ANALYSIS OF PROTEIN ISOLATE FROM QUINOA (CHENOPODIUM QUINOA WILLD)

ABSTRACTObjective: The aim of this study was to obtain protein isolate from quinoa using alkaline pH at different pHs of precipitation and to analyze proteinisolate with electrophoresis.Methods: Quinoa protein isolates were obtained using isoelectric precipitation method at different pHs. Proteins were analyzed using electrophoresisnative-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and sodium dodecyl sulfate - PAGE.Results: A yield of 6.29% of protein isolate of defatted quinoa at pH 4.0 was obtained. The content of protein isolate was higher than 64% in allpH assays. Globulins and albumins in protein isolate at different pHs were observed. One band near 130 kDa was found. A band with MW 60 kDacorresponding to 7S globulin was found. The bands, MW 33-36 kDa and MW 20-22 kDa, correspond to 11S globulin. Bands less to 15.4 kDa correspondto albumins.Conclusions: Quinoa is a good source of proteins. Globulins and albumins were identified in the quinoa protein isolate.Keywords: Quinoa, Globulins, Albumins, Polypeptides, Protein isolate

La rotación del personal en los Gobiernos Autónomos Descentralizados Municipales y su impacto en el clima organizacional/The rotation of personnel in the Municipal Decentralized Autonomous Governments and their impact on the organizational climate

Los cambios constantes en el nivel de las organizaciones públicas hacen que estas expandan su visión y la competitividad permanente lleva a los Gobiernos Autónomos Descentralizados (GAD) Municipales a desarrollar estrategias para alcanzar sus objetivos, es así como, la contratación y la continuidad de los despidos del personal representa un problema de gran magnitud para las instituciones, pues sin duda, limita el desarrollo eficiente que se desearía tener, ya que la productividad de la institución se ve significativamente afectada, evidenciándose un mal clima organizacional, restando la eficiencia eficacia y efectividad en los procesos, influyendo directamente en los resultados Esta investigación determina un análisis de las causas del clima organizacional en una institución pública. Debido a la alta tasa de rotación evidenciada dentro de los municipios según se constata en las encuestas realizadas, principalmente en el personal operativo, que son aquellos que trabajan directamente con los usuarios y pueden tener los efectos causados por el servicio ofrecido. En consecuencia, esta investigación conlleva aumentar el servicio al usuario proporcionado por los colaboradores públicos. Y una relación muy estrecha entre el clima organizacional medido y la rotación de personar también se define al analizar la premisa de que si el clima organizacional mejora la rotación de personal se reducirá el malestar entre compañeros de trabajo, ya que puede haber razones que no se conocen o están fuera del control y, por lo tanto, no se pueden mejorar el lineamiento de prestigio institucional. Constant changes at the level of public organizations mean that they expand their vision and permanent competitiveness leads the Municipal Autonomous Decentralized Governments (GAD) to develop strategies to achieve their objectives, such as hiring and continuity of layoffs The staff represents a problem of great magnitude for the institutions, because without a doubt, it limits the efficient development that one would like to have, since the productivity of the institution is significantly affected, evidencing a bad organizational climate, subtracting the efficiency effectiveness and effectiveness in the processes, directly influencing the results This research determines an analysis of the causes of the organizational climate in a public institution. Due to the high rate of turnover evidenced within the municipalities as found in the surveys carried out, mainly in the operating personnel, which are those that work directly with users and can have the effects caused by the service offered. Consequently, this research entails increasing the user service provided by public collaborators. And a very close relationship between the measured organizational climate and the turnover of people is also defined when analyzing the premise that if the organizational climate improves staff turnover, discomfort among coworkers will be reduced, since there may be reasons that are not they know or are out of control and, therefore, the institutional prestige guidelines can not be improved. Palabras Clave: desempeño, talento humano, rotación, clima laboral, decisiones. Keywords: performance, human talent, rotation, labor climate, decisions

Reduced immunogenicity of a live Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium vaccine in aged mice

IntroductionNon-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is responsible for a high burden of foodborne infections and deaths worldwide. In the United States, NTS infections are the leading cause of hospitalizations and deaths due to foodborne illnesses, and older adults (≥65 years) are disproportionately affected by Salmonella infections. Due to this public health concern, we have developed a live attenuated vaccine, CVD 1926 (I77 ΔguaBA ΔclpP ΔpipA ΔhtrA), against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, a common serovar of NTS. Little is known about the effect of age on oral vaccine responses, and due to the decline in immune function with age, it is critical to evaluate vaccine candidates in older age groups during early product development.MethodsIn this study, adult (six-to-eight-week-old) and aged (18-month-old) C57BL/6 mice received two doses of CVD 1926 (109 CFU/dose) or PBS perorally, and animals were evaluated for antibody and cell-mediated immune responses. A separate set of mice were immunized and then pre-treated with streptomycin and challenged orally with 108 CFU of wild-type S. Typhimurium SL1344 at 4 weeks postimmunization.ResultsCompared to PBS-immunized mice, adult mice immunized with CVD 1926 had significantly lower S. Typhimurium counts in the spleen, liver, and small intestine upon challenge. In contrast, there were no differences in bacterial loads in the tissues of vaccinated versus PBS aged mice. Aged mice exhibited reduced Salmonella-specific antibody titers in the serum and feces following immunization with CVD 1926 compared to adult mice. In terms of T cell responses (T-CMI), immunized adult mice showed an increase in the frequency of IFN-γ- and IL-2-producing splenic CD4 T cells, IFN-γ- and TNF-α-producing Peyer’s Patch (PP)-derived CD4 T cells, and IFN-γ- and TNF-α-producing splenic CD8 T cells compared to adult mice administered PBS. In contrast, in aged mice, T-CMI responses were similar in vaccinated versus PBS mice. CVD 1926 elicited significantly more PP-derived multifunctional T cells in adult compared to aged mice.ConclusionThese data suggest that our candidate live attenuated S. Typhimurium vaccine, CVD 1926, may not be sufficiently protective or immunogenic in older humans and that mucosal responses to live-attenuated vaccines decrease with increasing age

Catálogo de especímenes tipo del Herbario Nacional del Ecuador (QCNE), Museo Ecuatoriano de Ciencias Naturales

The type-specimen collection of the Herbario Nacional del Ecuador (QCNE) preserves important vouchers from across Ecuador collected by Ecuadorian and foreign researchers. Types are of paramount importance to understad biodiversity because their designation is a requirement for the description of new species. We present a synopsis of the type-specimen collection and a catalogue of Ecuadorian primary types (holotypes, isotypes, neotypes and isoneotypes) held at the QCNE herbarium. In total, 1890 QCNE specimens are designated as nomenclatural types, including 206 holotypes, 632 isotypes, two neotypes and isoneotypes, eight clonotypes, and 1040 paratypes of 828 species, 13 subspecies, six varieties, and one form in 101 families and 296 genera. The catalogue of primary types includes 786 specimens, of which 763 are Angiosperms, 21 Pteridophytes and two Bryophytes, 50, 38 % of them endemic to Ecuador.La colección de especímenes tipo del Herbario Nacional del Ecuador (QCNE) preserva importantes ejemplares testigo procedentes de todo el Ecuador colectados por investigadores ecuatorianos y extranjeros. Los tipos son de gran importancia para entender la biodiversidad porque su designación es un requisito para la descripción de nuevas especies. Presentamos una sinopsis de la colección de especímenes tipo y un catálogo de los tipos primarios ecuatorianos (holotipos, isotipos, neotipos e isoneotipos) depositados en el herbario QCNE. En total, 1890 especímenes QCNE están designados como tipos nomenclaturales, incluyendo 206 holotipos, 632 isotipos, dos neotipos e isoneotipos, ocho clonotipos, y 1040 paratipos de 828 especies, 13 subespecies, seis variedades y una forma en 101 familias y 296 géneros. El catálogo de tipos primarios incluye 786 especímenes, de los cuales 763 son Angiospermas, 21 Pteridofitas y dos Briofitas; 50, 38 % de ellos endémicos del Ecuador

Effect of zinc on the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in children: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Zinc supplementation in young children has been associated with reductions in the incidence and severity of diarrheal diseases, acute respiratory infections, and malaria. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the potential role of zinc as an adjunct in the treatment of acute, uncomplicated falciparum malaria; a multicenter, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was undertaken. Design: Children (n = 1087) aged 6 mo to 5 y were enrolled at sites in Ecuador, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Children with fever and ≥ 2000 asexual forms of Plasmodium falciparum/μL in a thick blood smear received chloroquine and were randomly assigned to receive zinc (20 mg/d for infants, 40 mg/d for older children) or placebo for 4 d. Results: There was no effect of zinc on the median time to reduction of fever (zinc group: 24.2 h; placebo group: 24.0 h; P = 0.37), a ≥75% reduction in parasitemia from baseline in the first 72 h in 73.4% of the zinc group and in 77.6% of the placebo group (P = 0.11), and no significant change in hemoglobin concentration during the 3-d period of hospitalization and the 4 wk of follow-up. Mean plasma zinc concentrations were low in all children at baseline (zinc group: 8.54 ± 3.93 μmol/L; placebo group: 8.34 ± 3.25 μmol/L), but children who received zinc supplementation had higher plasma zinc concentrations at 72 h than did those who received placebo (10.95 ± 3.63 compared with 10.16 ± 3.25 μmol/L, P \u3c 0.001). Conclusion: Zinc does not appear to provide a beneficial effect in the treatment of acute, uncomplicated falciparum malaria in preschool children

Oral Wild-Type Salmonella Typhi Challenge Induces Activation of Circulating Monocytes and Dendritic Cells in Individuals Who Develop Typhoid Disease.

A new human oral challenge model with wild-type Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi) was recently developed. In this model, ingestion of 104 CFU of Salmonella resulted in 65% of subjects developing typhoid fever (referred here as typhoid diagnosis -TD-) 5-10 days post-challenge. TD criteria included meeting clinical (oral temperature ≥38°C for ≥12 h) and/or microbiological (S. Typhi bacteremia) endpoints. One of the first lines of defense against pathogens are the cells of the innate immune system (e.g., monocytes, dendritic cells -DCs-). Various changes in circulating monocytes and DCs have been described in the murine S. Typhimurium model; however, whether similar changes are present in humans remains to be explored. To address these questions, a subset of volunteers (5 TD and 3 who did not develop typhoid despite oral challenge -NoTD-) were evaluated for changes in circulating monocytes and DCs. Expression of CD38 and CD40 were upregulated in monocytes and DCs in TD volunteers during the disease days (TD-0h to TD-96h). Moreover, integrin α4β7, a gut homing molecule, was upregulated on monocytes but not DCs. CD21 upregulation was only identified in DCs. These changes were not observed among NoTD volunteers despite the same oral challenge. Moreover, monocytes and DCs from NoTD volunteers showed increased binding to S. Typhi one day after challenge. These monocytes showed phosphorylation of p38MAPK, NFkB and Erk1/2 upon stimulation with S. Typhi-LPS-QDot micelles. In contrast, monocytes from TD volunteers showed only a moderate increase in S. Typhi binding 48 h and 96 h post-TD, and only Erk1/2 phosphorylation. This is the first study to describe different activation and migration profiles, as well as differential signaling patterns, in monocytes and DCs which relate directly to the clinical outcome following oral challenge with wild type S. Typhi

Using a Human Challenge Model of Infection to Measure Vaccine Efficacy: A Randomised, Controlled Trial Comparing the Typhoid Vaccines M01ZH09 with Placebo and Ty21a

Background Typhoid persists as a major cause of global morbidity. While several licensed vaccines to prevent typhoid are available, they are of only moderate efficacy and unsuitable for use in children less than two years of age. Development of new efficacious vaccines is complicated by the human host-restriction of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) and lack of clear correlates of protection. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the protective efficacy of a single dose of the oral vaccine candidate, M01ZH09, in susceptible volunteers by direct typhoid challenge. Methods and Findings We performed a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adult participants at a single centre in Oxford (UK). Participants were allocated to receive one dose of double-blinded M01ZH09 or placebo or 3-doses of open-label Ty21a. Twenty-eight days after vaccination, participants were challenged with 104CFU S. Typhi Quailes strain. The efficacy of M01ZH09 compared with placebo (primary outcome) was assessed as the percentage of participants reaching pre-defined endpoints constituting typhoid diagnosis (fever and/or bacteraemia) during the 14 days after challenge. Ninety-nine participants were randomised to receive M01ZH09 (n = 33), placebo (n = 33) or 3-doses of Ty21a (n = 33). After challenge, typhoid was diagnosed in 18/31 (58.1% [95% CI 39.1 to 75.5]) M01ZH09, 20/30 (66.7% [47.2 to 87.2]) placebo, and 13/30 (43.3% [25.5 to 62.6]) Ty21a vaccine recipients. Vaccine efficacy (VE) for one dose of M01ZH09 was 13% [95% CI -29 to 41] and 35% [-5 to 60] for 3-doses of Ty21a. Retrospective multivariable analyses demonstrated that pre-existing anti-Vi antibody significantly reduced susceptibility to infection after challenge; a 1 log increase in anti-Vi IgG resulting in a 71% decrease in the hazard ratio of typhoid diagnosis ([95% CI 30 to 88%], p = 0.006) during the 14 day challenge period. Limitations to the study included the requirement to limit the challenge period prior to treatment to 2 weeks, the intensity of the study procedures and the high challenge dose used resulting in a stringent model. Conclusions Despite successfully demonstrating the use of a human challenge study to directly evaluate vaccine efficacy, a single-dose M01ZH09 failed to demonstrate significant protection after challenge with virulent Salmonella Typhi in this model. Anti-Vi antibody detected prior to vaccination played a major role in outcome after challenge

Large Scale Comparison of Innate Responses to Viral and Bacterial Pathogens in Mouse and Macaque

Viral and bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Alveolar macrophages line the alveolar spaces and are the first cells of the immune system to respond to invading pathogens. To determine the similarities and differences between the responses of mice and macaques to invading pathogens we profiled alveolar macrophages from these species following infection with two viral (PR8 and Fuj/02 influenza A) and two bacterial (Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Francisella tularensis Schu S4) pathogens. Cells were collected at 6 time points following each infection and expression profiles were compared across and between species. Our analyses identified a core set of genes, activated in both species and across all pathogens that were predominantly part of the interferon response pathway. In addition, we identified similarities across species in the way innate immune cells respond to lethal versus non-lethal pathogens. On the other hand we also found several species and pathogen specific response patterns. These results provide new insights into mechanisms by which the innate immune system responds to, and interacts with, invading pathogens

Early Priming Minimizes the Age-Related Immune Compromise of CD8+ T Cell Diversity and Function

The elderly are particularly susceptible to influenza A virus infections, with increased occurrence, disease severity and reduced vaccine efficacy attributed to declining immunity. Experimentally, the age-dependent decline in influenza-specific CD8+ T cell responsiveness reflects both functional compromise and the emergence of ‘repertoire holes’ arising from the loss of low frequency clonotypes. In this study, we asked whether early priming limits the time-related attrition of immune competence. Though primary responses in aged mice were compromised, animals vaccinated at 6 weeks then challenged >20 months later had T-cell responses that were normal in magnitude. Both functional quality and the persistence of ‘preferred’ TCR clonotypes that expand in a characteristic immunodominance hierarchy were maintained following early priming. Similar to the early priming, vaccination at 22 months followed by challenge retained a response magnitude equivalent to young mice. However, late priming resulted in reduced TCRβ diversity in comparison with vaccination earlier in life. Thus, early priming was critical to maintaining individual and population-wide TCRβ diversity. In summary, early exposure leads to the long-term maintenance of memory T cells and thus preserves optimal, influenza-specific CD8+ T-cell responsiveness and protects against the age-related attrition of naïve T-cell precursors. Our study supports development of vaccines that prime CD8+ T-cells early in life to elicit the broadest possible spectrum of CD8+ T-cell memory and preserve the magnitude, functionality and TCR usage of responding populations. In addition, our study provides the most comprehensive analysis of the aged (primary, secondary primed-early and secondary primed-late) TCR repertoires published to date

Recovery of dialysis patients with COVID-19 : health outcomes 3 months after diagnosis in ERACODA

Background. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related short-term mortality is high in dialysis patients, but longer-term outcomes are largely unknown. We therefore assessed patient recovery in a large cohort of dialysis patients 3 months after their COVID-19 diagnosis. Methods. We analyzed data on dialysis patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from 1 February 2020 to 31 March 2021 from the European Renal Association COVID-19 Database (ERACODA). The outcomes studied were patient survival, residence and functional and mental health status (estimated by their treating physician) 3 months after COVID-19 diagnosis. Complete follow-up data were available for 854 surviving patients. Patient characteristics associated with recovery were analyzed using logistic regression. Results. In 2449 hemodialysis patients (mean ± SD age 67.5 ± 14.4 years, 62% male), survival probabilities at 3 months after COVID-19 diagnosis were 90% for nonhospitalized patients (n = 1087), 73% for patients admitted to the hospital but not to an intensive care unit (ICU) (n = 1165) and 40% for those admitted to an ICU (n = 197). Patient survival hardly decreased between 28 days and 3 months after COVID-19 diagnosis. At 3 months, 87% functioned at their pre-existent functional and 94% at their pre-existent mental level. Only few of the surviving patients were still admitted to the hospital (0.8-6.3%) or a nursing home (∼5%). A higher age and frailty score at presentation and ICU admission were associated with worse functional outcome. Conclusions. Mortality between 28 days and 3 months after COVID-19 diagnosis was low and the majority of patients who survived COVID-19 recovered to their pre-existent functional and mental health level at 3 months after diagnosis