Relationships Between Chemical Structure and Antioxidant Activity of Isolated Phytocompounds from Lemon Verbena

The following are available online at https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/8/8/324/s1, Figure S1. UV chromatograms at 280 nm and MS spectra for (A) peak 5 and (B) peak 28; Figure S2. Base peak chromatograms of the collected fractions from a commercial lemon verbena extract (PLX®10) and MS spectra of their major compound, including the peak numbers of Table 1; Table S1. In vitro antioxidant activity by FRAP, TEAC and ORAC assays for the commercial lemon verbena extract (PLX®10) and its collected fractions, expressed as the mean of three independent replicates ± the standard deviation.Over the last few years, people have been concerned about the narrow relationship between nutrition and health leading to an increasing demand of nutraceutical products and functional food. Lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora Kunth) has been traditionally used for respiratory, digestive, and muscular diseases, showing effects that are promoted by the antioxidant activity of its phytoconstituents. The antioxidant power of several lemon verbena extracts has been tested but its isolated compounds activity has not been described. The aim of the present work was to isolate phytochemicals from a commercial lemon verbena extract through a semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography approach for further evaluation of its individual antioxidant activity using three different methods. The structure-antioxidant activity relationships revealed the influence of substitutions in the strong antioxidant power exerted by glycosylated phenylpropanoids, in contrast to the low antioxidant capacity showed by iridoids. Development of enriched extracts in these compounds could lead to greater antioxidant effects and improved functional ingredients to prevent chronic diseases.This work was funded by projects AGL2015-67995-C3-2-R, RTI2018-096724-B-C21 and RTI2018-096724-B-C22 from Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and P11-CTS-7625 from Andalusian Regional Government Council of Innovation and Science. We also thank projects and scholarships from the Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO/2016/006, ACIF/2016/230 and APOSTD/2017/023) and grant from CIBER (CB12/03/30038, Fisiopatologia de la Obesidad y la Nutricion, CIBERobn, Instituto de Salud Carlos III)

Experiències senzilles de física recreativa: flascó de Mariotte, refracció de la llum i tira d’alumini ondulant

En aquest treball presentem una sèrie d’experiments senzills i estimulants de física que resulten útils per a reforçar els coneixements propis d’aquesta matèria, consolidar conceptes físics, captar l’atenció dels estudiants i fomentar-ne l’interès per la matèria de física. En aquesta ocasió hem dissenyat i dut a terme experiències de diversos camps de la Física, com ara fluids (flascó de Mariotte), òptica (refracció de la llum) i magnetisme (tira d’alumini ondulant a causa d’un camp magnètic). Amb aquest tipus d’experiments simples volem augmentar la motivació dels estudiants cap a la matèria de física, ja que l’objectiu d’aquestes experiències és tractar d’entendre el fenomen que s’està observant, en comptes d’obtenir i tractar dades. Aquests experiments estan adreçats als estudiants dels primers cursos dels graus de ciències i de les diverses enginyeries. Aquesta manera d’introduir conceptes de física mitjançant experiments sorprenents fa que l’aprenentatge resulte més significatiu, i constitueixen una eina pedagògica de gran ajuda en el procés d’ensenyament-aprenentatge de la física

Students’ Factors Affecting Undergraduates’ Perceptions of their Teaching and Learning Process within ECTS Experience

Introduction: In the present study, we investigated the potential factors that influenced the level of students satisfaction with the teaching–learning process (TLP), from the perspective of students participating in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) experience. Method: A total of 1490 students from the Universities of Almería and Granada (Spain) participated in an evaluation of their class discipline area. They completed the new revised protocol for evaluating the ECTS experience. Analyses of variance were carried out, taking the following factors as independent variables: student's grade average, year in school, study discipline, credit load in terms of ECTS credits assigned to a subject, the e-learning approach. Perception of the TLP was used as the dependent variable. Results: The data analyses showed variability of the degree of statistically significance among the factors that influenced students’ perceptions of the TLP. These factors included: Student's grade average (in favor of high performers), year in school (in favor of earlier years), ECTS load (in favor of subjects with a medium load of credits), and e-learning (in favor of its use). These research findings provided evidence to explore the delineation of a potential profile of factors that trigger a favorable perception of the TLP. Discussion and Conclusion: The present findings certainly have implications to deepen our understanding of the core beliefs, commitment, and the experience in shaping the implementation of the European Higher Education Area through the ECTS

Isolation of Platelet-Derived Exosomes from Human Platelet-Rich Plasma: Biochemical and Morphological Characterization

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is enriched in molecular messengers with restorative effects on altered tissue environments. Upon activation, platelets release a plethora of growth factors and cytokines, either in free form or encapsulated in exosomes, which have been proven to promote tissue repair and regeneration. Translational research on the potential of exosomes as a safe nanosystem for therapeutic cargo delivery requires standardizing exosome isolation methods along with their molecular and morphological characterization. With this aim, we isolated and characterized the exosomes released by human PRP platelets. Western blot analysis revealed that CaCl2-activated platelets (PLT-Exos-Ca2+) released more exosomes than non-activated ones (PLT-Exos). Moreover, PLT-Exos-Ca2+ exhibited a molecular signature that meets the most up-to-date biochemical criteria for platelet-derived exosomes and possessed morphological features typical of exosomes as assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Array analysis of 105 analytes including growth factors and cytokines showed that PLT-Exos-Ca2+ exhibited lower levels of most analytes compared to PLT-Exos, but relatively higher levels of those consistently validated as components of the protein cargo of platelet exosomes. In summary, the present study provides new insights into the molecular composition of human platelet-derived exosomes and validates a method for isolating highly pure platelet exosomes as a basis for future preclinical studies in regenerative medicine and drug delivery.This work was funded by the Provincial Council of Alava through the Alava Innova Program, Basque Government (IT1230-19), MINECO CTQ2017-85686-R (Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM)

Validation of the child and youth resilience measure-28 (CYRM-28) among Spanish youth

Objectives: This article presents a validation study of the 28-item Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-28). The sample contained 365 Spanish youth ages between 15 to 21, from Navarre (Spain), all of them enrolled in Initial Vocational Qualification Programs. Method: The CYRM-28 was administered to students from 27 secondary schools in the province of Navarre. Confirmatory analyses were conducted. Results: The structure of the original scale was confirmed, as well as acceptable psychometric properties. Discussion: Findings add support to the CYRM-28 as a reliable and valid self-report instrument that measures three components of resilience processes in the lives of youth with complex needs. The CYRM-28 shows adequate psychometric properties, the CFA presents indices of goodness and fit (Chi-squared = 60,170, df = 17, p < .001; CFI = .960, TLI = .934, IFI = .961, RFI = .911 and NFI = .946; RMSEA = .084). Conclusion: Advanced statistical modeling yielded evidence that the scale, originally developed for use in several countries, can be used to assess resilience in Spanish youth.This work was supported by Ministry of Education and Science (R&D Project PGC2018-094672-B-I00); University of Almería (UAL18-SEJ-DO31-A-FEDER) and the European Social Fund

Self- vs. External-Regulation Behavior ScaleTM in different psychological contexts:A validation study

The self- vs. external-regulation behavior theory, SR-ER Theory (2021) model has postulated the Self-Regulation /Non or De-Regulation/Dys-regulation (SR-NR-DR) continuum in the person and in their context. The model also generates a behavioral heuristic that allows us to predict and explain the variability of other dependent behavioral variables in a range of scenarios (clinical, educational, health and technology contexts). Consequently, the objective of this study was to validate the different scales prepared on the basis of the theory presented. A total of 469 students voluntarily completed at different times the five questionnaires presented, to give a total of 1,385 completed questionnaires. Using an ex post facto design, descriptive, correlational, confirmatory factorial analysis (CFA), reliability, and concurrent validity analyses were carried out. The scales were analyzed individually and as a whole. The results showed the acceptable structure of scale and consistent levels of reliability. The five levels generated by the SR-NR-DR (personal and contextual) combinatory heuristic that arises from the theoretical model determined significant differences in the levels of the variables analyzed for each psychological context. We discuss the theoretical implications and the implications for the assessment and improvement of the behaviors analyzed in function of the personal and contextual regulation levels evaluated

Las variaciones altitudinales del departamento Norte de Santander y su relación con el rendimiento de las semillas de sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis, L)

In Colombia, sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis, L) is planted as an alternative to coca cultivation. The plant adapts to diverse ecosystems, but research on its performance in different altitudinal gradients is scarce. The objective of the research was to analyze the relationship between altitude (0 to 1,800 meters above sea level) and seed weight, oil and cake yield of Catio 2-15 genetic material from 30 farms (60 observations) in the department of Norte de Santander (Colombia). The dry seeds were weighed, shelled, and the oil and cake were extracted. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential estimators of Tukey's test, ANOVA and simple regression. The results indicate that there is a positive and highly significant relationship between altitude and seed weight, with the highest values between 600-1,800 meters above sea level, and a positive and non-significant relationship between altitude and sacha inchi oil and cake yield. The highest values for oil yield were found in the range 1,200-1,500 m.a.s.l and for cake yield between 900-1,800 m.a.s.l.En Colombia, el cultivo de sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis, L) se siembra como alternativa para la sustitución del cultivo de la coca. La planta se adapta a los diversos ecosistemas, pero son escasas las investigaciones de su desempeño en diferentes gradientes altitudinales. El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar la relación entre la altitud (0 m.s.n.m.- 1.800 m.s.n.m.), y el peso de las semillas, el rendimiento en aceite y de torta, del material genético Catio 2-15, de 30 fincas (60 observaciones) del departamento Norte de Santander (Colombia). Las semillas secas se pesaron, descascarillaron y se les extrajo el aceite y la torta. El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante estimadores descriptivos e inferenciales de la prueba de Tukey, ANOVA y regresión simple. Los resultados indican que existe una relación positiva y altamente significativa entre la altitud y el peso de las semillas, ubicándose los mayores valores entre los 600-1.800 m.s.n.m. y; una relación positiva y no significativa entre la altitud y el rendimiento del aceite y de la torta de sacha inchi. Los mayores valores en rendimiento de aceite se encontraron en la franja de 1.200 -1.500 m.s.n.m. y de torta entre los 900- 1.800 m.s.n.m

An approach to the history of the Cienfuegos Subsidiary of the Cuban Society of Clinical Pathology

A historical research is presented about the foundation and evolution of the Cuban subsidiary of clinical pathology in Cienfuegos, contextualized in antecedents, development and present situation of the clinical laboratories in the province. The most complex and important tasks which were developed by the members of the scientific society from its foundation to the current period are stated, so as future challenges

Applying the SRL vs. ERL Theory to the Knowledge of Achievement Emotions in Undergraduate University Students

The SRL vs.ERL Theory predicts that a student's own self-regulation and the regulatory nature of the context are factors that jointly determine the student's level of motivational-affective variables. However, this principle has not yet been verified in the case of achievement emotions. The aim of this research was to test this prediction, with the hypothesis that students' level of self-regulation (low-medium-high), in interaction with the regulatory nature of the teaching (low-medium-high), would determine positive or negative emotions as well as the degree of burnout/engagement. A total of 440 university students completed validated questionnaires on self-regulation; regulatory teaching; achievement emotions in class, in study and in testing situations; and on burnout/engagement. Using a quasi-experimental design by selection, ANOVAs and MANOVAs (3 × 3; 5 × 1) were carried out. The results confirmed that the level of self-regulation and the level of external regulation jointly determined university students' level of achievement emotions, as well as their level of burnout/engagement. Based on these results, a five-level progressive scale was configured. We conclude that this scale may be useful and adequate as a heuristic technique or model for understanding and analyzing the type of student-teacher interaction that is taking place in the university classroom, and thereby learn the probability of stressful effects and the students' level of emotional health.Fil: de la Fuente, Jesús. Universidad de Almeria; España. Universidad de Navarra; EspañaFil: Martínez-Vicente, José Manuel. Universidad de Almeria; EspañaFil: Peralta-Sánchez, Francisco Javier. Fundacion Universitaria Konrad Lorenz.; ColombiaFil: Garzón-Umerenkova, Angélica. Fundacion Universitaria Konrad Lorenz.; ColombiaFil: Vera, Manuel Mariano. Universidad de Granada; EspañaFil: Paoloni, Paola Veronica Rita. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales, Territoriales y Educativas. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales, Territoriales y Educativas; Argentin

Relations between structural and EEG-based graph metrics in healthy controls and schizophrenia patients

Producción CientíficaObjective: To assess using graph-theory properties of both structural and functional networks in schizophrenia patients, as well as the possible prediction of the latter based on the former. Abnormal structural and functional network parameters have been found in schizophrenia, but the dependence of functional network properties on structural alterations has not been described yet in this syndrome. Experimental design: We applied averaged path-length (PL), clustering coefficient (CLC) and density (D) measurements to structural data derived from diffusion magnetic resonance and functional data derived from electroencephalography in 39 schizophrenia patients and 79 controls. Functional data were collected for the global and theta frequency bands with subjects performing an odd-ball task, both prior to stimulus delivery and at the corresponding processing window. Connectivity matrices were constructed respectively from (i) tractography and registered cortical segmentations (structural) and (ii) phase-locking values (functional). Principal observations: In both groups, we observed a significant EEG task-related modulation (change between pre-stimulus and response windows) in the global and theta bands. Patients showed larger structural PL and pre-stimulus density in the global and theta bands, and lower PL task-related modulation in the theta band. Structural network values predicted pre-stimulus global band values in controls and global band task-related modulation in patients. Abnormal functional values found in patients (pre-stimulus density in the global and theta bands and task-related modulation in the theta band) were not predicted by structural data in this group. Structural and functional network abnormalities respectively predicted cognitive performance and positive symptoms in patients. Conclusions: Taken together, the alterations in the structural and functional theta networks in the patients and the lack of significant relations between these alterations, suggest that these types of network abnormalities exist in different groups of schizophrenia patients.This research project was supported in part by grants from Instituto de Salud Carlos III under project PI15/00299, “Gerencia Regional de Salud de Castilla y León” under projects GRS 1263/A/16 and GRS 1485/A/17, and “Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad” and FEDER under grants TEC2014-53196-R and TEC2013-44194-P; by ‘European Commission’ and FEDER under project 'Análisis y correlación entre el genoma completo y la actividad cerebral para la ayuda en el diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Alzheimer' ('Cooperation Programme Interreg V-A Spain-Portugal POCTEP 2014-2020'), and by ‘Consejería de Educación de la Junta de Castilla y León’ and FEDER under project VA037U16. J. Gomez-Pilar was in receipt of a grant from University of Valladolid and A. Lubeiro was in receipt of a grant from Consejería de Educación de la Junta de Castilla y León