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(1) Background: Heyndrickxia coagulans, a lactic acid-producing bacterium, displays characteristics of both Lactobacillus and Bacillus genera. Clinical evidence suggests its potential health benefits. This study evaluated the safety of H. coagulans AO1167B as a candidate probiotic supplement. (2) Methods: Strain identification was confirmed through morphological, cultural, and genomic analyses, including 16S RNA and whole genome sequencing to assess antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors. Phenotypic tests, such as disk diffusion for antimicrobial resistance, and safety assays for cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity, were conducted. In a phase I, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, healthy adults were randomized into H. coagulans AO1167B and placebo groups for 60 days. Daily capsule consumption was monitored through clinical and hematological evaluations, adverse event tracking, and health surveys. (3) Results: The genome of H. coagulans AO1167B revealed no concerning features. Disk diffusion tests showed no antimicrobial resistance. The strain exhibited no cytotoxic or hemolytic activity, indicating in vitro safety. No significant differences in clinical or hematological parameters were observed between groups. The most common adverse event, gas, diminished over time. (4) Conclusions: H. coagulans AO1167B demonstrates a suitable safety profile, genetic stability, and probiotic potential for gastrointestinal health, justifying further clinical research.

Chilean sea cucumber, Athyonidium chilensis, has both a high nutritional value and a high economic potential to increase the trade of other marine products. Currently there is a minimal commercialization of sea cucumber within Chile, and it is sold exclusively to China in dry or frozen forms where it is then used nutraceutical, cosmetic and nutricosmetic products marketed mostly in Asia. The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional, heavy metals, mineral and amino acids contents of Chilean sea cucumber (eviscerated and ground form) and compare its antioxidant capacity following three different drying processes. The results showed that A. chilensis had very high level of protein contain (68.17%), ash (17.41%), fiber (13.22%), and very low fat and carbohydrate contents. The antioxidant activity measured by ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) was between 6676.34 and 10,321.30 μmol TE(Trolox equivalents)/100 g, depending on the drying process used. Amino acid profile analysis showed that total amino acids in Chilean sea cucumber was 60.3 g/100 g protein. The information obtained illuminates the antioxidant capacity and amino acid profile that has not previously been reported for Athyonidium chilensis, which indicates that this species has a competitive commercial value for use in food or nutraceutical products, when compared to similar sea cucumbers found on the international market.

(1) Background: Alkalihalobacillus clausii AO1125 is a Gram-positive, motile, spore-forming bacterium with potential as a probiotic due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, inhibiting pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium difficile, as well as anti-rotavirus activity. Its resilience in gastrointestinal conditions suggests benefits for gut health. This study evaluates the safety and probiotic potential of A. clausii AO1125. (2) Methods: Genome annotation identified genes linked to probiotic traits such as stress resistance, gut colonization, immune modulation, and antimicrobial production. The genome was screened for antibiotic resistance genes using CARD, bacteriocin clusters using BAGEL4, and virulence factors via VFDB. Cytotoxicity was assessed on Vero cells and erythrocytes, and a Phase I, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with 99 healthy volunteers (50 AO1125, 49 placebo). (3) Results: Genomic analysis confirmed minimal antibiotic resistance genes and the absence of virulence factors, supporting safety. A. clausii AO1125 showed no pathogenicity, cytotoxicity, or hemolytic activity and was well-tolerated in clinical settings, with mild, transient abdominal gas as the most common adverse event. (4) Conclusions: The safety profile and genetic basis for probiotic and antimicrobial properties support A. clausii AO1125 as a promising probiotic candidate for gastrointestinal health, warranting further clinical research.

Abstract Background Few studies have evaluated the efficacy of short-term medical missions. This study was aimed to evaluate complication rates and determine the effects of protocol changes in a pediatric inguinal hernia campaign in Equatorial Guinea and analyze post-operative follow-up capacity. Methods In this prospective observational cohort study, we evaluated two patient cohorts (group A, 2017–2018; group B, 2019) treated during campaigns in Equatorial Guinea for congenital inguinal pathology (hernia, hydrocele, and cryptorchidism). Patients aged

Dietary variation within and across species drives the eco-evolutionary responsiveness of genes necessary to metabolize nutrients and other components. Recent evidence from humans and other mammals suggests that sugar-rich diets of floral nectar and ripe fruit have favoured mutations in, and functional preservation of, the ADH7 gene, which encodes the ADH class 4 enzyme responsible for metabolizing ethanol. Here we interrogate a large, comparative dataset of ADH7 gene sequence variation, including that underlying the amino acid residue located at the key site (294) that regulates the affinity of ADH7 for ethanol. Our analyses span 171 mammal species, including 59 newly sequenced. We report extensive variation, especially among frugivorous and nectarivorous bats, with potential for functional impact. We also report widespread variation in the retention and probable pseudogenization of ADH7. However, we find little statistical evidence of an overarching impact of dietary behaviour on putative ADH7 function or presence of derived alleles at site 294 across mammals, which suggests that the evolution of ADH7 is shaped by complex factors. Our study reports extensive new diversity in a gene of longstanding ecological interest, offers new sources of variation to be explored in functional assays in future study, and advances our understanding of the processes of molecular evolution.

Background: Walnut production (Juglans regia) generates a large amount of waste, mainly comprised of husk and shell. The two by-products have several bioactive compounds, mainly phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. Given the above, this work seeks to establish productive and adequate conditions for the recovery of compounds with antioxidant activity (juglone among them) from such discards to use the extract as a bioherbicide. Results: Temperature and extraction solvent (type of solvent and use of hydroalcoholic mixtures) are relevant factors on phenolic compounds’ (TPC, Folin-Ciocalteu method) recovery and antioxidant activity (AA, DPPH method), observing values from 2 to 17 mg GAE/g shell and 0.5 and 23 mg GAE/g husk, and 3 to 28 mg TE/g shell and 0.2–36 mg TE/g husk for TPC and AA, respectively. Using 50°C and ethanol as extraction solvent, 14,000 µmol TE/100 g of ORAC activity was obtained for both shell and husk. This value increased when a hydroalcoholic mixture was used. Juglone was recovered only from the husk at 166 mg/100 g. The bioherbicidal potential of the extract was evaluated; a phytotoxic effect and a lower plantar density when applying the product to broad-leaf weeds were observed. Conclusions: In conclusion, the walnut process’s residues have a high potential to be used under the circular economy concept in the agri-food sector by obtaining products with high added value.How to cite: Soto-Maldonado C, Caballero-Valdés E, Santis-Bernal J, et al. Potential of solid wastes from the walnut industry: Extraction conditions to evaluate the antioxidant and bioherbicidal activities. Electron J Biotechnol 2022;58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2022.04.005

Background: Infusions of Maiten (Maytenus boaria) leaves are used in folk medicine as an antipyretic and for skin allergic rash treatment. Antioxidant, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties of medicinal plants have been attributed to phenolic compounds presence. This work, the first in this type, reports the presence of total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC), and the antioxidant activity by DPPH, FRAP and ORAC methods of extracts of maiten leaves, including an infusion; also, antimicrobial activity on Gram + and Gram − bacteria were determined. In addition, the presence of Quercetin and catalase were determined, and the FTIR spectrum was done. Results: The best values of TPC and TFC were 20.55 gGAE/kgleaves, and 23.69 gQE/kgleaves, respectively, in an ethanolic extract. Best antioxidant activities were obtained in a methanolic extract for DPPH, aqueous extract for FRAP. No significant differences were observed in ORAC activity determination of aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts and a maiten infusion, with an average value of 22.41 mmolTE/kgleaves. In the case of antimicrobial activity, extract of maiten leaves can inhibit the growth of bacteria as Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes, among others. Conclusions: M. boaria leaves are an important source of phenolics compounds with antioxidant activity; these properties are observed in extracts and infusions. In addition, the extract of maiten leaves produces the inhibition of pathogens Gram+ and Gram− bacteria, showing the great therapeutic potential of this plant used in folk medicine.How to cite: Soto-Maldonado C, Fernández-Araya B, Saavedra-Sánchez V. Antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity of Maytenus boaria leaves, recovery by infusion and solvent extraction. Electron J Biotechnol 2022;56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2022.02.002.

Abstract Introduction Anxiety in children triggered by a scheduled surgical intervention is a major issue due to its frequency and consequences. Preoperative anxiety is associated with increased patient fear and agitation on anesthetic induction. The aim of this study is to compare three preoperative anxiety scales for children undergoing elective outpatient surgery, and to correlate each of these tools with the degree of patient compliance on induction, as assessed by the Induction Compliance Checklist (ICC). Methods An observational prospective study was performed on a cohort of children with ages between 2 and 16 years old, scheduled for outpatient surgery. Anxiety was assessed upon arrival to the hospital (M0), during transfer to the surgical unit (M1), and in the operating room during anesthetic induction (M2). Anxiety in the parents (measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI) and in the children (measured with the Spence Anxiety Scale-Pediatric, SCAS-P, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Children, STAIC, and Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale, m-YPAS) was assessed. Compliance with anesthetic induction was assessed with ICC. Results The study included 76 patients (72.4% male, median age 7.9 years). Anxiety scores (m-YPAS) increased as the moment of surgery approached, being greater at the entrance to the surgical unit (M0 = 26.1 ± 9.5; M1 = 31.8 ± 18.1; M2 = 33.5 ± 21.1). A strong correlation was found between ICC scale and m-YPAS at M1 (0.738) and M2 timepoints (0.794), but not with the rest of scales at M0. Conclusions Standard anxiety assessment scales do not predict the quality of anesthetic induction. m-YPAS scale can detect increasing anxiety in children as they approach the surgical procedure and this correlates strongly with a worse anesthetic induction, defined by higher score on ICC scale.

The ability of Heteroctenus junceus scorpion venom to modulate the concentration of cytokines related to its antitumoral effect is unknown. F3II cells were treated with ¼ IC50, ½ IC50 and the IC50 of H. junceus scorpion venom. Tumor growth kinetics in F3II-bearing mice were evaluated after 24 days of oral administration of venom doses. The effect of tumor lysates on F3II cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay, while cytokines present in each sample were determined by ELISA. In supernatant, H. junceus scorpion venom decreased the concentration of IL-6 (p < 0.001), IFN-γ (p < 0.001), IL-1β (p < 0.01); meanwhile IL-12 (p < 0.001) and TNF-α (p < 0.001) levels increased significantly, according to the concentration and the time of incubation. Heteroctenus junceus scorpion venom effectively inhibits in vivo tumor progression. In the sera, a significant decrease was observed in TNF-α levels (p < 0.05). In tumor lysates, IL-6 decreased significantly in the groups treated with 12.5 mg/kg (p < 0.001) and 25 mg/kg (p < 0.05). Heteroctenus junceus scorpion venom is capable of modulating other proinflammatory and protumoral cytokines involved in the inflammation associated with cancer.

Objective To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the research activity and working experience of clinical academics, with a focus on gender and ethnicity.Design Qualitative study based on interviews and audio/written diary data.Setting UK study within clinical academia.Participants Purposive sample of 82 clinical academics working in medicine and dentistry across all career stages ranging from academic clinical fellows and doctoral candidates to professors.Methods Qualitative semistructured interviews (n=68) and audio diary data (n=30; including 16 participants who were also interviewed) collected over an 8-month period (January–September 2020), thematically analysed.Results 20 of 30 (66.6%) audio diary contributors and 40 of 68 (58.8%) interview participants were female. Of the participants who disclosed ethnicity, 5 of 29 (17.2%) audio diary contributors and 19/66 (28.8%) interview participants identified as Black, Asian or another minority (BAME). Four major themes were identified in relation to the initial impact of COVID-19 on clinical academics: opportunities, barriers, personal characteristics and social identity, and fears and uncertainty. COVID-19 presented opportunities for new avenues of research. Barriers included access to resources to conduct research and the increasing teaching demands. One of the most prominent subthemes within ‘personal characteristics’ was that of the perceived negative impact of the pandemic on the work of female clinical academics. This was attributed to inequalities experienced in relation to childcare provision and research capacity. Participants described differential experiences based upon their gender and ethnicity, noting intersectional identities.Conclusions While there have been some positives afforded to clinical academics, particularly for new avenues of research, COVID-19 has negatively impacted workload, future career intentions and mental health. BAME academics were particularly fearful due to the differential impact on health. Our study elucidates the direct and systemic discrimination that creates barriers to women’s career trajectories in clinical academia. A flexible, strategic response that supports clinical academics in resuming their training and research is required. Interventions are needed to mitigate the potential lasting impact on capacity from the pandemic, and the potential for the loss of women from this valuable workforce.

Introducción. Las actinoporinas (AP) son proteínas formadoras de poro (PFP) que se aso - cian a membranas conduciendo a la muerte celular. Sticholysinas I y II (St, StI/II) se encuen- tran entre las AP más potentes descritas en la naturaleza. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar la influencia de la composición lipídica y dinámica de la membrana en la unión y formación de poros por StI/II y nigrelysina (Ngr), una nueva AP aquí descrita. Métodos. La unión y formación de poros se estudiaron mediante membranas modelo combinadas con espectroscopía de fluorescencia y microscopía. Resultados y discusión. St y Ngr se unen y permeabilizan preferencialmente membranas que contienen esfingomielina (SM) cuando se compara con fosfatidilcolina (PC), debido a la presencia, en SM, de la unidad de fosfocolina de PC más la unidad ceramida (Cer). StI reconoce a Cer y a gangliósidos, aunque en menor extensión. En términos de propiedades dinámicas, StI penetra preferencialmente membra- nas con elevada movilidad lateral y adecuado nivel de SM. StI permeabiliza más eficiente - mente membranas con esteroles además de SM. Los bordes de la coexistencia de dominios lipídicos no constituyen un factor determinante para su unión y actividad. La heterogeneidad molecular de las membranas, más allá de la presencia de dominios, favorece la actividad de AP. Conclusiones. Estos estudios explican la relevancia de SM, otros lípidos de base Cer y esteroles a la actividad de St, Ngr, y por extensión, a las AP. Desde una perspectiva dinámica, una fase altamente fluida y moderadamente enriquecida en SM y esteroles constituye una plataforma ideal para la formación de poros por AP.

Abstract Background Surgery can generate significant stress and anxiety in up to 70% of the paediatric population. There are several pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to reduce pre-operative anxiety in children, however, they have several side effects and the available information about them is contradictory. The role of clowns and hydroxyzine in the management of anxiety is controversial, with some studies supporting and others contraindicating both strategies. Methods We propose a randomised double-blind, controlled clinical trial that will evaluate the effectiveness of both interventions (hydroxyzine and clowns), alone or in combination, to reduce pre-operative anxiety (using the modified Yale scale of preoperative anxiety) in children aged 2–16 years undergoing outpatient surgery (n = 188). Subjects will be randomised into two groups – (1) standard procedure (parental accompaniment) combined with placebo or (2) standard procedure combined with preoperative hydroxyzine. After randomisation, they will be divided by chance into two further groups, depending on the presence of clowns on the patient’s surgery day. Control of pre-operative anxiety will be determined in the four groups by a modified Yale scale of preoperative anxiety and cortisol levels. Compliance of children during induction of anaesthesia, time until anaesthesia recovery, presence of postoperative delirium and use of analgesia until discharge will be also assessed. For additional information, the children, parents and healthcare professionals involved in the study will complete a satisfaction survey. Conclusions This study aims to gather evidence on which of these four therapeutic options achieves the highest reduction of pre-operative anxiety with the best safety profile to allow paediatricians and anaesthesiologists to use the most effective and safe option for their patients. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03324828. Registered 21 September 2017.

Background: Juglone is a naphthoquinone currently obtained by chemical synthesis with biological activities including antitumor activity. Additionally, juglone is present in the green husk of walnut, which suggests evaluating the effect of GH extracts on carcinogenic cell lines. Results: Walnut green husk ethanolic extract was obtained as 169.1 mg juglone/100 g Green Husk and antioxidant activity (ORAC) of 44,920 μmol Trolox Equivalent/100 g DW Green Husk. At 1 μM juglone in HL-60 cell culture, green husk extract showed an antiproliferative effect, but pure juglone did not; under these conditions, normal fibroblast cells were not affected. A dose-dependent effect on mitochondrial membrane potential loss was observed. Apoptosis of HL-60 was detected at 10 μM juglone. Despite high ORAC values, neither purified juglone nor the extract showed protective effects on HL-60 cells under oxidative conditions. Conclusions: Green husk extract generates an antiproliferative effect in HL-60 cells, which is related to an induction of the early stages of apoptosis and a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. The normal cells were not affected when juglone is present at concentrations of 1 μM, while at higher concentrations, there is loss of viability of both cancerous and healthy cells. How to cite: Soto-Maldonado C, Vergara-Castro M, Jara-Quezada J, et al. Interactive 360° video to: Polyphenolic extracts of walnut (Juglans regia) green husk containing juglone inhibit the growth of HL-60 cells and induce apoptosis. Electron J Biotechnol 2022;57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2022.04.002.

Background: Foods including probiotics are considered “functional foods.” As an alternative to dairy products, we investigated the behavior of Lactobacillus casei when exposed to low-pH fruit juice. Juices of fruits such as pineapple, raspberry, and orange were assessed. Free and microencapsulated forms of L. casei were compared, and the viability of the probiotic was evaluated under storage at 4°C for 28 d. Microbiological analyses were carried out to ensure a safe and healthy product for consumers who look for foods with probiotics from sources other than dairy. Results: Low pH affected L. casei survival during storage depending on the type of fruit juice. In the case of pineapple juice, some microcapsules were broken, but microcapsules recovered at the end of the storage period had 100% viability (2.3 × 107 CFU/g spheres). In the case of orange juice, more than 91% viability (5.5 × 106 CFU/g spheres) was found. In raspberry juice, viability decreased rapidly, disappearing at the end of the storage period, which was caused by the absorption of high concentrations of anthocyanin inside microcapsules more than low pH. Conclusions: Low pH affected the survival of L. casei under refrigeration; even when they were microencapsulated, acidic conditions impacted their viability. Although pH affects viability, its value is very sensitive and will depend on the type of fruit juice and its composition. Some fruit juices contain compounds used as substrates for Lactobacillus and other compounds with antimicrobial effects. How to cite: Olivares A, Soto C, Caballero E, et al. Interactive 360° video to “Survival of microencapsulated Lactobacillus casei (prepared by vibration technology) in fruit juice during cold storage”. Electron J Biotechnol 2022;57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2022.04.003.

Background: Foods including probiotics are considered “functional foods.” As an alternative to dairy products, we investigated the behavior of Lactobacillus casei when exposed to low-pH fruit juice. Juices of fruits such as pineapple, raspberry, and orange were assessed. Free and microencapsulated forms of L. casei were compared, and the viability of the probiotic was evaluated under storage at 4°C for 28 d. Microbiological analyses were carried out to ensure a safe and healthy product for consumers who look for foods with probiotics from sources other than dairy. Results: Low pH affected L. casei survival during storage depending on the type of fruit juice. In the case of pineapple juice, some microcapsules were broken, but microcapsules recovered at the end of the storage period had 100% viability (2.3 × 107 CFU/g spheres). In the case of orange juice, more than 91% viability (5.5 × 106 CFU/g spheres) was found. In raspberry juice, viability decreased rapidly, disappearing at the end of the storage period, which was caused by the absorption of high concentrations of anthocyanin inside microcapsules more than low pH. Conclusion: Low pH affected the survival of L. casei under refrigeration; even when they were microencapsulated, acidic conditions impacted their viability. Although pH affects viability, its value is very sensitive and will depend on the type of fruit juice and its composition. Some fruit juices contain compounds used as substrates for Lactobacillus and other compounds with antimicrobial effects.How to cite: Olivares A, Soto C, Caballero E, et al. Survival of microencapsulated Lactobacillus casei (prepared by vibration technology) in fruit juice during cold storage. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.10.002. Keywords: Alginate, Fruit juice, Fruit, Lactobacillus casei, Low pH, Microencapsulation, Pasteurization, Probiotics, Vibration technology, Anthocyanins

Background: Juglone is a naphthoquinone currently obtained by chemical synthesis with biological activities including antitumor activity. Additionally, juglone is present in the green husk of walnut, which suggests evaluating the effect of GH extracts on carcinogenic cell lines. Results: Walnut green husk ethanolic extract was obtained as 169.1 mg juglone/100 g Green Husk and antioxidant activity (ORAC) of 44,920 μmol Trolox Equivalent/100 g DW Green Husk. At 1 μM juglone in HL-60 cell culture, green husk extract showed an antiproliferative effect, but pure juglone did not; under these conditions, normal fibroblast cells were not affected. A dose-dependent effect on mitochondrial membrane potential loss was observed. Apoptosis of HL-60 was detected at 10 μM juglone. Despite high ORAC values, neither purified juglone nor the extract showed protective effects on HL-60 cells under oxidative conditions. Conclusions: Green husk extract generates an antiproliferative effect in HL-60 cells, which is related to an induction of the early stages of apoptosis and a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. The normal cells were not affected when juglone is present at concentrations of 1 μM, while at higher concentrations, there is loss of viability of both cancerous and healthy cells.How to cite: Soto-Maldonado C, Vergara-Castro M, Jara-Quezada J, et al. Polyphenolic extracts of walnut (Juglans regia) green husk containing juglone inhibit the growth of HL-60 cells and induce apoptosis. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.02.001. Keywords: walnut husk discards, solvent extraction, antioxidant activity, mammalian cells, leukemia cells line inhibition, Polyphenolic extracts, Juglans regia, green husk, juglone, HL-60 cells, apoptosis

The current data presented correspond to the determination of inulin recovery from globe artichoke canned industry wastes. The discard was composed mainly by bracts with a small percentage of stems and receptacles. Artichoke discards (AD) were dehydrated by lyophilization or convective drying at different temperatures (40°C to 100°C). Inulin amount in extracts obtained using hydroalcoholic solvents (ethanol:water 75:25), which are applied for polyphenols recovery, was determined. After that, the sequential extraction of inulin with water and then with hydroalcoholic solvent was done. Finally, inulin content in lyophilized samples using different ethanol:water mixtures was determined. Inulin was determined by vanillin method and total phenolic compounds (TPC) by Folin-Ciocalteu method. From the lyophilized sample it is possible to obtain 3938.7 ± 169.1 mg inulin / 100 g AD dry basis (d.b.) and 2086.3 ± 120.7 mg TPC / 100 g AD d.b. While, from conventionally dried samples, the recovery of inulin can reach 4391.1 ± 208.2 mg inulin / 100 g AD d.b for samples dried at 60°C, but only 337.2 ± 25.9 mg TPC / 100 g AD d.b. was recovered at the same condition. Sequential extraction of lyophilized samples with water (95°C, 30 minutes) and ethanol:water 75:25 (40°C, 60 minutes) recovers in total 10907.3 mg inulin / 100 g AD and 2687.7 mg TPC / 100 g AD d.b. If the ethanol concentration decreases at 50% and the extraction is done only with the hydroalcoholic solvent, the inulin increases up to 5251.2 ± 257.4 mg inulin / 100 g AD d.b.This Data in Brief corresponds to an accompanying work to the article titled “Valorization of Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) Agro-Industrial Discards, Obtaining an Extract with a Selective Effect on Viability of Cancer Cell Lines” published at Processes journal [1].

The data presented in this article are focused on thermal stability data of both juglone standard (in ethanol and methanol) and a natural extract containing juglone from lyophilized walnut green husk (in ethanol and methanol). On the other hand, we also show the data of the impact of three concentration technologies over the concentration yield of juglone from the natural extract in ethanol and methanol. All data presented are related with the information included in “Polyphenolic extracts of walnut (Juglans regia) green husk containing juglone inhibit the growth of HL-60 cells and induce apoptosis” Soto-Maldonado et al., 2019, where the discussion and interpretation of results can be found. Keywords: Thermal stability, Juglone, Concentration technologies, Hydroalcoholic extracts

Actinoporins (APs) are soluble pore-forming proteins secreted by sea anemones that experience conformational changes originating in pores in the membranes that can lead to cell death. The processes involved in the binding and pore-formation of members of this protein family have been deeply examined in recent years; however, the intracellular responses to APs are only beginning to be understood. Unlike pore formers of bacterial origin, whose intracellular impact has been studied in more detail, currently, we only have knowledge of a few poorly integrated elements of the APs’ intracellular action. In this review, we present and discuss an updated landscape of the studies aimed at understanding the intracellular pathways triggered in response to APs attack with particular reference to sticholysin II, the most active isoform produced by the Caribbean Sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus. To achieve this, we first describe the major alterations these cytolysins elicit on simpler cells, such as non-nucleated mammalian erythrocytes, and then onto more complex eukaryotic cells, including tumor cells. This understanding has provided the basis for the development of novel applications of sticholysins such as the construction of immunotoxins directed against undesirable cells, such as tumor cells, and the design of a cancer vaccine platform. These are among the most interesting potential uses for the members of this toxin family that have been carried out in our laboratory.

En este artículo se analiza el cómic desde una perspectiva social, artística-literaria y educativa. El estudio se centra en el modelo francés, en el que las historietas ocupan un lugar importante, tanto como medio artístico como documento de lectura. Asimismo, se analizan de forma más concreta los beneficios del cómic en la enseñanza de las lenguas en la etapa de Educación Primaria. Los resultados muestran que el cómic es una elección idónea para esta etapa educativa, ya que permite la realización de actividades de comprensión lectora y expresión creativa, fomentando a la vez la motivación para la lectura en los niños.

Defatted rapeseed meal (DRM) is a sub-valorized agro-industrial by-product, with a high protein content whose peptides could have potential anticancer activity against cancer cell lines. The objective of the present study is to obtain an enzymatic hydrolysate of rapeseed protein that inhibits proliferation on a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), but not healthy human fibroblast cells. The DRM was solubilized in an alkaline medium to obtain an alkaline rapeseed extract (RAE). Acid precipitation of the proteins contained in RAE recovered a rapeseed protein isolate (RPI). To produce protein hydrolysates, two alkaline protease and different enzyme/substrate ratios were used. All the protein hydrolysates showed antiproliferative activity on MCF-7 cells. However, only the hydrolysate recovered from the enzymatic hydrolysis of RPI (Degree of hydrolysis (DH ) between 8.5 and 9% (DH1)) did not affect human fibroblast cells, inhibiting 83.9% of MCF-7 cells’ proliferation and showing a mass yield of 22.9% (based on the initial DRM). The SDS-PAGE gel revealed that DH1 was composed mainly of 10 kDa peptides and, to a lesser extent, 5 and 2 kDa. It is concluded that DH1 is a promising peptide extract for future research as a putative anti-breast cancer agent.

Limiting flux (JL) determination is a critical issue for membrane processing. This work presents a modified exponential model for JL calculation, based on a previously published version. Our research focused on skim milk microfiltrations. The processing variables studied were the crossflow velocity (CFV), membrane hydraulic diameter (dh), temperature, and concentration factor, totaling 62 experimental runs. Results showed that, by adding a new parameter called minimum transmembrane pressure, the modified model not only improved the fit of the experimental data compared to the former version (R2 > 97.00%), but also revealed the existence of a minimum transmembrane pressure required to obtain flux (J). This result is observed as a small shift to the right on J versus transmembrane pressure curves, and this shift increases with the flow velocity. This fact was reported in other investigations, but so far has gone uninvestigated. The JL predicted values were correlated with the Reynolds number (Re) for each dh tested. Results showed that for a same Re; JL increased as dh decreased; in a wide range of Re within the turbulent regime. Finally, from dimensionless correlations; a unique expression JL = f (Re, dh) was obtained; predicting satisfactorily JL (R2 = 84.11%) for the whole set of experiments

Este artículo plantea un análisis descriptivo del uso del cómic en los libros de texto de francés lengua extranjera para Educación Primaria. La muestra se seleccionó por conveniencia en función de la metodología, la editorial, el año de publicación y el curso de Primaria. Se elaboró una ficha de análisis como instrumento en la que se recogieron datos sobre la presencia del cómic en relación a los métodos, el tipo de documentos y de actividades que se proponen en torno a ellos. El análisis revela que los cómics que aparecen en los libros de francés para Primaria no son documentos auténticos y que los manuales con enfoque comunicativo los utilizan mayoritariamente para recrear situaciones de la vida cotidiana con connotación lúdica. Asimismo, se constata que el cómic se utiliza para presentar tanto estructuras lingüísticas como contenidos culturales.

A new didactical curriculum model for teaching science based on aquatic resources has been applied to a group four hundred and fourteen students from primary education, just in establishments situated on the coastal edge of the Tenth Region of Los Lagos, Chile. The themes of the learning strategy were suggested activities in science texts, drawn from interdisciplinary workshops involving classroom teachers, aquatic resources, professional didactic teaching, marine ecology experts, geneticist, sea farmers, water resource management and scientists. The new texts were analyzed in comparison with textbooks commonly used by students of 7th and 8th grade of Basic Education, in Chile; in the lecture of “Study and Understanding of Nature”. The test result showed a variety of procedural in the activities. It highlights the practical procedures, proposition of hypotheses, direct observation. We conclude that the textbooks of Natural Sciences - in the framework of a new teaching that integrates advances in scientific knowledge, technology and constructivism - are an innovative contribution to the meaningful, efficient and effective learning of science.

Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles con el objetivo de identificar los factores de riesgo de muerte en pacientes con el diagnóstico de bronconeumonía bacteriana comunitaria que ingresaron en el servicio de Medicina Interna del Hospital General universitario "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes", de Bayamo, desde el 1ro. de enero de 2007 al 31 de diciembre de 2008. La muestra fue seleccionada mediante muestreo aleatorio simple, 100 casos e igual número de controles. La edad igual o superior a los 65 años casi cuadruplica el riesgo de muerte por bronconeumonía (OR 3,73; IC 1,98-7,08; p=0,000) y el sexo masculino lo duplicó (OR 2,25; IC 1,23-4,13). Dentro de los antecedentes patológicos personales de mayor relevancia encontramos a la diabetes mellitus que elevó el riesgo de morir más de ocho veces (OR 8,88; IC 2,79-31,40; p=0,000), seguida de las neoplasias malignas (OR 8,61; IC 1,06-18,04; p=0,017). El shock fue la manifestación clínica más asociada a la muerte (OR 6,00; IC 2,04-18,90; p=0,004) y la leucopenia el dato humoral (OR 10,78; IC 2,94-46,68; p=0,000). El estudio concluyó con el análisis de la regresión logística que mostró que el shock, encamamiento prolongado y las neoplasias fueron los factores de riesgo independientes que con mayor frecuencia se asociaron a la muerte por bronconeumonía bacteriana comunitaria.A case-control study was conducted to identify the death risk factors in patients diagnosed with community bacterial bronchopneumonia admitted in Internal Medicine service of the "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes" university hospital of Bayamo province from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008. Sample was selected by simple sampling, 100 cases and the same number of controls. Similar age of higher to 65 years almost quadruples the death risk by bronchopneumonia (OR 3.73; CI 1.98-7.08; p=0.000), and the male sex duplicates it (OR 2.25;CI 1.23-4.13). Included in the more relevant personal pathologic backgrounds are the diabetes mellitus which increases the death risk in more then eight times (OR 8.88; CI 2.79-31.40; p=0.000), followed by malign neoplasia (OR 8.61; CI 1.06-18.04; p=0.017). The shock was the clinical manifestation associated with death (OR 6.00; CI 2.04-18.90; p=0.004), and the leukopenia was the humoral datum (OR 2.94; CI 2.94-46.68; p=0.000). Study was concluded with the logistic regression analysis showing that shock, lengthy bed rest, and neoplasia were the independent risk factors more associated with death by community bacterial bronchopneumonia.

En el Instituto Finlay se desarrolló una metodología de trabajo que contribuyó a la selección de cepas de Shigella sonnei como posibles candidatos vacunales contra la shigellosis. Las cepas investigadas, donadas por el Centro Provincial de Higiene y Epidemiología de Ciudad de La Habana, se caracterizaron según los métodos convencionales. La identificación del serogrupo y serotipo se realizó por aglutinación en láminas portaobjetos con antisueros comerciales; mientras que para el estudio de la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana se utilizó el DIRAMIC 10, un equipo semiautomatizado que proporcionó los resultados 4 horas después de su realización. Se investigó también la presencia de plásmidos de virulencia, por el crecimiento de Shigella spp. en medio de agar Triptona Soya con Rojo Congo al 0,025%, así como la expresión de las proteínas de la membrana externa en SDS-PAGE; para las pruebas de virulencia y potencia se emplearon los modelos animales (modelo ratón-pulmón y Test de Sereny). Los resultados obtenidos con la metodología utilizada permitieron la selección de la cepa de S. sonnei A-04 como la más adecuada para la obtención del posible candidato vacunal.

Shigella flexneri y Shigella sonnei, como cualquier otra especie del género Shigella, se sitúan entre los principales agentes etiológicos de las enfermedades diarreicas agudas, sobre todo aquellas que ocurren en los países en vías de desarrollo, aunque por la baja dosis infectante de este enteropatógeno no se excluyen los países desarrollados. Esta situación conlleva a la elaboración de vacunas para prevenir esta enfermedad y la necesidad de un modelo animal que pruebe la eficacia protectora e inmunogénica de posibles candidatos vacunales contra la shigellosis, situación que ha motivado numerosos estudios por la dificultad de demostrar la enteropatía intestinal en los monos y humanos. Lo anteriormente expuesto, más la capacidad de Shigella spp para mostrar resistencia a los antimicrobianos, motivó la realización de este trabajo. En el mismo se constató la utilidad del modelo animal ratón-pulmón para evaluar la virulencia de candidatos vacunales a partir de este microorganismo. Se utilizó la técnica de inoculación intranasal con una concentración entre 107 y 109 UFC de cepas de Shigella flexneri y Shigella sonnei. Por todos los resultados obtenidos con el modelo animal ratón-pulmón se concluyó que este modelo puede ser eficiente para los estudios preclínicos de cualquier candidato vacunal a partir de Shigella spp.

Antecedentes: En Chile el parto prematuro es la principal causa de morbilidad y mortalidad perinatal. Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad clínica de la longitud cervical y la detección de fibronectina, en la predicción de parto prematuro. Método: Estudio observacional prospectivo, de corte transversal en 86 pacientes que consultaron por síntomas de parto prematuro (SPP), con membranas indemnes y edad gestacional entre las 22 y 34 semanas. El grupo estudio formado por gestantes con parto prematuro dentro de los 7 días. Al ingreso se tomó muestra cervical para fibronectina y se midió longitud cervical mediante ultrasonografía transvaginal. Resultados: De las 86 gestantes estudiadas, en 13 (15%) se produjo el parto dentro de los 7 días. La curva ROC mostró un área bajo la curva para longitud cervical de 0,475 y sensibilidad 31% (4/13), especificidad 96% (70/73), valor predictivo positivo 57% (4/7) y valor predictivo negativo 89% (70/79), riesgo relativo positivo 5,0 y riesgo relativo negativo 0,47 (p=0,014). El área bajo la curva para fibronectina fue 0,92 con una sensibilidad 77% (10/13), especificidad 90% (66/73), valor predictivo positivo (10/17) 59% y valor predictivo negativo 96% (66/69), riesgo relativo positivo 13,48 y riesgo relativo negativo 0,43 (pBackground: In Chile the preterm labor is the main cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Objective: To evalúate the clinical utility of the cervical length and fibronectin determination in predicting preterm delivery. Method: A prospective observational and transactional study was made, in 86 patients with preterm labor symptoms and gestational age between 22 and 34 weeks. The study group included patients with labor and delivery within a week of admission. From each patient a cervico-vaginal specimen was obtained to measure fibronectin and transvaginal ultrasonographic evaluation of the uterine cervix. Results: From 86 patients admitted to the study, thirteen had preterm labor (15%). The ROC curve showed an área under curve for cervical length of 0.475 and sensitivity 31 % (4/13), specificity 96% (70/73), positive predictive valué 57%(4/13), negative predictive valué 88% (70/79), positive relative risk was 5.0, and the negative relative risk 0.47 (p=0.014); for fibronectin was 0.92 and sensitivity 77% (10/13), specificity 90% (66/73), positive predictive valué 59% (10/17), negative predictive valué 96% (66/69), positive relative riskof 13.48, negative relative risk 0.43 (p=0.014). Conclusión: In patients with premature labor symptoms, the cervical lengths none shortened and negative fibronectin result were associated with a low risk of having a preterm labor. Positive fibronectin was a better predictor of premature birth in a week of admission and the cervical length was the best in ruling out the occurrence of a premature birth

En la didáctica de lenguas extranjeras, el componente cultural se establece como un elemento de suma importancia para el desarrollo de la competencia comunicativa del alumnado. Por este motivo, la adquisición de la lengua francesa debe desarrollarse en un marco ecléctico que favorezca la integración de contenidos tanto lingüísticos como culturales, siendo necesaria la inclusión del componente cultural en los materiales curriculares. Desde niveles iniciales, la dimensión cultural, que subyace a todo acto comunicativo, debe estar presente en la enseñanza de lenguas, razón por la que hemos emprendido el análisis de los contenidos culturales presentes en los libros de lengua francesa empleados en el tercer ciclo de la Educación Primaria, para determinar si su tratamiento didáctico es óptimo y si se ajusta a las orientaciones de los enfoques metodológicos predominantes en la didáctica de las lenguas extranjeras.

Objetivo: Aplicar una intervención educativa durante la gestación y observar los efectos sobre el embarazo, parto y recién nacido. Método: Se realizó un estudio con diseño semi experimental de serie de casos con 40 primíparas normales, desde las 20 semanas de gestación en dos Centros de Salud Municipales de Concepción, Chile, desde 2001 a 2004. Se aplicó la intervención educativa en 8 sesiones a las gestantes con su pareja y doula. Los resultados se compararon con un grupo de referencia de 55 primíparas normales. Resultados: La tasa de cesárea fue de 7,5% en el grupo estudio y 27,3% en el grupo de referencia (pObjective: To determine that an educative intervention during pregnancy has effects on the pregnancy, delivery and newborn. Method: A semi experimental study design was made in series of normal cases with 940 primiparous, since 20 weeks of gestation in two Municipal Centers of Health, Concepción, Chile, between 2001 and 2004. It was applied an educative intervention in 8 sessions to 40 primiparous with his respective partner and doula. The results were compared with a reference group of 55 normal primiparous. Results: The comparison between the study and reference groups show significant difference in: pregnancy pathology, 17.5% versus 47.3% (p

Objetivo: Comparar la edad gestacional, el peso y tipo de parto de recién nacidos atendidos en el sistema público y privado de salud, Concepción, Chile. Método: Se incluyeron 2.540 recién nacidos de embarazos únicos, entre las 28 y 42 semanas, desde octubre de 2004 a julio 2005; 1.531 pertenecientes al sistema público y 1.009 del privado. Se utilizó el sistema de salud como variable independiente y la edad gestacional, peso y tipo de parto, como variables dependientes. Resultados: La tasa de prematurez en el sistema público fue significativamente mayor (10,68% vs 5,32%), como también el peso neonatal promedio menor (2.383 g vs 2.786 g). Los recién nacidos de término del sistema privado tuvieron peso promedio al nacer inferior (3.326 g vs 3.458 g). La tasa global de cesárea fue 51,8%; 81% en el sistema privado y 32,6% en el público. En el sistema privado el 55,4% fueron cesáreas electivas y 63,1% de ellas realizadas entre las 37 y 38 semanas. Conclusión: El acceso de pacientes beneficiarias del sistema público al sistema privado, aparece como un avance en lograr igualdad en salud, pero eso no se refleja en mejores resultados perinatales y en la tasa de cesáreasAims: To compare the gestational age, weight and delivery of newborn belonging to public and private health system, Concepción, Chile. Method: This study included 2540 newborn from the same number of pregnant woman with gestational age between 28 and 42 weeks from October 2004 to July 2005; 1531 newborn from public and 1009 from private health system. We use the health system as independent variable and gestational age, weight and delivery type as independent variable. Results: The premature rate was significantly higher in public system (10.68% versus 5.32%) and the mean neonatal weight was lower (2383 g versus 2786 g). The mean weight of term newborn from the private system was lower than the public system (3326 g versus 3458 g). The cesarean rate in the private system was 81.1%; 55.4% were elective and 63.1% of them were performed between 37 and 38 weeks. Conclusion: The access of public patients to the private system looks like an advance to get equality in health, but that doesn't reflect in better perinatal result and in the cesarean rate

Se reportaron las evidencias de la participación del estrés oxidativo en la infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana, en cuya patogénesis y evolución pudieran estar involucradas las especies reactivas del oxígeno. La formación de estas especies es una consecuencia de la ocurrencia de reacciones bioquímicas esenciales que se encuentra normalmente balanceada por la existencia de mecanismos antioxidantes. El estrés oxidativo se produce a partir de un desbalance entre estos procesos que conduce a la acumulación de prooxidantes, por lo que muchas enfermedades han sido relacionadas con el estrés oxidativo.Some evidences of the participation of the oxidative stress in the HIV infection, in whose pathogenesis and evolution the reactive oxygen species may be involved, were reported. The formation of these species is a consequence of the occurrence of essential biochemical reactions that are normally balanced due to the existance of antioxidant mechanisms. The oxidative stress is produced by an unbalance between these processes that lead to the accumulation of prooxidants. That’s why many diseases have been connected with the oxidative stress.

Se expusieron las evidencias que apuntan hacia la relación entre la enfermedad periodontal inflamatoria y varias afecciones sistémicas como la aterosclerosis, los accidentes vasculares encefálicos, el infarto de miocardio y las enfermedades pulmonares. Esta enfermedad afecta a los tejidos que sostienen al diente y si bien su causa es fundamentalmente infecciosa, se reconoce que la respuesta del hospedero ante el ataque bacteriano, desempeña un papel fundamental en la evolución de la enfermedad. Aunque el fenómeno inflamatorio que se desencadena es aparentemente local, diversos estudios indican la posibilidad de participación del estrés oxidativo.The evidences of the relationship existing between the inflammatory periodontal disease and the systemic affections, such as atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular accidents, myocardial infarction and lung diseases, were approached. This disease affects the tissues supporting the tooth and even though its cause is mainly infectious, it is recognized that the response of the host to the bacterial attack plays an important role in the evolution of the disease. Although this inflammatory phenomenon is apparently local, diverse studies state the possibility of participation of the oxidative stress.

La vitamina E agrupa diferentes compuestos, dentro de los cuales se incluyen los tocoferoles y los tocotrienoles. El más importante en la especie humana es el RRR-alfa-tocoferol. Una de las funciones más importantes atribuidas a la vitamina E es su acción antioxidante. No obstante, se han observado otras no relacionadas con esta acción. Entre estas se encuentran sus efectos sobre la proliferación celular y la acción fagocítica en el sistema inmune, que a su vez se relacionan con el efecto de esta vitamina como mensajero del estado oxidativo celular. Paralelamente, existen evidencias de su relación con la apoptosis. En este trabajo pretendemos profundizar en estas funciones de la vitamina E por sus enormes potencialidades de utilización en la terapia de enfermedades médicas y estomatológicas.Vitamin E comprises different compounds such as tocopherols and tocotrienols. The most important in the human species is RRR-alpha-tocopherol. One of the main functions attributed to vitamin E is its antioxidant action. However, other functions have been observed that are not connected with this action, as its effects on cellular proliferation and the fagocitic action in the immune system that is related at the same time to the effect of this vitamin as a messenger of the oxidative cellular state. Parallel, there are other evidences of its relationship with apoptosis. In this paper we intend to go deep into these functions of vitamin E due to its great potentialities to be used in the therapy of medical and dental diseases.

Structured Lipids are generally constituents of functional foods. Growing demands for SL are based on a fuller understanding of nutritional requirements, lipid metabolism, and improved methods to produce them. Specifically, this work was aimed to add value to avocado oil by producing dietary triacylglycerols (TAG) containing medium-chain fatty acids (M) at positions sn-1,3 and long-chain fatty acids (L) at position sn-2. These MLM-type structured lipids (SL) were produced by interesterification of caprylic acid (CA) (C8:0) and avocado oil (content of C18:1). The regiospecific sn-1,3 commercial lipases Lipozyme RM IM and TL IM were used as biocatalysts to probe the potential of avocado oil to produce SL. Reactions were performed at 30-50°C for 24 h in solvent-free media with a substrate molar ratio of 1∶2 (TAG:CA) and 4-10% w/w enzyme content. The lowest incorporation of CA (1.1% mol) resulted from Lipozyme RM IM that was incubated at 50°C. The maximum incorporation of CA into sn-1,3 positions of TAG was 29.2% mol. This result was obtained at 30°C with 10% w/w Lipozyme TL IM, which is the highest values obtained in solvent-free medium until now for structured lipids of low-calories. This strategy opens a new market to added value products based on avocado oil.

Durante mucho tiempo la capacidad que tienen las membranas para transportar el agua se consideró un misterio. Múltiples evidencias apuntaban a favor de la existencia de canales acuosos. Sin embargo, no fue hasta hace alrededor de diez años que se demostró su presencia en las membranas plasmáticas. La identificación del primer canal, así como otros relacionados, permitió agruparlos en una familia de proteínas denominadas Aquaporinas que se encuentran en las membranas celulares de todas las células. Diversas enfermedades se encuentran relacionadas con el déficit y la sobreexpresión de estas estructuras entre las que se encuentra la Diabetes Nefrogénica Insípida. Nos proponemos en este trabajo, dar a conocer las características estructurales del primer canal de agua identificado, así como la importancia de estos canales en la Biomedicina. Palabras claves: aquaporinas, transporte de agua, canal acuoso, CHIP-28