Optimization of enzymatic production of anti-skin aging biopeptides from white sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench] grain.

Recently, kafirins from white sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench] grain have shown promise as a source of biopeptides with anti-skin aging effects (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and inhibition of photoaging-associated enzymes). This study employed response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the extraction and enzymatic hydrolysis of kafirins (KAF) for the production of peptides with anti-skin aging properties. The optimization of conditions (reaction time and enzyme/substrate ratio) for liquefaction with α-amylase and hydrolysis of KAF with alcalase was performed using 32 complete factorial designs. Subsequently, ultrafiltered peptide extracts were obtained with molecular weights of 1-3 kDa (KAF-UF3) and lower than 1 kDa (KAF-UF1), which mainly contain hydrophobic amino acids (proline, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and valine) and peptide fractions with molecular weights of 0.69, 1.14, and 1.87 kDa. Consequently, the peptide extracts protected immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) from ultraviolet B radiation (UVB)-induced damage by preventing the decrease and/or restoring the activity of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)]. Furthermore, KAF-UF3 and KAF-UF1 inhibited (20-29%) elastase and collagenase overactivity in UVB-exposed murine fibroblasts (3T3 cells). Thus, KAF-UF3 and KAF-UF1 exhibited behavior similar to that observed with glutathione (GSH), suggesting their potential as functional peptide ingredients in skincare products.

Development and evaluation of ciprofloxacin local controlled release materials based on molecularly imprinted polymers.

The aim of this study was the molecular imprinting polymers (MIPs) assessment as a controlled release system of ciprofloxacin. The MIPs synthesis was performed by three different methods: emulsion, bulk, and co-precipitation. Lactic acid (LA) and methacrylic acid (MA) were used as functional monomers and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as crosslinker. Also, nonimprinted polymers (NIPs) were synthesized. MIPs and NIPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Reflection, specific surface area, pore size, and release kinetics. Their efficiency against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and their cytotoxicity in dermal fibroblast cells were proven. Results show that MIPs are mesoporous materials with a pore size between 10 and 20 nm. A higher adsorption with the co-precipitation MIP with MA as a monomer was found. The release kinetics proved that a non-Fickian process occurred and that the co-precipitation MIP with LA presented the highest release rate (90.51 mg/L) in 8 h. The minimum inhibitory concentration was found between 0.031 and 0.016 mg/L for Staphylococcus aureus and between 0.004 and 0.031 mg/L for the Escherichia coli. No cytotoxicity in cellular cultures was found; also, cellular growth was favored. This study demonstrated that MIPs present promising properties for drug administration and their application in clinical practice.

Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in mercury mining workers in a precarious situation: A preliminary study.

Mercury is a ubiquitous environmental xenobiotic; the primary sources of exposure to this metal are artisanal gold mining and the direct production of mercury. In Mexico, artisanal mercury mining continues to be an important activity in different regions of the country. Exposure to mercury vapors releases can have severe health impacts, including immunotoxic effects such as alterations in cytokine profiling. Therefore, in the present work, we evaluated the inflammatory cytokines profile in the blood serum of miners exposed to mercury. A cross-sectional observational study was performed on 27 mining workers (exposed group) and 20 control subjects (nonexposed group) from central Mexico. The mercury urine concentration (U-Hg) was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, and IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α were measured using a Multiplex Assay. The results showed that the U-Hg in the miners had a median value of 552.70 µg/g creatinine. All cytokines showed a significant increase in the miner group compared with the control group, except for TNF-α. In addition, we observed a positive correlation between U-Hg concentration and cytokine levels. In conclusion, mercury exposure correlated with cytokine levels (considered acute inflammatory marker) in miners; therefore, workers exposed to this metal show an acute systemic inflammation that could lead to alterations in other organs and systems.

In vitro evaluation of crosslinked bovine pericardium as potential scaffold for the oral cavity.

BACKGROUND: Bovine pericardium (BP) is a scaffold widely used in soft tissues regeneration; however, its calcification in contact with glutaraldehyde, represent an opportunity for its application in hard tissues, such as bone in the oral cavity. OBJECTIVE: To develop and to characterize decellularized and glutaraldehyde-crosslinked bovine pericardium (GC-BP) as a potential scaffold for guided bone regeneration GBR. METHODS: BP samples from healthy animals of the bovine zebu breed were decellularized and crosslinked by digestion with detergents and glutaraldehyde respectively. The resulting cell-free scaffold was physical, chemical, mechanical, and biologically characterized thought hematoxylin and eosin staining, DNA quantification, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), uniaxial tensile test, cell viability and live and dead assay in cultures of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). RESULTS: The decellularization and crosslinking of BP appeared to induce conformational changes of the CLG molecules, which led to lower mechanical properties at the GC-BP scaffold, at the same time that promoted cell adhesion and viability of DPSCs. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the decellularized and GC-BP is a scaffold with the potential to be used promoting DPSCs recruitment, which has a great impact on the dental area.

The Era of Biomaterials: Smart Implants?

Conditions, accidents, and aging processes have brought with them the need to develop implants with higher technology that allow not only the replacement of missing tissue but also the formation of tissue and the recovery of its function. The development of implants is due to advances in different areas such as molecular-biochemistry (which allows the understanding of the molecular/cellular processes during tissue repair), materials engineering, tissue regeneration (which has contributed advances in the knowledge of the properties of the materials used for their manufacture), and the so-called intelligent biomaterials (which promote tissue regeneration through inductive effects of cell signaling in response to stimuli from the microenvironment to generate adhesion, migration, and cell differentiation processes). The implants currently used are combinations of biopolymers with properties that allow the formation of scaffolds with the capacity to mimic the characteristics of the tissue to be repaired. This review describes the advances of intelligent biomaterials in implants applied in different dental and orthopedic problems; by means of these advances, it is expected to overcome limitations such as additional surgeries, rejections and infections in implants, implant duration, pain mitigation, and mainly, tissue regeneration.

Determination of global chemical patterns in exhaled breath for the discrimination of lung damage in postCOVID patients using olfactory technology.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of an electronic nose and chemometric analysis to discriminate global patterns of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath of postCOVID syndrome patients with pulmonary sequelae. A cross-sectional study was performed in two groups, the group 1 were subjects recovered from COVID-19 without lung damage and the group 2 were subjects recovered from COVID-19 with impaired lung function. The VOCs analysis was executed using a Cyranose 320 electronic nose with 32 sensors, applying principal component analysis (PCA), Partial Least Square-Discriminant Analysis, random forest, canonical discriminant analysis (CAP) and the diagnostic power of the test was evaluated using the ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve. A total of 228 participants were obtained, for the postCOVID group there are 157 and 71 for the control group, the chemometric analysis results indicate in the PCA an 84% explanation of the variability between the groups, the PLS-DA indicates an observable separation between the groups and 10 sensors related to this separation, by random forest, a classification error was obtained for the control group of 0.090 and for the postCOVID group of 0.088 correct classification. The CAP model showed 83.8% of correct classification and the external validation of the model showed 80.1% of correct classification. Sensitivity and specificity reached 88.9% (73.9%-96.9%) and 96.9% (83.7%-99.9%) respectively. It is considered that this technology can be used to establish the starting point in the evaluation of lung damage in postCOVID patients with pulmonary sequelae.

Urinary phthalate metabolite and BPA concentrations in women with cervical cancer.

Environmental pollutants are involved in the development and progression of numerous cancers, including cervical cancer (CC). One possible explanation for this is the ability of several pollutants to mimic natural hormones. This study aimed to evaluate the urinary concentrations of monoesters of phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) in women with CC. A total of 45 women were included: 15 in the control group, 12 with CC diagnosis classified in early stages IA-IIB, and 18 in late stages III-IV. Urine samples were analyzed for BPA, mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), and mono 2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a tandem mass detector. The detection rate of environmental pollutants was 100%, with a median concentration in the control group and early-, and late-stage groups of 10.4, 9.2, 4.3, 38.4, and 12.9 µg L-1; 3.1, 3.1, 151.1, 54.5, and 30.4 µg L-1 and 1.9, 92.8, 3.6, 31.0, and 9.3 µg L-1 for BPA, MEHP, MBzP, MBP, and MiBP, respectively This study reveals high levels of phthalates, particularly MEHP, in urine samples of women with CC associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Further studies are needed to evaluate the possible role of phthalates in synergy with HPV in progression to CC.

Assessment of inflammatory cytokines in exhaled breath condensate and exposure to mixtures of organic pollutants in brick workers.

Brick production causes a lot of pollution in the form of dust, fumes, and toxic substances. Therefore, brick workers are highly exposed to pollutants and present a high risk of developing respiratory diseases. The objective of this research was to determine the exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and toluene in urine and evaluate the effects on health using markers of oxidative stress in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) as well as the exposure to pollutants in suspended particles of the studied area. Exposure to PAHs and toluene was evaluated using hydroxylated markers (OH) of PAHs and hippuric acid in urine, respectively. Cytokines like TNF-α, INF-y, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 y GMCSF in EBC were also evaluated. PM2.5 particles were measured during an 8-h work shift. The results in brick workers presented a total OH-PAHs concentration of 97.3 µg/L and hippuric acid concentration of 0.2 g/L. The environmental concentrations of suspended particles were found within a range of 41.67-3541.6 µg/m3. The median of cytokines oscillated between 11.8 pg/mL to 1041 pg/mL. In conclusion, these results are similar to those of occupations in which there is high exposure to pollutants and populations with lung diseases. For that reason, the brick production sector requires prevention and control strategies against the pollutants emitted.

Atrazine modifies markers of melanocyte maturation and apoptosis in primary skin cultures.

Atrazine (ATZ) is part of a group of herbicides called triazines. ATZ is widely used in agricultural areas of Mexico, commonly used for the selective control of weeds in corn and sorghum crops. The exposure to ATZ can have serious human health effects since its use was associated with the development of cutaneous melanoma in an epidemiological study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of maturation and apoptotic markers in primary skin cultures exposed to ATZ. The primary skin cultures were exposed to 0.1, and 10 µM ATZ with or without ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the expression of maturation and apoptotic markers were evaluated by RT-qPCR. We observed a significant increase in all the melanocyte maturation markers in cells exposed to ATZ with or without UV, with SOX-9 and FAK (melanoblast markers) being the highest. Also, the expression of BCL-2 (anti-apoptotic marker) was the most increased gene in cells exposed to ATZ with or without UV. Low concentrations of ATZ and UV radiation induce genetic changes associated with the development of immature melanocytes and activate mechanisms associated with the inhibition of apoptosis characteristics of malignant cell transformation, which will allow proposing new therapeutic targets and generating new restrictions or care in farmers exposed to pesticides such as the ATZ.

Antioxidant activity of kafirin hydrolysates on UVB irradiated human keratinocyte cells and in silico identification.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet B (UVB) causes photoaging of the skin, the appearance of wrinkles, spots, and alteration of the skin barrier. The main cells in the most superficial layer of the skin are the keratinocytes; these cells play an important role in protecting this organ. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity of the hydrolysates from kafirin to inhibit UVB-induced responses in human keratinocytes cells (HaCaT). METHODS: Kafirin hydrolysates were produced by enzymatic hydrolysis with alcalase. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), in the HaCaT cell line in the presence of UVB and the effects of the hydrolysates against the UVB-induced response were evaluated. Furthermore, the peptides that were generated by hydrolysis were identified in silico using the BIOPEP database. RESULTS: Two protein sequences were identified (α-kafirin and the precursor protein of α-kafirin), in the kafirin extract. A degree of hydrolysis of 18.8% was obtained by hydrolyzing the kafirin extract with alcalase. The kafirin hydrolysates avoided the decrease in endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and GPx reducing the oxidative stress generated by UVB. Using the BIOPEP-UWM database, we found 102 peptide sequences, and it has shown that the peptides have a large amount of hydrophobic amino acids such as proline, alanine, and glutamine, and amino acids with high antioxidant capacity. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the kafirin hydrolysates can be used as antioxidant agents to ameliorate UVB-induced skin keratinocytes cells' response in vitro, providing an alternative against UVB-induced photoaging.

One-Drop Serum Screening Test for Anal Cancer in Men via Infrared Attenuated Total Reflection Spectroscopy.

Rare cancers are a challenge for clinical practice, the treatment experience at major centers to which rare cancers are referred is limited and are the most difficult to diagnose. Research to identify causes or develop prevention and early detection strategies is extremely challenging. Anal cancer is an example of a rare cancer, with the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection being the most important risk factor associated. In the early stages, anal cancer does not exhibit evident symptoms. This disease is diagnosed by means of anoscopy, which diagnoses some cases of early cancer; nevertheless, sensitivity of this test ranges between 47 and 89%. Therefore, the development of new, effective, and evidence-based screening methodologies for the early detection of rare cancers is of great relevance. In this study, the potential of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy has been explored as a sensitive, nondestructive, and inexpensive analytical method for developing disease screening platforms in serum. Spectral differences were found in the regions of 1700-1100 and 1700-1400 cm-1 between the control group and the anal cancer group related to the presence of proteins and nucleic acids. The chemometric analysis presented differences in the spectral fingerprints for both spectral regions with a high sensitivity ranging from 95.2 to 99.9% and a specificity ranging from 99.2 to 100%. This is the first step that we report for a methodology that is fast, nondestructive, and easy to perform, and the high sensitivity and specificity of the method are the basis for extensive research studies to implement these technologies in the clinical field.

Effect of Exosomes from Patients with Grade One Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia on Cell Cultures: A Preliminary Study.

Purpose: Exosomes are extracellular membrane vesicles. Their content directly reflects the metabolic state of the cells from which they originate and play an important role in cellular functions and pathological states, for example, cancer. The aim was to establish the effect of exosomes from patients diagnosed with CIN1 (grade one cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) on the viability of HeLa cells in culture. It had not been documented, nor had the vesicles obtained by cervicovaginal samples taken by the patients themselves (self-taken vaginal). Patients and Methods: Exosomes were obtained from self-taken vaginal by patients diagnosed with CIN1 and healthy. The exosomes were characterized by determining the AChE (acetylcholinesterase) activity, obtaining a protein profile, and obtaining images of these by STEM. The effect on cell viability was made in HeLa and HaCaT cells in culture. Results: Vesicles between 185 nm and 415 nm were observed by STEM. Exosomes show a "protective" effect when those patients without injury are confronted with HeLa cells. On the other hand, exosomes promote viability when they come from injured patients in the presence of the same cells. Conclusion: Exosomes can be used to identify ideal biomarkers for the early diagnosis of CC (cervical cancer), follow-up of patients, and even treatment given the effects observed on cell cultures.

Establishment, authenticity, and characterization of cervical cancer cell lines.

Cell lines have been considered excellent research models in many areas of biomedicine and, specifically, in the study of carcinogenesis. However, they cease to be effective models if their behavior changes. Although studies on the cross-contamination of cell lines originating from different tissues have been performed, little is known about cell lines derived from cervical neoplasia. We know that high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) is associated with the development of this type of cancer. This link between HPV infection and cancer was first established over 35 years ago when HPV16 DNA was found to be present in a large proportion of cervical cancer biopsies. The present review paper aims to report the status of the establishment, authenticity, and characterization of cervical cancer (CC) cell lines. This is a systematic review of articles on the establishment, authenticity, and characterization of CC cell lines, published from 1960 to date in the databases and in cell repository databases. 52 cell lines were identified in the literature. Only 25 cell lines were derived from cervical neoplasia, of which only 45.8% have a reported identity test (genomic fingerprint). Despite the increase in the establishment of cell lines of cervical neoplasia and the standards for the regulation of these study models, the criteria for their characterization continue to be diverse.

In Vitro Inhibitory and Proliferative Cellular Effects of Different Extracts of Struthanthus quercicola: A Preliminary Study.

Struthanthus quercicola, a hemiparasitic plant known as "seca palo," is used by Nahuatl traditional healers against diabetes, wounds, and rashes. We aimed to investigate the effects of different S. quercicola extracts, which were selected based on their traditional use in Tamazunchale, San Luis Potosí, on the cell viability and antioxidant activity in HeLa cell cultures. S. quercicola growing on Guazuma ulmifolia and Citrus sp. hosts was collected, and methanolic and ethanolic extracts as well as decoctions, infusions, and microwave-assisted extracts were obtained. The terpenoid, alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, and tannin contents of each extract were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. The effects of different extracts on the viability of cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells were tested using an MTT assay. The differences in the total flavonoid and phenolic contents and free-radical scavenging activity in relation to the host and the extract were also determined. In assessments of the effects of the extracts on cell viability, eight organic extracts (4 from G. quercicola grown on Host 1 and 4 from G. quercicola grown on Host 2) were shown to decrease cell viability significantly in comparison with the control. However, the extract obtained by percolation (PMeOH) caused a significant increase in cell viability (p < 0.05), especially with the plant grown on Host 1. The microwave aqueous and methanolic extracts of the plants grown on both hosts showed a significant increase in the percentage of apoptosis (p < 005). In conclusion, different extracts of Struthanthus quercicola showed variable effects on cell viability and apoptosis. Isolation of the molecule or molecules with inhibitory and proliferative effects on cells should be conducted to evaluate their possible use as antineoplastic agents.

Evaluation of cytokines in exhaled breath condensate in an occupationally exposed population to pneumotoxic pollutants.

The quarrying is considered a precarious occupation with high toxicity, is an informal economic activity that employs low technology, limited protection, and poses a risk to workers and their families. In quarrying, silica dust is generated and there is also occupational exposure to significant mixtures of pneumotoxic pollutants, including mineral dust (crystalline silica, carbon or cement, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), solvents, and others, which are aggravated by the lack of use of protective equipment, causing irreversible damage to the worker's respiratory health. Thus, the objective of this work focused on the evaluation of the respiratory health of artisan stonemasons in San Luis Potosí, Mexico through the study of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) (pH, pro-inflammatory cytokines) as well as the study of the exposure to pollutants present in the work area (PAHs, toluene, and 2.5 µm particulate matter) through biomarkers of exposure (hippuric acid and hydroxylated metabolites of PAHs). The results show the presence of crystalline SiO2 in 100% of the samples analyzed; the PM2.5 concentrations were 5 to 10 times the permitted levels. Regarding exposure to PAHs, all the stonemasons presented urine concentrations of at least 5 of the OH-PAHs evaluated; 9-OH-FLU occurred at higher concentrations of 171.2 (122.7-279.4) µg L-1; hippuric acid, which was present in 100% of the workers evaluated in concentrations of 283.4 (27.72-1119) mg L-1, 100% of which were above the values established for occupational scenarios. The pH values obtained for the EBC samples were presented at an average of 7.07 (6.33-7.66). Pro-inflammatory cytokines were present in 86.1% of the study population. The cytokine that was found in higher concentrations was IL-2, with a mean of 178.01 pg mL-1 and 3124.01 pg mL-1 for the pH < 7 and pH > 7 groups, respectively. Some correlations between the cytokines and the exposure biomarkers were presented. Stonemasons are highly exposed to pneumotoxic pollutants and markers of inflammation at the pulmonary level; in addition, a high risk of developing silicosis. Quarrying should be addressed as a carcinogenic activity, which would imply the design of monitoring and control strategies for these pollutants that our country currently lacks, particularly in precarious occupations. It is necessary to develop strategies to protect the health of precarious workers.

Antiviral capacity of polypropylene/(1-Hexadecyl) trimethyl-ammonium bromide composites against COVID-19.

During the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, scientists from different areas are looking for alternatives to fight it. SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the infectious respiratory disease COVID-19, is mainly transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected respiratory droplets. The integrity of the virus structure is crucial for its viability to attack human cells. Quaternary ammonium salts are characterized by having antiviral capabilities which alter or destroy the structure of the viral capsid. In this work, polypropylene (PP)/(1-Hexadecyl) trimethyl-ammonium bromide (CTAB) composites have been prepared in order to create an antiviral material. The composites were melt processed and blown to produce thin films. The CTAB content on the antiviral effect was evaluated using antibodies and serum from infected patients with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In addition, the mechanical and thermal properties of blown films were investigated, and CTAB release kinetics from the films was followed by UV-Vis. The results indicate that the virus tends to remain less on the polymer surface by increasing the amount of CTAB in the PP matrix.

In vitro effect of high glucose concentrations on erythrocyte morphology assessed by scanning electron microscopy.

AIMS: To evaluate the in vitro effect of different glucose concentrations and the time series in erythrocyte cell viability and morphology parameters. METHODS: Different glucose concentrations were assessed, from a normal physiological glucose concentration (5 mM) to a diabetes scenario (100 mM). Cell viability was obtained by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The erythrocyte morphology (diameter, height, and axial ratio) was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: A significant decrease in cell viability was observed in erythrocytes with higher glucose concentration (100 mM). There was also a significant increase in the cells' diameter and height exposed to 100 mM, vs. those cultured with 5, 20, and 45 mM glucose, but only at 24 and 48 h. When comparing the same glucose concentration by a time series, it was observed that erythrocytes from the culture with 45 and 100 mM of glucose had a significant continuous decrease (approximately -0.40 µm) in diameter and height (24, 48, and 72 h), but there was no difference in the axial ratio observed. CONCLUSION: Continuous exposure to high glucose concentrations in diabetes models produced less cell viability and changes in erythrocyte morphology (larger and scrambled cells), which in vivo might impact in microvascular complications.

Identification of volatile organic compounds in the urine of patients with cervical cancer. Test concept for timely screening.

The objective of this research was to identify a global chemical pattern of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in urine capable of discriminating between women with cervical cancer (CC) and control women using an electronic nose and to elucidate potential biomarkers by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A cross-sectional study was performed, with 12 control women, 5 women with CIN (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia) and 12 women with CC. Global VOCs in urine were assessed using an electronic nose and specific by GC-MS. Multivariate analysis was performed: Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Canonical Principal Coordinate Analysis (CAP) and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) and the test's diagnostic power was evaluated through ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curves. Results from the PCA between the control group compared to the CC present variability of 98.4% (PC1 = 93.9%, PC2 = 2.3% and PC3 = 2.1%). CAP model shows a separation between the overall VOCs profile of the control and CC group with a correct classification of 94.7%. PLS-DA indicated that 8 sensors have a higher contribution in the CC group. The sensitivity, specificity, value reached 91.6% (61.5%-99.7%) and 100% (73.5%-100%) respectively, according to the ROC curve. GC-MS analysis indicated that 33 compounds occur only in the CC group and some of them have been found in other types of cancer. In all, this study provides the basis for the development of an accessible, non-invasive, sensitive and specific screening platform for cervical cancer through the application of electronic nose and chemometric analysis.

Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Capacity, Prebiotic Activity and Anticancer Potential in Human Cells of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) Seed Flour.

The general aim of this study was to evaluate physicochemical properties, prebiotic activity and anticancer potential of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seed flour. The drying processes of jackfruit seeds were performed at 50, 60 and 70 °C in order to choose the optimal temperature for obtaining the flour based on drying time, polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity. The experimental values of the moisture ratio during jackfruit seed drying at different temperatures were obtained using Page's equation to establish the drying time for the required moisture between 5 and 7% in the flour. The temperature of 60 °C was considered adequate for obtaining good flour and for performing its characterization. The chemical composition, total dietary fiber, functional properties and antioxidant capacity were then examined in the flour. The seed flour contains carbohydrates (73.87 g/100 g), dietary fiber (31 g/100 g), protein (14 g/100 g) and lipids (1 g/100 g). The lipid profile showed that the flour contained monounsaturated (4 g/100 g) and polyunsaturated (46 g/100 g) fatty acids. Sucrose, glucose, and fructose were found to be the predominant soluble sugars, and non-digestible oligosaccharides like 1-kestose were also found. The total polyphenol content was 2.42 mg of gallic acid/g of the sample; furthermore, the antioxidant capacity obtained by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was 901.45 µmol Trolox/100 g and 1607.87 µmol Trolox/100 g, respectively. The obtained flour exhibited good functional properties, such as water and oil absorption capacity, swelling power and emulsifier capacity. Additionally, this flour had a protective and preventive effect which is associated with the potential prebiotic activity in Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium longum. These results demonstrate that jackfruit seed flour has good nutritional value and antioxidant and prebiotic activity, as well as potential protective effects and functional properties, making it an attractive food or ingredient in developing innovative functional products.

A review of Environmental risks and vulnerability factors of indigenous populations from Latin America and the Caribbean in the face of the COVID-19.

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) was declared a new epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 22 May 2020. As of 13 January 2021, the numbers of deaths and cases caused by COVID-19 in LAC reported are 552,000 and 17'485,000 respectively. LAC concentrates the largest percentage of indigenous populations throughout the world. In this region, poverty is persistent and particularly rural indigenous peoples hold the steepest barriers to health services and experience profound discrimination based on ethnicity, poverty, and language, compared to their non-indigenous counterparts. The information regarding the health of indigenous populations, in general, is scarce, and this problem is aggravated in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the main objective of this work is to address the overall scenario of indigenous peoples in the Latin American and Caribbean region from March 2020 to January 2021, in this manner gathering information regarding health problems, economic, social, cultural and environmental factors that make indigenous populations in LAC particularly vulnerable to serious health effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as compiling the mitigation strategies implemented in indigenous communities.