Effect of Ultrasound Treatment on Structural and Physical Properties of Native Maize Starch.

The focus of this work was to evaluate the differences between the thermal and mechanical effects generated by ultrasound waves on the properties of corn starch, which facilitate the subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis for the generation of porous starches. The results showed that both the thermal and mechanical effects have the capacity to disorganize/alter the structure of starch, impacting on its properties. Characteristics such as particle size, pasting and thermal properties (peak viscosity 1400-1800 cp.

Specific Rosetta-based protein-peptide prediction protocol allows the design of novel cholinesterase inhibitor peptides.

The search for novel cholinesterase inhibitors is essential for advancing treatments for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we employed the Rosetta pepspec module, originally developed for designing peptides targeting protein-protein interactions, to design de novo peptides targeting the peripheral aromatic site (PAS) of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). A total of nine peptides were designed for human AChE (hAChE), T.

Current State of Research on Health-Promoting Functional Properties in Berry-Based Foods.

Purpose Of Review: This review aims to consolidate recent findings on the development and functional validation of berry-based foods while proposing guidelines for future advancements.

Recent Findings: Current investigations on berry-based functional foods (dairy and bakery products, snacks, etc.) emphasize their potential health benefits, including antioxidant effects, glycemic control, enzyme modulation, among others.

Amphibian-Derived Peptides as Natural Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro): A Combined In Vitro and In Silico Approach.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has highlighted the urgent need for novel therapeutic agents targeting viral enzymes such as the main protease (Mpro), which plays a crucial role in viral replication. In this study, we investigate the inhibitory potential of 23 peptides isolated from the skin of amphibians belonging to the Hylidae and Leptodactylidae families against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Five peptides demonstrated significant inhibition using a colorimetric Mpro inhibition assay, with IC50 values ranging from 41 to 203 µM.

Conformational versatility among crystalline solids of L-phenylalanine derivatives.

In this study, we present a new N-derivative of L-phenylalanine with 2-naphthaldehyde (PN), obtained by the Schiff base formation procedure and its subsequent reduction. This compound was crystallized as a zwitterion {2-[(naphthalen-2-ylmethyl)azaniumyl]-3-phenylpropanoate, CHNO}, as an anion in a sodium salt (catena-poly[[diaquasodium(I)-di-μ-aqua] 2-[(naphthalen-2-ylmethyl)amino]-3-phenylpropanoate monohydrate], {[Na(HO)](CHNO)·HO}), as a cation in a chloride salt [(1-carboxy-2-phenylethyl)(naphthalen-2-ylmethyl)azanium chloride acetic acid monosolvate, CHNO·Cl·CHCOOH], and additionally acting as a ligand in the pentacoordinated zinc compound aquabis{2-[(naphthalen-2-ylmethyl)amino]-3-phenylpropanoato-κO}zinc(II), [Zn(CHNO)(HO)] or [Zn(PN)(HO)], denoted (PN-Zn), with the amino acid derivative in its carboxylate form.

Pectin obtention from agroindustrial wastes of using green solvents (citric acid and natural deep eutectic solvents). Chemical, thermal, and rheological characterization.

The use of green solvents, citric acid (CA), and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) for the obtention of pectin from wastes (pulp and peel) of was studied. The NADES used comprised citric acid-glucose-water (N1) or lactic acid-glucose-water (N2). The fractions rich in pectin obtained after exposure to NADES showed lower yield (≈4 g/100 g CA vs.

Impact of glyphosate herbicide exposure on sperm motility, fertilization, and embryo-larval survival of pejerrey fish (Odontesthes bonariensis).

The herbicide glyphosate is widely used in agricultural practices around the world, can reach aquatic environments, and potentially impact non-target organisms. This study aimed to investigate the effects of glyphosate exposure (both as the active ingredient and its formulated product) on sperm quality, fertilization success, and development of pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis), a native freshwater fish species from Argentina. Results revealed a statistically significant increase in sperm motility at the highest concentration of the formulated product.

Update of diagnostic methods in tuberculosis (TB).

The WHO aims to reduce the number of deaths from TB by 95% and decrease its incidence rate by 90% between 2015 and 2035. The recommended rapid diagnostic tests are accurate and cost-effective, allow for a prompt start to treatment, and influence other outcomes that are important to the patient. To detect latent infection, the tuberculin skin test and interferon γ release (IGRA) tests are used.

Recommendations on NMOSD treatment in Latin America: Utilizing consensus-based RAND/UCLA methodology.

Introduction: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a serious condition affecting people worldwide, including Latin America (LATAM). Healthcare disparities and economic limitations make effective treatment access challenging. It is crucial to consider the best practice therapeutic decision-making, including emerging long-term preventive therapies, to ensure patients in LATAM and elsewhere can effectively manage their disease all over the world.

Defending Ti6Al4V against Biofilm Formation with Albumin Biofunctionalization.

Surface biofunctionalization with structurally perturbed albumin, as well as with other plasmatic proteins, inhibits the initial bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, involved in numerous healthcare-associated infections. In fact, we have reported this protective effect with thermally treated plasmatic proteins, such as albumin and fibrinogen, adsorbed on flat silica surfaces. Here, we show that albumin biofunctionalization also works properly on flat Ti6Al4V substrates, which are widely used to fabricate medical devices.

Dredging and sediment discharge in a river with floodplain. Physicochemical and microbiological effects in Paraná river.

Alterations caused by human activities in the environment, such as dredging, modify the physicochemical conditions and affect the habitat. Maintenance dredging that allows large vessels access to inland ports is a recurring disruptive action. The study aimed to evaluate, during a maintenance dredging operation in a port area of the Paraná River, the modifications in the structure of the river, the presence of contaminants and bacterial organisms.

Searching for nitroxyl modulators in Arabidopsis thaliana - a new paradigm of redox signaling in plant.

Through extensive research, nitroxyl (HNO) has emerged as a newly recognized redox signal in plant developmental and stress responses. The interplay between nitric oxide (●NO) and HNO entails a complex network of signaling molecules and regulatory elements sensitive to the environment's specific redox conditions. However, functional implications for HNO in cell signaling require more detailed studies, starting with identifying HNO-level switches.

The Properties of Damaged Starch Granules: The Relationship Between Granule Structure and Water-Starch Polymer Interactions.

The morphology of wheat starch granules with different damaged starch (DS) content was analyzed using a particle size analyzer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); the granular structure was studied using FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD); and the granule-water interaction was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic vapor sorption (DVS). The increase in the level of DS shifted the population of B-type granules towards larger particle diameters and shifted the population of A-type granules towards smaller particle diameters. The appearance of the surface of the starch-damaged granules was rough and flaky (SEM images).

Targeted Enrichment Sequencing Utilizing a Respiratory Pathogen Panel for Genomic Wastewater-Based Viral Epidemiology in Uruguay.

Human respiratory and enteric viruses are responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Wastewater-based epidemiology utilizing next-generation sequencing serves as an effective tool for monitoring viral circulation dynamics at the community level. However, these complex environmental samples are often laden with other microorganisms and host genomic material, which can hinder the sensitivity of viral detection.

Analysis of the NMR Parameters Shielding and Spin-Spin Coupling Constants of Glycine Conformers.

In this study, we worked at the CCSD/aug-cc-pVTZ level to obtain the conformers of glycine in its neutral and zwitterionic forms in the gas and water phases. We then computed the NMR properties (spin-spin coupling constants and nuclear magnetic shieldings) at the SOPPA/aug-cc-pVTZ-J level. We attempt to elucidate the apparent discrepancy arising from two previous works by Valverde et al.

Genomics Reveal Population Structure and Intergeneric Hybridization in an Endangered South American Bird: Implications for Management and Conservation.

Genomics is an invaluable tool for conservation, particularly for endangered species impacted by wildlife trafficking. This study uses genomic data to provide new insights to aid conservation and management of endangered species, using as a case study the Yellow cardinal (), a bird endemic to southern South America severely affected by illegal trade and the transformation of its natural habitat. We explore population structure within the Yellow cardinal, delimiting management units and describing connectivity among them.

Yerba mate () genome provides new insights into convergent evolution of caffeine biosynthesis.

Yerba mate (YM, ) is an economically important crop marketed for the elaboration of mate, the third-most widely consumed caffeine-containing infusion worldwide. Here, we report the first genome assembly of this species, which has a total length of 1.06 Gb and contains 53,390 protein-coding genes.

Drivers of Seasonal Change of Avian Communities in Urban Parks and Cemeteries of Latin America.

Urban parks and cemeteries constitute hot spots of bird diversity in urban areas. However, the seasonal dynamics of their bird communities have been scarcely explored at large scales. This study aims to analyze the drivers of urban bird assemblage seasonality in urban parks and cemeteries comparing assemblages during breeding and non-breeding seasons in the Neotropical Region.

Reconstructing attractors with autoencoders.

We propose a method based on autoencoders to reconstruct attractors from recorded footage, preserving the topology of the underlying phase space. We provide theoretical support and test the method with (i) footage of the temperature and stream function fields involved in the Lorenz atmospheric convection problem and (ii) a time series obtained by integrating the Rössler equations.

Bioactivity-guided identification of cytotoxic compounds from Tournefortia hirsutissima L. by Fast Centrifugal Partition Chromatography.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world, where cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in women. Existing treatments, although effective, have various adverse effects and often require a combination of two or more therapies. Previous studies have shown that different plant species of the genus Tournefortia sp.

Odor masking to decrease the attraction of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae, Triatominae), a Chagas disease vector, towards a host.

Chagas disease, vectored by kissing bugs, poses a public health problem across the Americas. The best way for reducing disease transmission is through vector control, which is currently based on the use of insecticides. However, insecticide resistance, and environmental and health issues, stress the need for new, environmentally-friendly methods for reducing vector-host contacts.

Key concepts and a world-wide look at plant recruitment networks.

Plant-plant interactions are major determinants of the dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems. There is a long tradition in the study of these interactions, their mechanisms and their consequences using experimental, observational and theoretical approaches. Empirical studies overwhelmingly focus at the level of species pairs or small sets of species.

[Position statement on the use of amlodipine during pregnancy. Working Group on Hypertension in Women, Argentine Society of Hypertension].

Pharmacological management of HDP includes agents supported by extensive evidence ensuring their safety for use. Among those traditionally described in the literature are: alpha-methyldopa, labetalol, and sustained-release nifedipine (NIF-RETARD). These drugs, in addition to being compatible with pregnancy, present additional eligibility criteria.

Design and evaluation of multicomponent systems as a potential strategy to enhance the pharmaceutical performance of albendazole desmotropes.

Albendazole, an anthelmintic recognized by the World Health Organization as an essential medicine, is known to have limitations in solubility and bioavailability. To improve these properties, binary and ternary multicomponent systems were designed employing different combinations of albendazole desmotropes with maltodextrin and aspartic acid. The impact of these systems in solution was evaluated through phase solubility analysis.