Recent Advances in the Extraction and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Corn By-Products.

Maize comes in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, red, blue, and purple, which is due to the presence of phytochemicals such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, phytosterols, and some hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. In Mexico, maize is primarily grown for human consumption; however, maize residues comprise 51-58% of the total maize plant weight (stalks, leaves, ears, and husks) and are mainly used as livestock feed. These residues contain numerous bioactive compounds that interest the industry for their potential health benefits in preventing or treating degenerative diseases. This review explores the current knowledge and highlights key aspects related to the extraction methods and different techniques for identifying the bioactive compounds found in maize by-products.

Impact of Lipids and Vascular Damage on Early Atherosclerosis in Adolescents with Parental Premature Coronary Artery Disease.

AIM: To assess the relationship of cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) with carotid intima media thickness (IMT) in adolescents with a parental history of premature coronary artery disease (PCAD). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 50 healthy adolescents, aged 14-18 years, both sexes, with a parental history of PCAD, that were compared to 50 controls without this history. Questionnaires regarding information of CRFs were applied. Blood chemistry analyses, included lipid profile, lipoprotein (a), low density lipoprotein (LDL) susceptibility to oxidation, and inflammatory cytokine levels. The IMT was evaluated by ultrasound. RESULTS: The mean age of all participants was 15.9 years. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and lipid profile were similar in both groups. However, the parental history of PCAD group exhibited lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, shorter LDL particle oxidation time, and higher lipoprotein (a) levels compared to the control group. IMT was significantly higher in adolescents with a parental history of PCAD compared to controls, (0.53 ± 0.04 mm vs 0.47 ± 0.02 mm, p = 0.001). Among adolescents with a parental history of PCAD, those with ≥ 3 CRFs had significantly higher IMT values (0.56 mm) than those with < 3 CRFs (0.52 mm) and controls (0.48 mm). Multivariable analyses identified that systolic blood pressure and parental history of PCAD explained 26.8% and 16.1% of the variation in IMT. Furthermore, body mass index, LDL-C, ApoB-100, triglycerides and lipoprotein (a) interact with blood pressure levels to explain the IMT values. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with a parental history of PCAD had higher IMT values than the control group, primary explained by systolic blood pressure and the parental inheritance. Adolescents with parental history of PCAD and ≥ 3 CRFs exhibited the highest IMT values. Notably, lipids and systolic blood pressure jointly contribute to explain IMT in these adolescents.

From nuclear track characterization to machine learning based image classification in neutron autoradiography for boron neutron capture therapy.

Knowledge of the 10B microdistribution is of great relevance in BNCT studies. Since 10B concentration assesment through neutron autoradiography depends on the correct quantification of tracks in a nuclear track detector, image acquisition and processing conditions should be controlled and verified, in order to obtain accurate results to be applied in the frame of BNCT. With this aim, an image verification process was proposed, based on parameters extracted from the quantified nuclear tracks. Track characterization was performed by selecting a set of morphological and pixel-intensity uniformity parameters from the quantified objects (area, diameter, roundness, aspect ratio, heterogeneity and clumpiness). Their distributions were studied, leading to the observation of varying behaviours in images generated by different samples and acquisition conditions. The distributions corresponding to samples coming from the BNC reaction showed similar attributes in each analyzed parameter, proving to be robust to the experimental process, but sensitive to light and focus conditions. Considering those observations, a manual feature extraction was performed as a pre-processing step. A Support Vector Machine (SVM) and a fully dense Neural Network (NN) were optimized, trained, and tested. The final performance metrics were similar for both models: 93%-93% for the SVM, vs 94%-95% for the NN in accuracy and precision respectively. Based on the distribution of the predicted class probabilities, the latter had a better capacity to reject inadequate images, so the NN was selected to perform the image verification step prior to quantification. The trained NN was able to correctly classify the images regardless of their track density. The exhaustive characterization of the nuclear tracks provided new knowledge related to the autoradiographic images generation. The inclusion of machine learning in the analysis workflow proves to optimize the boron determination process and paves the way for further applications in the field of boron imaging.

Clinal versus disruptive latitudinal variation in fruit traits of a South American mistletoe.

Fruit traits have historically been interpreted as plant adaptations to their seed dispersers. On the other hand, different environmental factors, which vary spatially and temporally, can shape fruit-trait variation. The mistletoe Tristerix corymbosus has a latitudinal distribution along the South American Pacific rim that encompasses two different biomes, the matorral of central Chile and the temperate forest that extends south of the matorral. This mistletoe shows contrasting fruiting phenology (spring vs summer), fruit color (yellow vs green), and seed dispersers (birds vs marsupial) in these two biomes. We characterized geographic variation of morphological and nutritional fruit traits of T. corymbosus to evaluate which macroecological factor, biome or latitude, better explains spatial variation in these variables. For each of 22 populations, we obtained environmental data (temperature, precipitation, and canopy cover), measured fruit and seed morphology traits (size, shape, and weight), and pulp moisture and nutritional content (fiber, protein, fat, carbohydrates, ash, and caloric content). Patterns of variation for each variable were described by fitting and comparing five different simple models varying in slope, intercept or both. Fruit morphology showed a clear biome-related disruptive pattern, seed morphological traits were unrelated to either biome or latitude, whereas nutritional variables showed diverse patterns. Different environmental factors seem to affect fruit development and phenology, determining the observed fruit characteristics, with seed dispersers playing a minor role in shaping these patterns. More generally, the contrasting plant-seed disperser associations we addressed can be interpreted as the outcome of an ecological-fitting rather than of a coevolutionary process.

Candelilla Wax Extracted by Traditional Method and an Ecofriendly Process: Assessment of Its Chemical, Structural and Thermal Properties.

A comparative study was carried out on the chemical, structural and thermal properties of candelilla wax from four wax-producing communities in Mexico, which was obtained by two extraction processes, the conventional one using sulfuric acid (SA) and an eco-friendly alternative process using citric acid (CA) as the extracting agent. The waxes were analyzed by basic chemistry (acidity, saponification, ester indexes, and others), color, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman micro-spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and hardness and brittleness measurements. The waxes obtained by the environmentally friendly process showed differences in their physicochemical properties when compared to waxes from the conventional process. In addition, they showed some improvements, such as lighter shades and harder waxes, suggesting that the new environmentally friendly process is a viable option.

Low bone mass and vitamin D in Brazilian people living with HIV under antiretroviral therapy.

We performed a cross-sectional study in 212 PLHIV under antiretroviral therapy. Bone mass was compromised in 36.5% of relatively young sample and associated with hypogonadism, older age, higher PTH levels, and metabolic syndrome. Hypovitaminosis D was present in 85%, especially those on NNRTI. PURPOSE: Previous studies have reported an increased prevalence of bone demineralization among people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). We aimed to assess bone mineral density (BMD), vitamin D levels, and associated risk factors in Brazilian PLHIV. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 212 patients in a specialized assistance service. Clinical and demographic information were registered. Laboratory tests were performed, and BMD was measured at the lumbar spine, total hip/femoral neck, and forearm by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Participants were classified into "with low bone mass (wLBM)" and "without low bone mass (woLBM)." Those wLBM encompasses osteoporosis, osteopenia, and below the expected range for age as recommended by the World Health Organization. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-seven patients were included. Median age was 46.3 years (interquartile range (IQR) 40-52) and duration of HAART exposure was 11.2 years (IQR 7-15). Plasma viral load was undetectable in 79%. Hypovitaminosis D (< 30 ng/mL) was present in 85% and LBM in 36.5%. Men wLBM were more likely to have testosterone deficiency and had higher PTH levels than those woLBM. LBM in women was associated with older age, menopause, and metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION: This study showed a high frequency of LBM in a relatively young sample, and suggests a detrimental effect of hypogonadism, older age, higher PTH levels, and metabolic syndrome. Hypovitaminosis D was frequent, especially those on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, higher body mass index, and abdominal circumference.

Injuria cardíaca post- COVID19 y su relación con la gravedad del cuadro agudo, los síntomas persistentes y la vacunación / Cardiac Injury after COVID-19 and its Association with the Severity of the Acute Presentation, Persistent Symptoms and Vaccination

RESUMEN Introducción: La infección por COVID-19 se asocia a compromiso cardiovascular en su etapa aguda. La información sobre el compromiso cardíaco post-COVID es muy heterogénea, y la indicación de realizar estudios de imágenes cardíacas de forma rutinaria es aún controvertida. Asimismo, no existe información actualizada sobre el efecto que produjo la vacunación masiva en la incidencia de la injuria cardíaca post-COVID. Objetivos: Analizar la prevalencia de injuria cardíaca mediante ecocardiograma luego de la infección por COVID-19 y su asociación con la gravedad del cuadro agudo y con los síntomas persistentes post-COVID. Como objetivo secundario se exploró la relación de la prevalencia de injuria cardíaca con el inicio de la campaña de vacunación contra COVID-19 en la República Argentina. Material y métodos: Estudio analítico, observacional, prospectivo y unicéntrico. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes consecutivos que consultaron para realizar evaluación post-COVID. Se realizó ecocardiograma transtorácico en todos los pacientes. Se consideró la fecha de inicio de la campaña de vacunación (29/12/2020) para el análisis de los subgrupos pre y post vacunación. Resultados: Se incluyeron los primeros 1000 pacientes que consultaron al centro desde el 01/09/2020 al 01/09/2021. Treinta y nueve (3,9%) presentaron hallazgos patológicos en el ecocardiograma compatibles con injuria post-COVID, incluyendo disfunción ventricular izquierda (2,8%), derrame pericárdico (0,5%) y trastorno de motilidad parietal (0,6%), no conocidos previamente. Los pacientes que padecieron cuadros de COVID-19 agudo moderados o graves presentaron mayor prevalencia de trastornos de motilidad parietal (2,9% versus 0,3%, p = 0,001) y derrame pericárdico (2,9% versus 0,14%, p = 0,001) en comparación con aquellos con cuadros asintomáticos o leves, y esta asociación se mantuvo al ajustar por factores de riesgo cardiovascular y edad (OR 6,7; IC 95% 1,05-42,2, p = 0,04 y OR 25,1; IC 95% 2,1-304,9, p = 0,01 respectivamente). El 19,3% de los pacientes referían síntomas persistentes en la consulta post-COVID; en estos pacientes se observó mayor evidencia de disfunción ventricular izquierda nueva (8,3% vs 2,4%, p<0,005); no obstante, dicha asociación perdió significancia en el análisis multivariado. Respecto a la relación de la injuria cardíaca con el inicio de la vacunación, los 330 pacientes que se realizaron estudios de control post-COVID previamente al inicio de la campaña presentaron mayor prevalencia de injuria que los 670 pacientes luego de esta fecha (6,3% vs 2,7%, p = 0,006). Esta relación se mantuvo en el análisis multivariado (OR 0,35; IC95% 0,17-0,69). Conclusión: La prevalencia de injuria cardíaca evaluada mediante ecocardiograma luego de la infección por COVID-19 fue de 3,9%. Se observó una asociación significativa e independiente entre cuadros iniciales de mayor gravedad y hallazgos patológicos en el ecocardiograma en la etapa post-COVID, no así con los síntomas persistentes. Los pacientes que consultaron luego del inicio de la campaña de vacunación en Argentina presentaron menos prevalencia de injuria cardíaca en comparación con los pacientes de la primera ola.

ABSTRACT Background: COVID-19 is associated with cardiovascular involvement in the acute phase. The information about cardiac involvement after COVID-19 is heterogeneous, and the indication to routinely perform cardiac imaging tests is still controversial. There is no updated information on the effect mass vaccination has on the incidence of cardiac injury after COVID-19. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of cardiac injury after COVID-19 by transthoracic echocardiography and its association with the severity of the acute phase and with persistent symptoms after recovery. The secondary objective was to explore the association of the prevalence of cardiac injury with the beginning of the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 in Argentina. Methods: We conducted an observational, single-center, and retrospective study. All the consecutive patients who consulted for post-COVID-19 evaluation were included. All the patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography. The date the vaccination campaign started (12/29/2020) was considered the cut-off point for the analysis of the pre-vaccination and postvaccination subgroups. Results: The first 1000 patients who consulted in our center between 09/01/2020 and 09/01/2021 were included. Thirty-nine patients (3.9%) had new abnormal echocardiographic findings suggestive of cardiac injury after COVID-19, including left ventricular dysfunction (2.8%), pericardial effusion (0.5%), and wall motion abnormalities (0.6%). Patients with moderate or severe acute COVID-19 presented a higher prevalence of wall motion abnormalities (2.9% versus 0.3%, p= 0.001) and pericardial effusion (2.9% versus 0.14%, p = 0.001) compared to those with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 and this association remained after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors and age (OR 6.7, 95% CI 1.05-4.2, p = 0.04, and OR 25.1, 95% 2.1-304.9, p = 0.01 respectively). The percentage of patients who reported persistent symptoms during consultation after COVID-19 was 19.3%, and they had higher evidence of new left ventricular dysfunction (8.3% vs. 2.4%, p < 0.005); however, this association lost significance on multivariate analysis. When the association of cardiac injury with the start of vaccination was considered, the 330 patients who underwent post-COVID assessment before the vaccination campaign started had a higher prevalence of injury than the 670 patients evaluated after this date (6.3% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.006). and this association persisted on multivariate analysis (OR 0.35; 95%CI 0.17-0.69). Conclusion: The prevalence of cardiac injury assessed by echocardiography after COVID-19 was 3.9%. There was a significant and independent association between the severe initial presentations and the abnormal echocardiographic findings after COVID-19, but not with persistent symptoms. Patients who consulted after the vaccination campaign started in Argentina had a lower prevalence of cardiac injury compared with those patients in the first wave.

Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens Kunth) as Source of Bioactive Compounds: A Review.

Lippia graveolens is a traditional crop and a rich source of bioactive compounds with various properties (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, UV defense, anti-glycemic, and cytotoxicity) that is primarily cultivated for essential oil recovery. The isolated bioactive compounds could be useful as additives in the functional food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Carvacrol, thymol, ß-caryophyllene, and p-cymene are terpene compounds contained in oregano essential oil (OEO); flavonoids such as quercetin O-hexoside, pinocembrin, and galangin are flavonoids found in oregano extracts. Furthermore, thermoresistant compounds that remain in the plant matrix following a thermal process can be priced in terms of the circular economy. By using better and more selective extraction conditions, the bioactive compounds present in Mexican oregano can be studied as potential inhibitors of COVID-19. Also, research on extraction technologies should continue to ensure a higher quality of bioactive compounds while preventing an undesired chemical shift (e.g., hydrolysis). The oregano fractions can be used in the food, health, and agricultural industries.

Síndrome metabólico, lipoproteína(a) y aterosclerosis subclínica en población mexicana / Metabolic syndrome, lipoprotein(a) and subclinical atherosclerosis in Mexican population

Resumen Objetivo: Investigar la asociación del síndrome metabólico y la lipoproteína(a) [Lp(a)] con el riesgo de aterosclerosis subclínica en adultos mexicanos. Método: En 953 mujeres y hombres se evaluaron datos clínicos, bioquímicos y tomográficos de grasa abdominal visceral, subcutánea, hepática y calcio arterial coronario. La Lp(a) se determinó mediante nefelometría y el síndrome metabólico se diagnosticó con los criterios del Adult Treatment Panel III. La asociación independiente de estas variables con el calcio arterial coronario se obtuvo con análisis de regresión logística multivariada. Resultados: La edad, el peso, el índice de masa corporal, la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, los volúmenes de grasa abdominal, los lípidos, la glucosa, la insulina y el índice de resistencia a insulina fueron significativamente mayores en los sujetos con síndrome metabólico, mientras que la mediana de Lp(a) fue más baja en comparación con los sujetos sin el síndrome (3.7 [rango intercuartílico (RIC): 2.3-9.2 vs. 5.9 [RIC: 2.5-13.1) mg/dl; p < 0.01). El número de componentes y el síndrome metabólico se asociaron inversamente con la Lp(a) elevada (> 30 mg/dl). La presencia de síndrome metabólico se asoció con un riesgo de calcio arterial coronario > 0 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.19; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 1.64-2.94; p < 0.001), independientemente de la Lp(a) elevada. La glucemia > 100 mg/dl (OR: 2.42; IC95%: 1.7-3.4; p < 0.0001) y la presión arterial elevada (OR: 2.14; IC95%: 1.5-3.1; p > 0.0001) se asociaron con calcio arterial coronario > 0. Conclusiones: En población mexicana existe una asociación inversa entre la concentración de Lp(a) y el síndrome metabólico. Este y sus componentes se asociaron positivamente con aterosclerosis subclínica. La elevada prevalencia de obesidad, diabetes, hipertensión arterial, triglicéridos elevados y concentración de colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de alta densidad que caracterizan a la población mexicana pudieran explicar las diferencias con otras poblaciones.

Abstract Objective: To assess the relationship of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and Lp(a) with subclinical atherosclerosis (CAC) in Mexican adults. Method: Clinical, biochemical and tomographic data of visceral, subcutaneous, hepatic abdominal fat and CAC were evaluated in 953 women and men. Lp(a) was determined by nephelometry and MetS was diagnosed according to ATP III criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent association of these variables with CAC. Results: Age, weight, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, volumes of visceral, subcutaneous and hepatic abdominal fat, lipids, glucose, insulin and HOMA-RI were significantly higher in subjects with MetS. The median Lp(a) was lower in subjects with MetS compared to subjects without MetS (3.7 [IR: 2.3-9.2 vs. 5.9 [IR: 2.5-13.1) mg/dL; p < 0.01). The number of components and the MetS were inversely associated with the elevated Lp(a) (> 30 mg / dL). The presence of MetS was associated with a CAC risk >0 (OR: 2.19, [95% CI (1.64-2.94)]; p < 0.001), independently of elevated Lp(a). The components of MetS that were independently associated with the presence of CAC > 0 UA were glycaemia > 100 mg/dL (OR 2.42, [95% CI (1.7-3.4)]; p < 0.0001) and high blood pressure (OR 2.14 [95% CI (1.5-3.1)]; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In Mexican population there is an inverse association between Lp(a) levels and MetS. The MetS and its components were associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. The high prevalence of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure high triglycerides and low HDL-C, characteristics of Mexican population could explain the differences with other populations.

Compromiso cardíaco y su relación con la gravedad del cuadro agudo y los síntomas persistentes en la convalecencia de infección por COVID-19 / Cardiovascular Involvement and its Relationship with the Severity of the Acute Phase and Persistent Symptoms during Recovery from COVID-19 Infection

RESUMEN Introducción: La infección por COVID-19 se asocia a compromiso cardiovascular en su etapa aguda. La información sobre el compromiso cardíaco en la etapa de convalecencia de la enfermedad tanto en pacientes con y sin síntomas persistentes es limitada. Objetivos: 1. Analizar el compromiso cardíaco mediante ecocardiograma en la etapa de convalecencia de la enfermedad por COVID-19; 2. Explorar su asociación con: a) gravedad del cuadro agudo y b) persistencia de síntomas. Métodos: Estudio analítico, observacional, prospectivo y unicéntrico. Se incluyeron pacientes consecutivos que consultaron al centro para realizar evaluación post-COVID. Se realizó ecocardiograma Doppler color transtorácico en busca de hallazgos patológicos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 600 pacientes desde el 01/09/2020 al 01/05/2021. Veintinueve (4,8%) presentaron hallazgos patológicos en el ecocardiograma. Los pacientes con cuadros iniciales moderados o graves presentaron mayor prevalencia de trastornos de motilidad parietal (4,3% versus 0,5%, p = 0,02) y derrame pericárdico (4,3% versus 0,24%, p = 0,01) en comparación con aquellos con cuadros asintomáticos o leves. En el ajuste multivariado esta asociación no alcanzó significación estadística. El 28,6% de los pacientes referían síntomas persistentes, no observándose una asociación entre la presencia de los mismos y los hallazgos ecocardiográficos patológicos. Conclusión: La prevalencia de compromiso cardíaco evaluado mediante ecocardiograma en la etapa de convalecencia de la enfermedad por COVID-19 fue de 4,8%. Los pacientes con cuadros iniciales más graves presentaron más hallazgos patológicos. La significancia no se sostuvo en el análisis multivariado. Los síntomas persistentes no se asociaron a mayor compromiso cardíaco.

ABSTRACT Background: The acute phase of COVID-19 infection is associated with cardiovascular involvement, but there is limited information regarding this relationship in the recovery phase from this disease both in patients with or without persistent symptoms. Objectives: The aims of this study were: 1. To analyze cardiovascular involvement by echocardiography in the recovery phase from COVID-19 disease, and 2. To explore its association with: a) the severity of the acute phase and b) the presence of persistent symptoms. Methods: An analytical, observational, prospective and single-center study was carried out, including consecutive patients attending the center for post-COVID-19 evaluation who underwent a transthoracic color Doppler echocardiogram looking for pathological outcomes. Results: A total of 600 patients were included from September 1, 2020 to May 1, 2021, and 29 of these patients (4.8%) presented pathological findings in the echocardiogram. Patients with moderate or severe acute phase COVID-19 infection had a higher prevalence of wall motion disorders (4.3% vs. 0.5%, p=0.02) and pericardial effusion (4.3% vs. 0.24%, p=0.01) compared with those with asymptomatic or mild symptoms; however, after multivariate adjustment, this association did not reach statistical significance. In 28.6% of cases, patients reported persistent symptoms, with no evident association between their presence and pathological echocardiographic results. Conclusion: The prevalence of cardiovascular involvement evaluated by echocardiography was 4.8% in the recovery phase from COVID-19 disease. Patients with more severe initial clinical presentation exhibited more pathological findings, but the significance was not sustained in the multivariate analysis. Persistent symptoms were not associated with greater cardiovascular involvement.

The biogeography of Dromiciops in southern South America: Middle Miocene transgressions, speciation and associations with Nothofagus.

The current distribution of the flora and fauna of southern South America is the result of drastic geological events that occurred during the last 20 million years, including marine transgressions, glaciations and active vulcanism. All these have been associated with fragmentation, isolation and subsequent expansion of the biota, south of 35°S, such as the temperate rainforest. This forest is mostly dominated by Nothofagus trees and is the habitat of the relict marsupial monito del monte, genus Dromiciops, sole survivor of the order Microbiotheria. Preliminary analyses using mtDNA proposed the existence of three main Dromiciops lineages, distributed latitudinally, whose divergence was initially attributed to recent Pleistocene glaciations. Using fossil-calibrated dating on nuclear and mitochondrial genes, here we reevaluate this hypothesis and report an older (Miocene) biogeographic history for the genus. We performed phylogenetic reconstructions using sequences from two mitochondrial DNA and four nuclear DNA genes in 159 specimens from 31 sites across Chile and Argentina. Our phylogenetic analysis resolved three main clades with discrete geographic distributions. The oldest and most differentiated clade corresponds to that of the northern distribution (35.2°S to 39.3°S), which should be considered a distinct species (D. bozinovici, sensu D'Elía et al. 2016). According to our estimations, this species shared a common ancestor with D. gliroides (southern clades) about ~13 million years ago. Divergence time estimates for the southern clades (39.6°S to 42.0°S) ranged from 9.57 to 6.5 Mya. A strong genetic structure was also detected within and between clades. Demographic analyses suggest population size stability for the northern clade (D. bozinovici), and recent demographic expansions for the central and southern clades. All together, our results suggest that the diversification of Dromiciops were initiated by the Middle Miocene transgression (MMT), the massive marine flooding that covered several lowlands of the western face of Los Andes between 37 and 48°S. The MMT resulted from an increase in global sea levels at the Miocene climatic optimum, which shaped the biogeographic origin of several species, including Nothofagus forests, the habitat of Dromiciops.

Spray-drying encapsulation of microwave-assisted extracted polyphenols from Moringa oleifera: Influence of tragacanth, locust bean, and carboxymethyl-cellulose formulations.

In this work, polyphenols from Moringa oleifera (Mor) leaves were extracted by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and encapsulated by spray-drying (SD). Particularly, we explored the influence of tragacanth gum (TG), locust bean gum (LBG), and carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC) as wall-materials on the physicochemical behavior of encapsulated Mor. Single or combined wall-material treatments (100:00 and 50:50 ratios, and total solid content 1%) were tested. The results showed the wall-material had a significant effect on the process yield (55.7-68.3%), encapsulation efficiency (24.28-35.74%), color (yellow or pale-yellow), total phenolic content (25.17-27.49 mg GAE g-1 of particles), total flavonoid content (23.20-26.87 mg QE g-1 of particles), antioxidant activity (DPPH• = 5.96-6.95 mg GAE g-1; ABTS•+ = 5.61-6.18 mg TE g-1 of particles), and particle size distribution (D50 = 112-1946 nm) of the encapsulated Mor. On the other hand, SEM analysis showed smooth and spherical particles, while TGA and DSC analyses confirmed the encapsulation of bioactive compounds based on the changes in thermal peaks. Finally, XRD analysis showed that the particles have an amorphous behavior. The encapsulated Mor produced with individual TG or CMC demonstrated better properties than those obtained from mixed gums. Thus, TG or CMC might be feasible wall materials for manufacturing encapsulated Mor that conserve the phenolic content and antioxidant activity.

Antioxidant activity of polyphenolic compounds obtained from Euphorbia antisyphilitica by-products.

In this study, an alternative extraction technique, ultrasound-assisted extraction, was used to extract the polyphenolic fraction from two different residues of the candelilla plant (Euphorbia antisyphilitica). These metabolites were further analyzed to evaluate their bioactivity as antioxidants. In addition, their functional groups were identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The antioxidant assays showed statistically significant differences between the phenolic extracts, with citric acid residues (CAR) exhibiting a higher oxidant effect than sulfuric acid residues (SAR). The CAR from San Jerónimo (SJ) cultivar showed decreased IC50 values (179.441 ± 7.92 µL mL-1, DPPH•), and its polyphenolic fraction was able to inhibit lipid oxidation (70.31 ± 2.50%). FTIR analysis subsequently revealed the presence of functional groups related to polyphenolic compounds, such as hydroxy, carbonyl, carbon double bond, and amine groups. In addition, FTIR spectra showed slight differences in phenolic compounds, due to the strong acid treatment involved in the extraction of wax. The present study demonstrated that candelilla by-products from citric acid-wax extraction have a polyphenolic fraction with strong antioxidant activity, which may be useful in food and pharmaceutical products.

Use of aortic flow indexes derived from transthoracic echocardiography to evaluate response to a fluid challenge in anesthetized dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of transthoracic echocardiographic aortic flow measurements to discriminate response to a fluid challenge (FC) in healthy anesthetized dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental study. ANIMALS: A total of 48 isoflurane-anesthetized dogs (14.2-35.0 kg) undergoing elective surgery. METHODS: Fluid responsiveness was evaluated before surgery by FC (lactated Ringer's 10 mL kg-1 intravenously over 5 minutes). Percentage increases in transpulmonary thermodilution stroke volume (ΔSVTPTD) >15% from values recorded before FC defined responders to volume expansion. A group of 24 animals were assigned as nonresponders (ΔSVTPTD ≤15%). When ΔSVTPTD was >15% after the first FC, additional FC were administered until ΔSVTPTD was ≤15%. Final fluid responsiveness status was based on the response to the last FC. Percentage increases after FC in aortic flow indexes [velocity time integral (ΔVTIFC) and maximum acceleration (ΔVmaxFC)] and in mean arterial pressure (ΔMAPFC) were compared with ΔSVTPTD. RESULTS: After one FC, 24 animals were responders. For nonresponders, ΔSVTPTD was ≤15% after one, two and three FCs in eight/24, 15/24 and one/24 animals, respectively. The FC that defined responsiveness increased ΔSVTPTD by 29 (18-53)% in responders and by 8 (-3 to 15)% in nonresponders [mean (range)]. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) of ΔVTIFC (0.901) was larger than the AUROCs of ΔVmaxFC (0.774, p = 0.041) and ΔMAPFC (0.519, p < 0.0001). ΔMAPFC did not predict responsiveness (p = 0.826). Best cut-off thresholds for discriminating responders, with respective zones of diagnostic uncertainty (gray zones) were >14.7 (10.8-17.6)% for ΔVTIFC and >8.6 (-0.3 to 14.7)% for ΔVmaxFC. Animals within the gray zone were 17% (ΔVTIFC) and 50% (ΔVmaxFC). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Changes in VTI induced by FC can determine responsiveness with reasonable accuracy in dogs and could play an important role in goal-directed fluid therapy.

Metabolic syndrome, lipoprotein(a) and subclinical atherosclerosis in Mexican population / Síndrome metabólico, lipoproteína(a) y aterosclerosis subclínica en población mexicana

Objective: To assess the relationship of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and Lp(a) with subclinical atherosclerosis (CAC) in Mexican adults. Method: Clinical, biochemical and tomographic data of visceral, subcutaneous, hepatic abdominal fat and CAC were evaluated in 953 women and men. Lp(a) was determined by nephelometry and MetS was diagnosed according to ATP III criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent association of these variables with CAC. Results: Age, weight, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, volumes of visceral, subcutaneous and hepatic abdominal fat, lipids, glucose, insulin and HOMA-RI were significantly higher in subjects with MetS. The median Lp(a) was lower in subjects with MetS compared to subjects without MetS (3.7 [IR: 2.3-9.2 vs. 5.9 [IR: 2.5-13.1) mg/dL; p < 0.01). The number of components and the MetS were inversely associated with the elevated Lp(a) (> 30 mg / dL). The presence of MetS was associated with a CAC risk >0 (OR: 2.19, [95% CI (1.64-2.94)]; p < 0.001), independently of elevated Lp(a). The components of MetS that were independently associated with the presence of CAC > 0 UA were glycaemia > 100 mg/dL (OR 2.42, [95% CI (1.7-3.4)]; p < 0.0001) and high blood pressure (OR 2.14 [95% CI (1.5-3.1)]; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In Mexican population there is an inverse association between Lp(a) levels and MetS. The MetS and its components were associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. The high prevalence of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure high triglycerides and low HDL-C, characteristics of Mexican population could explain the differences with other populations.

Objetivo: Investigar la asociación del síndrome metabólico y la lipoproteína(a) [Lp(a)] con el riesgo de aterosclerosis subclínica en adultos mexicanos. Método: En 953 mujeres y hombres se evaluaron datos clínicos, bioquímicos y tomográficos de grasa abdominal visceral, subcutánea, hepática y calcio arterial coronario. La Lp(a) se determinó mediante nefelometría y el síndrome metabólico se diagnosticó con los criterios del Adult Treatment Panel III. La asociación independiente de estas variables con el calcio arterial coronario se obtuvo con análisis de regresión logística multivariada. Resultados: La edad, el peso, el índice de masa corporal, la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, los volúmenes de grasa abdominal, los lípidos, la glucosa, la insulina y el índice de resistencia a insulina fueron significativamente mayores en los sujetos con síndrome metabólico, mientras que la mediana de Lp(a) fue más baja en comparación con los sujetos sin el síndrome (3.7 [rango intercuartílico (RIC): 2.3-9.2 vs. 5.9 [RIC: 2.5-13.1) mg/dl; p < 0.01). El número de componentes y el síndrome metabólico se asociaron inversamente con la Lp(a) elevada (> 30 mg/dl). La presencia de síndrome metabólico se asoció con un riesgo de calcio arterial coronario > 0 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.19; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 1.64-2.94; p < 0.001), independientemente de la Lp(a) elevada. La glucemia > 100 mg/dl (OR: 2.42; IC95%: 1.7-3.4; p < 0.0001) y la presión arterial elevada (OR: 2.14; IC95%: 1.5-3.1; p > 0.0001) se asociaron con calcio arterial coronario > 0. Conclusiones: En población mexicana existe una asociación inversa entre la concentración de Lp(a) y el síndrome metabólico. Este y sus componentes se asociaron positivamente con aterosclerosis subclínica. La elevada prevalencia de obesidad, diabetes, hipertensión arterial, triglicéridos elevados y concentración de colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de alta densidad que caracterizan a la población mexicana pudieran explicar las diferencias con otras poblaciones.

Euphorbia antisyphilitica Zucc: A Source of Phytochemicals with Potential Applications in Industry.

Euphorbia antisyphilitica Zucc, better known as the candelilla plant, is one of the 10 non-timber forest products of greatest economic importance in the desert and semi-desert regions of Mexico. Moreover, it is a potential source of some functional phytochemicals such as polyphenolic compounds, wax and fiber, with potential applications in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Thus, this review aims to describe these phytochemicals and their functional properties as antimicrobial, antioxidant, reinforcing and barrier agents. In addition, a suitable valorization of the candelilla plant and its byproducts is mandatory in order to avoid negative effects on the environment. This review provides, for the first time, an overview of the alternative methodologies for improving candelilla plant production, pointing out some of the agricultural aspects of the cultivation of this plant.

Experimental and theoretical study of energy transfer in a chromophore triad: What makes modeling dynamics successful?

Simulation of electronic dynamics in realistically large molecular systems is a demanding task that has not yet achieved the same level of quantitative prediction already realized for its static counterpart. This is particularly true for processes occurring beyond the Born-Oppenheimer regime. Non-adiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD) simulations suffer from two convoluted sources of error: numerical algorithms for dynamics and electronic structure calculations. While the former has gained increasing attention, particularly addressing the validity of ad hoc methodologies, the effect of the latter remains relatively unexplored. Indeed, the required accuracy for electronic structure calculations to reach quantitative agreement with experiment in dynamics may be even more strict than that required for static simulations. Here, we address this issue by modeling the electronic energy transfer in a donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) molecular light harvesting system using fewest switches surface hopping NAMD simulations. In the studied system, time-resolved experimental measurements deliver complete information on spectra and energy transfer rates. Subsequent modeling shows that the calculated electronic transition energies are "sufficiently good" to reproduce experimental spectra but produce over an order of magnitude error in simulated dynamical rates. We further perform simulations using artificially shifted energy gaps to investigate the complex relationship between transition energies and modeled dynamics to understand factors affecting non-radiative relaxation and energy transfer rates.

CORONARY ARTERY CALCIUM IS ASSOCIATED WITH LPA GENE VARIANT RS7765803-C IN MEXICAN MESTIZO POPULATION. THE GEA PROJECT.

BACKGROUND: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels are genetically determined; high levels are a risk factor for coronary disease, although their association with coronary artery calcium (CAC) is controversial. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the association of LPA gene polymorphisms with CAC in a Mexican Mestizo population. METHODS: We included 1594 subjects 35-70 years old. Six polymorphisms of the LPA gene were analyzed. CAC score was determined by tomography and Lp(a) serum levels by immunonephelometry. The association of LPA polymorphism with CAC and Lp(a) was evaluated by logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of Lp(a) ≥30 mg/dL was 10%, and of CAC >0 was 26.9%. Three polymorphisms were associated with high Lp(a) levels: rs10455872-G (p = 0.013), rs6907156-T (p = 0.021), and rs7765803-C (p = 0.001). Homozygotes (CC) for the rs7765803 variant compared with the G allele (CG + GG) carriers had higher Lp(a) levels (8.9 [3.3-23.9] vs. 4.9 [2.3-11.2] mg/dL; p = 0.015) and higher prevalence of CAC >0 (36.5% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.045) and were associated with CAC > 0 (odds ratio = 1.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-2.7; p < 0.026). The other polymorphisms were not associated with CAC. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate in a Mexican Mestizo population that carriers of the rs7765803-C allele of LPA gene have 2.6 times greater risk for high Lp(a) values and 1.7 times higher risk for coronary artery disease.

Evaluation of the Conditions for the Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Orange Peels and its Antibacterial Effect.

AIMS: To use an agroindustrial waste (orange peels) as a source of polyphenols as a reducing medium for obtaining silver nanoparticles by greener method. BACKGROUND: Several techniques have been employed for AgNPs synthesis, nevertheless, most of them involve the use of toxic chemicals in the process. The use of fungi, bacteria, and plant extracts as subtracts for green synthesis is an ecofriendly alternative, although hypothetic, route for AgNPs large scale synthesis. In the case of plant extracts, it is believed that polyphenols are the biomolecules responsible for the reduction and stabilization of the Ag+ ions into AgNPs, being a sustainable and ecological option; polyphenols could be obtained from plant waste and agroindustrial subproducts. OBJECTIVE: To develop an efficient, greener, and low-cost method of AgNPs production using natural products. METHODS: The basic principle of silver nanoparticles synthesis is the interaction in a mixture of silver nitrate (source of Ag+ ions) and the orange peel extract (reducing and stabilizing agent) under certain conditions. Five treatments were carried out, evaluating several parameters during AgNPs synthesis such as pH, orange peel extract-silver nitrate ratio, time and conditions of incubation, irradiation of UV light, irradiation of microwave, and temperature. RESULT: The synthesis of silver nanoparticles from an agroindustrial waste as the orange peel was successfully carried out and checked by visual evaluation, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and EDS analysis. The particle size was estimated between 42.82 nm to 151.75 nm, having a spherical and ovoid morphology. DISCUSSION: Through the analysis of several synthesis conditions, it has become possible to establish a suitable treatment to increase antibacterial yield and evaluate morphology and size traits in order to acquire the best conditions for a future industrial scale synthesis. CONCLUSION: The orange peel aqueous extract resulted as a great source of polyphenols, allowing the successful synthesis of silver nanoparticles in mild conditions. Thus, obtained AgNPs revealed an increased antibacterial effect and potential against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphyloccocus aureus.