17-Acetoxymulinic acid

The title compound, [systematic name: 5a-acetoxymethyl-3-isopropyl-8-methyl-1,2,3,3a,4,5,5a,6,7,10,10a,10b-dodecahydro-7,10-endo-epidioxycyclohepta[e]indene-3a-carboxylic acid], C22H32O6 (I), is closely related to methyl 5a-acetoxymethyl-3-isopropyl-8-methyl-1,2,3,3a,4,5,5a,6,7,10,10a,10b-dodecahydro-7,10-endo-epidioxycyclohepta[e]indene-3a-carboxylate, (II) [Brito et al., (2008 [triangle]). Acta Cryst. E64, o1209]. There are two molecules in the asymmetric unit, which are linked by two strong intramolecular O—H ... O hydrogen bonds with graph-set motif R 2 2(8). In both (I) and (II), the conformation of the three fused rings are almost identical. The five-membered ring has an envelope conformation, the six-membered ring has a chair conformation and the seven-membered ring has a boat conformation. The most obvious differences between the two compounds is the observed disorder of the acetoxymethyl fragments in both molecules of the asymmetric unit of (I). This disorder is not observed in (II). The crystal structure and the molecular conformation is stabilized by intermolecular C—H ... O hydrogen bonds. The ability to form hydrogen bonds is different in the two compounds. The crystal studied was a non-merohedral twin, the ratio of the twin components being 0.28 (1):0.72 (1

Monitorización y diagnóstico de centrales térmicas: desarrollo de un detector visual de estados estacionarios

The design and features of a Matlab® application, focused to providing support for data mining by serial time computing is presented. The input data come from both historical records from industrial (thermo-energetic) processes but also it can be generated by direct simulation through the Simulink application. The aim of this study is the monitorization of the different quasi-stationary states (QSS) in a power plant, in order to identify and perform the diagnosis of possible malfunctions. Up to 8 signals, linearly normalized and distributed can be visualized and the user, by means of two cursors, can select short windows of recorded signals. In this version, statistical data are computed, facilitating the static modeling which can be exported to an Excel file. It is an open software application allowing the implementation of new features. A particular command makes easier the dynamic modeling and its applicability is exemplified by analysis of times series from a particular 250 MWe thermal power plant.Se presenta el diseño y las prestaciones de una aplicación desarrollada en Matlab®, orientada a dar soporte de cálculo para el tratamiento de los valores medios aproximados de intervalos de tiempo que resultan de la selección visual de series temporales que es el formato con el que se consideran a los registros industriales. Los datos de entrada pueden provenir de registros históricos de procesos industriales (termo-energéticos) ó de aquellos generados mediante simulación directa a través de la aplicación Simulink. El objetivo de este estudio es la monitorización de los diferentes estados cuasi-estacionarios (QSS) en una central térmica, a fin de poder identificar y realizar la diagnosis de posibles fallos. Pueden ser visualizadas hasta 8 señales linealmente normalizadas y distribuidas y el usuario, mediante dos cursores, puede seleccionar ventanas cortas de señales almacenadas. En esta versión, se computan datos estadísticos que facilitan el modelado estático, los cuales podrán ser exportados a un fichero Excel. Es una aplicación abierta, por lo que permite la inclusión de nuevas prestaciones. Un comando específico facilita el modelado dinámico y su aplicabilidad se demuestra con un ejemplo de análisis de series temporales provenientes de una central térmica de 250 MWe

Risk prediction and assessment of intervention, re-education and reintegration of juvenile offenders: development and psychometric properties of the PREVI-A

This paper proposes and analyzes the psychometric properties of the PREVI-A scale (Predicción del Riesgo y Valoración de la Intervención en la ARRMI—-Risk Prediction and Intervention Assessment in the ARRMI). It describes the process of item development, the factorial structure of the scale, reliability, evidence of validity and diagnostic performance with regard to recidivism risk in juvenile offenders. The sample was made up of 212 juvenile offenders held at detention centers run by the Madrid Agency for Reeducation and Reintegration of Juvenile Offenders, a regional government body. Statistical analyses were used to corroborate the theoretical factorial structure of the PREVI-A, which consists of six risk/protection dimensions (64 items) based on the Risk- Needs-Responsivity Model, and to obtain empirical support for the reliability and validity of PREVI-A as a tool to assess the risk of recidivism by juvenile offenders in Spai

Pulse Doppler ultrasound as a tool for the diagnosis of chronic testicular dysfunction in stallions

[EN] Testicular function is particularly susceptible to vascular insult, resulting in a negative impact on sperm production and quality of the ejaculate. A prompt diagnosis of testicular dysfunction enables implementation of appropriate treatment, hence improving fertility forecasts for stallions. The present research aims to: (1) assess if Doppler ultrasonography is a good tool to diagnose stallions with testicular dysfunction; (2) to study the relationship between Doppler parameters of the testicular artery and those of sperm quality assessed by flow cytometry and (3) to establish cut off values to differentiate fertile stallions from those with pathologies causing testicular dysfunction. A total of 10 stallions (n: 7 healthy stallions and n: 3 sub-fertile stallions) were used in this study. Two ejaculates per stallion were collected and preserved at 5ÊC in a commercial extender. The semen was evaluated at T0, T24 and T48h by flow cytometry. Integrity and viability of sperm (YoPro®-1/EthD-1), mitochondrial activity (MitoTracker® Deep Red FM) and the DNA fragmentation index (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay) were assessed. Doppler parameters were measured at three different locations on the testicular artery (Supratesticular artery (SA); Capsular artery (CA) and Intratesticular artery (IA)). The Doppler parameters calculated were: Resistive Index (RI), Pulsatility Index (PI), Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV), End Diastolic Velocity (EDV), Time Average Maximum Velocity (TAMV), Total Arterial Blood Flow (TABF) and TABF rate. The capsular artery was the most reliable location to carry out spectral Doppler assessment, since blood flow parameters of this artery were most closely correlated with sperm quality parameters. Significant differences in all the Doppler parameters studied were observed between fertile and subfertile stallions (p0.05). The principal components analysis assay determined that fertile stallions are characterized by high EDV, TAMV, TABF and TABF rate values (high vascular perfusion). In contrast, subfertile stallions tend to present high values of PI and RI (high vascular resistance). The ROC curves revealed that the best Doppler parameters to predict sperm quality in stallions were: Doppler velocities (PSV, EDV and TAMV), the diameter of the capsular artery and TABF parameters (tissue perfusion parameters). Cut off values were established using a YoudenÂs Index to identify fertile stallions from stallions with testicular dysfunction. Spectral Doppler ultrasound is a good predictive tool for sperm quality since correlations were determined among Doppler parameters and markers of sperm quality. Doppler ultrasonography could be a valuable diagnostic tool for use by clinical practitioners for the diagnosis of stallions with testicular dysfunction and could be a viable alternative to invasive procedures traditionally used for diagnosis of sub-fertility disorders.SIC.O.F. is supported by a postdoctoral grant from “Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad “. "Juan de la Cierva” IJCI-2014-21671. The authors received financial support from: the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad-FEDER, Madrid, Spain,grant AGL2013-43211-R;Junta de Extremadura-FEDER (GR 10010 and PCE1002). P.M.M. is supported by a predoctoral grant from the Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte, Madrid Spain FPU13/03991

Exploring the potential of deep eutectic solvents (DES) in bioactive natural product research: from DES to NaDES, THEDES, and beyond

Background Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have garnered significant interest in natural products research, owing to their green and natural attributes in comparison to conventional solvents. However, the approach of demonstrating that DESs are superior extractants has led to an underestimation of their full potential in this field. This perspective disregards crucial challenges related to their practical application and potential scalability, mainly the difficulty of target component separation from intermolecular network forming by DESs. Conversely, the DESs unique features can enhance aspects such as solubilization, stabilization, and storage of natural products, as well as improve their biological activities. By addressing key challenges and limitations, we aim to provide valuable insights into the potential of DESs in this domain. Methodology In this review, we conducted an exhaustive literature search to gather relevant articles about DESs and their applications in bioactive natural product research. The gathered literature was analyzed, and a systematic thematic categorization was performed, emphasizing studies where the use of DESs yielded relevant outcomes that could potentially present an advantage in the exploration of bioactive natural products. The approach in structuring this review aimed to provide an overview of the potential and challenges associated with DESs in the domain of bioactive natural product research, transcending their conventional role as mere extraction solvents. Results Through this critical analysis of the literature, this review delves into the potential of DESs as effective solvents for the solubilization, stabilization, and storage of bioactive natural products. In addition, it highlights the ability of DESs to improve the biological activities of natural products, as well as to be used as formulation media for the transport of pharmaceutical active ingredients. By revealing these advances, the review contributes to a more complete understanding of DESs and its applicability in the field of bioactive natural products research. Conclusions The studies compiled in this review underscore the expanded potential of DESs, beyond extraction, finding relevance in the realm of natural products research. Notably, they contribute to enhancing the desired attributes of the final product, signifying a promising avenue for future advancements in this field

Genomic profiling of fungal cell wall-interfering compounds: identification of a common gene signature

[Background]: The fungal cell wall forms a compact network whose integrity is essential for cell morphology and viability. Thus, fungal cells have evolved mechanisms to elicit adequate adaptive responses when cell wall integrity (CWI) is compromised. Functional genomic approaches provide a unique opportunity to globally characterize these adaptive mechanisms. To provide a global perspective on these CWI regulatory mechanisms, we developed chemical-genomic profiling of haploid mutant budding yeast cells to systematically identify in parallel those genes required to cope with stresses interfering the cell wall by different modes of action: β-1,3 glucanase and chitinase activities (zymolyase), inhibition of β-1,3 glucan synthase (caspofungin) and binding to chitin (Congo red). [Results]: Measurement of the relative fitness of the whole collection of 4786 haploid budding yeast knock-out mutants identified 222 mutants hypersensitive to caspofungin, 154 mutants hypersensitive to zymolyase, and 446 mutants hypersensitive to Congo red. Functional profiling uncovered both common and specific requirements to cope with different cell wall damages. We identified a cluster of 43 genes highly important for the integrity of the cell wall as the common >signature of cell wall maintenance (CWM)>. This cluster was enriched in genes related to vesicular trafficking and transport, cell wall remodeling and morphogenesis, transcription and chromatin remodeling, signal transduction and RNA metabolism. Although the CWI pathway is the main MAPK pathway regulating cell wall integrity, the collaboration with other signal transduction pathways like the HOG pathway and the invasive growth pathway is also required to cope with the cell wall damage depending on the nature of the stress. Finally, 25 mutant strains showed enhanced caspofungin resistance, including 13 that had not been previously identified. Only three of them, wsc1δ, elo2δ and elo3δ, showed a significant decrease in β-1,3-glucan synthase activity. [Conclusions]: This work provides a global perspective about the mechanisms involved in cell wall stress adaptive responses and the cellular functions required for cell wall integrity. The results may be useful to uncover new potential antifungal targets and develop efficient antifungal strategies by combination of two drugs, one targeting the cell wall and the other interfering with the adaptive mechanisms.This work was supported by grants BIO2010-22146, BIO2013-48136-P (MINECO, Spain) and S2010/BMD-2414 (Comunidad de Madrid) to J.A, and grant BIO2012-35372 (MINECO, Spain) to JCR.Peer Reviewe

Flourensia cernua: Hexane Extracts a Very Active Mycobactericidal Fraction from an Inactive Leaf Decoction against Pansensitive and Panresistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The efficacy of decoction in extracting mycobactericidal compounds from Flourensia cernua (Hojasé) leaves and fractionation with solvents having ascending polarity was compared with that of (i) ethanol extraction by still maceration, extraction with a Soxhlet device, shake-assisted maceration, or ultrasound-assisted maceration, followed by fractionation with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol; (ii) sequential extraction with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol, by still maceration, using a Soxhlet device, shake-assisted maceration, or ultrasound-assisted maceration. The in vitro mycobactericidal activity of each preparation was measured against drug-sensitive (SMtb) and drug-resistant (RMtb) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. The results of which were expressed as absolute mycobactericidal activity (AMA). These data were normalized to the ΣAMA of the decoction fraction set. Although decoction was inactive, the anti-RMtb normalized ΣAMA (NAMA) of its fractions was comparable with the anti-RMtb NAMA of the still maceration extracts and significantly higher than the anti-SMtb and anti-RMtb NAMAs of every other ethanol extract and serial extract and fraction. Hexane extracted, from decoction, material having 55.17% and 92.62% of antituberculosis activity against SMtb and RMtb, respectively. Although the mycobactericidal activity of decoction is undetectable; its efficacy in extracting F. cernua active metabolites against M. tuberculosis is substantially greater than almost all pharmacognostic methods

Evaluación del Riesgo Ambiental y a la Salud Humana Asociados a Altas Concentraciones de Plaguicidas en la Cuenca del Río Ayuquila Jalisco

Several investigations worldwide have focused on studying the impact of water pollution on human health, and evidence suggests potential public health issues and adverse effects on the environment. Anthropogenic factors have been recognized as one of the main causes of water resource pollution, particularly excessive pesticide use, identified as chemical compounds used in agricultural activities to keep crops free of weeds and insects, counteracting the growing demand for food production. Jalisco state is the largest agri-food producer in Mexico just recently, the purpose of the research was the monitoring and determination of 17 pesticides in 13 different points of the Ayuquila River during the years 2015, 2016, and 2017. The results of this study demonstrate the occurrence of pesticides in the entirety of sampling points with detection frequencies in a range of 10 - 100%, being malathion the pesticide most detected during the three years of the study. Finally, the risks to the environment (RQi) and human health (HQ) were calculated, evidencing that the concentrations detected for diazinon, dimethoate, emamectin, and malathion reached significant values (≥1) to represent a risk. The relatively high concentrations found in this study suggest that the presence and high prevalence rate of these pollutants in the water of the Ayuquila River could be derived from an intensive increase in the use of pesticide mixtures in the agricultural areas of the region.Recientemente un gran número de investigaciones a lo largo del mundo se han enfocado en estudiar el impacto de la contaminación del agua en la salud humana, evidenciando potenciales problemas de salud pública y efectos adversos al medio ambiente. Los factores antropogénicos han sido identificados como una de las principales causas de la contaminación de los recursos hídricos, en especial, el uso excesivo de plaguicidas, compuestos químicos utilizados en actividades agrícolas para mantener libres de maleza e insectos los cultivos, contrarrestando la creciente demanda de producción de alimentos. Siendo el estado de Jalisco el mayor productor agroalimentario de México en los últimos años, el objetivo de la presente investigación fue el monitoreo y determinación de 17 plaguicidas en 13 puntos diferentes de la cuenca del río Ayuquila, Jalisco durante los años 2015, 2016 y 2017. Entre los principales hallazgos se encontró la presencia de plaguicidas en todos los puntos de muestreo con frecuencias de detección en un rango del 10 – 100%, siendo el malatión el pesticida mayormente detectado durante los tres años del estudio. Finalmente, se calcularon los riesgos al medio ambiente (RQi) y la salud humana (HQ) demostrando que las concentraciones detectadas para diazinon, dimetoato, emamectina y malatión alcanzaron valores significativos (≥1) para representar un potencial riesgo a la población. Las concentraciones relativamente altas que fueron encontradas en este estudio sugieren que la presencia y alta tasa de prevalencia de plaguicidas en agua del río Ayuquila podría ser derivado de un intensivo aumento en el uso de mezclas de estos en las zonas agrícolas de la región

América Latina: crisis y globalización

La revista Problemas del Desarrollo recoge en su colección de ediciones especiales las disertaciones y ponencias que se presentan en los seminarios, simposia y conferencias a que convoca y realiza anualmente el Instituto de Investigaciones Económicas de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. El propósito es contribuir a la mayor difusión de textos de contenido analítico, descriptivo y propositivo que se presentan en tales actos y que tienen gran valor para el mejor conocimiento y comprensión de la estructura y problemática económica y social de nuestro país. Pero también la revista quiere convertirse en foro abierto para la expresión de comentarios y ampliaciones que deseen hacer los lectores de estas ediciones especiales sobre temas particulares de los compendios en cada uno de sus libros