BAYESIAN INFERENCE FOR THE HALF-NORMAL AND HALF-T DISTRIBUTIONS

In this article we consider approaches to Bayesian inference for the half-normal and half-t distributions. We show that a generalized version of the normal-gamma distribution is conjugate to the half-normal likelihood and give the moments of this new distribution. The bias and coverage of the Bayesian posterior mean estimator of the halfnormal location parameter are compared with those of maximum likelihood based estimators. Inference for the half-t distribution is performed using Gibbs sampling and model comparison is carried out using Bayes factors. A real data example is presented which demonstrates the fitting of the half-normal and half-t models.

A fixed combination of probiotics and herbal extracts attenuates intestinal barrier dysfunction from inflammatory stress in an in vitro model using Caco-2 cells.

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), are considered a growing global disease, with about ten million people being affected worldwide. Maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity is crucial for preventing IBD onset and exacerbations. Some recent patents regarding oily formulations containing probiotics (WO2010122107A1 and WO2010103374A9) and the use of probiotics for gastrointestinal complaints (US20110110905A1 and US9057112B2) exist, or are pending application. Objective: In this work, we studied the effect of a fixed combination of registered Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus acidophilus strains and herbal extracts in an in vitro inflammation experimental model. Methods: Caco-2 cell monolayer was exposed to INF-\u3b3+TNF-\u3b1 or to LPS; Trans Epithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) and paracellular permeability were investigated. ZO-1 and occludin Tight Junctions (TJs) were also investigated by mean of immunofluorescence. Results: Pre-treatment with the fixed combination of probiotics and herbal extracts prevented the inflammation-induced TEER decrease, paracellular permeability increase and TJs translocation. Conclusions: In summary, the fixed combination of probiotics and herbal extracts investigated in this research was found to be an interesting candidate for targeting the re-establishment of intestinal barrier function in IBD conditions

The Morawetz Problem for Supersonic Flow with Cavitation

We are concerned with the existence and compactness of entropy solutions of the compressible Euler system for two-dimensional steady potential flow around an obstacle for a polytropic gas with supersonic far-field velocity. The existence problem, initially posed by Morawetz \cite{morawetz85} in 1985, has remained open since then. In this paper, we establish the first complete existence theorem for the Morawetz problem by developing a new entropy analysis, coupled with a vanishing viscosity method and compensated compactness ideas. The main challenge arises when the flow approaches cavitation, leading to a loss of strict hyperbolicity of the system and a singularity of the entropy equation, particularly for the case of adiabatic exponent $\gamma=3$. Our analysis provides a complete description of the entropy and entropy-flux pairs via the Loewner--Morawetz relations, which, in turn, leads to the establishment of a compensated compactness framework. As direct applications of our entropy analysis and the compensated compactness framework, we obtain the compactness of entropy solutions and the weak continuity of the compressible Euler system in the supersonic regime.Comment: 59 pages, 2 figure

Alginate edible films as delivery systems for green tea polyphenols

\ua9 2024 The Authors. This study investigated the potential of alginate edible films to act as vehicles for the delivery of polyphenols to the intestinal tract. Sodium alginate (0.5–2% w/v) and green tea extract (GTE, 25–50% w/w) were combined to form films with different microstructural properties via the casting method, where their physical, mechanical and barrier properties were analysed. Release studies into a 50% ethanol (v/v) food simulant and under simulated in vitro digestion were also conducted, and the resulting kinetics of polyphenols release was investigated. Composite alginate films with 25% w/w GTE (E∼2500 MPa; EAB∼14%; k∼0.04) showed significantly enhanced mechanical properties and slower rates of polyphenol release than samples with 50% w/w GTE (E∼6000 MPa; EAB∼6%; k∼0.18). Polyphenols entrapped within the 2% alginate – GTE films were successfully released during digestion (∼54%), demonstrating their bioaccessibility and availability for absorption by the gastrointestinal tract. The bioaccessibility of green tea polyphenols was significantly enhanced by films with good sustained-release effect (2% alginate – GTE, C/C0 = 54.41 \ub1 0.75%) respect to the free GTE (C/C0 = 33.73 \ub1 6.57%). These findings highlight the versatility of bioactive alginate edible films and create a blueprint for the design of sustainable active packaging alternatives with dual functionality

<em>Theobroma genus</em>: Exploring the therapeutic potential of <em>T. grandiflorum</em> and <em>T. bicolor</em> in biomedicine

\ua9 2024 The Authors. The Amazon rainforest hosts a plethora of fruit-bearing plants, yet many remain untapped for commercial purposes. Among these, Theobroma genus stands out for its unique characteristics deeply rooted in culinary and traditional medicinal practices, significantly contributing to Amazonian biodiversity and cultural heritage. Particularly, T. cacao, the most renowned species, exhibits versatile applications owing to its health benefits, with distinct groups influencing cocoa quality. Similarly, T. bicolor, thriving in humid regions, has undergone domestication to yield pulp and seeds valuable in food and cosmetic industries. Meanwhile, T. grandiflorum, found across tropical regions of Central and South America, presents unique sensory profiles and fruit characteristics, making it a significant player in Amazonian agriculture. This review primarily aims to offer insights into the therapeutic potential of T. grandiflorum and T. bicolor, with comparisons to T. cacao, revealing a notable increase in publications concerning the physico-chemical and biological properties of these species in recent years. Specifically, the review examines their chemical composition, bioactive compounds, and methodologies for determination, with a focus on biological evaluations encompassing enzymatic, cellular, and animal tests, thereby shedding light on the medicinal properties of these species. Finally, future research perspectives, emphasising the utilisation of waste biomass and further exploration of these invaluable Amazonian resources, have been discussed

Exploiting residual cocoa biomass to extract advanced materials as building blocks for manufacturing nanoparticles aimed at alleviating formation-induced oxidative stress on human dermal fibroblasts

\ua9 2024 RSC. The global adoption of by-product valorisation processes aligns with the circular economy framework, ensuring sustainability in the agricultural sector. In cocoa production, residual biomass can offer the opportunity to extract advanced materials, contributing to nanotherapeutic solutions for biomedical applications. This study explores extraction processes for valorising cocoa pod husks (CPHs) and optimising valuable cocoa-derived biocompounds for enhanced health benefits. Various extraction processes are compared, revealing the significant influence of CPH powder amount and extraction time. Furthermore, metabolic analysis identifies 124 compounds in the metabolite mix, including tartaric acid, gluconic acid and bioactive agents with antioxidant properties, resulting in a high total phenolic content of 3.88 \ub1 0.06 mg g−1. Moreover, the extracted pectin, obtained through alkaline and enzymatic routes, shows comparable yields but exhibits superior antioxidant capacity compared to commercial pectin. The study progresses to using these extracted biocompounds to develop Layer-by-Layer multifunctionalised nanoparticles (LbL-MNPs). Physico-chemical characterisation via ζ-potential, FTIR-ATR, and XPS confirms the successful multilayer coating on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MNPs). TEM analysis demonstrates a uniform and spherical nanoparticle morphology, with a size increase after coating. In vitro biological characterisation with neo-dermal human fibroblast cells reveals enhanced metabolic activity and biocompatibility of LbL-MNPs compared to bare MNPs. Also, the engineered nanoparticles demonstrate a protective effect against H2O2-induced intracellular oxidative stress on human dermal fibroblast cell lines, showcasing their potential as antioxidant carriers for biomedical applications

Embarazo a término en mujer con trasplante renal previo

En esta comunicación se presenta la evolución de un embarazo, con parto prematuro de 33-34 semanas, en una enferma que previamente había recibido un trasplante renal

From cocoa waste to sustainable bioink: valorising pectin for circular economy-driven tissue engineering

\ua9 2024 The Author(s)Cocoa bean production, a cornerstone of many developing economies, currently adheres to a linear economic model, giving rise to sustainability concerns. The expansion of cocoa butter and liquor consumption has resulted in the increased generation of residual biomass, constituting 60–70 % of fresh fruit. The absence of management plans for this biomass in cocoa-producing countries poses a risk of phytosanitary issues. This study proposed a circular economy approach by valorising cocoa pod husk-derived pectin for tissue engineering. The study optimised an alkaline-based protocol to extract pectin from cocoa pod husk, resulting in ∼ 20 % yield with a ∼ 47 % degree of esterification. Methacrylation transformed extracted pectin into pectin methacrylate (PECMA), confirmed by FTIR-ATR and NMR analyses. PECMA hydrogels, crosslinked with CaCO3 and UV, exhibited rapid gelation and superior water uptake properties. SEM revealed distinct morphological differences with UV exposure, showing improved interconnectivity and anisotropic porosity while the mechanical testing demonstrated enhanced compressive modulus and rheological properties with UV crosslinking. PECMA-based bioink encapsulated chondrocytes, maintaining cell viability over 6 days. This innovative bioink, derived from cocoa waste, holds promise for sustainable tissue engineering applications

LAS JORNADAS DE INTERCAMBIO ACADÉMICO PÚBLICO-PRIVADO: UN ÁMBITO DE FORMACIÓN, INTERCAMBIO Y VINCULACIÓN

Interdisciplinary and open discussion spaces between public and private research have been produced over the years and today they are presented in different ways and instances. However, the possibility of creating a "safe" space for discussion, for the professional and academic development of professionals related to science and technology, with the possibility of generating work and collaboration links, led us in 2013 a group of researchers with a look beyond the conjuncture to work in a framework of collaborative action and public-private exchange.Los espacios interdisciplinarios y de discusión abiertas entre la investigación pública y privada se han producido a lo largo de los años y hoy en día se presentan de diferente manera e instancias. Sin embargo, la posibilidad de crear un espacio “seguro” de discusión, para el desarrollo profesional y académico de profesionales relacionados con la ciencia y la tecnología, con la posibilidad de generar vínculos de trabajo y colaboración, nos llevó a que en el año 2013 un grupo de investigadores con una mirada más allá de la coyuntura se pusieran a trabajar en un marco de acción colaborativa y de intercambio publico privado