Since 2007,the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC)has heavily relied on the comparison between global climate model hindcasts and global surface temperature(ST)estimates for concluding that post-1950s glob...Since 2007,the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC)has heavily relied on the comparison between global climate model hindcasts and global surface temperature(ST)estimates for concluding that post-1950s global warming is mostly human-caused.In Connolly et al.,we cautioned that this approach to the detection and attribution of climate change was highly dependent on the choice of Total Solar Irradiance(TSI)and ST data sets.We compiled 16 TSI and five ST data sets and found by altering the choice of TSI or ST,one could(prematurely)conclude anything from the warming being“mostly human-caused”to“mostly natural.”Richardson and Benestad suggested our analysis was“erroneous”and“flawed”because we did not use a multilinear regression.They argued that applying a multilinear regression to one of the five ST series re-affirmed the IPCC's attribution statement.They also objected that many of the published TSI data sets were out-of-date.However,here we show that when applying multilinear regression analysis to an expanded and updated data set of 27 TSI series,the original conclusions of Connolly et al.are confirmed for all five ST data sets.Therefore,it is still unclear whether the observed warming is mostly human-caused,mostly natural or some combination of both.展开更多
A treatment based on the acetogenin fraction of the methanol extract of Rollinia occidentalis seeds was applied to soybean crops for three consecutive years. In relation to the control population, the treatment reduce...A treatment based on the acetogenin fraction of the methanol extract of Rollinia occidentalis seeds was applied to soybean crops for three consecutive years. In relation to the control population, the treatment reduced the population of Anticarsia gemmatalis, Rachiplusia nu, Pseudoplusia includens, Loxostege bifidalis and Spodoptera frugiperda to 52% and 65% after 48 h of application at concentrations of 500 and 750 μg/mL respectively, while low toxic effects were detected on natural enemies. The extract treatment at 500 μg/mL and a solution of the annonaceous acetogenin, squamocin, at 50 and 100 μg/mL, were also applied to a corn field to produce 75%, 93% and 100% mortality rates on the population of S. frugiperda, respectively, after 72 h of application. In addition, damages caused by lepidopterans in treated crops were lower than those observed in non treated fields, evaluated by residual biomass. This statement is based on data from trials with the commercially available insecticides lufenuron and cypermethrin.展开更多
AIM:To corroborate the capacity of Phyto V7,a complex of phytochemicals,to improve the physical well-being of human immunodeficiency virus-1(HIV-1) infected and acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS) patients not u...AIM:To corroborate the capacity of Phyto V7,a complex of phytochemicals,to improve the physical well-being of human immunodeficiency virus-1(HIV-1) infected and acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS) patients not undergoing antiretroviral treatment.METHODS:Two hundred and thirty nine HIV-1 seropositive male and female voluntary inmates were recruited through the Uruguay National Program of AIDS.The study participants received for 90 consecutive days every eight hours two tablets(760 mg/each) of Phyto V7,containing a mix of the following phytochemicals:flavonols(Kaempferol,Quercetin),flavones(Apigenin,Luteolin),hydroxycinnamic acids(ferrulic acid),carotenoids(Lutein,Lycopene,Beta carotene) and organosulfur compounds,all from vegetal origin.The participants did not receive any antiretroviral treatment during the study.At days 0,30,60 and 90(± 2 d) the participants were evaluated for body mass index(BMI),tolerance to Phyto V7 and Index of Quality of Life based on the Karfnosky scale.ANOVA,Tukey Post-test,χ2 test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were used to analyze the effect of treatment.RESULTS:One hundred and nighty nine study participants finished the study.Already after 30 d of Phyto V7 consumption,the weight,BMI and Karnofsky score statistically significantly improved(P < 0.001),and continued to improve until the end of the study.The mean weight gain per participant during the 90 d wasof 1.21 kg(approximately 2% of body weight).The overall increase in the mean Karnofsky score after 90 d was 14.08%.The lower the BMI and Karnofsky score of the participants were at the beginning of the study,the more notorious was the improvement over time.For example,the mean increment of Index of Quality of Life,among the participants with an initial Karnofsky score of 5 or below(n = 33) from day 0 to day 90,was of 35.67%(0.476 ± 0.044 vs 0.645 ± 0.09; P < 0.001).The tolerability to Phyto V7 was very good and no adverse reactions were recorded or reported.CONCLUSION:Administration of the Phyto V7 can be an important tool to improve the well-being of HIV-1 seropositive individuals and AIDS patients,not undergoing antiretroviral treatment.展开更多
The Statistical Experimental Design techniques are the most powerful tools for the chemical reactors experimental modeling. Empirical models can be formulated for representing the chemical behavior of reactors with th...The Statistical Experimental Design techniques are the most powerful tools for the chemical reactors experimental modeling. Empirical models can be formulated for representing the chemical behavior of reactors with the minimal effort in the necessary number of experimental runs, hence, minimizing the consumption of chemicals and the consumption of time due to the reduction in the number of experimental runs and increasing the certainty of the results. Four types of nonthermal plasma reactors were assayed seeking for the highest efficiency in obtaining hydrogen and ethylene. Three different geometries for AC high voltage driven reactors, and only a single geometry for a DC high voltage pulse driven reactor were studied. According to the fundamental principles of chemical kinetics and considering an analogy among the reaction rate and the applied power to the plasma reactor, the four reactors are modeled following the classical chemical reactors design to understand if the behavior of the nonthermal plasma reactors can be regarded as the chemical reactors following the flow patterns of PFR (Plug Flow Reactor) or CSTR (Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor). Dehydrogenation is a common elimination reaction that takes place in nonthermal plasmas. Owing to this characteristic, a paraffinic heavy oil with an average molecular weight corresponding to C15 was used to study the production of light olefins and hydrogen.展开更多
2-Hydroxy-4,6-dimethylpyridine-3-carbonitrile and 2-chloro-4,6-dimethylpyridine-3-carbonitrile compounds have been studied from a theoretical point of view in order to know their structural and vibrational properties ...2-Hydroxy-4,6-dimethylpyridine-3-carbonitrile and 2-chloro-4,6-dimethylpyridine-3-carbonitrile compounds have been studied from a theoretical point of view in order to know their structural and vibrational properties in gas and aqueous solution phases by means of Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The stable structures in both media were optimized by using the hybrid B3LYP/6-31G* method and the solvent effects in aqueous solution were studied by using the integral equation formalism of the polarizable continuum model (IEFPCM) employing the selfconsistent reaction field (SCRF) method. Detailed vibrational analyses for both compounds in the two phases were performed combining the DFT calculations with Pulay’s Scaled Quantum Mechanics Force Field (SQMFF) methodology. The different interactions for both compounds were analyzed by means of the bond orders, atomic charges, solvation energies, dipole moments, molecular electrostatic potentials and force constants parameters. The nature of the interactions was studied by using different descriptors.展开更多
The aim of this research was to evaluate the phytochemical profiles of flour from red, yellow and green fruits of Capsicum pubescens (commun name: locoto) and compare with “locoto” commercial powder (Lcp). Soluble p...The aim of this research was to evaluate the phytochemical profiles of flour from red, yellow and green fruits of Capsicum pubescens (commun name: locoto) and compare with “locoto” commercial powder (Lcp). Soluble protein (SP), total sugar (TS), free phenolic compounds (FPC), ascorbic acid (AA), total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA), condensed and hydrolizable tannin (CT, HT) and carotenoids (C) were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Multielemental composition by ICP-MS was also done. The flour showed low amounts of calories and high potassium and low sodium levels. Flour from “locoto” fruits contained mainly carotenoids (0.82 to 20 g Eβ-C/100g DW), polyphenolic compounds (681 - 822 mg GAE/100g DW) and ascorbic acid (100 - 199 mg AA/100g DW). The polyphenolic profile of Lcp was similar to flour obtained in our laboratory but the level of carotenoid was lower than that of flour. The fiber content of flour was around 3% in all cases. All preparations obtained from flour and Lcp showed antioxidant activity with SC50 values between 1.4 and 3 μg GAE/mL. Inhibitory capacity on Lipo-oxygenase enzyme was also demonstrated. Non mutagenic effect was detected. The “locoto” flour showed nutraceutical characteristics that are demanded by functional food and could be used as a dietary supplement.展开更多
There is an increasing interest in food plant with health-giving effects. The aim of this research was to evaluate the phytochemical and nutraceutical profiles of Cyclanthera pedata fruits, a native fruit of the Andea...There is an increasing interest in food plant with health-giving effects. The aim of this research was to evaluate the phytochemical and nutraceutical profiles of Cyclanthera pedata fruits, a native fruit of the Andean region used by Incas communities called achojcha. Soluble protein (SP), total sugar (TS), free phenolic compounds (FPC), ascorbic acid (AA), total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA), condensed and hydrolizable tannin (CT, HT) were evaluated by sprectrophotometric methods in fresh fruits with and without heating and in flour obtained from fruits. Multielemental composition by ICP-MS was done. Antioxidant activity (AOA) was determined by ABTS and Linoleic acid-b-carotene methods. The inhibitory capacity of LOX, a pro-inflammatory enzyme was also analyzed. The achojcha fresh fruits and achojcha flour showed low amount calories. The flour was high in potassium (7400 mg·K/100 g) and low in sodium (77 mg Na/100 g). High levels of FPC (670 mg GAE/100 g) were found together with elevated levels of AA (123 mg AA/ 100 g). The TMA (0.6 mg C3-GE/100 g) as well as HT (3.4 mg PB2E/100 g) were also detected in flour. All preparations obtained with fresh and dried fruits showed AOA with SC50 values between 1.8 to 14.5 μg GAE/mL. Inhibitory capacity on LOX was also demonstrated (IC50 values of 40 μg GAE/mL). The fresh fruits and flour showed nutraceutical characteristics that are demanded by functional food and could be used as dietary supplement.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the potential therapeutic effect of exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus) CRL 1190 fermented milk on chronic gastritis in Balb/c mice. METHODS: Balb/c mice ...AIM: To investigate the potential therapeutic effect of exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus) CRL 1190 fermented milk on chronic gastritis in Balb/c mice. METHODS: Balb/c mice were fed with the fermented milk for 7 d after inducing gastritis with acetyl-salicylic acid (ASA, 400 mg/kg body weight per day for 10 d). Omeprazole was included in this study as a positive therapeutic control. The gastric in? ammatory activity was evaluated from gastric histology and in? ammation score, number of interleukin-10 (IL-10), interferon-γ (INFγ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) cytokine-producing cells in the gastric mucosa, and thickness of the mucus layer. RESULTS: Animals receiving treatment with the EPS-producing S. thermophilus CRL 1190 fermented milk showed a conserved gastric mucosa structure similar to that of healthy animals. In? ammation scores of the fermented milk-treated mice were lower than those of mice in the gastritis group (0.2 ± 0.03 vs 2.0 ± 0.6, P < 0.05). A marked decrease in INFγ+ (15 ± 1.0 vs 28 ± 1.2, P < 0.05) and TNF-α+ (16 ± 3.0 vs 33 ± 3.0, P < 0.05) cells and an increase in IL-10+ (28 ± 1.5 vs 14 ± 1.3, P < 0.05) cells compared to the gastritis group, was observed. Also, an increase in the thickness of the mucus gel layer (2.2 ± 0.6 vs 1.0 ± 0.3; 5.1 ± 0.8 vs 1.5 ± 0.4 in the corpus and antrum mucosa, respectively, P < 0.05) compared with the gastritis group was noted. A milk suspension of the purif ied EPS from S. thermophilus CRL1190 was also effective as therapy for gastritis.展开更多
The population tends to consume foods that in addition to their nutritional values can offer some benefits to their health. There are many epidemiological evidences and research studies in animal models suggesting tha...The population tends to consume foods that in addition to their nutritional values can offer some benefits to their health. There are many epidemiological evidences and research studies in animal models suggesting that diet plays an important role in breast cancer prevention or progression. This review summarized some of the relevant researches about nutrition and cancer during the last years, especially in breast cancer. The analysis of probiotics and fermented products containing lactic acid bacteria in cancer prevention and/or treatment was especially discussed. It was observed that a balance of fatty acids similar to those of traditional Mediterranean diet, the consumption of fruits and vegetables, dietary fiber intake, vitamin supplementation are, along with the intake of probiotic products, the most extensivelystudied by the negative association to breast cancer risk. The consumption of probiotics and fermented products containing lactic acid bacteria was associated to reduce breast cancer risk in some epidemiological studies. The use of animal models showed the modulation of the host's immune response as one of the important effects associated to the benefices observed with most probiotics. However; future assays in human are very important before the medical community can accept the addition of probiotic or fermented milks containing lactic acid bacteria as supplements for cancer patients.展开更多
The Scotia Sea is one of the most biologically rich regions of Antarctica, and it hosts a large community of upper trophic-level predators. Long-term at-sea monitoring provides valuable information on the Antarctic ma...The Scotia Sea is one of the most biologically rich regions of Antarctica, and it hosts a large community of upper trophic-level predators. Long-term at-sea monitoring provides valuable information on the Antarctic marine ecosystem and relationships among top predators. This paper presents the results of at-sea monitoring of seabirds and cetaceans over five consecutive summer seasons (2010--2014) in the Scotia Sea, Antarctica. A total of 11 656 flying birds belonging to 24 species were recorded in 884 ten-minute counts. Six Procellariiformes species were abundant: Black-browed Albatross, Cape Petrel, Southern Fulmar, Antarctic Prion, Wilson's Storm-petrel, and Black-bellied Storm-petrel. Only three of these species accounted for 82% of the total abundance: Antarctic Prion (40%), Southern Fulmar (22%), and Cape Petrel (20%). A total of 678 baleen whales belonging to five species were recorded along a sampling effort of 2 351 nautical miles: Humpback, Sei, Southern Right, Fin, and Minke whales, which had different abundances during the study. The Fin Whale had the highest mean encounter rate for the 5 years (0.29 whales per nautical mile), followed by the Humpback Whale (0.09 whales per nautical mile). Annual dissimilarity in abundance of both seabirds and cetaceans occurred in conjunction with changes in the sea surface temperature and ice cover, showing the dependence of top predators on environmental changes. The largest aggregations of all top predators (seabirds and cetaceans) were recorded in two regions, west and south of the South Orkney Islands, suggesting important prey availability (especially krill) in those areas.展开更多
Different peppers fermentations (Capsicum annum, grossum variety) were assayed: spontaneous, native microflora supplemented individually with Lactobacillus plantarum N8, Leuconostoc mesentereroides L. or Pediococcus p...Different peppers fermentations (Capsicum annum, grossum variety) were assayed: spontaneous, native microflora supplemented individually with Lactobacillus plantarum N8, Leuconostoc mesentereroides L. or Pediococcus pentosaceus 12p and by pure or combined cultures of these lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In order to eliminate the native flora, different kinds of heat treatment were assayed. The treatment selected was heating in autoclaved after research 3/4 atmosphere and to turn off. Fermentations were carried out at 22?C and 30?C and the culture media contained 2% or 0.2% glucose and 4% NaCl. Sugar consumption, pH reduction and acid production were higher at 30℃ than at 22℃. At both temperatures, spontaneous fermentation showed a slower rate reduction in pH than inoculated samples. Diminution in pH in presence of 2% glucose was faster than at 0.2%, but minimum pH was in both case lower than 3.0. Maximum growth was reached between 2 and 5 days of fermentation in all the samples assayed. After 30 days of incubation in presence of 2% glucose the survival of LAB was nearly 5 log ufc/ml. The survival was higher at the lower temperature assayed for both glucose concentrations. Organoleptic properties of peppers fermented with a mixed culture of Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Pediococcus pentosaceus were found best by a human panel. This sample has a relation lactic acid/acetic acid of nearly 3 in the conditions assayed.展开更多
Toxic and nutritional effects of annonaceous acetogenins and their semisynthetic analogues on Spodoptera frugiperda were evaluated. Structural modification of the natural ACG, blocking the OH flanking THF with MOM, al...Toxic and nutritional effects of annonaceous acetogenins and their semisynthetic analogues on Spodoptera frugiperda were evaluated. Structural modification of the natural ACG, blocking the OH flanking THF with MOM, allowed us to suggest the mode of action of ACG in the membrane. Our study emphasizes the role of the flanking OH and acetyl groups of THF with the membrane hydrophilic polar head groups. They are essential structural factors in the ACG that facilitate the intermolecular interaction that dehydrates the membrane and makes it potentially toxic against Spodoptera frugiperda.展开更多
Objective: To evaluate the potential of Smallanthus sonchifolius(S. sonchifolius) roots in ameliorating hepatic damage of rats fed with a high fructose diet.Methods: The effect of S. sonchifolius roots on energy intak...Objective: To evaluate the potential of Smallanthus sonchifolius(S. sonchifolius) roots in ameliorating hepatic damage of rats fed with a high fructose diet.Methods: The effect of S. sonchifolius roots on energy intake, body weight, fat and liver mass was determined in male rats fed with a high-fructose diet. Plasma glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, lipoproteins and aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were analyzed. Histological changes of the livers were evaluated by electronic microscopy and apoptosis was examined using the TUNEL method. The levels of malondialdehyde, reducedglutathione and antioxidant enzymes(catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase) activities were also determined.Results: S. sonchifolius roots significantly decreased energy intake, body weight, fat and liver mass(P < 0.05). S. sonchifolius roots ameliorated liver steatosis and mitochondrial morphology, avoiding cellular apoptosis and normalizing transaminase activity in the liver of rats fed with high fructose. Enzymatic assays revealed that S. sonchifolius roots had a modulatory effect on the oxidative stress induced by fructose-feeding by reducing lipid peroxidation(P < 0.05) and antioxidant enzyme activities(P < 0.05) in liver.Conclusions: S. sonchifolius roots can ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by improving oxidative stress and liver injury.展开更多
The ajenjo,Artemisia mendozana DC.var.mendozana(Asteraceae),grows in the Andean foothills of Mendoza and San Juan,Argentina,and is used as a medicinal plant for its antispasmodic and antifungal properties.The aim of t...The ajenjo,Artemisia mendozana DC.var.mendozana(Asteraceae),grows in the Andean foothills of Mendoza and San Juan,Argentina,and is used as a medicinal plant for its antispasmodic and antifungal properties.The aim of this work was to obtain fractions of a chloroform extract of ajenjo leaves and to evaluate the in vitro effects on proliferation,viability and clonogenicity of B16-F0 melanoma cells.Using a silica gel chromatography column,120 fractions were collected and grouped according to the chromatographic profile in 9 main fractions(F1–F9).Their major compounds identified were:terpenes(F1),terpenes and sesquiterpene lactones(F2–F3),sesquiterpenes(F4–F6)and phenols and sesquiterpenes(F7-9).B16-F0 cells were incubated for 72 h with DMSO(vehicle)or 0.1 mg/ml F1–F9.At 72 h of culture,F1 decreased both the growing index(GI)and cell viability.F2 and F3 both decreased GI and only F3 decreased clonogenic activity.F4 and F5 both decreased GI.Only F5 decreased cell viability and F4 decreased clonogenicity.Consequently,fractions F6–F8 did not affect any of the cell parameters assayed,while F9 decreased cell viability and inhibited clonogenicity.展开更多
We describe two circular morphological features representing depressed areas. This preliminary work is based on visual interpretations from Landsat ETM satellite images and SRTM Radar scans. The two geoforms are locat...We describe two circular morphological features representing depressed areas. This preliminary work is based on visual interpretations from Landsat ETM satellite images and SRTM Radar scans. The two geoforms are located at the north of the Sierras Pampeanas in Argentina. The La Ciénaga circular indentation is 15 km in diameter and Las Cejas is 34 km in diameter. Until now rings of these characteristics, magnitudes and diameters are unknown and unheard of in Argentina.展开更多
This paper presents the longitudinal distribution of total ozone along several latitudinal circles from both hemispheres during a strong geomagnetic storm that occurred on 24 August 2005 after a solar proton event (th...This paper presents the longitudinal distribution of total ozone along several latitudinal circles from both hemispheres during a strong geomagnetic storm that occurred on 24 August 2005 after a solar proton event (the maximum flux of protons with energy > 10 MeV was 1.70 × 107 protons cm-2.day-1.sr-1 on 23 August). For that, we use average daily values of total ozone observations (=column ozone amount) in Dobson units for the period 18-25 August 2005 (obtained from the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer, TOMS). The considered storm occurred after a relatively quiet geomagnetic period and it is not superposed by another perturbation, which permit us to identify clearly the effects of the geomagnetic storm on total ozone. The results show statistically significant decreases in ozone along the latitudinal circles 70°N and 70°S (summer and winter), no statistically significant effects at middle latitudes (40°S) and sparse statistically significant increases at low latitudes (20°S). The role of some mechanisms to explain the features observed is considered.展开更多
We develop the theory of multivariate saddlepoint approximations. Our treatment differs from the one in Barndorff-Nielsen and Cox (1979, equation (4.7)) in two aspects: 1) our results are satisfied for random ve...We develop the theory of multivariate saddlepoint approximations. Our treatment differs from the one in Barndorff-Nielsen and Cox (1979, equation (4.7)) in two aspects: 1) our results are satisfied for random vectors that are not necessarily sums of independent and identically distributed random vectors, and 2) we consider that the sample is taken from any distribution, not necessarily a member of the exponential family of densities. We also show the relationship with the corresponding multivariate Edgeworth approximations whose general treatment was developed by Durbin in 1980, emphasizing that the basic assumptions that support the validity of both approaches are essentially similar.展开更多
Psidium guajava fruits are consumed fresh or processed (beverages, syrup, ice cream, jams and jellies). Guayaba is a fruit highly perishable and susceptible to damage during the postharvest. One strategy to overcome t...Psidium guajava fruits are consumed fresh or processed (beverages, syrup, ice cream, jams and jellies). Guayaba is a fruit highly perishable and susceptible to damage during the postharvest. One strategy to overcome this problem is its processing by using techniques that preserve its organoleptic, nutritive and functional properties and allow getting food with added value. The purpose of this study was to obtain flour from fresh fruits cultivated in Argentina Northwestern by lyophilization and to determine the antioxidant activity and the main phytochemicals present in fresh fruits and flour. Nutritional composition (sugar, protein and fat) and the bioactive phytochemicals (total phenolic compounds, flavonoid phenolic, condensed and hydrolizable tannin, ascorbic acid, pigments such as anthocyanin and carotenoids) as well as fiber content, were evaluated. The flour preserved flavor, aroma and color of pulp from fresh fruits. The flour contained around 30% of sugar, 20% of total protein, 0.5% of fat and high level of crude fiber. Carotenoids and ascorbic acid were the dominant phytochemicals in flour as well as in fresh fruits. The guayaba flour showed antioxidant activity with SC50 values similar to fresh fruits. The flour showed nutraceutical characteristics that are demanded by functional food and could be used as a dietary supplement.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the chemical compositions and antimicrobial potentials of the essential oils and oleoresins obtained from fresh and dried Mentha longifolia L.Methods:Gas chromatography and gas chromatography-...Objective:To investigate the chemical compositions and antimicrobial potentials of the essential oils and oleoresins obtained from fresh and dried Mentha longifolia L.Methods:Gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer techniques were used to determine the profiling of the essential oils and oleoresins.In order to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of the volatile oil and oleoresins,the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus niger(1884),Aspergillus flavus(2479),Fusarium monoliforme(1893),Fusarium graminearum(2088)and Penicillium viridicatum(2007)were undertaken whereas four pathogenic bacteria Bacillus subtilis(1790),Staphylococcus aureus(3103)(Gram-positive),Escherichia coli(1672),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(1942)(Gram-negative)were selected for the present study.Food poisoned,inverted Petri plate,agar well diffusion and disk diffusion methods were employed for investigating antimicrobial potentials.Results:Piperitenone oxide,an oxygenated monoterpene,dominated the chemical compositions of essential oils and oleoresins whose compositions varied from 23.5%-87.8%.Both essential oils showed good antifungal activities against Aspergillus and Fusarium species.The antibacterial investigations revealed that Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to the essential oils.Conclusions:Drying the fresh herbal materials influences the chemical contents and the biological activities of the essential oils and oleoresins.Such results indicate that essential oils of Mentha longifolia L.can be possible candidates for further investigations to isolate and characterize their active principles as possible new natural preservatives.展开更多
基金financial support from the Center for Environmental Research and Earth Sciences(CERES,www.ceres-science.com)while carrying out the research for this paperlong-term support from NASA,NSF,Tennessee State University,and the State of Tennessee through its Centers of Excellence Programthe support of the grant PID-5265TC of the National Technological University of Argentina。
文摘Since 2007,the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC)has heavily relied on the comparison between global climate model hindcasts and global surface temperature(ST)estimates for concluding that post-1950s global warming is mostly human-caused.In Connolly et al.,we cautioned that this approach to the detection and attribution of climate change was highly dependent on the choice of Total Solar Irradiance(TSI)and ST data sets.We compiled 16 TSI and five ST data sets and found by altering the choice of TSI or ST,one could(prematurely)conclude anything from the warming being“mostly human-caused”to“mostly natural.”Richardson and Benestad suggested our analysis was“erroneous”and“flawed”because we did not use a multilinear regression.They argued that applying a multilinear regression to one of the five ST series re-affirmed the IPCC's attribution statement.They also objected that many of the published TSI data sets were out-of-date.However,here we show that when applying multilinear regression analysis to an expanded and updated data set of 27 TSI series,the original conclusions of Connolly et al.are confirmed for all five ST data sets.Therefore,it is still unclear whether the observed warming is mostly human-caused,mostly natural or some combination of both.
文摘A treatment based on the acetogenin fraction of the methanol extract of Rollinia occidentalis seeds was applied to soybean crops for three consecutive years. In relation to the control population, the treatment reduced the population of Anticarsia gemmatalis, Rachiplusia nu, Pseudoplusia includens, Loxostege bifidalis and Spodoptera frugiperda to 52% and 65% after 48 h of application at concentrations of 500 and 750 μg/mL respectively, while low toxic effects were detected on natural enemies. The extract treatment at 500 μg/mL and a solution of the annonaceous acetogenin, squamocin, at 50 and 100 μg/mL, were also applied to a corn field to produce 75%, 93% and 100% mortality rates on the population of S. frugiperda, respectively, after 72 h of application. In addition, damages caused by lepidopterans in treated crops were lower than those observed in non treated fields, evaluated by residual biomass. This statement is based on data from trials with the commercially available insecticides lufenuron and cypermethrin.
文摘AIM:To corroborate the capacity of Phyto V7,a complex of phytochemicals,to improve the physical well-being of human immunodeficiency virus-1(HIV-1) infected and acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS) patients not undergoing antiretroviral treatment.METHODS:Two hundred and thirty nine HIV-1 seropositive male and female voluntary inmates were recruited through the Uruguay National Program of AIDS.The study participants received for 90 consecutive days every eight hours two tablets(760 mg/each) of Phyto V7,containing a mix of the following phytochemicals:flavonols(Kaempferol,Quercetin),flavones(Apigenin,Luteolin),hydroxycinnamic acids(ferrulic acid),carotenoids(Lutein,Lycopene,Beta carotene) and organosulfur compounds,all from vegetal origin.The participants did not receive any antiretroviral treatment during the study.At days 0,30,60 and 90(± 2 d) the participants were evaluated for body mass index(BMI),tolerance to Phyto V7 and Index of Quality of Life based on the Karfnosky scale.ANOVA,Tukey Post-test,χ2 test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were used to analyze the effect of treatment.RESULTS:One hundred and nighty nine study participants finished the study.Already after 30 d of Phyto V7 consumption,the weight,BMI and Karnofsky score statistically significantly improved(P < 0.001),and continued to improve until the end of the study.The mean weight gain per participant during the 90 d wasof 1.21 kg(approximately 2% of body weight).The overall increase in the mean Karnofsky score after 90 d was 14.08%.The lower the BMI and Karnofsky score of the participants were at the beginning of the study,the more notorious was the improvement over time.For example,the mean increment of Index of Quality of Life,among the participants with an initial Karnofsky score of 5 or below(n = 33) from day 0 to day 90,was of 35.67%(0.476 ± 0.044 vs 0.645 ± 0.09; P < 0.001).The tolerability to Phyto V7 was very good and no adverse reactions were recorded or reported.CONCLUSION:Administration of the Phyto V7 can be an important tool to improve the well-being of HIV-1 seropositive individuals and AIDS patients,not undergoing antiretroviral treatment.
文摘The Statistical Experimental Design techniques are the most powerful tools for the chemical reactors experimental modeling. Empirical models can be formulated for representing the chemical behavior of reactors with the minimal effort in the necessary number of experimental runs, hence, minimizing the consumption of chemicals and the consumption of time due to the reduction in the number of experimental runs and increasing the certainty of the results. Four types of nonthermal plasma reactors were assayed seeking for the highest efficiency in obtaining hydrogen and ethylene. Three different geometries for AC high voltage driven reactors, and only a single geometry for a DC high voltage pulse driven reactor were studied. According to the fundamental principles of chemical kinetics and considering an analogy among the reaction rate and the applied power to the plasma reactor, the four reactors are modeled following the classical chemical reactors design to understand if the behavior of the nonthermal plasma reactors can be regarded as the chemical reactors following the flow patterns of PFR (Plug Flow Reactor) or CSTR (Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor). Dehydrogenation is a common elimination reaction that takes place in nonthermal plasmas. Owing to this characteristic, a paraffinic heavy oil with an average molecular weight corresponding to C15 was used to study the production of light olefins and hydrogen.
文摘2-Hydroxy-4,6-dimethylpyridine-3-carbonitrile and 2-chloro-4,6-dimethylpyridine-3-carbonitrile compounds have been studied from a theoretical point of view in order to know their structural and vibrational properties in gas and aqueous solution phases by means of Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The stable structures in both media were optimized by using the hybrid B3LYP/6-31G* method and the solvent effects in aqueous solution were studied by using the integral equation formalism of the polarizable continuum model (IEFPCM) employing the selfconsistent reaction field (SCRF) method. Detailed vibrational analyses for both compounds in the two phases were performed combining the DFT calculations with Pulay’s Scaled Quantum Mechanics Force Field (SQMFF) methodology. The different interactions for both compounds were analyzed by means of the bond orders, atomic charges, solvation energies, dipole moments, molecular electrostatic potentials and force constants parameters. The nature of the interactions was studied by using different descriptors.
基金the financial support from Consejo de Investigación de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán(CIUNT 26 D-430)Argentina,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas(CONICET PIP-704)Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Técnica(PICT 2011-1959),Argentina.
文摘The aim of this research was to evaluate the phytochemical profiles of flour from red, yellow and green fruits of Capsicum pubescens (commun name: locoto) and compare with “locoto” commercial powder (Lcp). Soluble protein (SP), total sugar (TS), free phenolic compounds (FPC), ascorbic acid (AA), total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA), condensed and hydrolizable tannin (CT, HT) and carotenoids (C) were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Multielemental composition by ICP-MS was also done. The flour showed low amounts of calories and high potassium and low sodium levels. Flour from “locoto” fruits contained mainly carotenoids (0.82 to 20 g Eβ-C/100g DW), polyphenolic compounds (681 - 822 mg GAE/100g DW) and ascorbic acid (100 - 199 mg AA/100g DW). The polyphenolic profile of Lcp was similar to flour obtained in our laboratory but the level of carotenoid was lower than that of flour. The fiber content of flour was around 3% in all cases. All preparations obtained from flour and Lcp showed antioxidant activity with SC50 values between 1.4 and 3 μg GAE/mL. Inhibitory capacity on Lipo-oxygenase enzyme was also demonstrated. Non mutagenic effect was detected. The “locoto” flour showed nutraceutical characteristics that are demanded by functional food and could be used as a dietary supplement.
基金The authors thank the inhabitants of the areas of study for their cooperation and acknowledge the financial sup-port from Consejo de Investigación de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán(CIUNT 26 D-430)Argentina and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Téc-nicas(CONICET PIP-704),Argentina.
文摘There is an increasing interest in food plant with health-giving effects. The aim of this research was to evaluate the phytochemical and nutraceutical profiles of Cyclanthera pedata fruits, a native fruit of the Andean region used by Incas communities called achojcha. Soluble protein (SP), total sugar (TS), free phenolic compounds (FPC), ascorbic acid (AA), total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA), condensed and hydrolizable tannin (CT, HT) were evaluated by sprectrophotometric methods in fresh fruits with and without heating and in flour obtained from fruits. Multielemental composition by ICP-MS was done. Antioxidant activity (AOA) was determined by ABTS and Linoleic acid-b-carotene methods. The inhibitory capacity of LOX, a pro-inflammatory enzyme was also analyzed. The achojcha fresh fruits and achojcha flour showed low amount calories. The flour was high in potassium (7400 mg·K/100 g) and low in sodium (77 mg Na/100 g). High levels of FPC (670 mg GAE/100 g) were found together with elevated levels of AA (123 mg AA/ 100 g). The TMA (0.6 mg C3-GE/100 g) as well as HT (3.4 mg PB2E/100 g) were also detected in flour. All preparations obtained with fresh and dried fruits showed AOA with SC50 values between 1.8 to 14.5 μg GAE/mL. Inhibitory capacity on LOX was also demonstrated (IC50 values of 40 μg GAE/mL). The fresh fruits and flour showed nutraceutical characteristics that are demanded by functional food and could be used as dietary supplement.
基金Supported by CONICET, ANPCyT (project BID 1728 OC/AR PICTR 20801) and CIUNT, Argentina
文摘AIM: To investigate the potential therapeutic effect of exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus) CRL 1190 fermented milk on chronic gastritis in Balb/c mice. METHODS: Balb/c mice were fed with the fermented milk for 7 d after inducing gastritis with acetyl-salicylic acid (ASA, 400 mg/kg body weight per day for 10 d). Omeprazole was included in this study as a positive therapeutic control. The gastric in? ammatory activity was evaluated from gastric histology and in? ammation score, number of interleukin-10 (IL-10), interferon-γ (INFγ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) cytokine-producing cells in the gastric mucosa, and thickness of the mucus layer. RESULTS: Animals receiving treatment with the EPS-producing S. thermophilus CRL 1190 fermented milk showed a conserved gastric mucosa structure similar to that of healthy animals. In? ammation scores of the fermented milk-treated mice were lower than those of mice in the gastritis group (0.2 ± 0.03 vs 2.0 ± 0.6, P < 0.05). A marked decrease in INFγ+ (15 ± 1.0 vs 28 ± 1.2, P < 0.05) and TNF-α+ (16 ± 3.0 vs 33 ± 3.0, P < 0.05) cells and an increase in IL-10+ (28 ± 1.5 vs 14 ± 1.3, P < 0.05) cells compared to the gastritis group, was observed. Also, an increase in the thickness of the mucus gel layer (2.2 ± 0.6 vs 1.0 ± 0.3; 5.1 ± 0.8 vs 1.5 ± 0.4 in the corpus and antrum mucosa, respectively, P < 0.05) compared with the gastritis group was noted. A milk suspension of the purif ied EPS from S. thermophilus CRL1190 was also effective as therapy for gastritis.
基金Supported by Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas(CONICET)Argentina and Consejo de Investigación de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán,Argentina,No.CIUNT-26/D442
文摘The population tends to consume foods that in addition to their nutritional values can offer some benefits to their health. There are many epidemiological evidences and research studies in animal models suggesting that diet plays an important role in breast cancer prevention or progression. This review summarized some of the relevant researches about nutrition and cancer during the last years, especially in breast cancer. The analysis of probiotics and fermented products containing lactic acid bacteria in cancer prevention and/or treatment was especially discussed. It was observed that a balance of fatty acids similar to those of traditional Mediterranean diet, the consumption of fruits and vegetables, dietary fiber intake, vitamin supplementation are, along with the intake of probiotic products, the most extensivelystudied by the negative association to breast cancer risk. The consumption of probiotics and fermented products containing lactic acid bacteria was associated to reduce breast cancer risk in some epidemiological studies. The use of animal models showed the modulation of the host's immune response as one of the important effects associated to the benefices observed with most probiotics. However; future assays in human are very important before the medical community can accept the addition of probiotic or fermented milks containing lactic acid bacteria as supplements for cancer patients.
基金carried out with logistic and financial support from the Instituto Antártico Argentino
文摘The Scotia Sea is one of the most biologically rich regions of Antarctica, and it hosts a large community of upper trophic-level predators. Long-term at-sea monitoring provides valuable information on the Antarctic marine ecosystem and relationships among top predators. This paper presents the results of at-sea monitoring of seabirds and cetaceans over five consecutive summer seasons (2010--2014) in the Scotia Sea, Antarctica. A total of 11 656 flying birds belonging to 24 species were recorded in 884 ten-minute counts. Six Procellariiformes species were abundant: Black-browed Albatross, Cape Petrel, Southern Fulmar, Antarctic Prion, Wilson's Storm-petrel, and Black-bellied Storm-petrel. Only three of these species accounted for 82% of the total abundance: Antarctic Prion (40%), Southern Fulmar (22%), and Cape Petrel (20%). A total of 678 baleen whales belonging to five species were recorded along a sampling effort of 2 351 nautical miles: Humpback, Sei, Southern Right, Fin, and Minke whales, which had different abundances during the study. The Fin Whale had the highest mean encounter rate for the 5 years (0.29 whales per nautical mile), followed by the Humpback Whale (0.09 whales per nautical mile). Annual dissimilarity in abundance of both seabirds and cetaceans occurred in conjunction with changes in the sea surface temperature and ice cover, showing the dependence of top predators on environmental changes. The largest aggregations of all top predators (seabirds and cetaceans) were recorded in two regions, west and south of the South Orkney Islands, suggesting important prey availability (especially krill) in those areas.
文摘Different peppers fermentations (Capsicum annum, grossum variety) were assayed: spontaneous, native microflora supplemented individually with Lactobacillus plantarum N8, Leuconostoc mesentereroides L. or Pediococcus pentosaceus 12p and by pure or combined cultures of these lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In order to eliminate the native flora, different kinds of heat treatment were assayed. The treatment selected was heating in autoclaved after research 3/4 atmosphere and to turn off. Fermentations were carried out at 22?C and 30?C and the culture media contained 2% or 0.2% glucose and 4% NaCl. Sugar consumption, pH reduction and acid production were higher at 30℃ than at 22℃. At both temperatures, spontaneous fermentation showed a slower rate reduction in pH than inoculated samples. Diminution in pH in presence of 2% glucose was faster than at 0.2%, but minimum pH was in both case lower than 3.0. Maximum growth was reached between 2 and 5 days of fermentation in all the samples assayed. After 30 days of incubation in presence of 2% glucose the survival of LAB was nearly 5 log ufc/ml. The survival was higher at the lower temperature assayed for both glucose concentrations. Organoleptic properties of peppers fermented with a mixed culture of Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Pediococcus pentosaceus were found best by a human panel. This sample has a relation lactic acid/acetic acid of nearly 3 in the conditions assayed.
文摘Toxic and nutritional effects of annonaceous acetogenins and their semisynthetic analogues on Spodoptera frugiperda were evaluated. Structural modification of the natural ACG, blocking the OH flanking THF with MOM, allowed us to suggest the mode of action of ACG in the membrane. Our study emphasizes the role of the flanking OH and acetyl groups of THF with the membrane hydrophilic polar head groups. They are essential structural factors in the ACG that facilitate the intermolecular interaction that dehydrates the membrane and makes it potentially toxic against Spodoptera frugiperda.
基金supported by PIP 2015(no.183)(CONICET Argentina)PICT 2013(no.1949)+2 种基金PICT-2017(no.3941)(ANPCyT,Argentina)PIUNT2018 D619(SCAIT-UNT,Argentina),grants to SSS and SMHCONICET fellowship
文摘Objective: To evaluate the potential of Smallanthus sonchifolius(S. sonchifolius) roots in ameliorating hepatic damage of rats fed with a high fructose diet.Methods: The effect of S. sonchifolius roots on energy intake, body weight, fat and liver mass was determined in male rats fed with a high-fructose diet. Plasma glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, lipoproteins and aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were analyzed. Histological changes of the livers were evaluated by electronic microscopy and apoptosis was examined using the TUNEL method. The levels of malondialdehyde, reducedglutathione and antioxidant enzymes(catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase) activities were also determined.Results: S. sonchifolius roots significantly decreased energy intake, body weight, fat and liver mass(P < 0.05). S. sonchifolius roots ameliorated liver steatosis and mitochondrial morphology, avoiding cellular apoptosis and normalizing transaminase activity in the liver of rats fed with high fructose. Enzymatic assays revealed that S. sonchifolius roots had a modulatory effect on the oxidative stress induced by fructose-feeding by reducing lipid peroxidation(P < 0.05) and antioxidant enzyme activities(P < 0.05) in liver.Conclusions: S. sonchifolius roots can ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by improving oxidative stress and liver injury.
文摘The ajenjo,Artemisia mendozana DC.var.mendozana(Asteraceae),grows in the Andean foothills of Mendoza and San Juan,Argentina,and is used as a medicinal plant for its antispasmodic and antifungal properties.The aim of this work was to obtain fractions of a chloroform extract of ajenjo leaves and to evaluate the in vitro effects on proliferation,viability and clonogenicity of B16-F0 melanoma cells.Using a silica gel chromatography column,120 fractions were collected and grouped according to the chromatographic profile in 9 main fractions(F1–F9).Their major compounds identified were:terpenes(F1),terpenes and sesquiterpene lactones(F2–F3),sesquiterpenes(F4–F6)and phenols and sesquiterpenes(F7-9).B16-F0 cells were incubated for 72 h with DMSO(vehicle)or 0.1 mg/ml F1–F9.At 72 h of culture,F1 decreased both the growing index(GI)and cell viability.F2 and F3 both decreased GI and only F3 decreased clonogenic activity.F4 and F5 both decreased GI.Only F5 decreased cell viability and F4 decreased clonogenicity.Consequently,fractions F6–F8 did not affect any of the cell parameters assayed,while F9 decreased cell viability and inhibited clonogenicity.
文摘We describe two circular morphological features representing depressed areas. This preliminary work is based on visual interpretations from Landsat ETM satellite images and SRTM Radar scans. The two geoforms are located at the north of the Sierras Pampeanas in Argentina. The La Ciénaga circular indentation is 15 km in diameter and Las Cejas is 34 km in diameter. Until now rings of these characteristics, magnitudes and diameters are unknown and unheard of in Argentina.
文摘This paper presents the longitudinal distribution of total ozone along several latitudinal circles from both hemispheres during a strong geomagnetic storm that occurred on 24 August 2005 after a solar proton event (the maximum flux of protons with energy > 10 MeV was 1.70 × 107 protons cm-2.day-1.sr-1 on 23 August). For that, we use average daily values of total ozone observations (=column ozone amount) in Dobson units for the period 18-25 August 2005 (obtained from the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer, TOMS). The considered storm occurred after a relatively quiet geomagnetic period and it is not superposed by another perturbation, which permit us to identify clearly the effects of the geomagnetic storm on total ozone. The results show statistically significant decreases in ozone along the latitudinal circles 70°N and 70°S (summer and winter), no statistically significant effects at middle latitudes (40°S) and sparse statistically significant increases at low latitudes (20°S). The role of some mechanisms to explain the features observed is considered.
文摘We develop the theory of multivariate saddlepoint approximations. Our treatment differs from the one in Barndorff-Nielsen and Cox (1979, equation (4.7)) in two aspects: 1) our results are satisfied for random vectors that are not necessarily sums of independent and identically distributed random vectors, and 2) we consider that the sample is taken from any distribution, not necessarily a member of the exponential family of densities. We also show the relationship with the corresponding multivariate Edgeworth approximations whose general treatment was developed by Durbin in 1980, emphasizing that the basic assumptions that support the validity of both approaches are essentially similar.
基金the financial support from Consejo de Investigación de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán(CIUNT 26 D-430)Argentina,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas(CONICET PIP-704)Argentina and Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Técnica(ANPCyT,PICT 1959).
文摘Psidium guajava fruits are consumed fresh or processed (beverages, syrup, ice cream, jams and jellies). Guayaba is a fruit highly perishable and susceptible to damage during the postharvest. One strategy to overcome this problem is its processing by using techniques that preserve its organoleptic, nutritive and functional properties and allow getting food with added value. The purpose of this study was to obtain flour from fresh fruits cultivated in Argentina Northwestern by lyophilization and to determine the antioxidant activity and the main phytochemicals present in fresh fruits and flour. Nutritional composition (sugar, protein and fat) and the bioactive phytochemicals (total phenolic compounds, flavonoid phenolic, condensed and hydrolizable tannin, ascorbic acid, pigments such as anthocyanin and carotenoids) as well as fiber content, were evaluated. The flour preserved flavor, aroma and color of pulp from fresh fruits. The flour contained around 30% of sugar, 20% of total protein, 0.5% of fat and high level of crude fiber. Carotenoids and ascorbic acid were the dominant phytochemicals in flour as well as in fresh fruits. The guayaba flour showed antioxidant activity with SC50 values similar to fresh fruits. The flour showed nutraceutical characteristics that are demanded by functional food and could be used as a dietary supplement.
基金Supported by the University Grants Commission(Granted No.F.17-28/2008 SA-I).
文摘Objective:To investigate the chemical compositions and antimicrobial potentials of the essential oils and oleoresins obtained from fresh and dried Mentha longifolia L.Methods:Gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer techniques were used to determine the profiling of the essential oils and oleoresins.In order to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of the volatile oil and oleoresins,the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus niger(1884),Aspergillus flavus(2479),Fusarium monoliforme(1893),Fusarium graminearum(2088)and Penicillium viridicatum(2007)were undertaken whereas four pathogenic bacteria Bacillus subtilis(1790),Staphylococcus aureus(3103)(Gram-positive),Escherichia coli(1672),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(1942)(Gram-negative)were selected for the present study.Food poisoned,inverted Petri plate,agar well diffusion and disk diffusion methods were employed for investigating antimicrobial potentials.Results:Piperitenone oxide,an oxygenated monoterpene,dominated the chemical compositions of essential oils and oleoresins whose compositions varied from 23.5%-87.8%.Both essential oils showed good antifungal activities against Aspergillus and Fusarium species.The antibacterial investigations revealed that Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to the essential oils.Conclusions:Drying the fresh herbal materials influences the chemical contents and the biological activities of the essential oils and oleoresins.Such results indicate that essential oils of Mentha longifolia L.can be possible candidates for further investigations to isolate and characterize their active principles as possible new natural preservatives.