Microplate assay for quantitation of neutral lipids in extracts from microalgae

Lipid quantitation is widespread in the algae literature, but popular methods such as gravimetry, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and Nile red cell staining suffer drawbacks, including poor quantitation of neutral lipids, expensive equipment, and variable results among algae species, respectively. A high-throughput microplate assay was developed that uses Nile red dye to quantify neutral lipids that have been extracted from algae cells. Because the algal extracts contained pigments that quenched Nile red fluorescence, a mild bleach solution was used to destroy pigments, resulting in a nearly linear response for lipid quantities in the range of 0.75 to 40 μg. Corn oil was used as a standard for quantitation, although other vegetable oils displayed a similar response. The assay was tested on lipids extracted from three species of Chlorella and resulted in close agreement with triacylglycerol (TAG) levels determined by thin layer chromatography. The assay was found to more accurately measure algal lipids conducive to biodiesel production and nutrition applications than the widely used gravimetric assay. Assay response was also consistent among different species, in contrast to Nile red cell staining procedures

Associated factors for mortality in a COVID-19 colombian cohort : is the third wave relevant when Mu variant was predominant epidemiologically?

Q1Q1Pacientes con COVID-19Objectives: To evaluate the association between Colombia's third wave when the Mu variant was predominant epidemiologically (until 75%) in Colombia and COVID-19 all-cause in-hospital mortality. Methods: In this retrospective cohort, we included hospitalized patients ≥18 years with SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 2020 to September 2021 in ten hospitals from three cities in Colombia. Description analysis, survival, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between the third epidemic wave and in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of 25,371 patients were included. The age-stratified time-to-mortality curves showed differences according to epidemic waves in patients ≥75 years (log-rank test p = 0.012). In the multivariate Cox analysis, the third wave was not associated with increased mortality relative to the first wave (aHR 0.95; 95%CI 0.84–1.08), but there was an interaction between age ≥75 years and the third wave finding a lower HR for mortality (aHR 0.56, 95%CI 0.36–0.86). Conclusions: We did not find an increase in in-hospital mortality during the third epidemic wave in which the Mu variant was predominant in Colombia. The reduced hazard in mortality in patients ≥75 years hospitalized in the third wave could be explained by the high coverage of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in this population and patients with underlying conditions.https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1833-1599https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5363-5729https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6964-2229https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3975-2835https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9441-4375Revista Internacional - IndexadaA1N

Adelaida Sourdis: La Pacificación de la Provincia del Río del Hacha. (1770 -1776). Bogotá: El Áncora Editores, 2004, 565 páginas.

Adelaida Sourdis: La Pacificación de la Provincia del Río del Hacha. (1770 -1776). Bogotá: El Áncora Editores, 2004, 565 páginas

Las voces de los pobres: Reflexiones entorno a un problema global

Las voces de los pobres: Reflexiones entorno a un problema global

Autorizaciones de servicios de salud en Colombia : identificación de acciones de mejora

Existe una percepción de no legitimidad del sistema de autorizaciones en salud, en un momento de aprobación de implementación de la Ley Estatutaria en Salud. Las autorizaciones se perciben como barreras para el acceso y no se plantean soluciones de manera formal por ninguno de los actores. El objetivo de este documento es conocer la posición de Instituciones Prestadoras de Servicios de Salud (IPS), Aseguradores y los Usuarios frente a los mecanismos para obtener una autorización y las potenciales alternativas de mejora. Para estandarizar el lenguaje del sistema de autorizaciones se usó notación Business Process Management, las alternativas de mejora se construyeron con técnica Delphi y el análisis de actores con herramientas de la Overseas Department Administration. La alternativa con mayor viabilidad es la imposición de multas rápidas.Magíster en Salud PúblicaMaestrí

Al rescate de la memoria Mokaná

Con el propósito de lograr un acercamiento a la cultura Mokaná y de diseñar herramientas pedagógicas para que los maestros del Caribe incorporen a sus prácticas los saberes de esta etnia, expertos del Grupo de Investigación en Arqueología, Historia y Estudios Urbanos del Caribe de la Universidad del Norte se propusieron recopilar la tradición oral de los descendientes de estre grupo que actualmente habitan el departamento del AtlánticoLos Mokaná habitaron el departamento del Atlántico y parte de Bolívar. Este pueblo indígena sufrió una fuerte aculturación; de hecho, hasta hace poco se consideraba extinto, pero a partir de la Constitución de 1991 y gracias a la labor de muchos de sus descendientes que trabajan por recuperar sus tradiciones, esta cultura está en proceso de resurgimiento.Ministerio de Cultur

Evolution of Hybrid Hydrogels: Next-Generation Biomaterials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering

Hydrogels, being hydrophilic polymer networks capable of absorbing and retaining aqueous fluids, hold significant promise in biomedical applications owing to their high water content, permeability, and structural similarity to the extracellular matrix. Recent chemical advancements have bolstered their versatility, facilitating the integration of the molecules guiding cellular activities and enabling their controlled activation under time constraints. However, conventional synthetic hydrogels suffer from inherent weaknesses such as heterogeneity and network imperfections, which adversely affect their mechanical properties, diffusion rates, and biological activity. In response to these challenges, hybrid hydrogels have emerged, aiming to enhance their strength, drug release efficiency, and therapeutic effectiveness. These hybrid hydrogels, featuring improved formulations, are tailored for controlled drug release and tissue regeneration across both soft and hard tissues. The scientific community has increasingly recognized the versatile characteristics of hybrid hydrogels, particularly in the biomedical sector. This comprehensive review delves into recent advancements in hybrid hydrogel systems, covering the diverse types, modification strategies, and the integration of nano/microstructures. The discussion includes innovative fabrication techniques such as click reactions, 3D printing, and photopatterning alongside the elucidation of the release mechanisms of bioactive molecules. By addressing challenges, the review underscores diverse biomedical applications and envisages a promising future for hybrid hydrogels across various domains in the biomedical field.Medicine, Faculty ofNon UBCPathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department ofReviewedFacultyResearche