COMPOSICIÓN NUTRICIONAL DE LA CARNE DE GUANACO DE LA PATAGONIA ARGENTINA / NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF GUANACO MEAT FROM PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA

Introducción: Se considera a la carne de guanaco y sus derivados un producto cárnico consumible (Art. 261, CAA). El objetivo fue evaluar los aspectos nutricionales en cortes de uso comercial (lomo y peceto) de la carne de guanaco (Lama guanicoe guanicoe), del departamento Escalante (Chubut, Argentina) durante los años 2022 y 2023. Materiales y métodos: Se obtuvieron las muestras de 10 ejemplares machos adultos. Se determinó humedad (AOAC 950.46), proteínas (AOAC 928.08), grasas totales (AOAC 960.39), cenizas (AOAC 920.153), carbohidratos (cálculo por diferencia) y colesterol (Wiener lab®). Resultados: La composición centesimal de lomo y peceto, expresada en g/100 g en base húmeda, y el contenido de colesterol, expresado en mg/100 g en base húmeda, para el año 2022, en animales faenados en la estancia La Paulina, fue: humedad 75,1±0,13 y 5,2±0,06; proteínas 22,2±0,23 y 22,3±0,18; grasas totales 0,69±0,01 y 0,68±0,02; cenizas 0,85±0,03 y 0,88±0,04; carbohidratos 1,14 y 0,95; y colesterol 58,9±4,52 y 64,4±4,20, respectivamente. No se observaron diferencias estadísticas entre la composición de ambos cortes (p>0,05). La composición centesimal de lomo y peceto, expresada en g/100 g en base húmeda, y el contenido de colesterol, expresado en mg/100 g en base húmeda, para el año 2023 fue: humedad 76,6±0,14 y 76,7±0,17; proteínas 20,6±0,21 y 20,5±0,25; grasas totales 0,58±0,03 y 0,53±0,03; cenizas 1,07±0,04 y 1,02±0,02; carbohidratos 1,21 y 1,19; y colesterol 43,5±3,17 y 37,8±2,10, respectivamente. Se observó un mayor contenido de grasa en el corte lomo (p<0,05), mientras que no se observaron diferencias estadísticas (p>0,05) para el resto de los nutrientes. Conclusiones: El guanaco es una especie abundante y silvestre, muy atractiva para el consumo humano por sus cualidades nutritivas. Este alimento autóctono representa una opción alimentaria regional, con un potencial posicionamiento en el mercado nacional e internacional como una carne exótica. La carne de guanaco presenta un contenido de proteínas ligeramente mayor, un porcentaje de grasas totales significativamente menor y un nivel de colesterol ligeramente inferior, respecto a otras carnes rojas de consumo habitual

Introduction: Guanaco meat and its derivatives are considered a consumable meat product (Art. 261, CAA). The objective was to evaluate the nutritional aspects of commercially used cuts (loin and round) of guanaco meat (Lama guanicoe guanicoe) from the Escalante department (Chubut, Argentina) during the years 2022 and 2023. Materials and Methods: Samples were obtained from 10 adult male specimens. Moisture (AOAC 950.46), protein (AOAC 928.08), total fat (AOAC 960.39), ash (AOAC 920.153), carbohydrates (calculated by difference), and cholesterol (Wiener lab®) were determined. Results: The proximate composition of loin and round, expressed as g/100 g on a wet weight basis, and the cholesterol content, expressed as mg/100 g on a wet weight basis, for the year 2022, in animals slaughtered at La Paulina ranch, was as follows: moisture 75.1±0.13 and 75.2±0.06; protein 22.2±0.23 and 22.3±0.18; total fat 0.69±0.01 and 0.68±0.02; ash 0.85±0.03 and 0.88±0.04; carbohydrates 1.14 and 0.95; and cholesterol 58.9±4.52 and 64.4±4.20, respectively. No statistical differences were observed between the composition of both cuts (p>0.05). The proximate composition of loin and round, expressed as g/100 g on a wet weight basis, and the cholesterol content, expressed as mg/100 g on a wet weight basis, for the year 2023 was as follows: moisture 76.6±0.14 and 76.7±0.17; protein 20.6±0.21 and 20.5±0.25; total fat 0.58±0.03 and 0.53±0.03; ash 1.07±0.04 and 1.02±0.02; carbohydrates 1.21 and 1.19; and cholesterol 43.5±3.17 and 37.8±2.10, respectively. A higher fat content was observed in the loin cut (p<0.05), while no statistically significant differences were observed (p>0.05) for the rest of the nutrients. Conclusions: The guanaco is an abundant and wild species, highly attractive for human consumption due to its nutritional qualities. This native food represents a regional dietary option, with potential positioning in the national and international markets as an exotic meat. Guanaco meat has a slightly higher protein content, significantly lower total fat percentage, and a slightly lower cholesterol level compared to other commonly consumed red meats

Perfil de competencias esenciales que orientan la formación de los profesionales de la salud. Documento técnico. Segunda fase: Químico(a), farmacéutico(a) psicólogo(a), nutricionista (a) y cirujano (a), dentista peruano (a) / Profile of essential competencies that guide the training of health professionals. Technical document. Second phase: Chemist, pharmacist, psychologist, nutritionist and surgeon, Peruvian dentist

El perfil de competencias esenciales para el Químico (a) Farmacéutico (a), Psicólogo (a), Nutricionista y Cirujano (a) Dentista Peruano (a) que se incorporarán a trabajar al Sistema Nacional de Salud está conformado por un número mínimo de competencias esenciales que el Sistema Nacional de Salud demanda de los futuros profesionales, las cuales podrán ser complementadas con otras competencias que las escuelas o facultades de ciencias de la salud tengan a bien considerar en el marco de su autonomía universitaria. Cabe precisar, que las competencias esenciales para el profesional Obstetra, Biólogo, Tecnólogo Médico y Médico Veterinario están pendientes de aprobación, conforme a las funciones de la Autoridad Sanitaria. Finalmente, en el presente documento de competencias esenciales que orientan la formación de los profesionales de la salud. Segunda fase: Químico(a) Farmacéutico(a), Psicólogo (a), Nutricionista y Cirujano(a) Dentista Peruano (a), cada perfil está compuesto por los siguientes campos: 1. Descripción y rol del profesional 2. Perfil de competencias: a) Propósito. b) Competencias técnicas. c) Competencias conductuales

Self-regulated learning of Natural Sciences and Mathematics future teachers: learning strategies, self-efficacy, and socio-demographic factors

Teacher education programs should have as one of their purposes the promotion of self-regulatory skills for learning among students who aspire to be teachers so that they can take a leading role in their learning and foster these skills in their future students. Considering the importance of knowing what students in teacher education programs do to study and learn, as well as how efficacious they feel to deal with academic demands, this study is part of a larger research and aims to investigate the learning and study strategies and self-efficacy for learning beliefs of 220 students enrolled in teacher education programs in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics of a Higher Education Institution in the state of Piauí, and examine them in relation to age, gender, licentiate area, and course semester. Brazilian translations of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI ­ Third Edition) and the Self-efficacy for Learning Form were used for data collection. Scales were administered in the classrooms both through online platforms and in paper and pencil. Nonparametric inferential statistical pproaches were used to test hypotheses regarding group differences. Statistically significant differences were found in LASSI in relation to gender, licentiate area, and course semester. Overall, students in Physics dealt better with anxiety; in Mathematics showed more favorable attitudes towards learning; in Chemistry reported an aging their time better; in Biological Science showed significantly lower scores on many scales than did other students. Findings from this study could help inform curricular design decisions regarding teacher education programs and inform the design of interventions to strengthen the learning and study strategies and the self-efficacy for learning beliefs of future teachers.

Planejamento, síntese e avaliação biológica de candidatos a fármacos: busca de inibidores epigenéticos da Sirtuína 2 Sir2 / Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of drug candidates: search for Sirtuin 2 (Sir 2) epigenetic inhibitors

As doenças negligenciadas são causadas por agentes infecciosos e parasitários, como vírus, bactérias, protozoários e helmintos. Essas doenças são prevalentes em populações de baixa renda que vivem em países em desenvolvimento e são responsáveis por incapacitar e levar milhares de pessoas à morte. Este nome se dá pois, apesar de sua grande relevância médica, recebem pouca atenção dos governos e indústrias farmacêuticas. Dentre essas doenças podemos destacar a Doença de Chagas, doença infecciosa causada pelo parasita hemoflagelado Trypanosoma cruzi. Endêmica em 21 países, com 6 a 7 milhões de pessoas infectadas resultando em 7500 mortes por ano. A quimioterapia disponível contra essa parasitose é baseada em apenas dois medicamentos, o benznidazol e o nifurtimox, ativos principalmente na fase aguda da doença e com efeitos adversos graves que comprometem a adesão ao tratamento e, além disso, apesar dos enormes esforços na pesquisa de novos agentes antichagásicos em nível nacional e internacional, na maioria realizada academicamente, ainda não foram encontradas alternativas terapêuticas para a doença, persistindo, assim, a necessidade de descoberta e desenvolvimento de novos fármacos. O início de um planejamento de um novo fármaco se dá pela definição de um alvo bioquímico a ser utilizado na busca de moléculas que possam exercer a função de inibidores ou moduladores, conforme a atividade biológica desejada. Neste sentido, as sirtuínas 2 (Sir2) são enzimas que se mostraram essenciais para o crescimento in vitro do T. cruzi em suas formas amastigota e epimastigota. No caso de tripanossomatídeos, em geral, a superexpressão de Sir2 está relacionada à sobrevivência de formas amastigotas. Assim, essas evidências indicam que a Sir2 de tripanosomatídeos tem grande potencial como alvo biológico na busca e desenvolvimento de novos fármacos antichagásicos. O objetivo principal deste projeto foi identificar moléculas que apresentaram atividade inibitória para a sirtuína 2 de T. cruzi por meio da utilização da estratégia de Planejamento de Fármacos Baseada no Ligante - Ligand Based Drug Design (LBDD) e o desenvolvimento de análogos dos inibidores da Sir2. A modificação molecular está entre algumas das técnicas tradicionais usadas no desenvolvimento racional de um fármaco, e é usada principalmente no desenvolvimento de análogos, e busca melhorar as propriedades farmacocinéticas e/ou farmacodinâmicas de um protótipo, obter propriedades de interação semelhantes ao alvo e, em alguns casos, revelar uma atividade biológica. Com este intuito, análogos do sirtinol e da salermida foram sintetizados e uma nova rota sintética utilizando o microrreator em fluxo contínuo foi desenvolvida e apresentou rendimento superior quando comparado à síntese em bancada. A partir desta metodologia foram obtidos 20 compostos. Os ensaios in vitro contra formas amastigotas do T. cruzi indicaram que 8 compostos inibiram a atividade parasitária em mais de 50%, na dose de 10 µM, sendo que alguns destes apresentaram maior inibição parasitária quando comparados ao benznidazol, o fármaco de referência e único disponível no Brasil. Com estes resultados preliminares, novos ensaios estão sendo realizados para identificar potência e mecanismo de ação destes candidatos a agentes tripanomicidas

Neglected diseases are caused by infectious and parasitic agents such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa and helminths. These diseases are prevalent in low-income populations living in developing countries and are responsible for disabling and killing thousands of people. They get this name because, despite their great medical relevance, they end up receiving little attention from governments and pharmaceutical industries. Among these diseases, we can highlight Chagas disease, an infectious endemic disease caused by the hemoflagellate parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This disease is endemic in 21 countries, with 6 to 7 million people infected resulting in 7,500 deaths per year. Chemotherapy is based on just two drugs, benznidazole and nifurtimox, which are mainly active in the acute phase of the disease. These drugs have adverse effects that compromise adherence, even more, considering that they are not effective from the point of view of the chronic phase of the disease. Despite the enormous efforts in researching new anti-chagasic agents at the national and international level, and mostly carried out academically, therapeutic alternatives for the disease have not yet been found, thus, the need for the discovery and development of new drugs persists. Sirtuins 2 (Sir2) are enzymes that have been shown to be essential for the in vitro growth of T. cruzi in its amastigote and epimastigote forms. In the case of trypanosomatids in general, Sir2 overexpression is related to the survival of amastigote forms. Sir2 inhibitors, such as sirtinol, have shown efficacy in leishmanicides. Thus, these evidences indicate that Sir2 from trypanosomatids can be considered as a biological target in the search and development of new anti-chagasic drugs. The beginning of a new drug planning study is the definition of a biochemical target to be used in the search for molecules that can play the role of inhibitors or modulators, according to the desired biological activity. The main objective of this project was to identify molecules that presented inhibitory activity to sirtuin 2 of T. cruzi using the Ligand Based Drug Design (LBDD) strategy of planning and the development of analogues of Sir2 inhibitors. Molecular modification is a traditional technique used in the rational development of a drug, as well as the use of natural products, combinatorial chemistry, high-throughput screening (HTS), among others. Mainly used in the development of analogues, molecular modification is applied for different purposes, among them, it seeks to improve the pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic properties of a prototype, obtain target-like interaction properties and, in some cases, reveal an activity biological. For this purpose, analogues of sirtinol and salermide were synthesized and a new synthetic route using the microreactor in continuous flow was developed and presented superior yield when compared to benchtop synthesis. From this methodology, 20 compounds were obtained. in vitro assays against amastigote forms of T. cruzi indicated that 8 compounds inhibited parasitic activity by more than 50% at a dose of 10 µM, and some of these showed greater parasitic inhibition when compared to benznidazole, the reference drug, and only available in Brazil. With these preliminary results, new assays are being carried out to identify the potency and mechanism of action of these candidate trypanocidal agents

O uso de mapas conceituais e curtas metragens de temática química no estudo de temas da Sociologia / The use of conceptual maps and short films about chemical theme in the study of sociology themes

O objetivo deste estudo interdisciplinar foi usar curtas metragens produzidos por estudantes do ensino médio sobre temas da Química para o ensino de Sociologia. Neste sentido, foram produzidos mapas conceituais pelos estudantes, após a discussão dos curtas metragens, sob uma perspectiva sociológica. Nossos resultados mostram que os mapas conceituais podem atuar como instrumentos facilitadores para a aprendizagem, capazes de estimular a pesquisa e promover a autonomia dos estudantes durante o processo de construção do conhecimento.

The aimof this interdisciplinary study was useshort films produced by high school students about chemical themes to Sociology teaching. In this way, conceptual maps were constructedby students after short films discussion under a social perspective. Our results showed that conceptual maps could act as facilitating learning instrument, able to stimulate research and to promote student autonomy during the knowledge construction process.

Estrategias didácticas innovadoras y actitud emprendedora en estudiantes universitarios de biotecnología y química / Innovative teaching strategies and entrepreneurial attitude in Biotechnology and Chemistry university students

Introducción: El emprendimiento es la actitud y aptitud que toma un sujeto para iniciar un nuevo proyecto a través de ideas y oportunidades, su gestión eficiente dota al estudiante universitario de las herramientas necesarias para su implementación. Objetivo: Evaluar la percepción de los estudiantes sobre las estrategias didácticas aplicadas en la cátedra de Emprendimiento de Biotecnología y Química de la Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH). Métodos: Se realizó una investigación exploratoria con la participación de 50 estudiantes de Biotecnología y Química de la universidad mencionada, aplicando durante la asignatura de Emprendimiento una estrategia didáctica innovadora, previamente evaluada como pertinente por un grupo de 13 expertos. La percepción del estudiantado fue evaluada a través de un cuestionario (7 preguntas), aplicado al finalizar la asignatura, analizando los datos con estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: Se calificó las preguntas incluidas en el cuestionario con el máximo valor de acuerdo; existiendo diferencias significativas en relación al sexo en la percepción sobre la disminución de los niveles de estrés durante la clase, cambios en la actitud emprendedora y utilidad de la asignatura para el futuro desarrollo emprendedor. La prueba Rho de Spearman determinó interesantes correlaciones entre las preguntas del cuestionario, especialmente las relacionadas con que la generación de un buen ambiente de aprendizaje, la disminución de los niveles de estrés en la clase y las relaciones profesor-estudiante. Conclusiones: La aplicación de estrategias didácticas-innovadoras mejora el impacto que la asignatura de Emprendimiento tiene sobre la formación de la actitud emprendedora del estudiantado(AU)

Introduction: Entrepreneurship is the attitude and aptitude that a subject takes to start a new project through ideas and opportunities, its efficient management allows equipping the university student with the necessary tools for its implementation. Objective: To evaluate the students' perception of the didactic strategies applied in the Chair of Entrepreneurship in Biotechnology and Chemistry careers of Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH). Methods: An exploratory research was carried out with the participation of 50 Biotechnology and Chemistry students from the mentioned university, to whom an innovative didactic strategy was applied during the Entrepreneurship course, which was previously evaluated as relevant by a group of 13 experts. The perception of the students was evaluated through a questionnaire with 7 questions, which was applied at the end of the course and whose data were analyzed by applying descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Most of the students rated the questions included in the questionnaire with the highest value of agreement. There are significant differences according to gender in the perception of the decrease in stress levels during class, changes in entrepreneurial attitude and the usefulness of the subject for future entrepreneurial development. Using the Spearman Rho test, interesting correlations were determined between the questions of the questionnaire, especially those related to the generation of a good learning environment, the reduction of stress levels in the class and teacher-student relationships. Conclusions: The application of didactic-innovative strategies improves the impact that the Entrepreneurship course has on the entrepreneurial attitude formation of the student body(AU)

Detección de aflatoxina M1 en muestras de leche cruda de vacas en tanques de enfriamiento en Boyacá (Colombia) / Detection of aflatoxin M1 in raw cow milk samples in cooling tanks in Boyacá (Colombia)

RESUMEN Una de las principales formas de contaminación de la leche con micotoxinas es el consumo de alimentos fermentados que se encuentran contaminados con mohos principalmente de Aspergillus spp., los cuales producen toxinas que pueden llegar a constituirse como un problema para la salud publica debido a su estabilidad térmica y química. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue detectar las concentraciones de aflatoxina M1 en muestras de leche de vacas en tanques de enfriamiento en cuatro municipios del departamento de Boyacá durante un año, determinando las variaciones de acuerdo con la temporada. Se realizó un estudio de corte longitudinal, descriptivo cuantitativo. Se seleccionaron aleatoriamente cuatro tanques de enfriamiento de cuatro municipios distintos del departamento; cada uno se muestreó dos veces al mes durante todo el período de estudio y se procesaron mediante metodología Charm Ez Lite . Se realizó un ANDEVA para determinar las diferencias estadísticas entre las concentraciones de la aflatoxina M1 por cada trimestre. Se determinaron diferencias estadísticas entre cada uno de los trimestres del estudio encontrando un porcentaje de positividad de 74,06% del total de muestras positivas en los trimestres de verano. 28,12% (108) de las muestras tomadas durante todo el estudio fueron positivas, con concentraciones de la toxina que oscilaron entre 0,5 y 2,0 μg/Kg de leche. Se determinó por primera vez en el departamento de Boyacá las concentraciones y variaciones estacionales de aflatoxina M1 en muestras de tanques de enfriamiento de leche, encontrando las mayores concentraciones y número de casos positivos de aflatoxina M1 en los meses de verano.

ABSTRACT One of the main forms of contamination of milk with mycotoxins is the consumption of fermented foods that are contaminated with mold, mainly Aspergillus spp, which produce toxins that can become a public health problem due to their thermal and chemical stability. The objective of the present work was to detect aflatoxin M1 concentrations in cows' milk samples in cooling tanks in four municipalities of the department of Boyacá for one year, determining the variations according to the season. A longitudinal, quantitative descriptive study was carried out, four cooling tanks from four different municipalities in the department were randomly selected, each tank, in each municipality, was sampled twice a month throughout the study period and processed using Charm methodology Ez Lite®, an ANDEVA was performed to determine the statistical differences between aflatoxin M1 concentrations for each quarter. Statistical differences were determined between each of the quarters of the study, finding a positivity percentage of 74.06% of the total positive samples in the summer quarters. 28.12% (108) of the samples taken throughout the study were positive, with toxin concentrations ranging between 0.5 and 2.0 μg/Kg of milk. Seasonal concentrations and variations of aflatoxin M1 in milk cooling tank samples were determined for the first time in the department of Boyacá, finding the highest concentrations and number of positive cases of aflatoxin M1 in the summer months.

Partnering ethics and chemistry in secondary and university STEM education via an innovatively designed periodic table of chemical elements / Ética y química asociadas en la educación secundaria y universitaria STEM, a través de una tabla periódica de elementos químicos de diseño innovador / Associando ética e química na educação stem secundária e universitária via uma tabela periódica de elementos químicos desenvolvida de forma innovadora

As declared by the United Nations, 2019 is the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements. Accordingly, an innovative new Periodic Table of Chemical Elements and Ethics [PETE] has been developed as an educational tool for secondary and university STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education. The tool is designed to be used in a case-based approache that is feasible to both individual and small group learners. Specifically, with the new periodic table, STEM becomes aligned with STSE (Science and Technology on Society and Environment), laying a curricular pathway for integrating discussions of ethics into the teaching of chemistry. Presented is the table, as well as sources for pairable ethics cases, and guidance for teachers to create curriculum which facilitates connections between ethics, chemistry, and society.

Según lo declarado por las Naciones Unidas, 2019 es el Año Internacional de la Tabla Periódica de Elementos Químicos. En consecuencia, se ha desarrollado una nueva e innovadora tabla periódica de elementos químicos y ética [PETE] como una herramienta educativa para la educación secundaria y universitaria STEM (Ciencia, Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemáticas). La herramienta está diseñada para usarse en un enfoque basado en casos que sea factible tanto para estudiantes individuales como para grupos pequeños. Específicamente, con la nueva tabla periódica, STEM se alinea con STSE (Ciencia y Tecnología en Sociedad y Medio Ambiente), estableciendo una vía curricular para integrar las discusiones de ética en la enseñanza de la química. Se presenta la tabla, así como las fuentes de casos de ética que se pueden pactar, y orientación para que los maestros creen un plan de estudios que facilite las conexiones entre la ética, la química y la sociedad.

Como declarado pelas Nações Unidas, 2019 é o Ano Internacional da Tabela Periódica de Elementos Químicos. Portanto, uma inovadora e nova Tabela Periódica de Elementos Químicos e Ética (PETE, sigla em inglês) foi desenvolvida como uma ferramenta educacional para educação STEM (sigla em inglês para Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática) secundária e universitária. A ferramenta é elaborada para ser usada em uma abordagem baseada em casos, viável tanto para aprendizagem individual como de pequenos grupos. Especificamente, com a nova tabela periódica, STEM se alinha com STSE (sigla em inglês para Ciência e Tecnologia na Sociedade e Ambiente), estabelecendo uma via curricular para integrar discussões de ética no ensino de química. Apresenta-se a tabela, bem como fontes de casos éticos pareados, e orientação para professores criarem um currículo que facilite conexões entre ética, química e sociedade.

Analysis of medication characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine in treating COVID-19 based on data mining / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVE@#To analysis the medication characteristics of the prescriptions issued via open channel by the National and Provincial Health Committee and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine in treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).@*METHODS@#We collected the data of traditional Chinese medicine related to treatment plans published by the National and Provincial Health Committee and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine from the start of COVID-19 outbreak to February 19, 2020. The frequency analysis, cluster analysis and association analysis were performed.@*RESULTS@#The study collected 4 national and 34 regional prevention and treatment plans, 578 items, 84 traditional Chinese formulations, 60 Chinese patent medicines, and 230 Chinese herbs. The high frequently used herbs were , and . The commonly used traditional formulations included decoction, powder, and decoction. The Chinese patent drugs included pill, injection, and capsule. The most common paired medications were and and Two core combinations and one novel formula were discovered in the study.@*CONCLUSIONS@# powder and decoction are the basic formulations for syndrome of COVID-19. In addition, decoction, powder, decoction and decoction are the basic formulations for syndrome of COVID-19. The main medication characteristics are clearing heat, entilating lung, removing toxicity and removing turbidity. It shows that removing toxicity and eliminating evil are the prescription thought in treating epidemic disease of traditional Chinese medicine.

Follow-up testing of viral nucleic acid in discharged patients with moderate type of COVID-19 / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical outcome of patients with moderate type of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after discharge by retesting viral nucleic acid.@*METHODS@#Seven patients with moderate COVID-19 met the discharge criteria enacted by National Health Commission were quarantined in hospital for 7 days, then continuously quarantined at home for 4 weeks after discharged. During the quarantined period, the symptoms and signs were documented, and sputum or nasal swab and feces samples were collected to test SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid by RT-PCR method.@*RESULTS@#There was no symptoms and signs during the quarantine period in all 7 patients. However, respiratory swabs from 3 patients were confirmed positive of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid at 5 to 7 days after they met the discharge criteria.@*CONCLUSIONS@#There is a relatively high incidence of positive viral nucleic acid in patients met the discharge criteria, and it is suggested that patients met the current discharge criteria should be quarantined in hospital for another 7 days and the follow-up viral testing is necessary.

LC-MS/MS analysis of pharmacokinetics of 3, 29-dibenzoyl karounitriol in rats following administration of Trichosanthes sustained-release pellets / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVE@#To study the plasma concentration and pharmacokinetics of 3, 29-Dibenzoyl Karounitriol (3, 29-DK) from sustained- release pellets and extracts of Trichosanthes at different time points in rats using high-performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).@*METHODS@#Healthy male SD rats were given a single gavage of Trichosanthes sustained-release pellets or Trichosanthes extract, and orbital blood samples were taken at different time points within 48 h after drug administration in the pellet group and within 5 h in Trichosanthes extract group for determination of the plasma concentrations of 3, 29-DK using LC-MS/MS. The standard curve of 3, 29-DK content was established, and the specificity, minimum detection limit, precision and accuracy, extraction recovery, stability and matrix effect of LC-MS/MS analysis were assessed. The mean plasms levels of 3, 29-DK at different time points after the drug administration were determined and its pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using Das 2.0 software.@*RESULTS@#LC-MS/MS analysis showed a good linearity of 3, 29-DK concentration within the range of 0.5-32 ng/mL, and the results of methodological validation confirmed the validity of this method for biological sample determination. Trichosanthes sustained-release pellets and Trichosanthes extract showed significant differences in their AUC, AUC, MRT, MRT, t and T of 3, 29-DK after administration in rats ( < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Trichosanthes sustained-release pellets are capable of sustained-release of 3, 29-DK in rats, and thus provides a basis for the study of new dosage forms of Trichosanthes.

Grey correlation analysis and path analysis between isoflavones content in Astragali Radix and climate factors / 中国中药杂志

In this study, HPLC was used to determine the content of the four isoflavones of Astragalus membranceus var. mongholicus from different regions(calycosin-7-glucoside, ononin, calycosin and formononetin), and gray correlation analysis and path analysis were used to explore the influence of climate factors on the content of isoflavone components in A. membranceus var. mongholicus. The results showed that there were significant differences in the content of the four isoflavones in different areas(P<0.05); grey correlation analysis showed that the highest temperature in July, the lowest temperature in January and the daily average temperature had a greater impact on the content of flavonoid glycosides, meanwhile precipitation and relative humidity were the more important factors for the accumulation of flavonoid aglycones. According to the general analysis, the direct positive effects of the lowest temperature in January and altitude on the contents of four isoflavones in A. membranceus var. mongholicus were significant. High altitude and extreme temperature conditions might be more adverse to the formation and accumulation of isoflavone components. Therefore, the religions of A. membranceus var. mongholicus with high contents of isoflavones should be chosen the low altitude region with higher minimum temperature in January. This study provides a reference basis for the quality evaluation of A. membranceus var. mongholicus, and basic data for the selection of suitable habitat, construction of planting standards and directional cultivation of medicinal materials in A. membranceus var. mongholicus.

Research progress in application and mechanism of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus for prevention and treatment of liver diseases / 中国中药杂志

Schisandra is the mature fruit of Schisandra chinensis(known as "north Schisandra") or S. shenanthera(known as "south Schisandra"). S. chinensis contains a variety of lignans, volatile oils, polysaccharides, organic acids and other chemical constituents; among them, lignans are recognized as the characteristic active components. Clinical studies have found that Schisandra and Schisandra-related products have a better effect in the prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, liver cirrhosis, liver failure and other liver diseases. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Schisandra has a variety of pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammation, antioxidation, anticancer, regulation of nuclear receptor, antivirus, regulation of cytochrome P450 enzyme, inhibition of liver cell apoptosis and promotion of liver regeneration. This paper reviews the studies about the applications and mechanism of Schisandra in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases, in the expectation of providing guidance for the development of hepatoprotective drugs from Schisandra and the clinical applications of Schisandra-related products.

Preparation of highly sensitive monoclonal antibody against aflatoxin B_1 and its application in rapid detection of contamination in Ziziphi Spinosae Semen / 中国中药杂志

A highly sensitive monoclonal antibody against aflatoxin B_1(AFB_1) was prepared and an indirect competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ic-ELISA) was established based on the antibody which was used for high-throughput and rapid screening of AFB_1 contamination in Chinese herbal medicines to ensure the safety of medication. In this study, the structure of AFB_1 was modified by improved oxime method, and the carrier protein was coupled by EDC-NHS method to obtain the complete antigen of AFB_1, which was more convenient and environmental friendly. The Balb/c female mice were immunized using increasing the immunization dose and various ways of injection, and finally the AFB_1 monoclonal antibody was prepared. The AFB_1 monoclonal antibody belongs to IgG_(2 b) immunoglobulin by identifying its immunological characteristics, and its sensitivity(IC_(50)) can reach 0.15 μg·L~(-1), and the affi-nity is 2.81×10~8 L·mol~(-1). The cross-reaction rates of AFB_2, AFG_1, and AFG_2 were 35.07%, 8.75%, and 1.15%, respectively, and there was almost no cross-reactivity with other mycotoxins. Based on the high sensitivity and specificity of the antibody, an ic-ELISA method was established and applied to the determination of AFB_1 contamination in Ziziphi Spinosae Semen. According to the matrix matching standard curve, the linear concentration range for AFB_1 was 0.05-0.58 μg·L~(-1)(R~2=0.992), the recoveries were 88.00%-119.0%, and the detection limit was 1.69 μg·kg~(-1). The AFB_1 in 33 batches of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen samples was determined by ic-ELISA, and the contamination level was 3.62-206.58 μg·kg~(-1). The linear correlation coefficient between the detection results of ic-ELISA and UHPLC-MS/MS was 0.996, and there were no false positive and false negative cases. It indicates that the established ic-ELISA is accurate and reliable, and could provide a simple and effective technique for fast screening of AFB_1 contamination in Ziziphi Spinosae Semen, and also could be considered as the reference for the detection and monitoring of AFB_1 contamination in other Chinese herbal medicines.

Recent progress of positron radionuclide labeled small molecule inhibitors of prostate specific membrane antigen for PET/CT imaging of prostate cancer / 生物医学工程学杂志

Prostate cancer is the most common tumor of the urinary system, and its mortality rate is second only to lung cancer. With the specific and high expression on the surface of prostate cancer cells, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has been an ideal theranostic target of prostate cancer with great clinical significance and research value. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), a new modality of molecular imaging combining functional metabolic information and anatomical structure, provides high diagnostic performance for cancer detection. This paper mainly reviewed recent progress of PSMA inhibitors labeled by positron-emitting radionuclides for early diagnosis, preoperative staging, response assessment, restaging and metastasis detection of prostate cancer.

Expression analysis of transcription factor ERF gene family of Panax ginseng / 中国中药杂志

Ethylene responsive factor(ERF), one of the largest families of transcriptional factors in plants, plays a key role in se-condary metabolism of herbal plants. To analyze the expression of ERF family genes, the heat map clustering method was used by analyzing the ginseng transcriptomes of different parts and different growth years. The contents of ginsenosides Rg_1, Re and Rb_1 in various concentrations of MeJA-treated ginseng adventitious roots were determined by UPLC-MS/MS method. The expression of key genes of ginsenoside biosynthesis(DDS, CYP716A47, CYP716A53v2) and ERF family genes in MeJA-treated ginseng adventitious roots were determined by using real-time quantitative PCR. Pearson correlation was adopted to analyze the gene expression pattern of DDS, CYP716A47, CYP716A53v2 gene and ERF family. The results showed that the content of ginseng diol ginsenoside Rb_1 in ginseng adventitious roots treated with different concentrations of MeJA increased, and the content of ginseng triol ginsenoside Rg_1 and Re decreased. It is consistent with the increase of DDS and CYP716A47 expression and the decrease of CYP716A53v2 gene expression. The expression of ERF003, ERF118 and ERF012 genes was significantly positively correlated with CYP716A53v2, but negatively correlated with DDS. While the expression of ERF1B was significantly negatively correlated with CYP716A47.It is proved that ERF003, ERF118 and ERF012 were likely to inhibit the expression of DDS and promote the expression of CYP716A53v2, and ERF1B was likely to inhibit CYP716A47. This work could provide theoretical basis of ERF functional verification of regulating the biosynthesis of ginsenosides.

Changes in chemical compositions of Chrysanthemi Flos after frying and protective effects on CCl_4-induced acute liver injury in mice / 中国中药杂志

To reveal the processing mechanism of Chrysanthemi Flos from the changes of chemical compositions after frying and its effect on the efficacy of liver protection. Ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and ultra high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) were used for the qualitative and quantitative researches of chemical compositions before and after Chrysanthemi Flos frying. Progenesis QI and SPSS software were used for principal component analysis(PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA), variable importance projection(VIP) analysis and t-test to identify the compositions with significant changes. Pharmacodynamics experiment was used to investigate the protective effect of crude and fried Chrysanthemi Flos on CCl_4-induced acute liver injury in mice. According to mass spectrometry data, there were 28 chemical compositions in crude and fried Chrysanthemi Flos, mainly including flavonoids and organic acids. 13 compositions such as luteolin, apigenin and luteolin glycoside were increased significantly after frying, while 7 compositions such as chlorogenic acid, luteolin-7-O-glucuronide and apigenin-7-O-glucuronide were decreased significantly after frying. Through principal component analysis, crude and fried Chrysanthemi Flos products were divided into two categories, indicating that there were internal differences in quality. The results of liver injury protection experiment in mice showed that the AST, ALT and MDA contents were significantly decreased and SOD level was increased in mice with liver injury in both the high and medium dose groups. Histopathological examination showed that crude and fried Chrysanthemi Flos can protect the liver by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration, reducing steatosis, and repairing damaged liver cells. The results of this study showed that the chemical compositions had obvious changes after frying, and both crude and fried Chrysanthemis Flos had protective effects on CCl_4-induced acute liver injury in mice. In addition, in the range of high, medium and low doses, the liver protection effect of crude and fried Chrysanthemi Flos increased with the increase of dose. The experiment results provided reference for the mechanism of fried Chrysanthemi Flos and clinical selection of processed products.

Simultaneous rapid detection of ten stilbenes in serum of mice by UPLC-MS/MS / 中国中药杂志

Stilbenes is a class of natural polyphenols with 1,2-diphenylethylene as the skeleton structure which have structural and active diversity. However, there are fewer studies on their metabolic process, which limits the in-depth research and development of such components. An UPLC-MS/MS method simultaneously determining contents of ten stilbenes was firstly established in this study and applied to study the ten stilbenes of peony seed coats in the serum of C57 mice.Piceatannol was the internal standard, and methanol was used for protein precipitation, UPLC-MS/MS with negative ion mode was used for analysis, and the method was validated.The serum samples were collected and detected after mice being oral administered with 800 mg·kg~(-1) peony seed coat extracts for 8 weeks. The results showed that suffruticosol A, suffruticosol B, suffruticosol C, trans-ε-viniferin, cis-gnetin H, trans-suffruticosol D and trans-gnetin H were detected in serum samples, and the highest is suffruticosol A. The method is simple and quick with high specificity and sensitivity, and it is suitable for quantitative determination of ten stilbenes in the serum of mice.

Composition of Ophiopogon Polysaccharide, Notoginseng Total Saponins and Rhizoma Coptidis Alkaloids Inhibits the Myocardial Apoptosis on Diabetic Atherosclerosis Rabbit / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of Composition of Ophiopogon polysaccharide, Notoginseng total saponins and Rhizoma Coptidis alkaloids (CONR) on myocardial apoptosis of diabetic atherosclerosis (DA) rabbits METHODS: Sixty male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 6 groups [control group, model group, CONR high-dose group (450 mg/kg), CONR medium-dose group (150 mg/kg), CONR low-dose group (50 mg/kg), and simvastatin group] by using a completely random method, 10 in each group. DA model was established by intravenously injected alloxan combined with high-fat diet and abdominal aortic balloon injury. After mediation for 10 weeks, fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (GHB), glycosylated serum protein (GSP), fructoseamine (FRA), aldose reductase (AR), advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in serum were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method; the expression of receptor of AGEs (RAGE) in myocardial tissue were observed by immunohistochemical method; and p-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma-2 (bcl-2) protein expression in myocardial tissue were measured by Western blotting. The myocardial apoptosis was detected by TdT-mediated dUTPnick-end labeling (TUNEL) method, and apoptosis index (AI) was calculated.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, serum FBG, GHB, GSP, FRA, AR, AGEs and the expression of myocardium RAGE, p-JNK, caspase-3 proteins, as well as apoptosis index (AI) were significantly increased and bcl-2 protein was significantly decreased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the levels of serum FBG, GHB, GSP, FRA and AR showed a significant decline in CONR high- and medium-dose groups (P<0.01). FBG and GHB showed a significant decline in CONR low-dose group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of serum AGEs and myocardium RAGE, p-JNK and caspase-3 protein as well as AI were significantly decreased and bcl-2 protein was significantly up-regulated in all treatment groups (P<0.01); high-dose CONR had the most significant effect on abovementioned indices compared with other treatment groups (P<0.01). Middle-dose CONR had better effect on serum AGEs compared with the low-dose group (P<0.01); middle-dose CONR and simvastatin groups had better effect on the expression of caspase-3, bcl-2 protein, myocardium apoptosis compared with the CONR low-dose group (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#CONR may effectively inhibit myocardial apoptosis on DA rabbits by intervening AGEs-RAGE and JNK, caspase-3, and bcl-2 protein expressions.

Combination of Korean Red Ginseng Extract and Hydrogen-Rich Water Improves Spermatogenesis and Sperm Motility in Male Mice / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of hydrogen-rich Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) water (HRGW) mixture on the spermatogenesis and sperm motility of mice of different ages.@*METHODS@#Eighty young (3 month-old) and aged (12 month-old) male mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n =10 per group) including control group, hydrogen-rich water (HRW) group (10 mL/kg daily), KRG group (50 mg/kg daily) and HRGW group (10 mL/kg and 50 mg/kg daily) by an oral zoned needle for 4 weeks. Sperm count and motility were measured using sperm suspension released from cauda epididymis. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in serum have also been estimated. Tubular changes were examined through histological hematoxylin and eosin staining. Expression of antioxidation (PPx3, PPx4, GSTm5 and GPx4), spermatogenesis (inhibin-a, neptin-2 and CREM), antiaging (SIRT1 and SIRT2), and angiogenesis [visfatin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] related genes were examined through real-time polymerase chain reaction.@*RESULTS@#HRW and KRG treatment stimulated spermatogenesis followed by increasing sperm production and sperm motility (P <0.05). These effects were strengthened synergistically by a HRGW mixture (P <0.05 or P <0.01). HRGW greatly increased the expressions of antioxidation, antiaging, spermatogenesis related genes and VEGF especially in aged mice (P <0.05). Serum testosterone and FSH levels also increased, while serum ROS level decreased (all P <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#HRGW increases sperm production and motility by enhancing antioxidation and stimulating spermatogenesis and sex hormone production, particularly in aged mice.