism and the presence of severe malaria in the municipality of Tumaco. Conclusions. The 86Tyr and 1246Tyr polymorphisms of the pfmdr1 gene are not useful as predictors of treatment failure or severe malaria in the municipalities studied. In addition, we report for the first time, the presence of the mutant codon 86Tyr in field samples in South America.