Interstitial implantation of 125I radioactive seeds for low rectal cancer with anal sphincter preservation / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To assess the effectiveness and characteristics of intratumoral radioactive seed implantation in low rectal cancer with anal sphincter preservation.Methods:Clinical data of 8 patients (not willing or can not to undergo radical resection of rectal carcinoma) with low rectal cancer receiving radioactive seed implantation with anal sphincter preservation were retrospectively analyzed.Results:All the 8 patients successfully completed intratumoral radioactive seed implantation. Preoperative clinical symptoms of discomfort were significantly improved, and CEA levels decreased significantly. Colonoscopy and CT examination showed that tumor disappeared in 4 cases, anal function was successfully preserved in all patients. The mean survival time was 32.4 months.Conclusions:Intratumoral radioactive seed implantation in low rectal cancer with anal sphincter preservation can effectively improve the quality of life of patients.

Isolation and characterization of histamine-producing, multi-drug-resistant Enterococcus species in fermented oil bean seeds in Nsukka, Nigeria

Aims@#The microbiological qualities of fermented oil bean seeds depend on the indigenous microflora, personal and environmental hygiene of the handlers and the food environments. This study was aimed to evaluate the incidence of histamine-producing, multi-drug-resistant Enterococcus isolates from oil bean seeds during fermentation. @*Methodology and results@#Histamine extraction and analysis were performed on randomly sampled oil bean seeds. Histamine producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated, from where Enterococcus species were further isolated. Strain-specific identification and antibiotic sensitivity tests were carried out on the identified Enterococcus isolates. Histamine was detected in fermented seeds. Enterococcus strains were identified among the histamine-producing fermenters. These include E. faecalis HA5, E. faecium VB976, E. faecium LMEM18, E. gallinarum M190262 and E. gilvus CR1. Enterococcus faecalis HA5, E. faecium VB976, E. faecium LMEM18, E. gallinarum M190262 and E. gallinarum were resistant to Ampiclox, Amoxicillin, Ceftriaxone, Ciprofloxacin and Erythromycin. Enterococcus faecium VB976, E. faecium LMEM18 and E. gallinarum M190262 were resistant to Streptomycin and Gentamycin. Enterococcus faecalis HA5 was intermediately resistant to Streptomycin and Gentamycin but sensitive to Vancomycin, while E. gilvus was intermediately resistant to Ampiclox, Amoxicillin and Gentamycin but sensitive to Ceftriaxone, Vancomycin, Ciprofloxacin, Streptomycin and Erythromycin.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The pathogenic and histamine-producing abilities of Enterococcus pose serious public health hazard. This is complicated by their resistance to a wide range of antibiotics. Therefore, improving the hygienic practices and regulating fermentation conditions is essential to curtailing histamine production and growth of fermenters with pathogenic potentials and ensuring the safety of the product.

Methods for Identifying Seeds of Chinese Medicinal Materials： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Seeds are the source for the production of Chinese medicinal materials. The seed authenticity and quality of directly affect the effectiveness and safety of Chinese medicinal materials. The seed quality is faced with the problems such as mixed sources， existence of adulterants and seeds stocked for years， low maturity， and low purity. To ensure the high-quality and sustainable development of the Chinese medicinal material industry， it is urgent to standardize the seed market and identify and evaluate the quality of the seeds circulating in the market. Seed identification methods include visual inspection， microscopic observation， micro-character identification， chemical fingerprinting， molecular identification， electronic nose， X-ray diffraction， electrochemical fingerprinting， spectral imaging， and artificial intelligence. These methods have different application scopes and unique advantages and disadvantages. According to the different species of Chinese herbal medicines and different requirements of testing sites， suitable methods can be selected to achieve rapid and accurate identification with low costs. In the future， the seed identification methods should be developed based on emerging technologies with interdisciplinary knowledge， and intelligent， nondestructive， and single-grain detection methods are needed for the modern Chinese medicinal material industry. This paper introduces the seed identification technologies currently applied in research and production， compares the principles， applicability， advantages， and disadvantages of different technologies， and provides an outlook on the future development of seed identification technologies， aiming to provide a reference for the identification and quality evaluation of seeds of Chinese medicinal material.

The value of spectral CT combined with metal artifact reduction algorithms in improving the CT image quality for patients with 125I seeds implantation in the chest and abdomen / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of the virtual monoenergetic image (VMI) obtained by a new dual-layer detector spectral CT combined with metal artifact reduction algorithms(O-MAR) in reduction of different types of artifacts caused by 125I seeds implantation and in improvement of the post-operative CT image quality. Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. Thirty-five patients who underwent dual-layer detector spectral CT scanning of the chest and abdomen after 125I seeds implantation were retrospectively included at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from March to September 2022. The spectral data were collected and reconstructed into conventional CT image (CI), VMI image (50-150 keV, 20 keV/level), CI+O-MAR image, and VMI+O-MAR image (50-150 keV, 20 keV/level). The artifacts′ removal effects and image quality improvement in each group were evaluated. Two slices with the strongest artifacts were selected for analysis for each patient, resulting in a total of 70 slices. Objective indicators including artifact index (AI), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of soft tissue regions affected by artifacts were measured and calculated. Subjective indicators including the overcorrected artifacts and new artifacts, the different forms of artifacts, the diagnosis of artifacts, and the image quality were assessed. One-way analysis of variance was used for comparisons among multiple groups. Paired t test was used to compare the quantitative indicators between the combined O-MAR group and the non-O-MAR group. Kappa statistics was used to evaluate the consistency between observers. Results:In high/low-density artifacts (ROI H/L), the AI values in all groups showed decrease with increasing VMI keV. In artifact-affected tissue (ROI T), SNR of the CI/VMI (70-150 keV)+O-MAR group were significantly higher than those of the CI/VMI group ( P<0.05), CNR of the CI/VMI(50-150 keV)+O-MAR group were significantly higher than those of the CI/VMI group ( P<0.05). Both overcorrection and new artifacts mainly presented in VMI 50 keV and VMI 70 keV groups; Compared with VMI (50-70 keV) group, significantly less numbers of overcorrection and new artifacts were found in VMI (50-70 keV)+O-MAR group ( P<0.05); regarding the comparison of artifact types, with the VMI keV increasing, the number of a-type banded artifacts gradually decreased on images with high-density artifacts, reaching a minimum of 3 in the VMI 150 keV+O-MAR group; while the number of e-type artifacts with little or no artifacts increased, with the highest number of 23 in the VMI 150 keV+O-MAR group. The total number of high-density artifacts in each type decreased with increasing VMI keV. As VMI keV increased, the diagnostic and image quality scores of high-density artifacts in each group were significantly higher than those of low-density artifacts in the VMI+O-MAR group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:VMI combined with O-MAR can significantly improve the objective and subjective image quality of follow-up CT imaging after 125I seed implantation, enhancing lesion visibility and diagnostic confidence. Additionally, VMI+O-MAR showed more pronounced correction effect on high-density artifacts.

Germinación y establecimiento de plántulas de Dioclea guianensis Benth. (Fabaceae) / Germination and establishment of seedlings of Dioclea guianensis Benth. (Fabaceae)

Objective. The germination capacity of Dioclea guianensis is being described. Materials and methods. The fruits were collected in the La Depresión district of La Sierra municipality, Cauca, where floristic and ecological restoration studies are being conducted. For the morphological description, 50 fruits and 75 seeds were used, and morphometric measurements of length, width, and thickness were taken. The stages of germination were observed and described through nursery sowing with four repetitions of 290 seeds each; observations were made daily and establishment was determined by the appearance of the second leaf. Results. Morphological description of the fruit and seeds: The fruit of D. guianensis is a dry, oblong-compressed legume with explosive dehiscence. The seeds are oblong-elliptical with a semicircular hilum, without a persistent funicle. Germination in D. guianensis is epigeal and phanerocotylar, with an average germination time of 25 to 40 days. The survival rate of seedlings until the appearance of the second leaf was 85%. Conclusion, D. guianensis exhibits a maximum germination rate of 99.8% and a seedling survival rate of 85%. The seedlings have phanerocotylar, epigeal, and straight germination, with fleshy cotyledons and the development of photosynthetic membranous leaf primordia. This allows the seedlings to develop in the first few weeks with the protection and storage of the cotyledons, and later assume the nutritional role of the photosynthetic leaf primordia.

Objetivo. Describir la capacidad de germinación de Dioclea guianensis. Materiales y métodos. Los frutos fueron colectados en el corregimiento La Depresión del municipio La Sierra ­ Cauca, donde se adelantan estudios florísticos y de restauración ecológica. Para la descripción morfológica fueron utilizados 50 frutos y 75 semillas, se tomaron medidas morfométricas de largo, ancho y grosor. Las etapas de la germinación se observaron y describieron a partir de la siembra en vivero con cuatro repeticiones de 290 semillas cada una; las observaciones se realizaron cada día y el establecimiento se determinó por la aparición del segundo nomofilo. Resultados. Descripción morfológica del fruto y semillas: El fruto de D. guianensis, es seco de tipo legumbre oblongo-comprimidas con dehiscencia explosiva. Las semillas son oblongo-elípticas con hilo semicircundante, sin funículo persistente. La germinación es epigea fanerocotilar, el tiempo medio de germinación es de 25 a 40 días y el porcentaje de sobrevivencia de plántulas a la aparición del segundo nomofilo fue del 85%. Conclusiones. D. guianensis presenta una tasa máxima de germinación del 99.8%, una sobrevivencia del 85% de las plántulas, las cuales, al presentar una germinación fanerocotilar, epigea y recta, con cotiledones carnosos, y desarrollo de los primordios foliares membranosos fotosintéticos les permiten a las plántulas desarrollarse en las primeras semanas con la protección y almacenamiento de los cotiledones, para luego asumir el papel nutricional, los primordios foliares fotosintetizadores.

Factor de conversión proteica y capacidad antioxidante de isoflavonas en Glycine max / Protein conversion factor and antioxidant capacityof isoflavones in Glycine max

The conversion factor of nitrogen to proteins and isoflavones present in Glycine max was determined. For the determination of the conversion factor, we worked with solubilizing the proteins at alkaline pH and then extracting them with acidic pH. The proteins were identified by the Kjeldahl method. The antioxidant capacity was determined after extracting the isoflavones and their glycosides through the Soxhlet method, and then using the Brand Williams method (DPPH). The results indicate that the protein conversion factor was 5.85, the maximum concentration of total isoflavones was 33.33%, the antiradical efficiency of total isoflavones was 0.004 mL/ug min, the antiradical efficiency of gallic acid was 0.005 mL/ug min. and the antiradical efficiency of tannic acid was 0.0004 mL/ugmin. These results justify the consumption of Glycine max (Soya) as a food that has a high nutritional quality and provides an excellent source of antioxidants, which will prevent hormonal and carcinogenic diseases.

Se determinó el factor de conversión de nitrógeno a proteínas e isoflavonas presentes en Glycine max. Para la determinación del factor de conversión se trabajó con solubilizando las proteínas a pH alcalinos y luego extrayéndolas con pH ácidos. Las proteínas fueron identificadas por el método Kjeldahl. La capacidad antioxidante se determinó previa extracción de las isoflavonas y sus glicósidos a través del método de Soxhlet, y luego empleando el método de Brand Williams (DPPH).Los resultados indican que el factor de conversión proteica fue 5,85, la concentración máxima de isoflavonas totales fue 33,33 %, la eficiencia antirradicalaria de las isoflavonas totales fue 0,004 mL/ug min, la eficiencia antirradicalaria de ácido gálico fue 0,005 mL/ug min y la eficiencia antirradicalaria de ácido tánico fue 0,0004 mL/ug min. Estos resultados justifican el consumo de Glycine max (Soya) como un alimento que posee una alta calidad nutricional y proporciona una óptima fuente de antioxidantes, que permitirá prevenir enfermedades hormonales y cancerígenas.

Impactación fecal por semillas de maboque

Introducción: La impactación fecal se caracteriza por la presencia de heces fecales compactas en el recto o colon, que no pueden ser evacuadas. La ingestión del fruto del árbol maboque (Strychnos spinosa Lam), que contiene numerosas semillas, es un hábito alimentario en algunos países africanos. Objetivo: Describir las particularidades del diagnóstico y tratamiento de la impactación fecal por la ingestión de semillas de maboque. Caso clínico: Varón de 12 años, que ingirió gran cantidad de semillas de maboque; no conseguía defecar ni expulsar gases; presentaba dolor abdominal y anal. Al examen físico se constató taquicardia, distensión abdominal y aumento de los ruidos hidroaéreos. A la exploración rectal se constató impactación, de consistencia pétrea. Al no conseguir la extracción, en el salón de urgencias, se fragmentó y extrajo la masa fecal, por vía anal, con sedación anestésica. Conclusiones: La ingestión de semillas de maboque es un hábito alimentario en África y los bezoares o impactación fecal que puede producir este hábito, no se consideran un problema de salud. Para el diagnóstico es necesario el antecedente de la ingestión del fruto, realizar un exhaustivo examen físico de las regiones abdominales, ano-rectal y finalmente, la extracción de la masa fecal.

Introduction: Fecal impaction is characterized by the presence of compact feces in the rectum or colon, which cannot be evacuated. Eating the fruit of the Spiny Monkey-orange tree (Strychnos spinosa Lam), which contains numerous seeds, is a dietary habit in some African countries. Objective: To describe the particularities of the diagnosis and treatment of fecal impaction due to the ingestion of Spiny Monkey-orange seeds. Clinical case: 12-year-old male, who ingested a large quantity of Spiny Monkey-orange seeds; he couldn't defecate or pass gas; She had abdominal and anal pain. Physical examination revealed tachycardia, abdominal distension, and increased air-fluid noises. A rectal examination revealed impaction with a stony consistency. When the extraction was not possible, in the emergency room, the fecal mass was fragmented and extracted, through the anus, with anesthetic sedation. Conclusions: The ingestion of Spiny Monkey-orange seeds is a dietary habit in Africa and the bezoars or fecal impaction that this habit can produce are not considered a health problem. For the diagnosis it is necessary the antecedent of the ingestion of the fruit, to carry out an exhaustive physical examination of the abdominal and anorectal regions and finally, the extraction of the fecal mass.

Moringa oleifera seeds attenuate benzene-induced alterations in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in liver and kidney tissues of Wistar rats

Benzene is a notorious toxicant that is responsible for a host of diseases including leukemia. Its concentration in the environment is increasing day-by-day due to excessive automobile use, accelerated industrial activities and cigarette smoke. The awareness on the harmful effects of benzene on health is limited and no antidote has been reported yet. In this study, an attempt has been made to find out a suitable remedy to overcome benzene toxicity in a living organism from a natural source with the seeds of the plant Moringa oleifera (MO). Thirty six Wistar rats were considered for the study and divided into six groups (n=6). While group I remained as control with normal animals, those in groups II – VI received benzene by oral route (800 mg/kg body weight) for 28 consecutive days. On day 29, the benzene-treated animals in groups III – VI received respectively the standard drug ascorbic acid (AA, 25 mg/kg body weight) and MO (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) for the following 7 days. Group II rats that received only benzene served as negative control without any treatment. On day 36, all the animals were sacrificed and vital organs liver and kidney were removed for studying lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant markers [Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Total reduced glutathione (TRG), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Catalase (CAT)] in addition to histopathological changes in the tissues. The results of the study revealed that significant changes occurred in the above parameters due to benzene dosing to animals were reverted to near normal values on MO administration in the liver and kidney tissues as compared to untreated animals, suggesting MO’s pro-active role in attenuating benzene toxicity.

Spectrum-effect relationship of total anthraquinone extract of Cassia seeds against fluorouracil-induced liver injury in mice / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the spectrum-effect relationship between the total anthraquinone extract of Cassia seeds and fluorouracil (5-Fu)-induced liver injury in mice and identify the effective components in the extract.@*METHODS@#A mouse model of liver injury was established by intraperitoneal injection of 5-Fu, with bifendate as the positive control. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the liver tissue were detected to investigate the effect of the total anthraquinone extract of Cassia seeds (0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 g/kg) on liver injury induced by 5-Fu. HPLC fingerprints of 10 batches of the total anthraquinone extracts were established to analyze the spectrum- effectiveness of the extract against 5- Fu- induced liver injury in mice and screen the effective components using the grey correlation method.@*RESULTS@#The 5- Fu- treated mice showed significant differences in liver function parameters from the normal control mice (P < 0.05), suggesting successful modelling. Compared with those in the model group, serum ALT and AST activities were decreased, SOD and T- AOC activities significantly increased, and MPO level was significantly lowered in the mice treated with the total anthraquinone extract (all P < 0.05). HPLC fingerprints of the 31 components in the total anthraquinone extract of Cassia seeds showed good correlations with the potency index of 5-Fu-induced liver injury but with varying correlation strengths. The top 15 components with known correlations included aurantio-obtusina (peak 6), rhein (peak 11), emodin (peak 22), chrysophanol (peak 29) and physcion (peak 30).@*CONCLUSION@#The effective components in the total anthraquinone extract of Cassia seeds, including aurantio-obtusina, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion, are coordinated to produce protective effects against 5-Fu-induced liver injury in mice.

Interstitial implantation of radioactive seeds for pancreatic cancer pain management / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To assess the effectiveness and characteristics of intratumoral radioactive seed implantation in pancreatic cancer pain management.Methods:Clinical data of 160 patients with pancreatic cancer receiving radioactive seed implantation were retrospectively analyzed. Both pre- and postoperative pain intensities were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) .Results:About 71.88% (115) of 160 patients experienced abdominal or low back pain. Postoperative pain in 104 patients was relieved at various degrees after radioactive seed implantation with an analgesic efficacy of 90.43% (the efficacy for abdominal and low back pain relief was 86.52% and 96.34%, respectively). The between-group difference was statistically significant. Pain relief was observed 1-7 days postoperatively, and the maximal degree of pain relief was achieved 2-14 days after treatment initiation.Conclusion:Intratumoral implantation of radioactive seeds was microinvasive, quick-acting, and effective in pancreatic cancer pain management.

Chemical constituents and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of seeds of Moringa oleifera / 中国中药杂志

The chemical constituents of the seeds of Moringa oleifera were isolated and purified by using Sephadex LH-20, Toyo-pearl HW-40F, silica gel, ODS, and MCI column chromatography. The structures of compounds were identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry, ~1H-NMR, ~(13)C-NMR, HMQC, HMBC, and ~1H-~1H COSY, as well as physicochemical properties of compounds and literature data. Twelve compounds were isolated from 30% ethanol fraction of the seeds of M. oleifera and identified as ethyl-4-O-α-L-rhamnosyl-α-L-rhamnoside(1), ethyl-3-O-α-L-rhamnosyl-α-L-rhamnoside(2),(4-hydroxybenzyl)ethyl carbamate(3),(4-aminophenyl)acetic acid(4), ethyl-α-L-rhamnoside(5), methyl-α-L-rhamnoside(6), moringapyranosyl(7), 2-[4-(α-L-rhamnosyl)phenyl]methyl acetate(8), niaziridin(9), 5-hydroxymethyl furfural(10), 4-hydroxybenzeneacetamide(11), and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid(12). Among them, compounds 1 and 2 are two new compounds, compound 3 is a new natural product, and compounds 4-5 were yielded from Moringa plant for the first time. All compounds were evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro. Compound 10 showed excellent inhibitory activity with IC_(50) of 210 μg·mL~(-1).

Comparison of chemical compositions of different parts of Xanthoceras sorbifolium seeds based on UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS / 中国中药杂志

Xanthoceras sorbifolium seeds have a wide range of applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. To compare and analyze the chemical compositions of different parts of X. sorbifolium seeds and explore the potential value and research prospects of non-medicinal parts, this study used ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) to detect the chemical composition of various parts of the seeds. A total of 82 components were preliminary identified from X. sorbifolium seeds, including 5 amino acids, 4 polyphenols, 3 phenylpropionic acids, 7 organic acids, 15 flavonoids, 6 glycosides, and 23 saponins. Mass spectrometry molecular networking(MN) analysis was conducted on the results from different parts of the seeds, revealing significant differences in the components of the seed kernel, seed coat, and seed shell. The saponins and flavonoids in the seed kernel were superior in terms of variety and content to those in the seed coat and shell. Based on the chromatographic peaks of different parts from multiple batches of samples, multivariate statistical analysis was carried out. Four differential components were determined using HPLC, and the average content of these components in the seed kernel, seed coat, and seed shell were as follows: 0.183 6, 0.887 4, and 1.440 1 mg·g~(-1) for fraxin; 0.035 8, 0.124 1, and 0.044 5 mg·g~(-1) for catechin; 0.032 9, 0.072 0, and 0.221 5 mg·g~(-1) for fraxetin; 0.435 9, 2.114 7, and 0.259 7 mg·g~(-1) for epicatechin. The results showed that catechin and fraxetin had relatively low content in all parts, while fraxin had higher content in the seed coat and seed shell, and epicatechin had higher content in the seed kernel and seed coat. Therefore, the seed coat and seed shell possess certain development value. This study provides rapid analysis and comparison of the chemical compositions of different parts of X. sorbifolium seeds, which offers an experimental basis for the research and clinical application of medicinal substances in X. sorbifolium seeds.

Role of Condensed Tannins in the Antioxidant Activity of Seeds of Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott & Endl. (Malvaceae)

Background: Native to West Africa, Cola nitida is a tropical tree of about 8-12 in height that grows in lowland rainforest. This plant is best known in Africa for its seeds, used in phytotherapy but for their socio-cultural importance. Aims/Objective: This study investigated the antioxidant activity of condensed tannins of Cola nitida seeds by carrying out two antioxidant tests (DPPH and FRAP). Methods: From a hydro-ethanolic extract of Cola nitida seeds, two samples were made. One treated with casein (EC) and another one without treatment (EWC). The researsh of condensed tannins were carried out by precipitation with Stiasny reagent. The total polyphenol and tannin contents were evaluated by the Folin-Denis method and the antioxidant power by DPPH and FRAP tests. Results: Extract without treatment (EWC) showed more antioxidant activity than the extract treated with casein (EC). Thus, the IC50 of EWC which contains condensed tannins was 5.54±0.005 µg/ml, while that of EC (without condensed tannins) reached 61.92±0.165 µg/ml. Conclusion: Cola nitida seeds are rich in condensed tannins that play an important role in the antioxidant activity.

Study of the Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Activity of the Total Aqueous Extract of Clerodendrum splendens (G.Don) Leaves (Lamiaceae)

Post-harvest storage of oilseeds, particularly groundnut, is a real problem for farmers and traders whose stocks are subject to attacks by pests and fungal contaminants in the shops. In order to find alternative solutions to this problem, a survey was conducted in Côte d’Ivoire, specifically in the markets of the communes Abobo, Adjamé and Yopougon in city of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The objective of this work is to evaluate the main risk factors for spoilage of groundnut seeds sold during storage in the Abidjan markets. To this end, a survey was conducted among 75 groundnut seeds sellers in the three aforementioned communes of Abidjan and identified the main risk factors favorable to spoilage of groundnut seeds sold during storage. The lack of exact knowledge of the origin of the groundnut seeds sold (92 to 100%), the storage of groundnut seeds in polyethylene bags (84 to 100%), the lack of knowledge of spoilage (28 to 44%), the long periods of sale (22.2 to 86.7%), moisture (0 to 72.2%) and insect pests (5.6 to 20%° were identified as the main factors of these risk of spoilage.

Composición química, características nutricionales y beneficios asociados al consumo de chía (Salvia hispanica L.)

RESUMEN La chía (Salvia hispanica L.) es una semilla originaria de la zona sur de México y Guatemala, que se ha expandido a otros países de latinoamérica. Esta semilla ha sido utilizada con diferentes fines a lo largo de la historia, donde se destaca como producto alimentario debido a su gran versatilidad, ya que puede ser utilizada como semilla, harina integral, fracciones de fibra y/o proteína y aceite. En la actualidad, la investigación de nuevas fuentes alimentarias que otorguen beneficios a la salud ha logrado recopilar información sobre la composición química y valor nutricional de esta semilla y sus derivados (harina y aceite), donde se encuentra principalmente el contenido de ácidos grasos poli-insaturados n-3, destacando el ácido alfa linolénico (C18:3n-3, ALA), que se propone como fuente alternativa de este nutriente a alimentos de otros orígenes, además el contenido de fibra de la chía, principalmente fibra insoluble. En cuanto a los beneficios que se asocian al consumo de chía, se ha visto que tiene estrecha relación con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles como dislipidemia, diabetes, hipertensión, cáncer, entre otras, logrando captar la atención de investigadores para controlar y prevenir estas patologías que van en aumento en la población mundial. Por lo tanto, se hace relevante profundizar en los conocimientos disponibles sobre esta semilla y sus subproductos para poder establecer los posibles mecanismos moleculares que están involucrados en la generación de beneficios para la salud. El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar una actualización de los beneficios asociados al consumo de semilla de chía y sus derivados.

ABSTRACT Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a seed native to the southern part of Mexico and Guatemala, which has spread to other Latin American countries. This seed has been used for different purposes throughout history, where it stands out as a food product due to its great versatility, since it can be used as a seed, whole meal flour, fiber and/or protein fractions and oil. Currently, the investigation of new food sources that provide health benefits has managed to collect information on the chemical composition and nutritional value of this seed and its derivatives (flour and oil). For polyunsaturated fatty acid content, n-3 is found, highlighting alpha linolenic acid (C18:3n-3, ALA), which is proposed as an alternative source of this nutrient to foods of other origins. In addition, the fiber content of chia, is mainly insoluble fiber. Regarding the benefits associated with chia consumption, it is closely related to chronic non-communicable diseases such as dyslipidemia, diabetes, type II, hypertension, cancer, among others, managing to attract the attention of researchers to control and prevent these pathologies that are increasing in world population. Therefore, it is relevant to deepen the knowledge available about this seed and its by-products in order to establish the possible molecular mechanisms that are involved in generating health benefits. The objective of this review is to present an update on the benefits associated with consumption of chia seed and its derivatives.

Anti-diabetic and Lipidemic Effect of Muskmelon Fruits and Seeds on Streptozocin Induced Diabetic Rat

Background: The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus Worldwide and its complex nature of predisposing one to different ailments like obesity, eye defect, cardiovascular diseases etc. calls for alternative measures in the management of the disease. Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) is an underutilized food with a lot of nutritional and medical potential which are used traditionally in the management of different ailments like diabetes mellitus. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-diabetes and anti-lipidemic effects of muskmelon fruits and seeds in streptozotocin induced-diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes was induced using intravenous Streptozotocin at a dose of 42 mg/kg of body weight into the tail veins to groups 2-5. Twenty-five male albino rats were divided into 5 groups, group 1 normal control, group 2- diabetic control, group 3- Glucophage treatment, group 4-500mg/kg BW muskmelon fruits extract, and group 5- 500mg/kg bw muskmelon seeds extract and were treated for 2 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, triglyceride, LDL, HDL and total cholesterol were evaluated. Results: The result shows that the extract caused a significant increase in the body weight, HDL-cholesterol, and a significant decrease in triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose. Although the extract performed well there is a significant difference between the group that took Glucophage and the groups that ate muskmelon fruits and seed extract p<0.05 Conclusion: The result proved the anti-diabetic and anti-lipidemic effect of muskmelon fruits and seeds which could be added to the pool of other food used in the management of diabetes mellitus which will lead to diet diversification.

Estudo de métodos naturais para redução de doenças fúngicas em sementes nativas da região Amazônica / Study of natural methods for reducing fungal diseases in native seeds in the Amazon region

Existe uma preocupação na produção de alimentos com a segurança sanitária desde o processo de cultivo até a sua expedição aos centros comerciais. Uma das maiores contaminações em sementes por suas características físicas e químicas, é a contaminação fúngica devida à acidez e umidade dos frutos. As doenças fúngicas entre elas, antracnose, vassoura de bruxa e podridão parda são consideradas importante doenças em pós colheita, ocorrendo, principalmente, sob condições de alta umidade relativa do ar e temperaturas elevadas (26ºC a 28ºC). Dentre as sementes da região Amazônica, destacam-se sementes de (cacau- Theobroma cacao L., pupunha- Bactris gasipaes, tucumã da Amazonas-Astrocaryum aculeatum), que apresentam problemas de contaminação fúngica durante o sistema de cultivo. Métodos de biocontroles com ação antimicrobiana: bactérias endofíticas, rizobactérias e fungo Trichoderma ssp, entre outros estão sendo estudados para a redução destas contaminações fúngicas em estudos in vitro e no campo. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a utilização de métodos de biocontrole como uma alternativa promissora no manejo de doenças de plantas na fase de pós-colheita, com excelentes resultados em culturas de grande importância econômica. Assim novas alternativas ecologicamente sustentáveis demonstram a possibilidade de os produtos estudados serem utilizados no manejo da antracnose na pós-colheita.(AU)

There is a concern in food production with health security from cultivation process to its dispatch to redistribution centers. One of the biggest contaminations in seeds due to their physical and chemical characteristics, is the fungal contamination due to the acidity and humidity of the fruits. Fungal diseases including anthracnose, bruca's broom and brownrot are considered important diseases in post-harvest, occurring mainly under conditions of high relative humidity and high temperatures (26ºC to 28ºC). Among the seeds of the Amazon region, seeds of de (cacau- Theobroma cacao L., pupunha- Bactris gasipaes, tucumã da Amazonas- Astrocaryum aculeatum ), that present problems fungals contamination during in their growing cultures sistems. Biocontrol methods with antimicrobial action: endophytic bacteria, rhizobacteria and the fungus Trichoderma ssp, among others, are being studied to reduce these fungal contaminations in in vitro and field studies. The objective of this work is to present a bibliographic review on the use of biocontrol methods as an alternative that is promising in the management of plant diseases in the post-harvest phase, with excellent results in crops of great economic importance. Thus, new ecologically sustainable alternatives demonstrate the possibility of the studied products to be used in the management of anthracnose in the post-harvest period.(AU)

Hacia una consulta previa campesina: elementos para el debate desde el régimen de certiflcación de semillas en Colombia / Toward a Peasantıs Prior Consultation: Elements for Debate from the Seed Certification Regime in Colombia

Resumen En Colombia se ha tratado imponer una restricción a los métodos tradicionales de resiembra, medida que atenta contra la soberanía alimentaria y los conocimientos tradicionales de pueblos indígenas y especialmente de las comunidades campesinas. A través de un ejercicio reflexivo y de un razonamiento inductivo es abordada esta problemática para proponer, a manera de resultado, unos lineamientos para lograr que a través de la consulta previa se involucren a los campesinos y se garanticen los derechos vulnerados.

Abstract: In Colombia, there has been an attempt to impose a restriction on traditional methods of replanting, a measure that undermines food sovereignty and the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples and especially peasant communities. Through a reflective exercise and inductive reasoning, this problem is addressed in order to propose, as a result, some guidelines to achieve the involvement of pea sants through prior consultation and to guarantee the violated rights.

Formation of Self-organized Structures in Drying Droplets: a Promising Analytical Tool for Homeopathy Basic Research

The droplet evaporation method (DEM) is based on the evaporation-induced pattern formation in droplets and is applied mainly for medical diagnosis[1].Here, we present aseries of experiments performed by our team showing DEMs potential also forhomeopathy basic research, in particular, for the investigation of(i) low potencies, (ii) low potency complexes (physical model), and (iii) the action of high potencies (plant-based model).Methods:(i) DEM differentiated significantly between Luffa, Baptisia, Echinacea, and Spongiauntil 4x[2]. Furthermore, the patterns varied in function of the numberof succussion strokes (0, 10, or 100) applied during potentization[3]. The performance of chaotic succussions vs. laminar flow vs. slight mixing during the potentization of Viscum album quercus3x influenced the DEM patterns; the chaotic succussions reduced, whereas laminar flow enhanced the patterns complexity vs. the unsuccussed control.(ii) The addition of Mercurius bijodatus9x to Luffa4x changed significantly the DEM patterns, even if the material quantity present in the 9x potency lied far beyond that of ultrapure water.(iii) Leakages obtained by placing healthy or arsenic-damaged wheat-seeds into Arsenicum album45x orheat-damaged intoZincum metallicum30c vs. water created significantly different DEM structures [4, 5]. Results:The damaged seeds put into the potency created structures characterized by a higher complexity than those obtained from damaged seeds put into control water. Furthermore, the potency action seemed to increase with rising numbers ofsuccussion strokes applied during potentization,ascould be shown by means of DEM patterns and germination rate using the same wheat-seed model[6].In all our studies, the pattern evaluation was computerized (texture and fractal analysis performed by means of ImageJ) or based on deep-learning algorithms and the robustness of the experimental system was checked by means of systematic control experiments.Conclusion:DEM together with other similarmethods has also been reviewed by our team for what concerns theapplication in homeopathy basic research[7].