Effect of L-Hyp supplementation on collagen muscle histology, gene expression, growth performance, body composition and fillet texture on big size European sea bass (Dicentrarchux labrax)

Hydroxyproline (L-Hyp) is amply present in fishmeal but limited in plant-protein sources. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation with dietary L-Hyp on the distribution of collagen types in the muscle, and on the texture, survival rate, growth rate, feed utilization, body composition as well as the expression of the gene that encodes the pro-alpha2 chains of type I collagen (Col Iα2) of large European sea bass (initial body weight 609.21 ± 75.39 g) from high plant-protein diets. Four isoproteic (42 % crude protein) and isolipidic (20 % crude lipid) experimental diets were formulated adding 0.6 (HL diet), 1.2 (HM diet), and 2% (HH diet) L-Hyp, respectively. Three periods of feeding of 45, 99 and 143 days were studied. L-Hyp supplementation at 1.2 % and 2 % significantly improved specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). In the white muscle, type I, IV collagen and trichromic stain were significantly higher in HH feed than the control diet. In the red muscle, only type I collagen was higher. HH diet, also increases Col Iα2 mRNA levels in muscle significantly. It can be concluded that the addition of crystalline l-Hyp at 1.2 % or 2 % in high plant-protein diets indicates positive effects on growth performance of adult European sea bass and increase in muscle total collagen deposition.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Efecto del procesado sobre las propiedades y morfología de bioplásticos de proteína de soja

La industria de los plásticos ha crecido notablemente en los últimos años. Este crecimiento, ligado a la baja biodegradabilidad de estos materiales, ha causado un grave problema medioambiental. La presente investigación pretende la obtención de materiales con alta capacidad de absorción de agua, que sean biodegradables y obtenidos a partir de fuentes renovables. Deberían además poseer propiedades mecánicas adecuadas para constituir una alternativa real a los plásticos sintéticos. Estos bioplásticos son obtenidos mediante un proceso con diferentes etapas: una de mezclado de los componentes para conformar una masa homogénea; y una segunda de inyección en la que, aplicando presión, la masa es introducida en un molde de forma deseada. La capacidad de absorción de agua es afectada por la composición y las condiciones de procesado. El presente documento estudia cómo la temperatura y duración de la etapa de moldeo, además del tratamiento dehidrotérmico, modifican la capacidad de absorción del bioplástico. Los resultados concluyen que la capacidad de absorción de agua aumenta con menores temperaturas y tiempos de moldeo, a la vez que aumenta cuando el tratamiento dehidrotérmico es más corto. Asimismo, los módulos viscoelásticos poseen una tendencia a disminuir cuando la capacidad de absorción de agua en las muestras aumenta.The remarkable growth experienced by the production and demand of the plastic industry during the last few years has resulted in a serious environmental issue associated specially to their low biodegradability. This work is focused on the manufacture of bioplastics with high water absorption capacity, obtained from renewable sources. Bioplastics produced should have adequate mechanical properties to be able to replace eventually synthetic plastics in specific markets. In order to obtain these bioplastics, two steps were carried out: the first one consists of a mixing stage to achieve a homogenous blend that is injection-molded during the second step. The water uptake capacity of these samples is influenced by both the formulation and the processing conditions of the blends. The present study is focused on the evolution of water uptake values when either the molding conditions (temperature and duration) or the length of a post-dehydrothermal treatment are modified. Results indicated an improvement in the water uptake when lower mold temperatures and shorter compaction stages were used. An analogous improvement was observed when the dehydrotermal process was shorter. Mechanical properties usually decreased as the water uptake of samples was improved.Plan Propio de la Universidad de Sevilla Proyecto: 2017/00000962MINECO (España)/FEDER (UE) proyecto CTQ2015-71164-

Lipid Metabolic Alterations in the ALS–FTD Spectrum of Disorders

There is an increasing interest in the study of the relation between alterations in systemic lipid metabolism and neurodegenerative disorders, in particular in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). In ALS these alterations are well described and evident not only with the progression of the disease but also years before diagnosis. Still, there are some discrepancies in findings relating to the causal nature of lipid metabolic alterations, partly due to the great clinical heterogeneity in ALS. ALS presentation is within a disorder spectrum with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), and many patients present mixed forms of ALS and FTD, thus increasing the variability. Lipid metabolic and other systemic metabolic alterations have not been well studied in FTD, or in ALS–FTD mixed forms, as has been in pure ALS. With the recent development in lipidomics and the integration with other -omics platforms, there is now emerging data that not only facilitates the identification of biomarkers but also enables understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms. Here, we reviewed the recent literature to compile lipid metabolic alterations in ALS, FTD, and intermediate mixed forms, with a view to appraising key commonalities or differences within the spectrum

Compromising between European and US allergen immunotherapy schools: Discussions from GUIMIT, the Mexican immunotherapy guidelines

Background: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has a longstanding history and still remains the only disease-changing treatment for allergic rhinitis and asthma. Over the years 2 different schools have developed their strategies: the United States (US) and the European. Allergen extracts available in these regions are adapted to local practice. In other parts of the world, extracts from both regions and local ones are commercialized, as in Mexico. Here, local experts developed a national AIT guideline (GUIMIT 2019) searching for compromises between both schools. Methods: Using ADAPTE methodology for transculturizing guidelines and AGREE-II for evaluating guideline quality, GUIMIT selected 3 high-quality Main Reference Guidelines (MRGs): the European Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (EAACI) guideines, the S2k guideline of various German-speaking medical societies (2014), and the US Practice Parameters on Allergen Immunotherapy 2011. We formulated clinical questions and based responses on the fused evidence available in the MRGs, combined with local possibilities, patient's preference, and costs. We came across several issues on which the MRGs disagreed. These are presented here along with arguments of GUIMIT members to resolve them. GUIMIT (for a complete English version, see Supplementary data) concluded the following: Results: Related to the diagnosis of IgE-mediated respiratory allergy, apart from skin prick testing complementary tests (challenges, in vitro testing and molecular such as species-specific allergens) might be useful in selected cases to inform AIT composition. AIT is indicated in allergic rhinitis and suggested in allergic asthma (once controlled) and IgE-mediated atopic dermatitis. Concerning the correct subcutaneous AIT dose for compounding vials according to the US school: dosing tables and formula are given; up to 4 non-related allergens can be mixed, refraining from mixing high with low protease extracts. When using European extracts: the manufacturer's indications should be followed; in multi-allergic patients 2 simultaneous injections can be given (100% consensus); mixing is discouraged. In Mexico only allergoid tablets are available; based on doses used in all sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) publications referenced in MRGs, GUIMIT suggests a probable effective dose related to subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) might be: 50–200% of the monthly SCIT dose given daily, maximum mixing 4 allergens. Also, a table with practical suggestions on non-evidence-existing issues, developed with a simplified Delphi method, is added. Finally, dissemination and implementation of guidelines is briefly discussed, explaining how we used online tools for this in Mexico. Conclusions: Countries where European and American AIT extracts are available should adjust AIT according to which school is followed

4to. Congreso Internacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación para la Sociedad. Memoria académica

Este volumen acoge la memoria académica de la Cuarta edición del Congreso Internacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación para la Sociedad, CITIS 2017, desarrollado entre el 29 de noviembre y el 1 de diciembre de 2017 y organizado por la Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (UPS) en su sede de Guayaquil. El Congreso ofreció un espacio para la presentación, difusión e intercambio de importantes investigaciones nacionales e internacionales ante la comunidad universitaria que se dio cita en el encuentro. El uso de herramientas tecnológicas para la gestión de los trabajos de investigación como la plataforma Open Conference Systems y la web de presentación del Congreso http://citis.blog.ups.edu.ec/, hicieron de CITIS 2017 un verdadero referente entre los congresos que se desarrollaron en el país. La preocupación de nuestra Universidad, de presentar espacios que ayuden a generar nuevos y mejores cambios en la dimensión humana y social de nuestro entorno, hace que se persiga en cada edición del evento la presentación de trabajos con calidad creciente en cuanto a su producción científica. Quienes estuvimos al frente de la organización, dejamos plasmado en estas memorias académicas el intenso y prolífico trabajo de los días de realización del Congreso Internacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación para la Sociedad al alcance de todos y todas

Efecto del aceite esencial de Cymbopogon citratus sobre propiedades fisicoquímicas en películas de quitosano

The effect of the incorporation of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil at concentrations of 0, 200 and 400 ppm in the physicochemical (thickness, moisture, solubility, water vapor permeability, color, transparency) and mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation) of chitosan films at concentrations of 1 and 3% was assessed. Results showed a significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on the thickness values of films at concentrations of 1 and 3% of chitosan. A significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) was observed in the moisture content at concentrations of 0, 200 and 400 ppm of essential oil. The addition of essential oil to chitosan films showed a significant change (p ≤ 0.05) in the water vapor permeability values. The chitosan concentration showed a significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on transparency and the L*, a*, and b* color parameters. By varying the chitosan concentration, a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the tensile strength values of the chitosan films was observed.Se investigó el efecto de la incorporación de aceite esencial de zacate limón (Cymbopogon citratus), en concentraciones de 0, 200 y 400 ppm, en las propiedades fisicoquímicas (espesor, humedad, solubilidad, permeabilidad al vapor de agua, color, transparencia) y mecánicas (resistencia a la tensión y elongación) de películas de quitosano a dos concentraciones (1 y 3%). Los resultados mostraron un efecto significativo (p ≤ 0,05) en los valores del espesor de las películas a las dos concentraciones de quitosano. Se observó un efecto significativo (p ≤ 0,05) en los valores de humedad a concentraciones de 0, 200 y 400 ppm de aceite esencial. La adición de aceite esencial en películas de quitosano mostró un efecto significativo (p ≤ 0,05) en los valores de permeabilidad al vapor de agua. La concentración de quitosano mostró un efecto significativo (p ≤ 0,05) en transparencia y en los parámetros de color L*, a*, b*. Al variar la concentración de quitosano se observó un incremento significativo (p ≤ 0,05) en los valores de resistencia a la tensión de las películas de quitosano

High resolution electron microscopy of GaAs capped GaSb nanostructures

We show in this work that GaAs capping of 2 ML of GaSb grown by molecular beam epitaxy results in the formation of very small (with heights of about 1 nm) GaAsxSb1−x nanostructures surrounded by a GaAs rich layer. This conclusion is obtained by analyzing the morphology of the GaAsxSb1−x nanostructures by high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy in Z-contrast mode. This result shows that a significant fraction of the Sb atoms must segregate along the growth direction during the GaAs capping process.This work was supported by the Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering, U.S. DOE MFC, the SANDiE European Network of Excellence Contract No. NMP4-CT-2004-500101, the Spanish MEC Grant No. TEC2005-05781-C03-01 y 02, TEC2008-06756-C03-02/TEC, NAN2004-09109-C04-01, Consolider-Ingenio 2010 CSD2006-00019, the CAM Grant No. S 0505ESP 0200, and the Junta de Andalucía PAI research groups TEP-120 and TIC-145; projects PAI05-TEP-00383 and TEP-03516.Peer reviewe

Antioxidant properties and color of Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts

Liquid extracts of dried Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyces obtained using ethanol:water (50:50 and 70:30%, v/v), water, ethanol:1.5 N HCl (85:25%, v/v), and ethanol (96%) to evaluate selected antioxidant characteristics (phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity), color parameters (L, a, and b), and anthocyanins (delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside (myrtillin), and cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside) by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The total monomeric anthocyanin content was also assessed using the differential pH technique. The phenolic compound content ranged from 1,067±22 (in ethanol) to 2,649±96 (in ethanol:water 70:30%) mg of gallic acid100 g-1 of dehydrated calyces, and the antioxidant capacity ranged from 3.11±0.50 (in ethanol) to 8.0±0.2 mmoles of trolox100 g-1 of calyces. The total monomeric anthocyanin content (209±21 mg100 g-1) was similar to that obtained using the HPLC technique (215±31 mg100 g-1) when extracting the calyces with the 50:50% (v/v) ethanol:water solution. The deepest red-purple (Hue = 62.50±0.34) colored solution was observed when extracting the calyces with ethanol. The antioxidant and color properties of Roselle calyces make the extracts ideal for use in foods as a natural extract, concentrate, or powder.Se obtuvieron extractos líquidos de cálices secos de flor de Jamaica (Hibiscus sabdariffa) usando etanol:agua (en proporciones de 50:50 y 70:30%, v/v), agua, etanol:HCl 1.5 N (85:25%, v/v), y etanol (96%), para evaluar algunas características antioxidantes (compuestos fenólicos y capacidad antioxidante), parámetros de color (L, a, and b), antocianinas (delfinidin-3-O-sambubiosido, delfinidin-3-O-glucósido (mirtillin) y cianidin-3-O-sambubiosido), por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC), y antocianinas monoméricas totales, por el método de pH diferencial. Los compuestos fenóli-cos se encontraron en un intervalo de 1.067±22 (en etanol) a 2.649±96 (en etanol:agua 70:30%, v/v) mg of ácido gálico 100 g-1 de cálices secos de flor de Jamaica. La capacidad antioxidante se encontró en un rango de 3,11±0,50 (en etanol) a 8,04±0,22 mmoles de trolox 100 g-1 de cálices secos de flor de Jamaica. El contenido de antocianinas monoméricas totales (209±21 mg 100-1 g), evaluado por el método de pH diferencial, resultó similar al obtenido por el método de HPLC (215±31 mg 100 g-1) al usar la solución de etanol:agua al 50:50% (v/v) como agente de extracción. La solución de color rojo más intenso (Tono = 62,50±0,34) fue la obtenida con etanol. Las propiedades antioxidantes y de color de flor de Jamaica hacen que los extractos de esta flor sean de importancia primordial para ser usados en alimentos como extractos naturales, en forma concentrada o en polvo