Removal of tetracycline by natural and iron-modified orange peel from aqueous solutions: processes in batch, column, and mechanism.

Natural (OP) and iron modified orange peel (Fe-OP) were used for the removal of tetracycline from aqueous solutions in batch and fixed bed column systems. The adsorbents were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and the morphologies of the surfaces before and after tetracycline removal were determined by scanning electron microscope and the elemental analysis was performed by X-ray dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The kinetic behaviour showed that the equilibrium was reached in 24 and 10 h for OP and Fe-OP respectively, the data were adjusted to both the pseudo second order and intraparticle diffusion models which indicate a chemisorption mechanism and the adsorption process is controlled by the intraparticle diffusion process. The isotherms showed that the adsorption capacity was eight times higher for Fe-OP than OP and the data were best fitted to the Freundlich model indicating that the materials are heterogeneous. The effect of flow rate, influent concentration and adsorbent mass were determined in the column system. The data were adjusted to the Thomas, Adams-Bohart and Yoon-Nelson models, and the best adjustment of data was with the first one. The adsorption capacities in the column system were about half of those obtained in the batch system. These adsorbents show good properties for the removal of tetracycline from water.

Mechanisms of persistence and impact of ordinary heterotrophic organisms in aerobic granular sludge.

The stability of granules, contaminant removal and microbial structure of an aerobic granular sludge (AGS) process were investigated with a focus on ordinary heterotrophic organisms (OHOs). Long-term stable granules and high removals of COD (97 %), NH4+ (98 %), P (85 %) and total N (77 %) were achieved. Sequencing analyses identified 6.6 % of phosphorus-accumulating organisms in the sludge, concordant with the observed bio-P removal capacity. However, OHOs were the most abundant bacteria in the sludge (70-93 %) without resulting in unstable aggregates. Under current dogmas of microbial competition in activated sludge, it seemed contradictory that OHOs could persist in the long term in the AGS where COD was depleted beginning in the anaerobic phase. Microbial analyses showed that OHOs could survive in granules by micropredation, proteolysis, fermentation and EPS consumption. Heterotrophic-nitrification/ aerobic-denitrification was an active pathway in the AGS. These findings contribute to a better understanding of microbial competition in AGS and its stability.

ADHD Endophenotypes in Caribbean Families.

Objective: The aim of this study is to contrast the genetics of neuropsychological tasks in individuals from nuclear families clustering ADHD in a Caribbean community. Method: We recruited and clinically characterized 408 individuals using an extensive battery of neuropsychological tasks. The genetic variance underpinning these tasks was estimated by heritability. A predictive framework for ADHD diagnosis was derived using these tasks. Results: We found that individuals with ADHD differed from controls in tasks of mental control, visuospatial ability, visuoverbal memory, phonological and verbal fluency, verbal and semantic fluency, cognitive flexibility, and cognitive ability. Among them, tasks of mental control, visuoverbal memory, phonological fluency, semantic verbal fluency, and intelligence had a significant heritability. A predictive model of ADHD diagnosis using these endophenotypes yields remarkable classification rate, sensitivity, specificity, and precision values (above 80%). Conclusion: We have dissected new cognitive endophenotypes in ADHD that can be suitable to assess the neurobiological and genetic basis of ADHD.

Satisfacción del paciente en el Sistema Nacional de Salud español / Patient satisfaction in the Spanish National Health System

Fundamento: Determinar qué indicadores clave del Servicio Nacional de Salud (SNS) español influyen en la satisfacción del paciente con el SNS, con el médico de familia y con el médico especialista. Métodos: Se relacionaron las medias de cada comunidad autónoma para cada indicador, publicadas por el Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad correspondientes a los años 2005 a 2014, con la satisfacción del paciente con el SNS, con el médico de familia y con el especialista mediante regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados: La satisfacción del paciente con el SNS se explicó en un 57,32%, con el médico de familia en un 54,45% y con el especialista en un 55,11%. En los tres tipos de satisfacción influyó positiva y significativamente el número de médicos especialistas, el número de ingresos hospitalarios y la mortalidad intrahospitalaria, mientras que lo hizo negativamente el número de intervenciones quirúrgicas. El mayor uso de equipos de tomografía axial computarizada y la tasa de infección hospitalaria influyeron negativamente en la satisfacción con el SNS y con el médico especialista, mientras que el mayor porcentaje de cirugía ambulatoria lo hizo de forma positiva. La estancia media hospitalaria muestra una relación negativa con la satisfacción con los médicos de familia y especialistas. Conclusiones: Las políticas sanitarias deberían considerar el incremento en el número de médicos especialistas, favorecer la cirugía ambulatoria, facilitar el tratamiento hospitalario, vigilar la efectividad de las intervenciones quirúrgicas, controlar las infecciones hospitalarias y moderar la prescripción de fármacos mediante el uso de alternativas a in de incrementar la satisfacción del paciente

Background: Determine which key indicators of the Spanish National Health Service (NHS) influence patient satisfaction with the Spanish NHS and physicians (family doctors and specialists). Method: The mean for each indicator for each autonomous community, published by the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality, corresponding to the years 2005 to 2014, was related to patient satisfaction with NHS, family doctors and specialists by means of multiple linear regression. Results: Patient satisfaction with the NHS was ascertained at 57.32%, with general practitioners at 54.45% and specialist doctors at 55.11%. In the three types of satisfaction, the number of specialist doctors, hospital admissions and in-hospital mortality had a positive and significant influence, while the number of surgical interventions had a negative influence. The greater use of computerized tomography equipment and the hospital infection rate had a negative effect on satisfaction with the NHS and with specialist physicians, while the percentage of outpatient surgery had a positive effect. The average hospital stay shows a negative relationship with satisfaction with family doctors and specialists. Conclusions: Health policies should consider an increase in the number of medical specialists, favour ambulatory surgery, facilitate hospital treatment, monitor the effectiveness of surgical interventions, control hospital infections and moderate the prescription of drugs through the use of alternatives in order to increase patient satisfaction

[Patient satisfaction in the Spanish National Health System]. / Satisfacción del paciente en el Sistema Nacional de Salud español.

BACKGROUND: Determine which key indicators of the Spanish National Health Service (NHS) influence patient satisfaction with the Spanish NHS and physicians (family doctors and specialists). METHOD: The mean for each indicator for each autonomous community, published by the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality, corresponding to the years 2005 to 2014, was related to patient satisfaction by means of multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Patient satisfaction with the NHS was ascertained at 57.32%, with general practitioners at 54.45% and specialist doctors at 55.11%. In the three types of satisfaction, the number of specialist doctors, hospital admissions and in-hospital mortality had a positive and significant influence, while the number of surgical interventions had a negative influence. The greater use of computerized tomography equipment and the hospital infection rate had a negative effect on satisfaction with the NHS and with specialist physicians, while the percentage of outpatient surgery had a positive effect. The average hospital stay shows a negative relationship with satisfaction with family doctors and specialists. CONCLUSIONS: Health policies should consider an increase in the number of medical specialists, favour ambulatory surgery, facilitate hospital treatment, monitor the effectiveness of surgical interventions, control hospital infections and moderate the prescription of drugs through the use of alternatives in order to increase patient satisfaction.

Development of an electrochemical biosensor for the determination of triglycerides in serum samples based on a lipase/magnetite-chitosan/copper oxide nanoparticles/multiwalled carbon nanotubes/pectin composite.

A very sensitive electrochemical biosensor to determine totals triglycerides (TGs) in serum samples has been developed. It is based on the electrochemical oxidation of glycerol at glassy carbon electrodes modified with magnetic nanoparticles bonded to lipase enzyme and copper oxide nanoparticles, both supported on a multiwalled carbon nanotubes/pectin dispersion. Glycerol is produced by enzymatic reaction between the TGs present in samples and the lipase immobilized. The quantification of triglycerides was performed by amperometric measurements. The proposed electrochemical biosensor improves the performance of others methods developed for the TGs quantification. The determination of TGs does not need a pretreatment of serum samples. The PLS-1 algorithm was used for the quantification of TGs. According to this algorithm, the of detection and quantification limits were from 3.2 × 10-3 g L-1 to 3.6 × 10-3 g L-1, and from 9.6 × 10-3 to 1.1 × 10-2 g L-1, respectively. The sensitivity was 1.64 × 10-6 A L g-1. The proposed electrochemical biosensor exhibited a very good performance, a stability of 20 days, very good reproducibility and repeatability, and it is presented as a very good alternative for the determination of TGs in human serum clinical samples.

[Control of cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes in a specialized diabetic clinic]. / Control de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en diabetes tipo 2 en una consulta monográfica.

BACKGROUND: Achieving an adequate control of glycaemic and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) is essential in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, several studies have shown that the percentage of patients achieving these goals is scarce. We evaluated the degree of control of CVRFs target goals in T2DM patients who regularly attend a specialized diabetic clinic. METHODS: We studied T2DM patients who attended the specialized Diabetic Unit at the Department of Endocrinology of Clínica Universitaria de Navarra with a minimum follow-up of one year. Clinical characteristics, chronic complications and treatments were collected and patients were classified into groups according to the fulfilment of target glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), LDL cholesterol and blood pressure (BP) levels, predefined according to the presence of different comorbidities and the duration of T2DM. RESULTS: We analysed 137 patients (75% men) with T2DM, with an average age of 67 years and a 12.7 year duration of diabetes. During follow-up, 83.9% of the patients were within the individualized HbA1c target, 76.6% considering BP and 67.2% in terms of LDL-cholesterol. In addition, 68% had concomitantly the three main variables within the target. CONCLUSIONS: In our population of T2DM, HbA1c, LDL cholesterol and BP targets were achieved in a substantial proportion of patients (67-91%). Perhaps the intense and individualized care offered through a specialized diabetes unit may explain these results.

Control de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en diabetes tipo 2 en una consulta monográfica / Control of cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetesin a specialized diabetic clinic

Fundamento: Un adecuado control de la glucemia y de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV) es fundamental en los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). Sin embargo, diversos estudios han demostrado que el porcentaje de pacientes que alcanzan dichos objetivos es escaso. Hemos evaluado el grado de control de FRCV en pacientes DM2 que acuden con regularidad a una consulta monográfica de diabetes. Pacientes y métodos: Se han estudiado los pacientes con DM2 que acudían a revisión al departamento de Endocrinología de la Clínica Universidad de Navarra con un seguimiento mínimo de un año. Se presentan las características clínicas, complicaciones crónicas y tratamiento médico, así como la clasificación en grupos según el cumplimiento de los objetivos de hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c), perfil lipídico (LDL-colesterol) y presión arterial (PA) individualizados según comorbilidades y años de evolución de la DM2. Resultados: Se han analizado 137 pacientes (75% hombres) con DM2, 67 años de edad media y 12,7 años de evolución. Durante el seguimiento, se encontraron dentro del rango objetivo individualizado de HbA1c el 83,9% de los pacientes, el 67,2% en cuanto a LDL-colesterol y el 76,6% considerando PA. Además, el 68% presentaron las tres variables principales dentro del objetivo. Conclusiones: En nuestra población de DM2 la consecución de objetivos de HbA1c, LDL-colesterol y PA se alcanza en una importante proporción de pacientes (67-91%). Posiblemente la intensa e individualizada atención ofrecida a través de una unidad de diabetes especializada pueda explicar estos resultados (AU)

Background: Achieving an adequate control of glycaemic and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) is essential in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, several studies have shown that the percentage of patients achieving these goals is scarce. We evaluated the degree of control of CVRFs target goals in T2DM patients who regularly attend a specialized diabetic clinic. Methods: We studied T2DM patients who attended the specialized Diabetic Unit at the Department of Endocrinology of Clínica Universidad de Navarra with a minimum follow-up of one year. Clinical characteristics, chronic complications and treatments were collected and patients were classified into groups according to the fulfilment of target glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), LDL cholesterol and blood pressure (BP) levels, predefined according to the presence of different comorbidities and the duration of T2DM. Results: We analysed 137 patients (75% men) with T2DM, with an average age of 67 years and a 12.7 year duration of diabetes. During follow-up, 83.9% of the patients were within the individualized HbA1c target, 76.6% considering BP and 67.2% in terms of LDL-cholesterol. In addition, 68% had concomitantly the three main variables within the target. Conclusions: In our population of T2DM, HbA1c, LDL colesterol and BP targets were achieved in a substantial proportion of patients (67-91%). Perhaps the intense and individualized care offered through a specialized diabetes unit may explain these results (AU)

Evaluación del impacto de la participación comunitaria en la vigilancia de Chagas / Evaluation of the impact of community participation in the surveillance of Chagas

El objetivo del presente estudio es efectuar el análisis del impacto de la vigilancia en sus diferentes modalidades en el control de la infección por T. cruzi y la densidad vectorial (Triatoma infestans). Material y métodos: El trabajo fue desarrollado en el Departamento de Capayán, en la provincia de Catamarca, Argentina. Se seleccionaron aleatoriamente 5 comunidades rurales y 3 comunidades peri-urbanas para desarrollar el estudio. Indicadores utilizados: a) infestación domiciliaria en los meses 24, 48 y 96; y b) Infección por T.cruzi de menores de 14 años. Resultados: Se observa persistencia de triatomineos durante el periodo de seguimiento y cuando se comparan los datos del estudio de base (2007) con los obtenidos en el año 2009 y 2012 existe significancia estadística (p <0.04) entre áreas. Se capturaron 1.89 insectos/intradomicilio en áreas con vigilancia activa versus 5.21 insectos/intradomicilio en áreas donde la misma no existió. Se demuestra la existencia de infecciones recientes en niños menores de 4 años e hijos de mujeres negativas para T. cruzi en áreas sin vigilancia activa (3 niños). Conclusión: En la presente investigación se demuestra el impacto de la vigilancia activa en sus diferentes modalidades por la no existencia de casos nuevos vectoriales en el período de seguimiento. (AU)

The aim of this study is to perform the analysis of the impact of surveillance in its various forms in the control of infection by T. cruzi and vector density (Triatoma infestans). Material and Methods: The work was developed in the Department of Capayán, in the Province of Catamarca, Argentina. Eight rural communities were selected to develop the study. Indicators used: a) house infestation in 24 months, 48 and 96; b) T. cruzi infection in children under 14 years. Results: Persistence of triatomine It is observed during the monitoring period as the baseline study (2007) thus obtained in 2009 compared to 2012 there is statistical significance (p <0.04) between areas. 1.89 insect / intradomicile were captured in areas with active surveillance versus 5.21 insect/intradomicile in areas where it did not exist. The existence of recent infections in children under four years of negative women and children for T. cruzi in areas without active surveillance (3 children) is demonstrated. Conclusion: In this research, the impact of active surveillance in its various forms by Vector exists no new cases in the follow-up period shown. (AU)

Las decisiones políticas y su influencia en los programas de salud / Political decisions and their influence on health programs

El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la evolución epidemiológica de cuatro enfermedades de importancia sanitaria para Argentina y observar el impacto que diferentes decisiones político / administrativos / técnicas han tenido en su desarrollo histórico epidemiológico. Analizamos la evolución histórica del Paludismo, Enfermedad de Chagas, Fiebre Hemorrágica Argentina (Virus Junín) y Dengue, asociándolos a los diferentes períodos administrativos de gobierno. La incidencia y prevalencia de estas enfermedades se dan fundamentalmente en jurisdicciones que tienen los PBI más bajos, índices generales de educación y desarrollo en los percentiles inferiores y, por lo tanto, las intervenciones dependen fundamentalmente del financiamiento y de la estructura federal. Argentina logró el control de las poblaciones del Aedes aegipty en 1965 y con ello, la suspensión de la ocurrencia de casos de Fiebre Amarilla. Hoy el vector está distribuido más allá de sus fronteras originales produciendo epidemias de Dengue y la retransmisión de Fiebre Amarilla. En Paludismo, de más de 100.000 casos anuales ocurridos durante toda la primera mitad del siglo pasado, se logró bajar la incidencia a poco más de 400 casos en pocos años. Hoy está siendo una amenaza en amplias zonas del Norte y el Litoral de Argentina. De controlar la transmisión vectorial de Chagas, que de unos pocos casos notificados en áreas determinadas en 1996, hoy el número de Chagas agudos vectoriales no deja de aumentar año a año. La excusa más extendida para justificar estos cambios es el calentamiento global, pero podemos afirmar con los datos de nuestro estudio, que mejorando el ambiente político, paso crítico, se pueden alcanzar muchos de los objetivos que han quedado postergados en el área de la salud pública de Argentina. Los argentinos podríamos tener una mejor salud de la que actualmente tenemos si hubiera existido continuidad y estabilidad de las acciones que se desarrollaron en los últimos 60 años. (AU)

The political decision and their influence on health programs development. The objective of this work is to analyze the epidemiological evolution of four diseases in the course of different governmental administrations. We analyzed the historical evolution of the Paludismo, Chagas' disease, Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever (Junín Virus) and Dengue. The incidence and prevalence of these diseases occur fundamentally in jurisdictions that have the lowest GDP, education indices and human development are in the lower percentiles and therefore the interventions depend fundamentally on the financing and federal structures. In the analysis of the Argentina diseases profit the control of the Aedes aegipty vector of Yellow Fever and Dengue was controlled in 1965 and the suspension of the occurrence of Yellow Fever was achieved, today, the vector is distributed beyond its original borders producing epidemics of Dengue and the broadcasting of the Yellow Fever. In Paludismo of more than 100,000 cases occurred during the first half of the last century we were able to lower it to a little more of 400 cases in a short period of time, and today is being a threat in wide zones of the Northwest and the Northeast of Argentina. From almost controlling the Chagas vector transmission in 1996, when only a few cases were reported; today, the amount of acute cases rises to nearly more than 60 cases reported per year. The extended excuse of these occurrence is the global warming and we can affirm without being mistaken, with the data of our study, that improving the political atmosphere, will help to achieve many of the objectives that have been delayed in the area of public health in Argentina. We, Argentineans, could have a better health than we have at the moment if it had existed continuity and stability in the actions that were developed in the last 60 years. (AU)

Manejo conservador de una fistula de quilo por disección radical de cuello: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Conservative management of chyle fistula diseción by radical neck: a case report and literature review

Se expone el caso de un paciente masculino de 59 años con diagnóstico de carcinoma medular de tiroides con metástasis ganglionares, al cual se le realiza una tiroidectomía total bilateral con disección radical de cuello modificada tipo III. En el postoperatorio se documenta fístula del conducto torácico. Se dio un manejo conservador con dieta hiperprotéica sin carbohidratos y rica en triglicéridos de cadena media el cual fue satisfactorio.

We describe the case of a 59-year-old male patient with a diagnosis of medullar thyroid carcinoma with affection of a cervical lymph node surgically managed with total thyroidectomy and bilateral radical neck dissection. It was diagnosed with a thoracic duct fistula. A conservative management with a strict diet of proteins enriched with medium chain triglycerides was performed in a successful way. Because of the case a review of the literature was performed.

Estado actual del dolor abdominal agudo en urgencias de pediatría / Current state acute abdominal pain in pediatric emergencies

El dolor abdominal agudo (DAA) es un motivo de consulta frecuente en urgencias de pediatría. Habitualmente se debe a enfermedades banales y autolimitadas, sobre todo infecciones gastrointestinales, sin embargo el reto para el pediatra de urgencias está en diagnosticar aquellos cuadros que representan una amenaza para la vida del paciente o que precisan una intervención quirúrgica urgente. La etología está condicionada por la edad, así en menores de dos años debemos pensar en invaginación intestinal, mientras que en mayores de esa edad, el diagnóstico más frecuente es la apendicitis aguda. No obstante, no se deben olvidar enfermedades extradigestivas, ni cuadros de origen funcional. La mayoría de las causas se van a diagnosticar con una historia clínica y exploración detalladas, pero a veces se requieren pruebas complementarias. La ecografía abdominal tiene un papel fundamental en cuadros dudosos. El tratamiento definitivo del paciente con DAA dependerá del diagnóstico, sin embargo cuando se mantiene la duda aun tras valorar toda la información, es aconsejable un periodo de observación hospitalaria o en domicilio. El objetivo de esta puesta al día del DAA es revisar los cuadros de mayor relevancia y ofrecer una secuencia diagnóstica orientada por la edad y los síntomas acompañantes (AU)

The acute abdominal pain (AAP) is one of the chief of complaint in the paediatric emergency department (ED). It is usually caused by trivial and self-limited diseases, mostly gastrointestinal infections. However, the challenge for the pediatrician in the ED is to diagnose the threatening symptoms and those children who require an urgent surgery. The cause is highly related to the age of rhe child, hence we must consider an intussusception in children less than two years old, whereas in older children the most frequent diagnose would be acute appendicitis. Neverthe1ess, we must not forget other causes such as extra-digestive diseases or the functional pain. We identify the etiologies with an elaborated medical history and physical examination; sometimes we have to resort to additional tests. The abdominal ultrasonography plays a fundamental role in doubtful cases. The definitive treatment in AAP depends on the diagnose, when there is a doubt about it, even though after taking into account all the information is advisable to observe the patient for a period of time either at the hospital or at home. The aim of this article is to review the most relevant diseases that cause AAP as well as provide a diagnostic sequence guided by rhe age and accompanying symptoms of the patient (AU)

[Effect on zebrafish neurodevelopment and neuroprotection of a polyphenolic extract olive seeds]. / Efecto sobre el neurodesarrollo y neuroprotección en pez cebra de un extracto polifenólico de huesos de aceituna.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a polyphenolic extract from olive pit on the development of the nervous system as well as its effect on pain induced by the neurotoxin kainic acid, taking the zebrafish as the animal model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyse the effect of the extract at the maximum tolerated dose (100 mg/ml of polyphenols) on the cholinergic activity in zebrafish larvae (72 hours post-fertilization). Only fecundated eggs with no abnormalities are used. 6 eggs/bowl are incubated in a 24 bowls microplate in 2 ml of water with DMSO (0.1%) at 26 ± 1º C: a) neurodevelopment: water (control) and 100 mg/ml of extract, as an essay; b) neuroprotection: water and kainic acid (100 µM) (control) and 100 mg/ml of extract (essay). All incubations are in triplicate. After 72 h, incubations are examined and checked for any abnormalities. Larvae are homogenized and acetyl cholinesterase activity and protein concentration in supernatants is quantified. RESULTS: The quantity of protein and the morphologic appreciation is similar in all the essays, showing a standard development. Acetyl cholinesterase in fish larvae, with the polyphenolic extract is 162.2% (SD 44.2) compared to controls (100% of activity) (p < 0.01). Fish larvae treated with kainic acid and polyphenolic acid show 140.1% (SD 22.0) of activity, compared to those only incubated with the neurotoxin (100%) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Polyphenols extracted from olive pit produce an increase in the cholinergic activity during the larvae neurodevelopment in the zebrafish as well as protection against the neurotoxin kainic acid.

Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de un extracto polifenólico de hueso de oliva en el desarrollo del sistema nervioso y frente al daño inducido mediante la neurotoxina ácido kaínico, utilizando como modelo animal el pez cebra. Material y métodos: Se analiza el efecto del extracto a la máxima dosis tolerada (100 mg/ml de polifenoles) sobre la actividad colinérgica en larvas de pez cebra (72 horas post-fertilización). Se utilizan únicamente huevos fecundados sin anomalías. Se incuban 6 huevos/pocillo en microplaca de 24 pocillos en 2 ml de agua con DMSO (0,1%) a 26 ± 1º C: a) neurodesarrollo: agua (control) y con 100 mg/ml de extracto, como ensayo; b) neuroprotección: agua y ácido kaínico (100 M) (control) y con 100 mg/ml de extracto (ensayo). Todas las incubaciones por triplicado. A las 72 h se examinan y verifica ausencia de anomalías. Las larvas se homogeneizan y en los sobrenadantes se cuantifica actividad acetilnolinesterasa y concentración proteínas. Resultados: La cantidad de proteína y apreciación morfológica es análoga en todos los ensayos, indicando mismo desarrollo. La acetilcolinesterasa en las larvas de pez, con el extracto polifenólico es del 162,2%(SD 44,2) respecto a controles (100% de actividad) (p < 0,01). Las larvas de pez tratadas con ácido kaínico y extracto polifenólico presentan el 140,1% (SD 22,0) de actividad, respecto a las incubadas únicamente con la neurotoxina (100%) (p < 0,05). Conclusión: Los polifenoles extraídos de los huesos de aceituna producen incremento de actividad colinérgica durante el neurodesarrollo larvario en el pez cebra y protección frente a la neurotoxina ácido kaínico.

[Anti-inflammatory activity of olive seed polyphenolic extract in the THP1-XBLUE-CD14 human monocytes cell line]. / Actividad antiinflamatoria de un extracto polifenólico de hueso de olivas en la línea celular de monocitos humanos THP1-XBLUE-CD14.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of a polyphenolic extract from olive pits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The THP1-XBlue-CD14 (invivogen) cellular line, 80,000 cells/well, was incubated and inflammation (activation of NF-kb) was produced with 0.1 mg/mL of LPS (lipopolysaccharide from E. coli) for 24 hours. We assessed the presence of the extract (10 and 50 mg/L, biologically safe concentrations) for 2 hours at 37º C, before (preventive effect) and after (therapeutic effect) the proinflammatory activation, and the activity of alkaline phosphatase, which is expressed under the control of the NF-kb transcriptional factor, was quantified by colorimetry. The percentage of activity of NF-kb as preventive effect and therapeutic effect was assessed by comparing it to control cultures of cells with LPS and without extract, which are considered 100% of NF-kb. RESULTS: The preventive anti-inflammatory capacity of the extract at 50 mg/L was 25.5% (95% CI: 16.8-34.2) and the therapeutic effect 34.9% (95% CI: 25.3-44.4) for the same concentration, without any significant activity at 10 mg/L. CONCLUSION: An activity of polyphenols extracted from olive pits is shown, both in preventing inflammation and therapeutically eliminating inflammation through inhibition of NF-kB factor previously activated by LPS at concentrations of 50 mg/L of polyphenols, which previously haven been shown to be safe.

El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la actividad antiinflamatoria de un extracto de naturaleza polifenólica de huesos de oliva. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incubó la línea celular THP1- XBlue-CD14 (invivogen), 80.000 células/pocillo, provocando inflamación (activación de NF-kb) mediante 0.1 µg/ml LPS (lipopolisacárido de E. coli) durante 24 horas. Se evaluó la presencia del extracto (10 y 50 mg/l, concentraciones bioseguras) durante 2 horas a 37 ºC, previa (efecto preventivo) y posterior a la activación proinflamatoria (efecto terapéutico) y se cuantificó colorimétricamente la actividad de fosfatasa alcalina, que se expresa bajo el control del promotor del factor transcripcional de NF-kb. Se evalúa el % actividad de NF-kb en efecto preventivo y terapéutico respecto a cultivos control de células con LPS y sin extracto añadido, que se consideran 100% de NF-kb. RESULTADOS: La capacidad antiinflamatoria preventiva del extracto a 50 mg/l es del 25,5% (IC 95% 16,8-34,2) y el efecto terapéutico del 34,9% (IC 95% 25,3-44,4) para la misma concentración, no presentando actividad significativa a 10 mg/l. CONCLUSIÓN: Se muestra una actividad de los polifenoles extraídos de los huesos de aceitunas, tanto preventivo de la inflamación como terapéutico de eliminación de la inflamación a través de la inhibición del factor NF-kB previamente activado por LPS a concentraciones de 50 mg/l de polifenoles que previamente se han mostrado seguras.

Actividad antiinflamatoria de un extracto polifenólico de hueso de olivas en la línea celular de monocitos humanos THP1-XBLUE-CD14 / Anti-inflammatory activity of olive seed polyphenolic extract in the THP1-XBLUE-CD14 human monocytes cell line

El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la actividad antiinflamatoria de un extracto de naturaleza polifenólica de huesos de oliva. Material y métodos: Se incubó la línea celular THP1- XBlue-CD14 (invivogen), 80.000 células/pocillo, provocando inflamación (activación de NF-kb) mediante 0.1 µg/ml LPS (lipopolisacárido de E. coli) durante 24 horas. Se evaluó la presencia del extracto (10 y 50 mg/l, concentraciones bioseguras) durante 2 horas a 37 ºC, previa (efecto preventivo) y posterior a la activación proinflamatoria (efecto terapéutico) y se cuantificó colorimétricamente la actividad de fosfatasa alcalina, que se expresa bajo el control del promotor del factor transcripcional de NF-kb. Se evalúa el % actividad de NF-kb en efecto preventivo y terapéutico respecto a cultivos control de células con LPS y sin extracto añadido, que se consideran 100% de NF-kb. Resultados: La capacidad antiinflamatoria preventiva del extracto a 50 mg/l es del 25,5% (IC 95% 16,8-34,2) y el efecto terapéutico del 34,9% (IC 95% 25,3-44,4) para la misma concentración, no presentando actividad significativa a 10 mg/l. Conclusión: Se muestra una actividad de los polifenoles extraídos de los huesos de aceitunas, tanto preventivo de la inflamación como terapéutico de eliminación de la inflamación a través de la inhibición del factor NF-kB previamente activado por LPS a concentraciones de 50 mg/l de polifenoles que previamente se han mostrado seguras (AU)

The aim of this study was to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of a polyphenolic extract from olive pits. Material and methods: The THP1-XBlue-CD14 (invivogen) cellular line, 80,000 cells/well, was incubated and inflammation (activation of NF-kb) was produced with 0.1 mg/mL of LPS (lipopolysaccharide from E. coli) for 24 hours. We assessed the presence of the extract (10 and 50 mg/L, biologically safe concentrations) for 2 hours at 37º C, before (preventive effect) and after (therapeutic effect) the proinflammatory activation, and the activity of alkaline phosphatase, which is expressed under the control of the NF-kb transcriptional factor, was quantified by colorimetry. The percentage of activity of NF-kb as preventive effect and therapeutic effect was assessed by comparing it to control cultures of cells with LPS and without extract, which are considered 100% of NF-kb. Results: The preventive anti-inflammatory capacity of the extract at 50 mg/L was 25.5% (95% CI: 16.8-34.2) and the therapeutic effect 34.9% (95% CI: 25.3-44.4) for the same concentration, without any significant activity at 10 mg/L. Conclusion: An activity of polyphenols extracted from olive pits is shown, both in preventing inflammation and therapeutically eliminating inflammation through inhibition of NF-kB factor previously activated by LPS at concentrations of 50 mg/L of polyphenols, which previously haven been shown to be safe (AU)

[Assessment of cytotoxicity and biosafety of polyphenolic extracts from olive pits]. / Evaluación de la citotoxicidad y bioseguridad de un extracto de polifenoles de huesos de aceitunas.

UNLABELLED: The olive tree is a source of bioactive compounds, both its fruit and its by-products. Some of its compounds have shown health benefits, being objective of this work the evaluation of biosafety in-vitro and in vivo of extracts of olive stones rich in polyphenols. MATERIAL AND METHODS: He has been evaluated for cytotoxicity by addition of lyophilized extract dissolved in PBS(0-400 mg/l) to a culture of the cell line THP1-XBlue- CD14 and evaluation of cell viability by the reaction of reduction of resazurin by living cells. Biosecurity has been evaluated in zebrafish, incubating eggs fertilized in 0 to 100 mg/l extract for 24 to 72 hours and measuring parameters: a) lethal (dead embryos, coagulated eggs), b) sublethal (spontaneous movements, pigmentation, edemas) and c) teratogenic (malformations, retardation development). RESULTS: Cytotoxicity (toxic effect when less than 75% viability) extract bones of olive in the cell line THP1- XBlue-CD14, is in concentrations higher than 50 mg/l, calculating a LD50 (dose lethality 50) more than 800 mg/l. The biosafety of zebrafish embryos exposed to concentrations of extract from 0-100 mg/l showed total viability at 24, 48 and 72 hours post fertilization (hpf), not observed mortality or appreciated embryos with sublethal effects, teratogenic, or advancement or delay in hatching. It can be concluded that the bones of olive extract is highly biosecured until at least 100 mg/l concentrations.

El olivo constituye una fuente de compuestos bioactivos, tanto en su fruto, como en sus subproductos. Algunos de sus compuestos han mostrado beneficios para la salud, siendo objetivo de este trabajo la evaluación de la bioseguridad in vitro e in vivo de extractos de huesos de aceituna ricos en polifenoles. Material y métodos: Se ha evaluado la citotoxicidad mediante adición de extracto de hueso de olivas disuelto en PBS(0-400 mg/l) a un cultivo de la línea celular THP1- XBlue-CD14 y evaluación de la viabilidad celular mediante la reacción de reducción de la resazurina por las células vivas. La bioseguridad se ha evaluado en pez cebra, incubando huevos fecundados en extracto de 0 a 100 mg/l durante 24 a 72 horas y midiendo los parámetros: a) letales (embriones muertos, huevos coagulados), b) subletales (movimientos espontáneos, pigmentación, edemas) y c) teratogénicos (malformaciones, retraso desarrollo). Resultados: La citotoxicidad (efecto tóxico cuando viabilidad inferior al 75%) del extracto de huesos de oliva en la línea celular THP1-XBlue-CD14, está en concentraciones superiores a 50 mg/l de extracto (viabilidad 77,5%), calculando una LD50 (dosis de letalidad 50%) superior a 800 mg/l. La bioseguridad in vivo con los embriones de pez cebra expuestos a concentraciones de extracto de 0- 100 mg/l mostró total viabilidad a 24, 48 y 72 horas post fecundación (hpf), no observándose mortalidad ni se apreciaron embriones con efectos subletales, teratógenos, ni adelanto o retraso en la eclosión. Se puede concluir que el extracto de huesos de olivas es altamente bioseguro hasta al menos concentraciones de 100 mg/l.

Evaluación de la citotoxicidad y bioseguridad de un extracto de polifenoles de huesos de aceitunas / Assessment of cytotoxicity and biosafety of polyphenolic extracts from olive pits

El olivo constituye una fuente de compuestos bioactivos, tanto en su fruto, como en sus subproductos. Algunos de sus compuestos han mostrado beneficios para la salud, siendo objetivo de este trabajo la evaluación de la bioseguridad in vitro e in vivo de extractos de huesos de aceituna ricos en polifenoles. Material y métodos: Se ha evaluado la citotoxicidad mediante adición de extracto de hueso de olivas disuelto en PBS (0-400 mg/l) a un cultivo de la línea celular THP1- XBlue-CD14 y evaluación de la viabilidad celular mediante la reacción de reducción de la resazurina por las células vivas. La bioseguridad se ha evaluado en pez cebra, incubando huevos fecundados en extracto de 0 a 100 mg/l durante 24 a 72 horas y midiendo los parámetros: a) letales (embriones muertos, huevos coagulados), b) subletales (movimientos espontáneos, pigmentación, edemas) y c) teratogénicos (malformaciones, retraso desarrollo). Resultados: La citotoxicidad (efecto tóxico cuando viabilidad inferior al 75%) del extracto de huesos de oliva en la línea celular THP1-XBlue-CD14, está en concentraciones superiores a 50 mg/l de extracto (viabilidad 77,5%), calculando una LD50 (dosis de letalidad 50%) superior a 800 mg/l. La bioseguridad in vivo con los embriones de pez cebra expuestos a concentraciones de extracto de 0- 100 mg/l mostró total viabilidad a 24, 48 y 72 horas post fecundación (hpf), no observándose mortalidad ni se apreciaron embriones con efectos subletales, teratógenos, ni adelanto o retraso en la eclosión. Se puede concluir que el extracto de huesos de olivas es altamente bioseguro hasta al menos concentraciones de 100 mg/l (AU)

The olive tree is a source of bioactive compounds, both its fruit and its by-products. Some of its compounds have shown health benefits, being objective of this work the evaluation of biosafety in-vitro and in vivo of extracts of olive stones rich in polyphenols. Material and methods: He has been evaluated for cytotoxicity by addition of lyophilized extract dissolved in PBS (0-400 mg/l) to a culture of the cell line THP1-XBlueCD14 and evaluation of cell viability by the reaction of reduction of resazurin by living cells. Biosecurity has been evaluated in zebrafish, incubating eggs fertilized in 0 to 100 mg/l extract for 24 to 72 hours and measuring parameters: a) lethal (dead embryos, coagulated eggs), b) sublethal (spontaneous movements, pigmentation, edemas) and c) teratogenic (malformations, retardation development). Results: Cytotoxicity (toxic effect when less than 75% viability) extract bones of olive in the cell line THP1- XBlue-CD14, is in concentrations higher than 50 mg/l, calculating a LD50 (dose lethality 50) more than 800 mg/l. The biosafety of zebrafish embryos exposed to concentrations of extract from 0-100 mg/l showed total viability at 24, 48 and 72 hours post fertilization (hpf), not observed mortality or appreciated embryos with sublethal effects, teratogenic, or advancement or delay in hatching. It can be concluded that the bones of olive extract is highly biosecured until at least 100 mg/l concentrations (AU)

Efficient removal of crystal violet dye from aqueous solutions by vitreous tuff mineral.

Textural, structural and morphological characteristics of the vitreous tuff were determined by means of several physicochemical techniques. The nitrogen adsorption isotherm at 77 K was fitted with the Brunnauer-Emmet-Teller model and together with the results of the average pore distribution showed a mesoporous material. Samples of vitreous tuff were used as adsorbent to study the removal of crystal violet from aqueous solution. The presence of -OH moieties in the material seems to be responsible for the removal of the dye showing that vitreous tuff can be used as an organic dye adsorbent material. The pseudo-second-order model was the best fit model for describing the sorption process of crystal violet; intraparticle diffusion being the controlling step in the process. The experimental adsorption isotherm was fitted with Langmuir, Freundlich and Langmuir-Freundlich models, showing better correlation with the second one. The adsorption capacity was 170.01 mg/g, being among the highest compared with other inorganic and organic common sorbent materials. The design of single stage of the adsorber can predict the behaviour to potential scale up. This mineral has a very good potential as an adsorbent material for organic dyes.

Adsorption of cadmium by Na and Fe modified zeolitic tuffs and carbonaceous material from pyrolyzed sewage sludge.

In the present study the process of adsorption of cadmium from aqueous solutions using Na-zeolitic tuff, Fe-zeolitic tuff and carbonaceous material from pyrolyzed sewage sludge treated with HCl was investigated. The cadmium removal efficiency was studied as a function of contact time, adsorbate concentration, pH and adsorbent dose. The results showed that removal of cadmium was best described by the Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm. The kinetic experimental results were best described by the pseudo-first order model. The results indicate that the adsorption mechanism is physical and chemical sorption on heterogeneous materials. The maximum retention of cadmium was at pH around 6.0 for the materials. In kinetic studies, the Na and Fe modified zeolitic tuffs showed similar sorption capacities for cadmium and they were higher than the capacity found for carbonaceous material.

Molecular phylogeography of the Chagas' disease vector Triatoma infestans in Argentina.

Triatoma infestans is the main vector of Chagas' disease in South America between latitudes 10°S and 46°S. A multilocus microsatellite data set of 836 individuals from 27 populations of T. infestans, from all its range of distribution in Argentina, was analyzed. Our results favor the hypothesis of two independent migration events of colonization in Argentina and secondary contacts. The majority of the populations of the western provinces of Catamarca, La Rioja, San Juan and the west of Cordoba province, had almost no shared ancestry with the rest of the populations analyzed. Probably those populations, belonging to localities close to the Andean region, could have been established by the dispersal line of T. infestans that would have arrived to Argentina through the Andes, whereas most of the rest of the populations analyzed may have derived from the dispersal line of T. infestans in non-Andean lowlands. Among them, those from the provinces of Formosa, Chaco, Santiago del Estero and Santa Fe shared different percentages of ancestry and presented lower degree of genetic differentiation. The migratory movement linked to regional economies and possibly associated with passive dispersal, would allow a higher genetic exchange among these populations of T. infestans. This study, using microsatellite markers, provides a new approach for evaluating the validity of the different hypotheses concerning the evolutionary history of this species. Two major lineages of T. infestans, an Andean and non-Andean, are suggested.