Caracterización de una bebida isotónica elaborada a partir del extracto de agave (Agave americana L) y mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth).

The objective of this research is to characterize an isotonic beverage made from agave extract (Agave americana L) and mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth). To design the formulation of the beverage, three combinations of concentrations of agave extract (Agave americana L), mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth) and sweetener were used, in addition to salts in percentages as established by Colombian Technical Standard (NTC) 3837. In which the completely randomized block design (DBCA) was applied in a 3*2 factorial arrangement with 3 replicates of osmolality measurement being the main factor of study and sensory analysis. To determine the best treatment, the osmolality analysis was carried out, as well as evaluating the level of acceptability to determine the best treatment t1 (t1b1), which belongs to the isotonic drink with extract ratio 3:1, thus giving an osmolality of 338.33 mOsm/L. The results of the physicochemical analyses were: 13.50 mEq/L sodium, 4.05 mEq/L potassium, 2.96 mEq/L calcium and 0.93 mEq/L magnesium. The results of the corresponding microbiological analyses such as: Molds, Yeasts, E. Coli and Total Coliforms, obtaining as a result |<10 CFU| in all the counts. The isotonic drink, being elaborated with natural ingredients, provides carbohydrates without the need to add them artificially, besides the drink has electrolytes that are necessary to rehydrate the body.El presente trabajo de investigación tiene como objetivo la caracterización de una bebida isotónica elaborada a partir del extracto de agave (Agave americana L) y mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth). Para diseñar la formulación de la bebida se realizó tres combinaciones de concentraciones del extracto de agave (Agave americana L), mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth) y endulzante, adicionalmente se utilizó sales en porcentajes como lo establece la Norma Técnica Colombiana (NTC) 3837. En la cual se aplicó el diseño de bloques completamente al azar (DBCA) en un arreglo factorial de 3*2 con 3 repeticiones de medición de osmolalidad siendo el principal factor de estudio y análisis sensorial. Para determinar el mejor tratamiento se realizó el análisis de la osmolalidad, así como también evaluando el nivel de aceptabilidad para determinar el mejor tratamiento t1 (t1b1) que pertenece a la bebida isotónica con relación de extractos 3:1, dando así una osmolalidad de 338,33 mOsm/L. Los resultados de los análisis fisicoquímicos fueron: 13,50 mEq/L de sodio, 4,05 mEq/L de potasio, 2,96 mEq/L de calcio y 0,93 mEq/L de magnesio. Los resutlados de los análisis microbiológicos correspondientes como: Mohos, Levaduras, E. Coli y Coliformes Totales, obteniendo como resultado |<10 UFC| en todos los recuentos. La bebida isotónica al ser elaborada a base de ingredientes naturales aporta carbohidratos sin tener la necesidad de adicionarlas en forma artificial, además la bebida posee de electrolitos que son necesarias para rehidratar el cuerpo

Towards a sustainable and equitable blue economy

The global rush to develop the \u2018blue economy\u2019 risks harming both the marine environment and human wellbeing. Bold policies and actions are urgently needed. We identify five priorities to chart a course towards an environmentally sustainable and socially equitable blue economy

Havep53 gene mutations and protein expression a different biological significance in colorectal cancer?

p53 alterations are considered the most common genetic events in many types of neoplasms, including colorectal carcinoma (CRC). These alterations include mutations of the gene and/or overexpression of the protein. The aim of our study was to assess whether in 160 patients undergoing resective surgery for primary operable CRC there was an association between p53 mutations and protein over-expression and between these and other biological variables, such as cell DNA content (DNA-ploidy) and S-phase fraction (SPF), and the traditional clinicopathological variables. p53 mutations, identified by PCR-SSCP-sequencing analysis, were found in 68/160 patients (43%) and positive staining for p53 protein, detected with the monoclonal antibody DO-7, was present in 48% (77/160) of the cases, with agreement of 57% (91/160). In particular, a significant association was found between increased p53 expression and genetic alterations localized in the conserved regions of the gene or in the L3 DNA-binding domain and the specific type of mutation. Furthermore, both overexpression of p53 and mutations in the conserved areas of the gene were found more frequently in distal than in proximal CRCs, suggesting that they might be "biologically different diseases." Although p53 mutations in conserved areas were associated with flow cytometric variables, overexpression of p53 and mutations in its L3 domain were only related respectively to DNA-aneuploidy and high SPF. These data may reflect the complex involvement of p53 in the different pathways regulating cell-cycle progression. In conclusion, the combination of the mutational status and immunohistochemistry of p53, and flow cytometric data may provide an important insight into the biological features of CRCs

Diagnosis and management of Bartter syndrome: executive summary of the consensus and recommendations from the European Rare Kidney Disease Reference Network Working Group for Tubular Disorders

Bartter syndrome is a rare inherited salt-losing renal tubular disorder characterized by secondary hyperaldosteronism with hypokalemic and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis and low to normal blood pressure. The primary pathogenic mechanism is defective salt reabsorption predominantly in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. There is significant variability in the clinical expression of the disease, which is genetically heterogenous with 5 different genes described to date. Despite considerable phenotypic overlap, correlations of specific clinical characteristics with the underlying molecular defects have been demonstrated, generating gene-specific phenotypes. As with many other rare disease conditions, there is a paucity of clinical studies that could guide diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. In this expert consensus document, the authors have summarized the currently available knowledge and propose clinical indicators to assess and improve quality of care

Arqueología chaqueña 3: nuevas evidencias de cordelería impresa

Las descripciones generales de técnicas textiles prehispánicas, realizadas para el noreste y noroeste argentino se vinculan a las más antiguas referencias bibliográficas. La caracterización de ellas y su adscripción témporo-espacial, constituye un tema de especial significación para las investigaciones que desarrollamos en el ámbito del Gran Chaco Meridional. Las primeras menciones sobre la presencia de esta técnica en el ámbito regional refieren a sitos ubicados en zonas de influencia de los ríos Pilcomayo y Bermejo; en territorio subandino occidental y oriental; en ámbitos de tierras bajas más septentrionales (Cuenca Amazónica) y en la porción norte de la Región Pampeana, en particular en la zona de desembocadura del Paraná (Dougherty, 1974; Rodríguez y Ceruti, 1999; Calandra y col, 2001b) En publicaciones recientes referidas a la arqueología del Chaco Meridional, se ha hecho referencia a la presencia de alfarería decorada con impresión de cordel (Calandra y col, 2001a). A propósito de recientes investigaciones de campo realizadas en los Sectores Central y Ribereño Paraguay-paranaense (Braunstein y col, 2002), se registró una significativa representación de estas técnicas a partir de la presencia de improntas en fragmentos de alfarería procedentes de un contexto arqueológico. Las exploraciones en la región y el estudio detallado del material obtenido se encuentran aún en desarrollo, siendo de interés en esta comunicación preliminar dar a conocer un conjunto de fragmentos cerámicos con este tratamiento en su superficie, sobre todo por representar un rasgo que desde siempre conformó un tema destacado de la problemática arqueológica chaqueña y en vinculación con las regiones periféricas. Por lo tanto, su puesta en valor responde a la posibilidad de aportar un nuevo elemento comparativo en el aspecto contextual, ilustrando acerca de caracterizaciones, orígenes y dispersión de los antiguos pobladores de la región.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Detection and quantification of mammaglobin in the blood of breast cancer patients: can it be useful as a potential clinical marker? Preliminary results of a GOIM (Gruppo Oncologico dell'Italia Meridionale) prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Mammaglobin is expressed mainly in mammary tissue, overexpressed in breast cancer (BC) and rarely in other tissue. The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of transcript MGB1 detection and to evaluate the role of MGB1 as potential clinical marker for the detection of disseminated cancer cells in the blood of BC patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A consecutive series of 23 BC tissues, 36 peripheral blood BC samples and 35 healthy peripheral blood samples was prospectively recruited to investigate MGB1 expression by means of a quantitative Real Time RT-PCR assay. RESULTS: MGB1 overexpression in tissue samples of BC patients is significantly associated only with high level of Ki67 (P <0.05). None of the samples from peripheral blood of 35 healthy female individuals were positive for MGB1 transcript. In contrast MGB1 mRNA expression was detected in three of 36 (8%) peripheral blood of BC patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results demonstrate that the detection of MGB1 transcript in peripheral blood of BC patients was specific but with low sensitivity. MGB1 overexpression by itself or in combination with Ki67 might be considered an index of BC progression

Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of oral and pharyngeal cancer in Puerto Rico and among Non-Hispanics Whites, Non-Hispanic Blacks, and Hispanics in the USA

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In the American region, Puerto Rico (PR) has the highest incidence of oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC), but racial/ethnic differences have never been assessed and compared with other groups in the United States of America (USA). We compared the age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates of OPC between PR and among USA Hispanics (USH), Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), and Non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) to assess the burden of this cancer in PR.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Analysis of the age-standardized rates (per 100,000) was performed using the direct method with the world standard population (ASR(World)) from 1998–2002. Annual percent change (APC) and Relative Risks (RR) were calculated using the Poisson regression model.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The incidence ASR(World) for men in PR was constant (APC ≈ 0.0%), in contrast, a decrease was observed among NHW, NHB, and USH men, although only USH showed statistical significance (APC = -4.9%, p < 0.05). In women, the highest increase in incidence (APC = 5.3%) and the lowest decrease in mortality (APC = -1.4%) was observed in PR. The ratio of the ASR(World) showed that in all racial/ethnic groups, men had approximately 2–4 fold increased incidence and mortality risk of OPC than women (p < 0.05). Men in PR had a higher mortality risk (p < 0.05) of OPC as compared to USH, NHW, and NHB; but among women, PR showed a significant excess of mortality only as compared to USH (est. SRR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.41, 2.33).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The overall higher incidence of OPC in men in PR as compared to USH, NHB, and NHW could be explained by the effect of gene-environment interactions. Meanwhile, the higher mortality from OPC in PR suggests limitations in the health-care access within this population. Further research is warranted to elucidate these findings.</p

Incidence and mortality rates of selected infection-related cancers in Puerto Rico and in the United States

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In 2002, 17.8% of the global cancer burden was attributable to infections. This study assessed the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of stomach, liver, and cervical cancer in Puerto Rico (PR) for the period 1992-2003 and compared them to those of Hispanics (USH), non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), and non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) in the United States (US).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Age-standardized rates [ASR(World)] were calculated based on cancer incidence and mortality data from the PR Cancer Central Registry and SEER, using the direct method and the world population as the standard. Annual percent changes (APC) were calculated using the Poisson regression model from 1992-2003.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The incidence and mortality rates from stomach, liver and cervical cancer were lower in NHW than PR; with the exception of mortality from cervical cancer which was similar in both populations. Meanwhile, the incidence rates of stomach, liver and cervical cancers were similar between NHB and PR; except for NHB women who had a lower incidence rate of liver cancer than women in PR. NHB had a lower mortality from liver cancer than persons in PR, and similar mortality from stomach cancer.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The burden of liver, stomach, and cervical cancer in PR compares to that of USH and NHB and continues to be a public health priority. Public health efforts are necessary to further decrease the burden of cancers associated to infections in these groups, the largest minority population groups in the US. Future studies need to identify factors that may prevent infections with cancer-related agents in these populations. Strategies to increase the use of preventive strategies, such as vaccination and screening, among minority populations should also be developed.</p

Identification of molecular mechanisms for cellular drug resistance by combining drug activity and gene expression profiles

Acquired drug resistance is a major problem in cancer treatment. To explore the genes involved in chemosensitivity and resistance, 10 human tumour cell lines, including parental cells and resistant subtypes selected for resistance against doxorubicin, melphalan, teniposide and vincristine, were profiled for mRNA expression of 7400 genes using cDNA microarray technology. The drug activity of 66 cancer agents was evaluated on the cell lines, and correlations between drug activity and gene expression were calculated and ranked. Hierarchical clustering of drugs based on their drug–gene correlations yielded clusters of drugs with similar mechanism of action. Genes correlated with drug sensitivity and resistance were imported into the PathwayAssist software to identify putative molecular pathways involved. A substantial number of both proapoptotic and antiapoptotic genes such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 and focal adhesion kinase were found to be associated to drug resistance, whereas genes linked to cell cycle control and proliferation, such as cell division cycle 25A and signal transducer of activator of transcription 5A, were associated to general drug sensitivity. The results indicate that combined information from drug activity and gene expression in a resistance-based cell line panel may provide new knowledge of the genes involved in anticancer drug resistance and become a useful tool in drug development

Why are mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists cardioprotective?

Two clinical trials, the Randomized ALdosterone Evaluation Study (RALES) and the EPlerenone HEart failure and SUrvival Study (EPHESUS), have recently shown that mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists reduce mortality in patients with heart failure on top of ACE inhibition. This effect could not be attributed solely to blockade of the renal MR-mediated effects on blood pressure, and it has therefore been proposed that aldosterone, the endogenous MR agonist, also acts extrarenally, in particular in the heart. Indeed, MR are present in cardiac tissue, and possibly aldosterone synthesis occurs in the heart. This review critically addresses the following questions: (1) is aldosterone synthesized at cardiac tissue sites, (2) what agonist stimulates cardiac MR normally, and (3) what effects are mediated by aldosterone/MR in the heart that could explain the beneficial effects of MR blockade in heart failure? Conclusions are that most, if not all, of cardiac aldosterone originates in the circulation (i.e., is of adrenal origin), and that glucocorticoids, in addition to aldosterone, may serve as the endogenous agonist of cardiac MR. MR-mediated effects in the heart include effects on endothelial function, cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy, oxidative stress, cardiac inotropy, coronary flow, and arrhythmias. Some of these effects occur via or in synergy with angiotensin II, and involve a non-MR-mediated mechanism. This raises the possibility that aldosterone synthase inhibitors might exert beneficial effects on top of MR blockade