Supercritical CO2 extraction of naringenin from Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens): its antioxidant capacity under simulated gastrointestinal digestion.

A supercritical CO2 method was optimized to recover naringenin-rich extract from Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens), a flavanone with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The effect of the extraction parameters like pressure, temperature, and co-solvent on naringenin concentration was evaluated. We used response surface methodology to optimize the naringenin extraction from oregano; the chemical composition by UPLC-MS of the optimized extract and the effect of simulated gastrointestinal digestion on its antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content were also evaluated. The optimum conditions were 58.4 °C and 12.46% co-solvent (ethanol), with a pressure of 166 bar, obtaining a naringenin content of 46.59 mg/g extract. Also, supercritical optimized extracts yielded high quantities of cirsimaritin, quercetin, phloridzin, apigenin, and luteolin. The results indicated that the naringenin-rich extract obtained at optimized conditions had higher total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity by TEAC and ORAC, and flavonoid content, compared with the methanolic extract, and the simulated gastrointestinal digestion reduced all these values.

Bioactivity of Fractions and Pure Compounds from Jatropha cordata (Ortega) Müll. Arg. Bark Extracts.

Medicines for chronic inflammation can cause gastric ulcers and hepatic and renal issues. An alternative treatment for chronic inflammation is that of natural bioactive compounds, which present low side effects. Extracts of Jatropha cordata (Ortega) Müll. Arg. have been evaluated for their cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity; however, testing pure compounds would be of greater interest. Campesteryl palmitate, n-heptyl ferulate, palmitic acid, and a mixture of sterols, i.e., brassicasterol, campesterol, ß-sitosterol, and stigmasterol, were obtained from an ethyl acetate extract from J. cordata (Ortega) Müll. Arg. bark using column chromatography. The toxicity and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. None of the products assessed exhibited toxicity. The sterol mixture exhibited greater anti-inflammatory activity than the positive control, and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition percentages were 37.97% and 41.68% at 22.5 µg/mL and 30 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, n-heptyl ferulate decreased NO by 30.61% at 30 µg/mL, while campesteryl palmitate did not show anti-inflammatory activity greater than the positive control. The mixture and n-heptyl ferulate showed NO inhibition; hence, we may conclude that these compounds have anti-inflammatory potential. Additionally, further research and clinical trials are needed to fully explore the therapeutic potential of these bioactive compounds and their efficacy in treating chronic inflammation.

Green Extracts and UPLC-TQS-MS/MS Profiling of Flavonoids from Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens) Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents/Ultrasound-Assisted and Supercritical Fluids.

Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is an important source of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids. These have presented different therapeutic properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; however, their functionality is related to the quantity and type of compounds, and these characteristics depend on the extraction method used. This study aimed to compare different extraction procedures to identify and quantify flavonoids from oregano (Lippia graveolens). Emerging and conventional technologies include maceration with methanol and water, and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using deep eutectic solvents (DES) such as choline chloride-ethylene glycol, choline chloride-glycerol, and choline chloride-lactic acid. Supercritical fluid extraction using CO2 as a solvent was also studied. Six different extracts were obtained and the total reducing capacity, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity by ABTS•+, DPPH•, FRAP, and ORAC were evaluated. In addition, flavonoids were identified and quantified by UPLC-TQS-MS/MS. Results showed that UAE-DES had the best extraction effect and antioxidant capacity using colorimetric methods. However, maceration-methanol was superior in compound content, and highlighting naringenin and phloridzin were the major compounds. In addition, this extract was microencapsulated by spray drying, which provided a protection feature of their antioxidant potential. Oregano extracts are rich in flavonoids and the microcapsules present promising results for future research.

Phytochemical Characterization and In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Evaluation in RAW 264.7 Cells of Jatropha cordata Bark Extracts.

The inflammatory process, although beneficial, can produce tissue damage and systemic damage when uncontrolled. Effective therapeutic alternatives with little or no side effects are of great therapeutic interest. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition of bark extracts from J. cordata, an endemic plant from México, and evaluate their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts were characterized by qualitative phytochemical tests, and their bioactive groups were identified by 1H NMR and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The extract's anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated as nitric oxide (NO) production and their cytotoxicity by an MTS cell proliferation assay in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells at concentrations of 1-100 µg/mL. The hexane extract contained fatty acids, fatty esters, phytosterols, alkanes, vitamin E, and terpenoids; the ethyl acetate extract showed fatty acids, fatty esters, aromatic aldehyde, phytosterols, vitamin E, and terpenoids, while the methanolic extract showed fatty esters, fatty acid, aromatics aldehydes, and alcohol. The ethyl acetate extract showed the highest inhibition of NO production, followed by the methanolic extract and the hexane extract, without affecting the viability of RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The results suggest that J. cordata extracts are a potential source of bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory potential.

Loading and Release of Phenolic Compounds Present in Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens) in Different Chitosan Bio-Polymeric Cationic Matrixes.

Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) polyphenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, but low bioaccessibility. Therefore, in the present work the micro/nano-encapsulation of these compounds in two different matrixes of chitosan (CS) and chitosan-b-poly(PEGMA2000) (CS-b-PPEGMA) is described and assessed. The particle sizes of matrixes of CS (~955 nm) and CS-b-PPEGMA (~190 nm) increased by 10% and 50%, respectively, when the phenolic compounds were encapsulated, yielding loading efficiencies (LE) between 90-99% and 50-60%, correspondingly. The release profiles in simulated fluids revealed a better control of host-guest interactions by using the CS-b-PPEGMA matrix, reaching phenolic compounds release of 80% after 24 h, while single CS retained the guest compounds. The total reducing capacity (TRC) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of the phenolic compounds (PPHs) are protected and increased (more than five times) when they are encapsulated. Thus, this investigation provides a standard encapsulation strategy and relevant results regarding nutraceuticals stabilization and their improved bioaccessibility.

Biosíntesis inducida de fengicina y surfactina en una cepa de Bacillus amyloliquefaciens con actividad oomiceticida sobre zoosporas de Phytophthora capsica / Induced biosynthesis of fengycin and surfactin in a strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens with oomyceticidal activity on zoospores of Phytophthora capsici

Resumen La aplicación de metabolitos antimicrobianos biosintetizados por especies de Bacillus es una alternativa potencial para controlar Phytophthora capsici (P. capsici) en hortalizas y podría evitar el uso de productos químicos con acción oomiceticida. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto de la adición al medio de cultivo de distintos agentes (ácido glutámico, hierro, celulosa, quitina y células inactivas de Colletotrichum spp.) sobre la biosíntesis de lipopéptidos en Bacillus amyloliquefaciens KX953161.1 y examinar la capacidad oomiceticida de dichos compuestos in vitro sobre las zoosporas de P. capsici. Los lipopéptidos identificados y cuantificados por cromatografía en capa fina de alta resolución (HPTLC) en los extractos crudos fueron fengicina y surfactina. El cultivo bacteriano adicionado con células inactivas de Colletotrichum spp. demostró la mayor biosíntesis de lipopéptidos: 1.847,02 ±11,8 pg/mL de fengicina y 2.563,45 ± 18,4 pg/mL de surfactina. Los tratamientos con menor producción de estos lipopéptidos fueron aquellos a los que se añadió hierro (608,05 ± 22,6 pg/mL de fengicina y 903,74 ±22,1 pg/mL de surfactina) o celulosa (563,31 ±11,9 y 936,96 ±41,1 pg/mL, igual orden). El extracto con los lipopéptidos presentó una inhibición del 100% en la germinación de zoosporas de P. capsici, se observó enquistamiento, malformaciones en el tubo germinal y degradación celular. Se concluye que los lipopéptidos producidos por B. amyloliquefaciens KX953161.1 podrían contribuir al control de P. capsici, sin embargo, se requieren más estudios a fin de elucidar el modo de acción biológica de estos compuestos y optimizar el perfil de producción y el rendimiento.

Abstract A potential alternative to the use of chemical products with oomyceticidal action for the control of Phytophthora capsici in vegetables is the use of antimicrobial metabolites, biosynthesized in Bacillus species. The objective of this study was to induce the biosynthesis of lipopeptides in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens KX953161.1 by using glutamic acid, iron, cellulose, chitin, or inactive Colletotrichum spp. cells. The in vitro oomyceticidal effect of the bacterial lipopeptides on zoospores of Phytophthora capsici was evaluated. The lipopeptides identified and quantified in the crude extracts by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) were fengycin and surfactin. The bacterial culture with inactive fungal cells yielded the greatest biosynthesis of lipopeptides, at 1847.02± 11.8 and 2563.45± 18.4 pg/ml of fengycin and surfactin, respectively and the treatments that obtained lower production of these lipopepti-des, were those to which iron and cellulose were added with 608.05 ± 22.6 and 903.74± 22.1; 563.31± 11.9 and 936.96± 41.1 pg/ml for fengicin and surfactin, respectively. The lipopeptide extracted showed 100% germination inhibition on zoospores of P. capsici, revealing encystment, malformations in the germ tube and cellular degradation. Lipopeptides have the potential to control P. capsici; however, the biosynthesis of these lipopeptides requires further study to determine their biological mode of action and optimize lipopeptide performance and profile.

Cytotoxic Activity of Polyphenol Extracts from Three Oregano Species: Hedeoma patens, Lippia graveolens and Lippia palmeri, and Antiproliferative Potential of Lippia graveolens against Two Types of Breast Cancer Cell Lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7).

Oregano infusions have traditionally been used to treat some diseases related to inflammation and cancer; also, some species have shown antiproliferative activity on cancer cell lines, for example, colon and liver, and this has been attributed to its phytochemical profile, mainly its phenolic compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and antiproliferative potential of the polyphenols-rich extracts (PRE) of the oregano species H. patens, L. graveolens, and L. palmeri on breast cancer cell lines. The PRE of the three oregano species were obtained from dried leaves. The extract was characterized by determining antioxidant activity, total phenols content, and identifying the profile of phenolic acids and flavonoids by chromatography UPLC-MS/MS. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the extracts was evaluated in vitro on a non-cancer cell line of fibroblast NIH3T3 and the antiproliferative potential on the breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. L. graveolens showed the highest antioxidant capacity and significantly inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells at non-cytotoxic concentrations in normal cells, with a similar effect to that cisplatin in MDA-MB-231 cells. Therefore, the polyphenol-rich extract from L. graveolens showed the greatest potential to guide future research on the antiproliferative mechanism of action.

[Induced biosynthesis of fengycin and surfactin in a strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens with oomyceticidal activity on zoospores of Phytophthora capsici]. / Biosíntesis inducida de fengicina y surfactina en una cepa de Bacillus amyloliquefaciens con actividad oomiceticida sobre zoosporas de Phytophthora capsica.

A potential alternative to the use of chemical products with oomyceticidal action for the control of Phytophthora capsici in vegetables is the use of antimicrobial metabolites, biosynthesized in Bacillus species. The objective of this study was to induce the biosynthesis of lipopeptides in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens KX953161.1 by using glutamic acid, iron, cellulose, chitin, or inactive Colletotrichum spp. cells. The in vitro oomyceticidal effect of the bacterial lipopeptides on zoospores of Phytophthora capsici was evaluated. The lipopeptides identified and quantified in the crude extracts by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) were fengycin and surfactin. The bacterial culture with inactive fungal cells yielded the greatest biosynthesis of lipopeptides, at 1847.02± 11.8 and 2563.45± 18.4 µg/ml of fengycin and surfactin, respectively and the treatments that obtained lower production of these lipopeptides, were those to which iron and cellulose were added with 608.05 ± 22.6 and 903.74± 22.1; 563.31± 11.9 and 936.96± 41.1 µg/ml for fengicin and surfactin, respectively. The lipopeptide extracted showed 100% germination inhibition on zoospores of P. capsici, revealing encystment, malformations in the germ tube and cellular degradation. Lipopeptides have the potential to control P. capsici; however, the biosynthesis of these lipopeptides requires further study to determine their biological mode of action and optimize lipopeptide performance and profile.

Motivaciones, significados y riesgos en los encuentros sexuales de hombres gays de La Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires en el contexto del covid-19 / Motivations, meanings and risk in gay men sexual encounters in the Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires in the context of covid-19 / Motivações, significados e riscos nos encontros sexuais de homens gays na Cidade Autônoma de Buenos Aires no contexto do covid-19

Resumen Se buscó identificar las motivaciones que llevan a los hombres gay del AMBA (Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires) a romper el Aislamiento Preventivo Social Obligatorio (APSO) con fines de encuentro sexual en el contexto de la pandemia de covid-19. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo-exploratorio, con veinte entrevistas semiestructuradas a igual número de personas. La muestra fue intencional no representativa, el contacto se estableció mediante la aplicación de GRINDR y TINDER pactando las entrevistas de manera telefónica o presencial. Se encontró que los entrevistados habían roto la cuarentena motivados principalmente por "la calentura", la dificultad para mantener "la abstinencia sexual" y por las "ganas de tener sexo", en el contexto de una alta valoración personal de la libertad y de familiaridad con la clandestinidad. Algunos realizan medidas de disminución del riesgo de covid-19, como el uso de cubrebocas y alcohol en gel, otros consideran que no son población en riesgo.

Abstract We aimed to identify the motivations of gay men on the AMBA to break the governmental policy of Obligatory Preventive Social Isolation (APSO) with the purpose of sexual encounter. We designed a qualitative-exploratory study, where twenty semi-structured interviews were applied to equal number of gay men. The sample was intentional and not representative, the contact was established through the application of GRINDER and TINDER arranging the interviews by telephone or in person. We found that interviewees have broken quarantine mainly motivated by "the fever", the difficulty of keeping the "abstinence", and the "desire to have sex", in the context or a highly personal value of freedom and the familiarity with clandestine behavior. Some took measures to lower the risk of covid-19, by using covered mouths and alcohol-based gel, others mentioned that they are not part of a risk group.

Resumo Buscou-se identificar as motivações que levam homens gays da AMBA (Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires) a romper o Isolamento Social Preventivo Obrigatório (APSO) para fins de encontros sexuais no contexto da pandemia covid-19. Realizou-se um estudo qualitativo-exploratório, com vinte entrevistas semi estruturadas com o mesmo número de pessoas. A amostra foi intencional não representativa, o contato foi estabelecido por meio dos aplicativos GRINDR e TINDER, agendando as entrevistas por telefone ou pessoalmente. Constatou-se que os entrevistados romperam a quarentena motivados principalmente pelo «tesão¼, pela dificuldade de manter a «abstinência sexual¼ e pelo «desejo de fazer sexo¼, no contexto de uma alta valorização pessoal da liberdade e de familiaridade com a clandestinidade. Alguns relataram medidas para reduzir o risco de COVID 19, como o uso de máscaras e álcool em gel, outros consideram que não são população de risco.

Estudio del sufrimiento psíquico en mujeres en diferentes ciudades de la Argentina / Estudio del sufrimiento psíquico en mujeres en diferentes ciudades de la Argentina

Esta investigación estudia el sufrimiento psíquico de mujeres en contexto de Pandemia provocado por el COVID-19 en el año 2021/22 Objetivos Determinar si mujeres perciben algún cambio con respecto a su salud mental y cuál es el nivel de sufrimiento psíquico por el que atraviesan en el contexto de la Pandemia. MÉTODOS La muestra está compuesta por 1589 mujeres mayores pertenecientes a barrios vulnerables de diferentes ciudades. Es un estudio de carácter multicéntrico y colaborativo, responde a un diseño descriptivo de corte transversal, entre cinco ciudades de la República Argentina: Córdoba, Santa Rosa, Villa Mercedes, Rafaela y Orán. Según los objetivos propuestos se optó por una estrategia cuantitativa. RESULTADOS De los datos obtenidos sobre la percepción que tienen las mujeres, en las localidades agrupadas, sobre el sufrimiento psíquico antes de la pandemia, se puede decir que, el 64% (1016) de las mujeres manifestó tener un sufrimiento bajo, el 22% (343) sufrimiento medio y el 15% (230) sufrimiento alto. Teniendo en cuenta los puntajes equivalentes al sufrimiento medio y alto, se puede decir que más del 37% de las mujeres entrevistadas percibieron tener antes de la pandemia, un nivel de sufrimiento significativo. En cuanto a los datos obtenidos en los instrumentos prepandemia y pandemia, se observa que en la percepción del sufrimiento ''bajo'' el porcentaje disminuyó un 21%, en el sufrimiento ''medio" hay un 7% de aumento y en el sufrimiento ''alto'' un aumento del 14%, esto quiere decir que 222 mujeres manifestaron un incremento en el sufrimiento psíquico durante la pandemia, respecto a la pre pandemia; si se asocia el sufrimiento ''medio'' y ''alto'', se puede decir que, el sufrimiento tuvo un aumento del 21%, en 333 mujeres. DISCUSIÓN La categoría de soledad presenta el mayor porcentaje. La sumatoria de los valores del sufrimiento medio y alto de todas las categorías, representa un 59% de mujeres con un nivel significativo de sufrimiento.

Peptides in Colorectal Cancer: Current State of Knowledge.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most deadly and the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. CRC treatment is mainly based on surgery, chemotherapy, and even though the probability of complications after surgery is very low, chemo drugs affect the patient's quality of life. Multiple studies have shown a strong correlation between diet and the onset and progression of CRC. Thus, the consumption of dietary nutraceuticals for its treatment and prevention has been suggested as a promising option. Peptides have increasingly become of interest in human health due to their antioxidant, antihypertensive, and anticancer potential. In recent years, there have been extensive reports on peptides with anti-tumor activity, and some studies suggest that peptides modulate cell proliferation, evasion of cell death, and metastasis in malignant cells. Plant-derived peptides such as soybean, bean, and rice have received main attention. In this review, we show evidence of several mechanisms through which bioactive peptides exert anti-tumor activity over in vitro and in vivo CRC models. We also report the current status of major production techniques, as well as limitations and future perspectives. Graphical Abstract.

Sodium-Calcium Exchangers of the SLC8 Family in Oligodendrocytes: Functional Properties in Health and Disease.

The solute carrier 8 (SLC8) family of sodium-calcium exchangers (NCXs) functions as an essential regulatory system that couples opposite fluxes of sodium and calcium ions across plasmalemmal membranes. NCXs, thereby, play key roles in maintaining an ion homeostasis that preserves cellular integrity. Hence, alterations in NCX expression and regulation have been found to lead to ionic imbalances that are often associated with intracellular calcium overload and cell death. On the other hand, intracellular calcium has been identified as a key driver for a multitude of downstream signaling events that are crucial for proper functioning of biological systems, thus highlighting the need for a tightly controlled balance. In the CNS, NCXs have been primarily characterized in the context of synaptic transmission and ischemic brain damage. However, a much broader picture is emerging. NCXs are expressed by virtually all cells of the CNS including oligodendrocytes (OLGs), the cells that generate the myelin sheath. With a growing appreciation of dynamic calcium signals in OLGs, NCXs are becoming increasingly recognized for their crucial roles in shaping OLG function under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. In order to provide a current update, this review focuses on the importance of NCXs in cells of the OLG lineage. More specifically, it provides a brief introduction into plasmalemmal NCXs and their modes of activity, and it discusses the roles of OLG expressed NCXs in regulating CNS myelination and in contributing to CNS pathologies associated with detrimental effects on OLG lineage cells.

GLAST Activity is Modified by Acute Manganese Exposure in Bergmann Glial Cells.

Glutamate is the major excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter in the vertebrate brain. It exerts its actions through the activation of specific plasma membrane receptors expressed in neurons and glial cells. Overactivation of glutamate receptors results in neuronal death, known as excitotoxicity. A family of sodium-dependent glutamate transporters enriched in glial cells are responsible of the vast majority of the removal of this amino acid form the synaptic cleft. Therefore, a precise and exquisite regulation of these proteins is required not only for a proper glutamatergic transmission but also for the prevention of an excitotoxic insult. Manganese is a trace element essential as a cofactor for several enzymatic systems, although in high concentrations is involved in the disruption of brain glutamate homeostasis. The molecular mechanisms associated to manganese neurotoxicity have been focused on mitochondrial function, although energy depletion severely compromises the glutamate uptake process. In this context, in this contribution we analyze the effect of manganese exposure in glial glutamate transporters function. To this end, we used the well-established model of chick cerebellar Bergmann glia cultures. A time and dose dependent modulation of [3H]-D-aspartate uptake was found. An increase in the transporter catalytic efficiency, most probably linked to a discrete increase in the affinity of the transporter was detected upon manganese exposure. Interestingly, glucose uptake was reduced by this metal. These results favor the notion of a direct effect of manganese on glial cells, this in turn alters their coupling with neurons and might lead to changes in glutamatergic transmission.

The oligodendrocyte growth cone and its actin cytoskeleton: A fundamental element for progenitor cell migration and CNS myelination.

Cells of the oligodendrocyte (OLG) lineage engage in highly motile behaviors that are crucial for effective central nervous system (CNS) myelination. These behaviors include the guided migration of OLG progenitor cells (OPCs), the surveying of local environments by cellular processes extending from differentiating and pre-myelinating OLGs, and during the process of active myelin wrapping, the forward movement of the leading edge of the myelin sheath's inner tongue along the axon. Almost all of these motile behaviors are driven by actin cytoskeletal dynamics initiated within a lamellipodial structure that is located at the tip of cellular OLG/OPC processes and is structurally as well as functionally similar to the neuronal growth cone. Accordingly, coordinated stoichiometries of actin filament (F-actin) assembly and disassembly at these OLG/OPC growth cones have been implicated in directing process outgrowth and guidance, and the initiation of myelination. Nonetheless, the functional importance of the OLG/OPC growth cone still remains to be fully understood, and, as a unique aspect of actin cytoskeletal dynamics, F-actin depolymerization and disassembly start to predominate at the transition from myelination initiation to myelin wrapping. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge about OLG/OPC growth cones, and it proposes a model in which actin cytoskeletal dynamics in OLG/OPC growth cones are a main driver for morphological transformations and motile behaviors. Remarkably, these activities, at least at the later stages of OLG maturation, may be regulated independently from the transcriptional gene expression changes typically associated with CNS myelination.

Therapeutic Communities In Latin America: An International Descriptive Study In Different Countries Across Latin America / Comunidades terapéuticas en Latinoamérica: un estudio descriptivo en varios países de Latinoamérica

ABSTRACT Objective: In Latin America is not known for certain the quantity or quality of therapeutic communities (TCs) available in the region. The objective of this study is to describe and quantify the quantity and quality of the existing TCs in 5 different countries. Design: A multicenter quantitative description of the TCs was conducted in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Methods: A survey was realized through the TCs regulatory entities of each country that accepted to participate in the study. Results: Of the 285 TCs identified in the 5 countries, 176 (62%) accepted to participate in this study. The TCs quality vas evaluated according to the scoring system stablished by De Leon, finding that 70% of the facilities have scores of 11/12 or 12/12 using these criteria. We also found that the majority of the De Leon criteria are known by more than 90% of the institutions, however, the dimensions of "separation of the community" and "encounter groups between residents" were the least known with 63 and 85% respectively. The main reasons for abandonment of TCs were "not accepting the rules of the institution", "lack of money" and "not feeling comfortable with the facilities". 98% of the TCs provided services to other substance abuse problems, 94% for alcohol and 40% for other types of substances. Conclusions: The majority of the TCs identified in our sample meet the quality criteria stablished by De Leon, mostly providing services for substance abuse. However, they should put in place additional policies to improve the unfulfilled conditions and investigate the reasons for the dissatisfaction and abandonment of these institutions.

RESUMEN Objetivo: En Latinoamérica no se conoce a ciencia cierta la cantidad o la calidad de las comunidades terapéuticas disponibles en los distintos países de la región. El objetivo de este estudio es identificar y describir la cantidad y la calidad de las comunidades terapéuticas existentes en 5 países de la región. Diseño: Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico descriptivo cuantitativo de las comunidades terapéuticas en Argentina, Brasil, Colombia, México y Perú. Métodos: Mediante las entidades reguladoras de las comunidades terapéuticas de cada país, se realizó una encuesta a las que aceptaran participar en el estudio. Resultados: De las 285 comunidades terapéuticas identificadas en los 5 países, 176 (62%) aceptaron participar en el estudio. La calidad de las comunidades terapéuticas se evaluó por las puntuaciones establecidas con los criterios de De León; se encontró que el 70% de las instituciones tienen puntuaciones de 11/12 o 12/12 según estos criterios. También se encontró que cumplen la mayoría de los criterios de De León más del 90% de las instituciones; sin embargo, las dimensiones «separación de la comunidad¼ y «grupos de encuentro entre residentes¼ fueron los menos cumplidos (el 63 y el 85% de las comunidades respectivamente). Las principales razones de abandono de las comunidades terapéuticas fueron no aceptar las normas de la institución, falta de recursos económicos y no sentirse a gusto con ella. El 98% de las comunidades terapéuticas prestaban servicios para problemas de abuso de otras sustancias, el 94% para abuso de alcohol y el 40% para otros tipos de abusos. Conclusiones: La mayoría de las comunidades terapéuticas identificadas en nuestra muestra cumplen los criterios de calidad establecidos por De León, y en su gran mayoría prestan servicios para abuso de sustancias, pero deben instaurarse políticas para mejorar las condiciones no cumplidas e indagar los motivos de las disconformidades y el abandono de estas instituciones.

Therapeutic Communities In Latin America: An International Descriptive Study In Different Countries Across Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: In Latin America is not known for certain the quantity or quality of therapeutic communities (TCs) available in the region. The objective of this study is to describe and quantify the quantity and quality of the existing TCs in 5 different countries. DESIGN: A multicenter quantitative description of the TCs was conducted in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. METHODS: A survey was realized through the TCs regulatory entities of each country that accepted to participate in the study. RESULTS: Of the 285 TCs identified in the 5 countries, 176 (62%) accepted to participate in this study. The TCs quality vas evaluated according to the scoring system stablished by De Leon, finding that 70% of the facilities have scores of 11/12 or 12/12 using these criteria. We also found that the majority of the De Leon criteria are known by more than 90% of the institutions, however, the dimensions of "separation of the community" and "encounter groups between residents" were the least known with 63 and 85% respectively. The main reasons for abandonment of TCs were "not accepting the rules of the institution", "lack of money" and "not feeling comfortable with the facilities". 98% of the TCs provided services to other substance abuse problems, 94% for alcohol and 40% for other types of substances. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the TCs identified in our sample meet the quality criteria stablished by De Leon, mostly providing services for substance abuse. However, they should put in place additional policies to improve the unfulfilled conditions and investigate the reasons for the dissatisfaction and abandonment of these institutions.

Quality measurers of therapeutic communities for substance dependence: an international collaborative study survey in Latin America.

BACKGROUND: In Latin America, substance related disorders are highly prevalent and one of the treatment strategies is the Therapeutic Communities (TCs), however, in Latin America there is scarce data about this treatment strategies, their quality, drop-out rates and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Based on a previous study in 5 Latin American countries, the TCs who had a score equal or higher than 9 according to the De Leon criteria which are some fundamental items that the TCs should meet, were selected to carry out a descriptive and retrospective study of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the TCs. RESULTS: Data from 58 TCs in 5 countries were included, with a sample of 1414 patients interviewed, of which most were single men, with no hospitalization history in a therapeutic community. Marijuana was the most commonly substance used in the 30 days prior to hospitalization, with 78% of interviewees referring alcohol consumption in the last 6 months and an average onset of psychoactive substances at 16 years of age. A 79% of the patients interviewed perceived some improvement during their stay in the TCs. The less fulfilled Quality Indicators by the TCs were "Requesting a professional qualification to former addicts that belonged to the program" and "Work as part of the therapeutic program". Among the reasons for discharge found in the database, 44% were due to therapeutic discharge with fulfillment of the treatment plan and 44% withdraws. CONCLUSION: The user satisfaction with TCs, in terms of infrastructure and quality are quite high, as the fulfillment of essential quality items, however, the follow up information to evaluate effectiveness of the treatment is poor or in some cases unknown.

Effect of In Vitro Digestion on the Total Antioxidant Capacity and Phenolic Content of 3 Species of Oregano (Hedeoma patens, Lippia graveolens, Lippia palmeri).

Oregano phenolic compounds have been studied for their anti-inflammatory properties. Nonetheless, after ingestion, the gastrointestinal environment can affect their antioxidant stability and thus their bioactive properties. To evaluate the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion on the phenolic compounds of 3 species of oregano (Hedeoma patens, Lippia graveolens, and Lippia palmeri), the total reducing capacity, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated before and after in vitro GI digestion. In addition, the phenolic compounds of the 3 oregano species were identified and quantified by UPLC-PDA before and after in vitro GI digestion. It was shown that the reducing capacity, flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity were affected by the GI digestion process. Moreover, the phenolic compounds identified were apigenin-7-glucoside, scutellarein, luteolin, luteolin-7-glucoside, phloridzin and chlorogenic acid, and their levels were affected by the in vitro GI process. Our results showed that the phenolic compounds from these 3 species of oregano are affected by the in vitro digestion process, and this effect is largely attributable to pH changes. These changes can modify the bioavailability and further anti-inflammatory activity of oregano phenolics, and thus, further research is needed. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Oregano is a rich source of polyphenols that have shown bioactive properties like anti-inflammatory potential. However, little is known of the gastrointestinal fate of oregano polyphenols which is imperative to fully understand its bioaccessibility. Our results are important to develop new administration strategies which could help protect the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential and bioaccessibility of such compounds.

Pollen morphology of four species of Jatropha (Euphorbiaceae), including toxic varieties, in Northwestern Mexico / Morfología del polen de cuatro especies de Jatropha (Euphorbiaceae), incluyendo variedades tóxicas, en el noroeste de México

AbstractJatropha curcas is a native Mexican plant, distributed in the forests of coastal regions; it has shown potential for the production of biofuel, and its raw protein can be used as animal feed. Nevertheless, its current varieties have low yield and production variability, as it is in domestication period. The knowledge of the pollen grains is fundamental for studies of Jatropha reproductive biology and breeding for genetic improvement to generate new hybrids and improve fruit and seed yield. This study compared pollen morphology of four Jatropha species, which include two varieties of J. curcas (one toxic from India and one non-toxic from Mexico), and two varieties of wild J. cinerea (Sinaloa and Baja California Sur); additionally, pollen was collected from wild J. platyphylla (Sinaloa) and J. vernicosa (Baja California Sur) to characterize them palynologically. We used a scanning electron microscope to describe the size and shape of pollen grains. Pollen grains were observed spheroidal. The diameter of the varieties of toxic and non-toxic J. curcas and that of J. platyphylla were 58 ± 2.3, 54 ± 1.7, and 51 ± 2.4 µm, respectively; the number of clavae was 84 ± 10, 108 ± 15, and 180 ± 15.5, respectively. Pollen grains of J.cinerea (Sinaloa) had a diameter of 50 ± 1.7 µm and 220 ± 14 clavae by area; J. cinerea (Baja California Sur) had a diameter of 45 ± 1.9 µm and 195 ± 14.7 clavae. Pollen grains of J. vernicosa had a diameter of 46 ± 2.1 µm and 231 ± 25.6 clavae. The ornamentation of the exine showed clava with capita gemma shaped for varieties of J.curcas species and clavum shaped for J. platyphylla, J. cinerea and J. vernicosa species. The studied varieties have a cross-linked endexine and ectexine intectate. Luminal bacules were observed in the reticular space of J. curcas varieties while none were present in the varieties of J. cinerea, J. platyphylla, and J. vernicosa.

ResumenJatropha curcas es nativa de México, y se distribuye en los bosques de las regiones costeras; las plantas han mostrado potencial para la producción de biodiesel, y la proteína cruda puede utilizarse para alimentación animal. Sin embargo, sus variedades actuales tienen bajo rendimiento y variabilidad en la producción, por estar en periodo de domesticación. El conocimiento de los granos de polen es fundamental para el estudio de la biología reproductiva de Jatropha y mejoramiento genético para generar nuevos híbridos y mejorar el rendimiento de frutos y semillas. Este estudio compara la morfología del polen de cuatro especies de Jatropha, que incluyen dos variedades de J. curcas, (una tóxica de India y una no tóxica de México) y dos variedades silvestres de J. cinerea (Sinaloa y Baja California Sur), por último, se obtuvo polen de J. platyphylla (Sinaloa) y J. vernicosa (Baja California Sur) silvestres para caracterizarlos palinológicamente. Para describir el tamaño y la forma de los granos de polen, se utilizó un microscopio electrónico de barrido. Los granos de polen tienen forma esferoidal. El diámetro de las variedades de J. curcas tóxica y no tóxica, y J. platyphylla fueron 58 ± 2.3, 54 ± 1.7, y 51 ± 2.4 micras, respectivamente; el número de clavas fue de 84 ± 10, 108 ± 15 y 180 ± 15.5, respectivamente. Los granos de polen de J. cinerea (Sinaloa) tienen un diámetro de 50 ± 1.7 micras y 220 ± 14 clavas por zona; J. cinerea (Baja California Sur) tiene un diámetro de 45 ± 1.9 micras y 195 ± 14.7 clavas. Los granos de polen de J. vernicosa tienen un diámetro de 46 ± 2.1 micras y 231 ± 25.6 clavas. La ornamentación de la exina mostró clavas con cápita en forma de gema y pequeños báculos en el lumen para ambas J. curcas y en forma de clavum para J. cinerea, J. platyphylla y J. vernicosa y no presentan báculos en el lumen. Las variedades estudiadas tienen una endexina reticulada y ectexina intectada.

Protective Role of Flavonoids and Lipophilic Compounds from Jatropha platyphylla on the Suppression of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Inflammation in Macrophage Cells.

Seventeen polyphenols (e.g, apigenin, genistein, and luteolin glycosides) and 11 lipophilic compounds (e.g., fatty acids, sterols, and terpenes) were detected by LC-MS/MS-ESI and GC-MS, respectively, in Jatropha platyphylla. Extracts from pulp, kernel, and leaves and fractions were studied to know their effect on some pro-inflammatory mediators. Phenolic and lipophilic extracts showed significant inhibitory effects on ROS and NO production while not affecting mitochondrial activity or superoxide generation rate in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. In addition, NO production was also diminished by lipophilic leaf fractions F1 and F2 with the latter fraction showing a greater effect and composed mainly of sterols and terpene. Furthermore, total extracts showed nonselective inhibitions against cyclooxygenase COX-1 and COX-2 activities. All together, these results suggest that J. platyphylla extracts have potential in treating inflammatory diseases and their activity is mediated by flavonoids and lipophilic compounds.