Carotenoid, Tocopherol, and Volatile Aroma Compounds in Eight Sacha Inchi Seed (Plukenetia volubilis L.) Oil Accessions

Sacha inchi seed oil is a food matrix rich in bioactive constituents, mainly polyunsaturated fatty acids. In this study, the characteristics of color, carotenoid content, tocopherols, and volatile aroma compounds in eight sacha inchi seed (Plukenetia volubilis L.) oil accessions were evaluated. Results showed that the oil obtained from the accessions presented a lightness and chroma of 91 to 98 units and 6 to 10 units respectively, while the hue angle ranged between 93 to 97 units. The total carotenoid content in the different accessions ranged from 0.6 to 1.5 mg/kg, while γ- and δ-tocopherol ranged from 861.6 to 1142 mg/kg and 587 to 717.1 mg/kg. In addition, the total content of tocopherols varied between 1450 and 1856 mg/kg and the δ/γ ratio ranged between 0.58 and 0.70. The oils from the accessions PER000408 (861 µg/kg) and PER000411 (896 µg/kg) were those with the higher volatile concentration, especially 1-hepten-3-ol, 2-nonanol, (E)-3-hexen- 1-ol, (E)-2-hexenal, and 1-hexanol. In this study, the variability of the oil obtained from 8 accessions were observed, from which promising accessions can be selected for continuous investigations of the new sacha inchi seed genotypes.

Optimizing vacuum drying process of polyphenols, flavanols and DPPH radical scavenging assay in pod husk and bean shell cocoa

The objective of this study was to optimize different vacuum drying conditions for cocoa pod husk and cocoa bean shell in order to enhance these by-products for commercial applications. To carry out the optimization, the response surface methodology was applied using a Box-Behnken experimental design with 15 experiments for which different conditions of temperature (X1), drying time (X2) and vacuum pressure (X3) were established. The response variables were the content of total polyphenols, the content of flavanols and the radical scavenging activity evaluated in the extracts of the different experiments. Temperature (50-70 °C), drying time (3-12 h) and vacuum pressure (50-150 mbar) were considered as independent variables. The main factors affecting the response variables were temperature, followed by vacuum pressure. For the content of polyphenols, the optimal response values predicted for the cocoa pod husk was 11.17 mg GAE/g with a confidence limit (95%) of 9.05 to 13.28 mg GAE/g (optimal conditions: 65 °C, 8 h and 75 mbar), while for the cocoa bean shell cocoa was 29.61 mg GAE/g with a confidence limit (95%) of 26.95 to 32.26 mg GAE/g (optimal conditions: 50 °C, 5 h and 100 mbar). Therefore, results of this study suggest a high content of phenolic compounds obtained from these by-products that show relevance as functional ingredients for application in the food, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical industries.

Physicochemical and Rheological Characteristics of Commercial and Monovarietal Wheat Flours from Peru

In Peru, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the main resources in the food industry; however, due to its low harvested area, it is the second most imported cereal. The quality of wheat flour was studied to verify that it has desirable characteristics for the preparation of bakery products. The quality of commercial and monovarietal wheat flours was assessed by measuring their physicochemical and rheological parameters, as well as the gluten content and wheat protein fractions. Eight commercial wheat flours and four monovarietal wheat flours (Barba negra, Candeal, Espelta, and Duro) from Peru were evaluated. Commercial wheat flours presented significantly higher levels of protein and gluten index compared to monovarietal wheat flours (p < 0.05). Between both groups, no significant differences were observed in the content of wet and dry gluten. Interestingly, monovarietal wheat flours presented a higher percentage of gliadins and albumins/globulins, as well as lower levels of glutenin, compared to commercial wheat flours (p < 0.05). According to the logistic regression models, the baking strength (W) was the most important parameter to evaluate the quality of commercial and monovarietal wheat flours. Our results show that monovarietal wheat flours show a lower quality compared to commercial wheat flours.

Characterization of polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant activity of Vitis vinifera L. (grape) seeds from the Ica Valley, Peru

Context: In the Valley of Ica-Peru, the seeds of the fruit of Vitis vinifera L. (grape) are residues from the Pisco Industry, and due to their bioactive compounds, they can represent a new economic and sustainable activity for the population of the mentioned Valley. Aims: To characterize polyunsaturated fatty acids from the seeds of the fruit of Vitis vinifera L. (grape) from the Ica Valley, Peru and determine the antioxidant activity in vitro. Methods: The oil from five grape varieties (Quebranta, Moscatel, Torontel, Mollar, and Italia) was obtained by ethereal extraction with ultrasound. The profile of fatty acids was characterized by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The total polyphenolic content was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and antioxidant activity by two in vitro methods. Results: The values obtained from the 5 grape varieties are presented in a range: total polyphenolic content (TPC: 0.59-154 mg GAE/g); linoleic acid content (69.90-71.87%), oleic acid (18.35-19.90%) and others in a lower percentage (p>0.05). Antioxidant activity: DPPH IC50 38.30-48.43 µL; FRAP 0.49-0.77 μg TEAC/g. TPC/DPPH and TPC/FRAP were significantly different (p<0.05), except for the Mollar TPC/FRAP variety (p>0.05). Conclusions: The oils from the seeds of the Vitis vinifera fruit (grapes) that are residues from the production of Pisco present physicochemical characteristics of oils of high nutritional value with a predominance of polyunsaturated fatty acids and potential antioxidant activity.

Nutritional and antioxidant profile of the Physalis fruit grown in three Andean regions of Peru

Background

Physalis peruviana L. fruit contains nutritional and bioactive compounds of immense importance to public health and represents a potential ingredient for the development of functional foods and beverages.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the chemical and nutritional composition as well as the antioxidant capacity of the P. peruviana L. fruit grown in Peru in three areas of the Central Andean region.

Material and methods

Proximal and physicochemical analyses and estimation of mineral content, vitamin C, total carotenoids, total polyphenols, and antioxidant capacity (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] and 2, 2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) [ABTS] assays) were performed using standardized methods.

Results

The fruits were collected from three regions of the Peruvian Andes (Ancash, Cajamarca, and Cusco). The results showed that the content of potassium (306.54-327.60 mg/100 g) and iron (12.93-14.47 mg/kg) was prominent. The Physalis fruit had high levels of vitamin C (47.20-52.20 mg/100 g), total polyphenols (68.17-83.40 mg equivalents of gallic acid/100 g), and carotenoids (1.12-1.73 mg β-carotene/100 g). Higher values for antioxidant capacity were obtained with the ABTS method (896-1003.33 μmol Trolox/100 g) than with the DPPH method (290-309 μmol Trolox/100 g).

Conclusions

This study confirms that the P. peruviana fruit has properties that could provide important health benefits and that it could be used for the development of functional foods and food supplement.

CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 Genes Associated with Tricontinental and Latin American Ancestry of Pe-ruvians

Precision medicine seeks to individualize the dose from the beginning of phar-macological therapy based on the characteristics of each patient, genes involved in the metabolic phenotype, ethnicity or miscegenation, with the purpose to minimize adverse effects and optimize drug efficacy. The objective was to re-view studies that describe the association of the CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 genes with the tricontinental and Latin American ancestry of Peruvians. A biblio-graphic search was carried out in PubMed/Medline and SciELO, with various descriptors in Spanish and English. The results of this review confirm that the ethnic origin of Peruvians is triconti-nental due to European (mainly Spanish), African and Asian migration, in addi-tion to Latin American migration, being 60.2% mixed, 25.8% Amerindian, 5.9% white, 3.6% African descent, 1.2% Chinese and Japanese descent, and 3.3% unspecified. Studies on CYP2C19*3, CYP2D6*2, *3 and *6 have been reported in Peruvians, and the frequency is similar to that studied in Ecuadori-ans and Colombians. The CYP2C19*3, CYP2D6*3, and CYP2D6*6 alleles found in Peruvians are common in Europeans, Africans, and Asians; while CYP2D6*4 in Africans and CYP2D6*2 related to Asians. In some studies, the ethnic/gene association has not been demonstrated; while others have shown a significant association, which is why further investigation is warranted. It is concluded that the studies on CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 genes associated with the tricontinental and Latin American ancestry of Peruvians are little, and ac-cording to what has been investigated, the CYP2C19*3, CYP2D6*2, *3, *4 and *6 alleles have more related to their ancestry.

Serum concentrations of valproic acid in people with epilepsy: Clinical implication

Context: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) allows personalizing the dose of valproic acid in patients with epilepsy to optimize drug therapy, minimize adverse effects and detect interactions. Aims: To determine valproic acid concentrations in serum samples from people with epilepsy and to analyze its clinical implications. Methods: Cloned donor enzyme immunoassay; descriptive, cross-sectional, non-randomized, convenience recruitment study of 57 voluntary patients with epilepsy (n = 39 male, 68.42%; n = 18 female, 31.58%) aged between 19 and 62 years. After three months of treatment with valproic acid, a single blood sample was collected from each volunteer at a minimal concentration. Results: Serum drug concentrations 51.30-100.10 mg/L (SD 5.94) and level/dose 2.17-5.31 (SD 1.14) were observed. Association was shown between the dose ratio/dose of valproic acid (R2 = 0.8693; p<0.05) and the Mann-Whitney U test (p<0.05). Valproic acid monotherapy and association with carbamazepine and phenytoin are not different between treatment groups (Mann-Whitney U test: p = 0.391 > α = 0.05). Conclusions: Serum valproic acid concentrations are within the therapeutic range, and there is a significant inverse linear correlation between dose ratio/dose, which must be considered to personalize the dose and optimize the pharmacotherapeutic result.

Phenytoin concentration in people with epilepsy: a comparative study in serum and saliva

In clinical practice, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) makes it possible to measure the concentration of drugs in serum or saliva, the purpose of which is to reduce adverse effects and optimize pharmacological therapy. The objective was to determine the concentrations of Phenytoin in saliva and serum of people with epilepsy. Cross-sectional, descriptive study with dynamic recruitment of 30 people with epilepsy (n = 30; 17 men, 56.7% and 13 women, 43.3%; mean age 33.9 ± 11.83 years). Serum and saliva samples were collected at trough levels from patients, who were under phenytoin treatment for at least three months. Drug levels were assessed by the Cloned Donor Enzyme Immunoassay method. Phenytoin levels were found in saliva between 0.01 to 3.56 mg/L and in serum between 0.09 to 36.60 mg/L. Pearson’s analysis showed an association between the estimated serum and saliva phenytoin concentrations (R2 0.7026; 95% CI 0.685-0.921), with a significant statistical correlation (p &lt; 0.05). The Bland-Altman test broke concordance, the difference between the two saliva/serum methods is within 95% confidence. It is concluded that there is an association and concordance between the concentrations of phenytoin in serum and saliva, therefore, this technique can be useful in the clinical monitoring of phenytoin.

Activity of Lepidium meyenii Walp (purple maca) in immunosuppressed Oryctolagus cuniculus (albino rabbits)

Various properties are attributed to “maca”, including immunomodulatory properties due to its secondary metabolites such as macamides, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates and flavonoids. Immunosuppression, hemolytic anemia, and thymic involution were induced with cyclophosphamide. Three concentrations of doses of dehydrated hydroalcoholic extract of purple maca (EHADM) were used for 30 days, the analysis of variance and Duncan’s multiple comparisons test the results are statistically significant (p&lt;.05) which shows immunostimulatory activity in the marrow bone (monocytes, lymphocytes and white blood cells) and antianemic (hematocrit 31%) compared to the negative control group (G-1). At 84 mg/kg and at 167 mg/kg, it shows immunomodulatory activity on the humoral response in 66.70% of the experimental animals (G-3 and G-4). It is concluded that the dehydrated hydroalcoholic extract of purple maca presents immunostimulating and immunomodulatory activity on the humoral response in 66.7% of the Oryctolagus cuniculus induced to immunodeficiency with cyclophosphamide.

Comparison of Four Oil Extraction Methods for Sinami Fruit (Oenocarpus mapora H. Karst): Evaluating Quality, Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Activity

The sinami palm (Oenocarpus mapora H. Karst) is a plant from the South American Amazonia that has great potential for industrial applications in the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. In this manuscript, the physicochemical properties, total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of sinami oil that was obtained using four extraction systems, namely expeller press extraction (EPE), cold press extraction (CPE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), were studied and compared. The oxidative stability (OSI) was statistically non-significant in EPE and SFE. The chromatic properties (CIELab) were influenced by the extraction methods and SFE presented high values of L* and a lower content of plant pigments. Ultrasound-assisted extraction showed a higher content of polyphenols and higher antioxidant activity. Different analyses for the evaluation of the physicochemical properties, the content of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity were used to classify sinami oil according to chemometrics using principal component analysis (PCA). For example, the sinami oil that was obtained using each extraction method was in a different part of the plot. In summary, sinami oil is an excellent resource for plant pigments. Additionally, the information that was obtained on the quality parameters in this study provided a good foundation for further studies on the characterization of major and minor compounds.

Serum monitoring of carbamazepine in patients with epilepsy and clinical implications

Carbamazepine is a drug with a narrow therapeutic range that requires clinical monitoring, since its toxic effects are not easily predictable, and the therapeutic level can vary. Our study aimed to monitor the serum level and determine the concentration/dose relationship of carbamazepine in people with epilepsy, analyzing its clinical implication. It is observed that 90.48% of the study volunteers present serum level values (4.3–10.4 mg/L) within the therapeutic range (4–12 mg/L); 7.14% present supratherapeutic levels (12.7–14.4 mg/L), 2.38% subtherapeutic (0.93 mg/L). The findings indicate a negative correlation (r = -0.616; r2 = 0.379; p = 0.001), between the dose (mg/day) and the dose ratio (mg/L/mg/day); and a positive correlation (r = 0.544; r2 = 0.296; p = 0.002), between the dose (mg/day)-serum concentration (mg/L). ANOVA and Tukey’s test mean difference is significant (p&lt;0.05). It is concluded that there is a positive and significant linear correlation between daily doses and serum carbamazepine concentrations, which should be considered to individualize the dose and optimize clinical results.

Oil From Three Aguaje Morphotypes (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) Extracted by Supercritical Fluid With CO2: Chemical Composition and Chromatic Properties

The chemical composition and CIELAB color parameters of oil from three aguaje morphotypes (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide was investigated. By chromatography (HPLC and GC), spectrometry (UV/vis), and digital image colorimetry (digital camera), carotenoids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, fatty acids, total polyphenols, and CIELAB color space were analyzed. These findings showed that the oil obtained from morphotype 3 was superior in several analytes (carotenoids, polyphenols, oleic acid, β-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol), while morphotype 2 and morphotype 1 showed very close profiles. The most similar chemical components in the oils of the three morphotypes were stigmasterol (16.00 to 17.81%), β-sitosterol (66.39 to 68.94%), palmitic acid (15.56 to 20.69%), and oleic acid (73.29 to 79.54%). The chromatic parameters (L*, a*, b*, and Cab*) were quite different except for the hue angle (hab) (66.55 to 69.71 U), which showed some similarity. Aguaje oil is an interesting resource that stands out for its high content of carotenoids. All three morphotypes may be suitable for potential commercial applications.

Frequency of CYP2D6*3 and *4 and metabolizer phenotypes in three mestizo Peruvian populations

Wild type genotypes (CYP2D6) and their allelic variants have been described in a sample of a Peruvian mestizo population. The global allele frequency was 0.015 for CYP2D6*3 and 0.051 for CYP2D6*4. The percentages of genotypes described were 97% CYP2D6*1/*1 and 3.0% CYP2D6*1/*3; 90.60% for CYP2D6*1/*1, 8.55% CYP2D6*1/*4 and 0.85% CYP2D6*4/*4. The allelic frequencies of CYP2D6*3 in the Lima subpopulations were 0.022 and 0.010 for Junin; CYP2D6*4 of 0.048, 0.060, and 0.050 for residents of Lima, Junín, and Tacna, respectively. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test for the studied population showed that both frequencies are in equilibrium, p &lt;.05. The metabolizer phenotype was inferred according to the genotypes: 11.54% were classified as intermediate metabolizers (*1/*3 or *1/*4) and 0.85% as poor metabolizers (*4/*4). It is concluded that the frequencies of the CYP2D6*3 and CYP2D6*4 alleles are low for the Peruvian mestizo population compared to the Latin American and tricontinental population, due to their natural population evolution, which is manifested by their decreased metabolic activity, the same that is relevant in clinical practice.

Frequency of CYP1A1*2A polymorphisms and deletion of the GSMT1 gene in a Peruvian mestizo population

The polymorphic variants of CYP1A1 and the deletion of GSTM1 are present in the Peruvian mestizo population. Wild type and mutated genotypes (WT/*2A and *2A/ *2A) were identified, whose allele frequencies are 0.31 (T allele) and 0.69 (C allele), respectively; 53% with wild type GSTM1 (+) and 47% with null GSTM1. The frequency in Iquiteño emigrants was 0.72 CYP1A1*2A and 25% GSTM1 (-); from Lima 0.67 CYP1A1*2A and 33% of GSTM1 (-). The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test for the studied population showed that both frequencies are out of balance, p &gt; .05.

The presence of the risk allele of the CYP1A1*2A polymorphism and the deletion in the GSTM1 gene are high, which could be indicative of a phase I and II metabolic imbalance in this group of Peruvian populations, with potential risks of activating agents procarcinogens thus affecting the incidence of tumor pathologies with an environmental component.

Quantification of a panel for dry-eye protein biomarkers in tears: A comparative pilot study using standard ELISA and customized microarrays

Purpose

This paper examines the tear concentration of cystatin S (CST4), calcyclin (S100A6), calgranulin A (S100A8), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and the correlation between biomarker expression, clinical parameters, and disease severity in patients suffering from dry eye (DE). A comparison of the results is obtained via ELISA tests and customized antibody microarrays for protein quantification.

Methods

This single-center, observational study recruited 59 participants (45 DE and 14 controls). Clinical evaluation included an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, a tear osmolarity (OSM) test, the Schirmer test (SCH), tear breakup time (TBUT), fluorescein (FLUO) and lissamine green (LG) corneal staining, and meibomian gland evaluation (MGE). Tear concentrations of CST4, S100A6, S100A8, and MMP9 were measured using standard individual ELISA assays. The levels of CST4, S100A6, and MMP9 were also measured using customized multiplexed antibody microarrays. Correlations between variables were evaluated, and a significance level was p value <0.05.

Results

The quantification of tear protein biomarkers with ELISA showed that the concentration of CST4 was significantly (2.14-fold) reduced in tears of DE patients in comparison with control (CT) subjects (p < 0.001). S100A6 and S100A8 concentrations were significantly higher in the tears of DE patients (1.36- and 2.29-fold; p < 0.001 and 0.025, respectively) in comparison with CT. The MMP9 level was also higher in DE patients (5.83-fold), but not significantly (p = 0.22). The changes in CST4 and S100A6 concentrations were significantly correlated with dry eye disease (DED) severity. Quantification of CST4, S100A6, and MMP9, using antibody microarrays, confirmed the ELISA results. Similar trends were observed: 1.83-fold reduction for CST4 (p value 0.01), 8.63-fold increase for S100A6 (p value <0.001) and 9.67-fold increase for MMP9 (p value 0.94), but with higher sensitivity. The biomarker concentrations were significantly associated with the signs and symptoms related with DED.

Conclusions

S100A6, S100A8, and CST4 diagnostic biomarkers strongly correlate with DED clinical parameters. S100A6 and CST4 are also useful for grading DE severity. The multiplexed antibody microarray technique, used here for tear multi-marker quantification, appears more sensitive than standard ELISA tests.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in asymptomatic healthcare workers at a clinic in Chile

Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection of healthcare workers (HCWs) has been reported as a key player in the nosocomial spreading of COVID-19. Early detection of infected HCWs can prevent spreading of the virus in hospitals among HCWs and patients. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the asymptomatic infection of HCWs in a private clinic in the city of Santiago, Chile. Our study was conducted during a period of 5 weeks at the peak of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Chile. Nasopharyngeal samples were obtained from 413 HCWs and tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 using RT-qPCR. We found that a 3.14% of HCWs were positive for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 (14/413). Out of these, 7/14 were completely asymptomatic and did not develop symptoms within 3 weeks of testing. Sequencing of viral genomes showed the predominance of the GR clade; however, sequence comparison demonstrated numerous genetic differences among them suggesting community infection as the main focus of transmission among HCWs. Our study demonstrates that the protocols applied to protect HCWs and patients have been effective as no infection clusters due to asymptomatic carriers were found in the clinic. Together, these data suggest that infection with SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs of this health center is not nosocomial.

[Prognosis of patients with COVID-19 admitted to a tertiary center in Chile: A cohort study]

Introduction

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, extensive research has been done on the prognosis of patients with SARS-CoV-2 associated with age, biodemographic conditions, comorbidities, social factors, clinical parameters, inflammatory blood markers, coagulation, biochemical and blood gas parameters, among others. Few studies have addressed this problem in Latin America, so it is of interest to know how the disease plays out in this region.

Objective

The purpose of our study is to evaluate the course of COVID-19 in patients admitted to a tertiary center in Chile and to assess factors measured close to hospital admission that may be associated with death and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation.

Methods

We did a retrospective cohort study at Indisa Clinic in Santiago, Chile. We included all patients aged 15 years and older hospitalized between March 11 and July 25, 2020. Hospital mortality and severity of the cases were analyzed, and logistic regression models were applied to identify predictors of outcome variables.

Results

The sample included 785 subjects. The mean age was 59 years, 59% were men, and 61.3% had comorbidities. Forty five per cent required intensive care, and 24% invasive mechanical ventilation. The overall hospital fatality rate was 18.7%. In intensive care patients, the case fatality was 32.1%, and in those who received invasive mechanical ventilation, it was 59.4%. Independent risk factors for death included age (odds ratio 1.09; 95% confidence interval: 1.07 to 1.12), diabetes (1.68; 1.06 to 2.67), chronic lung disease (2.80; 1.48 to 5.28), increased C-reactive protein, creatinine, and ferritin. No association with sex, public health insurance, history of heart disease, oxygen saturation upon admission, or D-dimer was found. Similar factors were predictors of invasive mechanical ventilation.

Discussion

The prognosis and predictive factors in this cohort of patients hospitalized in Chile for COVID-19 were comparable to those reported in similar studies from higher-income countries. Male sex was not associated with a poor prognosis in this group of patients.

Phytochemical screening and DPPH radical scavenging activity of three morphotypes of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. from Peru, and thermal stability of a milk-based beverage enriched with carotenoids from these fruits

Mauritia flexuosa L.f. is a palm tree which presents great morphological variability (morphotypes), represented mainly by the mesocarp color of its fruits. The objective of the study was to characterize the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of three morphotypes of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. (“Yellow”, “Colour” and “Shambo”) of greater economic importance in the Peruvian Amazon. “Shambo” showed a significantly high content of bioactive compounds (total phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids) and DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to the “Yellow” and “Colour” morphotypes (p ≤ 0.05). There was a significant correlation between DPPH radical scavenging activity and total phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids (p ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, milk-based beverages enriched with carotenoids of those morphotypes of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. have been shown to be a good source of bioactive compounds for use in the food industry. The milk-based beverages enriched with carotenoids of those morphotypes of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. showed higher lightness (L∗) and yellowness (b∗).

Characterization of commercial Sacha inchi oil according to its composition: tocopherols, fatty acids, sterols, triterpene and aliphatic alcohols

Sacha inchi oil (SIO) is one of the largest vegetable oil exports in Peru, used for consumption, in the food industry, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals; it represents a significant economic income for producers. This study addresses the characterization and quantification of fatty acids, tocopherols, sterols, and alcohols of commercial Sacha inchi oils from Peru. Some of the SIO samples received had a high substance consistency, while others differed in the compounds studied. The results showed that some of the commercialized oils present high levels of γ-tocopherol and δ-tocopherol, while other samples had variable fatty acid compositions; especially in α-linolenic, linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids. Fourteen sterols and eleven alcohols were identified (β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, Δ5-avenasterol, triterpene alcohol, lanosterol isomer 1 and cycloartenol) being the major components. Some SIO samples presented the following ratios: The δ-tocopherol/γ-tocopherol ratio was 0.33-0.81, ω-6/ω-3 ratio was 0.77 and a stigmasterol/campesterol ratio of 3.13. The presence of brassicasterol in some commercial oils indicates the addition of rapeseed or canola oil. Tocopherols, fatty acids, sterols and alcohol data provided a classification of SIO samples, by an efficient k-means clustering algorithm analysis. The ANOVA found significant differences between clusters for palmitic acid, oleic acid, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, campesterol and stigmasterol; these compounds could be used as markers of authenticity in commercial Sacha inchi oils.

Early-Onset Invasive Infection Due to Corynespora cassiicola Associated with Compound Heterozygous CARD9 Mutations in a Colombian Patient

PURPOSE

CARD9 deficiency is an inborn error of immunity that predisposes otherwise healthy humans to mucocutaneous and invasive fungal infections, mostly caused by Candida, but also by dermatophytes, Aspergillus, and other fungi. Phaeohyphomycosis are an emerging group of fungal infections caused by dematiaceous fungi (phaeohyphomycetes) and are being increasingly identified in patients with CARD9 deficiency. The Corynespora genus belongs to phaeohyphomycetes and only one adult patient with CARD9 deficiency has been reported to suffer from invasive disease caused by C. cassiicola. We identified a Colombian child with an early-onset, deep, and destructive mucocutaneous infection due to C. cassiicola and we searched for mutations in CARD9.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records and immunological findings in the patient. Microbiologic tests and biopsies were performed. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was made and Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the CARD9 mutations in the patient and her family. Finally, CARD9 protein expression was evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by western blotting.

RESULTS

The patient was affected by a large, indurated, foul-smelling, and verrucous ulcerated lesion on the left side of the face with extensive necrosis and crusting, due to a C. cassiicola infectious disease. WES led to the identification of compound heterozygous mutations in the patient consisting of the previously reported p.Q289* nonsense (c.865C > T, exon 6) mutation, and a novel deletion (c.23_29del; p.Asp8Alafs10*) leading to a frameshift and a premature stop codon in exon 2. CARD9 protein expression was absent in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the patient.

CONCLUSION

We describe here compound heterozygous loss-of-expression mutations in CARD9 leading to severe deep and destructive mucocutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to C. cassiicola in a Colombian child.

Exhaled nitric oxide fraction as an add-on to ACQ-7 for not well controlled asthma detection

BACKGROUND

The measurement of fractional nitric oxide concentration in exhaled breath (FeNO), a noninvasive indicator of airway inflammation, remains controversial as a tool to assess asthma control. Guidelines currently limit asthma control assessment to symptom and spirometry based appraisals such as the Asthma Control Questionnaire-7 (ACQ-7). We aimed at determining whether adding FeNO to ACQ-7 improves current asthma clinical control assessment, through enhanced detection of not well controlled asthma.

METHODS

Asthmatic subjects, classified as not well controlled as per ACQ-7 on regular clinical practice, were included in a prospective, multicenter fashion, and had their maintenance treatment adjusted on visit 1. On follow-up (visit 2) four weeks later, the subjects were reevaluated as controlled or not well controlled using ACQ-7 versus a combination of FeNO and ACQ-7.

RESULTS

Out of 381 subjects enrolled, 225 (59.1%) had not well controlled asthma on visit 2 as determined by ACQ-7, and 264 (69.3%) as per combined FeNO and ACQ-7. The combination of FeNO to ACQ-7 increased by 14.8% the detection of not well controlled asthma following maintenance therapy adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of FeNO to ACQ-7 increased the detectability of not well controlled asthma upon adjustment of maintenance therapy. Adding a measure of airway inflammation to usual symptom and spirometry based scores increases the efficacy of current asthma clinical control assessment.

Ronda clínica y epidemiológica. Uso de variables instrumentales en investigación médica

El papel de la epidemiología, en el contexto del proceso de salud-enfermedad, es dilucidar la relación causal entre uno o más factores de exposición y un resultado o evento de interés. Los criterios de causalidad sugeridos por Sir Austin Bradford Hill se plantearon como una serie de condiciones o requisitos que, en conjunto, sirven para diferenciar la simple asociación de la verdadera causalidad (1): 1) la fuerza de la asociación entre el factor de riesgo y la enfermedad; 2) la consistencia, es decir, que la asociación debe estar sustentada también en otras investigaciones; 3) la especificidad, es decir, el límite de dicha asociación para tipos particulares de exposiciones y desenlaces; 4) que el factor de riesgo anteceda la enfermedad; 5) el gradiente biológico, es decir, una relación clara dosis-respuesta; 6) la plausibilidad biológica; 7) la coherencia, es decir, que no aparezca un conflicto extremo con lo que se conoce de la biología y la historia natural de una enfermedad; 8) la evidencia experimental de reversibilidad o atenuación del efecto si se retira la exposición; y 9) la analogía con otras asociaciones o explicaciones biológicas conocidas y aceptadas como válidas.    

Actitudes implícitas hacia la violencia, conducta antisocial y consumo televisivo en estudiantes universitarios

La alta frecuencia de exhibición de violencia en los medios de comunicación y sus efectos en la conducta de los espectadores ha sido estudiada desde diversos ámbitos, principalmente a  través de medidas explícitas de autorreporte. En la presente investigación se indagó la relación entre las actitudes implícitas hacia la violencia, el comportamiento antisocial y el consumo televisivo, en un diseño transversal, mixto, correlacional y de diferencia de grupos. A los 33 participantes voluntarios se les administraron tres instrumentos: la Tarea de Asociación Implícita, el Cuestionario de Autorreporte de Comportamiento Social Adolescente y el Cuestionario de Consumo Televisivo. No se encontraron correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre las variables; sin embargo, sí se encontró una significativamente mayor incidencia de conductas antisociales reportadas por los hombres que por las mujeres. Se discuten las implicancias de factores socioculturales que podrían incidir en el fenómeno estudiado.

Purple corn (Zea mays L.) phenolic compounds profile and its assessment as an agent against oxidative stress in isolated mouse organs

This study was designed to determine the contents of total polyphenols, flavonoids, flavonols, flavanols, and anthocyanins of purple corn (Zea mays L.) extracts obtained with different methanol:water concentrations, acidified with 1% HCl (1 N). Another objective was to determine the antioxidant activity by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and deoxyribose assay, individual phenolic compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and endogenous antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], and total peroxidase [TPX]) activity and lipid peroxidation activity (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances [TBARS] assay) in isolated mouse organs. Overall, the highest total content of polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids, flavonols, and flavanols was obtained with the 80:20 methanol:water extract, acidified with 1% HCl (1 N). The 50% inhibitory concentration values obtained by the DPPH and ABTS assays with this extract were 66.3 μg/mL and 250 μg/mL, respectively. The antioxidant activity by the FRAP assay was 26.1 μM Trolox equivalents/g, whereas the deoxyribose assay presented 93.6% inhibition. Because of these results, the 80:20 methanol:water extract, acidified with 1% HCl (1 N), was used for the remaining tests. Eight phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC: chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, ferulic acid, morin, quercetin, naringenin, and kaempferol. Furthermore, it was observed that the purple corn extract was capable of significantly reducing lipid peroxidation (lower malondialdehyde [MDA] concentrations by the TBARS assay) and at the same time increasing endogenous antioxidant enzyme (CAT, TPX, and SOD) activities in isolated mouse kidney, liver, and brain. On the basis of the results, it was concluded that the purple corn extract contained various bioactive phenolic compounds that exhibited considerable in vitro antioxidant activity, which correlated well with the decreased MDA formation and increase in activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes observed in the isolated mouse organs. This warrants further in vivo studies with purple corn extracts to assess its antioxidant activity and other bioactivities.

Investigation of a multi-ball, automatic dynamic balancing mechanism for eccentric rotors

This paper concerns an analytical and experimental investigation into the dynamics of an automatic dynamic balancer (ADB) designed to quench vibration in eccentric rotors. This fundamentally nonlinear device incorporates several balancing masses that are free to rotate in a circumferentially mounted ball race. An earlier study into the steady state and transient response of the device with two balls is extended to the case of an arbitrary number of balls. Using bifurcation analysis allied to numerical simulation of a fully nonlinear model, the question is addressed of whether increasing the number of balls is advantageous. It is found that it is never possible to perfectly balance the device at rotation speeds comparable with or below the first natural, bending frequency of the rotor. When considering practical implementation of the device, a modification is suggested where individual balls are contained in separate arcs of the ball race, with rigid partitions separating each arc. Simulation results for a partitioned ADB are compared with those from an experimental rig. Close qualitative and quantitative match is found between the theory and the experiment, confirming that for sub-resonant rotation speeds, the ADB at best makes no difference to the imbalance, and can make things substantially worse. Further related configurations worthy of experimental and numerical investigation are proposed.

[Effect of 3 storage temperatures on the quality of kiwi fruit pulp concentrated at a reduced pressure]

The effect of three storage temperatures (0, -9 and -18 degrees C) of the kiwi-fruit pulp reduced pressure concentrate, by a period of 3 months, in the physical (soluble solids, water activity, consistency and color), chemistry (pH, acidity, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll and pheophytin) and sensorial (appearance, aroma, acidity, sweetness, color and flavor) characteristics were studied. The greater deterioration was produced in the stored pulp to 0 degree C, while to -9 degrees C there is no significative differences, on the other hand, the kiwi-fruit pulp stored to -18 degrees C maintained large part of the original characteristics. It was observed that while the temperature and storage time increased, vitamin C and chlorophyll contents decreased, varying significantly consistency, color and appearance of product. The rest of the analyzed variables did not present significative differences during storage.

[Effect of concentration temperature of kiwi fruit pulp on color, chlorophyll and ascorbic acid]

A study was established to evaluate concentration temperatures (25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 degrees C) on kiwi fruit pulp concentrated to 32 degrees Brix, with vacuum regulation. Munsell and sensorial colour, ascorbic acid and chlorophyll amount remanent were analyzed. Both, 25 and 30 degrees C concentration temperatures treatments, in the most of variables, experimented low deteriorate and differ with the other treatments. Ascorbic acid measurements had not significative differences (P < 0.95). Chlorophyll assays showed a decreased (70%) in the amount remanent over 35 degrees C in comparison to 25 degrees C treatments. 40 and 45 degrees C treatments showed traces of chlorophyll. Sensorial colour did not showed variations on 25 and 30 degrees C treatments; they were classified as bright green. Other treatments present colour deteriorate: 35 degrees C treatment was green-yellowish classified, and 45 degrees C treatments brown-greenish categories. Munsell colour showed the same relations, were increasing the concentration temperatures, decrease the green colour and increase the yellow colour.

Essix appliances. Provisional anterior prosthesis for pre and post implant patients

Missing anterior teeth are being replaced by implant-supported restorations quite frequently in modern dentistry. Providing the patient with a temporary prosthesis prior to or following implant fixture placement must satisfy established esthetic and functional criteria. When orthodontic treatment is included as part of the overall treatment effort, additional considerations include the retention and stabilization of newly established tooth positions. This article describes the fabrication, use and advantages of a provisional anterior prosthesis that replaces missing teeth prior to or following implant placement.