Differential item functioning due to gender between depression and anxiety items among Chilean adolescents

Although much is known about the higher prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders among adolescent females, less is known about the differential item endorsement due to gender in items of commonly scales used to measure anxiety and depression. We conducted a study to examine if adolescent males and females from Chile differed on how they endorsed the items of the Youth Self-Report (YSR) anxious/depressed problem scale. We used data from a cross-sectional sample consisting of 925 participants (Mean age = 14, SD=1.3, 49% females) of low to lower-middle socioeconomic status. A two-parameter logistic (2PL) IRT DIF model was fit. Results revealed differential item endorsement (DIF) by gender for six of the 13 items with adolescent females being more likely to endorse a depression item while males were found more likely to endorse anxiety items. Findings suggest that items found in commonly utilized measures of anxiety and depression symptoms may not equally capture true levels of these behavioral problems among adolescent males and females. Given the high levels of mental disorders in Chile and surrounding countries, further attention should be focused on increasing the number of empirical studies examining potential gender differences in the assessment of mental health problems among Latin American populations to better aid our understanding of the phenomenology and determinants of these problems in the region.R01 HD033487 - NICHD NIH HHS; R01 DA021181-05 - NIDA NIH HHS; R01 DA021181 - NIDA NIH HH

Antimicrobial activity of propolis nanoparticles against some common meat contamination bacteria

Raw meat is a highly perishable product that requires a great amount of care, from its handling to the conservation conditions at low temperatures. The reduction of microbial proliferation in meat is necessary to achieve an increase of shelf life, food safety, while maintaining product features. For this reason, a technology based on natural antimicrobial agent may offer a potential alternative to protect and control the proliferation of microorganisms on food products. Propolis is a natural resinous substance collected from the leaf buds of different tree species by honeybees and known for its biological properties (antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant) (Koo et. al, 2000). The aim of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of propolis nanoparticles in comparison with ethanol-propolis extract against some common meat contamination bacteria. The ethanol-propolis extract was obtained from green propolis resin, in absolute ethanol under agitation during 15 days. To obtain the propolis nanoparticles, ethanol-propolis extract at 13.75% (w/v) was mixed with polyvinyl-alcohol solution at 0.1% (w/v). Antimicrobial activity of propolis nanoparticles and ethanol-propolis extract was tested against 8 microorganisms typically present in meat. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of both solutions were evaluated by agar-well diffusion method; all strains were susceptible and MIC values ranged from 0.57 to 2.29% (w/v) for propolis nanoparticles and from 0.68 to 6.88% (w/v) for ethanol-propolis extract. The MIC of propolis nanoparticles for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella thompson, Listeria monocytogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter helveticus, Lactobacillus bucheneri and Leuconostoc mesenteroideswas 1.15%, 0.57%, 2.29%, 1.72%, 1.72%, 2.29%, 2.29%, 1.72%, respectively, and the MIC for ethanol-propolis extract to the same species was 3.44%, 0.68%, 3.44%, 3.44%, 3.44%, 6.88%, 6.88%, 3.44%, respectively. The shown antimicrobial activity of propolis nanoparticles is of potential interest for food applications (e.g. in edible coatings formulation). Therefore, results obtained in this study, set the bases for future studies, using films as support for propolis nanoparticles, for application in meat products. References Koo, H.; Gomes, B.P.F.A.; Rosalen, P. L.; Ambrosano, G.M.B.; Park, Y. K.; Cury, J. A. (2000) In vitro antimicrobial activity of propolis and Arnica montana against oral pathogens. Archives of Oral Biology 45: 141-14

Physico-chemical stability and in vitro digestibility of beta-carotene-loaded lipid nanoparticles of cupuacu butter (Theobroma grandiflorum) produced by the phase inversion temperature (PIT) method

Beta-carotene is a carotenoid with a wide spectrum of biological activities (e.g., anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, and anti-inflammatory). However, because of its extremely high hydrophobicity, it is difficult to incorporate in food formulations and its bioavailability is fairly low. Lipid-based encapsulation colloidal systems such as lipid nanoparticles can help overcome these issues. In this study, beta-carotene-loaded lipid nanoparticles were produced by the phase inversion temperature (PIT) method from 10% cupuacu butter and 20% surfactant (Cremophor RH40 and Span 80). The inversion temperature of the nanoparticles was 74 °C and their average diameter was 35 nm. After 100 days of storage, 85% of the initial amount of beta-carotene remained in the nanoparticles; alpha-tocopherol was found to be essential for carotenoid preservation. Comparison of the results of in vitro digestion between static and dynamic systems was performed, and the characteristics of each digestion system led to diverse results in terms of average particle size and beta-carotene bioaccessibility. Although the static system was much simpler than the dynamic system, it could not provide reliable data of the digestibility of the lipid nanoparticles. The bioaccessibility of beta-carotene in the static system was 92%, very similar to the results found in the literature; by comparison, the dynamic system revealed a beta-carotene bioaccessibility of nearly 20%. Despite this discrepancy, the highly realistic conditions of digestion simulated by the dynamic in vitro system indicate that the results of this system are more reliable than those obtained from the simplified static system applied in this research.The authors thank FAPESP (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Brazil) for the fellowships (grants 2010/20523-0, 2011/01260-0 and 2012/18495-3, authors Graziela V.L. Gomes and Mirella R. Sola). The author Ana C. Pinheiro is recipient of a fellowship from the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) through grant SFRH/BPD/101181/2014

ADDISC lumbar disc prosthesis : Analytical and FEA testing of novel implants

The intact intervertebral disc is a six-freedom degree elastic deformation structure with shock absorption. 'Ball-and-socket' TDR do not reproduce these properties inducing zygapophyseal joint overload. Elastomeric TDRs reproduce better normal disc kinematics, but repeated core deformation causes its degeneration. We aimed to create a new TDR (ADDISC) reproducing healthy disc features. We designed TDR, analyzed (Finite Element Analysis), and measured every 500,000 cycles for 10 million cycles of the flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation cyclic compression bench-testing. In the inlay case, we weighted it and measured its deformation. ADDISC has two semi-spherical articular surfaces, one rotation centre for flexion, another for extension, the third for lateral bending, and a polycarbonate urethane inlay providing shock absorption. The first contact is between PCU and metal surfaces. There is no metal-metal contact up to 2000 N, and CoCr28Mo6 absorbs the load. After 10 million cycles at 1.2-2.0 kN loads, wear 140.96 mg (35.50 mm3), but no implant failures. Our TDR has a physiological motion range due to its articular surfaces' shape and the PCU inlay bumpers, minimizing the facet joint overload. ADDISC mimics healthy disc biomechanics and Instantaneous Rotation Center, absorbs shock, reduces wear, and has excellent long-term endurance

Dermatan sulfate in tunicate phylogeny: Order-specific sulfation pattern and the effect of [→4IdoA(2-Sulfate)β-1→3GalNAc(4-Sulfate)β-1→] motifs in dermatan sulfate on heparin cofactor II activity

After the publication of the work entitled "Dermatan sulfate in tunicate phylogeny: Order-specific sulfation pattern and the effect of [→4IdoA(2-Sulfate)β-1→3GalNAc(4-Sulfate)β-1→] motifs in dermatan sulfate on heparin cofactor II activity", by Kozlowski et al., BMC Biochemistry 2011, 12:29, we found that the legends to Figures 2 to 5 contain serious mistakes that compromise the comprehension of the work. This correction article contains the correct text of the legends to Figures 2 to 5

Extraction of agar from Gelidium corneum using an alternative heating technology

Traditional polysaccharides extraction processes are often performed under heating which makes them time-, energy- and solvent-consuming. The aim of this work was to assess the possibility of using ohmic heating to replace conventional heating in the extraction of seaweed hydrocolloids. This technology is able to heat almost instantaneously the whole volume to be treated, using the ability that most materials have to dissipate energy as heat. As a result, it is energetically much more efficient, with efficiencies well above 95%. In traditional boilers, energetic efficiency is usually around 70-80%. This implies that the energetic efficiency of traditional extraction is below these values, as we have also to account for energy losses in the pipelines and in the extractor. The extraction of agar from Gelidium corneum (sesquipedale) was chosen as a model process due to the high temperatures and energy input needed. All traditional and ohmic extractions were made with a ratio of 50 g of water: 1 g of seaweed at 95 °C, for 2 hours on seaweeds pre-treated with NaOH and neutralized with diluted acetic acid. For the ohmic system, the voltage was set at 600 V and the distance between electrodes was 10 cm. The yields achieved (around 15-20%) were similar in both traditional and ohmic extractions. Gelling ability, sulphate and 3-6-anydrogalactose contents were also in the same range resulting in agars with similar functional properties. Ohmic heating is thus an energetically more efficient alternative to the conventional process of extraction of agar from seaweeds without impairing its functional properties. Besides the evident energy efficiency advantage, steam (and thus boiler blowdown) savings also constitute an important environmental improvement

Comparison of the optical quality vision between real post-LASIK myopic laser surgery and the simulated implantation of a phakic IOL in low myopia

A phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) of − 4.5 D was characterized from its wavefront aberration profile. A preclinical study was conducted using pre- and post-surgery data from four patients that had undergone myopic laser refractive surgery. All these patients would have needed a PIOL of − 4.5 D. Pre-surgery data were used to simulate the effect of a PIOL implantation. Post myopic refractive surgery data were used to calculate the post-LASIK eye model. Modulation transfer function (MTF), point spread function (PSF) and simulation of optotypes vision were obtained and compared. The PIOL did not worsen the optical quality of the eyes evaluated. High order Aberrations were always higher in the post-LASIK eye model. Optics quality trended to be better in PIOL implantation than post-LASIK surgery as pupil size increased.This work was supported by the “Generalitat Valenciana” of Spain (project AICO/2021/130)

Electric field-based technologies for valorization of bioresources

This review provides an overview of recent research on electrotechnologies applied to the valorization of bioresources. Following a comprehensive summary of the current status of the application of well-known electric-based processing technologies, such as pulsed electric fields (PEF) and high voltage electrical discharges (HVED), the application of moderate electric fields (MEF) as an extraction or valorization technology will be considered in detail. MEF, known by its improved energy efficiency and claimed electroporation effects (allowing enhanced extraction yields), may also originate high heating rates ohmic heating (OH) effect allowing thermal stabilization of waste stream for other added-value applications. MEF is a simple technology that mostly makes use of green solvents (mainly water) and that can be used on functionalization of compounds of biological origin broadening their application range. The substantial increase of MEF-based plants installed in industries worldwide suggests its straightforward application for waste recovery.This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/ BIO/04469/2013 unit and COMPETE 2020 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER006684) and by BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER000004) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020 – Programa Operacional Regional do Norte. Pedro Santos is recipient of a fellowship supported by a doctoral advanced training (call NORTE-69-2015-15), funded by the European Social Fund under the scope of Norte2020 – Programa Operacional Regional do Norte. Zlatina Genisheva, Rui Rodrigues and Ricardo Pereira are recipient of a fellowship supported by FCT (SFRH/BPD/ 108868/2015, SFRH/BD/110723/2015 and SFRH/BPD/81887/2011, respectively).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

In vitro digestibility and fermentability of fructo-oligosaccharides produced by Aspergillus ibericus

The bifidogenic potential of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) produced by a newly isolated strain Aspergillus ibericus was studied. Their activity was compared to FOS produced by Aureobasidium pullulans and to a non-microbial commercial FOS sample (Raftilose® P95). FOS fermentability by a number of probiotic bacteria and their hydrolytic resistance to the simulated harsh conditions of the digestive system was evaluated. Aspergillus ibericus FOS sample effectively promoted probiotic bacteria growth. Overall, microbial-derived FOS promoted greater cellular growth compared to the commercial sample. FOS fermentation was both substrate and strain specific. The FOS structural differences identified may explain their distinct assimilation by the probiotics. [Fru(26)Glc] (possibly blastose) and a reducing trisaccharide (possibly [Fru(26)Glc(12)Fru], neokestose) were only found in microbial-derived FOS samples, while Raftilose® P95 was richer in inulobiose/inulotriose. 1-Kestose and nystose were only slightly hydrolyzed in the presence of gastric and intestinal fluid. FOS synthesized by Aspergillus exhibited great potential as food ingredients with likely prebiotic features.Clarisse Nobre, Sérgio Sousa, Elisabete Coelho and Ana Pinheiro acknowledge the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for their Post-Doc and Doc Grants (SFRH/BPD/87498/2012, SFRH/BD/105304/2014, SFRH/BPD/70589/2010, and SFRH/BPD/101181/2014, respectively). This study was supported by the FCT under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2013 unit and COMPETE 2020 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006684) and BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020 – Programa Operacional Regional do Norte, also QOPNA research Unit (FCT UID/QUI/00062/2013) through national funds and where applicable co-financed by the FEDER, within the PT2020 Partnership Agreement, project Essence (POCI-01-0247-FEDER-010887) for financial support of Post-Doc grant of Elisabete Coelho and, multi‐purpose strategies for broadband agro‐forest and fisheries by‐products valorisation: a step forward for a truly integrated biorefinery SAICTPAC/0040/2015 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016403), Biomass and Bioenergy Research Infrastructure (01/SAICT/2016), also CBQF research centre by National Funds from FCT through project UID/Multi/50016/2013.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Deletion or inhibition of NOD1 favors plaque stability and attenuates atherothrombosis in advanced atherogenesis

Atherothrombosis, the main cause of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), is characterized by the rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque followed by the formation of thrombi. Fatal plaque rupture sites show large necrotic cores combined with high levels of inflammation and thin layers of collagen. Plaque necrosis due to the death of macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) remains critical in the process. To determine the contribution of the innate immunity receptor NOD1 to the stability of atherosclerotic plaque, Apoe-/- and Apoe-/- Nod1-/- atherosclerosis prone mice were placed on a high-fat diet for 16 weeks to assess post-mortem advanced atherosclerosis in the aortic sinus. The proliferation and apoptosis activity were analyzed, as well as the foam cell formation capacity in these lesions and in primary cultures of macrophages and vascular SMCs obtained from both groups of mice. Our results reinforce the preeminent role for NOD1 in human atherosclerosis. Advanced plaque analysis in the Apoe-/- atherosclerosis model suggests that NOD1 deficiency may decrease the risk of atherothrombosis by decreasing leukocyte infiltration and reducing macrophage apoptosis. Furthermore, Nod1-/- SMCs exhibit higher proliferation rates and decreased apoptotic activity, contributing to thicker fibrous caps with reduced content of pro-thrombotic collagen. These findings demonstrate a direct link between NOD1 and plaque vulnerability through effects on both macrophages and SMCs, suggesting promising insights for early detection of biomarkers for treating patients before ACS occurs.This work was supported by the Ministerio Economía, Industria y Competitividad/Agencia Estatal de Investigación (SAF2016-79490-R, RTI2018-094727-B-100, SAF2015-64767-R, SAF2016-75004-R, SAF2017-82436-R/RTC2017-6283-1, PID2019-108977RB-100), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CB16/11/00405, CB16/11/00257, CB16/11/00222), Fundación Ramón Areces (CIUP18A3864), Consorcio de Investigación en Red de la Comunidad de Madrid, S2017/BMD-3686 and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional