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La enfermedad de Chagas es una infección causada por el parásito Trypanosoma cruzi y transmitida por el vector Triatoma dimidiata, conocido en El Salvador como «chinche picuda¼. Esta enfermedad siempre ha sido de interés científico en modelos animales. Objetivo. Identificar el efecto de la infección por Trypanosoma cruzi en ratones de diferentes cepas (BALB/c y NIH) y sexo. Metodología. Se establecieron ocho grupos: cuatro infectados con Trypanosoma cruzi y cuatro grupos no infectados, distribuidos por cepa y sexo, con cinco ratones por grupo. Durante seis semanas se registró el peso corporal de los ratones. Además, se prepararon muestras de sangre de los grupos infectados en láminas para realizar los conteos de parasitemia. Al final del estudio, se extrajeron el bazo y el corazón de ambos grupos para los análisis estadísticos. Resultados. Los grupos infectados mostraron un incremento de peso en comparación a sus grupos controles. En la cepa NIH, las hembras presentaron una mayor parasitemia, mientras que en la cepa BALB/c fueron los machos los de mayor parasitemia. Los órganos de los grupos infectados fueron significativamente más grandes comparados a los de los grupos de control, excepto en el corazón de la cepa BALB/c. Respecto al peso de los órganos, se observaron diferencias significativas únicamente en el corazón de los machos de la cepa BALB/c, mientras que en el bazo ocurrió lo contrario. Conclusión. Los machos de la cepa BALB/c son más susceptibles al Trypanosoma cruzi, presentando niveles de parasitemia más altos entre los grupos estudiados
Chagas disease is an infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by the vector Triatoma dimidiata, known in El Salvador as "chinche picuda". This disease has always been of scientific interest in animal models. Objective. Identify the effect of Trypanozoma cruzi infection in mice of different strains (BALB/c and NIH) and sex. Methodology. Eight groups were established: four infected with Trypanosoma cruzi and four uninfected groups, distributed by strain and sex, with five mice per group. The body weight of the mice was recorded for six weeks. In addition, blood samples from the infected groups were prepared on slides for parasitemia counts. At the end of the study, the spleen and heart were extracted from both groups for statistical analyses. Results. The infected groups showed an increase in weight compared to their control groups. In the NIH strain, females had higher parasitemia, whereas in the BALB/c strain, males had higher parasitemia. The organs of the infected groups were significantly larger compared to those of the control groups, except in the heart of the BALB/c strain. Regarding organ weight, significant differences were observed only in the heart of the male BALB/c strain, while the opposite was true for the spleen. Conclusion. Males of the BALB/c strain are more susceptible to Trypanosoma cruzi, presenting higher levels of parasitemia among the groups studied.
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Camundongos , El SalvadorRESUMO
Lichens contain different types of chemical compounds with multiple biological activities that demonstrate their potential pharmacological use. This research aims to report the metabolomic identification of the ethanolic extracts of P. antarcticum and P. hypnorum, their antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and their cytoprotection activity. Sixteen metabolites were identified in P. antarcticum and twelve in P. hypnorum; the extracts reported variable antioxidant activity with IC50 >350 µg/mL in DPPH·, values >18 µmol Trolox/g in ORAC and >40 µmol Trolox/g in FRAP and a phenolic compound content >10 mg GAE/g, as well as significant results in cholinesterases, α-glucosidase, pancreatic lipase, α-amylase, and tyrosinase enzyme inhibition activities with IC50 ranging from 18 to 510 µg/mL, and which were complemented by molecular docking experiments. Both extracts showed improved cytoprotection at the concentrations of 0.5 to 1.0 µg/mL. This study contributes to the knowledge of the chemical diversity of Antarctic lichen extracts and their effectiveness in the evaluation of biological activities related to neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic syndrome.
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Introduction: Hydrocephalus, altering cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics, affects 175 per 100,000 adults worldwide. Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) manage symptomatic hydrocephalus, with 125,000 cases annually. Despite efficacy, VPS face complications, necessitating interventions. Research question: "What are the mechanisms and risk factors for bilateral VIth and VIIth lower motor neuron palsies in hydrocephalus patients with a fourth ventriculoperitoneal shunt?" Material and methods: This study details a 36-year-old female with a neonatal meningitis history, multiple shunt replacements, admitted for abdominal pain secondary to pelvic inflammatory disease. An abdominal shunt catheter removal and external ventricular drain placement occurred after consultation with a general surgeon. A cardiac atrial approach and subsequent laparoscopic abdominal approach were performed without complications. Results: After one month, the patient showed neurological complications, including decreased facial expression, gait instability, and bilateral VIth and VIIth lower motor neuron palsies, specifically upgazed and convergence restriction. Discussion: The complication's pathophysiology is discussed, attributing it to potential brainstem herniation from over-drainage of CSF. Literature suggests flexible endoscopic treatments like aqueductoplasty/transaqueductal approaches into the fourth ventricle. Conclusions: This study underscores the need for increased awareness in monitoring neurological outcomes after the fourth ventriculoperitoneal shunt, particularly in cases with laparoscopic-assisted abdominal catheter placement. The rarity of bilateral abducens and facial nerve palsies emphasizes the importance of ongoing research to understand pathophysiology and develop preventive and therapeutic strategies for this unique complication.
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INTRODUCTION: Clinical events may occur after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), particularly in complex lesions and complex patients. The optimization of PCI result, using pressure guidewire and intracoronary imaging techniques, may reduce the risk of these events. The hypothesis of the present study is that the clinical outcome of patients with indication of PCI and coronary stent implantation that are at high risk of events can be improved with an unrestricted use of intracoronary tools that allow PCI optimization. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Observational prospective multicenter international study, with a follow-up of 12 months, including 1064 patients treated with a cobaltchromium everolimus-eluting stent. Inclusion criteria include any of the following: Lesion length > 28 mm; Reference vessel diameter < 2.5 mm or > 4.25 mm; Chronic total occlusion; Bifurcation with side branch ≥2.0 mm;Ostial lesion; Left main lesion; In-stent restenosis; >2 lesions stented in the same vessel; Treatment of >2 vessels; Acute myocardial infarction; Renal insufficiency; Left ventricular ejection fraction <30 %; Staged procedure. The control group will be comprised by a similar number of matched patients included in the "extended risk" cohort of the XIENCE V USA study. The primary endpoint will be the 1-year rate of target lesion failure (TLF) (composite of ischemia-driven TLR, myocardial infarction (MI) related to the target vessel, or cardiac death related to the target vessel). Secondary endpoints will include overall mortality, cardiovascular mortality, acute myocardial infarction, TVR, TLR, target vessel failure, and definitive or probable stent thrombosis at 1 year. IMPLICATIONS: The ongoing OPTI-XIENCE study will contribute to the growing evidence supporting the use of intra-coronary imaging techniques for stent optimization in patients with complex coronary lesions.
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Doença da Artéria Coronariana , Stents Farmacológicos , Infarto do Miocárdio , Intervenção Coronária Percutânea , Humanos , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/diagnóstico por imagem , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/terapia , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/etiologia , Infarto do Miocárdio/etiologia , Intervenção Coronária Percutânea/efeitos adversos , Estudos Prospectivos , Desenho de Prótese , Sirolimo , Volume Sistólico , Resultado do Tratamento , Função Ventricular EsquerdaRESUMO
The objective of this research was to characterize the chemical composition of ethanolic extracts of the lichen species Placopsis contortuplicata, Ochrolechia frigida, and Umbilicaria antarctica, their antioxidant activity, and enzymatic inhibition through in vitro and molecular docking analysis. In total phenol content, FRAP, ORAC, and DPPH assays, the extracts showed significant antioxidant activity, and in in vitro assays for the inhibition of pancreatic lipase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase enzymes, together with in silico studies for the prediction of pharmacokinetic properties, toxicity risks, and intermolecular interactions of compounds, the extracts evidenced inhibitory potential. A total of 13 compounds were identified by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS in P. contortuplicata, 18 compounds in O. frigida, and 12 compounds in U. antarctica. This study contributes to the knowledge of the pool of bioactive compounds present in lichens of temperate and polar distribution and biological characteristics that increase interest in the discovery of natural products that offer alternatives for treatment studies of diseases related to oxidative stress and metabolic syndrome.
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Lactic Acid Bacteria play an important role in the milk fermentation processes of traditional cheeses and have become an important target for the development of novel cheese cultures because of their ability to confer health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the probiotic potential of 12 Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) strains previously isolated and molecularly identified from an artisanal Colombian Double-Cream Cheese. Probiotic properties, including safety (hemolysis and sensibility to antibiotics), pH and bile salt tolerance, auto-aggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, antibacterial activity, and exopolysaccharide production, were examined. None of the strains were hemolytic, and Pediococcus (16, 18) and Lactobacillus (28, 29) were found to be sensitive to all antibiotics. Moreover, all the strains tolerated pH (3.0, 6.5 and 8.0) and bile salt conditions (0.3, 0.6 and 1.0 % w/v). Pediococcus pentosaceus (16), Leuconostoc citreum (17), Pediococcus acidilactici (18), Enterococcus faecium (21,22), Enterococcus faecalis (24) and Limosilactobacillus fermentum (29) exhibited medium autoaggregation and affinity to chloroform. Six of the strains exhibited a ropy exopolysaccharide phenotype. Antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19111, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, was found to be strain dependent, with the strains 16, 18, 21, 26, 28 and 29 presenting a higher inhibition (>4 mm) against all of them. According to Principal Component Analysis, P. pentosaceus (16), Leu. mesenteroides (26), L. casei (28), L. fermentum (29), and E. faecium (21) showed strong probiotic properties. Our findings suggest that five strains out of the 12 sampled strains are potential probiotics that could be used in the processing of traditional dairy products on an industrial scale to improve their quality.
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We present a novel method that provides a measurement of DNA pressure in viral capsids using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). This method, unlike our previous assay, does not require triggering genome release with a viral receptor. Thus, it can be used to determine the existence of a pressurized genome state in a wide range of virus systems, even if the receptor is not known, leading to a better understanding of the processes of viral genome uncoating and encapsidation in the course of infection. Furthermore, by measuring DNA pressure for a collection of bacteriophages with varying DNA packing densities, we derived an empirical equation of state (EOS) that accurately predicts the relation between the capsid pressure and the packaged DNA density and includes the contribution of both DNA-DNA interaction energy and DNA bending stress to the total DNA pressure. We believe that our SAXS-osmometer method and the EOS, combined, provide the necessary tools to investigate physico-chemical properties of confined DNA condensates and mechanisms of infection, and may also provide essential data for the design of viral vectors in gene therapy applications and development of antivirals that target the pressurized genome state.
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Bacteriófagos , Capsídeo , Capsídeo/química , DNA Viral/química , Espalhamento a Baixo Ângulo , Difração de Raios X , Bacteriófagos/genéticaRESUMO
Structural details of a genome packaged in a viral capsid are essential for understanding how the structural arrangement of a viral genome in a capsid controls its release dynamics during infection, which critically affects viral replication. We previously found a temperature-induced, solid-like to fluid-like mechanical transition of packaged λ-genome that leads to rapid DNA ejection. However, an understanding of the structural origin of this transition was lacking. Here, we use small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to reveal the scattering form factor of dsDNA packaged in phage λ capsid by contrast matching the scattering signal from the viral capsid with deuterated buffer. We used small-angle X-ray scattering and cryoelectron microscopy reconstructions to determine the initial structural input parameters for intracapsid DNA, which allows accurate modeling of our SANS data. As result, we show a temperature-dependent density transition of intracapsid DNA occurring between two coexisting phases-a hexagonally ordered high-density DNA phase in the capsid periphery and a low-density, less-ordered DNA phase in the core. As the temperature is increased from 20 °C to 40 °C, we found that the core-DNA phase undergoes a density and volume transition close to the physiological temperature of infection (~37 °C). The transition yields a lower energy state of DNA in the capsid core due to lower density and reduced packing defects. This increases DNA mobility, which is required to initiate rapid genome ejection from the virus capsid into a host cell, causing infection. These data reconcile our earlier findings of mechanical DNA transition in phage.
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Bacteriófago lambda , Capsídeo , Bacteriófago lambda/genética , Capsídeo/química , Temperatura , Microscopia Crioeletrônica , DNA Viral/química , Proteínas do Capsídeo/genética , Proteínas do Capsídeo/análiseRESUMO
The conversion factor of nitrogen to proteins and isoflavones present in Glycine max was determined. For the determination of the conversion factor, we worked with solubilizing the proteins at alkaline pH and then extracting them with acidic pH. The proteins were identified by the Kjeldahl method. The antioxidant capacity was determined after extracting the isoflavones and their glycosides through the Soxhlet method, and then using the Brand Williams method (DPPH). The results indicate that the protein conversion factor was 5.85, the maximum concentration of total isoflavones was 33.33%, the antiradical efficiency of total isoflavones was 0.004 mL/ug min, the antiradical efficiency of gallic acid was 0.005 mL/ug min. and the antiradical efficiency of tannic acid was 0.0004 mL/ugmin. These results justify the consumption of Glycine max (Soya) as a food that has a high nutritional quality and provides an excellent source of antioxidants, which will prevent hormonal and carcinogenic diseases.
Se determinó el factor de conversión de nitrógeno a proteínas e isoflavonas presentes en Glycine max. Para la determinación del factor de conversión se trabajó con solubilizando las proteínas a pH alcalinos y luego extrayéndolas con pH ácidos. Las proteínas fueron identificadas por el método Kjeldahl. La capacidad antioxidante se determinó previa extracción de las isoflavonas y sus glicósidos a través del método de Soxhlet, y luego empleando el método de Brand Williams (DPPH).Los resultados indican que el factor de conversión proteica fue 5,85, la concentración máxima de isoflavonas totales fue 33,33 %, la eficiencia antirradicalaria de las isoflavonas totales fue 0,004 mL/ug min, la eficiencia antirradicalaria de ácido gálico fue 0,005 mL/ug min y la eficiencia antirradicalaria de ácido tánico fue 0,0004 mL/ug min. Estos resultados justifican el consumo de Glycine max (Soya) como un alimento que posee una alta calidad nutricional y proporciona una óptima fuente de antioxidantes, que permitirá prevenir enfermedades hormonales y cancerígenas.
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Proteínas de Plantas/farmacologia , Conformação Proteica , Glycine max/química , Isoflavonas/farmacologia , Proteínas de Plantas/metabolismo , Plantas Medicinais , Glycine max/metabolismoRESUMO
Correction for 'Concentration and temperature dependent interactions and state diagram of dispersions of copolymer microgels' by José Ruiz-Franco et al., Soft Matter, 2023, 19, 3614-3628, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SM00120B.
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We investigate by means of small angle neutron scattering experiments and numerical simulations the interactions and inter-particle arrangements of concentrated dispersions of copolymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate) (PNIPAM-PEGMA) microgels across the volume phase transition (VPT). The scattering data of moderately concentrated dispersions are accurately modeled at all temperatures by using a star polymer form factor and static structure factors calculated from the effective potential obtained from simulations. Interestingly, for temperatures below the VPT temperature (VPTT), the radius of gyration and blob size of the particles significantly decrease with increasing the effective packing fraction in the non-overlapping regime. This is attributed to the presence of charges in the system associated with the use of an ionic initiator in the synthesis. Simulations using the experimentally corroborated interaction potential are used to explore the state diagram in a wide range of effective packing fractions. Below and slightly above the VPTT, the system undergoes an arrest transition mainly driven by the soft repulsion between the particles. Only well above the VPTT the system is found to phase separate before arresting. Our results highlight the versatility and potential of copolymer PNIPAM-PEGMA microgels to explore different kinds of arrested states balancing attraction and repulsion by changing temperature and packing fraction.
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Plastic pollution in the oceans is a growing problem, with negative effects on exposed species and ecosystems. Xyrichtys novacula L. is a very important fish species both culturally and economically in the Balearic Islands. The aim of the present study was to detect and categorise the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the digestive tract of X. novacula, as well as the existence of oxidative stress in the liver. For this purpose, the fish were categorised into two groups based on the number of MPs observed in the digestive tracts: a group with no or low presence of MPs (0-3 items) and a group with a higher presence of MPs (4-28 items). MPs were found in 89% of the specimens analysed, with a dominance of fibre type and blue colour. Regarding the type of polymer, polycarbonate was the most abundant, followed by polypropylene and polyethylene. For the group with a greater presence of MPs, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, as well as the phase II detoxification enzyme glutathione s-transferase, were higher than the activities observed in fish with little to no presence of MPs. The activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase and the levels of malondialdehyde did not show significant differences between both groups. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the presence of MPs in the digestive tract of X. novacula and the existence of an antioxidant and detoxification response, mainly based on the glutathione-based enzymes.
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The genus Blechnum represents one of the most ecologically and therapeutically important groups of ferns that grow in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. In this work, the chemical fingerprint of lyophilized extracts of Blechnum chilense, B. hastatum, B. magellanicum and B. penna-marina species, the determination of their antioxidant activity through ORAC, FRAP and DPPH assays and inhibition of cholinesterase enzymes (AChE and BChE), and an in silico analysis of selected majority compounds on cholinesterase enzymes were identified. Nineteen compounds were recorded for B. chilense, nine in B. hastatum, seventeen in B. magellanicum and seventeen in B. penna-marina by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS). The content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition were variable among species, with best results for B. penna-marina. Molecular docking evidenced low toxicities, significant pharmacokinetic properties, and significant binding affinities of the tested compounds for the AChE and BChE enzymes. These fern species show high diversity of bioactive compounds and represent a promising resource in phytotherapy, especially for their optimal levels of phenolic compounds that support their antioxidant activity.
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Resumen: El uso de equipo de protección personal, en especial protección ocular, limita la visión al momento de llevar a cabo procedimientos quirúrgicos en área COVID. Estas limitaciones nos obligan a hacer modificaciones en procedimientos habituales, en esta ocasión se realizó una modificación a la incisión habitual del procedimiento de traqueostomía abierta. Se hizo una modificación descrita en bibliografías previas en la orientación de la incisión, cambiando la orientación habitual de la incisión horizontal a una incisión vertical, conservando el resto de la técnica y disección de planos habituales así como colocación de cánula. La modificación de la técnica tiene como objetivo disminuir el riesgo de complicaciones ocasionadas por la poca visión por parte del equipo de protección personal. Dentro de estas complicaciones se incluyen disminuir el riesgo de lesión a grandes vasos que por anatomía se encuentran en sitio anatómico a procedimiento, mejorar las condiciones de visión al ser un único plano de disección muscular y aponeurótico, disminuir sangrado transoperatorio al incidir en línea media, con ello reducir el riesgo de complicaciones y mejorar las condiciones de visión del operador.
Abstract: The use of personal protective equipment, especially eye protection, limits vision when performing surgical procedures in the COVID area, these limitations force us to make modifications to usual procedures, on this occasion a modification is made to the usual incision of the procedure open tracheostomy. A modification described in previous bibliographies was made, modifying the orientation of the incision, changing the usual orientation of the horizontal incision to a vertical incision, preserving the rest of the technique and dissection of the usual planes as well as placement of the cannula. The modification of the technique aims to reduce the risk of complications caused by poor vision due to personal protective equipment, within these complications to reduce the risk of injury to large vessels that by anatomy are in the anatomical site of the procedure, improve the vision conditions as it is a single muscle and aponeurotic dissection plane, reduce transoperative bleeding by incising in the midline, thereby reducing the risk of complications, improving the operator's vision conditions and reducing the risk of infection of personal health.
Resumo: O uso de equipamentos de proteção individual, principalmente proteção ocular, limita a visão ao realizar procedimentos cirúrgicos na área COVID. Essas limitações nos obrigam a fazer modificações nos procedimentos usuais, nesta ocasião foi feita uma modificação na incisão usual do procedimento de traqueostomia aberta. Realizou-se uma modificação descrita em bibliografias anteriores modificando a orientação da incisão, mudando a orientação usual da incisão horizontal para uma incisão vertical, mantendo o resto da técnica e dissecção dos planos habituais, bem como a colocação da cânula. A modificação da técnica visa diminuir o risco de complicações causadas pela má visão por equipamentos de proteção individual, dentro dessas complicações diminuir o risco de lesão de grandes vasos que pela anatomia estão no local anatômico do procedimento, melhorar as condições de visão ao ser um único plano de dissecção muscular e aponeurótica, reduzindo o sangramento intraoperatório por incisão na linha média, diminuindo assim o risco de complicações, melhorando as condições de visão do operador.
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Se trata de paciente femenino de 22 años de edad, en quien se realizó una restauración en un molar siguiendo la filosofía de mínima intervención desde el diagnóstico hasta la obturación con un material bioactivo. Los objetivos del tratamiento fueron devolver la funcionalidad y estética de dicho molar, pero sobre todo brindar una protección a largo plazo mediante la liberación y recarga de iones de calcio, fosfato y flúor proporcionado por el material bioactivo (AU)
t is about a female patient of twenty-two years, in which a restoration was made in a molar following the philosophy of minimal intervention from diagnosis to filling with a bioactive material. The objectives of the treatment were to restore the functionality and aesthetics, but mainly to provide long-term protection through the release and recharge of calcium, phosphate and fluoride ions provided by the bioactive material used (AU)
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Humanos , Feminino , Adulto , Materiais Biocompatíveis/uso terapêutico , Resinas Compostas/uso terapêutico , Restauração Dentária Permanente/instrumentação , Cárie Dentária/terapia , Dente Molar/lesõesRESUMO
The lichen species Lecania brialmontii, Pseudephebe pubescens, and Sphaerophorus globosus are part of the prominent lichenoflora of the Antarctic territory. In this work, we report the metabolomic identification of ethanolic extracts of these species, their antioxidant and cholinesterase enzyme inhibitory activity, and conduct a molecular docking analysis with typical compounds. Eighteen compounds were identified by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS in L. brialmontii, 18 compounds in P. pubescens, and 14 compounds in S. globosus. The content of phenolic compounds was variable among the species, ranging from 0.279 to 2.821 mg AG/g, and all three species showed high inhibition potential on the cholinesterase enzymes. Molecular docking showed important interactions between AChE and BChE with the selected compounds. This study evidences the chemical fingerprint of three species of the order Lecanorales that support the continuation of the study of other biological activities and their potential for medical research.
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Eczema , Ceratose , Líquens , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , ColinesterasesRESUMO
Coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is the latest developed technique available for stent underexpansion treatment, although it is unclear if this therapy causes stent structure damage. We present the case of a patient with severe, refractory stent underexpansion after primary angioplasty, which was resolved with a double session of IVL. Elective angiographic and optical coherence tomography (OCT) follow-up was performed 1 year after the procedure, which demonstrated the absence of any damage in the stent platform. Paradoxically, the study revealed a critical restenotic lesion in an area distant from the one of interest. Review of the first OCT after the primary procedure revealed 78% underexpansion in that area, which went by unnoticed and could be the cause of restenosis. Repeated IVL therapy may be helpful in cases of rebel stent underexpansion, and it conveys the impression of being safe in the long term in relation to the integrity and effectiveness of the drug-eluting coronary stents.
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In quantum logic spectroscopy (QLS), one species of trapped ion is used as a sensor to detect the state of an otherwise inaccessible ion species. This extends precision measurements to a broader class of atomic and molecular systems for applications like atomic clocks and tests of fundamental physics. Here, we develop a new technique based on a Schrödinger cat interferometer to address the problem of scaling QLS to larger ion numbers. We demonstrate the basic features of this method using various combinations of ^{25}Mg^{+} logic ions and ^{27}Al^{+} spectroscopy ions. We observe higher detection efficiency by increasing the number of ^{25}Mg^{+} ions. Applied to multiple ^{27}Al^{+}, this method will improve the stability of high-accuracy optical clocks and could enable Heisenberg-limited QLS.
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Olive ridley sea turtles, Lepidochelys olivacea, exhibit a polymorphic reproductive behavior, nesting solitarily or in mass aggregations termed "arribadas", where thousands of individuals nest synchronously. Arribada nesting provides fitness benefits including mate finding during nearshore aggregations and predator satiation at the time of hatching, but it is unknown if such benefits come with a physiological cost. We used plasma metabolite profiling, stable isotope analysis, biochemical and endocrine assays to test whether metabolic parameters differ between nesting modes, and if arribada nesting is associated with increased levels of oxidative damage compared to solitary nesting. Arribada nesters were bigger and had higher circulating thyroid hormone levels than solitary nesters. Similarly, pathways related to phospholipid and amino acid metabolism, catabolic processes, and antioxidant defense were enriched in individuals nesting in arribada. Stable isotope signatures in skin samples showed differences in feeding zones with arribada nesters likely feeding on benthic and potentially more productive grounds. Arribada nesters had increased levels of plasma lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation products compared to solitary nesters. These results suggest that metabolic profiles differ between nesting modes and that oxidative stress is a trade-off for the fitness benefits associated with arribada nesting.
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5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) converts arachidonic acid to lipidic inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes (LTs). In diseases such as asthma, LTs contribute to a physiopathology that could be reverted by blocking 5-LOX. Natural products with anti-inflammatory potential such as ginger have been used as nutraceuticals since ancient times. 6-Gingerol and 6-shogaol are the most abundant compounds in the ginger rhizome; they possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chemopreventive properties. In the present study, 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol structures were analyzed and compared with two commercial 5-LOX inhibitors (zileuton and atreleuton) and with other inhibitor candidates (3f, NDGA, CP 209, caffeic acid, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE)). The pharmacokinetics and toxicological properties of 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, and the other compounds were evaluated. Targeted molecular coupling was performed to identify the optimal catalytic pocket for 5-LOX inhibition. The results showed that 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol follow all of the recommended pharmacokinetic parameters. These compounds could be inhibitors of 5-LOX because they present specific interactions with the residues involved in molecular inhibition. The current study demonstrated the potential of 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol as anti-inflammatory agents that inhibit 5-LOX, as they present a high level of performance in the toxicological analysis and could be catabolized by the cytochrome p450 enzymatic complex; however, 6-gingerol was superior in safety compared to 6-shogaol.