Biochelates from Spent Coffee Grounds Increases Iron Levels in Dutch Cucumbers but Affects Their Antioxidant Capacity.

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are a type of food waste and are produced in abundance around the world. However, their utilization as a soil organic amendment is challenging due to their phytotoxic effect. In the present work, the impact of agronomic biofortification on Dutch cucumbers was investigated using different chemically modified SCG and analyzing their effects on iron contents, their capacity for releasing antioxidants, and the production of short-chain fatty acids after in vitro digestion-fermentation. The results indicated variations in the iron contents and chemical compositions of cucumbers according to the treatment groups. Functionalized and activated hydrochar from SCG increased Fe levels in cucumbers. Although activated hydrochar obtained at 160 °C and functionalized with Fe showed the highest iron supply per serving, differences in antioxidant capacity and short-chain fatty acid production were observed between the groups. It is concluded that growing conditions and the presence of iron may significantly influence the contribution of these cucumbers to the dietary intake of nutrients and antioxidants, which could have important implications for human health and nutrition.

Zn Biofortification of Dutch Cucumbers with Chemically Modified Spent Coffee Grounds: Zn Enrichment and Nutritional Implications.

Spent coffee grounds (SCGs) are a food waste with a large generation around the world. However, their utilization as a soil organic amendment is difficult due to their phytotoxic effect. In the present work, the impact of agronomic biofortification on Dutch cucumbers was studied by using different chemically modified SCGs, analyzing their effects on Zn content, the release of antioxidant capacity and the production of short-chain fatty acids after in vitro digestion-fermentation. The results indicated variations in the Zn content and chemical composition of cucumbers according to the treatment groups. The functionalized with Zn and activated SCGs were able to increase Zn levels in cucumbers. Meanwhile, the activated hydrochar obtained at 160 °C and the activated and functionalized with Zn SCGs showed the highest Zn supply per serving. Differences in the antioxidant capacity and short-chain fatty acid production were observed between the groups. It is concluded that the growing conditions and the presence of Zn may significantly influence the contribution of these cucumbers to the dietary intake of nutrients and antioxidants, which could have important implications for human health and nutrition.

Soundscapes and deep learning enable tracking biodiversity recovery in tropical forests.

Tropical forest recovery is fundamental to addressing the intertwined climate and biodiversity loss crises. While regenerating trees sequester carbon relatively quickly, the pace of biodiversity recovery remains contentious. Here, we use bioacoustics and metabarcoding to measure forest recovery post-agriculture in a global biodiversity hotspot in Ecuador. We show that the community composition, and not species richness, of vocalizing vertebrates identified by experts reflects the restoration gradient. Two automated measures - an acoustic index model and a bird community composition derived from an independently developed Convolutional Neural Network - correlated well with restoration (adj-R² = 0.62 and 0.69, respectively). Importantly, both measures reflected composition of non-vocalizing nocturnal insects identified via metabarcoding. We show that such automated monitoring tools, based on new technologies, can effectively monitor the success of forest recovery, using robust and reproducible data.

Neuromuscular Response during Different Side-Cutting Maneuvers and Its Influence on the Risk of Knee Injuries.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a customized exercise program on electromyographic (EMG) variables during side-cutting maneuvers. METHODS: Fifty-seven physically active volunteers were recruited and randomized into two groups: a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG). The CG maintained their regular physical activity, while the EG followed an individualized, integrated exercise regimen that included strength, neuromuscular, proprioceptive, eccentric training, and whole-body vibration (WBV) exercises, lasting for 12 weeks. EMG-Root Means Square (RMS) values for the quadriceps (Q) and hamstrings (H) were measured immediately following initial foot contact at 50, 100, 150, and 200 milliseconds. Changes in EMG activity were evaluated before and after a twelve-week intervention, and the effect size (ES, 90% confidence limit [90%CL]) was calculated. RESULTS: The results showed that the EG participants exhibited enhanced co-contraction as measured by the hamstring/quadriceps ratio (H/Q ratio) during both open and cross-cutting side maneuvers after the twelve-week intervention. CONCLUSION: Furthermore, the customized, integrated exercise program that combined strength, neuromuscular, proprioceptive, eccentric training, and WBV exercises were could potentially serve as a beneficial neuromuscular and biomechanical strategy for addressing knee injury risk in non-professional, physically active populations at high risk for such injuries.

Spent coffee grounds as feedstock for the production of biosurfactants and the improved recovery of melanoidins.

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are wastes generated in high amounts worldwide. Their composition makes them a promising feedstock for biotechnological processes. Here we show that the production of the biosurfactant surfactin by submerged culture of a Bacillus subtilis strain growing on SCG is possible, reaching concentrations up to 8.8 mg/L when using SCG at 8.3 g/L in the medium. In addition, we report a synergy between the production of surfactin and the recovery of melanoidins, an added-value compound already present in SCG. More specifically, the concentration of melanoidins in the culture medium increased between 2.1 and 2.5 times thanks to the presence of the B. subtilis in the culture. Furthermore, we have observed a strong interaction between surfactin and melanoidin aggregates through dynamic light scattering measurements, and that both of them can be co-purified with an acid precipitation. We have also characterized the interfacial and antioxidant properties of the cell-free supernatant and surfactin extract, as well as the distribution of the congeners of the biosurfactant. Altogether, this work describes a promising approach to obtain biosurfactants and antioxidant molecules in a single operation, which can be used to design several new formulations of interest for bioremediation, amendment of soils, food and cosmetics.

A consolidated phylogeny of snail-eating snakes (Serpentes, Dipsadini), with the description of five new species from Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama.

A molecular phylogeny of the Neotropical snail-eating snakes (tribe Dipsadini Bonaparte, 1838) is presented that includes 60 of the 133 species currently recognized. There is morphological and phylogenetic support for four new species of Sibon Fitzinger, 1826 and one of Dipsas Laurenti, 1768, which are described here based on their unique combination of molecular, meristic, and color pattern characteristics. PlesiodipsasHarvey et al., 2008 is designated as a junior synonym of Dipsas and additional evidence is presented to support the transfer of the genus Geophis Wagler, 1830 to the tribe Dipsadini. Two of the subspecies of S.nebulatus (Linnaeus, 1758) are elevated to full species status. Insight into additional undescribed cryptic diversity within the S.nebulatus species complex is provided. Evidence that supports the existence of an undescribed species previously confused with D.temporalis is provided, as well as the first country record of S.ayerbeorum Vera-Pérez, 2019 in Ecuador with a comment on the ontogenetic variation of the latter. Finally, photographs of Colombian, Ecuadorian, and Panamanian snail-eating snakes are provided.

A new species of Dipsas (Serpentes, Dipsadidae) from central Panama.

A new species of Dipsas Laurenti, 1768, from Central Panama is described based on molecular analyses, hemipenial morphology, and external characters. This is the sixth species of Dipsas to be described for the country; the snake has been suspected to exist since 1977 and has not been thoroughly studied until now. Additionally, morphological comparations including scale counts are done with other species within the genus, and the current geographic distribution of Dipsastemporalis (Werner, 1909), the sister species, is updated. Finally, a key to the species of Dipsas currently known from Middle America is presented.

ResumenDescribimos una nueva especies de Dipsas Laurenti, 1768 de la región central de Panamá en base a análisis moleculares, morfología hemipenial y caracteres de morfología externa. Esta es la sexta especie del género Dipsas descrita para el país. Se sospechaba su existencia desde 1977 pero no había sido estudiada exhaustivamente hasta ahora. Adicionalmente, presentamos comparaciones morfológicas (incluyendo lepidosis) con otras especies del género y actualizamos la distribución geográfica de su especie hermana Dipsastemporalis (Werner, 1909). Finalmente, presentamos una clave para las especies de Dipsas distribuidas en Centroamérica.

Laparoscopic vs. Open Approach in Emergent Inguinal Hernia: Our Experience and Review of Literature.

There is currently no consensus or homogeneous recommendation about the role of the laparoscopic approach in emergent inguinal hernia surgery. The aim of this manuscript is showing our experience and results of laparoscopic approach for emergent groin hernia repair comparing with open approach. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database between January 2011 and December 2021 of acute incarcerated groin hernia that were operated at Virgen del Rocio University Hospital. In this period, they were identified 463 patients with groin hernia that required an emergency repair. 454 patients underwent open surgery (group 1) and 36 patients underwent laparoscopic approach (TAPP procedure) (group 2). Median length stay was 1 day in lap group and 2 days in open approach. Reintervention was necessary in 20 cases (4.40%) from group 1 and one (2.27%) from group 2. In laparoscopic approach, no mortality was described but in open approach, 10 patients (2.20%) died. Globally, 58 cases (12.77%) from group 1 and six patients (16.66%) from group 2 presented any complication. Wound infection was higher in group of open repairs (5.94% vs. 2.77%). Non-surgical complications were higher in open approach (19 vs. 0). There is no statistical significance in any of these items. Laparoscopic approach is a safe, feasible and effective therapeutic option for the treatment of incarcerated groin hernia that require emergency surgery, but prospective and randomized comparative studies are needed to establish the best approach.

Environmental impact assessment of nanofluids containing mixtures of surfactants and silica nanoparticles.

Due to widespread use of nanoparticles in surfactant-based formulations, their release into the environment and wastewater is unavoidable and toxic for biota and/or wastewater treatment processes. Because of concerns over the environmental impacts of nanofluids, studies of the fate and environmental impacts, hazards, and toxicities of nanoparticles are beginning. However, interactions between nanoparticles and surfactants and the biodegradability of these mixtures have been little studied until now. In this work, the environmental impacts of nanofluids containing mixtures of surfactants and silica nanoparticles were valuated. The systems studied were hydrophilic silica nanoparticles (sizes 7 and 12 nm), a nonionic surfactant (alkyl polyglucoside), an anionic surfactant (ether carboxylic acid), and mixtures of them. The ultimate aerobic biodegradation and the interfacial and adsorption properties of surfactants, nanoparticles, and mixtures during biodegradation were also evaluated. Ultimate biodegradation was studied below and above the CMCs of the individual surfactants. The interfacial and adsorption properties of surfactant solutions containing nanoparticles were influenced by the addition of silica particles. It was determined that silica nanoparticles reduced the capability of the nonionic surfactant alkyl polyglucoside to decrease the surface tension. Thus, silica NPs promoted a considerable increase in the surfactant CMC, whereas the effect was opposite in the case of the anionic surfactant ether carboxylic acid. Increasing concentrations of surfactant and nanoparticles in the test medium caused decreases in the maximum levels of mineralization reached for both types of surfactants. The presence of silica nanoparticles in the medium reduced the biodegradability of binary mixtures containing nonionic and anionic surfactants, and this effect was more pronounced for larger nanoparticles. These results could be useful in modelling the behaviour of nanofluids in aquatic environments and in selecting appropriate nanofluids containing nanoparticles and surfactants with low environmental impact.

Exactitud diagnóstica del índice de nocicepción analgesia para la evaluación del dolor en pacientes críticos / Diagnostic accuracy of analgesia nociception index for pain assessment in critically ill patients / Precisão diagnóstica do índice de analgesia nocicepção para avaliação da dor em pacientes críticos

Resumen: La evaluación de la presencia de dolor en el enfermo sometido a sedación profunda y ventilación mecánica es posible a través de escalas que se basan en datos clínicos indirectos. El índice de nocicepción analgesia (ANI) es utilizado en enfermos anestesiados en la sala quirúrgica. La información sobre su eficacia en los enfermos críticos es escasa. Este trabajo prospectivo, observacional y analítico evalúa el rendimiento diagnóstico de ANI para detectar dolor en los enfermos críticos en ventilación mecánica, sedados con RASS de -3 a -1. Como estándar se utilizaron dos escalas clínicas (BPS y CPOT) aplicadas por médicos y enfermeras de manera simultánea a la medición de ANI, en cuatro ocasiones durante un periodo de 12 minutos. En 23 enfermos y 224 mediciones, la capacidad discriminativa medida a través de áreas por debajo de curvas ROC osciló entre 0.779 y 0.817. El puntaje de ANI con mejor capacidad diagnóstica osciló entre 52 y 55. Utilizando el valor umbral de 50, la sensibilidad osciló entre 0.418 y 0.524, la especificidad entre 0.910 y 0.980. Se reportan los valores predictivos y las razones de verosimilitud. Los cambios en ANI y las escalas, originados por procedimientos durante la medición, tuvieron una concordancia que osciló entre 28 y 41%. Los resultados identifican una tecnología con potencial para su utilización en el enfermo crítico. Son necesarios más estudios que corroboren nuestros resultados.

Abstract: The assessment of pain in patients undergoing deep sedation and mechanical ventilation is possible through scales that are based on indirect clinical data. The Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) is used in anesthetized patients in the operating room. Information on its efficacy in critically ill patients is scarce. This prospective, observational and analytical study evaluates the diagnostic performance of ANI to detect pain in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation and sedated (RASS from -3 to -1). Two clinical scales (BPS and CPOT) were used as standard, applied by doctors and nurses simultaneously to the ANI measurement, on four occasions during a 12-minute period. In 23 patients and 224 measurements, the discriminative capacity measured through ROC curve areas ranged between 0.779 and 0.817. The ANI score with the best diagnostic capacity ranged between 52 and 55. Using the threshold value of 50, the sensitivity ranged between 0.418 and 0.524, the specificity between 0.910 and 0.980. Predictive values and likelihood ratios are reported. The changes in ANI and the scales, originated by procedures during the measurement, had a concordance that ranged between 28 and 41%. The results identify a technology with potential for use in the critically ill. More studies are needed to corroborate our results.

Resumo: A avaliação da presença de dor em pacientes submetidos à sedação profunda e ventilação mecânica é possível por meio de escalas baseadas em dados clínicos indiretos. O índice de analgesia nocicepção (ANI) é utilizado em pacientes anestesiados na sala de cirurgia. As informações sobre sua eficácia em pacientes críticos são escassas. Este estudo prospectivo, observacional e analítico avalia o desempenho diagnóstico do ANI para detectar dor em pacientes críticos em ventilação mecânica, sedados com RASS de -3 a -1. Como padrão, foram utilizadas duas escalas clínicas (BPS e CPOT) aplicadas por médicos e enfermeiros simultaneamente à medida do ANI, em quatro ocasiões durante um período de 12 minutos. Em 23 pacientes e 224 medidas, a capacidade discriminativa medida através das áreas sob as curvas ROC variou entre 0.779 e 0.817. O escore ANI com melhor capacidade diagnóstica variou entre 52 e 55. Utilizando o valor limite de 50, a sensibilidade variou entre 0.418 e 0.524, a especificidade entre 0.910 e 0.980. Relatam-se valores preditivos e razões de verossimilhança. As alterações no ANI e nas escalas, causadas por procedimentos durante a medição, tiveram uma concordância que variou entre 28 e 41%. Os resultados identificam uma tecnologia com potencial para uso em pacientes críticos. Mais estudos são necessários para corroborar nossos resultados.

Long-term influence of frailty in elderly patients after surgical emergencies.

PURPOSE: Frailty is known to increase vulnerability to stressful factors, and motivate a higher morbidity and mortality in several health conditions. However, long-term impact of frailty after surgical procedures remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between frailty and long-term clinical outcomes after emergency surgery. METHODS: Prospective cohort study in patients older than 70 years undergoing emergency procedures. A total of 82 patients (mean age 78.5 years, 53.3% women) were consecutively enrolled. Data on demographics, surgical procedures, complications after 30 postoperative days, and frailty according to the clinical frailty scale, Triage Risk Screening Tool (TRST), and FRAIL scale were recorded. Readmission, mortality, and transition to frailty rates were analyzed at 6 and 18 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The prevalence of frailty ranged between 14.6 and 29.6% depending on the scale used. The overall mortality rate at 18 months was 19.5% (16 patients), and the survival curves demonstrated a significant difference in mortality between frail and non-frail patients assessed using the FRAIL scale and TRST (p = 0.049 and p = 0.033, respectively), with a hazard ratio of 2.28 (95% confidence interval 1.24-6.44). Logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes (p = 0.013) was an independent risk factor for transition to frailty, and antidepressant drug use was close to statistical significance (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: Frailty is a predictive marker of long-term mortality in patients undergoing emergency procedures. Diabetes and depression may represent independent risk factors for transition to frailty over time.

Spent coffee grounds by-products and their influence on soil C-N dynamics.

SCG are a bio-waste generated in great amount worldwide which are attractive as soil amendment for their high content of organic matter and nutritive elements. Nevertheless, several studies have shown that soil application of untreated SCG has detrimental agronomic and environmental effects due to their high degradability and content of noxious compounds (phenols, caffeine, and tannins). However, SCG can be valorised, in the frame of circular economy, by extraction of energy and valuable products (carbohydrates, proteins, bio-oil, bio-diesel) and generation of solid by products (biochar, hydrochar, compost) that can be utilized as soil fertilizers and amendments. Therefore, the aim of this work was the characterization of different solid SCG by-products (as second-generation products) and their assessment as effective organic amendments. The novelty of this study is that for the first time 8 different by-products derived from the same SCG were characterized and comparatively evaluated for their impact on the C and N cycles of soil. SCG was collected and treated to generate 8 different SCG by-products (biochars produced at 270 and 400 °C, hydrochars produced at 160 and 200 °C, vermicompost, defatted SCG and biochars produced from defatted SCG at 270 and 400 °C). SCG and derived by-products were characterized for SEM micromorphology, pH and EC values, and C, N, H, O, volatile matter, fixed C, LOI, carbonates, water soluble C and N, NO3- and NH4+ content. SCG and SCG by-products assessment as organic amendments was performed with an incubation experiment. The residues were added (2.5%) to a moist Mediterranean agricultural soil and the amended soil samples were placed in mesocosms and incubated at 20 °C for 30 days. During incubation, CO2 and N2O emissions were measured every 6 h by means of a gas chromatography automated system for GHG sampling and measurement. The percentage of added C remaining (CR) in the soil was calculated by fitting the cumulative respiration of amended soil to a two-pool model. After 2, 7 and 30 days of incubation, the control and amended soils were sampled and analyzed for their content of extractable organic C, N, NO3- and NH4+ and microbial biomass C and N. Results showed that SCG by-products presented a great variability in their properties. SCG and hydrochars presented higher contents in volatile matter and water soluble C and N, and low content of fixed C, while biochars showed an opposite behaviour. SEM images confirmed the different characteristics of the SCG by-products: the biochar presented a porous structure, honeycomb-like form, due to the loss of the more soluble compounds, while the SCG and hydrochars' pores were filled with amorphous carbonaceous materials. Consequently, soil addition of SCG by-products showed a distinct impact on C and N cycle and microbial biomass content. Addition of SCG and hydrochars generated the highest cumulative CO2-C emissions (2103-2300 µg g-1), the lower amount of CR (86.8-88.6%), increased the soil extractable organic C and microbial biomass C and N and caused N immobilization. On the other hand, the addition of biochars generated lower CO2-C emissions (542-1060 µg g-1), higher amounts of CR (96. 3-99.9%) and lower amounts of extractable compounds and microbial biomass C and N, generating also N immobilization, but to a lesser extent. The addition of vermicompost generated 723 µg g-1 of CO2-C and 98% of CR remaining. However, this by-product did not generate N immobilization being able to act as N fertilizer. None of the residues generated N2O emissions. The different properties of the SCG by-products and their impact on C and N cycle indicated that they can be effectively applied to soil to exert different agronomical and environmental functions.

Leaving no stone unturned: three additional new species of Atractus ground snakes (Serpentes, Colubridae) from Ecuador discovered using a biogeographical approach.

The genus Atractus includes 146 species of cryptozoic snakes occurring from Panama to northeastern Argentina. Here, a molecular phylogeny of this genus is presented, which encompasses 29% (= 42; six are included here for the first time) of the species currently recognized. Morphological and phylogenetic support is found for three new species of ground snakes, which are described here based on their unique combination of molecular, meristic, and color pattern characteristics. The name A.arangoi Prado, 1939 is revalidated for a Colombian snake species previously subsumed under A.major Boulenger, 1894 based on new material collected in Ecuador. Reidentifications are provided for Atractus voucher specimens and sequences deposited in GenBank. With these changes, the number of Atractus reported in Ecuador increases from 27 to 31 species. Finally, attention is given to the importance of using a biogeographical framework that includes molecular data and a comprehensive geographic sampling when proposing species limits in complex taxonomic groups.

Contemporary management of urinary tract stone disease in children within a high volume institution in Mexico.

OBJETIVO: La urolitiasis en pacientes pediátricos es una condición de baja frecuencia, con tendencia hacia el aumento, por lo que es importante actualizar a urólogos sobre las opciones terapéuticas actuales. Describir las características clínicas, las técnicas quirúrgicas y sus resultados usadas para el tratamiento de la urolitiasis en pacientes pediátricos. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: El estudio incluyó todos los pacientes menores de 18 años quienes fueron tratados quirúrgicamente por litiasis urinaria desde el año 2017 al 2020, quienes poseían expedientes clínicos completos y seguimiento en el Hospital General de México. RESULTADOS: Veinte y un pacientes menores de 18 años fueron sometidos a procedimientos quirúrgicos para resolver la litiasis urinaria desde el 2017 al 2020. Los pacientes de sexo masculino fueron más afectados que pacientes del sexo femenino con una relación 3:1. El grupo de edad promedio de presentación fue mayor entre los 1-5 años de edad, la mayoría de pacientes poseían un adecuado índice de masa corporal ajustado por edad. El tracto urinario superior fue el mas afectado, solo 9% se localizó en el tracto urinario inferior, la mayoría de casos se resolvieron con técnicas mínimamente invasivas con una tasa de complicaciones de 14%, llegando al estado libre de litiasis en 90.47% de los casos. CONCLUSIONES: La litiasis urinaria es más común en el sexo masculino, generalmente en el grupo de edad pre-escolar. El índice de masa corporal en la mayoría de los casos se encontraba en rangos adecuados para la edad y el abordaje mínimamente invasivo fue utilizado con mayor frecuencia con 14% de complicaciones y un éxito de 90.47%. BACKGROUND: Pediatric urolithiasis is a rare condition around the world. Its presence and incidence are augmenting in developing countries, remarking the importance for urologists to keep updated to latest trends about its management. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features and therapeutic surgical options and results for urinary tract stone disease in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included all pediatric patients who undergo surgical procedures to manage pediatric urolithiasis between 2017 and 2020 who had complete medical records and adequate follow-up in the General Hospital of México "Dr. Eduardo Liceaga.". RESULTS: Twenty-one pediatric patients undergo surgical treatment for urinary lithiasis between 2017 and 2020. Males were more affected than female with a relation of 3:1. The mean age at the procedure time was between 1 and 5 years old. The majority of the patients had and adequate body mass index (BMI) according to percentile by age. The upper urinary tract was mostly affected by lithiasis, only 9% of cases were located in the lower urinary tract. The majority of cases were treated with minimal invasive techniques with 14% of complications, and success rate of 90.47%. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary lithiasis is more common in male, usually locates at the upper urinary tract, frequently in the group of 1-5 years old, most cases had an adequate BMI, and the most frequently used techniques are minimal invasive, with a lower rate of complications and great success.

Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Protein Concentrates as a Sustainable Source to Stabilize O/W Emulsions Produced by a Low-Energy High-Throughput Emulsification Technology.

There is a pressing need to extend the knowledge on the properties of insect protein fractions to boost their use in the food industry. In this study several techno-functional properties of a black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) protein concentrate (BSFPC) obtained by solubilization and precipitation at pH 4.0-4.3 were investigated and compared with whey protein isolate (WPI), a conventional dairy protein used to stabilize food emulsions. The extraction method applied resulted in a BSFPC with a protein content of 62.44% (Kp factor 5.36) that exhibited comparable or higher values of emulsifying activity and foamability than WPI for the same concentrations, hence, showing the potential for emulsion and foam stabilization. As for the emulsifying properties, the BSFPC (1% and 2%) showed the capacity to stabilize sunflower and lemon oil-in-water emulsions (20%, 30%, and 40% oil fraction) produced by dynamic membranes of tunable pore size (DMTS). It was proved that BSFPC stabilizes sunflower oil-in-water emulsions similarly to WPI, but with a slightly wider droplet size distribution. As for time stability of the sunflower oil emulsions at 25 °C, it was seen that droplet size distribution was maintained for 1% WPI and 2% BSFPC, while for 1% BSFPC there was a slight increase. For lemon oil emulsions, BSFPC showed better emulsifying performance than WPI, which required to be prepared with a pH 7 buffer for lemon oil fractions of 40%, to balance the decrease in the pH caused by the lemon oil water soluble components. The stability of the emulsions was improved when maintained under refrigeration (4 °C) for both BSFPC and WPI. The results of this work point out the feasibility of using BSFPC to stabilize O/W emulsions using a low energy system.

Development of an activated carbon filtration step and high throughput screening method to remove host cell proteins from a recombinant enzyme process.

An increasing number of non-mAb recombinant proteins are being developed today. These biotherapeutics provide greater purification challenges where multiple polishing steps may be required to meet final purity specifications or the process steps may require extensive optimization. Recent studies have shown that activated carbon can be employed in downstream purification processes to selectively separate host cell proteins (HCPs) from monoclonal antibodies (mAb). However, the use of activated carbon as a unit operation in a cGMP purification process is relatively new. As such, the goal of this work is to provide guidance on development approaches, insight into operating parameters and solution conditions that can impact HCP removal, as well as further investigate the mechanism of removal by using mass spectrometry. In this work, activated carbon was evaluated to remove HCPs in the downstream purification process of a recombinant enzyme. Impact of process placement, flux (or residence time), and mass loading on HCP removal was investigated. Feasibility of high throughput screening (HTS) using loose activated carbon was assessed to reduce the amount of therapeutic protein needed and enable testing of a larger number of solution conditions. Finally, mass spectrometry was used to determine the population of HCPs removed by activated carbon. Our work demonstrates that activated carbon can be used effectively in downstream processes of biopharmaceuticals to remove HCPs (up to a 3 log10 reduction) and that an HTS format can be implemented to reduce material demands by up to 23x and allow for process optimization of this adsorbent for purification purposes.

Synthesis of Cannabinoids: "In Water" and "On Water" Approaches: Influence of SDS Micelles.

We have proven that the biomimetic-like synthesis of cannabinoids from citral and the corresponding phenolic counterpart may well be carried out using water as a solvent. The influence of different additives such as surfactants was also analyzed. Rationalization of the reaction mode and regiochemistry of the processes were provided in terms of "on water" and "in water" reactions. The same reactions were conducted in organic media using Ga(III) salts as catalysts. Worthy of being underlined, an unprecedented formal [2+2+2] process was found to occur between two citral molecules and the corresponding phenolic species in both aqueous and organic environments. Computational studies were performed in order to gain a comprehensive mechanistic and energetic understanding of the different steps of this singular process. Finally, the influence of SDS micelles in the chemical behavior of olivetol and citral was also pursued using PGSE diffusion and NOESY NMR studies. These data permitted to tentatively propose the existence of a mixed micelle between olivetol and SDS assemblies.

Is the use of endoloops safe and efficient for the closure of the appendicular stump in complicated and uncomplicated acute appendicitis?

INTRODUCTION: There is still controversy regarding the ideal technique to close the appendicular stump in laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). The objective of this study was to determine the safety and efficiency of the use of an endoloop (EL) and endostapler (ES) in complicated and uncomplicated acute appendicitis. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing LA from February 2013 to December 2019. Acute uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis were analysed separately, establishing two groups according to the stump closure technique: EL or ES. Seven hundred-nine patients were included (535 uncomplicated and 174 complicated). In uncomplicated appendicitis, an EL was used in 447 of the patients (83.55%) and an ES was used in 88 patients (16.45%). In complicated appendicitis, an EL was used in 85 patients (48.85%) and an ES was used in 89 patients (51.15%). An analysis of effectiveness and a cost analysis of each technique were performed. RESULTS: In uncomplicated appendicitis, we found no differences with respect to global complications, although there were significant differences in the total mean hospital stay (EL group 1.55 (SD 1.48) days; ES group 2.21 (SD 1.69) days; p = 0.046). This meant a savings of 514.12€ per patient using the EL p < 0.001). In complicated appendicitis, the reoperations classified as Clavien-Dindo IIIB in the EL group (6.4%) were greater than in the ES group (0%) (p = 0.012), although the rate of postoperative abscesses (p = 0.788) and the mean volume of abscesses (p = 0.891) were similar. CONCLUSION: The systematic use of an EL could reduce costs in uncomplicated appendicitis, while in complicated cases, both options are valid. Prospective studies with a greater number of patients are needed to observe differences in postoperative complications.

Impact of frailty in surgical emergencies. A comparison of four frailty scales.

INTRODUCTION: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome, leading to declines in homeostatic reserve and physical resistance. It has been considered as a risk factor for falls, fractures, need of institutionalization, length of stay and mortality. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between frailty, 30-day postoperative mortality and morbidity, for elderly patients undergoing surgical emergencies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, observational cohort Study (September 2017-April 2019), using four different frailty scales (Clinical Frailty Scale, FRAIL scale, TRST and Share-FI) as a risk factor of 30-day postoperative outcomes, for patients older than 70 years undergoing emergency surgery. We analyzed diagnoses, clinical examination at admission, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes during the first 30 days or until discharge. RESULTS: 92 patients were included, with a mean age was 78.7 years (SD 6.3). Frailty prevalence varied since 14.1% obtained using FRAIL scale, to 25%, 29.2% and 30.4%, from Clinical Frailty Scale, TRST and Share-FI, respectively. All four frailty scales show statistical differences to predict major complication and mortality in our sample. FRAIL scale showed the highest sensitivity-specificity pair to predict mortality in our sample (AUC = 0.870). TRST and FRAIL scales showed the strongest measure of association (OR 7.69 and 5.92, respectively) for major complications. Regarding need for admission to the ICU, hospital stay or reoperation rate, only FRAIL scale showed a statistically significant association. CONCLUSION: Frailty represents a predictive marker of mortality and major complications, in surgical emergencies. FRAIL score, shows the strongest relationship with mortality and complications, compared to other frailty scales.