Potential of omega-3 and conjugated fatty acids to control microglia inflammatory imbalance elicited by obesogenic nutrients.

High-fat diet-induced obesity detrimentally affects brain function by inducing chronic low-grade inflammation. This neuroinflammation is, at least in part, likely to be mediated by microglia, which are the main immune cell population in the brain. Microglia express a wide range of lipid-sensitive receptors and their activity can be modulated by fatty acids that cross the blood-brain barrier. Here, by combining live cell imaging and FRET technology we assessed how different fatty acids modulate microglia activity. We demonstrate that the combined action of fructose and palmitic acid induce Ikßα degradation and nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit nuclear factor kB (NF-κB) in HCM3 human microglia. Such obesogenic nutrients also lead to reactive oxygen species production and LynSrc activation (critical regulators of microglia inflammation). Importantly, short-time exposure to omega-3 (EPA and DHA), CLA and CLNA are sufficient to abolish NF-κB pathway activation, suggesting a potential neuroprotective role. Omega-3 and CLA also show an antioxidant potential by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production, and the activation of LynSrc in microglia. Furthermore, using chemical agonists (TUG-891) and antagonists (AH7614) of GPR120/FFA4, we demonstrated that omega-3, CLA and CLNA inhibition of the NF-κB pathway is mediated by this receptor, while omega-3 and CLA antioxidant potential occurs through different signaling mechanisms.

A systematic review of natural products for skin applications: Targeting inflammation, wound healing, and photo-aging.

BACKGROUND: Every day the skin is constantly exposed to several harmful factors that induce oxidative stress. When the cells are incapable to maintain the balance between antioxidant defenses and reactive oxygen species, the skin no longer can keep its integrity and homeostasis. Chronic inflammation, premature skin aging, tissue damage, and immunosuppression are possible consequences induced by sustained exposure to environmental and endogenous reactive oxygen species. Skin immune and non-immune cells together with the microbiome are essential to efficiently trigger skin immune responses to stress. For this reason, an ever-increasing demand for novel molecules capable of modulating immune functions in the skin has risen the level of their development, particularly in the field of natural product-derived molecules. PURPOSE: In this review, we explore different classes of molecules that showed evidence in modulate skin immune responses, as well as their target receptors and signaling pathways. Moreover, we describe the role of polyphenols, polysaccharides, fatty acids, peptides, and probiotics as possible treatments for skin conditions, including wound healing, infection, inflammation, allergies, and premature skin aging. METHODS: Literature was searched, analyzed, and collected using databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The search terms used included "Skin", "wound healing", "natural products", "skin microbiome", "immunomodulation", "anti-inflammatory", "antioxidant", "infection", "UV radiation", "polyphenols", "polysaccharides", "fatty acids", "plant oils", "peptides", "antimicrobial peptides", "probiotics", "atopic dermatitis", "psoriasis", "auto-immunity", "dry skin", "aging", etc., and several combinations of these keywords. RESULTS: Natural products offer different solutions as possible treatments for several skin conditions. Significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were reported, followed by the ability to modulate immune functions in the skin. Several membrane-bound immune receptors in the skin recognize diverse types of natural-derived molecules, promoting different immune responses that can improve skin conditions. CONCLUSION: Despite the increasing progress in drug discovery, several limiting factors need future clarification. Understanding the safety, biological activities, and precise mechanisms of action is a priority as well as the characterization of the active compounds responsible for that. This review provides directions for future studies in the development of new molecules with important pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical value.

Integral valorisation of tomato by-products towards bioactive compounds recovery: Human health benefits.

The tomato processing industry is one of the world's most important markets. This industry aims to optimise production, minimise energy costs and waste streams while ensuring high-quality products. This sector produces substantial amounts of by-products frequently disposed of as waste rather than reintroducing them with a new intent into the supply chain. However, these by-products are rich in bioactive compounds (BC), including carotenoids, fibre, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive properties, and cardiovascular protection. Reusing these compounds is favourable to reducing the environmental impact and enables the development of added-value products with various possible uses such as food and feed additives, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, etc. This review summarises relevant issues towards the recovery and valorisation of BC from industrial tomato by-products within a circular economy context.

A fibre and phenolic-rich flour from Isabel grape by-products with stimulatory effects on distinct probiotics and beneficial impacts on human colonic microbiota in vitro.

This study evaluated the effects of a fibre and phenolic-rich flour (IGF) prepared from Isabel grape by-products on the growth and metabolism of different probiotics and distinct bacterial populations part of the human intestinal microbiota during an in vitro colonic fermentation. IGF was submitted to simulated gastrointestinal digestion before use in the experiments. IGF favoured the growth of the probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus La-05, L. casei L-26 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12, with viable counts of >7 log CFU per ml, as well as caused decreases in pH values and increases in organic acid production in the growth medium during 48 h of cultivation. IGF increased the population of beneficial micro-organisms forming the human intestinal microbiota, particularly Lactobacillus spp., decreased the pH values, and increased the lactic acid and short-chain fatty acid (acetic, butyric and propionic acids) production during 24 h of in vitro colonic fermentation. These results indicate the potential prebiotic effects of IGF, which should represent a novel sustainable added-value ingredient with functional properties and gut-health benefits.

Factor de crecimiento de hepatocitos séricos como herramienta diagnóstica en pacientes con dolor torácico agudo / Serum hepatocyte growth factor as diagnostic tool in patients with acute chest pain

Resumen Objetivo Determinar si los niveles plasmáticos de factor de crecimiento de hepatocitos podrían ayudar a realizar el diagnóstico diferencial en pacientes con dolor torácico prolongado y elevación de la troponina cardiaca, y evaluar su valor pronóstico de mortalidad al año en estos pacientes. Método: Estudio prospectivo observacional. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años que acudieron a urgencias con dolor torácico agudo de más de 20 minutos y elevación de la troponina cardiaca, con seguimiento al año. Resultados Se incluyeron 303 pacientes, 103 (34%) con infarto de miocardio y 200 (66%) con otras enfermedades. Los niveles plasmáticos del factor de crecimiento de hepatocitos fueron superiores en el grupo sin infarto de miocardio: 329 pg/ml (rango intercuartílico [IQR]: 66-558) vs. 476 pg/ml (IQR: 264-908; p < 0.001). La mortalidad al año fue del 30.7%, superior en el grupo sin infarto de miocardio (36.5% vs. 19.4%; p = 0.002). Se encontró una fuerte asociación entre la mortalidad y los niveles elevados de factor de crecimiento de hepatocitos (650 pg/ml [344-1159] vs. 339 pg/ml [205-607]; p < 0.001). En el análisis multivariado se halló que los niveles de factor de crecimiento de hepatocitos, la edad y la escala GRACE son factores independientes de mortalidad al año en estos pacientes. Conclusiones En los pacientes con dolor torácico agudo prolongado y elevación de la troponina cardiaca, la determinación de los niveles del factor de crecimiento de hepatocitos no permite confirmar ni descartar la presencia de infarto agudo de miocardio. No obstante, podría ser un marcador pronóstico de mortalidad en estos pacientes, junto con la edad y la escala GRACE.

Abstract Objective To determine if plasma levels of hepatocyte growth factor could help in the differential diagnosis of patients with prolonged chest pain and elevated cardiac troponin; and to evaluate its prognostic value for one-year mortality in these patients. Method A prospective observational study. Patients over the age of 18 who were seen in the emergency room for acute chest pain lasting longer than 20 minutes and elevated cardiac troponin were included, with follow up after one year. Results We included 303 patients, 103 (34%) with myocardial infarction and 200 (66%) with other diseases. Plasma levels of hepatocyte growth factor were higher in the group without myocardial infarction: 329 pg/ml (IQR: 166-558) vs. 476 pg/ml (IQR: 264-908; p < 0.001). One-year mortality was 30.7%, higher in the group without myocardial infarction (36.5% vs. 19.4%; p = 0.002). We found a strong association between mortality and elevated levels of hepatocyte growth factor (650 pg/ml [344-1,159] vs. 339 pg/ml [205-607]; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that levels of hepatocyte growth factor, age and the GRACE scale are independent factors for one-year mortality in these patients. Conclusions In patients with prolonged acute chest pain and elevated cardiac troponin, hepatocyte growth factor levels do not confirm or rule out acute myocardial infarction, although they may be a prognostic marker for mortality in these patients, along with age and the GRACE scale.

Experiencia en la implantación de la Guía de prevención de caídas en Centros Comprometidos con la Excelencia en Cuidados / Implementation experience of a guideline on fall prevention in Centres Committed to Excellence in Care

OBJETIVO: Describir la progresión del grado de adherencia a las recomendaciones de la Guía «Prevención de caídas» del Programa Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO®) y resultados en caídas en los Centros Comprometidos con la Excelencia en Cuidados (CCEC®). MÉTODO: Estudio cuasiexperimental pretest-postest con carácter multicéntrico desarrollado entre 2012 y 2018. Se incluye a los pacientes ≥65 años, dados de alta en las unidades de implantación de la Guía, analizando variables sociodemográficas (sexo, edad); estancia hospitalaria; valoración del riesgo de caídas al ingreso y pacientes con riesgo; plan de cuidados para la prevención de caídas e incidencia de caídas. Se han comparado los indicadores del programa CCEC® medidos en los periodos: basal (T1), de candidatura en los 3 primeros años (T2) y de sostenibilidad (T3). Se ha realizado un análisis estadístico descriptivo e inferencial. RESULTADOS: Se ha evaluado a 31.486 pacientes de 7 centros hospitalarios (T1=465; T2=14.255; T3=16.766). El 51,87% fueron hombres, con una edad media de 79,06 años. La estancia hospitalaria fue 8,15 días. La valoración del riesgo al ingreso se realizó en el 81,96% (T1=44,30%; T2=81,11%; T3=83,73%), estando en riesgo un 52,31%. Tenían planificados cuidados para prevenir caídas un 47,75% (T1=24,73%; T2=42,43%; T3=52,90%). De las 423 caídas registradas, el 62,17% no tuvieron lesiones. CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de las diferencias entre hospitales, como las características estructurales, las estrategias, los instrumentos de valoración y el ritmo en la progresión de datos, el grado de adherencia a las recomendaciones está siendo exitoso mejorando de forma generalizada. La implantación de la Guía ha permitido abordar la problemática de las caídas, produciendo cambios positivos en el proceso y favoreciendo la implantación y sostenibilidad de prácticas basadas en la evidencia

AIM: To describe the progress of implementing the «Preventing falls» Guideline of the Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO®) Programme and fall outcomes in Centres Committed to Excellence in Care (CCEC®). METHOD: A Quasi-experimental study pre-post test from a multicentric approach carried out between 2012-2018. The study is focused on patients aged 65 or older, discharged from guideline implementation units, analysing sociodemographic variables (sex, age, hospitalization days; fall risk assessment on admission and patient in risk; fall prevention plan; incidence of falls. Data was compared from CCEC® programme indicators measured over the periods: baseline (T1), candidate during the first three years (T2), and sustainability (T3). Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed. RESULTS: 31,486 patients were evaluated in 7 centres (T1=465; T2=14,255; T3=16,766). Of the patients, 51.87% were men and average age was 79.06 years. Hospitalization was 8.15 days. Fall risk assessment on admission was performed in 81.96% of patients (T1=44.30%, T2=81.11%, T3=83.73%) and 52.31% patients had high risk. A prevention falls plan was registered in 47.75% of patients (T1=24.73%, T2=42.43%, T3=52.90%). Four hundred and twenty-three falls were recorded, 62.17% without injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the differences between hospitals, such as structural characteristics, strategies, assessment tools and data progression pace; adherence to recommendations is proving successful, improving widely. Guideline implementation has allowed fall problems to be addressed, producing positive changes in the process and encouraging the implementation and sustainability of evidence-based nursing practice

Implementation experience of a guideline on fall prevention in Centres Committed to Excellence in Care®. / Experiencia en la implantación de la Guía de prevención de caídas en Centros Comprometidos con la Excelencia en Cuidados®.

AIM: To describe the progress of implementing the «Preventing falls¼ Guideline of the Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO®) Programme and fall outcomes in Centres Committed to Excellence in Care (CCEC®). METHOD: A Quasi-experimental study pre-post test from a multicentric approach carried out between 2012-2018. The study is focused on patients aged 65 or older, discharged from guideline implementation units, analysing sociodemographic variables (sex, age, hospitalization days; fall risk assessment on admission and patient in risk; fall prevention plan; incidence of falls. Data was compared from CCEC® programme indicators measured over the periods: baseline (T1), candidate during the first three years (T2), and sustainability (T3). Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed. RESULTS: 31,486 patients were evaluated in 7 centres (T1=465; T2=14,255; T3=16,766). Of the patients, 51.87% were men and average age was 79.06 years. Hospitalization was 8.15 days. Fall risk assessment on admission was performed in 81.96% of patients (T1=44.30%, T2=81.11%, T3=83.73%) and 52.31% patients had high risk. A prevention falls plan was registered in 47.75% of patients (T1=24.73%, T2=42.43%, T3=52.90%). Four hundred and twenty-three falls were recorded, 62.17% without injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the differences between hospitals, such as structural characteristics, strategies, assessment tools and data progression pace; adherence to recommendations is proving successful, improving widely. Guideline implementation has allowed fall problems to be addressed, producing positive changes in the process and encouraging the implementation and sustainability of evidence-based nursing practice.

The Health-Promoting Potential of Salix spp. Bark Polar Extracts: Key Insights on Phenolic Composition and In Vitro Bioactivity and Biocompatibility.

Salix spp. have been exploited for energy generation, along with folk medicine use of bark extracts for antipyretic and analgesic benefits. Bark phenolic components, rather than salicin, have demonstrated interesting bioactivities, which may ensure the sustainable bioprospection of Salix bark. Therefore, this study highlights the detailed phenolic characterization, as well as the in vitro antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, Staphylococcus aureus growth inhibitory effects, and biocompatibility of Salix atrocinerea Brot., Salix fragilis L., and Salix viminalis L. bark polar extracts. Fifteen phenolic compounds were characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection-mass spectrometry analysis, from which two flavan-3-ols, an acetophenone, five flavanones, and a flavonol were detected, for the first time, as their bark components. Salix bark extracts demonstrated strong free radical scavenging activity (5.58-23.62 µg mL-1 IC50 range), effective inhibition on angiotensin-I converting enzyme (58-84%), and S. aureus bactericidal action at 1250-2500 µg mL-1 (6-8 log CFU mL-1 reduction range). All tested Salix bark extracts did not show cytotoxic potential against Caco-2 cells, as well as S. atrocinerea Brot. and S. fragilis L. extracts at 625 and 1250 µg mL-1 against HaCaT and L929 cells. These valuable findings can pave innovative and safer food, nutraceutical, and/or cosmetic applications of Salix bark phenolic-containing fractions.

Symbolic Recurrence Analysis of RR Interval to Detect Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a sustained cardiac arrhythmia associated with stroke, heart failure, and related health conditions. Though easily diagnosed upon presentation in a clinical setting, the transient and/or intermittent emergence of AF episodes present diagnostic and clinical monitoring challenges that would ideally be met with automated ambulatory monitoring and detection. Current approaches to address these needs, commonly available both in smartphone applications and dedicated technologies, combine electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors with predictive algorithms to detect AF. These methods typically require extensive preprocessing, preliminary signal analysis, and the integration of a wide and complex array of features for the detection of AF events, and are consequently vulnerable to over-fitting. In this paper, we introduce the application of symbolic recurrence quantification analysis (SRQA) for the study of ECG signals and detection of AF events, which requires minimal pre-processing and allows the construction of highly accurate predictive algorithms from relatively few features. In addition, this approach is robust against commonly-encountered signal processing challenges that are expected in ambulatory monitoring contexts, including noisy and non-stationary data. We demonstrate the application of this method to yield a highly accurate predictive algorithm, which at optimal threshold values is 97.9% sensitive, 97.6% specific, and 97.7% accurate in classifying AF signals. To confirm the robust generalizability of this approach, we further evaluated its performance in the implementation of a 10-fold cross-validation paradigm, yielding 97.4% accuracy. In sum, these findings emphasize the robust utility of SRQA for the analysis of ECG signals and detection of AF. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed model is the first to incorporate symbolic analysis for AF beat detection.

Increasing phenolic and aromatic compounds extraction and maximizing liking of lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla) infusions through the optimization of steeping temperature and time.

Herbal infusions are a new emerging trend among consumers, appearing in the market in many different forms. Due to intense competition, the commercial success of herbal infusions largely depends on flavour. The identification of the best combinations of steeping time and water temperature for the preparation of Aloysia triphylla infusions using a central composite design and response surface methodology was performed. The procedure aimed to maximize its antioxidant activity, phenolic and aromatic compounds, and consumers' liking of the infusions. The antioxidant activity and phenolic content were evaluated using the 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical cation) method and the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure. The analysis of aromatic compounds was performed based on the method of terpenic compounds. Sensory evaluation encompassed overall liking using a 9-point hedonic scale. Antioxidant activity and extraction of most phenolic compounds was higher for longer steeping times and higher temperatures, with some presenting a contrasting effect due to degradation at higher temperatures for longer steeping times. Results for terpenic compounds showed similar contrasting patterns. Based on the quadratic response surface, it was possible to predict the maximum overall liking for lemon verbena infusions prepared by brewing for 6 min at 96 ℃. Under such conditions, extraction of bioactive compounds was kept at a high level, close to the maximum attainable, while reducing the extraction of bitter compounds. These results are considered of great importance for the development of premium infusions from organic lemon verbena leaves.

Insight into antibiotics removal: Exploring the photocatalytic performance of a Fe3O4/ZnO nanocomposite in a novel magnetic sequential batch reactor.

The purpose of this research was the preparation and photocatalytic evaluation of a novel nanocomposite (NC) based on Fe3O4/ZnO, to eliminate four persistent antibiotics in surface waters: sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, erythromycin and roxithromycin. Prior to the operation of the photocatalytic reactor, the influence of pH (3-9), catalyst concentration (50-800 mg L-1), oxidant dose (0-100 mg L-1) and concentration of different targets (10-100 µg L-1) on the catalytic efficiency was evaluated. The analysis of reaction kinetics showed that degradation processes of the four antibiotics followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Antibiotics adsorption onto the nanocomposite surface depended on their electrostatic nature and played an important role when decreasing the initial concentration of antibiotics. In this context, kinetic rates were higher at lower initial levels of organic pollutants, which is a favourable effect from a practical application perspective. On the other hand, a synergistic effect of the available Fe in the nanocomposite was found, contributing to the oxidation of antibiotics by photo-Fenton as a secondary reaction. Then, a magnetic photocatalytic reactor was operated under optimal conditions. The enhanced photonic efficiency of Fe3O4/ZnO in the system, as well as the ease of the magnetic separation and catalyst reusability, indicate the viability of this reactor configuration.

Symbolic recurrence plots to analyze dynamical systems.

This paper, based on the concept of symbolic correlation integral, introduces a set of symbolic recurrence plots and associated invariant measures, which are independent of the distance parameter, serving as a tool for quantifying the dynamic structure. These new measures allow the study of transient behavior, coexistence of attractors, bifurcations, and structural change. The final user does not have to choose the free distance parameter. An empirical application to electrocardiography data illustrates the use of symbolic recurrence measures.

Study of the proximate and mineral composition of different Nigerian yam chips, flakes and flours.

Yam (Dioscorea spp) is an essential tuber crop for hundreds of millions of people in many African, Asian and South American countries. Considering in particular Southwest Nigeria, chips, flakes and flours are amongst the most common shelf-stable traditionally-processed yam products. This paper reports a systematic study on the proximate (moisture, protein, carbohydrate, fibre, fat, ash and gross energy) and mineral composition of these three food commodities sold in Nigerian markets. Results showed no significant differences in the moisture, crude protein and fibre content of all samples (10.0-12.3, 2.7-4.3 and 1.3-2.0 wt%, respectively). Gross energy was also comparable for all yam derived food items (between 3300 and 3507 kcal/kg), contradicting the common belief that yam flakes have lower nutritional value than chips and flours. Considering the mineral composition, Ca, Mg, P and K were the predominant macronutrients. Micronutrients such as Zn, Co, Mn and Cu were also detected. Significant differences existed between products, and their various sources (markets). Principal component analysis showed a direct correlation between ash content of the samples and the assessed macronutrients, irrespective of the market, or the seller of the commodities. This study confirmed that yam derived food stuffs have an adequate nutritional composition, irrespective of their form and/or origin.

Chitosan as an effective inhibitor of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Over the last two decades worldwide levels of antibiotic resistance have risen leading to the appearance of multidrug resistant microorganisms. Acinetobacter baumannii is a known skin pathogen which has emerged as a major cause of nosocomial outbreaks due to its capacity to colonize indwelling medical devices and natural antibiotic resistance. With chitosan being an effective antimicrobial agent against antibiotic resistant microorganisms, the aim of this work was to access its potential as an alternative to traditional antimicrobials in the management of A. baumannii growth. What the results showed was that both chitosan MW's tested were active upon A. baumannii's planktonic and sessile growth. For planktonic growth MICs and MBCs were obtained at relatively low concentrations (0.5-2mg/mL) while for sessile growth chitosan proved to be an effective inhibitor of A. baumannii's adhesion and biofilm formation. Considering these results chitosan shows a high potential for control of A. baumannii infections.

Chitosan nanoparticles as alternative anti-staphylococci agents: Bactericidal, antibiofilm and antiadhesive effects.

Chitosan is a biocompatible, bioactive, non-toxic polymer that due to these characteristics has been widely used as a carrier for targeted delivery of bioactive molecules. In recent years, and considering that chitosan has a strong antimicrobial potential, the scientific community's focus has shifted onto the possible antimicrobial activity of chitosan nanoparticles. With this in mind, the aim of this work was to produce low molecular weight chitosan nanoparticles, through the ionic gelation method and characterize their potential biological activity against three staphylococci (MSSA, MRSA and MRSE) in planktonic and sessile environments. The chitosan nanoparticles produced had an average size of 244±12nm, an average charge of 17.3±1.4mV and had a MIC of 1.25mg/mL for all tested microorganisms. Bactericidal activity was only registered for MSSA and MRSA with the time-inhibition curves showing bactericidal activity within 1h. Assays regarding chitosan nanoparticles' impact upon sessile populations showed that they were effective in preventing MRSE adhesion and highly effective in reducing MRSA and MSSA biofilm formation.

Insights into chitosan antibiofilm activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

AIMS: Chitosan is a natural compound that has been validated as a viable antimicrobial agent against Staphylococcus aureus. With this work we sought to evaluate the planktonic and sessile sensitivity of methicillin-resistant S. aureus to chitosan's activity and evaluate if methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) would be more or less sensitive to chitosan's activity than methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). METHODS AND RESULTS: A group comprised of reference strains and clinical multiresistant isolates of MSSA and MRSA were used. Methicilin resistance effect upon chitosan activity was assessed in planktonic setting and in different phases of sessile colonization, namely adhesion, biofilm formation and mature biofilm through biomass and metabolism inhibition. The results obtained showed that S. aureus methicillin resistance mechanism did not impair chitosan's activity as the highest bacterial susceptibility was registered for MRSA. Chitosan was highly effective in inhibiting MSSA and MRSA strains in both planktonic and sessile settings with biofilm inhibition percentages reaching as high as 90% for MRSA. CONCLUSIONS: Staphylococcus aureus methicillin resistance did not impair chitosan's antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities and MRSA and MSSA were inhibited both in planktonic and sessile settings at low concentrations with great efficacy. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Considering the obtained results chitosan shows potential as an alternative for the control of biofilm-related recalcitrant MRSA infections.

Anthocyanin extraction from plant tissues: A review.

Anthocyanins have gathered the attention of the scientific community mostly due to their vast range of possible applications. They have been the center point of the research in many different fields, among which is food development, where their innate coloring, antioxidant capacity, and biological potential open interesting venues to the development of new food additives and functional foodstuffs. As the range of application grows, so does the necessity to obtain these compounds, and since they are naturally occurring, the most common way to obtain anthocyanins is to extract them from different plant sources, such as fruits and flowers. Several efforts have been made to develop methods that allow for better extraction yields and higher purification rates therefore this review aims to compile the information regarding extraction and purification procedures in a comprehensive manner.

Effect of preparation and processing conditions on UV absorbing properties of hydroxyapatite-Fe2O3 sunscreen.

The development of innovative, safe and non-photocatalytic sunscreens is urgently needed, as it is essential to have sunscreen filters offering appropriate UV protection without damaging the environment and/or generating free radicals when in contact with the skin. Hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, HAp) when substituted with iron has UV protection properties and is not photocatalytic; HAp was used to make a sunscreen filter by treating cod fish bones in an iron-containing solution, and then calcining them at 700°C. Here we present a systematic and advanced study on this material, to obtain a sunscreen with improved UV absorbing properties. Bones were treated with three different iron salts - Fe(II) chloride, Fe(II) lactate and Fe(III) nitrate - under various pH conditions. Results showed that Fe(II) chloride in basic pH led to the most effective iron inclusion. High energy ball milling or ultrasound were investigated to increase surface area and corresponding UV absorption; high energy ball milling treatment led to the best optical properties. The optimum powders were used to formulate UV protection creams, which showed Sun Protection Factor (SPF) values significantly superior to the control cream (up to 4.1). Moreover the critical wavelength (λcrit) was >370nm (388-389nm) and UVA/UVB ratios were very close to 1. With these properties these sunscreens can be classified as broad UV protectors. Results also showed that combining these powders with other sunscreens (i.e. titanium dioxide), a synergic effect between the different components was also observed. This investigation showed that HAp-based sunscreens of marine origin are a valid alternative to commercial products, safe for the health of the customers and, being non-photocatalytic, do not pose a threat to the environment.

Compliance-guided versus FiO2-driven positive-end expiratory pressure in patients with moderate or severe acute respiratory distress syndrome according to the Berlin definition.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of setting positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in an individualized manner (based on highest static compliance) compared to setting PEEP according to FiO2 upon mortality at 28 and 90 days, in patients with different severity acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). SETTING: A Spanish medical-surgical ICU. DESIGN: A post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled pilot study. PATIENTS: Patients with ARDS. INTERVENTIONS: Ventilation with low tidal volumes and pressure limitation at 30cmH2O, randomized in two groups according to the method used to set PEEP: FiO2-guided PEEP group according to FiO2 applied and compliance-guided group according to the highest compliance. PRIMARY VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Demographic data, risk factors and severity of ARDS, APACHE II and SOFA scores, daily Lung Injury Score, ventilatory measurements, ICU and hospital stay, organ failure and mortality at day 28 and 90 after inclusion. RESULTS: A total of 159 patients with ARDS were evaluated, but just 70 patients were included. Severe ARDS patients showed more organ dysfunction-free days at 28 days (12.83±10.70 versus 3.09±7.23; p=0.04) and at 90 days (6.73±22.31 vs. 54.17±42.14, p=0.03), and a trend toward lower 90-days mortality (33.3% vs. 90.9%, p=0.02), when PEEP was applied according to the best static compliance. Patients with moderate ARDS did not show these effects. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with severe ARDS, individualized PEEP selection based on the best static compliance was associated to lower mortality at 90 days, with an increase in organ dysfunction-free days at 28 and 90 days.

Anti-biofilm potential of phenolic acids: the influence of environmental pH and intrinsic physico-chemical properties.

Phenolic acids are a particular group of small phenolic compounds which have exhibited some anti-biofilm activity, although the link between their activity and their intrinsic pH is not clear. Therefore, the present work examined the anti-biofilm activity (inhibition of biomass and metabolic activity) of phenolic acids in relation to the environmental pH, as well as other physico-chemical properties. The results indicate that, while Escherichia coli was not inhibited by the phenolic acids, both methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis were susceptible to the action of all phenolic acids, with the pH playing a relevant role in the activity: a neutral pH favored MRSE inhibition, while acidic conditions favored MRSA inhibition. Some links between molecular polarity and size were associated only with their potential as metabolic inhibitors, with the overall interactions hinting at a membrane-based mechanism for MRSA and a cytoplasmic effect for MRSE.