Analysis of industry based on resources and institutions National Desazolves case

Este trabalho tem como objetivo identificar os elementos necessários para o funcionamento de empresas de gestão de resíduos, especialmente na empresa chamada Desazolves nacionais; bem como a importância das instituições formais para chegar a conduzir as suas actividades legalmente sem poluir o meio ambiente. Uma análise da indústria e dos recursos com os quais conta, a fim de aproveitar a melhor maneira de fortalecer a empresa que pretende criar empregos sempre à procura de responsabilidade social é feita

Evaluación de temas controversiales. El caso chileno de la ocupación de la Araucanía

La finalidad de este artículo de investigación es analizar las prácticas evaluativas del profesorado de Historia, Geografía y Ciencias Sociales, de la Región de la Araucanía, al evaluar la ocupación del territorio como tema controversial. Dicha temática es atingente, puesto que su tratamiento contribuye a la formación de estudiantes y profesores abiertos al diálogo y dispuestos a construir puentes que acerquen posiciones entre los diversos actores de este territorio, de modo contribuir a la paz social en la región. Este estudio se enmarca en una metodología de carácter cualitativa y descriptiva, bajo un diseño de estudio de caso instrumental. Para el análisis de datos, obtenidos de las entrevistas a 23 profesores de la región y la revisión de sus herramientas de evaluación, se agrupó la información en categorías y subcategorías con sus correspondientes evidencias. De esta forma, los resultados de este estudio evidencian que el profesorado utiliza, como estrategias de evaluación, el trabajo con fuentes, la investigación, la exposición oral y escrita, así como el debate. Además, que los conocimientos y habilidades evaluados corresponden a las establecidas por el currículo escolar y que otros saberes a evaluar emergen del contexto educativo donde se emplaza esta investigación. Finalmente, los hallazgos nos permiten sostener que los docentes de este estudio comienzan a incorporar prácticas evaluativas innovadoras y centradas en el aprendizaje de los estudiantes

Polyphenolic Characterization, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Mangifera indica cultivars from Costa Rica

Abstract: The phenolic profile of skin and flesh from Manifera indica main commercial cultivars (Keitt and Tommy Atkins) in Costa Rica was studied using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS) on enriched phenolic extracts. A total of 71 different compounds were identified, including 32 gallates and gallotannins (of different polymerization degree, from galloyl hexose monomer up to decagalloyl hexoses and undecagalloyl hexoses); seven hydroxybenzophenone (maclurin and iriflophenone) derivatives, six xanthonoids (including isomangiferin and mangiferin derivatives); 11 phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives); and eight flavonoids (rhamnetin and quercetin derivatives). The findings for T. Atkins skin constitute the first report of such a high number and diversity of compounds. Also, it is the first time that the presence of gallotannin decamers and undecamers are reported in the skin and flesh of Keitt cultivar and in T. Atkins skins. In addition, total phenolic content (TPC) was measured with high values especially for fruits’ skins, with a TPC of 698.65 and 644.17 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract, respectively, for Keitt and T. Atkins cultivars. Antioxidant potential using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhidrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) methods were evaluated, with T. Atkins skin showing the best values for both DPPH (IC50 = 9.97 µg/mL) and ORAC (11.02 mmol TE/g extract). A significant negative correlation was found for samples between TPC and DPPH antioxidant values (r = −0.960, p < 0.05), as well as a significant positive correlation between TPC and ORAC (r = 0.910, p < 0.05) and between DPPH and ORAC antioxidant methods (r = 0.989, p < 0.05). Also, cytotoxicity was evaluated in gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS), hepatocarcinoma (HepG2), and colon adenocarcinoma (SW620), with T. Atkins skin showing the best results (IC50 = 138–175 µg/mL). Finally, for AGS and SW 620 cell lines particularly, a high significant negative correlation was found between cytotoxic activity and gallotannins (r = −0.977 and r = −0.940, respectively) while for the HepG2 cell line, the highest significant negative correlation was found with xanthonoids compounds (r = −0.921).Universidad de Costa Rica: Proyecto (115-B4-076).UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Salud::Facultad de Medicina::Escuela de MedicinaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de Químic

Flavonoids and Ellagitannins Characterization, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Phyllantus acuminatus Vahl.

The phenolic composition of leaves from Phyllanthus acuminatus L., a plant commonly used in Costa Rica as traditional medicine, was studied using UPLC-ESI-MS on an enriched phenolic extract. A total of 20 phenolic compounds were identified, comprising eight flavonoids (two flavanones—pinocembrin isomers and six derivatives from apigenin, chrysin, quercetin, and kaempferol); seven ellagitannins, two flavan-3-ols (prodelphinidin B dimer and (epi)gallocatechin); and three phenolic acids (ellagic acid, trimethylellagic acid, and ferulic acid). All of these compounds are reported for the first time in P. acuminatus, while previously reported in the genus Phyllanthus. Antioxidant evaluation was performed for P. acuminatus phenolic extract obtaining DPPH results with a remarkably low IC50 value of 0.15 µg/mL. Also, cytotoxicity on gastric AGS and colon SW20 adenocarcinoma cell lines was evaluated, and highly promising results were obtained, with IC50 values of 11.3 µg/mL and 10.5 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, selectivity index values obtained when comparing cytotoxicity on normal Vero cells was SI > 20 for both cancer cell lines, indicating a particularly high selectivity. Additionally, Justicidin B, a metabolite extensively studied for its antitumoral activity, was isolated from a non-polar extract of P. acuminatus, and comparatively evaluated for both bioactivities. The DPPH value obtained for Justicidin B was moderate (IC50 = 14.28 µg/mL), while cytotoxicity values for both AGS (IC50 = 19.5 µg/mL) and SW620 (IC50 = 24.8 µg/mL) cell lines, as well as selectivity when compared with normal Vero cells (SI = 5.4 and 4.2 respectively), was good, but lower than P. acuminatus extract. These preliminary results suggest that P. acuminatus enriched phenolic extract containing flavonoids, ellagitannins, flavan-3-ols, and phenolic acids, reported for the first time in this plant, could be of interest for further cancer cytotoxicity studies to elucidate structure–bioactivity relationships, and the molecular mechanisms and pathways.Consejo Nacional de Rectores/[Ref 115B0653]/CONARE/Costa RicaUniversidad de Costa Rica/[]/UCR/Costa RicaInstituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica/[]/TEC/Costa RicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de QuímicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Salud::Facultad de Medicina::Escuela de MedicinaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de Biologí

Polyphenolic Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Malus domestica and Prunus domestica Cultivars from Costa Rica

The phenolic composition of skin and flesh from Malus domestica apples (Anna cultivar) and Prunus domestica plums (satsuma cultivar) commercial cultivars in Costa Rica, was studied using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS) on enriched-phenolic extracts, with particular emphasis in proanthocyanidin and flavonoids characterization. A total of 52 compounds were identified, including 21 proanthocyanidins ([(+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin]) flavan-3-ols monomers, five procyanidin B-type dimers and two procyanidin A-type dimers, five procyanidin B-type trimers and two procyanidin A-type trimers, as well as one procyanidin B-type tetramer, two procyanidin B-type pentamers, and two flavan-3-ol gallates); 15 flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin and naringenin derivatives); nine phenolic acids (protochatechuic, caffeoylquinic, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives); five hydroxychalcones (phloretin and 3-hydroxyphloretin derivatives); and two isoprenoid glycosides (vomifoliol derivatives). These findings constitute the first report of such a high number and diversity of compounds in skins of one single plum cultivar and of the presence of proanthocyanidin pentamers in apple skins. Also, it is the first time that such a large number of glycosylated flavonoids and proanthocyanidins are reported in skins and flesh of a single plum cultivar. In addition, total phenolic content (TPC) was measured with high values observed for all samples, especially for fruits skins with a TPC of 619.6 and 640.3 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract respectively for apple and plum. Antioxidant potential using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhidrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) methods were evaluated, with results showing also high values for all samples, especially again for fruit skins with IC50 of 4.54 and 5.19 µg/mL (DPPH) and 16.8 and 14.6 mmol TE/g (ORAC) respectively for apple and plum, indicating the potential value of these extracts. Significant negative correlation was found for both apple and plum samples between TPC and DPPH antioxidant values, especially for plum fruits (R = −0.981, p < 0.05) as well as significant positive correlation between TPC and ORAC, also especially for plum fruits (R = 0.993, p < 0.05) and between both, DPPH and ORAC antioxidant methods (R = 0.994, p < 0.05).Universidad de Costa Rica/[115-B4-515]/UCR/Costa RicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de QuímicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Salud::Facultad de Medicina::Escuela de MedicinaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de Biologí

Quantitative changes in hormone receptors expression level in breast cancer patients: A retrospective cohort study

Si bien se estudió ampliamente la discordancia de los receptores hormonales en la evolución del cáncer de mama, casi siempre se trató como una variable dicotómica, sin tener en cuenta sus valores absolutos. El grado, la dirección y la importancia de las variaciones cuantitativas en el tiempo en el nivel de expresión de los receptores de estrógeno (RE) y los receptores de progesterona (RP) son en gran parte desconocidos. Realizamos un análisis retrospectivo de los cambios cuantitativos en el nivel de RE y RP en muestras pareadas de lesiones primarias o recurrentes del mismo paciente en dos puntos separados en el tiempo. La expresión de RE y d RP se registró como el porcentaje de células teñidas. Los análisis de subgrupos no fueron planificados previamente. Se incluyeron 68 mujeres con cáncer de mama de cualquier estadio. La prueba de rango con signo de Wilcoxon indicó una reducción estadísticamente significativa en la expresión de RE entre la primera y la segunda determinación de RE (Z=-2.75, r=-0.23, p=0.006). Para RP, la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa. En los análisis de subgrupos, después de la corrección de Bonferroni, sólo la exposición al tratamiento endocrino, el tejido obtenido mediante cirugía y la edad >40 años se asociaron significativamente con la disminución en el nivel de expresión de RE. A pesar de que el error aleatorio y los problemas técnicos son probablemente las principales fuentes de la variabilidad de la RE, los resultados de nuestro estudio sugieren una tendencia a una disminución en la expresión de la RE, en la relación con la metodología de muestreo de tejidos y/o la exposición a la terapia endocrina.Although hormone receptors discordance in the evolution of breast cancer was extensively studied, it almost always has been treated as a dichotomous variable, disregarding their absolute values. The degree, the direction and the significance of quantitative variations in time in the level of expression of estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) are largely unknown. We performed a retrospective analysis of quantitative changes in the level of ER and PR in paired samples from either primary or recurrent lesion from the same patient in two separated points in time. ER and d PR expression was recorded as the percentage of staining cells. Subgroups analyses were not pre-planned. Sixty-eight females with breast cancer of any stage were included. Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated a statistically significant reduction in the ER expression between first and second ER determination (Z=-2.75, r=-0.23, p=0.006). For PR, the difference was not statistically significant. In the subgroup analyses, after Bonferroni correction, only exposure to endocrine treatment, tissue obtained by surgery and age >40 years were significantly associated with the decrease in the ER expression level. Even though random error and technical issues are likely the main sources of the ER variability, the results of our study suggest a trend to a decrease in ER expression, in the relationship with tissue sampling methodology and/or exposure to endocrine therapy.Fil: Itkin, Boris. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos "Juan A. Fernández"; ArgentinaFil: Kaminszczik, Lucía. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos "Juan A. Fernández"; ArgentinaFil: De Ronato, Gabriela. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos "Juan A. Fernández"; ArgentinaFil: Straminsky, Samanta. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos "Juan A. Fernández"; ArgentinaFil: Vargas, Jonathan. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina "Santa María de los Buenos Aires"; ArgentinaFil: Terranova Intriago, Hugo. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina "Santa María de los Buenos Aires"; ArgentinaFil: González Álvarez, Diana. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina "Santa María de los Buenos Aires"; ArgentinaFil: Dupont, Agustina. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos "Juan A. Fernández"; ArgentinaFil: Bustos, Bruno. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos "Juan A. Fernández"; ArgentinaFil: Lew, Daniel. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos "Juan A. Fernández"; ArgentinaFil: Bardach, Ariel Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública; Argentin

Desconto sexual e comportamento sexual de risco em uma amostra de jovens adultos da Colômbia

The goal of this study was to describe the rate of sexual discounting and its correlation with the self-report of Sexual Risk Behavior in a sample of young adults from Colombia. To achieve this goal, a correlational cross-sectional non-experimental study was done. 139 young adults’ participants were exposed to a self-report of Sexual Risk Behavior questionary, a Sexual Delay Discounting Task (SDDT) and a Monetary Choice Questionnaire (MCQ). The results suggest that the value of the safe sex option decreases with delay to obtain a condom (i.e. sexual discounting). Additionally, was observed that the sexual discounting rate was associated with the self-report of sexual risk behavior, like, the number of sexual partners and sexual encounters in the last 3 months. Was also observed a different pattern of sexual discounting between man and woman.El objetivo del presente trabajo fue describir la tasa de descuento sexual y evaluar la relación entre el autorreporte de Conductas Sexuales Arriesgadas (CSA) y el descuento sexual en una muestra de adultos jóvenes en Colombia. Para esto, se realizó una investigación no experimental de corte transversal y correlacional. 139 participantes fueron sometidos a un cuestionario de Autorreporte de Conductas de Riesgo Sexual, la Tarea de Descuento Sexual (SDDT) y el Cuestionario de Elección Monetaria (MCQ). Los análisis de la curva de descuento sexual demuestran que el valor de la opción de tener sexo seguro disminuye con el incremento en la demora en la obtención de un condón (i.e. descuento sexual). Adicionalmente, se observa que el grado de descuento sexual está asociado con CSA, como el número de parejas sexuales y el número de relaciones sexuales en los últimos 3 meses y que hay una diferencia en el patrón de descuento sexual entre hombres y mujeres.O Objetivo desse trabalho foi descrever a taxa de desvalorização sexual pela demora e avaliar a relação entre o autoreporte de Comportamentos Sexuais de Risco (CSA) e a desvalorização sexual numa mostra de adultos jovens da Colômbia. Para isso, se realizo uma investigação não experimental, transversal correlacional na qual 139 participantes foram submetidos a um questionário de Autorreporte de Comportamentos Sexuais de Risco, a uma tarefa de Desvalorização Sexual pela Demora (SDDT) e o Questionário de Escolha Monetária (MCQ). As análises da curva de desvalorização sexual mostram que o valor da opção de ter sexo seguro diminui com o aumento da demora para obter um preservativo (i.e. desvalorização pela demora). Se observa que o grau de desvalorização sexual está associado com CSA, com o número de parceiros sexuais e de relações sexuais nos últimos 3 meses. Adicionalmente, os dados sugerem uma diferença no padrão de desvalorização sexual entre homens e mulheres. &nbsp

Stability of equine IgG antivenoms obtained by caprylic acid precipitation: Towards a liquid formulation stable at tropical room temperature

Liquid formulations of antivenom require a cold chain for their distribution and storage, especially in tropical countries characterized by high temperature and humidity (climatic zone IV). Since cold chain is often deficient in many regions, there is a need to develop novel formulations of liquid antivenoms of higher stability at room temperatures. The effect of addition of the polyols mannitol and sorbitol on the thermal stability of caprylic acid-fractionated equine whole IgG antivenoms was assessed in preparations having different concentrations of protein and phenol. Results evidenced that: (1) turbidity increases proportionally to phenol and protein concentration. (2) After one year of storage at 25 °C, caprylic acid-purified antivenoms, formulated with or without polyols, did not show evidences of instability. (3) Formulation of antivenoms with 2.0 M sorbitol prevents the appearance of turbidity after one year storage at 37 °C; however, there was a partial loss in neutralizing potency in these conditions. Results suggest that formulation based on sorbitol is an option to obtain liquid whole IgG antivenoms of higher stability at tropical room temperatures.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias de la Salud::Instituto Clodomiro Picado (ICP

Aplicación del propóleo en envasado activo [Propoli's aplication on active packaging]

RESUMEN Las investigaciones relacionadas con el envasado activo están encaminados hacia la caracterización de nuevas películas basadas en hidrocoloides de fuentes no convencionales y la adición de agentes que proporcionen funcionalidad al envase. A los propóleos se les atribuyen diferentes propiedades biológicas, tales como: antitumorales, antiprotozoarias, antivirales, antioxidantes, antiinflamatorias, antibacteriales y antifúngicas; en particular, se ha encontrado que esta sustancia inhibe el desarrollo de patógenos de poscosecha como Botrytis cinerea y Penicillium expansum. El efecto de la incorporación de propóleo en propiedades funcionales de películas de quitosano, dentro de las propiedades estudiadas se determinó que la adición de propóleo redujo la permeabilidad de vapor de agua en las películas. Por otro lado, la incorporación de propóleo en películas a base de hidroxipropilmetilcelulosa, dieron lugar a una ligera disminución en la densidad y el pH. Respecto a las propiedades mecánicas, las películas de propóleo mostraron mayor alargamiento a la rotura (%) y los valores más bajos de resistencia a la tracción y módulos elásticos. El estudio permitió demostrar el efecto antibacteriano de ambos extractos de propóleo (los extractos etanólicos de propóleo fueron más efectivos que los extractos acuosos), además de que la actividad antibacteriana depende del lugar del que se extrae el propóleo y de la resistencia de estos microorganismos, siendo que las bacterias Gram-positivas son más susceptibles que las bacterias Gram-negativas. Las películas que contienen propóleos mostraron una notable actividad antifúngica contra los hongos ensayados, que fue más intensa frente a A. nigerthan contra Penicillium specie y componentes del propóleo tales como la rutina, quercetina y naringenina fueron los principales compuestos fenólicos del propóleo por lo que a la vez fueron los principales contribuyentes a la actividad antioxidante.ABSTRACT The researches related to active packaging are directed towards the characterization of new films based on hydrocolloids from unconventional sources and the addition of agents to provide functionality to the package. A propolis are attributed different biological properties such as: anti-tumor, antiprotozoal, antiviral, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal; in particular, it has been found that this substance inhibits the development of postharvest pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum. The effect of incorporating propolis into functional properties of chitosan films within the properties studied determined that the addition of propolis reduced the permeability of water vapor in the movies. Otherwise propolis addition in films to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose base, gave in a slight decrease in the density and pH. Regarding the mechanical properties, the films of propolis showed higher elongation at break (%) and the lowest values of tensile strength and elastic moduli. The study allowed demonstrating the antibacterial effect of both extracts of propolis (ethanolic extracts of propolis were more effective than the aqueous extracts), in addition to the antibacterial activity it depends on the place that propolis is extracted and resistance of these microorganisms, It is that the Gram-positive bacteria are more susceptible than Gram-negative bacteria. Ls films containing propolis showed remarkable antifungal activity against fungi tested, which was stronger against A. nigerthan against Penicillium specie and components of propolis such as rutin, quercetin and naringenin were the major phenolic compounds of propolis so to both were the main contributors to antioxidant activity