Stability, Content of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Emulsions with Propolis Extracts during Simulated In Vitro Digestion.

The objective in this work was the evaluation of the stability and content of bioactive compounds (total phenols and total flavonoids) and antioxidant activity of emulsions of ethanolic extracts of propolis obtained by ultrasound, during simulated in vitro digestion. The emulsions prepared with propolis extracts were evaluated on certain properties: their emulsion efficiency, stability (zeta potential, particle size, electrical conductivity), content of bioactive compound (total phenolics and total flavonoids), antioxidant activity and their behavior during simulated in vitro digestion. Based on the total phenol content, an emulsification efficiency of 87.8 ± 1.9% to 97.8 ± 3.8% was obtained. The particle size of the emulsions was 322.5 ± 15.33 nm to 463.9 ± 33.65 nm, with a zeta potential of -31.5 ± 0.66 mV to -28.2 ± 1.0 mV and electrical conductivity of 22.7 ± 1.96 µS/cm to 30.6 ± 0.91 µS/cm. These results indicate good emulsion stability. During simulated in vitro digestion, the content of bioactive compounds (total phenolics, total flavonoids) and antioxidant activity were affected during 77 days of storage at 4 °C. It was concluded that the emulsion process fulfills the function of protecting the bioactive compounds and therefore their biological activity.

Variations in metabolic parameters of in vitro matured porcine oocytes after vitrification-warming.

Background: As the porcine oocyte is the most sensitive to low-temperature damage, it has been difficult to cryopreserve compared to those from other domestic animals. However, at present, vitrification is used as a method for the cryopreservation of both oocytes and embryos in this species. Aim: Our aim was to analyze alterations in metabolic parameters in vitrified-warmed in vitro matured porcine oocytes at different post-warming recuperation times. In addition, metaphase II plate recovery time analysis, in vitro fertilization, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection were carried out to evaluate oocyte recovery capacity. Methods: Oocytes were vitrified-warmed and then incubated for 0, 3, or 21 hours post-warming to assess biochemical parameters. Results: Oocyte viability and morphology were not affected by vitrification-warming. Cytosolic oxidative status, active mitochondria, and reactive oxygen species levels presented changes at the different time points in control and vitrified-warmed oocytes (p < 0.05) as well as differences between both groups (p < 0.05). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate levels remained constant throughout different recuperation times but were significantly lower in vitrified-warmed oocytes (p < 0.05). Metaphase II plate recovery occurred mostly between 3 and 4 hours post-warming, but the percentage of metaphase II was reduced by vitrification-warming. Sperm head decondensation and pronuclear formation capacities were not modified. Conclusion: In conclusion, vitrification-warming generates biochemical alterations in porcine oocytes that would be, in part, responsible for affecting their performance. Therefore, although the technique is a valid alternative for porcine oocyte cryopreservation, the protocols should be adapted to minimize those alterations.

Treatment of pain in length-dependent peripheral neuropathy with the use of spinal cord stimulation: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chronic intractable pain from peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating condition that might not respond to conventional medical management and pharmacotherapy. The primary objective of this systematic review was to assess change (or reduction) in pain intensity in patients with length-dependent peripheral neuropathy after spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy. METHODS: This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The primary outcome was change (or reduction) in pain intensity after 12 months of SCS therapy compared with baseline in participants with length-dependent peripheral neuropathy. Secondary outcomes included change in pain intensity after 6 months and change in opioid consumption after 12 months. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines were used to appraise the quality of evidence. RESULTS: Nineteen studies consisting of 376 participants who underwent SCS implantation met the inclusion criteria. Qualitative synthesis revealed that all eligible studies reported a significant improvement in pain intensity after 12 months of SCS therapy as compared with baseline. Mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for 4 studies, all of which achieved the minimal clinically important difference for change in pain intensity at 12 months. The GRADE quality of evidence for this outcome was appraised as very low quality. CONCLUSION: This systematic review highlights that SCS could lead to significant improvement in pain intensity for length-dependent peripheral neuropathy, although future well-powered randomized controlled trials are warranted to increase the certainty of evidence in this finding. STUDY REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/) ID: CRD42022377572.

Refining Stereotaxic Neurosurgery Techniques and Welfare Assessment for Long-Term Intracerebroventricular Device Implantation in Rodents.

Stereotaxic surgeries enable precise access to specific brain regions, being of particular interest for chronic intracerebroventricular drug delivery. However, the challenge of long-term studies at this level is to allow the implantation of drug storage devices and their correct intrathecal connection while guaranteeing animal welfare during the entire study period. In this study, we propose an optimized method for safe intrathecal device implantation, focusing on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative procedures, following the 3Rs principle and animal welfare regulations. Our optimized protocol introduces three main refinements. Firstly, we modify the dimensions of the implantable devices, notably diminishing the device-to-mouse weight ratio. Secondly, we use a combination of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive and UV light-curing resin, which decreases surgery time, improves healing, and notably minimizes cannula detachment or adverse effects. Thirdly, we develop a customized welfare assessment scoresheet to accurately monitor animal well-being during long-term implantations. Taken together, these refinements positively impacted animal welfare by minimizing the negative effects on body weight, surgery-related complications, and anxiety-like behaviors. Overall, the proposed refinements have the potential to reduce animal use, enhance experimental data quality, and improve reproducibility. Additionally, these improvements can be extended to other neurosurgical techniques, thereby advancing neuroscience research, and benefiting the scientific community.

Caracterización clínico-epidemiológica de pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y microalbuminuria

Introducción: La diabetes mellitus constituye una enfermedad de elevada morbilidad y mortalidad. Objetivo: Caracterizar clínica y epidemiológicamente la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y el uso de la microalbuminuria en el daño renal precoz. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal mediante una muestra no probabilística de 94 pacientes, en un universo de 187 enfermos con diabetes mellitus 2, en el Servicio de Medicina Interna del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Docente Amalia Simoni, de Camagüey. El mismo tuvo lugar entre enero de 2020 y enero de 2021. Se analizaron variables como edad, sexo, hábitos tóxicos, estado nutricional, tiempo de evolución de la diabetes, comorbilidades, valor de la microalbuminuria y su relación con el tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad. Para el procesamiento de los datos se empleó el programa estadístico SPSS 19.0. Resultados: Prevalecieron el grupo de 60 años y más, el sexo femenino, el tabaquismo como hábito tóxico, y el sobrepeso. Según el tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad, prevaleció el rango de 6 a 10 años. Las comorbilidades principales fueron la hipertensión arterial y la cardiopatía isquémica. La relación entre el tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad y la aparición de microalbuminuria patológica, demostró la utilidad de esta en la detección del daño renal precoz en pacientes con 6 a 10 años de evolución. Conclusiones: Se demostró el papel de la microalbuminuria en la detección del daño renal precoz en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a disease with high morbidity and mortality. Objective: To characterize clinically and epidemiologically type 2 diabetes mellitus and the use of microalbuminuria in early kidney damage. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a non-probabilistic sample of 94 patients from a universe of 187 patients with type2 diabetes mellitus treated in the Internal Medicine Service of the Teaching Clinical-Surgery Hospital "Amalia Simoni", of Camagüey. It was conducted between January 2020 and January 2021. Variables such as age, sex, toxic habits, nutritional status, time of evolution of diabetes, comorbidities; value of albuminuria and its relationship with the time of evolution of the disease were analyzed. The SPSS 19.0 statistical program was used for data processing. Results: The age group of 60 years old and over, female sex, smoking as a toxic habit, and overweight prevailed. According to the time of evolution of the disease, the range of 6 to 10 years prevailed. The main comorbidities were arterial hypertension and ischemic heart disease. The relationship between the time of evolution of the disease and the appearance of pathological microalbuminuria demonstrated its usefulness in the detection of early kidney damage in patients with 6 to 10 years of evolution. Conclusions: The role of microalbuminuria in the detection of early kidney damage in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was demonstrated.

Agro-Food Waste as an Ingredient in Functional Beverage Processing: Sources, Functionality, Market and Regulation.

Waste generated from the agro-food industry represents a concerning environmental, social and economic issue. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations defines food waste as all food that decreases in quantity or quality to the extent that it is thrown out by food service providers and consumers. The FAO reports that 17% of worldwide food production may be wasted. Food waste may include fresh products, food close to the expiration date discarded by retailers and food products from household kitchens and eating establishments. However, food waste offers different possibilities to extract functional ingredients from different sources, such as dairy, cereals, fruits, vegetables, fibers, oils, dye and bioactive compounds. The optimization of agro-food waste as an ingredient will help in the development and innovation of food products to generate functional food and beverages to prevent and treat several diseases in consumers.

Physical functioning following spinal cord stimulation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as an important treatment for chronic pain disorders. While there is evidence supporting improvement in pain intensity with SCS therapy, efforts to synthesize the evidence on physical functioning are lacking. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to assess long-term physical function following 12 months of SCS for chronic back pain. EVIDENCE REVIEW: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases were searched for original peer-reviewed publications investigating physical function following SCS. The primary outcome was physical function at 12 months following SCS therapy for chronic back pain compared with baseline. A random effects model with an inverse variable method was used. The Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used to determine the certainty of evidence. FINDINGS: A total of 518 studies were screened, of which 36 were included. Twenty-two studies were pooled in the meta-analysis. There was a significant reduction in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores at all time frames up to 24 months following implantation. Pooled results revealed significant improvement in ODI scores at 12 months with a mean difference of -17.00% (95% CI -23.07 to -10.94, p<0.001). There was a very low certainty of evidence in this finding as per the GRADE framework. There was no significant difference in subgroup analyses based on study design (randomised controlled trials (RCTs) vs non-RCTs), study funding, or stimulation type. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis highlights significant improvements in physical function after SCS therapy. However, this finding was limited by a very low GRADE certainty of evidence and high heterogeneity.

Evidence-Based Treatment of Pain in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating and often painful condition that occurs after administration of chemotherapeutic agents. The primary objective of this systematic review was to appraise the literature on conservative, pharmacological, and interventional treatment options for CIPN pain. RECENT FINDINGS: There is level I evidence supporting modest to moderate improvement in CIPN pain from duloxetine treatment, as well as short-term modest improvement from physical therapy and acupuncture. Although opioid and cannabis administration may provide short-term modest improvement, administration is commonly limited by side effects. Generally, most studies reported no clinical benefit from yoga, topical neuropathic agents, gabapentinoids, and tricyclic antidepressants. Evidence is currently equivocal for scrambler therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Finally, evidence on neuromodulation options is limited to mostly case reports/series and one observational study highlighting moderate improvement with auricular nerve stimulation. This systematic review provides an overview of conservative, pharmacologic, and interventional treatment modalities for CIPN pain. Furthermore, it provides a level of evidence and degree of recommendation based on the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) criteria for each specific treatment modality.

Ruptura uterina asociada con útero didelfo y placenta acreta. Reporte de caso / Uterine rupture associated with uterus didelphus and placenta accreta. A case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: Las malformaciones müllerianas son consecuencia de una alteración en la formación de los conductos de Müller durante el desarrollo del feto. El momento en que sucede la alteración determina el tipo de malformación. La clasificación actual es la de la American Society for Reproductive Medicine ASMR que se asocia con múltiples complicaciones obstétricas, entre las más graves está la ruptura uterina. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente primigesta de 23 años, con 39.1 semanas de embarazo, sin antecedentes personales patológicos para el padecimiento actual, sin control prenatal, con dolor abdominal intenso generalizado y disminución de los movimientos fetales desde 12 horas previas a su valoración. Al ingreso de la paciente al hospital su feto se encontró muerto; hemoglobina de 7.9 g/dL, tensión arterial de 96-53 mmHg, taquicárdica, con datos clínicos de irritación peritoneal. En la laparotomía exploradora el feto se encontró muerto, en la cavidad abdominal. Hemoperitoneo de 1300 mL, útero didelfo, con ruptura uterina hacia el fondo. Datos de acretismo placentario. Por lo anterior, se procedió a la histerectomía obstétrica, con sangrado de 2000 cc. Fue necesaria la reanimación y la permanencia de 24 horas en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. La TAC abdomino-pélvica se reportó sin alteraciones renales, con una tumoración adherida cerca del peritoneo parietal sugerente de riñón ectópico. El puerperio trascurrió sin contratiempos por lo que fue dada de alta del hospital. CONCLUSIÓN: En el embarazo, las malformaciones müllerianas son causa de complicaciones obstétricas graves, entre ellas la ruptura uterina. El diagnóstico oportuno es decisivo para la prevención de complicaciones y el control prenatal.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Müllerian malformations are the consequence of an alteration in the formation of the Müllerian ducts during fetal development. The time at which the alteration occurs determines the type of malformation. The current classification is that of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine ASMR, which is associated with multiple obstetric complications, among the most serious of which is uterine rupture. CLINICAL CASE: A 23-year-old primigravid patient, 39.1 weeks pregnant, with no personal pathological history for the current condition, without prenatal control, with severe generalized abdominal pain and decreased fetal movements for 12 hours prior to her evaluation. On the patient admission to the hospital her fetus was found dead; hemoglobin 7.9 g/dL, blood pressure 96-53 mmHg, tachycardic, with clinical data of peritoneal irritation. At exploratory laparotomy the fetus was found dead, in abdominal cavity. Hemoperitoneum of 1300 mL, didelphic uterus, with uterine rupture towards the fundus. Data of placental accretism. Therefore, obstetric hysterectomy was performed, with bleeding of 2000 cc. Resuscitation and a 24-hour stay in the intensive care unit was necessary. The abdomino-pelvic CT scan showed no renal alterations, with an adherent tumor near the parietal peritoneum suggestive of ectopic kidney. The puerperium was uneventful, and she was discharged from the hospital. CONCLUSION: In pregnancy, Müllerian malformations are a cause of serious obstetric complications, including uterine rupture. Timely diagnosis is decisive for the prevention of complications and prenatal management.

Torsión uterina causada por miomatosis: reporte de un caso / Uterine torsion caused by myomatosis: A case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: La torsión uterina es una rotación del útero sobre su eje mayor de más de 45°; por lo general sucede en torno del istmo uterino. Los leiomiomas son el factor predisponente más frecuente en úteros no grávidos. OBJETIVO: Reportar el caso de una paciente con torsión uterina cervical y miomatosis de grandes elementos. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 42 años, nuligesta, con antecedente de miomatosis uterina de grandes elementos de 27 x 27 cm. Los síntomas se iniciaron con síndrome doloroso abdominal intenso, tipo cólico, localizado en el hipogastrio y la fosa iliaca. En la exploración física el abdomen se percibió doloroso a la palpación superficial y profunda, con una tumoración cercana a la cicatriz umbilical (25 cm), móvil y dolorosa. En la laparotomía exploradora se encontró líquido peritoneal hemorrágico y se observó una torsión uterina (una vuelta) cerca del cuello del útero, además de un mioma subseroso en la cara posterior, de 27 x 27 cm. El útero, los anexos y las salpinges se advirtieron con datos francos de daño vascular, con áreas de isquemia. Por lo anterior se decidieron la histerectomía total abdominal y la salpingooforectomia bilateral. El informe histopatológico reportó: útero con cambio isquémico extenso panmural, sin evidencia de neoplasia maligna. CONCLUSIONES: El dolor abdominal es el síntoma más común de la torsión uterina que puede variar de leve a agudo. El diagnóstico preoperatorio rápido y preciso de torsión uterina es decisivo y se justifica la intervención quirúrgica de urgencia.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Uterine torsion is a rare entity that is defined as a rotation of the uterus on its major axis of more than 45°, generally occurring at the level of the uterine isthmus. Leiomyomas are the most frequent predisposing factor in non-gravid uterus. OBJECTIVE: Report of a case of a gynecological patient with uterine torsion at the cervical level in a uterus with uterine myomatosis of large elements. CLINICAL CASE: A 42-year-old patient, nulliparous, with a history of uterine myomatosis with large elements of 27 x 27 cm. The symptoms began with intense abdominal pain syndrome, colic type, located in the hypogastrium and the iliac fossa. On physical examination, the abdomen was perceived as painful on superficial and deep palpation, with a mobile and painful tumor close to the umbilical scar (25 cm). In the exploratory laparotomy, hemorrhagic peritoneal fluid was found and a uterine torsion (one turn) was observed near the cervix, as well as a subserous myoma on the posterior face, measuring 27 x 27 cm. The uterus, the annexes and the salpinges were noted with frank data of vascular damage, with areas of ischemia. Therefore, total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were decided. The histopathological report reported: uterus with extensive panmural ischemic change, without evidence of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: In uterine torsion, abdominal pain is the most common symptom and can range from mild to severe abdominal symptoms. Therefore, a prompt and accurate preoperative diagnosis of uterine torsion is crucial and urgent surgical intervention is warranted.

Platelet Rich Plasma and Platelet-Related Products in the Treatment of Radiculopathy-A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Back pain with radicular symptoms is associated with detrimental physical and emotional functioning and economic burden. Conservative treatments including physical, pharmacologic and injection therapy may not provide clinically significant or long-standing relief. Regenerative medicine research including Platelet rich plasma (PRP), Platelet lysate (PL) or Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) continues to develop, however evidence appraisal for treatment of radicular pain remains lacking. Thus, we performed a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of epidural steroid injections containing PRP or related products to treat radicular pain. Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Google Scholar databases were queried. Twelve studies were included in qualitative analysis, consisting of three randomized controlled trials and nine observational studies. The primary outcome was pain intensity, and secondary outcomes included functional improvement, anatomical changes on advanced imaging, and adverse events. All studies identified improved pain intensity and functional outcomes after epidural injection of PRP, PRGF and/or PL. Similar or longer lasting pain relief was noted in the PRP cohort compared to the cohort receiving epidural steroid injections with effects lasting up to 12-24 months. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) analysis revealed a very-low certainty of evidence due to risk of bias, indirectness, and imprecision.

The Analgesic Efficacy of Intradiscal Injection of Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate and Culture-Expanded Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Discogenic Pain: A Systematic Review.

Pain originating from the intervertebral disc (discogenic pain) is a prevalent manifestation of low back pain and is often challenging to treat. Of recent interest, regenerative medicine options with injectable biologics have been trialed in discogenic pain and a wide variety of other painful musculoskeletal conditions. In particular, the role of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and culture-expanded bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) in treating discogenic pain remains unclear. The primary objective of this systematic review was to appraise the evidence of intradiscal injection with BMAC and culture-expanded BM-MSCs in alleviating pain intensity from discogenic pain. Secondary outcomes included changes in physical function after intradiscal injection, correlation between stromal cell count and pain intensity, and anatomical changes of the disc assessed by radiographic imaging after intradiscal injection. Overall, 16 studies consisting of 607 participants were included in qualitative synthesis without pooling. Our synthesis revealed that generally intradiscal autologous or allogeneic BMAC and culture-expanded BM-MSCs improved discogenic pain compared to baseline. Intradiscal injection was also associated with improvements in physical functioning and positive anatomical changes on spine magnetic resonance imaging (improved disc height, disc water content, Pfirrmann grading) although anatomical findings were inconsistent across studies. However, the overall GRADEscore for this study was very low due to heterogeneity and poor generalizability. There were no serious adverse events reported post intradiscal injection except for a case of discitis.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for Preparation of Gelatin Films with Antimicrobial Activity.

Silver nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using Thuja orientalis aqueous extract and AgNO3 as a precursor. UV-Vis showed a distinct absorption peak at 424 nm attributed to silver nanoparticles due to their surface plasmon resonance. Atomic absorption analysis reflected an increase in the concentration of nanoparticles in relation to the progress of the synthesis, obtaining a peak concentration value of 15.7 mg/L at 50 min. The FTIR spectra revealed the characteristic functional groups of phytomolecules involved in the silver-ion binding process, such as R-O-H (3335 cm-1) O=C-OH (2314 cm-1) and C-C=C (1450 cm-1). At 50 min, zeta potential showed the stability of the nanoparticles with the value of -21.73 mV. TEM micrographs revealed the formation of spherical nanoparticles with an average size of about 85.77 nm. Furthermore, films incorporated with nanoparticles exhibited a Tg from 66.42 °C to 73.71 °C and Tm at 103.31 °C. Films from the G22 formulation presented excellent antibacterial properties inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Thuja orientalis aqueous extract could be a low-cost, eco-friendly, and efficient reducing and capping agent for the synthesis of nanometric-sized Ag particles. Gelatin films with nanoparticles are expected to have high potential as an active food packaging system.

Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation for Lower Extremity Neuropathic Pain Syndromes: An Evidence-Based Literature Review.

Dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-S) is a form of selective neuromodulation therapy that targets the dorsal root ganglion. DRG-S offers analgesia in a variety of chronic pain conditions and is approved for treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There has been increasing utilization of DRG-S to treat various neuropathic pain syndromes of the lower extremity, although evidence remains limited to one randomized controlled trial and 39 observational studies. In this review, we appraised the current evidence for DRG-S in the treatment of lower extremity neuropathic pain using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria. The primary outcome was change in pain intensity after DRG-S compared to baseline. We stratified presentation of results based of type of neuropathy (CRPS, painful diabetic neuropathy, mononeuropathy, polyneuropathy) as well as location of neuropathy (hip, knee, foot). Future powered randomized controlled trials with homogeneous participants are warranted.

The Effect of High-Intensity Ultrasound and Natural Oils on the Extraction and Antioxidant Activity of Lycopene from Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Waste.

The extraction of lycopene was carried out with three types of vegetable oils (grape, extra virgin olive, and peanut) by means of two methods: agitation and high-intensity ultrasound with a frequency of 20 kHz at an amplitude of 80% with periods of 40 s of sonication for 20 min at a temperature of 40 °C. The antioxidant determination by inhibition of ABTS and DPPH radicals showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) for inhibition of the ABTS radical in native oils and oils with lycopene. However, the radical DPPH showed that the native oils presented significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) compared to the samples with lycopene. FTIR spectra revealed the characteristic functional groups of lycopene exhibiting two characteristic peaks at 2923 cm−1 and 2957 cm−1. The DSC thermograms showed that the higher the degree of oil unsaturation, the lower the melting temperatures. Olive oil was the least unsaturated with the highest amount of oleic fatty acid. Grapeseed oil reported the lowest melting temperature at around −24.64 °C. Extra virgin olive oil showed the lightest values (L* = 41.08 ± 0.45) of brightness, and the peanut oil with lycopene was the darkest (L* = 16.72 ± 0.05). The extraction of lycopene from organic wastes treated with agitation and ultrasound was satisfactory reducing the use of conventional solvents. However, extraction with olive oil under agitation showed the best results.

Did a 3800-year-old Mw ~9.5 earthquake trigger major social disruption in the Atacama Desert?

Early inhabitants along the hyperarid coastal Atacama Desert in northern Chile developed resilience strategies over 12,000 years, allowing these communities to effectively adapt to this extreme environment, including the impact of giant earthquakes and tsunamis. Here, we provide geoarchaeological evidence revealing a major tsunamigenic earthquake that severely affected prehistoric hunter-gatherer-fisher communities ~3800 years ago, causing an exceptional social disruption reflected in contemporary changes in archaeological sites and triggering resilient strategies along these coasts. Together with tsunami modeling results, we suggest that this event resulted from a ~1000-km-long megathrust rupture along the subduction contact of the Nazca and South American plates, highlighting the possibility of Mw ~9.5 tsunamigenic earthquakes in northern Chile, one of the major seismic gaps of the planet. This emphasizes the necessity to account for long temporal scales to better understand the variability, social effects, and human responses favoring resilience to socionatural disasters.

Milk Whey Hydrolysates as High Value-Added Natural Polymers: Functional Properties and Applications.

There are two types of milk whey obtained from cheese manufacture: sweet and acid. It retains around 55% of the nutrients of the milk. Milk whey is considered as a waste, creating a critical pollution problem, because 9 L of whey are produced from every 10 L of milk. Some treatments such as hydrolysis by chemical, fermentation process, enzymatic action, and green technologies (ultrasound and thermal treatment) are successful in obtaining peptides from protein whey. Milk whey peptides possess excellent functional properties such as antihypertensive, antiviral, anticancer, immunity, and antioxidant, with benefits in the cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, immune, and nervous system. This review presents an update of the applications of milk whey hydrolysates as a high value-added peptide based on their functional properties.

Disgenesia gonadal completa 46,XY o síndrome de Swyer: reporte de un caso / Complete 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis or Swyer syndrome: A case report

Resumen INTRODUCCIÓN: La disgenesia gonadal completa 46,XY (síndrome de Swyer) es una alteración del desarrollo sexual caracterizada por fenotipo femenino, amenorrea primaria, útero normal o rudimentario, estrías gonadales y cariotipo con expresión 46,XY. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 14 años, con amenorrea primaria e hipogonadismo en estudio. En la exploración física se encontraron: glándulas mamarías con Tanner 1, vello axilar y púbico Tanner 1, genitales externos de apariencia femenina, sin desarrollo secundario; labios mayores lisos, sin rugosidades ni aumento de la pigmentación y labios menores pequeños, no visibles. La histeroscopia reportó: himen íntegro y vagina normal; cuello uterino pequeño, con canal endocervical normal, sin comunicación a la cavidad del útero. El cariotipo de sangre periférica fue 46,XY. CONCLUSIÓN: La disgenesia gonadal completa 46,XY es una alteración que debe considerarse en las pacientes con amenorrea primaria y ausencia de caracteres sexuales secundarios. La valoración mediante un equipo multidisciplinario permitirá establecer el diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuados para este tipo de padecimiento.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: 46, XY Complete Gonadal Dysgenesis (46, XY DGC), or Swyer Syndrome, is an alteration of sexual development, characterized by a female phenotype; primary amenorrhea; normal or rudimentary uterus; Gonadal striae and 46, XY karyotype. CASE REPORT: A 14-year-old patient comes for a referral to a second-level care center; due to primary amenorrhea and hypogonadism under study. On physical examination: Tanner 1 breasts; Tanner 1 axillary and pubic hair; female apparent external genitalia without secondary development, smooth labia majora, without roughness, without increased pigmentation; with small non-visible labia minora; hysteroscopy that reported: presence of complete hymen, normal vagina; Small cervix, with normal endocervical canal, without passing into the cavity of the uterus. Peripheral blood karyotype: 46, XY. CONCLUSION: 46, XY complete gonadal dysgenesis is a clinical entity that should be considered in all patients with primary amenorrhea and absence of secondary sexual characteristics. The multidisciplinary assessment will allow to establish the appropriate diagnosis and treatment for this type of disease.

Residential proximity to pesticide applications in Argentine Patagonia: impact on pregnancy and newborn parameters.

Among residents living close to agricultural fields who are potentially exposed to pesticides, pregnant women and their fetuses are of particular concern for their vulnerability to environmental chemicals. In this collaborative multicenter study, we covered a wide distribution of participants in the most important fruit production zone of north Patagonia (Argentina) to investigate whether maternal residential proximity to fruit croplands with intense pesticide applications (rural group -RG-) is associated with pregnancy complications and alterations in their newborn parameters compared to the urban population (urban group -UG-). A total of 776 pregnant women met the inclusion criteria. The percentage of threatened miscarriage was significantly higher in the RG than in the UG. The percentage of miscarriage, threat of premature labor, intrauterine fetal death, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and intrauterine growth retardation were similar in both groups. Newborn anthropometric parameters were corrected by sex and gestational age prior to statistical analysis. Length at birth and head circumference were lower in the RG than in the UG. Birth weight was similar in both groups. The percentage of head circumference less than the 5th percentile and the ponderal index were greater in the RG than in the UG. Our results suggest that proximity to pesticide applications may increase the risk of pregnancy complications and altered newborn parameters.

Application of Nanoemulsions (W/O) of Extract of Opuntia oligacantha C.F. Först and Orange Oil in Gelatine Films.

Over the past decade, consumers have demanded natural, completely biodegradable active packaging serving as food containers. Bioactive plant compounds can be added to biopolymer-based films to improve their functionality, as they not only act as barriers against oxidation, microbiological, and physical damage, they also offer functionality to the food they contain. A water-in-oil (W/O) nanoemulsion was produced by applying ultrasound to xoconostle extract and orange oil, and was incorporated into gelatine films in different proportions 1:0 (control), 1:0.10, 1:0.25, 1:0.50, 1:0.75, and 1:1 (gelatine:nanoemulsion). The nanoemulsions had an average size of 118.80 ± 5.50 nm with a Z-potential of -69.9 ± 9.93 mV. The presence of bioactive compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, and betalains in the films was evaluated. The 1:1 treatment showed the highest presence of bioactive compounds, 41.31 ± 3.71 mg of gallic acid equivalent per 100 g (GAE)/100g for phenols, 28.03 ± 3.25 mg of quercetin equivalent per 100 g (EQ)/100g flavonoids and 0.014 mg/g betalains. Radical inhibition reached 72.13% for 2,20-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), and 82.23% for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The color of the films was influenced by the incorporation of nanoemulsions, showing that it was significantly different (p < 0.05) to the control. Mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, Young's modulus, and percentage elongation, were affected by the incorporation of nanoemulsified bioactive compounds into gelatine films. The obtained films presented changes in strength and flexibility. These characteristics could be favorable as packaging material.