Profiling phenolic compounds in underutilized mango peel by-products from cultivars grown in Spanish subtropical climate over maturation course.

Nutraceutical market has undergone an exponential growth worldwide due to its health link-up. With the purpose of evaluating nutraceutical value, the phenolic composition of underutilized mango peel by-products of three cultivars ('Keitt', 'Kent' and 'Osteen') grown in Spanish subtropical climate was monitored at three maturation stages (green, ripe and overripe). Tracking the total phenol content, mango peels were figured out to have until twenty-seven fold higher than edible fraction. Mango peels comprised a wide range of phenolic compounds such as mono- and di-galloyl compounds, gallotannins, phenolic acids, benzophenones and flavonoids. The influence of both factors, cultivar and maturation degree, on the phenolic composition was the main outcome of the research. 'Keitt' mango peel was revealed as the cultivar with the highest phenolic content mainly due to the great quantities of galloyl glucose, 5-galloylquinic acid, digalloylquinic acid, hexagalloyl glucose and macluring galloyl glucoside detected. Regarding to the effect of maturation degree, green mango peels showed the highest amounts of polyphenols, although this behaviour could be dependent on the mango cultivar. Therefore, mango peels resulted to be a promising and low-cost resource of phenolic compounds to be exploited in food industry, but to enhance the nutraceutical value, factors such as cultivar and maturation degree should be taken into account.

HPLC-DAD-Q-ToF-MS profiling of phenolic compounds from mango (Mangifera indica L.) seed kernel of different cultivars and maturation stages as a preliminary approach to determine functional and nutraceutical value.

Mango seed kernel is a by-product which is usually discarded. However, it has been confirmed in this study that seed kernel exhibits more phenolic compounds with bioactive properties than edible fraction of mango. The influence of factors such as cultivar and maturation degree on the phenolic composition has been studied to evaluate nutraceutical value. The comprehensive analysis of phenolic composition by HPLC-DAD-Q-ToF-MS seed kernel from different cultivars ('Keitt', 'Kent'and 'Osteen') at five maturation stages was conducted. Results evidenced that 'Keitt' samples exhibited higher quantities of iriflophenone glucoside, maclurin C-glucoside, maclurin digalloyl glucoside, mangiferin, 5-galloyl quinic acid and trigalloyl glucose at the first three ripening stages. However, seed kernel from 'Osteen' variety showed higher amounts of hexa- and hepta-gallotannins whose concentrations diminished over the maturation course. Therefore, cultivar and maturation stage factors should be take into account due to their influence on the phenolic composition and subsequently on the nutraceutical value.

Pressurized GRAS solvents for the green extraction of phenolic compounds from hibiscus sabdariffa calyces.

An environmental friendly extraction procedure has been tested to extract phenolic compounds from H. sabdariffa calyces using pressurized GRAS solvents. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was performed to evaluate the influence of the main operational conditions: temperature (40-200 °C) and solvent composition based on aqueous hidroalcoholic solutions (0-100% ethanol). Phenolic composition of experimental extracts analyzed by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS showed that higher temperatures and greater ethanol percentages drove to solvents with lower dielectric constants, which resulted in extracts with major quantities of phenolic compounds. An exception was the extraction of cyanidin-3-sambubioside that could only be quantified in extracts performed at the lowest temperature (40 °C) due to its thermal sensibility. In addition, a RSM was carried out with the aim to maximize the extraction of total phenolic content. To this end, the predicted optimal extraction conditions by RSM were 200 °C and 100% (v/v) of ethanol. Results showed that temperature and ethanol percentage had a significant influence on the extraction of total phenolic compounds (p value < 0.05). The mathematical model pointed out 200 °C of temperature and 100% of ethanol as the optimum conditions to perform the isolation of phenolic compounds by means of pressurized GRAS solvents.

Outcomes by sex following treatment initiation with darunavir/cobicistat in a large Spanish cohort of the CODAR study (GeSIDA 9316).

BACKGROUND: Few women have been included in darunavir/cobicistat clinical development studies, and hardly any of them were antiretroviral experienced or treated with anything other than triple-based therapies. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to increase our knowledge about women living with HIV undergoing darunavir/cobicistat-based regimens. METHODS: A multicentre (21 hospitals), retrospective study including a centrally selected random sample of HIV-1 patients starting a darunavir/cobicistat-based regimen from June 2014 to March 2017 was planned. Baseline characteristics, 24 and 48 week viral load response (<50 copies/mL), CD4+ lymphocyte count increase, time to change darunavir/cobicistat and adverse event occurrence were all compared by sex. The study was approved by each of the 21 ethics committees, and patients signed informed consent. RESULTS: Out of 761 participants, 193 were women. Similar characteristics were found for both sexes, except that the women had a longer duration of HIV infection (P = 0.001), and were less frequently pre-treated with darunavir/cobicistat in their previous regimen (P = 0.02). The main reason for using a darunavir/cobicistat-based regimen was simplification, without differences by sex, while monotherapy seems to be more frequently prescribed in women than in men (P = 0.067). The main outcomes, HIV viral load response, CD4+ lymphocyte count increase at 24 or 48 weeks, occurrence of adverse events, main reasons for changing and time to the modify darunavir/cobicistat regimen, did not show differences between the sexes. CONCLUSIONS: No sex disparities were found in the main study outcomes. These results support the use of a darunavir/cobicistat-based regimen in long-term pre-treated women. Clinical Trial.gov No. NCT03042390.

Lipid nanocarriers for the loading of polyphenols - A comprehensive review.

Polyphenols are secondary metabolites found in all vascular plants and constitute a large group of at least 10,000 unique compounds. Particular attention is currently being paid to polyphenols attributed to their beneficial effects in the protection and prevention of several diseases. While their use in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries is largely documented, several environmental conditions (e.g. light, temperature or oxygen) may affect the physicochemical stability of polyphenols, compromising their bioactivity in vivo. To overcome these limitations, the loading of polyphenols into nanoparticles has been proposed aiming at both increasing their bioavailability and reducing eventual side effects. Lipid nanoparticles offer several advantages, namely their biodegradability and low toxicity, with the additional capacity to modify the release profile of loaded drugs. This paper is a review of the recent advances of lipid nanocarriers commonly used for the encapsulation of polyphenols, highlighting their added value to increase bioavailability and bioactivity of this group of compounds as well as their application in several diseases.

Mucinous adenocarcinoma on perianal fistula. A rising entity?

Introduction. Mucinous adenocarcinoma on perianal fistula is a rare entity; it could be underdiagnosed because it behaves often as a regular perianal fistula. Materials and methods. We have recently treated four cases in our unit. We present them and review the literature, emphasizing on clinical characteristic and therapeutic options. The four patients were male with a mean age of 64. Three of them were classified as locally advances cases and therefore treated with neoadjuvant therapy. Results. All of them underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal escisión. Surgical specimens are described and clinical characteristic specified. Review of the literature shows that this disease has a very high potential risk of local recurrence and we must be aggressive with the resection. Sometimes plastic surgery is needed to reconstruct the perianal wound. Conclusions. Mucinous adenocarcinoma associated with anal fistula is a rare disease. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by an adequate abdominoperineal excision may result in favourable outcomes

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Production and biochemical characterization of α-glucosidase from Aspergillus niger ITV-01 isolated from sugar cane bagasse.

Aspergillus niger ITV-01 presents amylolytic activity, identified as α-glucosidase, an enzyme that only produces α-d-glucose from soluble starch and that presents transglucosylase activity on α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-4)-α-d-glucopyranose (maltose) (200 gL-1). Biochemical characterization was performed on A. niger ITV-01 α-glucosidase; its optimum parameters were pH 4.3, temperature 80 °C but stable at 40 °C, with an energy of activation (Ea) 176.25 kJ mol-1. Using soluble starch as the substrate, Km and Vmax were 5 mg mL-1 and 1000 U mg-1, respectively. As α-glucosidase is not a metalloenzyme, calcium and EDTA did not have any effect on its activity. The molecular weight was estimated by SDS-PAGE to be about 75 kDa. It was also active in methanol and ethanol. When ammonium sulfate (AS) and yeast extract (YE) nitrogen sources and calcium effect were evaluated, the greatest activity occurred using YE and calcium, as opposed to AS media where no activity was detected. The results obtained showed that this enzyme has industrial application potential in the processes to produce either ethanol or malto-oligosaccharides from α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-4)-α-d-glucopyranose (maltose).

Mucinous adenocarcinoma on perianal fistula. A rising entity?

INTRODUCTION: Mucinous adenocarcinoma on perianal fistula is a rare entity; it could be underdiagnosed because it behaves often as a regular perianal fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have recently treated four cases in our unit. We present them and review the literature, emphasizing on clinical characteristic and therapeutic options. The four patients were male with a mean age of 64. Three of them were classified as locally advances cases and therefore treated with neoadjuvant therapy. RESULTS: All of them underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal escisión. Surgical specimens are described and clinical characteristic specified. Review of the literature shows that this disease has a very high potential risk of local recurrence and we must be aggressive with the resection. Sometimes plastic surgery is needed to reconstruct the perianal wound. CONCLUSIONS: Mucinous adenocarcinoma associated with anal fistula is a rare disease. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by an adequate abdominoperineal excision may result in favourable outcomes.

Saturation mapping of regions determining resistance to Ascochyta blight and broomrape in faba bean using transcriptome-based SNP genotyping.

KEY MESSAGE: Transcriptome-based SNP markers were genotyped in a faba bean map to saturate regions bearing QTL for Ascochyta fabae and broomrape and distinguish positional and functional candidates underlying both resistances. Faba bean is an important food crop worldwide. Marker-assisted selection for disease resistance is a top priority in current faba bean research programs, with pathogens such as Ascochyta fabae and broomrape (Orobanche crenata) being among the major constraints in global faba bean production. However, progress in genetics and genomics in this species has lagged behind that of other grain legumes. Although genetic maps are available, most markers are not in or are too distant from target genes to enable an accurate prediction of the desired phenotypes. In this study, a set of SNP markers located in gene coding regions was selected using transcriptomic data. Ninety-two new SNP markers were genotyped to obtain the most complete map reported so far in the 29H × Vf136 faba bean population. Most of the QTL regions previously described in this cross were enriched with SNP markers. Two QTLs for O. crenata resistance (Oc7 and Oc8) were confirmed. Oc7 and Oc10 located nearby a QTL for A. fabae resistance suggested that these genomic regions might encode common resistance mechanisms and could be targets for selection strategies against both pathogens. We also confirmed three regions in chromosomes II (Af2), III (Af3) and VI associated with Ascochyta blight resistance. The QTLs ratified in the present study are now flanked by or include reliable SNP markers in their intervals. This new information provides a valuable starting point in the search for relevant positional and functional candidates underlying both types of resistance.

Comparing CTVs for permanent prostate brachytherapy

Background and purpose: To delineate the clinical target volume (CTV) in low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy for prostate cancer, American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) recommends a CTV = prostate. ESTRO advocates a CTV = prostate + 3 mm excluding rectum and many authors use and recommend other different CTVs. This study aims to: (1) evaluate the appropriateness of these recommendations and (2) test the applicability of seed distributions on the different CTVs and contrast the dosimetric differences. Materials and methods: Ninety-eight patients treated with 125I seeds (dose 145 Gy; CTV = prostate) were studied. We established for every patient: (1) risk of extraprostatic extension (EPE), (2) adequacy of original plan to an extended CTV with 3 mm-margin (3) a new planning and seed distribution for this CTV and (4) comparison of dosimetry of both plans. Results: Mean risk of EPE was 28.46 %. Original plan, when applied to the extended CTV, resulted in unsatisfactory dosimetry. A plan was generated for the 98 extended CTVs meeting all dosimetric specifications. Conclusions: The risk of EPE is high enough to consider a 3 mm-margin around prostate necessary for all cases. A CTV = prostate + 3 mm except rectum as ESTRO recommends is feasible and would adjust planning to the most probable extension of the tumor (AU)

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Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens JJC33M, Isolated from Sugarcane Soils in the Papaloapan Region, Mexico.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain JJC33M is a bacterium that produces α-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) and was isolated from sugarcane soil. Its estimated genome size is 3.96 Mb, and it harbors 4,048 coding genes (CDSs).

Comparing CTVs for permanent prostate brachytherapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To delineate the clinical target volume (CTV) in low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy for prostate cancer, American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) recommends a CTV = prostate. ESTRO advocates a CTV = prostate + 3 mm excluding rectum and many authors use and recommend other different CTVs. This study aims to: (1) evaluate the appropriateness of these recommendations and (2) test the applicability of seed distributions on the different CTVs and contrast the dosimetric differences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-eight patients treated with (125)I seeds (dose 145 Gy; CTV = prostate) were studied. We established for every patient: (1) risk of extraprostatic extension (EPE), (2) adequacy of original plan to an extended CTV with 3 mm-margin (3) a new planning and seed distribution for this CTV and (4) comparison of dosimetry of both plans. RESULTS: Mean risk of EPE was 28.46 %. Original plan, when applied to the extended CTV, resulted in unsatisfactory dosimetry. A plan was generated for the 98 extended CTVs meeting all dosimetric specifications. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of EPE is high enough to consider a 3 mm-margin around prostate necessary for all cases. A CTV = prostate + 3 mm except rectum as ESTRO recommends is feasible and would adjust planning to the most probable extension of the tumor.

Influencia de los rasgos de personalidad en la percepción del dolor y elección de analgesia durante el parto / Influence of personality traits on pain perception and choice of analgesia during labor

El presente estudio intenta analizar para un grupo de mujeres embarazadas si existe una relación entre las características de personalidad, la percepción del dolor y la elección o no de analgesia durante el parto. Para ello se llevó a cabo un estudio de tipo longitudinal multicéntrico, de una cohorte prospectiva de 62 mujeres gestantes seleccionadas por muestreo consecutivo, que acuden a la consulta de bienestar fetal entre la semana 36-38 de embarazo en dos hospitales de la provincia de Jaén. Se emplearon cuestionarios estructurados para la valoración de las diferentes variables. Los resultados del análisis de regresión para el modelo de predicción de la intensidad del dolor a partir de las dimensiones de personalidad se realizó en función de que las mujeres hubieran usado o no medidas alternativas de alivio del dolor. De las dimensiones generales de personalidad únicamente hizo una aportación significativa la variable Afabilidad en el grupo sin medidas alternativas de alivio del dolor. De las subdimensiones de personalidad, tanto el Control Emocional como el Control de Impulsos hicieron una aportación significativa al modelo en el Grupo con medidas; y la Perseverancia, el Controlde Impulsos y la Apertura a la Cultura la hicieron en el Grupo sin medidas. Se encontró una relación inversa entre la edad y la intensidad total del dolor r = -0.301 (p=0.018).Además se encontraron diferencias significativas en la intensidad total del dolor y duración del alumbramiento en función de que las mujeres tuvieran o no medidas alternativas. Las otras dos variables analizadas, tipo de analgesia previa o epidural, no provocaron diferencias significativas en ninguna de las variables analizadas (AU)

The present study aims to analyze in a group of pregnant women if there is a relationship between personality characteristics, pain perception and the choice whether or not analgesia during labor. To do this we developed a multicenter longitudinal study , in a prospective cohort of 62 pregnant women selected by consecutive sampling, attending the fetal wellness visit between weeks 36-38 of pregnancy in two hospitals in the province of Jaén. Structured questionnaires were used to assess the different variables. The results of regression analysis for the prediction model of pain intensity from the dimensions of personality were carried out according to whether women had used or not alternative measures of pain relief. In the general dimensions of personality alone made a significant contribution Agreeableness variable in the group without alternative measures of pain relief. Sub-dimensions of personality, emotional control as both impulse control made a significant contribution to the model measures within the Group and Perseverance, Impulse Control and Openness to Culture in the group made it without measures. We found an inverse relationship between age and total pain intensity r = -0,301 (p = 0.018). In addition, significant differences in total pain intensity and duration of delivery, depending on whether or not women had alternative measures. The other two variables studied, type of previous or epidural/analgesia caused no significant differences in any of the variables analyzed (AU)

Prediction of oral appliance treatment outcome in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: Predictors of treatment outcome of oral appliances (OAs) in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) are not known. There is a pressing need for simple, clinically useful tools to predict treatment outcome. This study aimed to identify predictors of successful OA therapy for OSAS, including evaluation of pharyngeal morphology, which can be measured during routine examination by an otorhinolaryngologist. METHODOLOGY: This was a prospective study of 26 OSAS patients treated with OAs. A favourable outcome was obtained in 14 patients (responders) but not in 12 patients (nonresponders). The baseline patient characteristics and polysomnography and rhinopharyngeal findings were analysed. RESULTS: Body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in responders versus nonresponders (23.6 ± 2.8 vs. 27.9 ± 4.7 kg/m2; p < 0.05). Pharyngeal morphology, age, sex and nasal resistance did not differ between the groups. Multiple regression analysis showed that BMI was a significant predictor of improvement in the apnoea/hypopnoea index after OA treatment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Here we demonstrated that BMI is a favourable predictor of OA treatment outcome in OSAS patients. Among the OSAS patients, responders had wider retroglossal spaces than nonresponders.

Combining stable isotope (δ13C) of trace gases and aerobiological data to monitor the entry and dispersion of microorganisms in caves.

Altamira Cave (north of Spain) contains one of the world's most prominent Paleolithic rock art paintings, which are threatened by a massive microbial colonization of ceiling and walls. Previous studies revealed that exchange rates between the cave and the external atmosphere through the entrance door play a decisive role in the entry and transport of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) and nutrients to the interior of the cave. A spatial-distributed sampling and measurement of carrier (CO2) and trace (CH4) gases and isotopic signal of CO2 (δ(13)C) inside the cave supports the existence of a second connection (active gas exchange processes) with the external atmosphere at or near the Well Hall, the innermost and deepest area of the cave. A parallel aerobiological study also showed that, in addition to the entrance door, there is another connection with the external atmosphere, which favors the transport and increases microorganism concentrations in the Well Hall. This double approach provides a more complete knowledge on cave ventilation and revealed the existence of unknown passageways in the cave, a fact that should be taken into account in future cave management.

A GIS-based methodology to quantitatively define an Adjacent Protected Area in a shallow karst cavity: the case of Altamira cave.

Different types of land use are usually present in the areas adjacent to many shallow karst cavities. Over time, the increasing amount of potentially harmful matter and energy, of mainly anthropic origin or influence, that reaches the interior of a shallow karst cavity can modify the hypogeal ecosystem and increase the risk of damage to the Palaeolithic rock art often preserved within the cavity. This study proposes a new Protected Area status based on the geological processes that control these matter and energy fluxes into the Altamira cave karst system. Analysis of the geological characteristics of the shallow karst system shows that direct and lateral infiltration, internal water circulation, ventilation, gas exchange and transmission of vibrations are the processes that control these matter and energy fluxes into the cave. This study applies a comprehensive methodological approach based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to establish the area of influence of each transfer process. The stratigraphic and structural characteristics of the interior of the cave were determined using 3D Laser Scanning topography combined with classical field work, data gathering, cartography and a porosity-permeability analysis of host rock samples. As a result, it was possible to determine the hydrogeological behavior of the cave. In addition, by mapping and modeling the surface parameters it was possible to identify the main features restricting hydrological behavior and hence direct and lateral infiltration into the cave. These surface parameters included the shape of the drainage network and a geomorphological and structural characterization via digital terrain models. Geological and geomorphological maps and models integrated into the GIS environment defined the areas involved in gas exchange and ventilation processes. Likewise, areas that could potentially transmit vibrations directly into the cave were identified. This study shows that it is possible to define a Protected Area by quantifying the area of influence related to each transfer process. The combined maximum area of influence of all the processes will result in the new Protected Area. This area will thus encompass all the processes that account for most of the matter and energy carried into the cave and will fulfill the criteria used to define the Protected Area. This methodology is based on the spatial quantification of processes and entities of geological origin and can therefore be applied to any shallow karst system that requires protection.

Fungal outbreak in a show cave.

Castañar de Ibor Cave (Spain) was discovered in 1967 and declared a Natural Monument in 1997. In 2003 the cave was opened to public visits. Despite of extensive control, on 26 August 2008 the cave walls and sediments appeared colonized by long, white fungal mycelia. This event was the result of an accidental input of detritus on the afternoon of 24 August 2008. We report here a fungal outbreak initiated by Mucor circinelloides and Fusarium solani and the methods used to control it.

Is the availability of different nutrients a critical factor for the impact of bacteria on subterraneous carbon budgets?

Bacteria thriving in underground systems, such as karsts, adapt to use a variety of nutrients. Most of these nutrients derive from superficial processes. This study shows that bacteria are able to differentially induce carbonate precipitation or dissolution depending on the availability of nutrients for growth. Different bacterial strains isolated from caves, representing the most common components of these microbial communities, were cultured with different carbon and nitrogen sources (e.g., acetate, glucose, peptone, humic acids) and induced changes in pH were measured during growth. Carbonate can either precipitate or dissolve during bacterial growth. The induction of carbonate precipitates or their dissolution as a function of consumption of specific carbon sources revealed the existence of an active nutrient cycling process in karsts and links nutrients and environmental conditions to the existence of a highly significant carbon sink in subterraneous environments.