Soy protein enzymatic hydrolysis and polysaccharides interactions: differential performance on kinetic adsorption at air-water interface

The objective of the work was to study the impact of soy protein hydrolysis on kinetic adsorption to the air-water interface and the effect of polysaccharides addition. Was used soy protein (SP) and theirs hydrolysates of 2% (H1) and 5.4% (H2) degree of hydrolysis. The polysaccharides (PS) used were a surface active one called E4M and a non-surface active one, lamda carrageenan (C). The dynamic surface pressure of interfacial films was evaluated with a drop tensiometer. In this contribution, we have determined the kinetic parameters of adsorption to the air-water interface which determined the penetration (Kp) and rearrangement (Kr) rates of SP, H1, H2 and PS, as well as their mixed systems. It was observed an increase of Kp and Kr when the protein were hydrolyzed (from SP to H1), however, when degree of hydrolysis progresses to H2 the parameters decreased again. In other hand, considerable differences were not found between these two PS studied concerning the Kp to air-water interface at these conditions. In spite of the different surface active nature of the PS, the proteins seem to control the behavior of the protein-PS interactions. However, when Kr of mixed systems was analyzed, the degree of hydrolysis and PS nature started to have a huge importance. Hence, it could be observed synergic or antagonic effects on Kr of biopolymers at liquid interface depending to the degree of hydrolysis of protein analyzed and the type of PS selected.CYTED through project 105PI0274CYCYT through grant AGL2007-60045Junta de Andalucía through grant PO6-AGR-01535Universidad de Buenos Aires, Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica (PICT 2008-1901) and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de la República Argentin

Toxicological Responses of α-Pinene-Derived Secondary Organic Aerosol and Its Molecular Tracers in Human Lung Cell Lines

Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) is a major component of airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that contributes to adverse human health effects upon inhalation. Atmospheric ozonolysis of α-pinene, an abundantly emitted monoterpene from terrestrial vegetation, leads to significant global SOA formation; however, its impact on pulmonary pathophysiology remains uncertain. In this study, we quantified an increasing concentration response of three well-established α-pinene SOA tracers (pinic, pinonic, and 3-methyl-1,2,3-butanetricarboxylic acids) and a full mixture of α-pinene SOA in A549 (alveolar epithelial carcinoma) and BEAS-2B (bronchial epithelial normal) lung cell lines. The three aforementioned tracers contributed ∼57% of the α-pinene SOA mass under our experimental conditions. Cellular proliferation, cell viability, and oxidative stress were assessed as toxicological end points. The three α-pinene SOA molecular tracers had insignificant responses in both cell types when compared with the α-pinene SOA (up to 200 μg mL-1). BEAS-2B cells exposed to 200 μg mL-1 of α-pinene SOA decreased cellular proliferation to ∼70% and 44% at 24- and 48-h post exposure, respectively; no changes in A549 cells were observed. The inhibitory concentration-50 (IC50) in BEAS-2B cells was found to be 912 and 230 μg mL-1 at 24 and 48 h, respectively. An approximate 4-fold increase in cellular oxidative stress was observed in BEAS-2B cells when compared with untreated cells, suggesting that reactive oxygen species (ROS) buildup resulted in the downstream cytotoxicity following 24 h of exposure to α-pinene SOA. Organic hydroperoxides that were identified in the α-pinene SOA samples likely contributed to the ROS and cytotoxicity. This study identifies the potential components of α-pinene SOA that likely modulate the oxidative stress response within lung cells and highlights the need to carry out chronic exposure studies on α-pinene SOA to elucidate its long-term inhalation exposure effects. © 2021 American Chemical Society

Hepatic undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma as a cause of acute abdomen

Primary liver sarcoma represents less than 1% of all primary liver tumors. Hepatic undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma (HUES) is included in the histologic group of primary liver sarcomas. HUES is a rare malignant liver tumor with a low incidence in the adult population. At moment there is no tumor marker that increases suspicion or diagnosis Early diagnosis is key to rise the possibilities of long-term survival. It has currently improved its prognosis through multidisciplinary management with surgical resection and chemotherapy. This case report presents a 20-year-old female patient with acute abdomen and anemic syndrome secondary to spontaneous rupture of a HUES requiring medical management initially based on resuscitation and arterial embolization with subsequent surgical resection

Prevention and treatment practices of pediculosis capitis in Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina

Para evaluar los procedimientos y las sustancias que la población de Comodoro Rivadavia emplea contra la pediculosis en escolares, se analizaron los resultados de 4951 encuestas realizadas entre 2006 y 2007. El 95% de los encuestados revisa periódicamente la cabeza de los niños, lo que resulta favorable para el control de la afección. El 56,4% emplea procedimientos o productos preventivos adecuados, mientras el resto utiliza otros de escasa efectividad preventiva (inocuos o peligrosos). Un 38,11% utiliza tratamientos de acción comprobada. Se constató el uso de productos no indicados para la pediculosis o inefectivos, algunos inocuos y otros con potenciales efectos indeseados. En general, se observa poco discernimiento entre prevención y tratamiento. Se evidenciaron prácticas y creencias erróneas, tales como la vinculación de la pediculosis con falta de higiene, el uso preventivo de pediculicidas, así como el empleo de productos inefectivos para tratar pediculosis activa: entre otros jabón blanco, vinagre, repelentes y desinfectantes e insecticidas de uso veterinario y doméstico.In order to analyze products and procedures that Comodoro Rivadavia population uses against head lice in school children, results from 4951 surveys obtained in 2006 and 2007 are presented. It is advantageous that 95% of the parents check frequently over the children scalps. About 56,4% uses appropriate preventive products or procedures, while the others use ineffective (innocuous or dangerous) substances. A 38,11% of the population uses appropriate treatment products. The use of products which are not indicated in pediculosis treatment or are ineffective against the infection (innocuous or unsafe substances) was evidenced. Generally, there is scarce differentiation between prevention and treatment. Additionally, erroneous believes and practices were detected: association pediculosis - poor hygiene practices, preventive use of pediculicides, as well as use of ineffective treatment products: soap, vinegar, repellents, and the use of veterinary or domestic disinfectants and insecticides.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Prevention and treatment practices of pediculosis capitis in Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina

Para evaluar los procedimientos y las sustancias que la población de Comodoro Rivadavia emplea contra la pediculosis en escolares, se analizaron los resultados de 4951 encuestas realizadas entre 2006 y 2007. El 95% de los encuestados revisa periódicamente la cabeza de los niños, lo que resulta favorable para el control de la afección. El 56,4% emplea procedimientos o productos preventivos adecuados, mientras el resto utiliza otros de escasa efectividad preventiva (inocuos o peligrosos). Un 38,11% utiliza tratamientos de acción comprobada. Se constató el uso de productos no indicados para la pediculosis o inefectivos, algunos inocuos y otros con potenciales efectos indeseados. En general, se observa poco discernimiento entre prevención y tratamiento. Se evidenciaron prácticas y creencias erróneas, tales como la vinculación de la pediculosis con falta de higiene, el uso preventivo de pediculicidas, así como el empleo de productos inefectivos para tratar pediculosis activa: entre otros jabón blanco, vinagre, repelentes y desinfectantes e insecticidas de uso veterinario y doméstico.In order to analyze products and procedures that Comodoro Rivadavia population uses against head lice in school children, results from 4951 surveys obtained in 2006 and 2007 are presented. It is advantageous that 95% of the parents check frequently over the children scalps. About 56,4% uses appropriate preventive products or procedures, while the others use ineffective (innocuous or dangerous) substances. A 38,11% of the population uses appropriate treatment products. The use of products which are not indicated in pediculosis treatment or are ineffective against the infection (innocuous or unsafe substances) was evidenced. Generally, there is scarce differentiation between prevention and treatment. Additionally, erroneous believes and practices were detected: association pediculosis - poor hygiene practices, preventive use of pediculicides, as well as use of ineffective treatment products: soap, vinegar, repellents, and the use of veterinary or domestic disinfectants and insecticides.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Prevention and treatment practices of pediculosis capitis in Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina

Para evaluar los procedimientos y las sustancias que la población de Comodoro Rivadavia emplea contra la pediculosis en escolares, se analizaron los resultados de 4951 encuestas realizadas entre 2006 y 2007. El 95% de los encuestados revisa periódicamente la cabeza de los niños, lo que resulta favorable para el control de la afección. El 56,4% emplea procedimientos o productos preventivos adecuados, mientras el resto utiliza otros de escasa efectividad preventiva (inocuos o peligrosos). Un 38,11% utiliza tratamientos de acción comprobada. Se constató el uso de productos no indicados para la pediculosis o inefectivos, algunos inocuos y otros con potenciales efectos indeseados. En general, se observa poco discernimiento entre prevención y tratamiento. Se evidenciaron prácticas y creencias erróneas, tales como la vinculación de la pediculosis con falta de higiene, el uso preventivo de pediculicidas, así como el empleo de productos inefectivos para tratar pediculosis activa: entre otros jabón blanco, vinagre, repelentes y desinfectantes e insecticidas de uso veterinario y doméstico.In order to analyze products and procedures that Comodoro Rivadavia population uses against head lice in school children, results from 4951 surveys obtained in 2006 and 2007 are presented. It is advantageous that 95% of the parents check frequently over the children scalps. About 56,4% uses appropriate preventive products or procedures, while the others use ineffective (innocuous or dangerous) substances. A 38,11% of the population uses appropriate treatment products. The use of products which are not indicated in pediculosis treatment or are ineffective against the infection (innocuous or unsafe substances) was evidenced. Generally, there is scarce differentiation between prevention and treatment. Additionally, erroneous believes and practices were detected: association pediculosis - poor hygiene practices, preventive use of pediculicides, as well as use of ineffective treatment products: soap, vinegar, repellents, and the use of veterinary or domestic disinfectants and insecticides.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in elders of nursing homes and a senior center of Durango City, Mexico

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological reports about dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in elderly people from developing countries are scarce. Therefore, we sought to determine the prevalences of dementia and AD in a population of nursing home residents and senior center attendees of Durango City, Mexico, and to determine whether any socio-demographic characteristics from the subjects associated with dementia or AD exist. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-five residents of two nursing homes and 125 attendees of a senior center were examined for dementia and Alzheimer's disease. All subjects were tested by the mini-mental state examination, and those who scored twenty-four or less underwent psychiatric and neurological evaluations. Diagnosis of dementia, AD and vascular dementia (VaD) was based on the DSM-IV criteria. Socio-demographic characteristics from each participant were also obtained. RESULTS: Residents of nursing homes found to suffer from dementia were 25 out of 155 (16.1%). Eighteen of them (11.6%) had AD, and seven (4.5%) had VaD. None of the attendees of the senior center suffered from dementia. Dementia (pooled AD and VaD cases) correlated with white ethnicity (OR = 3.2; 95%CI = 1.28–8.31), and a history of unemployment (OR = 6.46; 95%CI = 1.42–25.97), while AD correlated with journeymen occupations (OR = 4.55; 95%CI = 1.00–19.29). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of dementia in residents of nursing homes found in this study is much lower than reported from more industrialized countries. AD was more frequent than VaD. Ethnicity and occupation showed effects on the prevalence figures. The prevalence of dementia found has implications for the optimum kind of health care that nursing homes should provide to their residents

Large-scale patterns of turnover and basal area change in Andean forests

General patterns of forest dynamics and productivity in the Andes Mountains are poorly characterized. Here we present the first large-scale study of Andean forest dynamics using a set of 63 permanent forest plots assembled over the past two decades. In the North-Central Andes tree turnover (mortality and recruitment) and tree growth declined with increasing elevation and decreasing temperature. In addition, basal area increased in Lower Montane Moist Forests but did not change in Higher Montane Humid Forests. However, at higher elevations the lack of net basal area change and excess of mortality over recruitment suggests negative environmental impacts. In North-Western Argentina, forest dynamics appear to be influenced by land use history in addition to environmental variation. Taken together, our results indicate that combinations of abiotic and biotic factors that vary across elevation gradients are important determinants of tree turnover and productivity in the Andes. More extensive and longer-term monitoring and analyses of forest dynamics in permanent plots will be necessary to understand how demographic processes and woody biomass are responding to changing environmental conditions along elevation gradients through this century