ABSTRACT
Milk production in the Andean highlands is variable over space and time. This variability is related to fluctuating environmental factors such as rainfall season which directly influence the availability of livestock feeding resources. The main aim of this study was to develop a time-series model to forecast milk production in a mountainous geographical area by analysing the dynamics of milk records thorough the year. The study was carried out in the Andean highlands, using time-series models of monthly milk records collected routinely from dairy cows maintained in a controlled experimental farm over a 9-year period (2008-2016). Several statistical forecasting models were compared. The Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE) were used as selection criteria to compare models. A relation between monthly milk records and the season of the year was modelled using seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) methods to explore temporal redundancy (trends and periodicity). According to white noise residual test (Q = 13.951 and p = 0.052), Akaike Information Criterion and MAE, MAPE, and RMSE values, the SARIMA (1, 0, 0) x (2, 0, 0)12 time-series model resulted slightly better forecasting model compared to others. In conclusion, time-series models were promising, simple and useful tools for producing reasonably reliable forecasts of milk production thorough the year in the Andean highlands. The forecasting potential of the different models were similar and they could be used indistinctly to forecast the milk production seasonal fluctuations. However, the SARIMA model performed the best good predictive capacity minimizing the prediction interval error. Thus, a useful effective strategy has been developed by using time-series models to monitor milk production and alleviate production drops due to seasonal factors in the Andean highlands.
Subject(s)
Milk , Models, Statistical , Animals , Female , Cattle , Seasons , Incidence , ForecastingABSTRACT
The reproductive physiology in camelid species has its particularities. The present study aimed to characterize the ovarian follicular dynamics and its functional significance in relation to follicular deviation, vaginal cytological characteristics, and sexual hormone profiles in llamas as the first report in South American camelids. Non-pregnant, multiparous llamas (Lama glama; n = 10; age: 48−72 mo.; BCS: 2.5−3.0) were enrolled in the study. The ultrasonographic assessment was carried out transvaginally and follicular ablation was performed (day 0) when follicles were larger than 7 mm. The follicle number and diameter were scored daily throughout the process for a proper evaluation of the deviated follicles and to monitor the presence of new follicle pools (1.5 to 2.5 mm diameter). Vaginal cytological evaluation (parabasal, intermediate, and superficial cells) was performed every other day until day 6. Endocrine profiles (17ß estradiol, anti-Mullerian hormone, testosterone, and progesterone) during pre- and post-follicular deviation were determined by using the ELISA assay. Differential follicular dynamics both in the presence of a single dominant follicle (DF) and in codominance during the follicular deviation process were detected in llamas (p < 0.05). The percentage of superficial cells was the most related to the follicular wave phase. However, the percentage of parabasal, intermediate, and superficial cells was not related to the phases of follicular growth, dominance, and regression (p > 0.05). Differential patterns among the different hormone concentration levels regarding the 17ß estradiol, anti-Mullerian hormone, progesterone, and testosterone during follicular deviation were observed, with the latter being significantly different along the deviation process (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of vaginal cytology assessment would not be sufficient to determine the follicular phases in llamas. Therefore, complementary analyses, such as ultrasonography and endocrine assessment, are strongly recommended to determine follicular dynamics during the follicular deviation.
ABSTRACT
In this work, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) for the recovery of phenolic antioxidants from papaya agroindustrial waste (seeds) was explored, making use of neat supercritical CO2 and CO2 added with ethanol (CO2-EtOH). A full factorial design played on in order to evaluate the effect of CO2 extraction parameters (temperature between 40 and 60 °C, and pressure between 10 and 30 MPa) on yield and total phenols content (TPC), then ethanol was applied as a co-solvent and its effect on the recovery of phenolics was analyzed. The SFE was compared to the conventional extraction using ethanol. The antioxidant activity of all extracts was evaluated, and the phenolic composition in selected extracts was assessed by HPLC-ESI-MS. The highest extraction yields (21.02-26.46%) and TPC (15.34-34.23 mgGAE/g) were found in extracts obtained with CO2-EtOH and ethanol. Good and selective phenolic recovery was obtained by using CO2-EtOH, (44.81% of TPC recovered). The CO2-EtOH extracts showed high radical scavenging activity and higher antioxidant effect against lipid oxidation. Some phenolic acids and flavonoids were observed in the extracts with better antioxidants properties. The results showed that SFE is a suitable green technology for the phenolic recovery from papaya agroindustrial waste, and also an alternative for its valorization.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to explore the potential of the agroindustrial waste from two Colombian mango cultivars as sources of bioactive phenolic compounds. Phenolic extracts from mango waste (peels, seed coats, and seed kernels) of 'sugar mango' and 'Tommy Atkins' cultivars were obtained. The bioactive properties of the phenolic extracts were accessed by measuring their free radical scavenging activity and antioxidant effects against lipid oxidation in food products; moreover, their antiproliferative effects against some cell lines of human cancer were explored. It is observed that the agroindustrial waste studied provides promising sources of bioactive phenolics. 'Sugar mango' waste provided extracts with the highest antioxidant effect in food products and antiproliferative activity; these extracts reduced lipid oxidation and cell growth by more than 57% and 75%, respectively. The seed kernel from 'sugar mango' supplied the extract with the best bioactive qualities; in addition, some recognized bioactive phenolics (such as mangiferin and several galloyl glucosides) were observed in this extract and related with its properties. The results obtained suggest that 'sugar mango' waste may be considered a source of bioactive phenolics, with promising uses in food and pharmaceutical products. Thus, a suitable alternative for the use and valorization of agroindustrial waste from Colombian mango cultivars is presented.
ABSTRACT
Resumen Se obtuvieron fracciones a partir del epicarpio de tomate de árbol (Solanum betaceum Sendtn) y se evaluó su efecto protector contra la oxidación lipídica en carne de res cocida (CRC). Un extracto obtenido a través de extracción supercrítica fue fraccionado empleando, a su vez, extracción en fase sólida; dichas fracciones fueron adicionadas a CRC (concentración 200 mg/kg). El efecto protector fue determinado a través de la comparación de algunos productos de oxidación y el antioxidante sintético terbutilhidroxiquinona (TBHQ, concentración 200 mg/kg). Cuatro fracciones fueron obtenidas, la fracción de mayor polaridad mostró una alta eficiencia para inhibir la oxidación lipídica en CRC, reduciendo la formación de hidroperóxidosHPL y TBARS en 100 y 98,5%, respectivamente; esta mostró una eficiencia superior a la observada para el TBHQ. Esta fracción más activa fue sometida a análisis HPLC-DAD y se identificaron algunos compuestos fenólicos: tres catequinas (epigalocatequina, epicatequina y galato de epigalocatequina) y un ácido fenólico (rosmarínico). Los resultados obtenidos permitieron evidenciar que el epicarpio de tomate de árbol es fuente de antioxidantes con efecto protector sobre CRC, alternativa de aprovechamiento y valorización para dicho residuo agroindustrial.
Abstract Fractions from tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Sendtn) epicarp were obtained and their effect against lipid oxidation in cooked beef meat (CBM) was evaluated. An extract obtained by supercritical fluids extraction was fractionated using solid phase extraction and these fractions were added to CBM (at 300 mg/kg). The protector effect against lipid oxidation was determined by measuring some lipid oxidation products and comparison against the synthetic antioxidant tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ at 300 mg/ kg). Four fractions were obtained, the most polar fraction showed high efficiency to reduce the lipid oxidation on CBM, this fraction reduced the LHP and TBARS formation at 100.0 and 98.5%, respectively. This fraction showed an ability to retard lipid oxidation in CRC higher than TBHQ. The fraction with the highest protector effect was analyzed for its phenolic composition by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode-Array Detection (HPLC-DAD). Three catechin (epigallocatechin, epicatechin and epigallocatechin gallate) and a phenolic acid (rosmarinic acid) were identified. The results revealed that the tree tomato epicarp is a source of antioxidants with protective effect on CBM, an alternative for the use and valorization of this agroindustrial waste.
Resumo Frações da casca de tomate de árvore (Solanum betaceum Sendtn) foram obtidas e seu efeito para retardar a oxidação dos lipídios em carne bovina cozida (CBC) foi avaliado. Um extrato obtido através da extração supercrítica foi fracionado utilizando extração em fase sólida e as frações obtidas foram adicionadas á CBC (concentração 300 mg/kg). O efeito protetor contra a oxidação dos lipídios foi determinado medindo alguns produtos de oxidação e comparando com a terbutil-hidroquinona (TBHQ, concentração 300 mg/kg). Quatro frações foram obtidas, destas, a fração de maior polaridade mostrou a maior eficiência para inibir a oxidação dos lipídios da CBC, reduzindo a formação de HPL e TBARS em 100 e 98,5%, respectivamente; mostrou uma eficiência maior da observada para TBHQ. Esta foi submetida a análise por a cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência com detector de díodos (HPLC-DAD) e foram identificados alguns compostos fenólicos: três catequinas (epigalocatequina, galato de epicatequina e galato de epigalocatequina) e um ácido fenólico (rosmarínico). Os resultados permitiram evidênciar que a casca do tomate de árvore é uma fonte de compostos antioxidantes comefeito protetor sobre a CBC, esta é uma alternativa de utilização e aproveitamento deesse resíduo agroindustrial.
ABSTRACT
Viral hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) pose a major health problem globally and if untreated, both viruses lead to severe liver damage resulting in liver cirrhosis and cancer. While HBV has a vaccine, HCV has none at the moment. The risk of drug resistance, combined with the high cost of current therapies, makes it a necessity for cost-effective therapeutics to be discovered and developed. The recent surge in interest in Medical Cannabis has led to interest in evaluating and validating the therapeutic potentials of Cannabis and its metabolites against various diseases including viruses. Preliminary screening of cannabidiol (CBD) revealed that CBD is active against HCV but not against HBV in vitro. CBD inhibited HCV replication by 86.4% at a single concentration of 10 µM with EC50 of 3.163 µM in a dose-response assay. These findings suggest that CBD could be further developed and used therapeutically against HCV. SUMMARY: Cannabidiol exhibited in vitro activity against viral hepatitis C. Abbreviations Used: CB2: Cannabis receptor 2, CBD: Cannabidiol, DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, HBV: Hepatitis B virus, HCV: Hepatitis C virus, HIV/AIDS: Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome, HSC: Hepatic stellate cells, MTS: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2Htetrazolium, PCR: Polymerase chain reaction.
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BACKGROUND: The incidence and mortalities from cancers remain on the rise worldwide. Despite significant efforts to discover and develop novel anticancer agents, many cancers remain in the unmet need category. As such, efforts to discover and develop new and more effective and less toxic agents against cancer remain a top global priority. Our drug discovery approach is natural products based with a focus on plants. Tillandsia recurvata (L.) L. is one of the plants selected by our research team for further studies based on previous bioactivity findings on the anticancer activity of this plant. METHODS: The plant biomass was extracted using supercritical fluid extraction technology with CO2 as the mobile phase. Bioactivity guided isolation was achieved by use of chromatographic technics combined with anti-proliferative assays to determine the active fraction and subsequently the pure compound. Following in house screening, the identified molecule was submitted to the US National Cancer Institute for screening on the NCI60 cell line panel using standard protocols. Effect of HLBT-100 on apoptosis, caspase 3/7, cell cycle and DNA fragmentation were assessed using standard protocols. Antiangiogenic activity was carried out using the ex vivo rat aortic ring assay. RESULTS: A flavonoid of the flavanone class was isolated from T. recurvata (L.) L. with potent anticancer activity. The molecule was code named as HLBT-100 (also referred to as HLBT-001). The compound inhibited brain cancer (U87 MG), breast cancer (MDA-MB231), leukemia (MV4-11), melanoma (A375), and neuroblastoma (IMR-32) with IC50 concentrations of 0.054, 0.030, 0.024, 0.003 and 0.05 µM, respectively. The molecule also exhibited broad anticancer activity in the NCI60 panel inhibiting especially hematological, colon, CNS, melanoma, ovarian, breast and prostate cancers. Twenty-three of the NCI60 cell lines were inhibited with GI50 values <0.100 µM. In terms of potential mechanisms of action, the molecule demonstrated effect on the cell cycle as evidenced by the accumulation of cells with
ABSTRACT
In the present study we report the characterization of benzylglucosinolate (BG) isolated from papaya (Carica papaya L.) seeds. A methanolic extract was fractionated and further purified by solid phase extraction (SPE). It was analyzed by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1) H and (13) C-NMR) as well, and the target compound BG was identified by these two techniques. The effect of BG on lipid oxidation in edible vegetable oil (EO) was shown by observing some lipid oxidation products (linoleic acid hydroperoxides, LHP; hexanal, HEX; nonanal, NON; thiobarbituric acid reactives species, TBARS). BG reduced lipid oxidation production in EO by over 80%, as compared to a control sample and in this way has proved to be a useful antioxidant, even more effective than some antioxidants used by food industry.
Subject(s)
Carica/embryology , Chromatography, Liquid/methods , Industrial Waste , Lipids/chemistry , Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy/methods , Plant Oils/chemistry , Seeds/chemistry , Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization/methods , Chromatography, Gas , Oxidation-ReductionABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Given the high occurrence of prostate cancer worldwide and one of the major sources of the discovery of new lead molecules being medicinal plants, this research undertook to investigate the possible anti-cancer activity of two natural cycloartanes; cycloartane-3,24,25-diol (extracted in our lab from Tillandsia recurvata) and cycloartane-3,24,25-triol (purchased). The inhibition of MRCKα kinase has emerged as a potential solution to restoring the tight regulation of normal cellular growth, the loss of which leads to cancer cell formation. METHODS: Kinase inhibition was investigated using competition binding (to the ATP sites) assays which have been previously established and authenticated and cell proliferation was measured using the WST-1 assay. RESULTS: Cycloartane-3,24,25-triol demonstrated strong selectivity towards the MRCKα kinase with a Kd50 of 0.26 µM from a total of 451 kinases investigated. Cycloartane-3,24,25-triol reduced the viability of PC-3 and DU145 cell lines with IC50 values of 2.226 ± 0.28 µM and 1.67 ± 0.18 µM respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results will prove useful in drug discovery as Cycloartane-3,24,25-triol has shown potential for development as an anti-cancer agent against prostate cancer.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This research was undertaken in order to investigate the inhibitory potential of the Jamaican ball moss, Tillandsia recurvata against several kinases. The inhibition of these kinases has emerged as a potential solution to restoring the tight regulation of normal cellular growth, the loss of which leads to cancer cell formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Kinase inhibition was investigated using competition binding (to the ATP sites) assays, which have been previously established and authenticated. RESULTS: Four hundred and fifty one kinases were tested against the Jamaican ball moss extract and a dose-response was tested on 40 kinases, which were inhibited by more than 35% compared to the control. Out of the 40 kinases, the Jamaican ball moss selectively inhibited 5 (CSNK2A2, MEK5, GAK, FLT and DRAK1) and obtained Kd(50)s were below 20 µg/ml. CONCLUSION: Since MEK5 and GAK kinases have been associated with aggressive prostate cancer, the inhibitory properties of the ball moss against them, coupled with its previously found bioactivity towards the PC-3 cell line, makes it promising in the arena of drug discovery towards prostate cancer.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Biological Products/pharmacology , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Tillandsia/chemistry , Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry , Antineoplastic Agents/isolation & purification , Biological Products/chemistry , Biological Products/isolation & purification , HEK293 Cells , Humans , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/chemistry , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
This study investigated the effect of different traditional cooking methods on glycemic index (GI) and glycemic response of ten Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivars commonly eaten in Jamaica. Matured tubers were cooked by roasting, baking, frying, or boiling then immediately consumed by the ten nondiabetic test subjects (5 males and 5 females; mean age of 27 ± 2 years). The GI varied between 41 ± 5-93 ± 5 for the tubers studied. Samples prepared by boiling had the lowest GI (41 ± 5-50 ± 3), while those processed by baking (82 ± 3-94 ± 3) and roasting (79 ± 4-93 ± 2) had the highest GI values. The study indicates that the glycemic index of Jamaican sweet potatoes varies significantly with the method of preparation and to a lesser extent on intravarietal differences. Consumption of boiled sweet potatoes could minimize postprandial blood glucose spikes and therefore, may prove to be more efficacious in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
ABSTRACT
En este estudio se evaluó la eficiencia de tres solventes orgánicos (acetato de etilo, metanol y acetona) empleados como cosolventes en la extracción con fluidos supercríticos (EFS) de una mezcla de plaguicidas con diferentes características fisicoquímicas. Los análisis se realizaron por medio de cromatografía de gases con detección simultánea por microcaptura electrónica (µECD) y nitrógeno-fósforo (NPD) acoplados en paralelo. Se hicieron extracciones a muestras de suelo fortificadas con los plaguicidas empleando dióxido de carbono supercrítico (CO2SC) como fase extractante a 35 °C y 14 MPa adicionando 10 mL de cada cosolvente. Se encontró que el metanol ofrece la mayor eficiencia en el proceso de extracción obteniendo valores de recuperación entre 51,24 y 123,50%.
In this study, three organic solvents (ethyl acetate, methanol and acetone) were used as cosolvent in supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of a mixture of pesticides with different physical and chemical properties present in soil. These pesticides were determined by gas chromatography with electronic microcapture detector (µECD) and nitrogen-phosphorus detector (NPD), coupled in parallel. The extractions were performed on spiked soil samples using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2SC) as the extracting phase to 35 °C and 14 MPa, using 10 mL of each cosolvent and it was found that methanol offers the greatest efficiency in the extraction process obtaining recovery values between 51.24 and 123.50%.
No estudo se avaliou três solventes orgânicos (acetato de etila, metanol e acetona), como cosolvente em a extração com fluido supercrítico (EFS) de uma mixtura de praguicidas com diferentes propiedades física e química (organoclorados, or-ganofosforados, organonitrogenados e piretróides) presentes no solo, determinadas por cromatografia gaseosa com in-jecção pulsed splitless e detecção simultânea por µECD e nitrogênio-fósforo (NPD) acoplados em paralelo, as extrações foram realizadas em amostras de solo fortificadas, usando dióxido de carbono (CO2), como a fase de extração a 35 °C 14 MPa, com 10 mL de cada solvente e constatamos que o metanol oferece a maior eficiência da remoção de todos os pragui-cidas e obter recuperação valores entre 51,24 e 123,50%.
ABSTRACT
Immunological assays such as CIE, LA, and Dot-ELISA were compared in order to diagnose community-acquired pneumonia. Serum, pleural fluid and urine samples were comparatively employed for bacterial antigen detection. Dot-ELISA proved to be an original and practical alternative procedure for detecting bacterial polysaccharide antigens from pleural fluid and/or concentrated urine samples, providing a rapid diagnosis for pediatric patients with community-acquired pneumonia.
Subject(s)
Antigens, Bacterial , Haemophilus Infections/diagnosis , Pneumonia, Pneumococcal/diagnosis , Child , Community-Acquired Infections/diagnosis , Community-Acquired Infections/microbiology , Counterimmunoelectrophoresis , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Humans , Latex Fixation Tests , Predictive Value of Tests , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
Immunological assays such as CIE, LA, and Dot-ELISA were compared in order to diagnose community-acquired pneumonia. Serum, pleural fluid and urine samples were comparatively employed for bacterial antigen detection. Dot-ELISA proved to be an original and practical alternative procedure for detecting bacterial polysaccharide antigens from pleural fluid and/or concentrated urine samples, providing a rapid diagnosis for pediatric patients with community-acquired pneumonia.
Subject(s)
Child , Humans , Antigens, Bacterial , Haemophilus Infections/diagnosis , Pneumonia, Pneumococcal/diagnosis , Counterimmunoelectrophoresis , Community-Acquired Infections/diagnosis , Community-Acquired Infections/microbiology , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Latex Fixation Tests , Predictive Value of Tests , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the worldwide disseminated causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is a member of the Lentivirus genus of Retroviridae family and is grouped in two types named HIV-1 and HIV-2. These viruses have a notable ability to mutate and adapt to the new conditions of human environment. A large incidence of errors at the transcriptional level results in changes on the genetic bases during the reproductive cycle. The elevated genomic variability of HIV has carried important implications for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention as well as epidemiologic investigations. The present review describes important definitions and geographical distribution of subtypes, circulating recombinant forms and other genomic variations of HIV. The present study aimed at leading students of Biomedical Sciences and public health laboratory staff guidance to general and specific knowledge about the genomic variability of the HIV.
Subject(s)
Genetic Variation/genetics , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV-1/genetics , Recombination, Genetic/genetics , Global Health , HIV Infections/virology , HIV-1/classification , HumansABSTRACT
O vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV), disseminado em todo o mundo, é o agente responsável pela síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida (Aids). O HIV é um membro do gênero Lentivirus da família Retroviridae e compreende os tipos HIV-1 e HIV-2. Esses vírus possuem notável capacidade de mutar e se adaptar às novas condições do ambiente humano. Uma grande incidência de erros ao nível transcricional do genoma resulta em alterações nas bases genéticas durante o ciclo reprodutivo. A elevada variabilidade genômica do HIV apresenta importantes implicações para o diagnóstico, tratamento e prevenção, bem como nas investigações epidemiológicas. A elaboração desta revisão traz importantes conceitos sobre definições e distribuição geográfica de subtipos, formas recombinantes circulantes e outras variações genômicas do HIV. O estudo pretendeu direcionar os estudantes de ciências biomédicas e os profissionais de laboratórios de saúde pública aos conhecimentos gerais e específicos acerca da variabilidade genômica do HIV.
Subject(s)
HIV , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Qualitative determination of C-reactive protein (CRP) was evaluated as a diagnostic method for community-acquired pneumonia. Paired serum and pleural fluid samples from child patients were examined with a CRP test, compared to bacterial cultures, counterimmunoelectrophoresis and immunoassay. The CRP test gave excellent parameters of sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for the diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia.
Subject(s)
C-Reactive Protein/analysis , Community-Acquired Infections/diagnosis , Pneumonia, Bacterial/diagnosis , Biomarkers/analysis , Child, Preschool , Counterimmunoelectrophoresis , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Humans , Pleural Effusion/microbiology , Predictive Value of Tests , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
Qualitative determination of C-reactive protein (CRP) was evaluated as a diagnostic method for community-acquired pneumonia. Paired serum and pleural fluid samples from child patients were examined with a CRP test, compared to bacterial cultures, counterimmunoelectrophoresis and immunoassay. The CRP test gave excellent parameters of sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for the diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia