Changes in physicochemical properties at different development stages of Hexachlamys edulis fruit, an underutilized South American species

The aim of this work was to study the evolution of fruit size and weight together with the soluble solid and total titratable acidity contents during development of Hexachlamys edulis fruit. Also, the patterns of accumulation of chlorophylls, carotenoids, phenols and antioxidant activity were analysed to define the optimal time for harvesting to obtain maximum nutraceutical characteristics. Fruits were harvested from H. edulis plants growing at the experimental field of the University of Morón (Moreno, Buenos Aires, 34°35′4.98″ SL, 58°48′52.09″ WL, 14 m.a.s.l.). Fresh fruit weight was significantly higher in Medium ripe, Ripe and Overripe fruits (40.1, 39.6 and 38.5 g, respectively) than in Unripe fruits (19.5 g). Soluble solids/total titratable acidity was significantly higher in Overripe fruits (7.3) than in Unripe, Medium ripe and Ripe fruits (3.7–4.5). Total polyphenols were maximum in Unripe fruits (905.8 mg tannic acid/100 g fresh fruit weight) decreasing during the fruit development (426.2–130.4 mg tannic acid/100 g fresh fruit weight). Also, DPPH radical scavenging activity was significantly higher in Unripe fruits (75.7%) compared with Medium ripe, Ripe and Overripe fruits (64.1–17.0%). Positive and significant correlations were observed between total polyphenol content and DPPH radical scavenging activity at each extract concentration (r = 0.74, 0.87, 0.74 and 0.60 for 1.25; 2.50; 5.00 and 12.50 mg/mL, respectively). Total carotenoid content increased during fruit development while at the same time decreased chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll b is the main chlorophyll found. Chromatographic analysis showed that lutein is the main carotenoid found in H. edulis fruits, followed by β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene. As shown by the chromatograms at 280 nm, the concentration of biophenols and the complexity of the biophenol profile decreases during fruit development. Levels of polyphenols and pigments together with the antioxidant activity allow us to consider H. edulis fruit as a functional food.Fil: Arena, Miriam Elisabet. Universidad de Moron. Facultad de Agronomia y Ciencias Agroalimentarias. Laboratorio de Investigaciones En Fisiología Vegetal; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Povilonis, Ignacio. Universidad de Moron. Facultad de Agronomia y Ciencias Agroalimentarias. Laboratorio de Investigaciones En Fisiología Vegetal; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Borroni, Maria Virginia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Tecnología en Polímeros y Nanotecnología. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Tecnología en Polímeros y Nanotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Constenla, Diana Teresita. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química; ArgentinaFil: Radice, Silvia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Moron. Facultad de Agronomia y Ciencias Agroalimentarias. Laboratorio de Investigaciones En Fisiología Vegetal; Argentin

Factores asociados con la lactancia materna en niños menores de un año en la ciudad de Cartagena, Colombia

Introduction: The practice of breastfeeding represents multiple benefits to children; however, several studies show that there has been a gradual loss of breastfeeding habits in industrialized and developing countries, mainly because the great diversity of types of milk. Additionalliy, there was the presence of biological and socio-cultural factors, which influence and modify this practice and generate a negative impact on the health of the infant population. In Colombia, in 2005, it was reported that the median duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 2.2 months and the median duration was 14.9 months total; likewise, the department of Bolivar reported a median slightly over a month. Objective: To determine the relationship between social and biological factors in the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in children under one year of age in Cartagena, Colombia. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study, the population consisted of the mothers of 23,109 children less than one year of age, the sample was 562 mothers. The probability sampling was stratified by clusters of three locations in the city where every neighborhood was a cluster. After selecting the neighborhood, a simple random sampling was conducted by city blocks. Mothers of children under one year of age were sought in their homes in the city blocks selected. The information was collected through the survey «Breastfeeding and complementary feeding» used by PROFAMILIA, demographic characteristics were demographic characteristics were also investigated. Results: The median for breastfeeding was 2 months, social factors associated were: not using a feeding bottle (CI: 2.37- 5.38), nuclear family membership (CI: 1.29-2.72), not being a mother head of household (CI: 0.27-0.62), and the biological factor showing association was temporary suspension of breastfeeding (CI: 0.23-0.70). Conclusion: The duration of the exclusive breastfeeding practice among women turned out to be very short and the practice until the sixth month of life for their children was low. It was found that children born through caesarean section had a higher prevalence of maternal of maternal breastfeeding than those born vaginally. Introducción: La práctica de la lactancia materna representa múltiples beneficios en los niños; sin embargo, diversos estudios muestran que ha existido una pérdida paulatina del hábito de la lactancia en los países industrializados y en vía de desarrollo, debido sobre todo a la gran diversidad de tipos de leche, además de la presencia de factores biológicos y socioculturales que influyen y modifican esta práctica y generan un impacto negativo en la salud de la población infantil. En Colombia, en el año 2005, se informó que la mediana de duración de la lactancia materna exclusiva fue de 2.2 meses y la duración mediana total 14.9 meses; igualmente, el departamento de Bolívar informó un poco más de medio mes. Objetivo: Determinar la relación de los factores sociales y biológicos en la prevalencia de la lactancia materna exclusiva en niños menores de un año en Cartagena. Material y método: Estudio transversal con población constituida por las madres de 23,109 niños menores de un año, la muestra fue 562 madres. El muestreo fue probabilístico estratificado por conglomerados de las tres localidades de la ciudad, donde cada barrio representaba un conglomerado. Una vez seleccionado el barrio se realizó un muestro aleatorio simple por manzanas. En las manzanas que resultaron seleccionadas se buscaron en sus domicilios las madres de los niños menores de un año. La información se recolectó a través de la encuesta «Lactancia y alimentación complementaria » utilizada por PROFAMILIA; también se indagó acerca de las características sociodemográficas. Resultados: La mediana de la lactancia fue 2 meses, los factores sociales que se asociaron fueron no usar biberón (IC: 2.37-5.38), pertenecer a familia nuclear (IC: 1.29-2.72), no ser madre jefe de hogar (IC: 0.27-0.62), y el factor biológico que mostró asociación fue suspensión temporal de la lactancia materna (IC: 0.23-0.70). Conclusión: La duración de la práctica de lactancia materna exclusiva en las mujeres resultó muy corta y la práctica hasta el sexto mes de vida de sus hijos fue baja. Se encontró que los niños nacidos por cesárea tuvieron mayor prevalencia de lactancia materna que los nacidos por vía vaginal

Aspectos Petrográficos e Geoquímicos Preliminares das Suítes Alcalinas Sieníticas e Traquíticas da Porção Setentrional do Complexo Vulcânico de Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro

Distinctive syenites, trachytes and subordinately also pyroclastic breccia outcrop within the Vigné Quarry mining area located northwards the Nova Iguaçu Volcanic Complex in the State of Rio de Janeiro. This paper presents field and petrographic data for these rocks as well as the results of lithogeochemical analysis for the syenites and trachytes only. The detailed geological mapping discriminated three trachytic facies, undiferentiated syenites and polimythic breccia in the study area, besides tabular intrusions of trachytes and lamprophyres. The petrography allowed the discrimination of two distinctive groups of syenites included in the undifferentiated syenites unit as such: the inequigranular porphyritic group represented by porphyritic alkaline feldspar syenite, porphyry alkaline feldspar syenite and fine-grained porphyritic syenite; and the equigranular group represented by coarse-grained biotite syenite, medium-grained syenite and coarse-grained alkaline feldspar syenite. The trachytic rocks by their side were grouped in three distinctive units all with porphyritic lithotypes: the light-grey porphyritic trachyte unit, the purple porphyritic trachyte unit and the porphyry trachyte unit. The lithogeochemical data showed that syenites and porphyritic trachytes that outcrop in the Vigné Quarry area represent an alkaline miaskitic, predomiantly sodic series although ultrapotassic trachytes also occur subordinately. Syenites and trachytes are metaluminous and peraluminous rocks as corroborated by the absence of normative acmite. Syenitic and trachytic suites can be discriminated on the basis of silica saturation degrees. In general, these suites are likely to have evolved by fractional crystallisation or AFC as opposed to previously proposed petrogenetic models involving magma mixing in subvolcanic, zoned magma chambers.Diferentes tipos de sienitos, traquitos e, subordinadamente, brechas piroclásticas afloram na área de lavra da Pedreira Vigné, localizada na porção setentrional do Complexo Vulcânico de Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro. Este trabalho apresenta dados de campo e petrográficos destas rochas, e resultados de análises litogeoquímicas dos sienitos e traquitos. O mapeamento geológico detalhado discriminou a ocorrência de três fácies traquíticas, sienitos indiferenciados e brechas polimíticas na área de lavra, além de intrusões tabulares de traquitos e lamprófiros. Estudos petrográficos permitiram discriminar dois grupos faciológicos principais dentre os litotipos mapeados na Unidade Sienitos Indiferenciados, a saber: inequigranular porfirítico, englobando três litotipos (álcali-feldspato sienito porfirítico, pórfiro álcali-feldspato sienito e sienito porfirítico fino), e equigranular, compreendendo os litotipos biotita sienito grosso, sienito médio e álcali-feldspato sienito grosso. As fácies traquíticas mapeadas foram inseridas em três unidades distintas, todas representadas por traquitos porfiríticos: Unidade Traquito Porfirítico Cinza-claro, Unidade Traquito Porfirítico Lilás e Unidade Pórfiro-traquito. Os dados litogeoquímicos mostram que os sienitos e traquitos porfiríticos que afloram na Pedreira Vigné inserem-se numa série alcalina miaskítica predominantemente sódica, muito embora traquitos ultrapotássicos também ocorram de modo subordinado. Sienitos e traquitos são metaluminosos e peraluminosos, o que é corroborado pela ausência de acmita na norma CIPW. Dados litogeoquimicos apontam que há suítes traquíticas e sieníticas com diferentes graus de saturação em sílica na área. De um modo geral, estas suítes estão associadas a processos evolutivos de cristalização fracionada ou AFC (Assimilation and Fractional Crystallisation), em contraponto a modelos petrogenéticos envolvendo processos de mistura magmática em câmaras zonadas

Análisis de los factores inmunohistopatológicos (receptores hormonales, estrógenos, progesterona y ERB-2) asociados al pronóstico del cáncer de mama en la población de Barranquilla (2004- 2005)

Resumen Objetivo: Estudiar los patrones de expresión de los receptores de estrógenos, progestagenos y erb-2 en 85 pacientes atendidas en dos laboratorios de patología de Barranquilla. De Julio del 2004 a diciembre del 2005. Material y metodos: Estudio Descriptivo de corte. Se utilizaron 85 muestras incluidas en parafina de pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama para lo cual, se realizaron estudios inmunohistoquimicos con técnicas de peroxidasa – antiperoxidasa, se utilizaron anticuerpos monoclonales Dako contra estrógenos, progestágenos y ebr-2. Resultados: Se observó carcinoma in situ (4), cáncer mesenquimal (1), carcinoma lobulillar (1) y resto carcinomas ductales infiltrantes grados I, II y III. La inmunohistoquímica mostró positividad para estrógeno y progestágeno a nivel intracelular en 73 casos y negativos para erb-2, 11 fueron negativos para estrógeno y progestágeno, uno fue positivo para ebr-2. Conclusiones: 1. El carcinoma ductal infiltrante grado II y III fue la forma histológica que se presentó con mayor frecuencia (80) casos. 2. El 88,23 % de los casos fueron estrógeno y progestágeno positivos. 3. La relación entre el componente histológico y receptores hormonales positivos, sugieren buen pronóstico. Palabras claves: Cáncer de mama, receptores de estrógenos, receptores de progesterona, ERB-2. Abstract Objectives: To study the patterns of expression of the estrogen, progestagens and erb-2 receptors in 85 patients attended in two pathology laboratories from Barranquilla, from July 2004 to December 2005 Material and methods: This is a descriptive study of cohort. 104 cases were reviewed and 18 were excluded by lack of data. Inmunohistochemistry studies with techniques of peroxidase - antiperoxidase were made, for which Dako monoclonals antibodies against estrogens, progestagens and ebr-2 were used. Results: Four neoplasias were classified as carcinoma in situ, one mesenquimal cancer, one lobulillar carcinoma and the others were infiltrating ductal carcinomas grade I, II and III. The immunohistochemistry studies showed positivity for estrogens and progestagen at the intracellular level in 73 cases and negativity to erb-2, 11 were negative for both estrogen and progestagen and one was positive to ebr-2. Conclusions: 1.The infiltrating ductal carcinoma grades II and III were the histological presentation that appears most frequently (80) cases. 2. 88.03 % of the cases were positive for estrogens and progestagens. 3. The relation between the histological component and the hormonal receptors positivity, suggests a good prognosis. Key words: Breast cancer, estrogen receptors, progestagen receptors, ERB-2, prognosis

Itraconazole inhibits nuclear delivery of extracellular vesicle cargo by disrupting the entry of late endosomes into the nucleoplasmic reticulum

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are mediators of intercellular communication under bothhealthy and pathological conditions, including the induction of pro-metastatic traits,but it is not yet known how and where functional cargoes of EVs are delivered to theirtargets in host cell compartments. We have described that after endocytosis, EVsreach Rab+late endosomes and a fraction of these enter the nucleoplasmic reticu-lum and transport EV biomaterials to the host cell nucleoplasm. Their entry thereinand docking to outer nuclear membrane occur through a tripartite complex formedby the proteins VAP-A, ORP and Rab (VOR complex). Here, we report that theantifungal compound itraconazole (ICZ), but not its main metabolite hydroxy-ICZor ketoconazole, disrupts the binding of Rab to ORP–VAP-A complexes, leadingto inhibition of EV-mediated pro-metastatic morphological changes including cellmigration behaviour of colon cancer cells. With novel, smaller chemical drugs, inhi-bition of the VOR complex was maintained, although the ICZ moieties responsiblefor antifungal activity and interference with intracellular cholesterol distributionwere removed. Knowing that cancer cells hijack their microenvironment and thatEVs derived from them determine the pre-metastatic niche, small-sized inhibitors ofnuclear transfer of EV cargo into host cells could nd cancer therapeutic applications,particularly in combination with direct targeting of cancer cell

Synchronous in-field application of life-detection techniques in Icelandic Mars analogue sites

Field expeditions that simulate the operations of robotic planetary exploration missions at analogue sites on Earth can help establish best practices and are therefore a positive contribution to the planetary exploration community. There are many sites in Iceland that possess heritage as planetary exploration analogue locations and whose environmental extremes make them suitable for simulating scientific sampling and robotic operations. We conducted a planetary exploration analogue mission at two recent lava fields in Iceland, Fimmvörðuháls (2010) and Eldfell (1973), using a specially developed field laboratory. We tested the utility of in-field site sampling down selection and tiered analysis operational capabilities with three life detection and characterization techniques: fluorescence microscopy (FM), adenine-triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. The study made use of multiple cycles of sample collection at multiple distance scales and field laboratory analysis using the synchronous life-detection techniques to heuristically develop the continuing sampling and analysis strategy during the expedition. Here we report the operational lessons learned and provide brief summaries of scientific data. The full scientific data report will follow separately. We found that rapid in-field analysis to determine subsequent sampling decisions is operationally feasible, and that the chosen life detection and characterization techniques are suitable for a terrestrial life-detection field mission. In-field analysis enables the rapid obtainment of scientific data and thus facilitates the collection of the most scientifically relevant samples within a single field expedition, without the need for sample relocation to external laboratories. The operational lessons learned in this study could be applied to future terrestrial field expeditions employing other analytical techniques and to future robotic planetary exploration missions

Phase II study of epirubicin, oxaliplatin and docetaxel combination in metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This phase II study was designed to evaluate the activity and safety of a combination of epirubicin, oxaliplatin and docetaxel in metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Forty patients with measurable distant metastases received epirubicin 50 mg/m², docetaxel 60 mg/m²followed by oxaliplatin 100 mg/m²on day 1 of each 21-day cycle. Primary end point was response rates (RR).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>All patients were evaluable. The overall RR was 47.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 32–63). The disease control was 80%. Median time for response was 6 weeks. Median time to progression was 6.3 months (95% CI 5.4–7.2) and the median overall survival time was 12.1 months (95% CI 10.7–13.5). Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 50% of patients with two episodes of febrile neutropenia (5%). Other non-hematological grade 3 toxicities included sensory neuropathy in two patiens (5%), vomiting and mucositis in two patients (5%) and diarrhea in one patient (2.5%).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The combination of epirubicin, oxaliplatin and docetaxel was found to be effective and well tolerated in patiens with metastatic gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma and maybe an appropriate regimen to be used in the neoadjuvant setting and with molecularly targeted agents.</p

Subacute and Reproductive Oral Toxicity Assessment of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Jacaranda decurrens

Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata Farias & Proença (Bignoniaceae) is a species traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases. Previous findings from our group reported scientifically that J. decurrens has anti-inflammatory efficacy. However, more toxicological studies are needed to support and ensure its safe use. The present study was carried out to evaluate the toxic effects of a prolonged treatment with hydroethanolic root extract of J. decurrens (EJD) on hematological, biochemical, and reproductive parameters in adult male rats. The animals received by oral gavage 0; 250; 500; or 1000 mg/kg body weight of EJD for 28 days. After the treatment, biochemical, hematological, histopathological, and reproductive parameters were analyzed. The EJD treatment did not cause adverse effects on body weight gain, feed and water consumption, hematological and biochemical profiles, or histopathological analysis of liver and kidney. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in reproductive parameters, such as sperm production, number of sperm in the epididymis, and sperm morphology. These results demonstrate the absence of subacute toxicity as a result of the oral treatment with EJD for 28 days in adult male rats. However, other studies should be performed to evaluate the total safety of this plant

A chemical survey of exoplanets with ARIEL

Thousands of exoplanets have now been discovered with a huge range of masses, sizes and orbits: from rocky Earth-like planets to large gas giants grazing the surface of their host star. However, the essential nature of these exoplanets remains largely mysterious: there is no known, discernible pattern linking the presence, size, or orbital parameters of a planet to the nature of its parent star. We have little idea whether the chemistry of a planet is linked to its formation environment, or whether the type of host star drives the physics and chemistry of the planet’s birth, and evolution. ARIEL was conceived to observe a large number (~1000) of transiting planets for statistical understanding, including gas giants, Neptunes, super-Earths and Earth-size planets around a range of host star types using transit spectroscopy in the 1.25–7.8 μm spectral range and multiple narrow-band photometry in the optical. ARIEL will focus on warm and hot planets to take advantage of their well-mixed atmospheres which should show minimal condensation and sequestration of high-Z materials compared to their colder Solar System siblings. Said warm and hot atmospheres are expected to be more representative of the planetary bulk composition. Observations of these warm/hot exoplanets, and in particular of their elemental composition (especially C, O, N, S, Si), will allow the understanding of the early stages of planetary and atmospheric formation during the nebular phase and the following few million years. ARIEL will thus provide a representative picture of the chemical nature of the exoplanets and relate this directly to the type and chemical environment of the host star. ARIEL is designed as a dedicated survey mission for combined-light spectroscopy, capable of observing a large and well-defined planet sample within its 4-year mission lifetime. Transit, eclipse and phase-curve spectroscopy methods, whereby the signal from the star and planet are differentiated using knowledge of the planetary ephemerides, allow us to measure atmospheric signals from the planet at levels of 10–100 part per million (ppm) relative to the star and, given the bright nature of targets, also allows more sophisticated techniques, such as eclipse mapping, to give a deeper insight into the nature of the atmosphere. These types of observations require a stable payload and satellite platform with broad, instantaneous wavelength coverage to detect many molecular species, probe the thermal structure, identify clouds and monitor the stellar activity. The wavelength range proposed covers all the expected major atmospheric gases from e.g. H2O, CO2, CH4 NH3, HCN, H2S through to the more exotic metallic compounds, such as TiO, VO, and condensed species. Simulations of ARIEL performance in conducting exoplanet surveys have been performed – using conservative estimates of mission performance and a full model of all significant noise sources in the measurement – using a list of potential ARIEL targets that incorporates the latest available exoplanet statistics. The conclusion at the end of the Phase A study, is that ARIEL – in line with the stated mission objectives – will be able to observe about 1000 exoplanets depending on the details of the adopted survey strategy, thus confirming the feasibility of the main science objectives.Peer reviewedFinal Published versio