Regulation of the levels of health promoting compounds: lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids in the pulp and peel of mango fruit: a review

There is a demand for feasible methodologies that can increase/ maintain the levels of health-promoting phytochemicals in horticultural produce, due to strong evidence that these compounds can reduce risk of chronic diseases. Mango (Mangifera indica L.), ranks fifth among the most cultivated fruit crops in the world, is naturally rich in phytochemicals such as lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids (eg. gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and vanillic acid). Yet, there is still much scope for up-regulating the levels of these compounds in mango fruit through manipulation of different pre- and postharvest practices that affect their biosynthesis and degradation. The process of ripening, harvest maturity, physical and chemical elicitor treatments such as low temperature stress, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA) and nitric oxide (NO) and the availability of enzyme cofactors (Mg2+ , Mn2+ and Fe2+ ) required in terpenoid biosynthesis were identified as potential determinants of the concentration of health-promoting compounds in mango fruit. The effectiveness of these pre- and postharvest approaches in regulating the levels of lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids in the pulp and peel of mango fruit will be discussed. In general spray application of 0.2% FeSO4 30 d before harvest, harvest at sprung stage,storage of mature green fruit at 5 °C for 12 d prior to ripening, fumigation of mature green fruit with 10-5 M and/or 10-4 M MeJA for 24 h or 20 and/or 40 µL L-1 NO for 2 h upregulate the levels of lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids in pulp and peel of ripe mango fruit. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Sulfur-Modulated Tin Sites Enable Highly Selective Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to Formate

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) to formate provides an avenue to the synthesis of value-added carbon-based fuels and feedstocks powered using renewable electricity. Here, we hypothesized that the presence of sulfur atoms in the catalyst surface could promote undercoordinated sites, and thereby improve the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formate. We explored, using density functional theory, how the incorporation of sulfur into tin may favor formate generation. We used atomic layer deposition of SnSx followed by a reduction process to synthesize sulfur-modulated tin (Sn(S)) catalysts. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) studies reveal higher oxidation states in Sn(S) compared with that of tin in Sn nanoparticles. Sn(S)/Au accelerates CO2RR at geometric current densities of 55 mA cm−2 at −0.75 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode with a Faradaic efficiency of 93%. Furthermore, Sn(S) catalysts show excellent stability without deactivation (<2% productivity change) following more than 40 hours of operation. With rapid advances in the efficient and cost-effective conversion of sunlight to electrical power, the development of storage technologies for renewable energy is even more urgent. Using renewable electricity to convert CO2 into formate simultaneously addresses the need for storage of intermittent renewable energy sources and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We report an increase of greater than 4-fold in the current density (hence the rate of reaction) in formate electrosynthesis compared with relevant controls. Our catalysts also show excellent stability without deactivation (<2% productivity change) following more than 40 hours of operation. The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) offers a compelling route to energy storage and high-value chemical manufacture. The presence of sulfur atoms in catalyst surfaces promotes undercoordinated sites, thereby improving the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formate. The resulting sulfur-modulated tin catalysts accelerate CO2RR at geometric current densities of 55 mA cm−2 at −0.75 V versus RHE with a Faradaic efficiency of 93%

On Inflation with Non-minimal Coupling

A simple realization of inflation consists of adding the following operators to the Einstein-Hilbert action: (partial phi)^2, lambda phi^4, and xi phi^2 R, with xi a large non-minimal coupling. Recently there has been much discussion as to whether such theories make sense quantum mechanically and if the inflaton phi can also be the Standard Model Higgs. In this note we answer these questions. Firstly, for a single scalar phi, we show that the quantum field theory is well behaved in the pure gravity and kinetic sectors, since the quantum generated corrections are small. However, the theory likely breaks down at ~ m_pl / xi due to scattering provided by the self-interacting potential lambda phi^4. Secondly, we show that the theory changes for multiple scalars phi with non-minimal coupling xi phi dot phi R, since this introduces qualitatively new interactions which manifestly generate large quantum corrections even in the gravity and kinetic sectors, spoiling the theory for energies > m_pl / xi. Since the Higgs doublet of the Standard Model includes the Higgs boson and 3 Goldstone bosons, it falls into the latter category and therefore its validity is manifestly spoiled. We show that these conclusions hold in both the Jordan and Einstein frames and describe an intuitive analogy in the form of the pion Lagrangian. We also examine the recent claim that curvature-squared inflation models fail quantum mechanically. Our work appears to go beyond the recent discussions.Comment: 14 pages, 2 figures. Version 2: Clarified findings and improved wording. Elaborated important sections and removed an unnecessary section. Added references. Version 3: Updated towards JHEP version. Version 4: Final JHEP versio

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Abstract:  School-age nutrition is a determining factor in protecting health. The increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) in children is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases from an early age. The objective was to analyze the consumption of nutrients and foods according to their level of processing in schoolchildren aged 9-12 years from Deán Funes, Villa María, and Córdoba during 2016-2018. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out. By locality, based on cluster sampling, state and private schools were selected, and within them, a division by grade (4th to 6th grade) was randomly chosen. Finally, the number of schoolchildren was proportional to the population size: Dean Funes (n=59), Villa María (n=110), Córdoba (n=311). Intake was estimated using a validated dietary questionnaire.  Following the NOVA classification, variables indicating grams and kilocalories from ingredients and minimally processed foods (IMPF), processed foods (PF), and UPF were calculated. In addition, the total energy value (TEV) and the intake of critical nutrients: sodium, added sugars, total and saturated fats were analyzed. T-test was applied to compare IMPF, PF, and UPF consumption by locality and Pearson\u27s correlation test to assess their relationship with the intake of critical nutrients (α=0.05). Stata V14 software was used. The framework project was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Municipal Children\u27s Hospital of Córdoba (RePIS Nº052).  The main results showed that UPF contributed an average of 1052.65 kcal (35.39% of TEV). In Córdoba, there was a lower consumption of UPF compared to the other localities (p<0.05) and higher consumption of IMPF (p<0.001). In the PF group, bakery products had the highest contribution to TEV (18.68%), and among the UPF, sugar-sweetened beverages (19.57% of TEV). Positive correlations were observed between UPF intake and TEV, added sugars, sodium, total and saturated fats (p<0.001). The consumption of UPF triples their recommended intake. The need for a comprehensive approach to school meals that contributes to health promotion and the prevention of chronic diseases is evident. Resumen:  La alimentación en edad escolar es determinante para proteger la salud. El creciente consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados (AUP) en niños/as se asocia a mayor riesgo de enfermedades crónicas desde edades tempranas. El objetivo fue analizar el consumo de nutrientes y alimentos según su grado de procesamiento  en escolares de 9-12 años de las localidades Deán Funes, Villa María y Córdoba durante 2016-2018. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal. Por localidad, a partir de un muestreo por conglomerados, se seleccionaron escuelas estatales y privadas, y dentro de ellas aleatoriamente una división por grado (4°a 6°). Finalmente, la cantidad de escolares fue proporcional al tamaño poblacional: Dean Funes (n=59), Villa María (n=110), Córdoba (n=311). La ingesta se evaluó utilizando un cuestionario de alimentación validado. Siguiendo la clasificación NOVA, se construyeron variables que indican gramos y kilocalorías provenientes de alimentos e ingredientes mínimamente procesados (AIMP), alimentos procesados (AP) y AUP. Además se analizó el valor energético total (VET) y el consumo de nutrientes críticos: sodio, azúcares agregados, grasas totales y saturadas. Se aplicó el test T para comparar consumos por localidad de AIMP, AP y AUP y test de correlación de Pearson para valorar su relación con la ingesta de nutrientes críticos (α=0,05). Se utilizó el software Stata V14. El proyecto marco fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética del Hospital Infantil Municipal de Córdoba (RePIS Nº052). Los principales resultados mostraron que los AUP aportaron en promedio 1052,65 kcal (35,39% del VET). En Córdoba hubo menor consumo de AUP respecto a las otras localidades (p<0,05) y mayor consumo de AMP (p<0,001). Entre los AP los panificados presentaron el mayor aporte al VET (18,68%), y entre los AUP las bebidas azucaradas (19,57% del VET). Se observaron correlaciones positivas entre la ingesta de AUP y el VET, azúcares agregados, sodio, grasas totales y saturadas (p<0,001).  La ingesta de AUP triplica sus recomendaciones de consumo. Se evidencia la necesidad del abordaje integral de la alimentación escolar que contribuya a la prevención de enfermedades crónicas y la promoción de la salud

Biotechnological production and application of fructooligosaccharides

Currently, prebiotics are all carbohydrates of relatively short chain length. An important group is the fructooligosaccharides, which are a special kind of prebiotics associated to their selective stimulation of the activity of certain groups of colonic bacteria that have a positive and beneficial effect on intestinal microbiota, reducing incidence of gastrointestinal infections, respiratory and also possessing a recognized bifidogenic effect. Traditionally, these prebiotic compounds have been obtained through extraction processes from some plants, as well as through enzymatic hydrolysis of sucrose. However, different fermentative methods have also been proposed for the production of fructooligosaccharides, such as solid-state fermentation utilizing various agroindustrial by-products. By optimizing the culture parameters, fructooligosaccharides yields and productivity can be improved. The use of immobilized enzymes and cells has also been proposed as being an effective and economic method for large-scale production of fructooligosaccharides. This paper is an overview on the results of recent studies on fructooligosacharides biosynthesis, physicochemical properties, sources, biotechnological production and applications.The authors thank the National Council of Science and Technology of Mexico (CONACYT) for funding this study. D. A. Flores-Maltos thank the CONACYT for the financial support provided for her postgraduate studies in the Food Science and Technology Program, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila, Mexico

Risk factors for exacerbations and pneumonia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pooled analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at risk of exacerbations and pneumonia; how the risk factors interact is unclear. METHODS: This post-hoc, pooled analysis included studies of COPD patients treated with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting β2 agonist (LABA) combinations and comparator arms of ICS, LABA, and/or placebo. Backward elimination via Cox's proportional hazards regression modelling evaluated which combination of risk factors best predicts time to first (a) pneumonia, and (b) moderate/severe COPD exacerbation. RESULTS: Five studies contributed: NCT01009463, NCT01017952, NCT00144911, NCT00115492, and NCT00268216. Low body mass index (BMI), exacerbation history, worsening lung function (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD] stage), and ICS treatment were identified as factors increasing pneumonia risk. BMI was the only pneumonia risk factor influenced by ICS treatment, with ICS further increasing risk for those with BMI <25 kg/m2. The modelled probability of pneumonia varied between 3 and 12% during the first year. Higher exacerbation risk was associated with a history of exacerbations, poorer lung function (GOLD stage), female sex and absence of ICS treatment. The influence of the other exacerbation risk factors was not modified by ICS treatment. Modelled probabilities of an exacerbation varied between 31 and 82% during the first year. CONCLUSIONS: The probability of an exacerbation was considerably higher than for pneumonia. ICS reduced exacerbations but did not influence the effect of risks associated with prior exacerbation history, GOLD stage, or female sex. The only identified risk factor for ICS-induced pneumonia was BMI <25 kg/m2. Analyses of this type may help the development of COPD risk equations

Pneumomediastinum as a complication of emphysematous cholecystitis: Case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Emphysematous cholecystitis is a variant of acute cholecystitis which is generally caused by gas-forming organisms. Emphysematous cholecystitis may cause gas spreading within the subcutaneous tissue, peritoneal cavity and retroperitoneum.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present a case of emphysematous cholecystitis in a middle-aged diabetic patient who, postoperatively, presented edema in both flanks and left chest crepitation on palpation, associated with hemodynamic worsening. Computed tomography scan of the chest and abdomen revealed a large pneumomediastinum, pneumoretroperitoneum, gas in subcutaneous tissue and flank abscesses. In both blood and surgical wound exudate cultures, <it>Escherichia coli </it>was found.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Emphysematous cholecystitis should be considered as a possible cause of pneumomediastinum.</p

Investigating the impact of poverty on colonization and infection with drug-resistant organisms in humans: a systematic review

Background Poverty increases the risk of contracting infectious diseases and therefore exposure to antibiotics. Yet there is lacking evidence on the relationship between income and non-income dimensions of poverty and antimicrobial resistance. Investigating such relationship would strengthen antimicrobial stewardship interventions. Methods A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Ovid, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, PsychINFO, EBSCO, HMIC, and Web of Science databases were searched in October 2016. Prospective and retrospective studies reporting on income or non-income dimensions of poverty and their influence on colonisation or infection with antimicrobial-resistant organisms were retrieved. Study quality was assessed with the Integrated quality criteria for review of multiple study designs (ICROMS) tool. Results Nineteen articles were reviewed. Crowding and homelessness were associated with antimicrobial resistance in community and hospital patients. In high-income countries, low income was associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii resistance and a seven-fold higher infection rate. In low-income countries the findings on this relation were contradictory. Lack of education was linked to resistant S. pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. Two papers explored the relation between water and sanitation and antimicrobial resistance in low-income settings. Conclusions Despite methodological limitations, the results suggest that addressing social determinants of poverty worldwide remains a crucial yet neglected step towards preventing antimicrobial resistance