Microwave-assisted extraction versus Soxhlet extraction to determine triterpene acids in olive skins.

Microwave-assisted extraction is compared with a more classical technique, Soxhlet extraction, to determine the content of triterpene acids in olive skins. The samples used in their original unmilled state and milled were extracted with ethyl acetate or methanol as solvents. The optimized operating conditions (e.g., amount and type of solvent, and time and temperature of extractions) to attain the better extraction yields have been established. For the identification and quantitation of the target compounds, an ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was employed. The best results were achieved using the microwave-assisted extraction technique, which was much faster than the Soxhlet extraction method, and showed higher efficiency in the extraction of the triterpenic acids (oleanolic and maslinic).

Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity of Hydroxytyrosol Alkyl-Carbonate Derivatives.

Three procedures have been investigated for the isolation of tyrosol (1) and hydroxytyrosol (2) from a phenolic extract obtained from the solid residue of olive milling. These three methods, which facilitated the recovery of these phenols, were chemical or enzymatic acetylation, benzylation, and carbomethoxylation, and subsequent carbonylation or acetonation reactions. Several new lipophilic alkyl-carbonate derivatives of hydroxytyrosol have been synthesized, coupling the primary hydroxy group of this phenol, through a carbonate linker, using alcohols with different chain lengths. The antioxidant properties of these lipophilic derivatives have been evaluated by different methods and compared with free hydroxytyrosol (2) and also with the well-known antioxidants BHT and α-tocopherol. Three methods were used for the determination of this antioxidant activity: FRAP and ABTS assays, to test the antioxidant power in hydrophilic media, and the Rancimat test, to evaluate the antioxidant capacity in a lipophilic matrix. These new alkyl-carbonate derivatives of hydroxytyrosol enhanced the antioxidant activity of this natural phenol, with their antioxidant properties also being higher than those of the commercial antioxidants BHT and α-tocopherol. There was no clear influence of the side-chain length on the antioxidant properties of the alkyl-carbonate derivatives of 2, although the best results were achieved mainly by the compounds with a longer chain on the primary hydroxy group of this natural phenolic substance.

Psychosocial Profile of Juvenile and Adult Offenders Who Acknowledge Having Committed Child-to-Parent Violence.

The main objective of this study was to establish the psychosocial profile of adolescents and adults who have admitted to committing child-to-parent violence (CPV) and were serving a judicial sanction or prison sentence, respectively. Two groups of participants took part in this study. The first group was made up of 89 male youths who were serving judicial sanctions, and the second group was made up of 70 men serving a prison sentence. A cross-sectional retrospective design with concurrent measurements was used in this study. Group differences in the exposure-to-violence variables were conducted. Automatic regression models were used to estimate a self-reported CPV. In relation to the variables of indirect exposure to violence, statistically significant differences between those who admitted having committed CPV and those who did not, irrespective of being adults or adolescents, were found for seeing violence in class and at home but not for seeing violence on the street or on television. Regarding the variables related to experiencing violence, the results showed statistically significant differences in experiencing violence at home but not in class or on the street. The best predictive model of CPV includes some of the dimensions of self-concept, specifically academic and family self-concept, as well as the avoidant and rational problem-solving styles and the negative orientation toward problems. The results have shown the existence of a CPV offender profile that is common to minors and adults.

Facile Synthesis of ZnO-CeO2 Heterojunction by Mixture Design and Its Application in Triclosan Degradation: Effect of Urea.

In this study, simplex centroid mixture design was employed to determine the effect of urea on ZnO-CeO. The heterojunction materials were synthesized using a solid-state combustion method, and the physicochemical properties were evaluated using X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption/desorption, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Photocatalytic activity was determined by a triclosan degradation reaction under UV irradiation. According to the results, the crystal size of zinc oxide decreases in the presence of urea, whereas a reverse effect was observed for cerium oxide. A similar trend was observed for ternary samples, i.e., the higher the proportion of urea, the larger the crystallite cerium size. In brief, urea facilitated the co-existence of crystallites of CeO and ZnO. On the other hand, UV spectra indicate that urea shifts the absorption edge to a longer wavelength. Studies of the photocatalytic activity of TCS degradation show that the increase in the proportion of urea favorably influenced the percentage of mineralization.

What Goes on in This House Do Not Stay in This House: Family Variables Related to Adolescent-to-Parent Offenses.

Research on adolescent-to-parent violence (APV) associates specific psychosocial characteristics with adolescents who assault their parents, whether they are within or outside the juvenile justice system, or whether these characteristics are shared by other adolescents convicted of other crimes. The aim of this paper is to compare three groups of adolescents. Those who have been sentenced for APV are compared with adolescents who have committed other crimes, and with a group who have not been involved in the justice system. The sample used consists of 148 male participants between the ages of 14 and 21. A comparison is made regarding type of self-reported behavior, frequency of drug use, academic performance, exposure to violence, self-concept, and parents' conflict resolution tactics. The results obtained indicate that adolescents with judicial measures, regardless of the crime committed, differ from those who have not been in trouble with the justice system in terms of them having suffered violence in the street, the frequency with which they use drugs and in their academic achievement. Likewise, adolescents convicted of APV differ from the other two groups in the frequency with which they are victims of violence at home, in that their mothers use the tactic of asking somebody else for help as a way of solving marital conflicts, and in having a more negative family self-concept. The results are discussed highlighting the importance of taking into account whether a sample is judicial, clinical, or community, and the specific APV behaviors which are measured.

Anatomic Considerations in Hamstring Tendon Harvesting for Ligament Reconstruction.

Hamstring tendon autograft remains a popular graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Although the technique of hamstring autograft harvest is relatively straightforward, it is critical to pay attention to several technical steps to avoid iatrogenic anatomic or neurovascular damage as well as to reduce the risk of premature amputation of the graft when using a tendon stripper. We describe a technique of hamstring autograft harvesting using only 2 anatomic references that makes it a simple and reproducible technique for surgeons, especially those in training.

Sensitivity, specificity and reliability of the POP score vs. APACHE II score as predictors of severe acute biliary pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: The APACHE II score predicts severity of acute pancreatitis, although it requires the collection of a large number of parameters. The paediatric observation priority (POP) score proposed to stratify the risk of severity requires few parameters and the variables are collected in the first 24 h. OBJECTIVE: To compare POP and APACHE II scores as predictors of the severity of pancreatitis on admission. METHODS: Analytical, observational study in adults of both sexes with acute biliary pancreatitis; APACHE II and POP scores were administered in the first 24 h of admission; We analyzed admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and mortality. RESULTS: 208 patients were included, 110 women and 98 men, age 42.8 ± 16.6 years, classified as severe pancreatitis 59 (28.4%) patients, requiring ICU 20 (9.6%) of them. The POP score showed 64.1% sensitivity and 88.2% specificity, while for APACHE II score the sensitivity was 66.7% and the specificity 87.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The POP score is a reliable and easy to apply tool to stratify the risk of severity in patients with acute pancreatitis to provide timely management and decrease complications and mortality rate.

ANTECEDENTES: La escala APACHE II predice la gravedad de la pancreatitis aguda, si bien requiere la recolección de un gran número de parámetros. La escala POP, propuesta para estratificar el riesgo de gravedad, requiere pocos parámetros y las variables se recolectan en las primeras 24 horas. OBJETIVO: Comparar las escalas POP y APACHE II como predictores de gravedad de la pancreatitis al ingreso. MÉTODO: Estudio analítico, observacional, en adultos de ambos sexos con pancreatitis aguda de origen biliar. Se aplicaron las escalas APACHE II y POP en las primeras 24 horas del ingreso. Se analizaron el ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y la mortalidad. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 208 pacientes (110 mujeres y 98 varones), con una edad de 42.8 ± 16.6 años, 59 (28.4%) de ellos clasificados como pancreatitis grave, e ingresaron en la UCI 20 (9.6%). La escala POP mostró un 64.1% de sensibilidad y un 88.2% de especificidad, mientras que para APACHE II la sensibilidad fue del 66.7% y la especificidad fue del 87.6%. CONCLUSIONES: La escala POP es una herramienta fiable y fácil de aplicar para estratificar el riesgo de gravedad en pacientes con pancreatitis aguda, con el fin de proporcionar un manejo oportuno y disminuir las complicaciones y la tasa de mortalidad.

Effect of the solvent and the sample preparation on the determination of triterpene compounds in two-phase olive-mill-waste samples.

A simple and rapid extraction method has been employed to determine several value-added compounds, mainly triterpenes, in two-phase olive-mill-waste samples. The compounds were extracted with methanol or ethyl acetate, and the initial fresh samples were treated for classic techniques such as drying, drying and oil extraction, and drying and sifting of the olive stones. For the identification and quantitation of the compounds, an ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method was employed. The best results of the triterpenic compound content were achieved by extraction with methanol from the fresh sample for the oleanolic and ursolic acids, and erythrodiol and uvaol; and from the dried-extracted sample for the maslinic acid. Conversely, the best results for the linoleic acid content were reached by extraction with ethyl acetate from the dried-sifted sample. These are remarkable processes that make the solid wastes from the olive-oil industry reach a high added value.

Evaluación del efecto de una intervención en WhatsAPP para pacientes hipertensos / Avaliação do efeito de uma intervenção no whatsapp para pacientes com hipertensão / Assessment of the effect of a whatsapp based intervention for patients with high blood pressure

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de una intervención utilizando WhatsApp dirigida a personas con hipertensión arterial en Xalapa, Veracruz, México. Material y Métodos: Se diseñó un ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado, se reclutaron 40 pacientes hipertensos en cada grupo. Se desarrollaron 65 elementos en WhatsApp considerando las Behaviour Change Techniques. Las variables que se consideraron fueron tanto sociodemográficas, antropométricas, clínicas, adherencia terapéutica y conocimientos sobre hipertensión arterial. Para el tratamiento de las pérdidas se realizó un análisis por intención de tratar. Resultados: En el grupo experimental, el cambio que se observó estuvo relacionado con la modificación en la alimentación y en la realización de ejercicio, lo que contrasta con quienes solo recibían el tratamiento habitual. Discusión: El recibir información por WhatsApples motiva e impulsa a cuidarse. Se recomienda replicar este tipo de intervenciones en poblaciones diferentes o con otras enfermedades.

Objective: To assess the effect of an intervention using Whatsapp aimed at people with high blood pressure in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. Material and Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was designed; 40 patients with high blood pressure were recruited in each group. Considering Behavior Change Techniques, 65 elements were developed and distributed via WhatsApp. Different variables were considered: anthropometric, physiological, clinical, therapeutic adherence and knowledge about hypertension, among them. An intention-to-treat analysis was carried out for the treatment of losses. Results: In the experimental group, the observed change was related to modifications in eating habits and exercise, contrasting with those subjects who only received the usual treatment. Discussion: Receiving information via WhatsApp motivates and makes patients take care of themselves. It is recommended to reproduce this type of intervention in different populations or with other diseases

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de uma intervenção usando WhatsApp dirigida em pessoas com hipertensão em Xalapa, Veracruz, México. Material e Métodos: Um ensaio clínico controlado randomizado foi desenhado, 40 pacientes hipertensos foram recrutados em cada grupo. 65 elementos foram desenvolvidos no WhatsApp considerando as Behaviour Change Techniques. As variáveis consideradas foram: sociodemográficas, antropométricas, clínicas, adesão terapêutica e conhecimento sobre hipertensão arterial. Para o tratamento das perdas, foi realizada uma análise de intenção de tratar. Resultados: Na turma experimental, a mudança observada foi relacionada à modificação na alimentação e à atividade física, o que contrasta com aqueles que receberam apenas o tratamento usual. Discussão: Receber informações através do WhatsApp motiva e incentiva o autocuidado. Recomenda-se replicar este tipo de intervenção em diferentes populações ou com outras doenças

Application of compost of two-phase olive mill waste on olive grove: effects on soil, olive fruit and olive oil quality.

Composting is a method for preparing organic fertilizers that represents a suitable management option for the recycling of two-phase olive mill waste (TPOMW) in agriculture. Four different composts were prepared by mixing TPOMW with different agro-industrial by-products (olive pruning, sheep manure and horse manure), which were used either as bulking agents or as N sources. The mature composts were added during six consecutive years to a typical "Picual" olive tree grove in the Jaén province (Spain). The effects of compost addition on soil characteristics, crop yield and nutritional status and also the quality of the olive oil were evaluated at the end of the experiment and compared to a control treated only with mineral fertilization. The most important effects on soil characteristics included a significant increase in the availability of N, P, K and an increase of soil organic matter content. The application of TPOMW compost produced a significant increase in olive oil content in the fruit. The compost amended plots had a 15% higher olive oil content than those treatment with inorganic fertilization. These organics amendments maintained the composition and quality of the olive oil.

Greenhouse gas emissions during composting of two-phase olive mill wastes with different agroindustrial by-products.

The evolution of CO(2), CH(4) and N(2)O were monitored in five composting mixtures prepared from two-phase olive mill waste (TPOMW) and different agroindustrial by-products in order to assess the effect of the initial composition and the N source on greenhouse gas emission. Surface gas fluxes were measured using a closed static chamber and compared to the changes in different organic matter fractions (organic and watersoluble C) and N forms (NH(4)(+) and NO(3)(-)). CH(4) emissions depended on the organic matter mineralisation dynamics and the incorporation of manure in the starting mixture. The highest CH(4) fluxes were registered during the intense degradation at early stages of the process (up to 100 g Cm(-2)d(-1)). The emission of N(2)O (0-0.9 g Nm(-2)d(-1)) occurred from 6th to 10th wk of composting (bioxidative phase), coinciding with an intense nitrification in the pile. The use of urea enhanced the N(2)O emission up to 3.7 g Nm(-2)d(-1), due to an increase in available mineral N in the pile. Even though well managed TPOMW composting piles only represent a minor source of CH(4) and N(2)O emissions, the addition of urea and easily available C fractions to the starting mixtures can significantly increase the environmental impact of TPOMW composting as far as greenhouse gas emissions are concerned.

Conocimiento de las madres beneficiarias del Programa Oportunidades sobre el manejo de un suplemento nutricional (Nutrisano®) / Knowledge of the beneficiary mothers of Program Oportunidades on managing a dietary supplement (Nutrisano®)

Resumen:

Introducción: en el marco del Programa Institucional Oportunidades, dirigido a potenciar las capacidades de las familias que viven en condiciones de pobreza para que puedan alcanzar una mejor calidad de vida por su propio esfuerzo e iniciativa, una medida de apoyo es la distribución de un suplemento nutricional destinado a los niños menores de cinco años.

Objetivo: describir el conocimiento de las madres beneficiarias del Programa Oportunidades sobre el manejo del suplemento Nutrisano®.

Metodología: se realizó un estudio transversal descriptivo de 40 madres de niños menores de cinco años que integraban el censo nominal del Programa Oportunidades y que recibían el suplemento Nutrisano® para sus hijos, quienes accedieron a una entrevista previo consentimiento informado. Se analizaron características de las madres y de los niños, perfil del consumo alimentario de las familias y de los niños, capacitación de las madres, nivel de conocimientos sobre los factores de riesgo, manejo del suplemento nutricional y nivel de conocimiento al respecto. Resultados: 82.5 % de las madres poseía un nivel adecuado de conocimiento acerca de los factores de riesgo y 87.5 % tuvo un nivel inadecuado de conocimiento en el manejo del suplemento nutricional.

Conclusiones: las madres con hijos menores de cinco años con algún grado de desnutrición afiliadas al Programa Oportunidades no tuvieron conocimiento adecuado sobre el manejo del suplemento nutricional y este solo quedó en nivel informativo.

Abstract:

Introduction: Within the framework of the Institutional Program Oportunidades, aimed at enhancing the abilities of families living in poverty to achieve a better quality of life by their own effort and initiative, a support measure is the distribution of a dietary supplement intended for children under five years of age.

Objective: To describe the knowledge of the beneficiary mothers of Program Oportunidades on managing dietary supplement Nutrisano®.

Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study in 40 mothers of children under five years of age that are part of the nominal census of Program Oportunidades, receiving dietary supplement and who agreed to the interview prior informed consent. Characteristics of mothers, child characteristics, food consumption profile of households, food consumption profile of children, training of mothers, level of knowledge about risk factors, management of dietary supplement and level of knowledge about it were analyzed.

Results: 82.5 % of mothers have an appropriate level of knowledge of the risk factors, 87.5 % had an inadequate level of knowledge of the management of dietary supplement. Conclusions: Mothers with children under 5 years of age with some degree of malnutrition embedded in the Program Oportunidades do not have adequate knowledge about management of dietary supplement.

Estudio comparative de cefonicid vs. cefoxitin en la profilaxis de infección posquirurgica en operación cesárea / A comparative study of cefonicid versus cefoxitinin in the prophylaxis of post-surgical infection after caesarian section

Se estudiaron 100 pacientes sometidas a cesárea por primera vez o iterativa. Como profilaxis se les aplicó cefonicid (67 pacientes) un gramo, IV dosis única, después de pinzar el cordón, o cefoxitin (33 pacientes). Dos gramos IV bajo las mismas circunstancias, repitiendo a las 4, 8, 14 y 20 horas. Todas las pacientes en ambos grupos tuvieron una profilaxis satisfatoria. En el grupo de cefonicid no hubo efectos y en el grupo de cefoxitin se presentaron efectos adversos en el 30.3% (flebitis 24.2%, dolor en el brazo 3% y elevación discreta de bilirrubina 3%). El promedio de días-hospital fue igual en ambos grupos