Latin American Plants against Microorganisms.

The constant emergence of severe health threats, such as antibacterial resistance or highly transmissible viruses, necessitates the investigation of novel therapeutic approaches for discovering and developing new antimicrobials, which will be critical in combating resistance and ensuring available options. Due to the richness and structural variety of natural compounds, techniques centered on obtaining novel active principles from natural sources have yielded promising results. This review describes natural products and extracts from Latin America with antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant strains, as well as classes and subclasses of plant secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity and the structures of promising compounds for combating drug-resistant pathogenic microbes. The main mechanisms of action of the plant antimicrobial compounds found in medicinal plants are discussed, and extracts of plants with activity against pathogenic fungi and antiviral properties and their possible mechanisms of action are also summarized. For example, the secondary metabolites obtained from Isatis indigotica that show activity against SARS-CoV are aloe-emodin, ß-sitosterol, hesperetin, indigo, and sinigrin. The structures of the plant antimicrobial compounds found in medicinal plants from Latin America are discussed. Most relevant studies, reviewed in the present work, have focused on evaluating different types of extracts with several classes and subclasses of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity. More studies on structure-activity relationships are needed.

Seaweeds in Food: Current Trends.

Edible seaweeds are an excellent source of macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds, and they can be consumed raw or used as ingredients in food products. However, seaweeds may also bioaccumulate potentially hazardous compounds for human health and animals, namely, heavy metals. Hence, the purpose of this review is to analyze the recent trends of edible seaweeds research: (i) nutritional composition and bioactive compounds, (ii) the use and acceptability of seaweeds in foodstuffs, (iii) the bioaccumulation of heavy metals and microbial pathogens, and (iv) current trends in Chile for using seaweeds in food. In summary, while it is evident that seaweeds are consumed widely worldwide, more research is needed to characterize new types of edible seaweeds as well as their use as ingredients in the development of new food products. Additionally, more research is needed to maintain control of the presence of heavy metals to assure a safe product for consumers. Finally, the need to keep promoting the benefits of seaweed consumption is emphasized, adding value in the algae-based production chain, and promoting a social algal culture.

¿Cuántos años tienes?, ¿estás casado?, ¿tienes hijos? preguntas irrelevantes y discriminación encubierta en la selección de personal / How old are you? are you married? do you have children? irrelevant questions and covert discrimination in personnel selection / Quantos anos você tem? você é casado? você tem filhos? perguntas irrelevantes e discriminação oculta na seleção de pessoal

La selección de personal ha demostrado ser un procedimiento de incalculable valor para las organizaciones. Sin embargo, en la práctica los empleadores suelen (y prefieren) utilizar los métodos de selección de escaza y cuestionable evidencia. En el contexto boliviano, el uso de preguntas personales relacionadas a la edad, estado civil, sexo, raza, embarazo, entre otros, parece estar bastante extendido. Aunque, la utilidad que justifique su inclusión sigue sin demostrarse. En el presente artículo, analizo la relevancia y el soporte de las preguntas personales en función de su contribución para tres propósitos de la selección de personal: validez para predecir el desempeño laboral, reclutamiento y discriminación. Finalmente, proporciono algunas sugerencias: (1) para mejorar la eficiencia de los procesos de selección, y (2) para enmendar y fortalecer las leyes contra la discriminación en la selección de la legislación laboral boliviana.

The selection of personnel has proven to be an invaluable procedure for organizations. However, in practice employers often (and prefer) to use the selection methods of scarce and questionable evidence. In the Bolivian context, the use of personal questions related to age, marital status, sex, race, pregnancy, among others, seems to be quite widespread. Although the usefulness that justifies its inclusion remains unproven. In this article, I analyze the relevance and support of personal questions based on their contribution to three purposes of personnel selection: validity to predict job performance, recruitment, and discrimination. Finally, I provide some suggestions: (1) to improve the efficiency of the selection processes, and (2) to amend and strengthen the laws against discrimination in the selection of Bolivian labor law.

A seleção de pessoal provou ser um procedimento inestimável para as organizações. No entanto, na prática, os empregadores costumam (e preferem) usar métodos de seleção de evidências escassas e questionáveis. No contexto boliviano, o uso de perguntas pessoais relacionadas à idade, estado civil, sexo, raça, gravidez, entre outros, parece ser bastante difundido. Embora a utilidade que justifique a sua inclusão permaneça não comprovada. Neste artigo, analiso a relevância e o suporte de perguntas pessoais com base em sua contribuição para três propósitos de seleção de pessoal: validade para prever o desempenho no trabalho, recrutamento e discriminação. Finalmente, apresento algumas sugestões: (1) melhorar a eficiência dos processos de seleção e (2) alterar e fortalecer as leis contra a discriminação na seleção da legislação trabalhista boliviana.

New Benzotrithiophene-Based Molecules as Organic P-Type Semiconductor for Small-Molecule Organic Solar Cells.

A new benzotrithiophene-based small molecule, namely 2,5,8-Tris[5-(2,2-dicyanovinyl)-2-thienyl]-benzo[1,2-b:3,4-b':6,5-b″]-trithiophene (DCVT-BTT), was successfully synthesized and subsequently characterized. This compound was found to present an intense absorption band at a wavelength position of ∼544 nm and displayed potentially relevant optoelectronic properties for photovoltaic devices. Theoretical studies demonstrated an interesting behavior of charge transport as electron donor (hole-transporting) active material for heterojunction cells. A preliminary study of small-molecule organic solar cells based on DCVT-BTT (as the P-type organic semiconductor) and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (as the N-type organic semiconductor) exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 2.04% at a donor: acceptor weight ratio of 1:1.

Evaluation of Smart Sensors for Subway Electric Motor Escalators through AHP-Gaussian Method.

This paper proposes the use of the AHP-Gaussian method to support the selection of a smart sensor installation for an electric motor used in an escalator in a subway station. The AHP-Gaussian methodology utilizes the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) framework and is highlighted for its ability to save the decision maker's cognitive effort in assigning weights to criteria. Seven criteria were defined for the sensor selection: temperature range, vibration range, weight, communication distance, maximum electric power, data traffic speed, and acquisition cost. Four smart sensors were considered as alternatives. The results of the analysis showed that the most appropriate sensor was the ABB Ability smart sensor, which scored the highest in the AHP-Gaussian analysis. In addition, this sensor could detect any abnormalities in the equipment's operation, enabling timely maintenance and preventing potential failures. The proposed AHP-Gaussian method proved to be an effective approach for selecting a smart sensor for an electric motor used in an escalator in a subway station. The selected sensor was reliable, accurate, and cost-effective, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of the equipment.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds from Edible Plants with Anti-Cancer Activity and Their Potential Use as Drugs.

Food is our daily companion, performing numerous beneficial functions for our bodies. Many of them can help to alleviate or prevent ailments and diseases. In this review, an extensive bibliographic search is conducted in various databases to update information on unprocessed foods with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can aid in treating diseases such as cancer. The current state of knowledge on inflammatory processes involving some interleukins and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is reviewed. As well as unprocessed foods, which may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are important factors in cancer development. Many studies are still needed to take full advantage of the food products we use daily.

Prioritization of leading operational indicators in occupational safety and health.

New approaches are necessary to ensure the effectiveness of an occupational safety and health management system (OSHMS), which include the development of new methods that would facilitate the measurement of the proactive operational status. This study addresses the development of a tool that contains leading operational indicators in occupational safety and health (OSH), with the main objective of prioritizing these indicators according to the consensual opinion of groups of experts. The Delphi method was applied to this manageable list to prioritize the indicators through three rounds, and consensus was obtained on which indicators are most relevant, both for each individual group of experts and for all experts. This tool allows each company to customize the indicators that are most appropriate for its own reality by considering the report of these indicators. This tool can be a part of a safety dashboard model and considers only the most relevant indicators.

Análisis de influencias de la perspectiva marxista en el paradigma social de la ocupación / Analysis of influences of the Marxist perspective on the social paradigm of occupation / Análise de influências da perspetiva marxista no paradigma social da ocupação

La investigación analizó la influencia de la perspectiva marxista en el paradigma social de la ocupación. Se realizó una investigación bibliográfica narrativa, empleando una metodología cualitativa e interpretativa para analizar los conceptos de sujeto y lo social en tres propuestas ubicadas dentro de dicho paradigma: la teoría de la naturaleza ocupacional del ser Humano de Ann Wilcock, el modelo Kawa de Michael Iwama y la denominada perspectiva político-social de Terapia Ocupacional de Kronenberg, Algado y Pollard, cotejándolas con las mismas concepciones en la perspectiva marxista. Se identifica una influencia de la perspectiva marxista en la construcción de los textos seleccionados y en las concepciones de sujeto y lo social, más clara ­y en ocasiones explícita­ en las propuestas de Ann Wilcock y Kronenberg, Algado y Pollard. En el caso del modelo Kawa, pudieron reconocerse menos puntos de encuentro, lo que puede atribuirse al influjo de una cosmovisión de Oriente.

The research analyzed the Marxist perspective influence on the social paradigm of occupation. Narrative bibliographic research was carried out, using a qualitative and interpretive methodology to analyze the concepts of the subject and the social in three proposals located within said paradigm: the theory of the occupational nature of the human being by Ann Wilcock, the Kawa model by Michael Iwama and the so called political-social perspective of Occupational Therapy by Kronenberg, Algado and Pollard, comparing them with the same conceptions in the Marxist perspective. An influence of the Marxist perspective is identified in the construction of the selected texts and the conceptions of the subject and the social, more clearly ­and sometimes explicitly­ in the proposals of Ann Wilcock and Kronenberg, Algado and Pollard. In the case of the Kawa model, fewer meeting points could be recognized, which can be attributed to the influence of a worldview from the East.

A pesquisa analisou a influência da perspectiva marxista no paradigma social da ocupação. Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica narrativa, utilizando uma metodologia qualitativa e interpretativa para analisar os conceitos de sujeito e de social em três propostas situadas dentro do referido paradigma: a teoria da natureza ocupacional do ser humano, de Ann Wilcock, o modelo Kawa, de Michael Iwama e a chamada perspectiva político-social da Terapia Ocupacional, de Kronenberg, Algado e Pollard, comparando-as com as mesmas concepções na perspectiva marxista. Identifica-se uma influência da perspectiva marxista na construção dos textos selecionados e nas concepções do sujeito e do social, de forma mais clara ­ e às vezes explícita ­ nas propostas de Ann Wilcock e Kronenberg, Algado e Pollard. No caso do modelo Kawa, menos pontos de encontro puderam ser reconhecidos, o que pode ser atribuído à influência de uma cosmovisão oriental.

¿Cuántos años tienes?, ¿estás casado?, ¿tienes hijos? preguntas irrelevantes y discriminación encubierta en la selección de personal

La selección de personal ha demostrado ser un procedimiento de incalculable valor para las organizaciones. Sin embargo, en la práctica los empleadores suelen (y prefieren) utilizar los métodos de selección de escaza y cuestionable evidencia. En el contexto boliviano, el uso de preguntas personales relacionadas a la edad, estado civil, sexo, raza, embarazo, entre otros, parece estar bastante extendido. Aunque, la utilidad que justifique su inclusión sigue sin demostrarse. En el presente artículo, analizo la relevancia y el soporte de las preguntas personales en función de su contribución para tres propósitos de la selección de personal: validez para predecir el desempeño laboral, reclutamiento y discriminación. Finalmente, proporciono algunas sugerencias: (1) para mejorar la eficiencia de los procesos de selección, y (2) para enmendar y fortalecer las leyes contra la discriminación en la selección de la legislación laboral boliviana.

The selection of personnel has proven to be an invaluable procedure for organizations. However, in practice employers often (and prefer) to use the selection methods of scarce and questionable evidence. In the Bolivian context, the use of personal questions related to age, marital status, sex, race, pregnancy, among others, seems to be quite widespread. Although the usefulness that justifies its inclusion remains unproven. In this article, I analyze the relevance and support of personal questions based on their contribution to three purposes of personnel selection: validity to predict job performance, recruitment, and discrimination. Finally, I provide some suggestions: (1) to improve the efficiency of the selection processes, and (2) to amend and strengthen the laws against discrimination in the selection of Bolivian labor law.

A seleção de pessoal provou ser um procedimento inestimável para as organizações. No entanto, na prática, os empregadores costumam (e preferem) usar métodos de seleção de evidências escassas e questionáveis. No contexto boliviano, o uso de perguntas pessoais relacionadas à idade, estado civil, sexo, raça, gravidez, entre outros, parece ser bastante difundido. Embora a utilidade que justifique a sua inclusão permaneça não comprovada. Neste artigo, analiso a relevância e o suporte de perguntas pessoais com base em sua contribuição para três propósitos de seleção de pessoal: validade para prever o desempenho no trabalho, recrutamento e discriminação. Finalmente, apresento algumas sugestões: (1) melhorar a eficiência dos processos de seleção e (2) alterar e fortalecer as leis contra a discriminação na seleção da legislação trabalhista boliviana.

Incorporation of Limosilactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C with Anti-Helicobacter pylori and Immunomodulatory Activities in Various Ice Cream Bases.

Limosilactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C is a probiotic strain possessing anti-Helicobacter pylori and immunomodulatory activity. The aim of this work was to examine if this strain maintains its probiotic properties and its viability when added to dairy-based ice creams (cookies and cream, Greek yogurt, and chocolate with brownie) or to fruit-based ice creams (pineapple and raspberry) stored at -18 °C for 90 days. The probiotic anti-H. pylori activity using the well diffusion test, its immunomodulatory activity was measured using transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) cytokine production by human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells, and its viability was measured using the microdrop technique. Assays were performed in triplicate. The L. fermentum UCO-979C strain maintained strong anti-H. pylori activity in dairy-based ice creams and mild activity in fruit-based ice cream. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokine TGF-ß1 on AGS cells was higher in the probiotic recovered from Greek yogurt ice cream, maintaining a viability exceeding 107 colony-forming units/mL. The addition of the probiotic to ice creams did not significantly influence the physicochemical properties of the product. These data show the great potential of the L. fermentum UCO-979C strain in producing probiotic dairy-based and fruit-based ice creams.

Imaging the electrical activity of organelles in living cells.

Eukaryotic cells are complex systems compartmentalized in membrane-bound organelles. Visualization of organellar electrical activity in living cells requires both a suitable reporter and non-invasive imaging at high spatiotemporal resolution. Here we present hVoSorg, an optical method to monitor changes in the membrane potential of subcellular membranes. This method takes advantage of a FRET pair consisting of a membrane-bound voltage-insensitive fluorescent donor and a non-fluorescent voltage-dependent acceptor that rapidly moves across the membrane in response to changes in polarity. Compared to the currently available techniques, hVoSorg has advantages including simple and precise subcellular targeting, the ability to record from individual organelles, and the potential for optical multiplexing of organellar activity.

Novel Therapies for Biofilm-Based Candida spp. Infections.

The presence of fungal infections continue to grow worldwide, mostly in immunosuppressed patients, and in individuals with continued antimicrobial treatments. Candida spp. are the most common yeasts involved in these disorders, being associated with a high rate of antifungal resistance and an increased ability to form biofilms, which make the treatment of these infections difficult. This review aims to present and discuss the main biofilm-related infections cause by several Candida spp. and novel therapies that are currently available in the clinical, scientific and academic environment. New drugs with promising antifungal activity, natural approaches (e.g. probiotics, essential oils, plant extracts, honey) and a final consideration on alternative methodologies, such as photodynamic therapy are presented and discussed.

Effect of Drying Moisture Exposed Almonds on the Development of the Quality Defect Concealed Damage.

Concealed damage (CD), is a term used by the nut industry to describe a brown discoloration of kernel nutmeat that becomes visible after moderate heat treatments (e.g., roasting). CD can result in consumer rejection and product loss. Postharvest exposure of almonds to moisture (e.g., rain) is a key factor in the development of CD as it promotes hydrolysis of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. The effect of drying moisture-exposed almonds between 45 to 95 °C, prior to roasting was evaluated as a method for controlling CD in roasted almonds. Additionally, moisture-exposed almonds dried at 55 and 75 °C were stored under accelerated shelf life conditions (45 °C/80% RH) and evaluated for headspace volatiles. Results indicate that drying temperatures below 65 °C decreases brown discoloration of nutmeat up to 40% while drying temperatures above 75 °C produce significant increases in brown discoloration and volatiles related to lipid oxidation, and nonsignificant increases in Amadori compounds. Results also demonstrate that raw almonds exposed to moisture and dried at 55 °C prior to roasting, reduce the visual sign of CD and maintain headspace volatiles profiles similar to almonds without moisture damage during accelerated storage.

Use of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometrics for the Nondestructive Identification of Concealed Damage in Raw Almonds (Prunus dulcis).

Concealed damage (CD) is defined as a brown discoloration of the kernel interior (nutmeat) that appears only after moderate to high heat treatment (e.g., blanching, drying, roasting, etc.). Raw almonds with CD have no visible defects before heat treatment. Currently, there are no screening methods available for detecting CD in raw almonds. Herein, the feasibility of using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy between 1125 and 2153 nm for the detection of CD in almonds is demonstrated. Almond kernels with CD have less NIR absorbance in the region related with oil, protein, and carbohydrates. With the use of partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and selection of specific wavelengths, three classification models were developed. The calibration models have false-positive and false-negative error rates ranging between 12.4 and 16.1% and between 10.6 and 17.2%, respectively. The percent error rates ranged between 8.2 and 9.2%. Second-derivative preprocessing of the selected wavelength resulted in the most robust predictive model.

Effect of Temperature and Moisture on the Development of Concealed Damage in Raw Almonds (Prunus dulcis).

Concealed damage (CD) is a brown discoloration of nutmeat that appears only after kernels are treated with moderate heat (e.g., roasting). Identifying factors that promote CD in almonds is of significant interest to the nut industry. Herein, the effect of temperature (35 and 45 °C) and moisture (<5, 8, and 11%) on the composition of volatiles in raw almonds (Prunus dulcis var. Nonpareil) was studied using HS-SPME-GC/MS. A CIE LCh colorimetric method was developed to identify raw almonds with CD. A significant increase in CD was demonstrated in almonds exposed to moisture (8% kernel moisture content) at 45 °C as compared to 35 °C. Elevated levels of volatiles related to lipid peroxidation and amino acid degradation were observed in almonds with CD. These results suggest that postharvest moisture exposure resulting in an internal kernel moisture ≥ 8% is a key factor in the development of CD in raw almonds and that CD is accelerated by temperature.

Quantification of amygdalin in nonbitter, semibitter, and bitter almonds (Prunus dulcis) by UHPLC-(ESI)QqQ MS/MS.

Amygdalin is a cynaogenic diglucoside responsible for the bitterness of almonds. Almonds display three flavor phenotypes, nonbitter, semibitter, and bitter. Herein, the amygdalin content of 20 varieties of nonbitter, semibitter, and bitter almonds from four primary growing regions of California was determined using solid-phase extraction and ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography electrospray triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-(ESI)QqQ MS/MS). The detection limit for this method is ≤ 0.1 ng/mL (3 times the signal-to-noise ratio) and the LOQ is 0.33 ng/mL (10 times the signal-to-noise ratio), allowing for the reliable quantitation of trace levels of amygdalin in nonbitter almonds (0.13 mg/kg almond). Results indicate that amygdalin concentrations for the three flavor phenotypes were significantly different (p < 0.001). The mean concentrations of amygdalin in nonbitter, semibitter, and bitter almonds are 63.13 ± 57.54, 992.24 ± 513.04, and 40060.34 ± 7855.26 mg/kg, respectively. Levels of amygdalin ranged from 2.16 to 157.44 mg/kg in nonbitter, from 523.50 to 1772.75 mg/kg in semibitter, and from 33006.60 to 53998.30 mg/kg in bitter almonds. These results suggest that phenotype classification may be achieved on the basis of amygdalin levels. Growing region had a statistically significant effect on the amygdalin concentration in commercial varieties (p < 0.05).

Psychometric properties and latent structure of the Portuguese version of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire.

Two studies evaluated the psychometric properties and the latent structure of the Portuguese version of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) in a large Brazilian college student sample. Results indicated that PSWQ had an adequate internal consistency. Exploratory factor analyses yielded a two-factor solution. One factor was related to the worry presence and incorporated all the non-reversed items. The other factor was associated to worry absence and incorporated all the reversed items. Confirmatory factor analysis leaded to a three-factor solution. One factor included all the PSWQ items whereas the two other factors were linked to the reversed and non-reversed worded items. Correlations coefficients of these two reversed and non-reversed factors with the total scores of the PSWQ and the trait form of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory suggest that PSWQ has a single meaningful construct.

Escala de Edinburgh para depresión posparto: consistencia interna y estructura factorial en mujeres embarazadas de Cartagena, Colombia / Validating the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale’s internal consistency and factor structure amongst pregnant women in Cartagena, Colombia

Objetivos: determinar la consistencia interna y la estructura de factores de la escala de Edinburgh para depresión posparto en mujeres embarazadas de Cartagena, Colombia. Materiales y método: se diseñó un estudio de validación de un instrumento de tamizaje sin patrón de oro (metodológico), de la escala de Edinburgh para depresión posparto con 200 mujeres gestantes letradas entre 18 y 42 años, con un promedio de 24,3 años (DE = 5,2), residentes de estrato económico bajo que asistían a consulta externa en una clínica pública de maternidad en Cartagena, Colombia. Se determinó consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach) y la estructura factorial de la escala (análisis factorial exploratorio). Resultados: la escala mostró una consistencia interna de 0,78, una estructura tridimensional (ánimo deprimido, anhedonía y desesperanza y culpa) que explicaba el 59,9 por ciento de la varianza. Conclusiones: el estudio muestra que la escala de Edinburgh para depresión posparto posee una alta consistencia interna y una estructura tridimensional para el concepto de depresión en mujeres embarazadas de Cartagena, Colombia.