Modelling Polyphenol Extraction through Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction by Machine Learning in Olea europaea Leaves

The study of the phenolic compounds present in olive leaves (Olea europaea) is of great interest due to their health benefits. In this research, different machine learning algorithms such as RF, SVM, and ANN, with temperature, time, and volume as input variables, were developed to model the extract yield and the total phenolic content (TPC) from experimental data reported in the literature. In terms of extract yield, the neural network-based ANNZ-L model presents the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) value in the validation phase (9.44 mg/g DL), which corresponds with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 3.7%. On the other hand, the best model to determine the TPC value was the neural network-based model ANNR, with an RMSE of 0.89 mg GAE/g DL in the validation phase (MAPE of 2.9%). Both models obtain, for the test phase, MAPE values of 4.9 and 3.5%, respectively. This affirms that ANN models would be good modelling tools to determine the extract yield and TPC value of the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) process of olive leaves under different temperatures, times, and solvents.

Sex-related differences in the associations between diurnal cortisol pattern and social and emotional loneliness in older adults

Introduction

Loneliness is a distressful feeling that can affect mental and physical health, particularly among older adults. Cortisol, the primary hormone of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis (HPA-axis), may act as a biological transducer through which loneliness affects health. While most previous studies have evaluated the association between loneliness, as a unidimensional construct, and diurnal cortisol pattern, no research has examined this relationship discriminating between social and emotional loneliness in older adults. As sex differences in the negative mental health outcomes of loneliness have been reported, we also investigated whether diurnal cortisol indices and loneliness associations occur in a sex-specific manner.

Methods

We analyzed the diurnal cortisol- pattern in 142 community-dwelling, non-depressed, Caucasian older adults (55,6% female) aged 60-90. Social and emotional (family and romantic) loneliness scores were assessed using the Spanish version of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA). Five salivary cortisol samples were used to capture key features of the diurnal cortisol pattern, including: awakening and bedtime cortisol levels, awakening response (CAR), post-awakening cortisol output (post-awakening cortisol [i.e., the area under the curve with reference to the ground: AUCG]), total diurnal cortisol release (AUCG), and diurnal cortisol slope (DCS).

Results

After controlling for sociodemographic variables, the hierarchical linear multiple regression analyses revealed that in male older adults, higher scores on social and family loneliness were associated with elevated awakening cortisol levels, total diurnal cortisol output, and a steeper diurnal cortisol slope (DCS). However, these associations were not observed in female older adults. In addition, feelings of romantic loneliness were positively associated with bedtime cortisol levels and AUCG in older males. Multilevel growth curve modeling showed that experiencing more social and emotional loneliness predicted higher diurnal cortisol output throughout the day in older male adults.

Discussion

The presence of sex differences in the relationship between cortisol indices and loneliness among older adults holds particular significance for diagnostic and screening procedures. Combining loneliness scales as screening tools with diurnal cortisol measures has the potential to be an effective and cost-efficient approach in identifying higher-risk individuals at early stages.

[Impact of the "daily huddle" on the safety of pediatric hospitalized patients]

INTRODUCTION

In 2017, the Joint Commission proposed daily meetings called "huddle" as an indicator of quality of care. They are brief daily meetings of the multidisciplinary team, where security problems of the last 24h are shared and risks are anticipated. The objectives were to describe the most frequent safety events in Pediatric wards, implement improvements in patient safety, improve team communication, implement international safety protocols, and measure the satisfaction of the staff involved.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective, longitudinal and analytical design (June 2020-February 2022), with previous educational intervention. Safety incidents, data related to unequivocal identification, allergy and pain records, data from the Scale for the Early Detection of Deficiencies (SAPI) and the Scale for the Secure Transmission of Information (SBAR) were collected. The degree of satisfaction of the professionals was evaluated.

RESULTS

Three hundred forty-eight security incidents were recorded. Medication prescription or administration errors stood out (n=103). Drug prescription or administration errors stood out (n=103), especially those related to high-risk medication: acetaminophen (n=14) (×10 doses of acetaminophen; n=6), insulin (n=6), potassium (n=5) and morphic (n=5). An improvement was observed in the pain record; 5% versus 80% (P<.01), in the SAPI registry 5% versus 70% (P<.01), in SBAER scale 40% vs 100% (P<.01), in unequivocal identification of the patient 80% versus 100%; (P<.01) and in the application of analgesic techniques 60% versus 85% (P=.01). In the survey of professionals, a degree of satisfaction of 8 (7-9.5)/10 was obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

Huddles made it possible to learn about security events in our environment and increase the safety of hospitalized patients, and improved communication and the relationship of the multidisciplinary team.

Validation of the Spanish version of the Memory Failures of Everyday questionnaire in older adults using Rasch analysis

AIM

The Memory Failures of Everyday (MFE) is a widely used instrument for assessing memory failure. The aim of the study was to analyze the MFE items using the Rasch model in a sample of cognitively older adults in Spain.

METHODS

A cross-sectional validation study in a sample of 214 healthy people aged ≥60 years who used centers for older people in Madrid (Spain). The MFE for the assessment of memory complaints was used. The following properties of the Rasch model were assessed: data fit, reliability, unidimensionality, local dependence and lack of differential item functioning by gender, age and marital status.

RESULTS

The MFE showed a good fit to the Rasch model (χ² (140) = 160.2; P = 0.116) and high reliability (person separation index = 0.808). The questionnaire was unidimensional (6.54% t-test; IC binomial = 0.036-0.095). The items showed lack of local dependence between them and differential item functioning. The MFE scores were transformed into linear interval scores with a median of 44.31 and an observed range of 17.9-89.2 (theoretical range: 0-100).

CONCLUSIONS

The MFE is a unidimensional, reliable instrument to assess memory complaints in cognitively healthy older adults in Spain, with usefulness in clinical research and practice. The construct validity of the MFE linear score could not be fully confirmed and this deserves further investigation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 332-337.

Normative Data for Verbal Fluency, Trail Making, and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Tests on Monolingual Spanish-Speaking Older Adults

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to generate updated normative data for commonly used tests in neuropsychological assessment applied to older monolingual Spanish-speaking adults: Verbal fluency tests, the Trail Making Test (TMT), and the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test (ROCF).

METHOD

To obtain normative data, 382 cognitively healthy 60- to 90-year-old Spanish monolingual participants from the Autonomous Community of Madrid (Spain) with 0-22 years education were assessed using an overlapping interval strategy that involved cell and midpoint techniques, and that assessed the influence of age, education, and sex.

RESULTS

Age and education were associated with the scores in the verbal fluency tests, TMT, and ROCF, whereas sex only significantly affected the TMT results. Age-adjusted scaled scores (SSA) based on percentile ranks were also converted into age-education scaled scores (SSAE) using a linear regression model. In addition, tables with the relevant adjustments for sex are provided for TMT-A and TMT-B.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, this study provides updated, uniform normative data for widely used neuropsychological tests on older Spanish adults. The normative procedure followed helps to make consistent comparisons when using these neuropsychological tests, which will improve the interpretation of the data obtained when these tools are employed, reducing the risk of misdiagnosing cognitive impairment in older adults.

A Meta-Analytical Review of Gender-Based School Bullying in Spain

School bullying continues to be one of the main challenges for the education community. Current research indicates that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, and other LGBT+ people suffer the highest rates of bullying, while other studies suggest that this bullying does not occur based on the victim's actual sexual orientation or gender identity, but because they do not fit into the traditional gender roles. The aim of the present study was to carry out a meta-analytical study on the prevalence of gender-based bullying against LGBT+ schoolchildren and adolescents in Spain.

METHODS

The review was carried out following the recommendations of the PRISMA group and allowing us to identify a total of 24 studies. All of these studies were published since 2008, and most of them conducted cross-sectional survey-type research. It was also found that the instrument used to assess bullying varied greatly among studies, resulting in an enormous heterogeneity of research on this topic. Different meta-analyses were carried out according to the profile of involvement in bullying: victimisation, perpetration, and observation. In addition, three target populations were detected in the victimisation research: the general population, pre-identified bullying victims reporting the reasons behind the victimisation, and LGBT+ people.

RESULTS

The meta-analyses conducted with R have estimated the prevalence of observation of gender-based school bullying in Spain at 77.3%, perpetration at 13.3%, and victimisation at 8.6% among the general population. When the research focuses on previously identified victims, the rate was 3.6%, while if LGBT+ people are approached directly, the percentage increases to 51%.

CONCLUSIONS

These rates reveal the need to develop specific preventive strategies in schools. Greater awareness of affective-sexual diversity and respect for those who do not conform to traditional gender roles should be promoted.

Normative data for the Spanish version of the California Verbal Learning Test (TAVEC) from older adults

The aim of this study was to establish normative data for the Spanish version of the California Verbal Learning Test, the Test de Aprendizaje Verbal España-Complutense (TAVEC). Through different subtests, the TAVEC allows verbal learning and episodic memory to be evaluated, an assessment that was carried out on a sample of 382 cognitive healthy Spanish individuals aged 60-90 years old. Unlike the participant's educational level, their age and sex significantly influenced performance in the TAVEC. We provide tables that allow the scaled scores obtained with this test to be adjusted for age and other tables with the relevant adjustments for sex. The normative data obtained in this study will help more precisely interpret the performance of older Spanish adults in the TAVEC, enhancing the utility of this neuropsychological test to evaluate verbal learning and episodic memory in clinical settings and in relation to healthy aging. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Salivary Leucocytes as In Vitro Model to Evaluate Nanoparticle-Induced DNA Damage

Metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have a wide variety of applications in many consumer products and biomedical practices. As a result, human exposure to these nanomaterials is highly frequent, becoming an issue of concern to public health. Recently, human salivary leucocytes have been proposed as an adequate non-invasive alternative to peripheral blood leucocytes to evaluate genotoxicity in vitro. The present study focused on proving the suitability of salivary leucocytes as a biomatrix in the comet assay for in vitro nanogenotoxicity studies, by testing some of the metal oxide NPs most frequently present in consumer products, namely, titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and cerium dioxide (CeO2) NPs. Primary and oxidative DNA damage were evaluated by alkaline and hOGG1-modified comet assay, respectively. Any possible interference of the NPs with the methodological procedure or the hOGG1 activity was addressed before performing genotoxicity evaluation. Results obtained showed an increase of both primary and oxidative damage after NPs treatments. These data support the use of salivary leucocytes as a proper and sensitive biological sample for in vitro nanogenotoxicity studies, and contribute to increase the knowledge on the impact of metal oxide NPs on human health, reinforcing the need for a specific regulation of the nanomaterials use.

Systemic administration of a fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 agonist rescues the cognitive deficit in aged socially isolated rats

Social isolation predominantly occurs in elderly people and it is strongly associated with cognitive decline. However, the mechanisms that produce isolation-related cognitive dysfunction during aging remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the cognitive, electrophysiological, and morphological effects of short- (4 weeks) and long-term (12 weeks) social isolation in aged male Wistar rats. Long-term but not short-term social isolation increased the plasma corticosterone levels and impaired spatial memory in the Morris water maze. Moreover, isolated animals displayed dampened hippocampal long-term potentiation in vivo, both in the dentate gyrus (DG) and CA1, as well as a specific reduction in the volume of the stratum oriens and spine density in CA1. Interestingly, social isolation induced a transient increase in hippocampal basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), whereas fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) levels only increased after long-term isolation. Importantly, subchronic systemic administration of FGL, a synthetic peptide that activates FGFR1, rescued spatial memory in long-term isolated rats. These findings provide new insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the detrimental effects on memory of chronic social isolation in the aged.

Problems in Classifying Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): One or Multiple Syndromes?

As the conceptual, methodological, and technological advances applied to dementias have evolved the construct of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), one problem encountered has been its classification into subtypes. Here, we aim to revise the concept of MCI and its subtypes, addressing the problems of classification not only from the psychometric point of view or by using alternative methods, such as latent class analysis, but also considering the absence of normative data. In addition to the well-known influence of certain factors on cognitive function, such as educational level and cultural traits, recent studies highlight the relevance of other factors that may significantly affect the genesis and evolution of MCI: subjective memory complaints, loneliness, social isolation, etc. The present work will contemplate the most relevant attempts to clarify the issue of MCI categorization and classification, combining our own data with that from recent studies which suggest the role of relevant psychosocial factors in MCI.

First Report of Powdery Mildew on Carrot Caused by Erysiphe heraclei in Michoacan, Mexico

Carrot (Daucus carota L. subsp. sativus (Hoffm.) Arcang.) is planted as a home-grown vegetable in the central region of Michoacan, Mexico. Powdery mildew was observed on carrot plants cv. Nantesa at several locations near Morelia, Michoacan during March 2009. Affected plants had abundant, white, superficial conidia and mycelium on leaves and stems. All plants at each of five locations surveyed had powdery mildew symptoms with percent foliage coverage ranging from 50 to 80%. Mycelial growth was amphigenous, mainly on the upper leaf surface, covering the whole leaf and with irregular patches on inflorescences and stems. Hyphae were ectophytic with lobed appressoria. Conidiophores presented foot cells 22.5 to 35 (30) × 5.75 to 7 (6.3) μm followed by two cells, one shorter and one longer than the foot cell. Conidia were produced singly, most subcylindric to cylindric, lacked fibrosin bodies, and measured 31.2 to 42 (36.2) × 8.7 to 11.2 (10.5) μm. The teleomorph was not observed. Genomic DNA was extracted from infected leaves; sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) inclusive of 5.8S rDNA were amplified using previously described primers specific for Erysiphales (3). The ITS sequences shared 100% homology to Erysiphe heraclei specimen VPRI41227 from carrot in Australia (GenBank Accession No. EU371725). On the basis of the morphological characteristics observed and the ITS rDNA sequences, the pathogen was identified as E. heraclei DC. The ITS sequence was deposited in NCBI as Accession No. GU252368. Pathogenicity tests were conducted twice on a total of 10 healthy 8-week-old carrot plants cv. Nantesa. Infected plants were placed in close proximity to healthy plants and maintained in a greenhouse at 27 ± 5°C. Initial signs and symptoms were observed 3 weeks after inoculation and appeared as small, white colonies, which later coalesced and covered most of the foliage. Microscopic examination of the conidia and mycelial morphology matched the originally described pathogen, E. heraclei. Powdery mildew caused by this pathogen has been extensively reported on diverse species and genera of the Apiaceae in Europe and remains one of the most important diseases of carrot (2). The appearance of E. heraclei in diverse regions on a variety of umbelliferous crops indicates that formae speciales have spread, infecting different and specific hosts (1-3). Recently, E. heraclei has been reported on parsley in Puebla, Mexico (4). To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. heraclei causing powdery mildew on carrot in Michoacan, Mexico. This pathogen should be considered as a threat to commercial carrot crops in Mexico. Other crops in the Apiaceae may not be at risk in this area if this powdery mildew is specific for carrots. References: (1) B. J. Aegerter. Page 22 in: Compendium of Umbelliferous Crop Diseases. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, 2002. (2) U. Braun. The Powdery Mildew (Erysiphales) of Europe. Gustav Fischer-Verlag. Jena, Germany, 1995. (3) J. H. Cunnington et al. Australas. Plant Pathol. 32:421, 2003. (4) M. J. Yáñez-Morales et al. Schlechtendalia 19:47, 2009.

Root Rot of Hydroponically Grown Lettuce Caused by Phytophthora drechsleri in Mexico

During March of 2008, bibb lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants with severe wilting and root rot were observed in a commercial liquid-hydroponic greenhouse in Guanajuato, Mexico. By July of that year, the disease affected most plants in the facility. A Phytophthora sp. was consistently isolated from diseased roots on potato carrot agar. Several Phytophthora isolates were morphologically characterized. Sporulation was achieved by placing colonized disks of clarified V8 juice agar (V8A) into nonautoclaved soil extract (10 g avocado soil/1,000 ml distilled water, stirred for 3 h, and filtered). Sporangia were persistent, nonpapillate, and 40 to 58 μm long × 30 to 40 μm wide. External and internal proliferation was observed. Hyphal swellings were predominantly rounded. Oospores were not observed. The isolates grew on V8A at 35°C. Pathogenicity tests were conducted twice by utilizing a representative isolate (AC1) on bibb lettuce seedlings (10 replicates per experiment). Seeds were placed on sterile, water-soaked paper in petri dishes. After 10 days, each lettuce seedling was placed into a tube containing approximately 2 ml of sterile distilled water and 2,000 zoospores. Control plants were placed in tubes with water only. Plants were incubated for 7 days in a moist chamber at 25°C. Symptoms of wilting and root necrosis were observed 2 to 3 days after inoculation. All plants were dead 5 to 7 days after inoculation. A Phytophthora sp. was always isolated from the roots of inoculated plants. Control plants remained healthy. The pathogen was identified as Phytophthora drechsleri Tucker according to morphological characteristics. To confirm the identity of the pathogen, sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) were obtained from three representative isolates. The ITS sequences that were obtained shared 100% homology to several strains of P. dreschleri, including isolates from cucurbits (GenBank Accession No. AF228097). The ITS sequence was deposited in NCBI as Accession No. FJ790770. P. cryptogea and P. dreschleri have been reported as causing root rot on lettuce grown hydroponically in the United States and Korea (1,2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. drechsleri causing root rot on lettuce in Mexico. References: (1) H. J. Jee et al. Plant Pathol. J. 17:311, 2001. (2) A. R. Linde et al. Plant Dis. 74:1037, 1990.

First Report of Powdery Mildew on Greenhouse Tomatoes Caused by Oidium neolycopersici in Michoacan, Mexico

During June and July of 2007, powdery mildew-infected tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill. cv. Reserve) plants were observed in a commercial greenhouse with an open hydroponic system in Morelia County. Disease incidence increased from 0.5% to more than 90% in 1 month. Infected plants showed leaves with irregular areas of dense, white mycelium covering most of the upper surface. Microscopic analysis showed hyaline, septate hyphae with lobed appressoria. Conidia were ellipsoid to ovoid and 30 to 45 (38) μm × 15 to 20 (16) μm. Conidiophores were erect, 80 to 120 (103) μm, consisted of a foot cell 42 to 67 (56) μm, and two to three short cells. Conidia were produced singly. On the basis of the observed morphological characteristics, the fungus was identified as Oidium neolycopersici L. Kiss (1). Pathogenicity tests were conducted on fourth true-leaf tomato seedlings cv. Reserve under greenhouse conditions (22 ± 5°C). Inoculation was performed by transferring conidia from infected leaves to the leaves of uninfected tomato seedlings with a single-edged razor blade. Powdery mildew symptoms began to develop 7 days after inoculation. Symptoms and morphological characteristics were similar to those observed in the commercial greenhouse. Noninoculated plants remained healthy throughout the experiments. To our knowledge, this is the first report of O. neolycopersici causing powdery mildew on tomato in Michoacan, Mexico. This disease has been reported from Canada, Europe, Japan, the United States (2), and Venezuela (3) on greenhouse and field tomato crops. The observed high incidence and severe infection indicates that this disease may become an important problem in greenhouse tomatoes in Mexico. References: (1) L. Kiss et al. Mycol. Res. 105:684, 2001. (2) L. Kiss et al. Plant Dis. 89:491, 2005. (3) J. O. Montilla et al. Plant Dis. 91:910, 2007.

[Video-polysomnography in preterm infants with birth weight under 1,800 g]

INTRODUCTION

Neonatal video-polysomnography (VPSG) in preterm infants is indicated to rule out sleep-related respiratory disturbances before discharge from neonatal units and to study neonatal sleep patterns and associated pathologic conditions.

OBJECTIVE

To study the presence of apnea, hypopnea, and periodic breathing in preterm infants with low birth weight (< 1,800 g) and to describe their cardio-respiratory variability, electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities, and brain maturity in connection with sleep stages.

METHOD

We performed a cross-sectional, descriptive study through review of the clinical histories of preterm infants with a birth weight < 1,800 g who had undergone VPSG (2001-2003). The most common indication for VPSG was the presence of sleep apneas and oxygen desaturation. The data obtained were used for descriptive statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-one infants were studied, with a mean gestational age of 27.8 weeks and a mean birth weight of 1,158 g. The most frequently associated condition was hyalin membrane disease (68 %). Cardiorespiratory impairment was detected in 65 %, altered sleep pattern in 6 %, immature EEG recording in 32 %, abnormal pattern in 13 %, and immature plus abnormal pattern in 3 %. Sixty-nine percent of the infants required home monitoring and 23 % needed oxygen at home. Four infants were readmitted on several occasions due to apnea.

CONCLUSION

We wish to stress the importance of carrying out VPSG with suitable methodology in preterm infants with cardiorespiratory or neurological impairment in order to detect abnormalities on EEG and to assess brain maturity and sleep-related abnormal respiratory events.