Correlation and comparison between different measurement sites of waist circumference and cardiovascular risk in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: waist circumference (WC) is a component of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and an excellent marker for the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in children. This study aimed to provide information on the anatomical measurement sites of WC and their comparative correlation with MetS and its components in children. METHODS: the literature search included papers published between January 2005 and September 2023 that met the following criteria: pediatric patients (2-18 years), WC measurement at different anatomical sites (≥ 2), and CVD risk by MetS. The quality of each study was determined using the STROBE and modified GRADE scales. The meta-analysis evaluated the WCiliac-crest and WCmiddle. RESULTS: five observational studies (total population: 1,224) were included. WC was measured at 2-4 anatomical sites. In all studies, the correlations between different WC measurement sites and CVD risk were similar. The STROBE assessment ranged from 12-20/22 and the GRADE was A for all the articles. The meta-analysis showed that the heterogeneity (I2 test) of the WCiliac-crest and WCmiddle with CVD variables was substantial. CONCLUSION: All WC measurement sites showed adequate correlation with CVD risk, with some small individual differences. WCnarrow and WCumbilucus have adequate consistency and could be excellent alternatives in daily clinical practice because of their ease of measurement. Further studies are needed to evaluate the correlation between different WC measurement sites and CVD risk in children stratified according to pubertal stage and sex.

Genetic mapping of the p47 L.3.2 mutation in Drosophilamelanogaster.

An EMS-based forward genetic screen was conducted in an apoptotic null background to identify genetic aberrations that contribute to regulation of cell growth in Drosophila melanogaster . The current work maps the genomic location of one of the identified mutants, L.3.2 . Genetic crosses conducted through the Fly-CURE consortium determined that the gene locus for the L.3.2 mutation is p47 on chromosome 2R.

The effect of multi-material architecture on the ex vivo osteochondral integration of bioprinted constructs.

Extrusion bioprinted constructs for osteochondral tissue engineering were fabricated to study the effect of multi-material architecture on encapsulated human mesenchymal stem cells' tissue-specific matrix deposition and integration into an ex vivo porcine osteochondral explant model. Two extrusion fiber architecture groups with differing transition regions and degrees of bone- and cartilage-like bioink mixing were employed. The gradient fiber (G-Fib) architecture group showed an increase in chondral integration over time, 18.5 ± 0.7 kPa on Day 21 compared to 9.6 ± 1.6 kPa on Day 1 for the required peak push-out force, and the segmented fiber (S-Fib) architecture group did not, which corresponded to the increase in sulfated glycosaminoglycan deposition noted only in the G-Fib group and the staining for cellularity and tissue-specific matrix deposition at the fiber-defect boundary. Conversely, the S-Fib architecture was associated with significant mineralization over time, but the G-Fib architecture was not. Notably, both fiber groups also had similar chondral integration as a re-inserted osteochondral tissue control. While architecture did dictate differences in the cells' responses to their environment, architecture was not shown to distinguish a statistically significant difference in tissue integration via fiber push-out testing within a given time point or explant region. Use of this three-week osteochondral model demonstrates that these bioink formulations support the fabrication of cell-laden constructs that integrate into explanted tissue as capably as natural tissue and encapsulate osteochondral matrix-producing cells, and it also highlights the important role that spatial architecture plays in the engineering of multi-phasic tissue environments. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Here, an ex vivo model was used to interrogate fundamental questions about the effect of multi-material scaffold architectural choices on osteochondral tissue integration. Cell-encapsulating constructs resembling stratified osteochondral tissue were 3D printed with architecture consisting of either gradient transitions or segmented transitions between the bone-like and cartilage-like bioink regions. The printed constructs were assessed alongside re-inserted natural tissue plugs via mechanical tissue integration push-out testing, biochemical assays, and histology. Differences in osteochondral matrix deposition were observed based on architecture, and both printed groups demonstrated cartilage integration similar to the native tissue plug group. As 3D printing becomes commonplace within biomaterials and tissue engineering, this work illustrates critical 3D co-culture interactions and demonstrates the importance of considering architecture when interpreting the results of studies utilizing spatially complex, multi-material scaffolds.

Bioactive 2-pyridone-containing heterocycle syntheses using multicomponent reactions.

2-Pyridone-containing heterocycles are considered privileged scaffolds in drug discovery due to their behavior as hydrogen bond donors and/or acceptors and nonpeptidic mimics, and remarkable physicochemical properties such as metabolic stability, solubility in water, and lipophilicity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of multicomponent reactions (MCRs) for the synthesis of 2-pyridone-containing heterocycles. In particular, it covers the articles published from 1999 to date related to anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, α-glucosidase inhibitor, and cardiotonic activities of 2-pyridone-containing heterocycles obtained exclusively by an MCR. The discussion focuses on bioactivity data, synthetic approaches, plausible reaction mechanisms, and molecular docking simulations to facilitate comparison and underscore the applications of the 2-pyridone motif in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry. We also present our conclusions and outlook for the future.

Human gelatin-based composite hydrogels for osteochondral tissue engineering and their adaptation into bioinks for extrusion, inkjet, and digital light processing bioprinting.

The investigation of novel hydrogel systems allows for the study of relationships between biomaterials, cells, and other factors within osteochondral tissue engineering. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a popular research method that can allow for further interrogation of these questions via the fabrication of 3D hydrogel environments that mimic tissue-specific, complex architectures. However, the adaptation of promising hydrogel biomaterial systems into 3D-printable bioinks remains a challenge. Here, we delineated an approach to that process. First, we characterized a novel methacryloylated gelatin composite hydrogel system and assessed how calcium phosphate and glycosaminoglycan additives upregulated bone- and cartilage-like matrix deposition and certain genetic markers of differentiation within human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), such as RUNX2 and SOX9. Then, new assays were developed and utilized to study the effects of xanthan gum and nanofibrillated cellulose, which allowed for cohesive fiber deposition, reliable droplet formation, and non-fracturing digital light processing (DLP)-printed constructs within extrusion, inkjet, and DLP techniques, respectively. Finally, these bioinks were used to 3D print constructs containing viable encapsulated hMSCs over a 7 d period, where DLP printed constructs facilitated the highest observed increase in cell number over 7 d (∼2.4×). The results presented here describe the promotion of osteochondral phenotypes via these novel composite hydrogel formulations, establish their ability to bioprint viable, cell-encapsulating constructs using three different 3D printing methods on multiple bioprinters, and document how a library of modular bioink additives affected those physicochemical properties important to printability.

Risks of adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients and vaccination status in a secondary hospital in Spain.

Introduction: In December 2020, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 started in Spain. Until March 2022, 91.1% of the target population was vaccinated. The objective of the study is to describe the characteristics of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, the risk of serious outcomes and their vaccination status. Material and methods: Retrospective longitudinal analytical observational study. Demographic characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 infections and vaccination history from 01/01/2021-08/10/2021 were collected from electronic medical records and the Unified Vaccination Registry. Data analysis was performed with Excel and Stata 16. Results: 4161 COVID-19 cases were detected; of which 185 (4.5%) had received a complete vaccination schedule. The most affected age group was 80-89 years (34.1%). 1697 patients were hospitalized, of whom 78 (4.6%) had been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. No patient admitted to the ICU had a history of vaccination. The mean hospitalization time in unvaccinated patients was 11 days (95% CI -41.54-63.54) compared to 8.5 days (95% CI 7.04-9.96) in vaccinated patients. The relative risk of hospitalization in vaccinated patients compared to unvaccinated patients for the age group 40 to 59 years was 0.29 (95% CI 0.11-0.72) and 0.77 (95% CI 0.67-0). 0.90) for people over 60 years of age. Conclusions: The risk of hospitalization and death was lower in vaccinated patients compared to unvaccinated patients in the age groups 40-59 and older than 60 years. This finding supports current clinical evidence.

Introducción: En diciembre 2020 inició la vacunación frente al SARS-CoV-2 en España. Hasta principios de marzo 2022 el 91,1% de la población diana ha sido vacunada. El objetivo del estudio es describir las características de los pacientes con infección por SARS-CoV-2, el riesgo de desenlaces graves y el estado de vacunación. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional analítico longitudinal retrospectivo. Se recogieron características demográficas y desenlace de infecciones COVID-19 de casos confirmados y sus antecedentes de vacunación desde 01/01/2021­10/08/2021 de las historias clínicas electrónicas y del Registro Unificado de Vacunación. El análisis de datos se realizó con Excel y Stata 16. Resultados: Se detectaron 4161 casos COVID-19; 185 (4,5%) recibieron pauta de vacunación completa. El grupo de edad más afectado fue 80­89 años (34,1%). 1697 pacientes hospitalizaron, de los cuales 78 (4,6%) recibieron pauta de vacunación completa. Ningún paciente ingresado en UCI tenía antecedentes de vacunación. El tiempo medio de hospitalización en no vacunados fue de 11 días (IC95% -41,54-63,54) frente a 8,5 días (IC95% 7,04-9,96) en vacunados. El riesgo relativo de hospitalización en vacunados respecto a no vacunados para el grupo de edad de 40 a 59 años fue de 0,29 (IC95% 0,11-0,72) y de 0,77 (IC95% 0,67-0,90) para las personas de más de 60 años. Conclusiones: El riesgo de hospitalización y muerte fue menor en los pacientes vacunados en comparación con los no vacunados en los grupos de edad 40­59 y mayores de 60 años. Este hallazgo está de acuerdo con los datos de la evidencia clínica actual.

Physicochemical properties and functional characteristics of ultrasound-assisted legume-protein isolates: a comparative study.

Sonicated protein isolates were recovered from Chenopodium quinua, Phaseoulus vulgaris and Lens culinaris to develop a functional matrix by assessing the physicochemical and functional properties. The plant protein isolates were prepared from powdered materials followed by sonication in alkaline medium using a Box-Behnken design. pH (6-10), a buffer-to-material ratio (5:1 to 15:1) and sonication time (0-20 min) were taken as independent variables, whereas protein yield was taken as the dependent variable. A pH of 9, 20 min treatment, and a buffer-to-material ratio of 5:1 were the optimal extraction conditions for quinoa and black beans, whereas a 1:10 ratio was suitable for lentils. Sonication in alkaline medium caused partial protein unfolding and these isolates; in turn, the molecular weight affected the emulsifying activity and stability. Moreover, sonication had a strong effect on the gelation temperature, emulsifying activity, the water, and oil sorption. Sonication improved protein yield and exposed amino acids such as glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine and glycine. In turn, thiol groups were responsible for the increased in gelation temperature. The better gelling property coupled with high emulsifying property of these proteins show potential application as protein emulsifiers in the production of gels, sausages, and pet foods.

Childhood obesity and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between childhood obesity and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort followed from 4 to 12 years of age. METHODS: The data were obtained from two independent sources: the Longitudinal Childhood Obesity Study (ELOIN) and the epidemiological surveillance system data from the Community of Madrid (Spain), which served to identify the population within the cohort with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The SARS-CoV-2 registry was cross-checked with the cohort population at 11-12 years of age. A total of 2018 eligible participants were identified in the cohort, who underwent physical examinations at 4, 6, and 9 years of age during which weight, height, and waist circumference were recorded. General obesity (GO) was determined according to the WHO-2007 criteria whereas abdominal obesity (AO) was defined based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. The relative risks (RRs) of infection were estimated using a Poisson regression model and adjusted by sociodemographic variables, physical activity, and perceived health reported by the parents. RESULTS: The accumulated incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 8.6% (95% CI: 7.3-9.8). The estimated RR of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 2.53 (95% CI: 1.56-4.10) and 2.56 (95% CI: 1.55-4.21) for children 4-9 years old with stable GO and AO, respectively, compared with those who did not present GO. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood obesity is an independent risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study provides new evidence that indicates that obesity increases the vulnerability of the paediatric population to infectious diseases.

Application of whole-genome sequencing for norovirus outbreak tracking and surveillance efforts in Orange County, CA.

Noroviruses are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis and foodborne illness in the United States. Traditional Sanger sequencing of short genomic regions (~300-600 bp) is the primary method for differentiation of this pathogen; however, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) offers a valuable approach to further characterize strains of this virus. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of WGS compared to Sanger sequencing to differentiate norovirus strains and enhance outbreak investigation and surveillance efforts. WGS results for 41 norovirus-positive stool samples from 15 different outbreaks occurring from 2012 to 2019 in Orange County, CA, were analyzed for this study. All samples were genotyped with both WGS and Sanger sequencing based on the B-C region. WGS generated nearly full-length viral genome sequences (7029-7768 bp) with 4x to 35,378x coverage. Phylogenetic analysis of WGS data enabled differentiation of genotypically similar strains from separate outbreaks. Single nucleotide variation (SNV) analysis on a subset of strains revealed nucleotide variations (15-79 nt) among isolates from multiple outbreaks of GII.4 Sydney_2015[P31] and GII.17[P17]. Overall, the results demonstrated that coupling norovirus genotype identification with WGS enables enhanced genetic differentiation of strains and provides valuable information for outbreak investigation and surveillance efforts.

Mortalidad atribuida a telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria y variabilidad geográfica en España (1981-2016) / Mortality attributed to hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia and geographical variability in Spain (1981-2016)

OBJETIVO: Conocer la mortalidad directamente atribuida a la telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria (THH) en España, su tendencia temporal y la posible variabilidad geográfica. MÉTODO: El total de los fallecidos por THH de base poblacional se obtuvo del Instituto Nacional de Estadística, seleccionando los códigos 448.0 (CIE 9-MC, 1981-1998) y I78.0 (CIE 10, 1999-2016) como causa básica de defunción. Se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad específicas y ajustadas por edad para cada sexo, las razones de mortalidad estandarizadas (RME) por provincia y comarca, y las RME suavizadas. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 327 fallecimientos por THH (el 49,5% eran mujeres), siendo la mortalidad más alta a los 80-84 años en los hombres (0,220 por 100.000 habitantes) y a los 75-79 años en las mujeres (0,147 por 100.000 habitantes). No se detectaron cambios temporales entre 1981 y 2016. Las provincias de Navarra, Cantabria, Guipúzcoa, Pontevedra y Las Palmas presentaron un riesgo significativamente superior con respecto a lo esperado para el total nacional, así como las comarcas de Monte Sur (Ciudad Real) y Ripollès (Girona). CONCLUSIONES: Este trabajo ha permitido identificar algunas regiones con mayor riesgo de defunción por THH, si bien se desconoce si estas diferencias se asocian a la distribución de los tipos THH1 y THH2, por lo que son necesarios estudios posteriores para profundizar en las causas de la variabilidad geográfica. Estos hallazgos complementan la información proporcionada por otros estudios y registros, además de ser útiles para la planificación sanitaria

OBJECTIVE: To identify the mortality directly attributed to hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) in Spain, and to analyze its time trends and geographic variability. METHOD: Population-based deaths due to HHT were selected from the Spanish National Statistics Institute: codes 448.0 (ICD-9, 1981-1998) and I78.0 (ICD-10, 1999-2016) as the basic cause of death. Specific and age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated by sex, as well as standardized mortality ratios (SMR) by province and district, and smoothed SMR. RESULTS: We identified 327 deaths attributed to HHT (49.5% women), with the highest mortality at 80-84 years in men (0.220 per 100,000 inhabitants) and at 75-79 years in women (0.147 per 100,000 inhabitants). Age-adjusted mortality rates did not show any significant time trend between 1981 and 2016 in Spain. The provinces of Navarra, Cantabria, Guipúzcoa, Pontevedra and Las Palmas had higher than expected mortality, as well as the regions of Monte Sur (Ciudad Real) and Ripollès (Girona). CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified some regions with higher risk of death due to HHT in Spain. It is unknown whether these differences are associated with the distribution of types HHT1 and HHT2, and further studies will be necessary to know the determinants of this geographical variability. These findings are useful to complement the information provided by other studies and registries, and for health planning

[Mortality attributed to hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia and geographical variability in Spain (1981-2016)]. / Mortalidad atribuida a telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria y variabilidad geográfica en España (1981-2016).

OBJECTIVE: To identify the mortality directly attributed to hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) in Spain, and to analyze its time trends and geographic variability. METHOD: Population-based deaths due to HHT were selected from the Spanish National Statistics Institute: codes 448.0 (ICD-9, 1981-1998) and I78.0 (ICD-10, 1999-2016) as the basic cause of death. Specific and age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated by sex, as well as standardized mortality ratios (SMR) by province and district, and smoothed SMR. RESULTS: We identified 327 deaths attributed to HHT (49.5% women), with the highest mortality at 80-84 years in men (0.220 per 100,000 inhabitants) and at 75-79 years in women (0.147 per 100,000 inhabitants). Age-adjusted mortality rates did not show any significant time trend between 1981 and 2016 in Spain. The provinces of Navarra, Cantabria, Guipúzcoa, Pontevedra and Las Palmas had higher than expected mortality, as well as the regions of Monte Sur (Ciudad Real) and Ripollès (Girona). CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified some regions with higher risk of death due to HHT in Spain. It is unknown whether these differences are associated with the distribution of types HHT1 and HHT2, and further studies will be necessary to know the determinants of this geographical variability. These findings are useful to complement the information provided by other studies and registries, and for health planning.

Peripheral artery disease and oxidative stress in patients in a program for preventing complications of diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia / Enfermedad arterial periférica y estrés oxidativo en pacientes del programa para la prevención de complicaciones de diabetes mellitus y dislipidemias

Abstract Introduction: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is mainly caused by atherosclerosis but also involves hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, which trigger oxidative stress and lead to vascular damage. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of PAD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and/or prediabetes and/or dyslipidemia, to identify some risk factors and to establish whether urinary levels of 8-isoprostane-f2α (an oxidative stress marker) are elevated in patients with PAD. Design: A cross-sectional, nonprobabilistic, convenience sampling study Materials and methods: The sample included 146 patients with DM2 and/or prediabetes and/ or dyslipidemias from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Risk factors, symptoms related to PAD, ankle-brachial index measurement and biochemical variables (HbA1c%, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, creatinine and albuminuria) were recorded. Urine levels of 8-isoprostane-f2α were determined by ELISA. The 8-iso-PGF2α/creatine concentration were analyzed using the statistical package R. Risk factors were compared using ANOVA/ Kruskal-Wallis. ROC curves were generated to analyze the discriminant power of the biomarkers. The joint analysis of laboratory results and risk factors was performed using multivariate logistic regressions. Results: PAD was identified in 10 diabetic patients. Risk factors were smoking, dyslipidemia, poor metabolic control, overweight or obesity. There was no evidence of increased urinary 8-isoprostane-f2α in these subjects. Conclusions: A low prevalence of PAD was found in subjects with DM2. There was no evidence of increased 8-isoprostane-f2α measured by ELISA in patients with PAD. The extension of the study with different markers of oxidative stress and the use of other techniques is recommended (Acta Med Colomb 2019; 44. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2019.1257).

Resumen Introducción: la enfermedad arterial periférica (EAP) es causada principalmente por aterosclerosis e intervienen la hiperglucemia y dislipidemia que desencadenan estrés oxidativo y daño vascular. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de EAP en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) y/o prediabetes y/o dislipidemias, así como algunos factores de riesgo; también, establecer si los niveles urinarios de 8-isoprostano-f2α (marcador de estrés oxidativo) están elevados en pacientes con EAP. Diseño: estudio de tipo transversal, no probabilístico, de conveniencia. Material y métodos: la muestra comprendió 146 pacientes con DM2 y/o prediabetes y/o dislipidemias de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Se registraron factores de riesgo, síntomas relacionados con EAP, medida índice tobillo-brazo y variables bioquímicas (HbA1c%, glucemia basal, perfil lipídico, creatinina y albuminuria). Se determinaron niveles en orina de 8-isoprostano-f2α por ELISA. Los resultados de la concentración de 8-iso-PGF2α/creatinuria se analizaron mediante el paquete estadístico R. La comparación de factores de riesgo se analizó mediante ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis. Se generaron curvas ROC para analizar el poder discriminante del biomarcador. El análisis conjunto de resultados de laboratorios y de factores de riesgo se realizó mediante regresiones logísticas multivariantes. Resultados: se evidenció prevalencia de EAP en 10 pacientes diabéticos. Como factores de riesgo se encontraron: fumar, dislipidemia, mal control metabólico, sobrepeso u obesidad. No se evidenció aumento del 8-isoprostano-f2α urinario en estos sujetos. Conclusiones: se encontró baja prevalencia de EAP en los sujetos con DM2. No se evidenció aumento del 8-isoprostano-f2α medido por ELISA en pacientes con EAP. Se recomienda ampliar el estudio con diferentes marcadores de estrés oxidativo y uso de otras técnicas. (Acta Med Colomb 2019; 44. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2019.1257).

Oscillations and bistability in a model of ERK regulation.

This work concerns the question of how two important dynamical properties, oscillations and bistability, emerge in an important biological signaling network. Specifically, we consider a model for dual-site phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). We prove that oscillations persist even as the model is greatly simplified (reactions are made irreversible and intermediates are removed). Bistability, however, is much less robust-this property is lost when intermediates are removed or even when all reactions are made irreversible. Moreover, bistability is characterized by the presence of two reversible, catalytic reactions: as other reactions are made irreversible, bistability persists as long as one or both of the specified reactions is preserved. Finally, we investigate the maximum number of steady states, aided by a network's "mixed volume" (a concept from convex geometry). Taken together, our results shed light on the question of how oscillations and bistability emerge from a limiting network of the ERK network-namely, the fully processive dual-site network-which is known to be globally stable and therefore lack both oscillations and bistability. Our proofs are enabled by a Hopf bifurcation criterion due to Yang, analyses of Newton polytopes arising from Hurwitz determinants, and recent characterizations of multistationarity for networks having a steady-state parametrization.

Genotyping of Leptospira interrogans isolates from Mexican patients.

The aim of this study was genotypically characterize Leptospira sp. clinical isolates from Mexico which were previously identified as Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona (POM) by phenotypic methods. The Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method was used for DNA amplification with five oligonucleotides. A dendrogram was constructed using the Unweighted Pair Group Method Analysis (UPGMA). During the genotypic characterization, the studied isolates constituted a group which was associated with the reference strain L. interrogans serovar Pomona. The Minimum Spanning Networks (MST) analysis revealed the same cluster between Mexican isolates and the reference strain POM. Clinical isolates identified as L. interrogans serovar POM have a clonal reproduction type, suggesting that this clone is distributed in different regions of Mexico.

Optimization of the Microwave-Assisted Extraction Process of Bioactive Compounds from Annatto Seeds (Bixa orellana L.).

This study deals with the extraction, optimization, and evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of bioactive compounds obtained from the seeds of annatto using microwave-assisted extraction as compared to leaching. Annatto seeds were subjected to a microwave treatment of 2450 MHz and power of 700 watts using a response surface design involving four factors: pH (4⁻11), solvent concentration (ethanol) (50⁻96 %), solvent-to-seed ratio (2⁻10), and microwave exposure time (0⁻5 min). The contents of polyphenol compounds and bixin were taken as response variables. Subsequently, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were assessed at the optimal processing conditions predicted by the experimental design. Microwaves, solvent concentration, and the solvent-to-seed ratio showed a statistically significant effect for the extraction of polyphenol compounds and bixin. Thus, microwaves accelerated the extraction of those compounds and the slight increase in temperature caused some degradation of the polyphenol compounds. The microwave-assisted extraction increased the contents of polyphenols and bixin along with their antioxidant activity as compared to leaching extraction. However, this technique does not significantly improve the antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus.

Biopelículas fotoactivas: material de empaque en alimentos sensibles a la oxidación / Photoactive biofilms: packaging materials in oxidation sensitive foods

RESUMEN La contaminación, a causa de residuos plásticos, es uno de los principales problemas ambientales, emergentes del siglo XX. Particularmente, el uso de envases plásticos para alimentos y bebidas ocupa el 50% de su producción total. La producción de empaques bioplásticos, a partir de materias primas renovables, surge como alternativa de bajo impacto ambiental en la industria de alimentos, sensibles a la oxidación, conservando su calidad organoléptica y nutricional. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo la elaboración de biopelículas, a partir de almidón residual esterificado de papa, anclado a sustancias fotoactivas, con diferentes rangos de absorción electromagnética: betalaína, rutina y riboflavina, capaces de disminuir los procesos oxidativos inducidos por la luz, en muestras de carne bovina. Se evaluaron las propiedades fisicoquímicas, mecánicas y de eficacia fotoactiva. Los resultados mostraron que el anclaje de las sustancias fotoactivas al almidón esterificado, optimizó los valores de solubilidad en agua, transparencia, estabilidad ácido-base y resistencia a la ruptura de las biopelículas. La mayor protección fotoactiva, se obtuvo con la biopelícula de rutina, reduciendo en un 66,6% y 57,3% la degradación oxidativa de proteínas y lípidos de la carne. Se concluye, que la esterificación del almidón residual de papa y su posterior anclaje de sustancias fotoactivas, le confiere un uso potencial en la producción de envases biodegradables para alimentos.

ABSTRACT Pollution caused by plastic waste is one of the main emerging environmental problems of the 20th century. Particularly the use of plastic containers for food and beverages that occupies almost 50% of its total production. The elaboration of bioplastics from renewable raw materials emerges as an alternative of low environmental impact in the food industry sensitive to oxidation, conserving its organoleptic and nutritional quality. The aim of this research was to prepare biofilms from residual esterified potato starch, anchored to photoactive substances with different ranges of electromagnetic absorption: Betalaine, Rutin and Riboflavin, able to reduce oxidative processes induced by light in bovine meat samples. The physicochemical, mechanical and photoactive efficiency properties were evaluated. The results showed that the anchoring of the photoactive substances to the esterified starch optimizes the values of water solubility, transparency, acid-base stability and resistance to rupture of the biofilms. The greater photoactive protection was obtained with the biofilm of Rutin, reducing in 66.6% and 57.3% the oxidative degradation of proteins and lipids respectively. It is concluded that the esterification of residual potato starch and its subsequent anchoring of photoactive substances confers a potential use in the production of biodegradable food packaging.

Relationship between dental age, chronological age and cervical vertebral maturation in children and adolescents from Bucaramanga, Colombia

Objective: to determine the relationship between chronological age and dental age using Demirjian's method and Baccetti's method of cervical vertebral maturation in radiographs of children and adolescents aged 5 to 16 years in the city of Bucaramanga, Colombia. methods: an analytical observational cross-sectional study was performed in 1385 cephalometric and panoramic radiographs of 775 females and 610 males. sex, dental age according to the Demirjian's method, chronological age and degree of maturation of the cervical vertebrae according to Baccetti's method were analyzed. the univariate analysis included the calculation of measures of central tendency for quantitative variables, and frequencies and proportions for qualitative variables. spearman correlation coefficients were calculated in the bivariate analysis. in the multivariate analysis a multiple linear regression was performed. a value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. results: the mean chronological age was 10.8±3.3 years [Median: 11; 95 percent CI:10.6-10.6]. there was no statistically significant difference according to sex (p=0.3409). the mean of the differences between dental age and chronological age was 0.60±1.44 years. there was a strong and positive correlation between dental age and chronological age with each stage of maturation. females reached skeletal maturity at an earlier age. conclusions: chronological age shows a direct and positive relationship with dental age and stages of skeletal maturation in a colombian population.

Fibroma odontogénico central: reporte de dos casos / Central odontogenic fibroma: report of two cases

El fibroma odontogénico central es una lesión poco común dentro de los tumores odontogénicos. La variante central incrementa esta rara incidencia, representando solamente 1.5 por ciento de éstos. En el presente artículo se reportan dos casos de fibroma odontogénico central en la región maxilar, así como el tratamiento empleado para la resección del mismo y la reconstrucción de la región, mediante técnica de injerto óseo, malla de titanio y osteosíntesis...

Staphylococcus aureus small colony variants in diabetic foot infections.

Background : Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the major pathogens causing chronic infections. The ability of S. aureus to acquire resistance to a diverse range of antimicrobial compounds results in limited treatment options, particularly in methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). A mechanism by which S. aureus develops reduced susceptibility to antimicrobials is through the formation of small colony variants (SCVs). Infections by SCVs of S. aureus are an upcoming problem due to difficulties in laboratory diagnosis and resistance to antimicrobial therapy. Methods : A prospective study was performed on 120 patients diagnosed with both type 2 diabetes mellitus and infected diabetic foot ulcers. The study was carried out from July 2012 to December 2013 in Hospital General de Mexico. The samples were cultured in blood agar, mannitol salt agar, and MacConkey agar media, and incubated at 37°C in aerobic conditions. Results : We describe the first known cases of diabetic foot infections caused by MRSA-SCVs in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and infected diabetic foot ulcers. In all of our cases, the patients had not received any form of gentamicin therapy. Conclusions : The antibiotic therapy commonly used in diabetic patients with infected diabetic foot ulcers fails in the case of MRSA-SCVs because the intracellular location protects S. aureus-SCVs from the host's defenses and also helps them resist antibiotics. The cases studied in this article add to the spectrum of persistent and relapsing infections attributed to MRSA-SCVs and emphasizes that these variants may also play a relevant role in diabetic foot infections.