Título del artículo:

Determination of the gelification kinetics of a correction gel of injection profiles by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy

Mature wells in which, for a long time, water injection has been used, as a method of recovery they reach a point where the water cut increases or remains constant. thus decreasing the recovered hydrocarbon factor; This phenomenon occurs because the water injected, has preferential recordings in the porous medium, and does not reach the hydrocarbon available in other areas of the formation, in this type of deposits the injection of polyacrylamide gels, crosslinked with acetate of chromium, these gels make a plugging, in areas of high water permeability, causing the change of path of the same, as well as move the hydrocarbon in other areas of the porous medium. At present, the kinetics of gelation of this type of substances is monitored qualitatively by means of the \"Syddansk\" code, which analyzes its consistency and elasticity, only by observation. Although this method is practical, it is not very descriptive and depends a lot on the opinion and criteria of the observer, being little reproducible. Given this situation, and the increase in chemical recovery projects in the country, a methodology is described that describes the moment of gelation, reproducibly and without the injection of the analyst. During the gelation process, different polyacrylamide-chromium gels were monitored in relationships used in field operations, using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, detecting a change in absorbances, of the spectra, which were analyzed to plant a kinetic model of gelation, in addition to generating the approach of a method, to identify the state of gelation based on the variation in absorbance.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

Título del artículo:

Effect of the genetic group of cows of the Gyr and Holstein breeds on the in vitro production technique of bovine embryos

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic group effect of oocyte donors of the Gyr and Holstein breeds on the performance of the in vitro embryo production technique. Twelve multiparous cows were used, non-lactating, six of the Gyr breed (Bos indicus), and six of the Holstein (Bos taurus) breed. Prior to the implementation of the follicular aspiration technique, the animals were subjected to estrus synchronization through the administration of 3 mg estradiol benzoate (RIC-BE, Tecnopec Ltda., Brazil) plus the insertion of an ear implant with norgestomet (Crestar, Intervet, Brazil). Aspiration was performed seven days after the start of the synchronization protocol. The results showed that the cows of the Gyr breed had a higher number of visualized follicles and recovered oocytes, as well as a higher cleavage and blastocyst rate on day 7. These results allow considering that, the application of the in vitro embryo production technique in the Gyr breed offers a better performance in specific parameters in comparison to the Holstein breed.

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Ciencia Tecnologia Agropecuaria

Título del artículo:

An innovative low-cost equipment for electro-concentration of microalgal biomass

Microalgal harvesting is one of the most challenging processes in the development of algal research and development. Several methods, such as centrifugation, flocculation and filtration, are available at the laboratory scale. However, the requirement for expensive pieces of equipment and the possibility of biomass contamination are recurring gaps that hinder the development of microalgae R and D (research and development) in different parts of the world. Recently, electroflotation has been proved to be a suitable method for the harvesting of different species of microalgae and cyanobacteria. To this day, there are no companies that sell laboratory-scale electroflotation equipment; this is mainly due to the gap in the knowledge of which factors (time, mixing rate, number of electrodes and others) will affect the efficiency of concentration without reducing the biomass quality. This paper aims to build an innovative, low-cost electroflotation system for under 300 USD (United States dollar) with cheap and resistant materials. To achieve our goal, we tested the interaction of three variables (time, mixing rate and amount of electrodes). Results showed that an efficiency closer to 100% could be achieved in under 20 min using > 10 electrodes and 150 rpm (round per minute). We hope this innovative approach can be used by different researchers to improve our knowledge of the concentration and harvesting of algae and cyanobacteria.

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Applied Sciences (Switzerland)

Título del artículo:

Evolution of the porous structure of cocoa beans during microwave drying

In this work, it was evaluated the morphological changes of the porous structure of the cocoa bean samples subjected to microwave drying. The use of microwaves (MWs) applied by ON-OFF on cocoa bean samples allowed to avoid both the burning and the roasting of the beans. During the MWs drying process, phenomena of breakage of cellular structure, coalescence and, pore plugging altered the average pore diameter, the pore volume, surface area, and Pore Size Distribution (PSD). When the results of sun-dried beans were compared with those of beans dried by MWs, it was concluded that the average pore diameter, the pore volume, the surface area and, PSD were also affected by the solar drying; however, the breakage of cellular structure did not occur.

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Drying Technology

Título del artículo:

Neurocognitive disorder due to neurosyphilis: a case report

Introduction: Neurosyphilis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum that can cause a great variety of neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms, which complicates its diagnosis. Case description: This case occurred in a 40-year-old man who consulted the Emergency Department because of a convulsion (de novo) which was related to a chronic condition of cognitive impairment and psychosis. The appropriate studies were performed for the diagnosis of neurosyphilis and the recommended treatment was initiated. The patient presented clinical improvement and was discharged. Discussion: Positive VDRL serology results and imaging findings of marked cortical atrophy conducted to consider a late-stage parenchymatous neurosyphilis with serious cognitive impairment and associated psychosis. Treatment with crystalline penicillin was formulated, which reduced the intensity of the patient\'s symptoms; however, the patient\'s lack of interest to attend the check-ups significantly reduces his chances of an adequate recovery. Conclusions: Neurosyphilis must be suspected in patients with clinically evident neurological or psychiatric symptoms. Analysis of VDRL serology and neuroimaging studies are important as an initial evaluation of the patient and must be complemented with cognitive tests or mental examination to determine the state of cognitive impairment.

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Revista Colombiana de Psiquiatria

Título del artículo:

A proposal for updating the Response Spectrum of San Jose de Cucuta, Colombia

An analysis of seismic signals captured in three stations of the network of accelerographs of the Colombian Geological Service (SGC, by its acronym in Spanish) was developed for the city of San Jose de Cucuta, Colombia. Earthquake Equivalent, Response Analysis (EERA) and DEGTRA4 software were used for analysis, processing and calculation of signal response spectra during the characterization and propagation modelling of the signal by profiles. For the accelerograms family, a normalization factor computed with respect to the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) was obtained by superposition against the typical design spectrum of the Colombian earthquake resistant code (NSR10). It was found that there is a band of frequencies above the maximum acceleration zone of the design spectrum of the current standard. This suggests a revision of the seismic threat of the city of Cucuta and the urgent need to develop the seismic microzoning, which would allow a substantial reduction of the seismic risk.

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IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering

Título del artículo:

Learning styles for algebra concepts: The case of engineering students at the Universidad de Santander (Valledupar, Colombia)

The objective of this research was to evaluate the learning styles for algebra concepts of the students of the industrial engineering program of the University of Santander, Valledupar, Cesar, Colombia. A descriptive study was developed, consisting of 40 algebra students and 6 mathematics teachers, the questionnaire is self-administered elaborated with a dichotomous scale for the student and for interpretation of the means, a scale was designed based on a scale between zero and five that reveals the score obtained in said test, the styles studied were active, reflective, theoretical and pragmatic. Concluding that the predominant style is the pragmatic and theoretical, which allowed to select and apply strategies aimed at generating interactivity between students and teachers around the knowledge of algebra.

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IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering

Título del artículo:

Scientific reasoning skills and patterns of use of Information and Communication Technologies. the case of the students of the Universidad de Santander (Valledupar, Colombia)

This research establishes the relationship that has had the development of the skills of scientific reasoning and the patterns of use of tools and resources of information and communication technology (ICT). For that, it is necessary to use Lawson Test and to have into account ICT National Standards for students that USA International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) suggest. Also, this paper is tackled from a non-experimental design featuring a correlational - transectional range. The population consists of 2035 students from a higher education institution of the Colombian Caribbean coast. Besides, stratified random sampling is used defining, defining strata and a representative sample for academic programs. Personal survey was used to collect information. The existence of relationship between scientific reasoning skills and patterns of use of information and communication technology was confirmed.

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IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering

Título del artículo:

Obtaining a sugar syrup from the use of the extract of the guácimo fruit (Guazuma ulmifolia lam)

The main objective of this work was to elaborate a sugary syrup from the use of Guácimo fruit extract (Guazuma Ulmifolia Lam) using the leaching method (solid - liquid), which can be used as a partial or total substitute for sugar. The experimental design that was applied for the extraction process was a factorial design 23; the data obtained were evaluated with the software Statgraphics. Once the extracts were obtained, physico-chemical tests were carried out and reductive sugars and dextrose equivalent were determined in each one. To obtain the syrup, the four extracts having the highest% ED were concentrated at constant temperature and time (50 ° C and 4 hours); The determination of the presence of reducing sugars was done using the techniques of colorimetric analysis (miller\'s method) and chromatography (HPLC). The products that were obtained during the process were extreme conversion syrups with a range of dextrose equivalents of 90.13% - 98.27%. The syrup that obtained the highest percentage of equivalent dextrose (J3) was subjected to a sensory hedonic test, which consisted of 3 samples of sweetened coffee at different concentrations of sweet sugar syrup and sugar (sucrose), where M1 contained 80% sugar syrup of guácimo and 20% of table sugar. M2 contained 50% guácimo sugar syrup and 50% table sugar. M3 contained 100% sugar guacimo syrup and 0% table sugar. The results showed that the mixture that obtained the highest organoleptic acceptance was M2, followed by M3, which states that the syrup can substitute partially the common sugar. The above data allow the guácimo fruit to be taken into account as an alternative raw material for the production of sugar syrups and other products aimed at human consumption.

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IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering

Título del artículo:

Bactericidal Effect of Entomopathogenic Bacterium Pseudomonas entomophila Against Xanthomonas citri Reduces Citrus Canker Disease Severity

The bacterium Pseudomonas entomophila has been recognized as an exceptional species within the Pseudomonas genus, capable of naturally infecting and killing insects from at least three different orders. P. entomophila ingestion leads to irreversible gut damage resulting from a global blockage of translation, which impairs both immune and tissue repair systems in the insect intestine. In this study we isolated a P. entomophila bacterial strain from soil samples which displayed a strong activity against Xanthomonas citri subsp, citri (Xcc), the etiological agent of citrus canker disease. The antagonism potential of isolated bacteria against Xcc and its ability to reduce citrus canker severity was assessed both ex planta and in planta. Our findings show that pathogenicity assays in Citrus x limonia by pressure infiltration and spray with a mixture of P. entomophila and Xcc leaded to a significant reduction in the number of canker lesions in high susceptible citrus leaves, at 21 days post-infection. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of antibacterial activity of P. entomophila against a phytopathogenic bacterium. Collective action of P. entomophila factors such as diketopiperazine production and the type 6 secretion system (T6SS) may be involved in this type of biological control of citrus canker. The results suggest that the P. entomophila strain could be a promising biocontrol agent acting directly against Xcc.

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Frontiers in Microbiology

Título del artículo:

Follicular dynamics and estradiol quantification during the estrous cycle of creole cows of the Blanco Orejinegro breed

El estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar la dinámica folicular y cuantificar los niveles de estradiol durante un ciclo estral en vacas de la raza criolla Blanco Orejinegro. Se seleccionaron 10 vacas que se encontraban ciclando y fueron sometidas a un protocolo de sincronización del estro con la aplicación inicial de un dispositivo intravaginal progesterona (CIDR®) más 2 mg de benzoato de estradiol (día 0 - D0). En el día D8 se retiró el dispositivo y se aplicó 150 µg de cloprostenol (Ciclase DL®). En D9 se administró 1 mg de benzoato de estradiol. Luego de la ovulación se realizaron ecografías cada 24 horas, registrando la dinámica folicular y colectando sangre para la cuantificación del estradiol. La duración del ciclo estral fue de 21.0 ± 0.4 días, los diámetros del folículo ovulatorio fue de 14.3 ± 0.5 mm y del mayor folículo subordinado de 6.0 ± 0.5 mm, la tasa de crecimiento del folículo dominante durante las 96 horas previas a la ovulación fue de 1.05 ± 0.4 mm/día. En conclusión, la dinámica folicular y hormonal de vacas criollas de la raza Blanco Orejinegro presentan patrones similares a los observados en razas Bos taurus y Bos indicus.

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Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Peru

Título del artículo:

Immobilization of Ib-M2 peptide on core@shell nanostructures based on SPION nanoparticles and their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli O157:H7

Antimicrobial peptides arise as a very promising alternative for the treatment of infections generated by pathogenic microorganisms. The Ib-M2 antimicrobial peptide turns out to be a very promising candidate for these types of applications. However, it is required to evaluate immobilization systems that give peptides greater stability and activity in order to be used in biological systems. Given the above, this paper reports the preparation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) coated with chitosan in order to immobilize the Ib-M2 antimicrobial peptide. Structural properties of SPIONs were studied by DLS, SEM, XRD, FT-IR, XPS and the magnetic properties were evaluated by vibrating-sample magnetometer technique. The antimicrobial activity of the Ib-M2/SPIONs@Chi bioconjugate obtained was evaluated against Escherichia coli O157:H7 by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results show that the SPIONs obtained have particle size between 10 and 15 nm with a magnetite-type structure which was confirmed by FT-IR and XPS. Characterization of magnetic properties evidences a superparamagnetic behavior of nanoparticles obtained. MIC results showed that Ib-M2/SPIONs@Chi bioconjugate exhibit a comparable or higher activity against E. coli in comparison with the free Ib-M2 peptide. These results show that the bioconjugate obtained can be considered for use in biomedical applications.

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Applied Surface Science

Título del artículo:

Histopathological alterations caused by puccinia nakanishikii rust (pucciniales: Pucciniaceae) in cymbopogon citratus (poaceae) plants

Introduction: Histopathological and histochemical aspects linked to the attack of fungal rusts to plants, as well as its relation with the different spore stages are topics rather scarce in the scientific literature. Objective: To describe and analyze the histopathological and histochemical aspects of Cymbopogon citratus and its relation with the different stages of the spores from the rust fungi Puccinia nakanishikii. Methods: During the months April and August 2013, leaves healthy and infected by Puccinia nakanishikii were collected in the Northwestern scarp of the Bucaramanga-Colombia plateau. The samples with injuries on diverse developmental stages were fixated and processed according to the standard protocols for embedding and sectioning in paraffin and resin. Sections obtained from paraffin (5-7 µm) were stained with Safranin-Alcian blue and Alcian blue-Hematoxylin. On the other hand, sections obtained from resin (0.5 µm) were stained with Toluidine blue. Further, freehand sections were obtained for an autofluorescence analysis. The observations and photographic record were done via photonic microscope and epifluorescence microscope. For the observations via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the samples were fixated in Glutaraldehyde, dehydrated with 2,2 dimethoxypropane, then desiccated to critical point and finally coated with gold. Results: The leaves are generally hypostomatic, with long and short epidermic cell forming parallel rows and showing unicellular prickle trichomes and micro-trichomes. The abaxial surface is covered by epicuticular wax forming a dense layer. The adaxial epidermis is formed by groupings of bulliform cells and epidermal cells with rectangular or squared contour. In the mesophyll, there is no differentiation between palisade and spongy parenchyma, its anatomy reflects the C4 metabolism. The formation of uredosori and teliosori both hypophyllous was observed. Urediniospores are the reinfecting agents phase, they have 4-5 equatorial germ pores and echinulate wall. Teliospores have smooth wall and a persistent pedicel. The urediniospores form a germ tube, generally on the abaxial leaf surface, these tubes develop towards the stomata reaching the mesophyll interior. No appressorium were observed. The epidermis limiting the uredosorus detaches due the development and pressure that exert both the urediniospores and capitate paraphyses. As the infection progresses, autofluorescense of the chlorophyll is lost and the cells undergo necrotic processes. Afterwards, the phloem collapses and the xylem becomes slightly disorganized. At this moment, the infection is extended along the whole leaf blade, resulting in the leaf death and the plant defoliation. On advanced stages of the infection, the uredosori showed pycnidia, probably belonging to the hyperparasite Sphaerellopsis, these structures were closely associated to the rust infected tissues. Conclusions: Puccinia nakanishikii develops on the leaves of Cymbopogon citratus producing uredosori and teliosori. Urediniospores are the reinfective stage, teliospores were only observed at late stages of the infection. The epidermis and photosynthetic tissue are severely affected by cell necrosis. The vascular tissues are deeply affected on the advances stages of the infection.

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Revista de Biologia Tropical

Título del artículo:

Etiology of acute gastroenteritis among children less than 5 years of age in bucaramanga, colombia: A case-control study

Background Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children aged less than 5 years in low-and middle-income countries where limited access to potable water, poor sanitation, deficient hygiene, and food product contamination are prevalent. Research on the changing etiology of AGE and associated risk factors in Latin America, including Colombia, is essential to understand the epidemiology of these infections. The primary objectives of this study were to describe etiology of moderate to severe AGE in children less than 5 years of age from Bucaramanga, Colombia, a middle-income country in Latin Ameri-can, and to identify the presence of emerging E. coli pathotypes. Methodology/Principal findings This was a prospective, matched for age, case-control study to assess the etiology of moderate to severe AGE in children less than 5 years of age in Bucaramanga, Colombia, South America. We tested for 24 pathogens using locally available diagnostic testing, including stool culture, polymerase chain reaction, microscopy and enzyme-linked immunoassay. Adjusted attributable fractions were calculated to assess the association between AGE and each pathogen in this study population. The study included 861 participants, 431 cases and 430 controls. Enteric pathogens were detected in 71% of cases and in 54% of controls (p = <0.001). Co-infection was identified in 28% of cases and in 14% of controls (p = <0.001). The adjusted attributable fraction showed that Norovirus GII explained 14% (95% CI: 10–18%) of AGE, followed by rotavirus 9.3% (6.4–12%), adenovirus 3% (1–4%), astrovirus 2.9% (0.6–5%), enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) 2.4% (0.4–4%), Cryptosporidium sp. 2% (0.5–4%), Campylobacter sp. 2% (0.2–4%), and Salmonella sp.1.9% (0.3 to 3.5%). Except for Cryptosporidium, all parasite infections were not associated with AGE. Three emergent diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes were identified in cases (0.7%), including an enteroaggre-gative/enterotoxigenic E.coli (EAEC/ETEC), an enteroaggregative/enteropathogenic E.coli (EAEC/EPEC), and an emergent enteroinvasive E. coli with a rare O96:H19. No deaths were reported among cases or controls. Conclusions/Significance Norovirus and rotavirus explained the major proportion of moderate to severe AGE in this study. Higher proportion of infection in cases, in the form of single infections or co-infections, showed association with AGE. Three novel E. coli pathotypes were identified among cases in this geographic region.

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PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases

Título del artículo:

Follicular dynamics and hormonal in Creole cows of the race Blanco Orejinegro

The objective was to characterize the follicular dynamics and the measurement of estradiol during the estrous cycle of cows of the Blanco Orejinegro creole. They were selected 10 cows of the Blanco Orejinegro creole and subjected to estrus synchronization pro-tocol with the implementation of an intravaginal device more 2 mg Progesterone estradiol benzoate via I.M. Eight days later, the device of progesterone was removed and applied 150 µg of cloprostenol. 24 hours later, was administered 1 mg estradiol benzoate. After ovulation, ultrasounds were performed at intervals of 24 hours, throughout the estrous cycle. The length of the estrous cycle was 21 ±0,4 days, the dominant follicle diameter was 7,0± 0,2 mm and 6.7 ± 0,3 mm for the second largest follicle, diameter of the ovulatory follicle 14,3 ± 0,5, growth rate of the dominant follicle during the last 96 hours prior to ovulation was 1,05 ± 0,4 mm per day. In conclusion, the follicular dynamics and hormonal creole cows of the race Blanco Orejinegro (Bos taurus adapted) presented patterns similar to those observed in the races Bos taurus (not adapted) and Bos indicus.

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Taurus

Título del artículo:

Associations of outdoor fine particulate air pollution and cardiovascular disease in 157 436 individuals from 21 high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries (PURE): a prospective cohort study

Background: Most studies of long-term exposure to outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2·5) and cardiovascular disease are from high-income countries with relatively low PM2·5 concentrations. It is unclear whether risks are similar in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and how outdoor PM2·5 contributes to the global burden of cardiovascular disease. In our analysis of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study, we aimed to investigate the association between long-term exposure to PM2·5 concentrations and cardiovascular disease in a large cohort of adults from 21 high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries. Methods: In this multinational, prospective cohort study, we studied 157 436 adults aged 35–70 years who were enrolled in the PURE study in countries with ambient PM2·5 estimates, for whom follow-up data were available. Cox proportional hazard frailty models were used to estimate the associations between long-term mean community outdoor PM2·5 concentrations and cardiovascular disease events (fatal and non-fatal), cardiovascular disease mortality, and other non-accidental mortality. Findings: Between Jan 1, 2003, and July 14, 2018, 157 436 adults from 747 communities in 21 high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries were enrolled and followed up, of whom 140 020 participants resided in LMICs. During a median follow-up period of 9·3 years (IQR 7·8–10·8; corresponding to 1·4 million person-years), we documented 9996 non-accidental deaths, of which 3219 were attributed to cardiovascular disease. 9152 (5·8%) of 157 436 participants had cardiovascular disease events (fatal and non-fatal incident cardiovascular disease), including 4083 myocardial infarctions and 4139 strokes. Mean 3-year PM2·5 at cohort baseline was 47·5 μg/m3 (range 6–140). In models adjusted for individual, household, and geographical factors, a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2·5 was associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease events (hazard ratio 1·05 [95% CI 1·03–1·07]), myocardial infarction (1·03 [1·00–1·05]), stroke (1·07 [1·04–1·10]), and cardiovascular disease mortality (1·03 [1·00–1·05]). Results were similar for LMICs and communities with high PM2·5 concentrations (>35 μg/m3). The population attributable fraction for PM2·5 in the PURE cohort was 13·9% (95% CI 8·8–18·6) for cardiovascular disease events, 8·4% (0·0–15·4) for myocardial infarction, 19·6% (13·0–25·8) for stroke, and 8·3% (0·0–15·2) for cardiovascular disease mortality. We identified no consistent associations between PM2·5 and risk for non-cardiovascular disease deaths. Interpretation: Long-term outdoor PM2·5 concentrations were associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease in adults aged 35–70 years. Air pollution is an important global risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a need exists to reduce air pollution concentrations, especially in LMICs, where air pollution levels are highest. Funding: Full funding sources are listed at the end of the paper (see Acknowledgments).

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The Lancet Planetary Health

Título del artículo:

May measurement month 2017: Latin America

OBJECTIVES: To raise awareness of blood pressure, measured by number of countries involved, number of people screened, and number of people who have untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. METHODS: An opportunistic cross-sectional survey of volunteers aged at least 18 years was carried out in May 2017. Blood pressure measurement, the definition of hypertension and statistical analysis followed the standard May measurement month protocol. Eighteen countries in Latin America and the Caribbean participated in the campaign, providing us with a wide sample for characterization. RESULTS: During May measurement month 2017 in Latin America and the Caribbean, 105 246 individuals were screened. Participants who had cardiovascular disease, 2245 (2.3%) had a prior myocardial infarction, and 1711 (1.6%) a previous stroke, additionally 6760 (6.4%) individuals were diabetic, 7014 (6.7%) current smokers and 9262 (8.8%) reported alcohol intake once or more per week. Mean SBP was 122.7 mmHg and DBP was 75.6 mmHg. After imputation, 42 328 participants (40,4%) were found to be hypertensive. CONCLUSION: The high numbers of participants detected with hypertension and the relatively large proportion of participants on antihypertensive treatment but with uncontrolled hypertension reinforces the importance of this annual event in our continent, to raise awareness of the prevention of cardiovascular events.

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Journal of hypertension

Título del artículo:

Identification of potential natural neuroprotective molecules for Parkinson\'s disease by using chemoinformatics and molecular docking

Parkinson\'s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder characterized by motor, cognitive, sensory, psychiatric, and autonomic disturbances. While there is currently no cure for Parkinson\'s Disease, medication can offer relief from its symptoms for many years. Although these medications are considered safe, they can present acute or chronic side effects and can become less effective over time. Thus, new medications are highly needed. In this regard, α-synuclein is a protein of great interest to Parkinson\'s researchers because it is a major constituent of Lewy bodies, which are protein clumps being the pathological hallmark of Parkinson\'s disease. However, current medications are not focused on the inhibition of α-synuclein oligomerization, and therefore, therapeutics preventing the formation of these bodies through the inhibition of α-synuclein oligomerization may play a role in the fight against this and other synucleinopathies. In this study, we used chemoinformatics tools and molecular docking simulations to analyze molecules that have been experimentally tested and bound to α-synuclein, causing neuroprotective or neurotoxic activity, and whose results have been used to select potential natural neuroprotective molecules. We identified 6 potential natural neuroprotective molecules that are similar in their chemical structure to neuroprotective molecules and have a high number of hydrogen bonds with α-synuclein. We expect that these molecules may lead to the design or discovery of new effective treatments for Parkinson\'s disease.

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Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modelling

Título del artículo:

Association of dairy consumption with metabolic syndrome, hypertension and diabetes in 147 812 individuals from 21 countries

Objective Our aims were to assess the association of dairy intake with prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) (cross-sectionally) and with incident hypertension and incident diabetes (prospectively) in a large multinational cohort study. Methods The Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study is a prospective epidemiological study of individuals aged 35 and 70 years from 21 countries on five continents, with a median follow-up of 9.1 years. In the cross-sectional analyses, we assessed the association of dairy intake with prevalent MetS and its components among individuals with information on the five MetS components (n=112 922). For the prospective analyses, we examined the association of dairy with incident hypertension (in 57 547 individuals free of hypertension) and diabetes (in 131 481 individuals free of diabetes). Results In cross-sectional analysis, higher intake of total dairy (at least two servings/day compared with zero intake; OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.80, p-trend<0.0001) was associated with a lower prevalence of MetS after multivariable adjustment. Higher intakes of whole fat dairy consumed alone (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.78, p-trend<0.0001), or consumed jointly with low fat dairy (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.98, p-trend=0.0005), were associated with a lower MetS prevalence. Low fat dairy consumed alone was not associated with MetS (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.38, p-trend=0.13). In prospective analysis, 13 640 people with incident hypertension and 5351 people with incident diabetes were recorded. Higher intake of total dairy (at least two servings/day vs zero serving/day) was associated with a lower incidence of hypertension (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.97, p-trend=0.02) and diabetes (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.02, p-trend=0.01). Directionally similar associations were found for whole fat dairy versus each outcome. Conclusions Higher intake of whole fat (but not low fat) dairy was associated with a lower prevalence of MetS and most of its component factors, and with a lower incidence of hypertension and diabetes. Our findings should be evaluated in large randomized trials of the effects of whole fat dairy on the risks of MetS, hypertension, and diabetes.

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BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care

Título del artículo:

Residual biomass-based hydrogen production: Potential and possible uses in Ecuador

The residual biomass sources available in Ecuador are evaluated as prime matter for hydrogen (H2) production when considering that it sourced in agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry-related activities. The analysis is performed out of the official cropping information available per provinces. H2 production methods to be assayed consider thermochemical, biochemical and electrochemical paths. The total H2 production potential is 1,600,000 ton H2/year and its use as energy vector would contribute with 38% of the national energy demand in 2017. In addition, its potential application as input in fat hydrogenation and nitrogenated products, in a country-wide scale, would be completely fulfilled. This finding demonstrates that residual biomass-based H2 could become a suitable source of this vector for energy and chemical uses in Ecuador, since it proposes novel approaches for diversifying the secondary energy sources, petrochemical and chemical industry inputs with the purpose of promoting the incorporation of the country to the Hydrogen Economy.

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International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Título del artículo:

Mechanisms of hamstring strain injury: Interactions between fatigue, muscle activation and function

Isolated injury to the long head of biceps femoris is the most common type of acute hamstring strain injury (HSI). However, the precise hamstring injury mechanism (i.e., sprint-type) is still not well understood, and research is inconclusive as to which phase in the running cycle HSI risk is the greatest. Since detailed information relating to hamstring muscle function during sprint running cannot be obtained in vivo in humans, the findings of studies investigating HSI mechanisms are based on modeling that requires assumptions to be made based on extrapolations from anatomical and biomechanical investigations. As it is extremely difficult to account for all aspects of muscle-tendon tissues that influence function during high-intensity running actions, much of this complexity is not included in these models. Furthermore, the majority of analyses do not consider the influence of prior activity or muscular fatigue on kinematics, kinetics and muscle activation during sprinting. Yet, it has been shown that fatigue can lead to alterations in neuromuscular coordination patterns that could potentially increase injury risk. The present critical review will evaluate the current evidence on hamstring injury mechanism(s) during high-intensity running and discuss the interactions between fatigue and hamstring muscle activation and function.

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Sports

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Effect of el niño southern oscillation cycle on the potential distribution of cutaneous leishmaniasis vector species in colombia

Local anomalies in rainfall and temperature induced by El Niño and La Niña episodes could change the structure of the vector community. We aimed to estimate the effect of the El Niño–La Niña cycle in the potential distribution of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) vector species in Colombia and to compare the richness of the vectors with the occurrence of CL in the state of Norte de Santander. The potential distributions of four species were modeled using a MaxEnt algorithm for the following episodes: La Niña 2010–2011, Neutral 2012–2015 and El Niño 2015–2016. The relationship between the potential richness of the vectors and the occurrence of CL in Norte de Santander was evaluated with a log-binomial regression model. During the El Niño 2015–2016 episode, Lutzomyia ovallesi and Lutzomyia panamen-sis increased their distribution into environmentally suitable areas, and three vector species (Lutzomyia gomezi, Lutzomyia ovallesi and Lutzomyia panamensis) showed increases in the range of their altitudinal distribution. During the La Niña 2010–2011 episode, a reduction was observed in the area suitable for occupation by Lutzomyia gomezi and Lutzomyia spini-crassa. During the El Niño 2015–2016 episode, the occurrence of at least one CL case was related to a higher percentage of rural localities showing a richness of vectors = 4. The anomalies in rainfall and temperature induced by the episodes produced changes in the potential distribution of CL vectors in Colombia. In Norte de Santander, during Neutral 2012–2015 and El Niño 2015–2016 episodes, a higher probability of at least one CL case was related to a higher percentage of areas with a greater richness of vectors. The results help clarify the effect of the El Niño–La Niña cycle in the dynamics of CL in Colombia and emphasize the need to monitor climate variability to improve the prediction of new cases.

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PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases

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Enzymatic transesterification ofwaste frying oil from local restaurants in east colombia using a combined lipase system

The search for innovation and biotechnological strategies in the biodiesel production chain have become a topic of interest for scientific community owing the importance of renewable energy sources. This work aimed to implement an enzymatic transesterification process to obtain biodiesel from waste frying oil (WFO). The transesterification was performed by varying reaction times (8 h, 12 h and 16 h), enzyme concentrations of lipase XX 25 split (14%, 16% and 18%), pH of reaction media (6, 7 and 8) and reaction temperature (35, 38 and 40 °C) with a fixed alcohol-oil molar ratio of 3:1. The optimum operating conditions were selected to quantify the amount of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) generated. The highest biodiesel production was reached with an enzyme concentration of 14%, reaction time of 8 h, pH of 7 and temperature of 38 °C. It was estimated a FAMEs production of 42.86% for the selected experiment; however, best physicochemical characteristics of biodiesel were achieved with an enzyme concentration of 16% and reaction time of 8 h. Results suggested that enzymatic transesterification process was favorable because the amount of methyl esters obtained was similar to the content of fatty acids in the WFO.

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Applied Sciences (Switzerland)

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Role of uric acid in the pathogenesis of heart disease and pulmonary hypertension. How are we in Pediatrics?

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Revista Colombiana de Cardiologia

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Improving surgical quality in Colombia through indicators

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The Lancet Global Health