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URI permanente para esta colecciónhttp://hdl.handle.net/10906/78210

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False sugar sequence phenomenon and structural analysis of α-hederin and hederacoside c through electrospray ionization and multi-stage tandem mass spectrometry
(Universidad de Antioquia, 2011-08-29) Jiménez, Nora
Saponins are glycosides regularly found in plants, and they are frequently analyzed by means of electrospray ion sources and tandem mass spectrometry (ESI/MSn), not only to obtain an overall molecular weight through the high sensitivity of mass spectrometry, but also to obtain their structural information. The use of modern analytic techniques (such as ESI/MSn) aids the discovery and quality control assessment of new molecules found in botanicals; however, some rearrangements have been described for oligosaccharides that produce an incorrect elucidation of the molecules. For the first time, evidence for an internal sugar loss on the protonated fragmentation of -hederin has been reported. This phenomenon can be avoided by using alkali metal ion adducts, such as lithium and sodium cations, to confirm the real sugar sequence when a structural identification is performed. In this study, the structural characterization of -hederin and hederacoside C is conducted by comparing positive and negative modes. Different fragmentation patterns occur, and such patterns are useful in the structural analysis of saponins when they are present on different matrixes.
Tunable polyesterification of xylitol: from linear to crosslinked structures
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2017-04-01) Liz-Andela, Néstor I
The copolymerization by condensation chemistry of succinic acid and xylitol, a byproduct from the sugarcane and alcohol industry, is reported. Two methodologies were studied concerning succinic acid, with and without carboxylic acid activation, yielding crosslinked and linear low molecular weight polymers, respectively. All polymerizations were carried out at reaction times in the range from 36 to 80 h, with a molar mass ratio of 1:1 and 1:3. Linear and crosslinked polyesters were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, DSC and TGA, and structural characterization was carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and NMR. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Synanthropic Cockroaches (Blattidae: Periplaneta spp.) Harbor Pathogenic Leptospira in Colombia
(Entomological Society of America, 2016-06-01) Gonzalez-Astudillo, Viviana
Leptospirosis cases in Colombia are typically linked to peridomestic rodents; however, empirical data suggest that Leptospira-infected patients with no apparent exposure to these reservoirs are common. Cockroaches (Periplaneta spp.) have equal or greater interaction with humans than rodents, yet their potential role as carriers of Leptospira has not been assessed. We determined if pathogenic Leptospira is harbored by Periplaneta spp. in Cali (Colombia) and the variables influencing this relationship. Fifty-nine cockroaches were captured from seven sites and DNA was extracted from the body surface and digestive tract for a multiplex polymerase chain reaction, targeting genes secY and flaB. Logistic regression models and proportion tests showed a higher likelihood for Leptospira to be isolated from body surfaces (P>0.001) and from individuals inside houses (six times more likely). These findings are the first to demonstrate an association between Periplaneta spp. and Leptospira, suggesting the need to investigate the potential for cockroaches to serve as reservoirs or transport hosts for Leptospira.
Spatial modeling of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Andean region of Colombia
(Fundaco Oswaldo Cruz, 2016-07-01) Ocampo, Clara Beatriz
The objective of this research was to identify environmental risk factors for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Colombia and map high-risk municipalities. The study area was the Colombian Andean region, comprising 715 rural and urban municipalities. We used 10 years of CL surveillance: 2000-2009. We used spatial-temporal analysis - conditional autoregressive Poisson random effects modelling - in a Bayesian framework to model the dependence of municipality-level incidence on land use, climate, elevation and population density. Bivariable spatial analysis identified rainforests, forests and secondary vegetation, temperature, and annual precipitation as positively associated with CL incidence. By contrast, livestock agroecosystems and temperature seasonality were negatively associated. Multivariable analysis identified land use - rainforests and agro-livestock - and climate - temperature, rainfall and temperature seasonality - as best predictors of CL. We conclude that climate and land use can be used to identify areas at high risk of CL and that this approach is potentially applicable elsewhere in Latin America.
Solar photo-Fenton optimisation in treating carbofuran-contaminated water
(Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 2012-01-01) Agudelo Henao, Ana Cecilia
Box-Benkhen design response-surface methodology was developed to optimise photo-Fenton degradation of carbofuran (C12H15NO3) by using a compound parabolic collector pilot plant. The four variables considered in Box-Benkhen design model included carbofuran degradation percentage, initial carbofuran concentration, hydrogen peroxide [H2O2] concentration and iron [Fe2+] concentration. Degradation was monitored by using total organic carbon concentration and high-performance liquid chromatography. A 93.2 mg l-1 carbofuran concentration was completely degraded in t30W = 15 min with 17.1 mg l-1 Fe2+ and 121.6 mg l-1 H2O2. Photo-Fenton degradation led to 76.7% mineralisation. Biodegradability during optimisation was evaluated by using the BOD5/COD ratio; this value increased from 0.04 at the beginning of the process to 0.52 in t30W = 20 min, thereby showing the effectiveness of using biological treatments
Cost-Effectiveness of the Quantification of Enzymatic Activity in Leukocytes in Comparison to Its Nonrealization for a Rare Disease in Latin America: The Case of Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II in Colombia
(Elsevier Inc., 2016-12-01) Guevara Cuéllar, César Augusto
Background: Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type II is produced by a deficiency of iduronate-2-sulfatase (I2S). The quantification of the enzyme activity in leukocytes is used as diagnostic confirmation of MPS. Objective: To determinate the cost-effectiveness of the measurement of I2S enzyme activity in leukocytes compared with not carrying out the enzyme activity measurement for diagnostic confirmation of MPS II from the perspective of the Colombian health system. Methods: A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted on the basis of a decision tree model. The measure of effectiveness was the correct diagnosis of cases of MPS II. The costs of I2S enzymatic quantification in leukocytes, consultation with a geneticist and with other specialists, and costs of diagnostic procedures were included. The time horizon was less than 1 year. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed using Monte-Carlo simulation with 10,000 iterations. Results: The incremental cost was -US $43,145 with an incremental effectiveness of 42 cases. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis confirms the results of basal data, in which the quantification of I2S enzyme activity was less costly and more effective than the alternative. Conclusions: The quantification of I2S enzymatic activity is a dominant technology for the diagnostic confirmation of MPS II, compared with not making the quantification, from the perspective of the Colombian health system. © 2016 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR).
Do thermoregulatory costs limit altitude distributions of Andean forest birds?
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2017-01-01) Jankowski, Jill E.
Along tropical mountains, species often occupy narrow altitude ranges. Numerous biotic and abiotic factors have been proposed as determinants of altitude occupancy. We measured several aspects of thermal physiology of 215 bird species across a 2·6-km altitude gradient in the Peruvian Andes. We predicted that highland species would show adaptation to the colder high-altitude climate and that energy costs of thermoregulation might limit upslope dispersal of lowland natives. We found reductions in thermal conductance, body temperature and lower critical temperature in highland birds compared with lowland species. These combine to make highland natives more resistant to heat loss. We did not find convincing evidence that acute thermal limits or energy costs of thermoregulation constrained altitude distributions.
Aggregates of alternate amphiphilc polyanion to carry zwitterionic drug in aquedous media
(2015-06-01) Pineda, Diego
The effect of amphiphilic polyanion Poly(maleic acid-alt-octadecene)sodium salt on solubility of a zwitterionic drug (ampicillin trihydrate) in aqueous media was evaluated. This polymeric salt was obtained by an equimolar reaction of parent copolymer poly Poly(maleic acid-alt-octadecene)with an aqueous solution of NaOH. The obtained amphiphilic polyanion was purified by dialysis and lyophilization and was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. Secondly, a method for the model drug quantification by UV spectrophotometry at 37°C was standardized. Also the grade of association drug-polymer in aqueous media using ultrafiltration methodology at three levels of temperature (20, 30 and 40°C) and two levels of pH (1.2 and 7.4) was determined. Finally, the variation of aqueous solubility of ampicillin trihydrate in ultra-pure water and two buffer media with pH of 1.2 and 7.4 with an ionic strength of 0.15 M at 37°C in presence and absence of amphiphilic polyanion was evaluated. It was found that maximum solubility is reached at a pH value of 1.2 in absence of polymeric material with a value of 36 mg/mL, which diminishes dramatically to a value of 8.3mg/mL when the polyanion is added. In the other side, when the system has a pH value of 7.4, the drug solubility slightly increases from 13 to 16mg/mL in presence of polymeric material, describing that solubility of this kind of drugs is strongly influenced by aqueous media and this type of polymeric materials.
Freeze-drying: Perceptions and challenges for drying foodstuffs and plant extracts
(Universidad de Antioquia, 2015-01-01) Salamanca Mejia, Constain Hugo
One of the most important features of foodstuffs and plant extract-based products is related to their fragile stability, especially when exposed to several ambient factors such as air, light radiation, heat and water vapour. The latter may contribute to the increase of free or bound water associated to the product. In this scenario, these variables may lead to different phenomena such as self-oxidation and hydrolysis of functional compounds and thus, a considerable inconsistency of products where these substances are part of occurs. On the other hand, these factors affect more drastically the product stability, especially when they possess a high intrinsic surface area and thus, are more likely to absorb a significant amount of water. Furthermore, in liquid products oxidation, hydrolysis and precipitation problems are more probable to happen
Costo-efectividad de toracotomía v videotoracoscopia en pacientes con cáncer de ersus pulmón
(2015-03-13) Guevara Cuéllar, César Augusto
Los pacientes con cáncer de pulmón de célula no pequeña en estadio I, pueden someterse a videotoracoscopia o toracotomía. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la razón costo-efectividad de estas dos alternativas.
Generalist Species Have a Central Role In a Highly Diverse Plant-Frugivore Network
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2016-05-01) Kattán, Gustavo H.
Analysis of plant-frugivore interactions provides a quantitative framework for integrating community structure and ecosystem function in terms of how the roles and attributes of individual species contribute to network structure and resilience. In this study, we used centrality metrics to rank and detect the most important species in a mutualistic network of fruit-eating birds and plants in a cloud forest in the Colombian Andes. We identified a central core of ten bird and seven plant species in a network of 135 species that perform dual roles as local hubs and connectors. The birds were mostly large forest frugivores, such as cracids, cotingas, and toucans, which consume fruits of all sizes. The plants were species of intermediate successional stages with small- to medium-sized seeds that persist in mature forest or forest borders (e.g., Miconia, Cecropia, Ficus). We found the resilience of our network depends on super-generalist species, because their elimination makes the network more prone to disassemble than random extinctions, potentially disrupting seed-dispersal processes. At our study site, extirpation of large frugivores has already been documented, and if this continues, the network might collapse despite its high diversity. Our results suggest that generalist species play critical roles in ecosystem function and should be incorporated into conservation and monitoring programs. © 2016 The Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation.
First nesting account and breeding biology of "gould's Inca" (Coeligena torquata omissa) in Manu National Park, Peru
(Wilson Ornithological Society, 2016-09-03) Londoño, Gustavo Adolfo
We present the first detailed nesting biology information for the highland Andean hummingbird Gould's Inca (Coeligena torquata omissa) at 2,200-3,000 m in Manu National Park, SE Peru. We found nine mossy cup-shaped nests lined with red fern scales containing nestlings or 1-2 synchronously hatching eggs. We obtained 17 days of internal nest temperatures from one nest, which exhibited wide circadian variation (range = 14.9-36.2 °C). We show that C. t. omissa meets the challenges of life and incubation at high altitudes by undertaking numerous (20.3 ± 0.4 trips/morning, range = 14-27) and short morning off-bouts (5.2 ± 0.2 min, range = 1-24 min). In the morning, the focal bird warmed the nest 1.7 times faster than in the afternoon where incubation bouts are long (17.8 ± 0.6 min, range = 4-56) and less frequent (10.2 ± 0.3 trips/afternoon). Incubation off-bout frequency and durations were not influenced by external temperature, suggesting strong nest insulation. On-bout durations increased with external temperature most strongly in the cold mornings. Short off-bouts and long on-bouts yielded high attentiveness (70.2%). One nestling fledged after 23 days. The eggs measured 15.2 ± 0.4 mm by 9.3 ± 0.3 mm and weighed 0.75 ± 0.03 g (n = 12). The small mossy cup nest was 81.9 ± 5.9 mm by 75.8 ± 4.4 mm wide and 73.1 ± 6.7 mm high. The inner cup was 45.7 ± 3.0 mm long by 45.6 ± 4.1 mm wide and 30.9 ± 2.5 mm deep (n = 8). Compared to C. t. torquata, we found a smaller egg width, higher nest placement and different nest substrate, but confirmed similarities in many aspects of nesting strategies.
Cost–Utility Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Management of Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke in a Spanish Hospital
(Springer Healthcare, 2015-06-19) Parody, Elizabeth
Introduction: Stroke has a high rate of long-term disability and mortality and therefore has a significant economic impact. The objective of this study was to determine from a social perspective, the cost–utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to computed tomography (CT) as the first imaging test in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods: A cost–utility analysis of MRI compared to CT as the first imaging test in AIS was performed. Economic evaluation data were obtained from a prospective study of patients with AIS ≤12 h from onset in one Spanish hospital. The measure of effectiveness was quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) calculated from utilities of the modified Rankin Scale. Both hospital and post-discharge expenses were included in the costs. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated and sensitivity analysis was carried out. The costs were expressed in Euros at the 2004 exchange rate. Results: A total of 130 patients were analyzed. The first imaging test was CT in 87 patients and MRI in 43 patients. Baseline variables were similar in the two groups. The mean direct cost was €5830.63 for the CT group and €5692.95 for the MRI group (P = not significant). The ICER was €11,868.97/QALY. The results were sensitive when the indirect costs were included in the analysis. Conclusion: Total direct costs and QALYs were lower in the MRI group; however, this difference was not statistically significant. MRI was shown to be a cost-effective strategy for the first imaging test in AIS in 22% of the iterations according to the efficiency threshold in Spain. © 2015, The Author(s).
Brood parasitism by the enigmatic and rare Pavonine Cuckoo in Amazonian Peru
(American Ornithological Society, 2017-04-01) Sánchez Martínez, Manuel A.
Brood parasitism is an uncommon and understudied strategy in Amazonian bird communities, within which only 5 species are known to be brood parasites. We present data on the brood-parasitic behavior of the Pavonine Cuckoo (Dromococcyx pavoninus) in 3 host species of small-bodied flycatchers in the Peruvian Amazon that construct hanging globular nests with side entrances. During the 7 yr of the study, we encountered 74 nests of these 3 hosts, but parasitism occurred only in 9 nests (12.2%) in 2 yr. Only 1 Pavonine Cuckoo egg was deposited in each host nest (n = 7), and eggs were markedly dissimilar in size and coloration between hosts and parasite. Incubation investment per day was slightly higher (4%) for 1 parasitized nest than for nonparasitized nests. Overall, 33% of parasitic eggs (n = 6) hatched; cuckoo nestlings apparently removed host eggs and killed host nestlings. The nestling period lasted 24 days, and the growth-rate constant based on nestling mass (k = 0.23) was slower for parasite nestlings than for their hosts (k = 0.27 and 0.31). Food provisioning rates were greater in 1 parasitized nest (2.1 ± 0.7 feedings hr-1 nestling-1) than in nonparasitized nests (1.1 ± 0.4). Nestling cuckoos may further mimic the plumage of their host nestlings. Our results suggest that Pavonine Cuckoos negatively affect their hosts' breeding success and are engaged in a coevolutionary arms race with hosts that have defenses against parasitism. © 2017 American Ornithologists' Union.
Breeding biology and egg temperatures of Black-faced Brush-finches (Atlapetes melanolaemus), Neotropical montane songbirds
(Blackwell Publishing Inc., 2016-01-01) Londoño Guerrero, Gustavo Adolfo
Black-faced Brush-finches (Atlapetes melanolaemus) are a common species restricted to the Andes of southern Peru and western Bolivia. We provide the first description of the breeding biology of this Neotropical montane passerine, including an analysis of incubation behavior and egg temperatures. We found 47 nests during seven breeding seasons (2007–2013) near Manu National Park, Peru. Nesting occurred in late July, peaked in early October, and continued into early December. All clutches consisted of two eggs, and the mean incubation period (14.8 ± 0.2 d) was relatively short compared with related species. Nest attentiveness increased and the length of foraging trips decreased as the incubation period progressed, but the number of foraging trips/day was constant. Egg temperatures when birds returned to incubate were negatively correlated with the duration of incubation bouts, whereas ambient temperature and the duration of the previous incubation bout were positively correlated with the duration of foraging bouts. Eggs were consistently incubated at lower temperatures (24-h mean = 32.1°C) than other Neotropical and temperate species. When incubating birds left nests, egg temperature dropped below the physiological zero temperature (24–27°C) in ~11 min. Nestlings had a high growth rate (k = 0.60) and a long nestling period (mean = 13.8 d) compared with related Neotropical and temperate emberizines. By showing that the duration of incubation and foraging bouts are affected by different intrinsic and extrinsic factors, we provide evidence that incubation is not only temporally dynamic, but also finely modifiable. Our results also suggest that embryos of high-elevation Neotropical songbirds are particularly resistant to ambient temperature extremes and low incubation temperatures, emphasizing the need for more studies of egg thermoregulation and its consequences for development, growth, and survival. We conclude that closely related species, both on different continents and at the same locations, may differ in parental care strategies and development regimes, cautioning against broad generalizations regarding species groups or geographic areas. © 2016 Association of Field Ornithologists
AngiomiRs: Potential Biomarkers of Pregnancy's Vascular Pathologies
(Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2015-01-01) Castillo Giraldo Andres Orlando
In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been the focus of research for their role in posttranscriptional regulation and as potential biomarkers of risk for disease development. Their identification in specific physiological processes, like angiogenesis, a key pathway in placental vascular development in pregnancy, suggests an important role of miRNAs that regulate angiogenesis (angiomiRs). Many complications of pregnancy have in common placental vascular alterations, involving an imbalance in the angiogenesis process in the development of conditions such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and gestational diabetes, complications with the highest rates of morbimortality in pregnancy. Many studies have identified angiomiRs with differential expression profiles in each of these diseases; however, this evidence requires further studies focused on evaluating their potential as biomarkers of risk for the angiomiRs detected, to establish correlations between placental tissue and serum/plasma expression profiles. Therefore, the objective of this review is to highlight the best angiomiRs detected in placental tissue and serum/plasma in each of these three pathologies to show the current data available for potential biomarkers and to propose future research strategies on this topic. © 2015 Laura María Rodríguez Santa et al.
Analytical optimal pulse shapes obtained with the aid of genetic algorithms
(American Institute of Physics Inc., 2015-09-28) Guerrero, Rubén Darío
We propose a methodology to design optimal pulses for achieving quantum optimal control on molecular systems. Our approach constrains pulse shapes to linear combinations of a fixed number of experimentally relevant pulse functions. Quantum optimal control is obtained by maximizing a multi-target fitness function using genetic algorithms. As a first application of the methodology, we generated an optimal pulse that successfully maximized the yield on a selected dissociation channel of a diatomic molecule. Our pulse is obtained as a linear combination of linearly chirped pulse functions. Data recorded along the evolution of the genetic algorithm contained important information regarding the interplay between radiative and diabatic processes. We performed a principal component analysis on these data to retrieve the most relevant processes along the optimal path. Our proposed methodology could be useful for performing quantum optimal control on more complex systems by employing a wider variety of pulse shape functions. © 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.
Amyloid-β precursor protein modulates the sorting of testican-1 and contributes to its accumulation in brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid from patients with Alzheimer disease
(Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2016-01-01) Ferrer, Isidre Sidre
The mechanisms leading to amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation in sporadic Alzheimer disease (AD) are unknown but both increased production or impaired clearance likely contribute to aggregation. To understand the potential roles of the extracellular matrix proteoglycan Testican-1 in the pathophysiology of AD, we used samples from AD patients and controls and an in vitro approach. Protein expression analysis showed increased levels of Testican-1 in frontal and temporal cortex of AD patients; histological analysis showed that Testican-1 accumulates and co-aggregates with Aβ plaques in the frontal, temporal and entorhinal cortices of AD patients. Proteomic analysis identified 10 fragments of Testican-1 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from AD patients. HEK293T cells expressing human wild type or mutant Aβ precursor protein (APP) were transfected with Testican-1. The co-expression of both proteins modified the sorting of Testican-1 into the endocytic pathway leading to its transient accumulation in Golgi, which seemed to affect APP processing, as indicated by reduced Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels in APP mutant cells. In conclusion, patient data reflect a clearance impairment that may favor Aβ accumulation in AD brains and our in vitro model supports the notion that the interaction between APP and Testican-1 may be a key step in the production and aggregation of Aβ species. © 2016 Oxford University Press OR American Association of Neuropathologists.
Acyclic diene metathesis polymerization: History, methods and applications
(Elsevier Ltd, 2017-06-01) Rojas, Giovanni
Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET) polymerization was established decades ago and has since developed into a robust and reliable technique. A wide range of different, new materials exhibiting unique properties has been produced via ADMET polymerization since its development. This versatile technique allows, through the right combination of monomer design and choice of catalyst, the synthesis of various functional polymers in addition to a precise control over primary structure. Systematic studies on precise ADMET polymers have greatly contributed to a better understanding of how branch identity and its distribution along the polymer backbone affect the thermal/electronic properties, crystallization, molecular dynamics and morphology of different materials. This article presents an extensive review of how ADMET started, the mechanism that underlies the structural features of ADMET polymers and the different strategies and techniques that have been developed over the years to overcome common synthetic challenges. Monomer synthesis methods are also discussed in detail, providing an important overview of the limitations and advantages of using ADMET as a polymerization technique. Many examples are given of functional ADMET polymers that have been developed by research groups all over the world. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.
A ‘slow pace of life’ in Australian old-endemic passerine birds is not accompanied by low basal metabolic rates
(Springer Verlag, 2016-05-01) Chappell, Marck A.
Life history theory suggests that species experiencing high extrinsic mortality rates allocate more resources toward reproduction relative to self-maintenance and reach maturity earlier (‘fast pace of life’) than those having greater life expectancy and reproducing at a lower rate (‘slow pace of life’). Among birds, many studies have shown that tropical species have a slower pace of life than temperate-breeding species. The pace of life has been hypothesized to affect metabolism and, as predicted, tropical birds have lower basal metabolic rates (BMR) than temperate-breeding birds. However, many temperate-breeding Australian passerines belong to lineages that evolved in Australia and share ‘slow’ life-history traits that are typical of tropical birds. We obtained BMR from 30 of these ‘old-endemics’ and ten sympatric species of more recently arrived passerine lineages (derived from Afro-Asian origins or introduced by Europeans) with ‘faster’ life histories. The BMR of ‘slow’ temperate-breeding old-endemics was indistinguishable from that of new-arrivals and was not lower than the BMR of ‘fast’ temperate-breeding non-Australian passerines. Old-endemics had substantially smaller clutches and longer maximal life spans in the wild than new arrivals, but neither clutch size nor maximum life span was correlated with BMR. Our results suggest that low BMR in tropical birds is not functionally linked to their ‘slow pace of life’ and instead may be a consequence of differences in annual thermal conditions experienced by tropical versus temperate species. © 2016, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

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