Encapsulation of Cinnamaldehyde and Vanillin as a Strategy to Increase Their Antimicrobial Activity.

Many studies have suggested that the encapsulation of natural antimicrobials increases their antimicrobial activity. In this sense, the objective was to study the inactivation of microorganisms with encapsulated cinnamaldehyde and vanillin (E-CIN and E-VN), in comparison with the unencapsulated antimicrobials (CIN and VN) in protein beverages. Additionally, the microbial response was quantified through mathematical modeling. Cinnamaldehyde and vanillin were encapsulated using whey protein concentrate (WPC) as the encapsulating agent. The effectiveness at inactivating Escherichia coli, Listeria innocua, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was evaluated in a protein-apple juice beverage during storage (4 °C). Encapsulation increased the effectiveness of cinnamaldehyde, reaching reductions of 1.8, 3.3, and 5.3 log CFU/mL in E. coli, L. innocua, and S. cerevisiae, respectively, while vanillin encapsulation had little effect on antimicrobial activity, reducing by 0.5, 1.4, and 1.1 log cycles, respectively. The combined treatments (E-CIN + E-VN) had an additive effect in reducing E. coli and a synergistic effect against S. cerevisiae. The Gompertz model was more versatile and better described the biphasic curves, whereas the Weibull model complemented the information regarding the spectrum of resistances within the microbial population. In conclusion, the encapsulation of cinnamaldehyde with WPC enhanced its activity. However, further studies are necessary to improve the antimicrobial activity of vanillin.

Optimization of Oil and Tocopherol Extraction from Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) by Supercritical CO2 Procedure.

This study focused on the oil extraction from freeze-dried maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) by supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide (SFE-CO2). The basic objective was to optimize the oil yield and the tocopherol concentration. A Box/Behnken experimental design was developed with three processing variables: supercritical pressure (74, 187, and 300 bar), temperature (35, 48, and 60 °C), and extracting time (30, 135, and 240 min). Multiple optimizations, based on the combination of factor levels at 274 bar, 240 min, and 60 °C, led to the highest oil yield and tocopherol values. The validation of the optimized conditions of maqui oil extraction led to an oil yield of 8% and values of 735, 53, and 97 (mg·kg-1 oil) for α-tocopherol, α-tocotrienol, and γ-tocopherol, respectively. A higher concentration of tocopherol compounds was observed when compared to the employment of the conventional extracting method. The optimized SFE-CO2 method led to an oil extract exhibiting higher Hydrophilic-Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (H-ORAC) assay and total phenol content (22 µmol Trolox equivalents·g-1 oil and 28 mg gallic acid equivalents·g-1 oil) than the oil obtained by the conventional procedure. A practical and accurate oil extraction is proposed for obtaining tocopherol-enriched oil including high concentrations of valuable lipophilic antioxidants.

Análisis ecocardiográfico de la variabilidad de la presión sistólica arterial pulmonar en la hipertensión pulmonar / Echocardiographic analysis of pulmonary arterial systolic pressure in pulmonary hypertension

Resumen Introducción: La confiabilidad de la presión sistólica arterial pulmonar por ecocardiografía transtorácica se encuentra limitada por su variabilidad para definir la hipertensión pulmonar. Objetivo: Conocer la variabilidad en la presión sistólica arterial pulmonar estimada por ecocardiografía en la hipertensión pulmonar. Métodos: En el periodo 2016-2020 se captaron sujetos con hipertensión pulmonar que tuvieron estimada la presión sistólica de la arteria pulmonar por ecocardiografía transtorácica y por cateterismo cardiaco derecho. Se obtuvieron sus variables demográficas. Los datos se analizaron con el estadístico descriptivo de Bland-Altman y el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (intervalo de confianza al 95%). Resultados: Se estudiaron 152 sujetos, edad 60 ± 12 años. Índice de masa corporal 27.64 ± 4.69 kg/m2. La presión sistólica de la arteria pulmonar por ecocardiografía transtorácica 58.99 ± 18.62 vs. cateterismo cardiaco 55.43 ± 16.79. Diferencia media (sesgo) -3.6 (29.1, -36.2) y coeficiente de correlación intraclase 0.717 (0.610, 0.794). Conclusiones: La variabilidad es amplia y el acuerdo es sustancial con la presión sistólica de la arteria pulmonar. Se aconseja estimarla solo como tamizaje de la hipertensión pulmonar.

Abstract Introduction: The reliability of pulmonary arterial systolic pressure by transthoracic echocardiography is limited by its variability to define pulmonary hypertension. Objective: To know the variability of pulmonary arterial systolic pressure estimated by echocardiography in pulmonary hypertension. Their demographic variables were obtained. Methods: From 2016-2020 subjects with pulmonary hypertension were recruited, with pulmonary artery systolic pressure estimated by transthoracic echocardiography and by right heart catheterization. Data were analyzed using the Bland-Altman descriptive statistic and the intraclass correlation coefficient (95% confidence interval). Results: 152 subjects, age 60 ± 12 years, were studied. Body mass index 27.64 ± 4.69 kg/m2. The pulmonary artery systolic pressure estimated by transthoracic echocardiography 58.99 ± 18.62 vs. cardiac catheterization 55.43 ± 16.79 mmHg. Mean difference (bias) -3.6 (29.1, -36.2) and intraclass correlation coefficient 0.717 (0.610, 0.794). Conclusions: Variability is wide, and agreement is substantial for pulmonary artery systolic pressure. It is recommended to estimate only as screening for pulmonary hypertension.

Echocardiographic analysis of pulmonary arterial systolic pressure in pulmonary hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: The reliability of pulmonary arterial systolic pressure by transthoracic echocardiography is limited by its variability to define pulmonary hypertension. OBJECTIVE: To know the variability of pulmonary arterial systolic pressure estimated by echocardiography in pulmonary hypertension. Their demographic variables were obtained. METHODS: From 2016-2020 subjects with pulmonary hypertension were recruited, with pulmonary artery systolic pressure estimated by transthoracic echocardiography and by right heart catheterization. Data were analyzed using the Bland-Altman descriptive statistic and the intraclass correlation coefficient (95% confidence interval). RESULTS: 152 subjects, age 60 ± 12 years, were studied. Body mass index 27.64 ± 4.69 kg/m2. The pulmonary artery systolic pressure estimated by transthoracic echocardiography 58.99 ± 18.62 vs. cardiac catheterization 55.43 ± 16.79 mmHg. Mean difference (bias) -3.6 (29.1, -36.2) and intraclass correlation coefficient 0.717 (0.610, 0.794). CONCLUSIONS: Variability is wide, and agreement is substantial for pulmonary artery systolic pressure. It is recommended to estimate only as screening for pulmonary hypertension.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La confiabilidad de la presión sistólica arterial pulmonar por ecocardiografía transtorácica se encuentra limitada por su variabilidad para definir la hipertensión pulmonar. OBJETIVO: Conocer la variabilidad en la presión sistólica arterial pulmonar estimada por ecocardiografía en la hipertensión pulmonar. MÉTODOS: En el periodo 2016-2020 se captaron sujetos con hipertensión pulmonar que tuvieron estimada la presión sistólica de la arteria pulmonar por ecocardiografía transtorácica y por cateterismo cardiaco derecho. Se obtuvieron sus variables demográficas. Los datos se analizaron con el estadístico descriptivo de Bland-Altman y el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (intervalo de confianza al 95%). RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 152 sujetos, edad 60 ± 12 años. Índice de masa corporal 27.64 ± 4.69 kg/m2. La presión sistólica de la arteria pulmonar por ecocardiografía transtorácica 58.99 ± 18.62 vs. cateterismo cardiaco 55.43 ± 16.79. Diferencia media (sesgo) ­3.6 (29.1, ­36.2) y coeficiente de correlación intraclase 0.717 (0.610, 0.794). CONCLUSIONES: La variabilidad es amplia y el acuerdo es sustancial con la presión sistólica de la arteria pulmonar. Se aconseja estimarla solo como tamizaje de la hipertensión pulmonar.

Optimisation of Low-Toxicity Solvent Employment for Total Lipid and Tocopherol Compound Extraction from Patagonian Squid By-Products.

The extraction of total lipids and tocopherol compounds from Patagonian squid (Doriteuthis gahi) by-products (viscera, heads, skin, etc.), resulting from squid mantel commercialisation, was studied. An optimisation simplex-lattice design by employing low-toxicity solvents (ethanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate) was carried out taking into account their relative concentrations. The variance analysis of data showed that the quadratic model was statistically significant (p < 0.05); empirical coded equations were obtained as a function of the low-toxicity solvent ratios. The optimised lipid extraction was obtained by employing the 0.642/0.318/0.040 (ethanol/acetone/ethyl acetate) solvent ratio, respectively, leading to an 84% recovery of the total lipids extracted by the traditional procedure. In all extracting systems tested, the presence of α-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol compounds was detected, α-tocopherol being the most abundant. For α-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol compounds, the optimisation process showed that acetone extraction led to the highest concentrations in the lipid extract obtained (2736.5, 36.8, and 2.8 mg·kg-1 lipids, respectively). Taking into account the recovery yield on a by-product basis, the values obtained for the three tocopherols were included in the 88.0-97.7%, 80.0-95.0%, and 25-75% ranges, respectively, when compared to the traditional extraction. This study provides a novel and valuable possibility for α-tocopherol extraction from marine by-products.

Effect of Structured Phenolic Lipids with EPA/DHA and Gallic Acid against Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) in Mice.

Obesity is the leading risk factor for developing metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The food industry has an essential role in searching for new strategies to improve primary food sources to revert some of the metabolic alterations induced by obesity. There is consistent evidence that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) belonging to the n-3 series, i.e., eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic (22:6n-3, DHA) acids, could revert some alterations associated with obesity-induced metabolic diseases. A relevant tool is the synthesis of structured acylglycerols (sAG), which include EPA or DHA at the sn-2 position. On the other hand, it has been reported that a crucial role of antioxidants is the reversion of MAFLD. In this work, we studied the effects of new molecules incorporating gallic acid (GA) into EPA/DHA-rich structured lipids. Mice were fed with a high-fat diet (60%) for three months and were then divided into five groups for supplementation with sAG and sAG structured with gallic acid (structured phenolic acylglycerols, sPAG). sPAG synthesis was optimized using a 2²-screening factorial design based on the response surface methodology (RSM). Our results show that treatment of sPAG was effective in decreasing visceral fat, fasting glycemia, fasting insulin, suggesting that this new molecule has a potential use in the reversal of MAFLD-associated alterations.

Optimisation of Healthy-Lipid Content and Oxidative Stability during Oil Extraction from Squid (Illex argentinus) Viscera by Green Processing.

Green extraction was applied to Argentinean shortfin squid (Illex argentinus) viscera, consisting of a wet pressing method including a drying step, mechanic pressing, centrifugation of the resulting slurry, and oil collection. To maximise the oil yield and ω3 fatty acid content and to minimise the oil damage degree, a response surface methodology (RSM) design was developed focused on the drying temperature (45-85 °C) and time (30-90 min). In general, an increase of the drying time and temperature provided an increase in the lipid yield recovery from the viscera. The strongest drying conditions showed a higher recovery than 50% when compared with the traditional chemical method. The docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid contents in the extracted oil revealed scarce dependence on drying conditions, showing valuable ranges (149.2-166.5 and 88.7-102.4 g·kg-1 oil, respectively). Furthermore, the values of free fatty acids, peroxides, conjugated dienes, and ω3/ω6 ratio did not show extensive differences by comparing oils obtained from the different drying conditions. Contrary, a polyene index (PI) decrease was detected with increasing drying time and temperature. The RSM analysis indicated that optimised drying time (41.3 min) and temperature (85 °C) conditions would lead to 74.73 g·kg-1 (oil yield), 1.87 (PI), and 6.72 (peroxide value) scores, with a 0.67 desirability value.

Glycemic control, treatment and complications in patients with type 1 diabetes amongst healthcare settings in Mexico.

AIMS: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a growing chronic disease. Evidence of whether the healthcare setting affects management and glycemic control is scarce. We evaluate outcomes in patients with T1D in private and public healthcare settings in Mexico, registered in the National T1D Registry in Mexico (RENACED-DT1). METHODS: Biochemical parameters, diabetes education, and treatment were analyzed considering the data registered in the last visit. Development of chronic complications was determined during follow-up. RESULTS: We included 1,603 patients; 71.5% (n = 1,146) registered in the public system, and 28.5% (n = 457) in a private institution. Patients in the public setting had higher HbA1c (8.6%, IQR: 7.3%-10.5% vs 7.7%, IQR: 7.0%-8.8%; p < 0.001). Indicators of diabetes education, glucose monitoring, and use of insulin-pumps were lower in the public setting. Patients in the public setting were at higher risk of diabetic chronic kidney disease, retinopathy, and neuropathy. Diabetes knowledge was a mediator between type of healthcare setting and the likelihood of achieving glycemic control. CONCLUSIONS: Patients registered in public healthcare settings have an adverse metabolic profile and higher risk of complications. Social factors need to be addressed in order to implement multidisciplinary measures focused on diabetes education for patients with T1D in Mexico.

Type 1 diabetes care in mexico: an analysis of the renaced-dt1 national registry

Background: Information regarding diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with type 1 diabetes (PWT1D) in Mexico is limited. We developed an on-line platform Registro Nacional de Pacientes con Diabetes Tipo 1 (RENACED-DT1). Objective: The objective of the study was to describe the characteristics and healthcare of PWT1D registered in RENACED-DT1. Methods: Analyses of 965 PWT1D from July 2014 to January 2018 in different endocrinology clinics around Mexico. Results: Sixty-one percent were female with median age of 21 years, age at diagnosis 11 years, and disease duration at inclusion 8.2 years. Treatment regimen was basal-bolus in 61% and insulin-pumps in 21% (mainly in the private sector); 33.3% with self-monitoring of blood-glucose (SMBG) ≥4 times/day. Mean HbA1c at last follow-up was 8.7 ± 2.1% (72±23 mmol/mol), 18% had HbA1c < 7% (53 mmol/mol), and 35% > 9% (75 mmol/mol). SMBG ≥ 4 times/day was associated with HbA1c < 7%. Time since diagnosis > 10 years, female sex, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, SMBG < 4 times/day, and any hypoglycemia were associated with microvascular complications (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Percentage of patients achieving HbA1c < 7% is low; increased blood glucose monitoring is associated with better glycemic control. The achievement of optimal glycemic control must be increased to reduce the incidence of chronic complications and improve quality of life in PWT1D.

Synthesis of EPA- and DHA-Enriched Structured Acylglycerols at the sn-2 Position Starting from Commercial Salmon Oil by Enzymatic Lipase Catalysis under Supercritical Conditions.

There is consistent evidence that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) belonging to the n-3 series, i.e., eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic (22:6n-3, DHA) acids, decrease the risk of heart, circulatory and inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, the bioavailability of such fatty acids has been shown to depend on their location in triacylglycerol (TG) molecules at the sn-2 position. Consequently, great attention has been accorded to the synthesis of structured acylglycerols (sAG), which include EPA or DHA at the sn-2 position. The aim of this work was to synthesize sAG starting from deodorized refined commercial salmon oil. For this, immobilized lipase B from Candida antarctica (nonspecific) was used as a catalyst for the intra-interesterification process under CO2 supercritical conditions (CO2SC). According to the CO2SC reaction time, three different fractions including sAG compounds were obtained. The location of EPA and DHA at the sn-2 position in the resulting glycerol backbone was identified by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) analysis. In all fractions obtained, a marked decrease in the starting TG content was observed, while an increase in the DHA content at the sn-2 position was detected. The fraction obtained after the longest reaction time period (2 h) led to the highest yield of sn-2 position DHA in the resulting sAG molecule.

Type 1 Diabetes Care in Mexico: An Analysis of the RENACED-DT1 National Registry.

BACKGROUND: Information regarding diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with type 1 diabetes (PWT1D) in Mexico is limited. We developed an on-line platform Registro Nacional de Pacientes con Diabetes Tipo 1 (RENACED-DT1). OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to describe the characteristics and healthcare of PWT1D registered in RENACED-DT1. METHODS: Analyses of 965 PWT1D from July 2014 to January 2018 in different endocrinology clinics around Mexico. RESULTS: Sixty-one percent were female with median age of 21 years, age at diagnosis 11 years, and disease duration at inclusion 8.2 years. Treatment regimen was basal-bolus in 61% and insulin-pumps in 21% (mainly in the private sector); 33.3% with self-monitoring of blood-glucose (SMBG) ≥4 times/day. Mean HbA1c at last follow-up was 8.7 ± 2.1% (72±23 mmol/mol), 18% had HbA1c < 7% (53 mmol/mol), and 35% > 9% (75 mmol/mol). SMBG ≥ 4 times/day was associated with HbA1c < 7%. Time since diagnosis > 10 years, female sex, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, SMBG < 4 times/day, and any hypoglycemia were associated with microvascular complications (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Percentage of patients achieving HbA1c < 7% is low; increased blood glucose monitoring is associated with better glycemic control. The achievement of optimal glycemic control must be increased to reduce the incidence of chronic complications and improve quality of life in PWT1D.

Endothelial dysfunction in children with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction (ED) are found in the majority of these patients and are factors associated to CVD. Flow mediated dilatation (FMD) is a surrogate marker validated for evaluating ED. Our objective was to identify risk factors associated to ED in children with CKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children 2-16 years of age were studied. Clinical information and biochemical variables were gathered, including intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), interleukins 6 and 1b, high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP), reduced glutathione, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde and homocysteine. FMD was measured, and considered altered if <7%. RESULTS: Included were 129 patients aged 13.1 ±â€¯2.6 years. FMD < 7% was found in 69 (52.7%). Patients with altered FMD had higher levels of triglycerides and hsCRP than those with normal FMD (145.5 mg/dl vs. 120.0 mg/dl, P = .042, y 1.24 U/L vs. 0.55 U/L, P = .007, respectively), as well as higher frequency of low iPTH (19.1% vs. 4.9%, P = .036). Levels of hsCRP correlated significantly with FMD (Rho = -0.28, P = .003). Patients with low iPTH (OR = 4.41, 95%CI 1.13-17.27, P = .033) and increased hsCRP (OR = 2.89, 95%CI 1.16-7.17, P = .022) had higher adjusted risk of having FMD < 7%. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertriglyceridemia, inflammation and low iPTH associated significantly with altered FMD. They are frequent, treatable risk factors for CVD.

Protective Effects of Eicosapentaenoic Acid Plus Hydroxytyrosol Supplementation Against White Adipose Tissue Abnormalities in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity induced by high-fat diet (HFD) elicits white adipose tissue dysfunction. In this study, we have hypothesized that the metabolic modulator eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) combined with the antioxidant hydroxytyrosol (HT) attenuates HFD-induced white adipose tissue (WAT) alterations. METHODS: C57BL/6J mice were administered with a HFD (60% fat, 20% protein, 20% carbohydrates) or control diet (CD; 10% fat, 20% protein, 70% carbohydrates), with or without EPA (50 mg/kg/day), HT (5 mg/kg/day), or both for 12 weeks. Determinations in WAT include morphological parameters, EPA and docosahexaenoic acid content in phospholipids (gas chromatography), lipogenesis, oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation markers, and gene expression and activities of transcription factors, such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) (p65 subunit) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) (quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). RESULTS: HFD led to WAT hypertrophy in relation to PPAR-γ downregulation. WAT metabolic dysfunction was characterized by upregulation of lipogenic SREBP-1c system, mitochondrial energy metabolism depression, loss of the antioxidant Nrf2 signaling with OS enhancement, n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids depletion and activation of the pro-inflammatory NF-κB system. EPA and HT co-supplementation diminished HFD-dependent effects additively, reaching values close or similar to controls. CONCLUSION: Data presented strengthen the importance of combined protocols such as EPA plus HT to attenuate metabolic-inflammatory states triggered by obesity.

Effect of Interleukin-17 in the Activation of Monocyte Subsets in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Interleukin- (IL-) 17 is increased in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and plays a key role in inflammatory diseases through its involvement in the activation of leukocytes. Here, we describe for the first time the effect of IL-17 in the migration and activation of monocyte subsets in patients during ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and post-STEMI. We analyzed the circulating levels of IL-17 in patient plasma. A gradual increase in IL-17 was found in STEMI and post-STEMI patients. Additionally, IL-17 had a powerful effect on the recruitment of CD14++CD16+/CD14+CD16++ monocytes derived from patients post-STEMI compared with the monocytes from patients with STEMI, suggesting that IL-17 recruits monocytes with inflammatory activity post-STEMI. Furthermore, IL-17 increased the expression of TLR4 on CD14 + CD16 - and CD14++CD16+/CD14+CD16++ monocytes post-STEMI and might enhance the response to danger-associated molecular patterns post-STEMI. Moreover, IL-17 induced secretion of IL-6 from CD14++CD16- and CD14++CD16+/CD14+CD16++ monocytes both in STEMI and in post-STEMI, which indicates that IL-17 has an effect on the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines from monocytes during STEMI and post-STEMI. Overall, we demonstrate that in STEMI and post-STEMI, IL-17 is increased and induces the migration and activation of monocyte subsets, possibly contributing to the inflammatory response through TLR4 and IL-6 secretion.

EPA/DHA Concentrate by Urea Complexation Decreases Hyperinsulinemia and Increases Plin5 in the Liver of Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Dietary intake of eicosapentaenoic/docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA) reduces insulin resistance and hepatic manifestations through the regulation of metabolism in the liver. Obese mice present insulin resistance and lipid accumulation in intracellular lipid droplets (LDs). LD-associated proteins perilipin (Plin) have an essential role in both adipogenesis and lipolysis; Plin5 regulates lipolysis and thus contributes to fat oxidation. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of deodorized refined salmon oil (DSO) and its polyunsaturated fatty acids concentrate (CPUFA) containing EPA and DHA, obtained by complexing with urea, on obesity-induced metabolic alteration. CPUFA maximum content was determined using the Box-Behnken experimental design based on Surface Response Methodology. The optimized CPUFA was administered to high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice (200 mg/kg/day of EPA + DHA) for 8 weeks. No significant differences (p > 0.05) in cholesterol, glycemia, LDs or transaminase content were found. Fasting insulin and hepatic Plin5 protein level increased in the group supplemented with the EPA + DHA optimized product (38.35 g/100 g total fatty acids) compared to obese mice without fish oil supplementation. The results suggest that processing salmon oil by urea concentration can generate an EPA+DHA dose useful to prevent the increase of fasting insulin and the decrease of Plin5 in the liver of insulin-resistant mice.

Interplay between Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Amyloidosis in the Anterior Segment of the Eye; Its Pathological Implications.

There are different pathologies associated with amyloidogenic processes caused by the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the overactivation of inflammatory responses. These alterations are present in different regions of the anterior segment of the eye, and they have been associated with the development and progression of ocular pathologies, such as glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, keratitis, and cataracts among other pathologies. Aim. To discuss briefly the anatomical characteristics of the anterior segment of the eye and describe the interaction between oxidative stress (OS) and inflammatory responses, emphasizing the misfolding of several proteins leading to amyloidogenic processes occurring in the anterior segment and their implications in the development of ocular diseases. We performed a search on PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase using the MeSH terms "eye," "anterior segment", "inflammation", "oxidative stress", and "amyloidosis". The search encompassed manuscripts published up to April 2019. A hundred forty-four published studies met the inclusion criteria. We present the current knowledge regarding the interaction between OS and the activation of inflammatory processes and how both can cause conformational changes in several peptides and proteins in each compartment of the anterior segment. However, we found that there is no consensus about which factor is the first to cause amyloidosis. Our conclusions suggest that there is an interplay among these factors forming a vicious cycle that leads to the loss of protein structure in ocular pathologies, and multifactorial therapies should be developed to avoid protein misfolding and to stop the progression of ocular pathologies.

Melatonin added to freezing diluent improves canine (Bulldog) sperm cryosurvival.

Cryopreservation compromises the capacity of sperm fertilizing due to a series of alterations in the structure and physiology of the sperm. The use of antioxidants, such as melatonin, added to freezing media, may help to reduce sperm cryoinjury. To test the effect of melatonin on Bulldog (Canis lupus familiaris) sperm cryosurvival, spermatozoa were diluted in a standard freezing medium and cooled to 5°C. Then, more freezing medium was added to obtain 200 × 106 cells/mL, and 5% glycerol. Diluted spermatozoa were treated with melatonin (0.0, 0.0005, 0.002, and 0.0035 mol/L), and packaged in 0.25 mL straws, which were further cooled to -5°C before freezing in liquid nitrogen. Thawing was carried out at 70°C for 5 s, and the progressive motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, capacitation status, and plasma membrane fluidity of the spermatozoa (at 37°C) were assessed. Data were analyzed using ANOVA to detect differences between the melatonin doses. There were statistical differences (P < 0.05) in the percentage of sperm having hyper-fluid membranes, intact acrosome, capacitated acrosome-intact, and acrosome-reacted. The values for the high melatonin doses (0.002 and 0.0035 mol/L) were better than for the low melatonin doses (0.0 and 0.0005 mol/L). In conclusion, 0.002 and 0.0035 mol/L of melatonin improved the cryosurvival of sperm from male bulldogs. LAY SUMMARY: Preservation of sperm by freezing enables breeding of individuals geographically separated; protocols for the dog may be used to preserve the semen from threatened wild canids. To improve fertility of female dogs that become pregnant with frozen and then defrosted sperm, these cells must survive that process which can be damaging whilst keeping their ability to fertilize. Antioxidants are substances capable of retarding or preventing the oxidation of any oxidizing substrate such as lipids, proteins, and DNA, which are structural compounds of the sperm. The use of antioxidants, added to freezing media, may provide the sperm the capacity to neutralize oxidative compounds, such as reactive oxygen species, produced during the freezing and thawing process. In this work we tested different levels of melatonin, a natural antioxidant, on dog (English Bulldog) sperm survival and quality after freezing. We found that adding melatonin to the freezing media improved sperm quality after thawing.

La ética en el encuentro. Reflexiones a partir de la instrumentación del Consentimiento Informado en investigaciones cualitativas / Ethics in the encounter with others. Reflections on the implementation of Informed Consent (IC) in qualitative research / A ética no encontro. Reflexões a partir da instrumentação do Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido em pesquisa qualitativa

Resumen: En este artículo se reflexiona sobre la instrumentación del Consentimiento Informado (CI) en investigaciones cualitativas a partir de experiencias de un colectivo de investigadoras de la Facultad de Psicología de la Universidad de la República (Uruguay). Se abordan aspectos históricos sobre el origen del CI contextualizado en los Comités de Ética, ubicando la situación de la Facultad de Psicología de la Universidad de la República. Luego, se profundiza en la ética y en el CI como procesos reflexivos y dialógicos, más allá de los aspectos formales establecidos institucionalmente, y sus particularidades en investigaciones cualitativas desde la Psicología Social Comunitaria. A partir de situaciones particulares, ligadas a investigaciones realizadas por integrantes del colectivo, se reflexiona sobre: a) el rol de las instituciones en la implementación del CI en personas con historias de institucionalización. b) el anonimato y la posibilidad de coautoría. La introducción del CI no es inocua, por ello se piensa en los sentidos que estos procedimientos portan, su incidencia en los vínculos que se establecen en el proceso investigativo y su relación con la ética en la investigación. Las conclusiones versan sobre la necesidad de promover institucionalmente mecanismos para la reflexión, evitando la burocratización de la ética en los procesos de investigación, así como la importancia de la flexibilización y creatividad en cuanto a formas de dar consentimiento en contextos comunitarios.

Abstract: This paper presents a reflection about the implementation of Informed Consent (IC) in qualitative research, based on the experiences of a women researchers group from Facultad de Psicología de la Universidad de la República (Uruguay). In a first instance, a brief historical description is performed, regarding the origins of Ethics Committees and IC in general and in Facultad de Psicología de la UdelaR in particular. Then, an ethics and Informed Consent instrumentation analysis is elaborated, as a reflexive and dialogic process beyond the formal aspects institutionally established, and it's particularities in qualitative research from a Community Social Psychology approach. Through the narration of particular situations related to research project developed by members of the group, we reflect on: a) the role of institutions during the implementation of IC in people with institutionalization process. b) anonymity and co-authorship possibilities. IC's implementation is not an innocuous process, thus the necessity of exploring the meanings that these procedures carry, their incidence on the relationships that are established within research process and its link with research ethics. In the concluding section, the need of institutional devices to promote mechanisms for reflexive vigilance is presented, in order to avoid the bureaucratization of ethics in research, as well as the importance of flexibility and creativity in community consent contexts.

Resumo: Neste artigo, refletimos sobre a implementação do Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido (TC) em pesquisa qualitativa com base nas experiências de um grupo de pesquisadores da Faculdade de Psicologia da Universidade da República (Uruguai). Aspectos históricos sobre a origem do CI contextualizado nos Comitês de Ética são abordados, situando a situação da Faculdade de Psicologia da Universidade da República. Em seguida, a ética e o CI são aprofundados como processos reflexivos e dialógicos, além dos aspectos formais estabelecidos institucionalmente, e suas peculiaridades na pesquisa qualitativa da Psicologia Social Comunitária. A partir de situações particulares, vinculadas a pesquisas realizadas por membros do coletivo, refletimos sobre: a) o papel das instituições na implementação do CI em pessoas com histórias de institucionalização. b) anonimato e possibilidade de coautoria. A introdução do QI não é inócua, pois pensamos sobre os significados que esses procedimentos carregam, sua incidência nos vínculos que se estabelecem no processo investigativo e sua relação com a ética na investigação. As conclusões são sobre a necessidade de promover institucionalmente mecanismos de reflexão, evitando a burocratização da ética nos processos de pesquisa, bem como a importância da flexibilidade e criatividade em termos de formas de dar consentimento em contextos comunitários.