Integrated Membrane Process in Organic Media: Combining Organic Solvent Ultrafiltration, Nanofiltration, and Reverse Osmosis to Purify and Concentrate the Phenolic Compounds from Wet Olive Pomace.

Phenolic compounds from a hydroalcoholic extract of wet olive pomace were purified and concentrated by an integrated membrane process in organic media. First, UF010104 (Solsep BV) and UP005 (Microdyn Nadir) membranes were tested to be implemented in the ultrafiltration stage, with the aim of purifying the extract and obtaining a permeate enriched in phenolic compounds. Despite the high flux observed with the UF010104 membrane (20.4 ± 0.7 L·h-1·m-2, at 2 bar), the UP005 membrane was selected because of a more suitable selectivity. Even though some secoiridoids were rejected, the permeate stream obtained with this membrane contained high concentrations of valuable simple phenols and phenolic acids, whereas sugars and macromolecules were retained. Then, the ultrafiltration permeate was subjected to a nanofiltration step employing an NF270 membrane (DuPont) for a further purification and fractionation of the phenolic compounds. The permeate flux was 50.2 ± 0.2 L·h-1·m-2, working at 15 bar. Hydroxytyrosol and some phenolic acids (such as vanillic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid) were recovered in the permeate, which was later concentrated by reverse osmosis employing an NF90 membrane. The permeate flux obtained with this membrane was 15.3 ± 0.3 L·h-1·m-2. The concentrated phenolic mixture that was obtained may have important applications as a powerful antioxidant and for the prevention of diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.

Combining Ultrafiltration and Nanofiltration to Obtain a Concentrated Extract of Purified Polyphenols from Wet Olive Pomace.

Despite the environmental concerns raised every year by the generation of high volumes of wet olive pomace, it contains valuable phenolic compounds that are essential for the valorization of this by-product. In this work, an integrated process to recover phenolic compounds from wet olive pomace is proposed. It consists of ultrasound-assisted solid-liquid extraction, followed by ultrafiltration and nanofiltration. Several commercial membranes were studied at different operational conditions. The ultrafiltration stage allowed the purification of biophenols, which were obtained in the permeate stream. Regarding organic matter, satisfactory rejection values were obtained with both commercial UH030 and UP005 membranes (Microdyn Nadir), but the latter provided more efficient purification and higher values of permeate flux, above 18 L·h-1·m-2 at 2.5 bar and 1.5 m·s-1. Later, this permeate stream was concentrated by means of a nanofiltration process, obtaining polyphenol rejection values that surpassed 85% with the commercial NF270 membrane (DuPont), then achieving the concentration of the previously purified polyphenols.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in edible oils: An overview on sample preparation, determination strategies, and relative abundance of prevalent compounds.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are food contaminants whose presence in foodstuffs is especially alarming due to their carcinogenic character. These substances are highly lipophilic and thus, unsafe levels of these compounds have been found in edible fats and oils. Efficient methodologies to determine such molecules in lipidic matrixes are therefore essential. In this review, a detailed description of the analytical methods for the determination of PAHs in vegetable oils from the last 15 years has been provided. Particular emphasis has been placed on innovative sample treatments, which facilitate and shorten the pretreatment of the oils. Finally, results from recent investigations have been reviewed and studied in depth, in order to elucidate which PAHs are most commonly found in vegetable oils.

Magnetic and Golden Yogurts. Food as a Potential Nanomedicine Carrier.

Yogurt is one of the most emblematic and popular fermented foods. It is produced by the fermentation of milk lactose by bacteria such as Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Magnetic (MNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were incorporated into the exopolysaccharides (EPSs) of these bacteria. The functionalized bacteria were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. A large number of MNPs and AuNPs were bound to the bacterial EPS. Interestingly, the nanoparticles' (NPs) presence did not affect the bacteria's capacity to ferment milk and to produce magnetic and golden yogurts. Magnetic and golden yogurts represent the perfect combination of emblematic food and nanoparticles and have a range of potential biomedical applications: use in iron-deficiency anemia, diagnosis and hyperthermia treatment of appropriate digestive diseases, and interest in glamour cuisine.

Characterization of New Olive Fruit Derived Products Obtained by Means of a Novel Processing Method Involving Stone Removal and Dehydration with Zero Waste Generation.

As a result of an innovative olive fruit processing method involving stone removal and dehydration, a new kind of olive oil and olive flour are generated. The main objective of this work was to accomplish the comprehensive characterization of the minor compounds of both products and to evaluate the effect of the dehydration temperature on their composition. To this end, olive oil and flour samples obtained through the novel processing method were analyzed and compared with "conventional" virgin olive oils (VOO). The applied LC-MS methodology allowed the determination of 57 metabolites belonging to different chemical classes (phenolic compounds, pentacyclic trirterpenes, and tocopherols). Both the new oils and flours presented considerable amounts of olive fruit metabolites that are usually absent from VOO. Quantitative differences were found among VOOs and the new oils, probably due to the inhibition of some enzymes caused by the temperature increase or the absence of water during the processing.

Bicyclic RGD peptides with high integrin α v ß 3 and α 5 ß 1 affinity promote cell adhesion on elastin-like recombinamers.

Biomaterial design in tissue engineering aims to identify appropriate cellular microenvironments in which cells can grow and guide new tissue formation. Despite the large diversity of synthetic polymers available for regenerative medicine, most of them fail to fully match the functional properties of their native counterparts. In contrast, the few biological alternatives employed as biomaterials lack the versatility that chemical synthesis can offer. Herein, we studied the HUVEC adhesion and proliferation properties of elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs) that were covalently functionalized with each three high-affinity and selectivity α v ß 3- and α 5 ß 1-binding bicyclic RGD peptides. Next to the bicycles, ELRs were also functionalized with various integrin-binding benchmark peptides, i.e. knottin-RGD, cyclo-[KRGDf] and GRGDS, allowing for better classification of the obtained results. Covalent functionalization with the RGD peptides, as validated by MALDI-TOF analysis, guarantees flexibility and minimal steric hindrance for interactions with cellular integrins. In addition to the covalently modified RGD-ELRs, we also synthesized another benchmark ELR comprising RGD as part of the backbone. HUVEC adhesion and proliferation analysis using the PicoGreen® assay revealed a higher short-term adhesion and proliferative capacity of cells on ELR surfaces functionalized with high affinity, integrin-binding bicyclic RGD-peptides compared with the ELRs containing RGD in the backbone.

Prevalencia de hemoparásitos en aves silvestres, en zona oriental del estado Falcón, Venezuela 2013-2015 / Prevalence of hemoparasites in wild birds, in the eastern zone of the Falcon state, Venezuela 2013-2015

Los parásitos sanguíneos son transmitidos por vectores hematófagos y pueden ocasionar impactos negativos en los hábitos del hospedador y como consecuencia, desbalances en la diversidad biológica de las especies de vida silvestre. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de hemoparásitos en aves silvestres de la zona oriental del estado Falcón, Venezuela entre 2013-2015. Para ello, se seleccionaron siete localidades, con características de pasos migratorios que presentaban vegetación fragmentada, considerando los dos períodos climáticos. Para la captura de las aves se emplearon redes de neblinas y su clasificación taxonómica se basó en los caracteres físicos en campo y en los registros fotográficos en el laboratorio. La población estudiada consistió de 797 individuos de 85 especies y 25 familias. Se tomaron muestras sanguíneas de la vena ulnar, para la posterior realización de extendidos que fueron coloreados con la solución de Giemsa. El diagnóstico parasitológico se realizó por microscopía de luz (1000x), identificándose 144 individuos positivos con una prevalencia general del 18,07%; para el género Plasmodium 9,66 %, Haemoproteus 8,66%, Trypanosoma 0,75% y microfilarias 1,00%; siendo la familia más afectada Columbidae y los individuos susceptibles fueron Thryothorus rutilus y Nemosia pileata. En esta encuesta se incluyeron 8 nuevos registros de hospedador-hemopárasito, se evidenció la periodicidad estacional, además de infecciones en aves residentes y juveniles, cuyo rango de vuelo son cortos por lo que se infiere que en las localidades en estudio están presentes los elementos de la triada epidemiologia, hospedador, vectores y parásitos.

Blood parasites are transmitted by hematophagous vectors and can cause negative impacts on host habits and as a consequence, imbalances in the biological diversity of wildlife species. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hemoparasites in wild birds of eastern Falcon state, Venezuela between 2013-2015. For this, seven localities were selected, with characteristics of migratory steps that presented fragmented vegetation, considering the two climatic periods. For the capture of the birds, mist networks were used and their taxonomic classification was based on the physical characters in the field and the photographic records in the laboratory. The study population consisted of 797 individuals from 85 species and 25 families. Blood samples were taken from the ulnar vein, for the later realization of stretches that were colored with the solution of Giemsa. The parasitological diagnosis was performed by light microscopy (1000x), identifying 144 positive individuals with a general prevalence of 18.07%; for the genus Plasmodium 9.66%, Haemoproteus 8.66%, Trypanosoma 0.75% and microfilariae 1.00%; Being the family most affected Columbidae and the susceptible individuals were Thryothorus rutilus and Nemosia pileata. In this survey, 8 new host-hemopatraase registers were included, seasonal periodicity was evidenced, as well as infections in resident and juvenile birds, whose ranges of flights are short so it is inferred that in the study sites are present the elements of The triad epidemiology, host, vectors and parasites.

Electrospun silk-elastin-like fibre mats for tissue engineering applications.

Protein-based polymers are present in a wide variety of organisms fulfilling structural and mechanical roles. Advances in protein engineering and recombinant DNA technology allow the design and production of recombinant protein-based polymers (rPBPs) with an absolute control of its composition. Although the application of recombinant proteins as biomaterials is still an emerging technology, the possibilities are limitless and far superior to natural or synthetic materials, as the complexity of the structural design can be fully customized. In this work, we report the electrospinning of two new genetically engineered silk-elastin-like proteins (SELPs) consisting of alternate silk- and elastin-like blocks. Electrospinning was performed with formic acid and aqueous solutions at different concentrations without addition of further agents. The size and morphology of the electrospun structures was characterized by scanning electron microscopy showing its dependence on the concentration and solvent used. Treatment with methanol-saturated air was employed to stabilize the structure and promote water insolubility through a time-dependent conversion of random coils into ß-sheets (FTIR). The resultant methanol-treated electrospun mats were characterized for swelling degree (570-720%), water vapour transmission rate (1083 g/m(2)/day) and mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity ∼126 MPa). Furthermore, the methanol-treated SELP fibre mats showed no cytotoxicity and were able to support adhesion and proliferation of normal human skin fibroblasts. Adhesion was characterized by a filopodia-mediated mechanism. These results demonstrate that SELP fibre mats can provide promising solutions for the development of novel biomaterials suitable for tissue engineering applications.

Thyroid function tests and mortality in aged hospitalized patients: a 7-year prospective observational study.

CONTEXT: Several alterations in thyroid function test (TFT) results have been associated with mortality in elderly patients. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate the relationship between TFT results and all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in aged hospitalized patients. DESIGN: A 7-year prospective observational study was conducted. TFTs were performed at hospital admission, and mortality was registered in the follow-up period. PATIENTS: Participants were 404 patients aged >65 years admitted to the Department of Geriatrics, Hospital General, Segovia, Spain, for any reason during 2005. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The study evaluated the association between TFT results and mortality from all causes and CV diseases. METHODS: TSH, free T4, and free T3 (FT3) were measured on the first day of admission. In-hospital and total survival times, number of deaths, and all-cause and CV mortality were registered until the census date on January 1, 2012. RESULTS: During the study, 323 patients (80%) died. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that median survival time for all-cause mortality was significantly lower in patients in the first tertile of serum FT3, in the first tertile of TSH, and in the first tertile of serum free T4 concentrations. Multivariate adjusted Cox regression analysis showed that the history of cancer (hazard ratio, 1.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.28; P = .009), age (1.03; 1.01-1.06; P = .003), and FT3 levels (0.72; 0.63-0.84; P < .001) were significant factors related to all-cause mortality. The cause of death was known in 202 patients. Of this group, 61 patients (30.2%) died of CV disease. Patients in the first tertile of TSH and FT3 exhibited a significant higher mortality due to CV disease. In the adjusted Cox regression analysis, FT3 was a significant predictor of CV mortality (0.76; 0.63-0.91; P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in TFT results during hospitalization are associated with long-term mortality in elderly patients. In particular, low FT3 levels are significantly related to all-cause and CV mortality.

Immunomodulatory nanoparticles from elastin-like recombinamers: single-molecules for tuberculosis vaccine development.

This study investigates both the physicochemical properties and immunogenicity of a genetically engineered elastin-like block corecombinamer (ELbcR) containing a major membrane protein sequence from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The recombinant production of this ELbcR allows the production of large quantities of safe, antigenic particle-based constructs that directly and reversibly self-assemble into highly biocompatible, multivalent, monodisperse, and stable nanovesicles with a diameter of 55 nm from the same gene product using a highly efficient and cost-effective inverse transition cycling (ITC) procedure. The compositional complexity of these vesicles is retained after secondary processes such as endotoxin removal, sterilization, and lyophilization. An initial pro-chemotactic cytokine response (IL-1ß) followed by a pro-Th2/IL-5 response was observed in mice plasma following subcutaneous administration of the antigen-loaded nanovesicles in mice. This biphasic model of cytokine production was coupled with humoral isotype switching from IgM- to IgG-specific antibodies against the antigen, which was only observed in the presence of both the antigen and the polymer in the same construct and in the absence of additional adjuvants.

Development and validation of a new automatic algorithm for quantification of left ventricular volumes and function in gated myocardial perfusion SPECT using cardiac magnetic resonance as reference standard.

BACKGROUND: By gating image acquisition in myocardial perfusion SPECT (MPS) to ECG, left ventricular (LV) volumes and function can be determined. Several previous studies have shown that existing MPS software packages underestimate LV volumes compared to cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The aim of this study was therefore to develop a new LV segmentation algorithm for gated MPS using CMR as reference standard. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 126 patients with suspected coronary artery disease, who underwent both gated MPS and CMR were retrospectively included. The proposed LV segmentation algorithm (Segment) was trained in 26 patients, and tested in 100 patients in comparison to four commercially available MPS software packages (QGS, MyoMetrix, ECTb, and Exini) using CMR as reference standard. Mean bias ± SD between MPS and CMR was for EDV -5% ± 12%, -43% ± 8%, -40% ± 8%, -42% ± 9%, -32% ± 7%, for ESV 0% ± 17%, -41% ± 16%, -34% ± 15%, -54% ± 13%, -41% ± 10%, for EF -2% ± 13%, -1% ± 14%, -7% ± 15%, 17% ± 16%, 10% ± 17% for Segment, QGS, MyoMetrix, ECTb, and Exini, respectively, and for LVM 3% ± 18%, 33% ± 25%, 37% ± 24% for Segment, QGS, and ECTb, respectively. Correlation between MPS by Segment and CMR were for EDV R (2) = 0.89, for ESV R (2) = 0.92, for EF R (2) = 0.69, and for LVM R (2) = 0.72, with no difference compared to the correlation between the other MPS software packages and CMR (EDV R (2) = 0.86-0.92, ESV R (2) = 0.91-0.93, EF R (2) = 0.64-0.65, and LVM R (2) = 0.68-0.70). CONCLUSION: The Segment software quantifies LV volumes and EF by MPS with similar correlation and a low bias compared to other MPS software packages, using CMR as reference standard. Hence, the Segment software shows potential to provide clinically relevant volumes and functional values from MPS.

Emerging applications of multifunctional elastin-like recombinamers.

Elastin-like recombinamers have grown in popularity in the field of protein-inspired biomimetic materials and have found widespread use in biomedical applications. Modern genetic-engineering techniques have allowed the design of multifunctional materials with an extraordinary control over their architecture and physicochemical properties, such as stimuli-responsiveness, monodispersity, biocompatibility or self-assembly, amongst others. Indeed, these materials are playing an increasingly important role in a diverse range of applications, such as drug delivery, tissue engineering and 'smart' systems. Herein, we review some of the most interesting examples of recent advances and progressive applications of elastin-like recombinamers in biomaterial and nano-engineering sciences in recent years.

Recombinamers: combining molecular complexity with diverse bioactivities for advanced biomedical and biotechnological applications.

The rapid development of polymer science has led to literally thousands of different monomers and an almost endless number of possibilities arising from their combination. The most promising strategy to date has been to consider natural products as macromolecules that provide the best option for obtaining functional materials. Proteins, with their high levels of complexity and functionality, are one of the best examples of this approach. In addition, the development of genetic engineering has permitted the design and highly controlled synthesis of proteinaceous materials with complex and advanced functionalities. Elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs) are presented herein as an example of an extraordinary convergence of different properties that is not found in any other synthetic polymer system. These materials are highly biocompatible, stimuli-responsive, show unusual self-assembly properties, and can incorporate bioactive domains and other functionalities along the polypeptide chain. These attributes are an important factor in the development of biomedical and biotechnological applications such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, purification of recombinant proteins, biosensors or stimuli-responsive surfaces.

Acute and one-year effects of cinacalcet in patients with persistent primary hyperparathyroidism after unsuccessful parathyroidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: We report the acute effects of cinacalcet on calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and the effects of 1 year of therapy on calcium and phosphorus metabolism in 4 patients with persistent primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) after unsuccessful parathyroidectomy. PATIENTS: Four patients (3 women; age, 24 to 71 years) were studied after 1 to 3 parathyroid operative procedures. All of them had elevated serum total and ionized calcium levels, decreased serum phosphorus, and increased concentrations of intact PTH. METHODS: Calcium and PTH responses to an acute dose of oral cinacalcet (30 mg) were studied at baseline. Effects of cinacalcet (30 mg b.i.d.) on serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH, and urinary calcium and phosphorus were studied at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of therapy. RESULTS: PTH concentrations were reduced by 13.0% to 86.7% after acute cinacalcet administration. Chronic therapy with cinacalcet was followed by a decrement in serum total calcium (10.2% at 12 months) and ionized calcium (10.1%) and an increase in serum phosphorus (20.8%), with only a modest decrement in PTH levels (5.1%). All patients had normal serum total and ionized calcium levels at 3 to 12 months of therapy. Urinary calcium decreased by 20.0% at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Cinacalcet was effective in normalizing calcium and phosphorus concentrations in patients with persistent PHPT after unsuccessful parathyroidectomy.

Emergencias odontológicas y los tratamientos efectuados por los odontólogos de las unidades de salud del SIBASI centro (San Salvador) / Dental emergencies and the treatments carried out by the dentists of the health units of the SIBASI center (San Salvador)

La presente investigación, trata de conocer las emergencias odontológicas que presentan los pacientes que acuden a las clínicas odontoestomatológicas, de las unidades de salud del SIBASI CENTRO (San Salvador), y el tratamiento que el odontólogo general les brinda. Este estudio se realizó durante la primera y tercera semana de diciembre de 2005, además en el período de enero a julio de 2006, tiempo en el cual se visitaron con regularidad las unidades de salud pertenecientes a este SIBASI; la población en estudio fue el 100% de odontólogos asignados en las clínicas asistenciales del Ministerio de Salud Pública y Asistencia Social (MSPAS) ya mencionadas; para la recolección de datos se utilizó la técnica de encuesta y la observación, y para el análisis de datos el software Microsoft Excel. Los resultados, revelaron que entre las emergencias odontológicas más frecuentes en primer lugar con un 9.50% se encuentra, el absceso gingival agudo, seguido de la pericoronitis aguda con un 9.03%; el absceso periodontal agudo con un 8.31%, la hipersensibilidad dental y el desalojo de obturaciones en cuarto lugar con un 7.84%; se observó que un alto porcentaje de odontólogos, no brinda un tratamiento acorde con lo descrito en el manual del MSPAS y a la literatura consultada, a las emergencias odontológicas que acuden a las unidades de salud; según lo expresado por ellos mismos, esto se debe a la falta de equipo, material e insumos odontológicos, falta de interés y conocimiento por parte del odontólogo o las limitantes que presentan los diferentes programas del primer nivel de atención en salud del MSPAS. Por esto se concluye que el abordaje que el odontólogo general le da a las diferentes emergencias odontológicas no está siendo efectivo; por los diferentes factores antes expuestos. Considerando necesario reforzar los programas de educación continua a los odontólogos.

The present investigation tries to know the dental emergencies that patients who attend the odontostomatological clinics, of the health units of the SIBASI CENTRO (San Salvador), and the treatment that the general dentist offers them. This study was carried out during the first and third weeks of December 2005, also in the period from January to July 2006, during which time the health units belonging to this SIBASI were regularly visited; the population under study was 100% of dentists assigned to the aforementioned health clinics of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS); The survey and observation technique was used for data collection, and Microsoft Excel software for data analysis. The results revealed that among the most frequent dental emergencies, in the first place with 9.50%, is the acute gingival abscess, followed by acute pericoronitis with 9.03%; acute periodontal abscess with 8.31%, dental hypersensitivity and dislodgement of fillings in fourth place with 7.84%; It was observed that a high percentage of dentists do not provide treatment according to what is described in the MSPAS manual and the literature consulted, to dental emergencies that go to health units; As expressed by themselves, this is due to the lack of dental equipment, materials and supplies, lack of interest and knowledge on the part of the dentist or the limitations presented by the different programs of the first level of health care of the MSPAS. For this reason, it is concluded that the approach that the general dentist gives to the different dental emergencies is not being effective; by the different factors previously exposed. Considering it necessary to strengthen continuing education programs for dentists.