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Background/Objectives: Alopecia is a hair disorder with a significant impact on quality of life, and its incidence has been increasing in recent years. Current therapeutic options are limited and may cause adverse side effects, highlighting the need to develop safer and more effective formulations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a formulation based on the bioactive fraction of Bacopa procumbens (BFNB), conjugated with gold nanoparticles, on hair growth through the modulation of apoptosis in C57BL/6 mice. Methods: The potential biological activities of the secondary metabolites of B. procumbens present in BFNB were analyzed in silico. In vivo experiments evaluated the expression of pro-apoptotic markers p53, caspase 3-p11, caspase 9-p10, and Bax, as well as anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2, through Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry further assessed the expression and localization of some of these markers. Additionally, molecular docking and interactomic analyses were performed, complemented by functional enrichment, to explore molecular pathways modulated by the evaluated proteins. Results: In silico analyses suggested that BFNB metabolites are involved in the modulation of hair growth, hair fragility, and apoptosis. This finding was supported by in vivo experiments in mice, where BFNB significantly decreased the expression of p53, caspase 3-p11, caspase 9-p10, and Bax while increasing Bcl-2 levels. Immunohistochemistry showcased a reduction in pro-apoptotic markers in dermal and follicular bulb cells. Furthermore, molecular docking studies identified BFNB metabolites as potential direct modulators of these key proteins, strengthening evidence of their role in apoptotic regulation. The interactomic analysis highlighted 50 proteins associated with apoptosis, and functional enrichment underscored key processes such as p53 signaling, regulation of the apoptosome, and mitochondrial membrane involvement in the intrinsic apoptosis mechanism, among other pathways. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that BFNB effectively modulates apoptosis through key molecular mechanisms, highlighting its potential as an innovative therapy for promoting hair growth.

Background Litsea glaucencens Kuth is an aromatic plant used for food seasoning food and in Mexican traditional medicine. Among, L. glaucencens leaves properties, it has proven antibacterial activity which can be used against opportunistic pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne bacteria that is the causal agent of listeriosis, a disease that can be fatal in susceptible individuals. The aim of this work was to investigate the antibacterial activity of L. glaucescens Kuth leaf extracts against L. monocytogenes and to identify its bioactive components. Material and Methods L. glaucences leaves were macerated with four solvents of different polarity (n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol). To determine the capacity to inhibit bacterial proliferation in vitro, agar diffusion and microdilution methods were used. Next, we determined the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). Finally, we determined the ratio of MBC/MIC. Metabolites present in the active methanolic extract from L. glaucescens Kuth (LgMeOH) were purified by normal-phase open column chromatography. The structure of the antibacterial metabolite was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C, COSY, HSQC) and by comparison with known compounds. Results The LgMeOH extract was used to purify the compound responsible for the observed antimicrobial activity. This compound was identified as 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone (pinocembrin) by analysis of its spectroscopic data and comparison with those described. The MIC and MBC values obtained for pinocembrin were 0.68 mg/mL, and the ratio MBC/MIC for both LgMeOH and pinocembrin was one, which indicates bactericidal activity. Conclusion L. glaucences Kuth leaves and its metabolite pinocembrin can be used to treat listeriosis due the bactericidal activity against L. monocytogenes.

This study was conducted to determine the influence of Dalbergia palo-escrito hexane extract supplemented to rabbits on productive performance, blood biochemistry, haematology, carcase traits, meat characteristics and meatballs shelf-life. A hexane extract of D. palo-escrito was obtained from leaves of the tree. Average feed consumption daily gain, average daily weight gain, total weight gain and feed conversion ratio, length body, lumbar circumference, carcase traits, texture profile analysis, meat colour, antioxidant properties, water activity as well as shelf life of meatballs (Total viable bacterial counts, staphylococcus counts, enterobacteria counts, antioxidant activity, pH and water activity) were determined. Feed conversion rate was lower (p 0.05) between groups. L* value was lower (p

Pithecellobium dulce produces a fruit used in alternative medicine that could be utilized to feed rabbits. The objective of this study was to measure the effect of the P. dulce fruit on productive performance, carcass traits, meat characteristics, and meat product quality as well as shelf-life. Seventy-two California × English pot crossbreed rabbits (35 d age) were randomly distributed into two treatments: a control group without P. dulce and another group fed with 5% of P. dulce, and fattening for 28 d. Productive performance parameters, blood biochemistry and hematology, apparent digestibility, carcass traits, meat characteristics, and meat product shelf-life were measured. The results indicate inclusion of 5% P. dulce improves (p < 0.05) dry and organic matter digestibility and feed conversion rate, but some serum blood enzymes were increased (p < 0.05). The a* value, hardness, and pH decreased (p < 0.05) in the group fed with P. dulce. Antioxidant properties in the meatballs were different (p < 0.05), improving shelf-life and acceptance in sensory analysis. In conclusion, the use of 0.5% of P. dulce fruits to feed fattening rabbits can be used to improve the shelf-life of rabbit meat.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ginger as an additive in the diet of fattening rabbits. Sixty weaned rabbits (35 days old) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 15). Animals were fed ad libitum with a control diet or one of three experimental diets supplemented with 0.5, 1, and 2 g of ginger per 100 g of feed during 28 d. Weight gain in the final week of the experiment was significantly greater in rabbits fed ginger at 0.5 g/100 g of feed than in those fed ginger at 1 and 2 g/100 g of feed or the control diet. No significant differences in morphometric measurements were observed among the treatments, but higher values of live weight, carcass length, and carcass circumference were observed in rabbits treated with ginger than in those fed the control diet. Regarding carcass quality parameters involving the kidneys and empty gastrointestinal tract, we found that rabbits treated with ginger at 0.5 g/100 g of feed showed significant differences from those treated with ginger at 1 and 2 g/100 g of feed or the control diet. pH, water holding capacity, L*, and a* did not significantly differ among the treatments, although greater water holding capacity was observed in rabbits treated with ginger than in control rabbits. Parameter b* was significantly higher in rabbits fed ginger at 2 g/100 g of feed than in those fed at 0.5 and 1 g/100 g of feed and in the control. The results found suggest that ginger can be used as an additive in diets of fattening rabbits.

Se evaluó el uso de Dalbergia Palo-escrito, como curtiente natural de piel de conejo. Se realizaron dos ensayos con extractos acuosos de Dalbergia palo-escrito, para el primero se utilizó hoja y tallo, para el segundo solo se utilizó tallo a concentración de 20, 40 y 60 g L-1, se realizó el curtido de piel de conejo y se evaluó color, textura y propiedades físicas de la piel. Al utilizar extracto de hoja y 60 g L-1 de tallo disminuyó la luminosidad (P < 0.05). Las pérdidas de peso de la piel, firmeza y fracturabilidad se incrementaron con 40 g L-1; y con 20, 40 y 60 g L-1 las pérdidas de área y la proporción de tamaño disminuyeron, e incrementó suavidad, brillo y firmeza. Las pieles de conejo curtidas con extractos de Dalbergia palo-escrito a concentración de 40 g L-1, presentaron mejor calidad física.

Objective: To isolate and identify the exact species of the genus Mycobacterium from Didelphis (D.) virginiana, and the direct implications of this bacterium to public health and veterinary medicine. Methods: Thirty-one D. virginiana were captured and necropsied in Hidalgo, Mexico. Tissue samples were collected to culture mycobacteria present and examine individual specimens’ histopathology. Mycobacterium identification was obtained through the application of amplification and sequencing of 16S rDNA techniques. Results: Three strains were isolated and identified as Mycobacterium (M.) avium subsp. hominissuis by utilizing M. avium complex- specific primers. Granulomatous lesions were observed in the subpleural zone (granuloma grade Π ) and bronchial (granuloma grade I ) of the lungs of D. virginiana with positive isolation. Conclusions: Three strains of M. avium subsp. hominissuis, from lung tissue samples of D. virginiana were identified. This subspecies of M. avium has important implications in public health and veterinary medicine.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar los beneficios y limitaciones del uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación (TIC) en la orientación vocacional de estudiantes de educación secundaria, a partir de la implementación de un programa piloto de orientación vocacional virtual en dos instituciones de educación secundaria en Guayaquil, Ecuador. Metodología: El estudio se adhiere a la metodología de investigación-acción, es de corte cualitativo y de alcance exploratorio. Los participantes fueron 18 estudiantes voluntarios de tercero de bachillerato (6 varones, 12 mujeres; edad media 17.10 años) de dos instituciones educativas. El programa utiliza medios tecnológicos para llevar a cabo un proceso de orientación vocacional en tres fases. La primera fase consistió en la autoadministración de una batería de pruebas psicométricas, por medio una plataforma digital. La segunda fase consistió en una entrevista virtual con un colaborador capacitado, utilizando una plataforma de videoconferencias en línea. La tercera y última fase consistió en la entrega de un perfil vocacional, con sugerencias de carrera justificadas en la información recopilada del sujeto. Resultados: Los beneficios encontrados sugieren que el empleo de las TIC, en orientación vocacional, puede reducir significativamente los gastos, abrir nuevas posibilidades de aplicación, entre otros. Además, las limitaciones encontradas, de carácter infraestructural y aptitudinal, están siendo abordadas por el estado ecuatoriano en el marco del Plan del Buen Vivir. Se concluye que las condiciones actuales del país son propicias para la integración de las TIC en la orientación vocacional. Palabras clave: Orientación vocacional, educación secundaria, tecnologías de la información y comunicación, medios tecnológicos. ABSTRACT Objective: Identification of the benefits and limitations on the usage of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the vocational guidance of high school students applying a virtual vocational guidance pilot program in two secondary education institutions in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Methodology: The used methodological approach can be summarized as a qualitative exploratory action-research. The participants were 18 volunteer students from third year of high school (6 males, 12 females, mean age 17.10 years) from two educational institutions. The program uses technological means to carry out a process of vocational guidance in three phases. The first phase consisted in the self-administration of a battery of psychometric tests using a digital platform. The second phase consisted of a virtual interview with a trained collaborator using an online videoconference platform. The third and last phase consisted in the delivery of a vocational profile with career suggestions justified in the information collected of the subject. Results: The found benefits suggest that the use of ICT in vocational guidance can significantly reduce expenses, open new possibilities of application, among others. In addition, the limitations found, of infrastructural and aptitudinal nature, are being addressed by the Ecuadorian state within the framework of the Plan del Buen Vivir. It is concluded that the current conditions of the country are propitious for the integration of ICT in vocational guidance. Keywords: Vocational guidance, secondary education, information and communication technologies, technological means.

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of the application of a nanoemulsion made of orange essential oil and Opuntia oligacantha extract on avocado quality during postharvest. The nanoemulsion was applied as a coating in whole fruits, and the following treatments were assessed: concentrated nanoemulsion (CN), 50% nanoemulsion (N50), 25% nanoemulsion (N25) and control (C). Weight loss, firmness, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, total soluble solids, pH, external and internal colour, total phenols, total flavonoids, antioxidant activity by 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), while the structural evaluation of the epicarp was assessed through histological cuts. Significant differences were found (p < 0.05) among the treatments in all the response variables. The best results were with the N50 and N25 treatments for firmness and weight loss, finding that the activity of the PPO was diminished, and a delay in the darkening was observed in the coated fruits. Furthermore, the nanoemulsion treatments maintained the total phenol and total flavonoid contents and potentiated antioxidant activity at 60 days. This histological study showed that the nanoemulsion has a delaying effect on the maturation of the epicarp. The results indicate that using this nanoemulsion as a coating is an effective alternative to improve the postharvest life of avocado.

The present report describes a schwannoma type III found in a 12-year-old male SharPei dog, this neoplasm was excised and analyzed using histopathological and immunohistochemistry examinations. This schwannoma was classified as high malignancy and presented metastasis to the axillary node. A secondary bacterial septicemia was identified with routine and molecular techniques. The Inmunohistochemical diagnosis of the mass, corroborated the presumptive diagnosis, which suggested a Schwannoma as well as its malignancy degree. In addition, Leucobacter chromiiresistens was isolated, a specie of which to date there are no reports as a pathogen in animals or humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare outcomes of critically ill patients transferred from another island compared to those patients with direct admission from Emergency Department to intensive care unit (ICU). Patients and Methods: Retrospective study of prospectively collected data during 8 years. The population studied was all critical adult patients transferred from another island to our hospital and those directly admitted from the Emergency Department. Variables were age, sex, clinical diagnosis (coronary, medical, surgical, or trauma), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score at admission, ICU days of stay, days of mechanical ventilation and ICU mortality. Results: During the period of study, 3,115 patients coming from Emergency Department (Group 1) were admitted to our ICU and 138 were transferred from another island (Group 2). No significant statistically differences were found between both groups neither age, sex, APACHE II, ICU days, days of mechanical ventilation, and mortality rate (17.5% versus 20.3%, P = 0.43). The multivariate analysis showed that age, APACHE II score, ICU days of stay, type of patient, and days of mechanical ventilation were independent variables associated with mortality. Conclusions: No differences were found in the global prognosis of the admitted patients transferred from another island compared to those who were admitted directly from the Emergency Department. There is no impact on mortality in transferring a patient in our study population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Alopecia is a hair disorder with a significant impact on quality of life, and its incidence has been increasing in recent years. Current therapeutic options are limited and may cause adverse side effects, highlighting the need to develop safer and more effective formulations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a formulation based on the bioactive fraction of Bacopa procumbens (BFNB), conjugated with gold nanoparticles, on hair growth through the modulation of apoptosis in C57BL/6 mice. Methods: The potential biological activities of the secondary metabolites of B. procumbens present in BFNB were analyzed in silico. In vivo experiments evaluated the expression of pro-apoptotic markers p53, caspase 3-p11, caspase 9-p10, and Bax, as well as anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2, through Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry further assessed the expression and localization of some of these markers. Additionally, molecular docking and interactomic analyses were performed, complemented by functional enrichment, to explore molecular pathways modulated by the evaluated proteins. Results: In silico analyses suggested that BFNB metabolites are involved in the modulation of hair growth, hair fragility, and apoptosis. This finding was supported by in vivo experiments in mice, where BFNB significantly decreased the expression of p53, caspase 3-p11, caspase 9-p10, and Bax while increasing Bcl-2 levels. Immunohistochemistry showcased a reduction in pro-apoptotic markers in dermal and follicular bulb cells. Furthermore, molecular docking studies identified BFNB metabolites as potential direct modulators of these key proteins, strengthening evidence of their role in apoptotic regulation. The interactomic analysis highlighted 50 proteins associated with apoptosis, and functional enrichment underscored key processes such as p53 signaling, regulation of the apoptosome, and mitochondrial membrane involvement in the intrinsic apoptosis mechanism, among other pathways. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that BFNB effectively modulates apoptosis through key molecular mechanisms, highlighting its potential as an innovative therapy for promoting hair growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been used in a wide range of applications, conferring to bio-molecules diverse properties such as delivery, stabilization, and reduction of the adverse effects of drugs or plant extracts. Polyphenolic compounds from Bacopa procumbens (B. procumbens) (BP) can modulate proliferation, adhesion, migration, and cell differentiation, reducing the artificial scratch area in fibroblast cultures and promoting wound healing in an in vivo model. Here, chemically synthesized AuNPs conjugated with BP (AuNP-BP) were characterized using UV-Vis, ATR-FTIR, DLS, zeta-potential, and TEM analysis. The results showed an overlap of the FTIR spectra of the polyphenolic compounds from B. procumbens adhered to the surface of the AuNPs. UV-vis analysis indicated that the average size of the AuNP-BP was 28 nm, while DLS analysis showed a size of 44.58 nm and, by TEM, a size of 16.5 nm with an icosahedral morphology was observed. These measurements suggest an increase in the size of the nanoparticles after conjugation with BP, compared to the sizes of 9 nm, 44.51 nm, and 14.17 nm for the unconjugated AuNPs, respectively. Furthermore, the zeta potential of the AuNPs, which was originally −36.3 ± 12.3 mV shifted to −18.2 ± 7.02 mV after conjugation with BP, indicating improved stability of the nanoparticles. Enhancement of the wound healing effect was evaluated by morphometric, histochemical, and FTIR changes in a rat wound excision model. Results showed that the nanoconjugation process reduced the BP concentrations by 100-fold to have the same wound healing effect as BP alone. Besides, histological and FTIR spectroscopy analyses demonstrated that AuNP-BP treatment exhibited better macroscopical performance, showing a reduction in inflammatory cells and an increased synthesis and improved organization of collagen fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Litsea glaucencens Kuth is an aromatic plant used for food seasoning food and in Mexican traditional medicine. Among, L. glaucencens leaves properties, it has proven antibacterial activity which can be used against opportunistic pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne bacteria that is the causal agent of listeriosis, a disease that can be fatal in susceptible individuals. The aim of this work was to investigate the antibacterial activity of L. glaucescens Kuth leaf extracts against L. monocytogenes and to identify its bioactive components. Material and Methods. L. glaucences leaves were macerated with four solvents of different polarity (n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol). To determine the capacity to inhibit bacterial proliferation in vitro, agar diffusion and microdilution methods were used. Next, we determined the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). Finally, we determined the ratio of MBC/MIC. Metabolites present in the active methanolic extract from L. glaucescens Kuth (LgMeOH) were purified by normalphase open column chromatography. The structure of the antibacterial metabolite was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H, 13C, COSY, HSQC) and by comparison with known compounds. Results. The LgMeOH extract was used to purify the compound responsible for the observed antimicrobial activity. This compound was identified as 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone (pinocembrin) by analysis of its spectroscopic data and comparison with those described. The MIC and MBC values obtained for pinocembrin were 0.68 mg/mL, and the ratio MBC/MIC for both LgMeOH and pinocembrin was one, which indicates bactericidal activity. Conclusion. L. glaucences Kuth leaves and its metabolite pinocembrin can be used to treat listeriosis due the bactericidal activity against L. monocytogenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide new evidence on how labor market dynamics vary with development. We build a new data set consisting of harmonized microdata from rotating panel labor force surveys covering 80 million people from 49 countries. Labor market flows, such as the job-finding or employment exit rate, are higher in developing economies. These higher flows largely reflect a slippery job ladder: workers transition frequently to and from marginal employment without climbing to or persisting in better-paying jobs. Subsistence self-employment and different patterns of selection for wage workers each play a role in our findings and are useful avenues for future theories of labor market frictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Rabbit meat is considered as a functional food. But, there are few studies directed to determine the influence of natural additives from farm to the table. This study was performed using a fruit obtained from Pithecellobium dulce to follow its effect in rabbits from farm to a fresh meat product. The use of this fruit at 5% of the diet increased the dry and organic matter digestibility of the diet and improved feed conversion rate. Also, it increased acceptance of meatballs prepared with rabbit meat obtained from that animal's feed. Pithecellobium dulce produces a fruit used in alternative medicine that could be utilized to feed rabbits. The objective of this study was to measure the effect of the P. dulce fruit on productive performance, carcass traits, meat characteristics, and meat product quality as well as shelf-life. Seventy-two California × English pot crossbreed rabbits (35 d age) were randomly distributed into two treatments: a control group without P. dulce and another group fed with 5% of P. dulce, and fattening for 28 d. Productive performance parameters, blood biochemistry and hematology, apparent digestibility, carcass traits, meat characteristics, and meat product shelf-life were measured. The results indicate inclusion of 5% P. dulce improves (p < 0.05) dry and organic matter digestibility and feed conversion rate, but some serum blood enzymes were increased (p < 0.05). The a* value, hardness, and pH decreased (p < 0.05) in the group fed with P. dulce. Antioxidant properties in the meatballs were different (p < 0.05), improving shelf-life and acceptance in sensory analysis. In conclusion, the use of 0.5% of P. dulce fruits to feed fattening rabbits can be used to improve the shelf-life of rabbit meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential effects of a formulation derived from the bioactive fraction of nanostructured Bacopa procumbens (BFNB) on the promotion of hair growth in C57BL/6 mice. The characterization of the follicular phases and histomorphological analysis showed that the topical application of the formulation for 15 days significantly increased pigmentation and hair growth on the dorsum and head of the mice. Additionally, an acceleration of the follicular cycle phases was observed, along with an increase in the number of follicles, hair length, and diameter, compared to mice treated with minoxidil. In silico analysis and molecular characterization demonstrated that BFNB enhances the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7), activating the PI3K-AKT-β-catenin signaling pathway, as well as the expression of PCNA, KI-67, Cyclin D1, and Cyclin E, regulating the cell cycle and cell proliferation, crucial events for hair regeneration. Our results strongly suggest the utility of BFNB as a therapeutic alternative to stimulate hair growth and promote hair health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Highly deprived urban contexts, such as informal settlements in the global south, can turn into niches of extreme innovation and sparkle ingenuity out of necessity. But what are the rationales behind the participation of disadvantaged communities in social innovations? Why do they engage in grassroots innovations? What is it that makes these grassroots try novelties and continue experimenting with them, even when the perceived benefits are not clear yet? This paper aims to examine and conceptualize the rationales for engaging in grassroots financial innovations in the context of extremely deprived urban settings. Design/methodology/approach: This paper is based on the case of grassroots organizations which have started experimenting with the development of a community currency in Kisumu, Kenya. This paper is informed by in-depth interviews with members of three grassroots organizations involved in the community currency, together with observations and meeting participation since 2019. Findings: The rationales argued by the participants for engaging in this grassroots innovation are framed in various ways: as a means for seeking poverty alleviation (the development framing); as a challenge to conventional imaginaries of innovations (the digital framing); and as an innovation embedded in community and trust relations (the community framing). These framings have a mobilizing effect that initially draws participants into the innovation. Yet, what explains persistent participation despite the decreasing influence of these framings over time is the organizational space and strategies of incompleteness accommodating these experiments. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the emerging body of grassroots innovations movements literature. While research has progressed in its understandings of the challenges of scaling up innovative practices, the examination of the grassroots initiatives stemming from extremely deprived settings, and the rationales and framings behind, have been under examined. This paper comes to bridge this gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]