EL USO DE RECURSOS NATURALES LOCALES EN LA PRODUCCIÓN DE SUPERFICIES PICTÓRICAS DECORATIVAS EN TEMPLOS JESUITAS DE LA NUEVA VIZCAYA (CHIHUAHUA, MÉXICO).

De un inventario de 283 templos históricos establecidos durante la dominación española en la región de la Nueva Vizcaya (Chihuahua, México) se han identificado 23 templos que albergan pinturas murales y/o techumbres polícromas. En este atículo se presenta el estudio que se está llevando a cabo ennueve de ellos, todos fundados por misioneros Jesuitas entre 1640 y 1767. Recientes estudios (XRF, FORS, FTIR) han evidenciado que mientras que aquellas obras que presentan figuras y elementos decorativas puramente indígenas mantienen el estándar de pigmentos a base de óxido de hierro, aquellas que siguen cánones estilísticos europeos contienen (además de éstos) otros pigmentos y colorantes (ej. cochinilla, índigo) que, si bien pudieron haberse producido localmente, no forman parte de la paleta nativa de esta región. El proyecto Biblioteca de Recursos Culturales desarrollado desde el Laboratorio de Patrimonio Histórico – Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Chihuahua tiene como objetivo identificar, documentar y analizar materiales naturales presentes en Patrimonio Cultural. Gracias a él se están identificando los materiales utilizados en las superficies decorativas objeto de estudio. El presente artículo muestra la investigación multidisciplinar e interinstitucional que se ha desarrollado para la documentación, recolección y el estudio de dichos materiales en colaboración con miembros de las comunidades locales. Ello ha permitido no sólo poner en valor el patrimonio artístico de Chihuahua, sino también diseñar las estrategias de conservación adecuadas que garanticen su preservación

COVID-19 symptoms at hospital admission vary with age and sex: results from the ISARIC prospective multinational observational study

Background: The ISARIC prospective multinational observational study is the largest cohort of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. We present relationships of age, sex, and nationality to presenting symptoms. Methods: International, prospective observational study of 60 109 hospitalized symptomatic patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 recruited from 43 countries between 30 January and 3 August 2020. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate relationships of age and sex to published COVID-19 case definitions and the most commonly reported symptoms. Results: ‘Typical’ symptoms of fever (69%), cough (68%) and shortness of breath (66%) were the most commonly reported. 92% of patients experienced at least one of these. Prevalence of typical symptoms was greatest in 30- to 60-year-olds (respectively 80, 79, 69%; at least one 95%). They were reported less frequently in children (≤ 18 years: 69, 48, 23; 85%), older adults (≥ 70 years: 61, 62, 65; 90%), and women (66, 66, 64; 90%; vs. men 71, 70, 67; 93%, each P < 0.001). The most common atypical presentations under 60 years of age were nausea and vomiting and abdominal pain, and over 60 years was confusion. Regression models showed significant differences in symptoms with sex, age and country. Interpretation: This international collaboration has allowed us to report reliable symptom data from the largest cohort of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Adults over 60 and children admitted to hospital with COVID-19 are less likely to present with typical symptoms. Nausea and vomiting are common atypical presentations under 30 years. Confusion is a frequent atypical presentation of COVID-19 in adults over 60 years. Women are less likely to experience typical symptoms than men

Anchoring Property of a Novel Hydrophilic Lipopolymer, HDAS-SHP, Post-Inserted in Preformed Liposomes

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-phospholipids in long-circulating liposomes cause non-specific immune reactions; mainly attributable to negatively-charged phosphoryl s at the interface of PEG and phospholipid. We investigated a novel lipopolymer, by which a superhydrophilic polymer (SHP) is conjugated to a non-phospholipid N1-(2-aminoethyl)-N4-hexadecyl-2-tetradecylsuccinamide (HDAS). The modification of preformed liposomes HDAS-SHP, HDAS-PEG2000, and DSPE-PEG2000 were performed by post-insertion techniques. The efficiency of post-insertion and desorption rates, from the liposome surface, were determined. HDAS-SHP micelles showed highly positive zeta potential (+28.4 mV); zeta potentials of DSPE-PEG2000 and HDAS-PEG2000 micelles were −34.4 mV, and −3.7 mV, respectively. Critical micelle concentration predicted amphiphilicity of HDAS-SHP (CMC 2.58 µM) as close to that of DSPE-PEG2000 (CMC 2.44 µM). Both HDAS-SHP and HDAS-PEG2000 post-inserted with comparable efficiency (79%, and 73%, respectively), but noticeably lower than DSPE-PEG2000 (90%). The desorption rate of HDAS-SHP was close to that of DSPE-PEG2000 (0.53%/h, and 0.45%/h, respectively); the desorption rate for HDAS-PEG2000 was slightly more at 0.67%/h. Compared to plain liposomes, both HDAS-SHP- and DSPE-PEG2000-liposomes showed significant leakage of encapsulated Na-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) upon incubation with serum. At the same time, both modified liposomes were found to suppress serum levels of the complement proteins, Bb and C4d. We infer that HDAS-SHP is a viable alternative to commonly-used PEG-phospholipid derivatives for stealth purposes

Post-insertion parameters of PEG-derivatives in phosphocholine-liposomes

The insertion of specific derivatives into pre-formed colloidal systems has been shown to be a useful method for modifying their pharmacokinetic characteristics and biodistribution profiles. In this experimental work the effect of the post-insertion of different PEG-derivatives into pre-formed 100-nm liposomes made up of various lipid mixtures (DMPC, DPPC, DOPC, DSPC and cholesterol at different molar ratios) was investigated. The vesicles were incubated with increasing amounts of DSPE-mPEG2000 as sterically stabilized micelles (5, 10 and 15% w/w with respect to the liposomal lipid mixture) in order to favour the insertion of the PEG-lipid into the liposomal bilayer. The colloidal formulations were characterized by photo-correlation spectroscopy; the DSPE-mPEG2000 integrated into the pre-formed liposomes was demonstrated by means of field flow fractionation while the amount of post-inserted compound was quantified using a suitable spectrophotometric assay (I2 assay). Similar investigations have been performed using PEG-derivatives characterized by a different molecular weight. The physico-chemical properties of the various liposomal formulations were influenced by the post-insertion of PEG-derivatives. The lipid mixture made up of saturated phospholipids and cholesterol proved to be the best, post-insertion (P.I.E.). The post-insertion technique may be a suitable approach to be used in personalized (nano)medicine

Bergamot Polyphenol Extract Reduces Hepatocyte Neutral Fat by Increasing Beta-Oxidation

Background: Bergamot polyphenolic fraction (PF) extract exerts a beneficial against liver steatosis. However, the fundamental processes underlying this beneficial effect of bergamot PF remain elusive. In this work, we examined the effect of bergamot PF extract on 2D and 3D hepatocyte cultures. Material and Methods: We evaluated the effect of bergamot PF in 2D and 3D cultures from rat, human hepatoma cells, and human primary hepatocytes. Results: In 2D cell culture, we demonstrated that incubation with bergamot PF decreases intracellular lipid content and is associated with an increase in expression levels of ß-oxidation genes (Acox1, Pparα, and Ucp2) and lipophagy (Atg7). Moreover, we confirm this effect on 3D spheroids and organoids. Conclusion: Incubation with bergamot PF reduces intracellular lipid neutral fat potentially by increasing intracellular pathways related to beta-oxidation

Assessment of Mediterranean <i>Citrus</i> Peel Flavonoids and Their Antioxidant Capacity Using an Innovative UV-Vis Spectrophotometric Approach

Citrus fruits exert various beneficial health effects due to the large amount of polyphenols they contain. Citrus peels, often considered food waste, contain several health-promoting polyphenols. Among these, flavonoids have long been quantified through colorimetric assays which, if not adequately applied, can lead to conflicting results. Flavonoids possess strong antioxidant properties and can decrease circulating free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress phenomena. Quantifying flavonoids and properly estimating their antioxidant capacity allows us to predict plausible beneficial effects of citrus fruits on human health. The aim of this research was to analyze the advantageous phenolic compounds found in the peels of citrus fruits commonly found in the Mediterranean region. The objective was to measure their antioxidant capacity and ability to neutralize free radicals. To achieve this purpose, UV-visible spectrophotometric analyses, liquid chromatography (LC) and Electron Paramagnetic Spectroscopy (EPR) were utilized and compared, finally suggesting an innovative approach for assessing the overall flavonoid content by the nitrite-aluminum assay. HPLC data demonstrated that hesperidin was the most abundant flavonoid in all peel extracts except for orange peels, in which naringin was the predominant flavonoid. The total flavonoid content was greater than 1.3 mg/mL in all extracts, with tangerine and orange yielding the best results. Citrus peel polyphenols exerted strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects, inhibiting up to 75% of the free radicals used as reference in the EPR analyses

A Rapid and Cheap Method for Extracting and Quantifying Lycopene Content in Tomato Sauces: Effects of Lycopene Micellar Delivery on Human Osteoblast-Like Cells

Identifying and quantifying the beneficial molecules contained in nutraceuticals is essential to predict the effects derived from their consumption. This study explores a cheap and rapid method for quantifying lycopene content from a semi-solid matrix. In addition, it compares the in vitro effects of the extracts obtained from different tomato sauces available on the local market with Osteocol®, a patented tomato sauce from southern Italy. We performed a liquid extraction of lycopene using suitable solvents. The lycopene extracted was encapsulated in surfactant micelles and finally tested in vitro on Saos-2 cells. The effects exerted by lycopene on ALP and Wnt/β-catenin pathways were investigated by Western blotting. Hexane was found to be the best solvent for lycopene extraction. Spectrophotometrical and HPLC analyses showed similar trends. Osteocol® contained 39 ± 4 mg lycopene per 100 g of sauce, while the best commercial product contained 19 ± 1 mg/100 g. The Osteocol® lycopene extract increased ALP and β-catenin protein expressions in a dose-dependent manner, also showing statistically significant results (p ® represents a useful supplement in the prevention of osteoporosis compared to its commercial competitors

Effects of a Functional Ice Cream Enriched with Milk Proteins on Bone Metabolism: A Feasibility Clinical Study and In Vitro Investigation

Background: Milk proteins (MPs) and their derivative whey proteins (WPs) are important components of human diet that might prevent bone loss. We aimed to investigate the effects of MP on the bones of postmenopausal women, along with the effects of WP on osteoblast cells. Methods: We conducted a feasibility controlled clinical study with 62 postmenopausal women who were asked to consume an MP-enriched ice cream. We also investigated the effect of WP on the ERK1/2 and AKT pathways, RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase, RANKL/OPG ratio, and COL1A of Saos-2. Results: After 12 weeks, we found a greater bone mineral density and bone alkaline phosphatase reduction in women who consumed the MP-enriched ice cream compared to the control group (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively). In Saos-2 cells, WP upregulated ERK1/2 and AKT pathways (p = 0.002 and p = 0.016), cell proliferation (p = 0.03), and osteoblast differentiation markers, along with downregulating RANKL/OPG (p p = 0.028, p = 0.004, and p = 0.003, respectively) when treated with WP. Conclusions: WP upregulates cell proliferation, RUNX2, and alkaline phosphatase through the activation of the ERK1/2 pathways on Saos-2. These mechanisms probably contribute to preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women

Preventing muscle wasting: pro‐insulin C‐peptide prevents loss in muscle mass in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats

Abstract Background C‐peptide therapy exerts several positive actions on nerves, vasculature, smooth muscle relaxation, kidney function and bone. To date, the role of C‐peptide in preventing type 1 diabetes‐related muscle atrophy has not been investigated. Our aim was to evaluate if C‐peptide infusion prevents muscle wasting in diabetic rats. Methods Twenty‐three male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group, diabetic group and diabetic group plus C‐peptide. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection, and C‐peptide was administered subcutaneously for 6 weeks. The blood samples were obtained at baseline, before streptozotocin injection and at the end of the study to assess C‐peptide, ubiquitin and other laboratory parameters. We also tested the ability of C‐peptide to regulate the skeletal muscle mass, the ubiquitin–proteasome system, the autophagy pathway as well as to improve muscle quality. Results C‐peptide administration reversed hyperglycaemia (P = 0.02) and hypertriglyceridaemia (P = 0.01) in diabetic plus C‐peptide rats compared with diabetic control rats. The diabetic‐control animals displayed a lower weight of the muscles in the lower limb considered individually than the control rats and the diabetic plus C‐peptide rats (P = 0.03; P = 0.03; P = 0.04; P = 0.004, respectively). The diabetic‐control rats presented a significantly higher serum concentration of ubiquitin compared with the diabetic plus C‐peptide and the control animals (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01). In muscles of the lower limb, the pAmpk expression was higher in the diabetic plus C‐peptide than the diabetic‐control rats (in the gastrocnemius, P = 0.002; in the tibialis anterior P = 0.005). The protein expression of Atrogin‐1 in gastrocnemius and tibialis was lower in the diabetic plus C‐peptide than in diabetic‐control rats (P = 0.02, P = 0.03). After 42 days, the cross‐sectional area in the gastrocnemius of the diabetic plus C‐peptide group had been reduced by 6.6% while the diabetic‐control rats had a 39.5% reduction compared with the control animals (P = 0.02). The cross‐sectional area of the tibialis and the extensor digitorum longus muscles was reduced, in the diabetic plus C‐peptide rats, by 10% and 11%, respectively, while the diabetic‐control group had a reduction of 65% and 45% compared with the control animals (both P < 0.0001). Similar results were obtained for the minimum Feret's diameter and perimeter. Conclusions C‐peptide administration in rats could protect skeletal muscle mass from atrophy induced by type 1 diabetes mellitus. Our findings could suggest that targeting the ubiquitin–proteasome system, Ampk and muscle‐specific E3 ubiquitin ligases such as Atrogin‐1 and Traf6 may be an effective strategy for molecular and clinical intervention in the muscle wasting pathological process in T1DM

<i>Salvia rosmarinus</i> Spenn. (Lamiaceae) Hydroalcoholic Extract: Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity and In Vitro Evaluation of Fatty Acid Accumulation

Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. is a native Mediterranean shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family and is well-known as a flavoring and spicing agent. In addition to its classical use, it has drawn attention because its biological activities, due particularly to the presence of polyphenols, including carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, and phenolic diterpenes as carnosol. In this study, the aerial part of rosemary was extracted with a hydroalcoholic solution through maceration, followed by ultrasound sonication, to obtain a terpenoids-rich Salvia rosmarinus extract (TRSrE) and a polyphenols-rich Salvia rosmarinus extract (PRSrE). After phytochemical characterization, both extracts were investigated for their antioxidant activity through a classical assay and with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) for their DPPH and hydroxyl radicals scavenging. Finally, their potential beneficial effects to reduce lipid accumulation in an in vitro model of NAFLD were evaluated