Personalized Mobile Health-Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Maternal Distress: Examining the Moderating Role of Adverse Childhood Experiences

BACKGROUND

Maternal history of trauma is a risk factor for distress during pregnancy. The purpose of this paper was to examine the theorized differential impact of a cognitive behavioral intervention (Mothers and Babies Personalized; MB-P) on maternal distress and emotional regulation for those with ≥ 1 adverse childhood experiences (ACEs; vs no ACEs) from pregnancy to 3 months postpartum.

METHODS

Between August 2019 and August 2021, eligible pregnant individuals aged ≥ 18 years, < 22 weeks' gestation, and English-speaking were recruited from 6 university-affiliated prenatal clinics. Participants (N = 100) were randomized to MB-P (n = 49) or control (n = 51). Analyzable data were collected for 95 participants. Analyses tested progression of change (slope) and at individual timepoints (panel analysis) for perinatal mental health outcomes.

RESULTS

The majority of participants (n = 68, 71%) reported experiencing > 1 ACE (median = 1, range: 0-11). Participants demonstrated significant differential effects for depressive symptoms in absence of ACEs (standardized mean differences [SMD] = 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.13-1.51]) vs in presence of ACEs (SMD = 0.39; 95% CI = [-0.20 to 0.97]) and perceived stress in absence of ACEs (SMD = 0.92; 95% CI = [0.23-1.62]) vs in presence of ACEs (SMD = -0.05; 95% CI = [-0.63 to 0.53]). A panel analysis showed significantly reduced depressive symptoms postintervention and increased negative mood regulation at 3 months postpartum for individuals with ACEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings support effectiveness of the MB-P intervention to reduce prenatal distress for all pregnant individuals. Preliminary exploration suggests the possibility that individuals with ACEs may benefit from enhanced trauma-informed content to optimize the effects of a perinatal intervention.

The psychophysiology of Mastermind: Characterizing response times and blinking in a high-stakes television game show

Television game shows have proven to be a valuable resource for studying human behavior under conditions of high stress and high stakes. However, previous work has focused mostly on choices-ignoring much of the rich visual information that is available on screen. Here, we take a first step to extracting more of this information by investigating the response times and blinking of contestants in the BBC show Mastermind. In Mastermind, contestants answer rapid-fire quiz questions while a camera slowly zooms in on their faces. By labeling contestants' behavior and blinks from 25 episodes, we asked how accuracy, response times, and blinking varied over the course of the game. For accuracy and response times, we tested whether contestants responded more accurately and more slowly after an error-exhibiting the "post-error increase in accuracy" and "post-error slowing" which has been repeatedly observed in the lab. For blinking, we tested whether blink rates varied according to the cognitive demands of the game-decreasing during periods of cognitive load, such as when pondering a response, and increasing at event boundaries in the task, such as the start of a question. In contrast to the lab, evidence for post-error changes in accuracy and response time was weak, with only marginal effects observed. In line with the lab, blinking varied over the course of the game much as we predicted. Overall, our findings demonstrate the potential of extracting dynamic signals from game shows to study the psychophysiology of behavior in the real world.

Analysis of the vomeronasal organ transcriptome reveals variable gene expression depending on age and function in rabbits

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a chemosensory organ specialized in pheromone detection that shows a broad morphofunctional and genomic diversity among mammals. However, its expression patterns have only been well-characterized in mice. Here, we provide the first comprehensive RNA sequencing study of the rabbit VNO across gender and sexual maturation stages. We characterized the VNO transcriptome, updating the number and expression of the two main vomeronasal receptor families, including 128 V1Rs and 67 V2Rs. Further, we defined the expression of formyl-peptide receptor and transient receptor potential channel families, both known to have specific roles in the VNO. Several sex hormone-related pathways were consistently enriched in the VNO, highlighting the relevance of this organ in reproduction. Moreover, whereas juvenile and adult VNOs showed significant transcriptome differences, male and female did not. Overall, these results contribute to understand the genomic basis of behavioural responses mediated by the VNO in a non-rodent model.

Exploring genetic resistance to infectious salmon anaemia virus in Atlantic salmon by genome-wide association and RNA sequencing

Background

Infectious Salmonid Anaemia Virus (ISAV) causes a notifiable disease that poses a large threat for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture worldwide. There is no fully effective treatment or vaccine, and therefore selective breeding to increase resistance to ISAV is a promising avenue for disease prevention. Genomic selection and potentially genome editing can be applied to enhance host resistance, and these approaches benefit from improved knowledge of the genetic and functional basis of the target trait. The aim of this study was to characterise the genetic architecture of resistance to ISAV in a commercial Atlantic salmon population and study its underlying functional genomic basis using RNA Sequencing.

Results

A total of 2833 Atlantic salmon parr belonging to 194 families were exposed to ISAV in a cohabitation challenge in which cumulative mortality reached 63% over 55 days. A total of 1353 animals were genotyped using a 55 K SNP array, and the estimate of heritability for the trait of binary survival was 0.13–0.33 (pedigree-genomic). A genome-wide association analysis confirmed that resistance to ISAV was a polygenic trait, albeit a genomic region in chromosome Ssa13 was significantly associated with resistance and explained 3% of the genetic variance. RNA sequencing of the heart of 16 infected (7 and 14 days post infection) and 8 control fish highlighted 4927 and 2437 differentially expressed genes at 7 and 14 days post infection respectively. The complement and coagulation pathway was down-regulated in infected fish, while several metabolic pathways were up-regulated. The interferon pathway showed little evidence of up-regulation at 7 days post infection but was mildly activated at 14 days, suggesting a potential crosstalk between host and virus. Comparison of the transcriptomic response of fish with high and low breeding values for resistance highlighted TRIM25 as being up-regulated in resistant fish.

Conclusions

ISAV resistance shows moderate heritability with a polygenic architecture, but a significant QTL was detected on chromosome 13. A mild up-regulation of the interferon pathway characterises the response to the virus in heart samples from this population of Atlantic salmon, and candidate genes showing differential expression between samples with high and low breeding values for resistance were identified.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07671-6.

Impact of detrusor underactivity on the postoperative outcomes after benign prostatic enlargement surgery

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Previous studies suggest that men with detrusor underactivity (DUA) have less symptomatic improvement after prostate surgery than those with normal contractility, but the available data is controversial. We aim to determine the differences in functional outcomes of patients with or without DUA who underwent photovaporization of the prostate (PVP) with GreenLight™180 W XPS.

METHODS

A cohort of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) who underwent PVP between 2012 and 2019 was evaluated. Patients were stratified according to bladder contractility index (BCI). DUA was defined as BCI < 100. Those with normal contractility (BCI = 100-150) were included in Group 1, and those with DUA (BCI < 100) in Group 2. Primary outcomes were symptomatic improvement defined as a reduction ≥ 4 points in the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and a reduction of at least 1 point in the quality of life (IPSS-QoL). Complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification were also recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 271 patients who underwent PVP with GreenLight™ and met the inclusion criteria were assessed. Group 1 included 158 patients, while Group 2 included 113 patients. Mean follow-up was 24 months. Patients with normal contractility had a median reduction of 11 points (18.9 ± 8.0 to 7.1 ± 7.0) while patients with DUA had a median reduction of 10 points (19.3 ± 6.9 to 8.6 ± 8.4) in IPSS score; these differences were not statistically significant (p = .20). Patients in Group 1 had a 1.92 higher chance of QoL improvement (OR, 1.92; 90% CI, 1.10-3.37), compared to those in Group 2. Failure to void after PVP was most frequently reported in DUA patients (OR, 2.36; 90% CI, 1.26-4.43). Sociodemographic characteristics, intraoperative complications, conversion rates, hospital stay, and urinary catheterization time were similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with LUTS, regardless of their BCI, improved their symptoms after PVP according to the IPSS. However, patients with DUA were more likely not to improve their QoL after the procedure and had a higher chance of failure to void in the immediate postoperative period. An appropriate counseling process with the patient discussing possible outcomes based on these findings should be encouraged.

Present value of the Urethral mobility test as a tool to assess Stress urinary incontinence due to Intrinsic sphincteric deficiency

Q-tip test offers a simple approach for identifying urethral hypermobility. Considering surgical treatment, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) must be classified and the contribution of intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) and/or urethral hypermobility must be determine. We believe there's a correlation between abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP) and urethral mobility degree, and the aim of this study is to explore it using Q-tip. We conducted a prospective study, between years 2014 and 2016. Females over 18 years presenting with signs and symptoms of SUI according to the 2002 ICS Standardization of Terminology were included. Assessment was made with the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), the Q-tip test and invasive urodynamics. Urethral mobility (UM) and ALPP were analyzed. We built two composite variables based on reported risk factors for ISD, defined as composite variable A (equal to a Q-tip test < 30° AND ICIQ-SF ≥ 10 points) and composite variable B (equal to low urethral mobility AND/OR hypoestrogenism AND/OR history of radiotherapy AND/OR previous pelvic surgery). Correlation analyzes were made according to the type of variable. A total of 221 patients were included. Incontinence was rated as moderate and severe by 65.3% and 6.8%, respectively. The analysis showed a 61.75%, 51.61% and 70.6% agreement between ALPP and UM, ALPP and composite variable A and ALPP and composite variable B respectively. Correlation and concordances were low (r = 0.155, r_s = − 0.053 and r_s = − 0.008), (rho_c = 0.036, k = 0.116 and k = 0.016). Neither the degree of UM, nor the composite variables, correlate or agree with urethral function tests in UDS, suggesting that the ALPP cannot be predicted using the Q-tip test or the ICIQ-SF for classifying patients with SUI.

Prognostic Factors for Inguinal Lymph Node Involvement and Tumor Recurrence in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Penis

Introduction Penile carcinoma is an aggressive disease with catastrophic consequences that frequently lead to death. Therefore, further knowledge on the prognostic factors that can help identify patients in need of more aggressive treatments becomes essential.

Objective To identify the prognostic factors for lymph node (LN) involvement and tumor recurrence in patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (SCCP).

Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patients diagnosed and treated for SCCP at Instituto Nacional de Cancerología between 2008 and 2015 were included in the sample. Cases in which no information on recurrence was available for the follow-up were excluded, as well as patients with no initial pathology and those getting penile reconstructions after cancer.

Relevant data was retrieved from the medical records of each patient, and a descriptive analysis was performed. Subsequently, this data was used to apply a logistic regression model to determine the potential clinical and histopathological prognostic factors.

Results A total of 104 patients were included in the present study. The average age of the sample was 59 years, while the follow-up averaged 24 months per patient. Inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed on 61 patients (59%) during the follow-up. The logistic regression model showed that lymphovascular invasion (odds ratio [OR]: 6.7; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.2–35) and poor tumor differentiation (OR: 17; 95%CI: 3.2–92) were associated with tumor recurrence. Likewise, the lymphadenectomy procedures showed that lymphovascular invasion was associated with LN involvement (OR: 3.3; 95%CI: 1.1–10).

Conclusion Lymphovascular invasion was the strongest prognostic factor observed in our sample, aiding in the prediction of inguinal LN involvement and tumor recurrence in SCCP patients.

Mesotelioma de túnica vaginal en paciente con hidrocele rápidamente progresivo

El mesotelioma es una entidad poco común y agresiva que compromete el mesotelio, involucrando así los diferentes órganos cubiertos por membranas serosas. El mesotelioma de túnica vaginal es una neoplasia muy rara, con un cuadro clínico poco específico y de difícil diagnóstico con las técnicas imagenológicas actuales. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con hidrocele rápidamente progresivo que fue llevado a hidrocelectomía. Se realizó un diagnóstico histopatológico de mesotelioma epitelial maligno de túnica vaginal que requirió orquidectomía radical, hemiescrotomectomía y linfadenectomía retroperitoneal. A un año de seguimiento, el paciente no tiene evidencia de la enfermedad.

Urological approach for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in a clinical care center

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) is associated with significant manipulation of the urinary tract (UT). We aim to describe the urological events and their management in patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC.

METHODS

Clinical records of patients who underwent treatment between 2007 and 2015 were reviewed. Urological events and their multidisciplinary management were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 103 patients were included. Mean age was 51 years (SD ± 11.8). Mean peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was 20.4 (SD ± 10.1). Primary tumors included appendicular (64%), gynecological (16%), colorectal (10%), and peritoneal mesotheliomas (9%). Ninety-three percent of patients had bilateral ureteral catheters inserted prior to surgery, without complications. Intraoperative UT injuries occurred in 7% of patients. In 5% of patients, tumor invasion of the bladder was evident at surgery and partial resection and primary repair of the bladder wall was performed. Urological complications included urinary tract infection (UTI) (21%) acute post-renal failure (4%), urinary fistulae (4%), and acute urinary retention (AUR) (1%).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, intraoperative UT events and postoperative complications, although not neglectable, were infrequent. Due to the high complexity of these cases, a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory. However, randomized clinical trials are necessary to clarify current data on the need and efficacy of prophylactic ureteral catheterization in patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC.

Photovaporization of the prostate with GreenLight™ laser 180 W XPS versus transurethral resection of the prostate with monopolar energy for the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement: a cost-utility analysis from a healthcare perspective

PURPOSE

To assess the cost-utility of the photovaporization of the prostate (PVP) with GreenLight™ laser 180 W XPS compared to transurethral resection of the prostate with monopolar energy (M-TURP) for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) from a healthcare perspective in Colombia.

METHODS

We designed a Markov model to compare four health states following treatment with either PVP or M-TURP to estimate expected costs and outcomes. We used the results of the only randomized clinical trial published to date comparing PVP versus M-TURP to estimate surgical outcomes, complications, re-operation and re-intervention rates. Time horizon was defined at 2 years with four cycles of 6 months each. Resource-use estimation involved a random selection of clinical records from a local institution and cost list from public healthcare system. Costs were obtained in Colombian pesos and converted to US dollars. Threshold was defined at three-times the Colombian gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Quality-adjusted-life-years (QALYs) were used based on the utilities of the available literature. Uncertainty was analyzed with deterministic and probabilistic models using a Monte Carlo simulation.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent PVP gained 1.81 QALYs compared to 1.59 with M-TURP. Costs were US$6797.98 and US$7777.59 for M-TURP and PVP, respectively. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was US$4452.81 per QALY, favoring PVP as a cost-effective alternative in our context.

CONCLUSIONS

In Colombia, with current prices, PVP is cost-effective when compared to M-TURP for LUTS due to BPE for a 2-year time horizon.

Effectiveness of the Remeex system™ in Colombian women with recurrent stress urinary incontinence or intrinsic sphincter deficiency

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

We report our experience with the Remeex system™ in women with recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD).

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective study was conducted in women who underwent an adjustable sling procedure between 2011 and 2016. We used urodynamic studies (UDS) preoperatively and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and cough stress test (CST) pre- and postoperatively. Primary outcomes were subjective (no leakage reported by the patient) and objective (no leakage during CST) cure and improvement rates (reduction of ≥4 points in ICIQ-SF). Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed.

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients were included. Mean age was 62 years (SD ± 11.35). Median follow-up was 19.5 months [interquartile range (IQR) 12.95-41.38]. Urinary incontinence (UI) was described as moderate and severe by 8 (16%) and 42 (84%) patients, respectively, and 25 (50%) had stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Objective and subjective cure rates were 90% and 48%, respectively, while 82% of patients achieved improvement. Impact of UI on quality of life (QoL) improved from 10 (IQR 9-10) to 2 (IQR 0-5) (p < 0.0001). Clavien-Dindo II complications occurred in 14 (28%) patients, and one (2%) had IIIa. Tape erosion occurred in one (2%) patient, and five (10%) required readjustments. Logistic regression identified MUI [odds ratio (OR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-10.89] and vaginal atrophy (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.06-16.03) as predictors of low subjective cure rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjustable slings represent a valuable and safe option in the management of recurrent SUI or ISD, with improvement in QoL. Results should be carefully interpreted due to our small sample and retrospective design.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its association with lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual function

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the frequency of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a daily urology practice and to determine its association with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted. Data from all male patients aged ≥40 years who attended our outpatient urology clinic from 2010 to 2011 was collected. Prevalence of MetS was determined, and LUTS and ED were assessed. A logistic model was used to determine possible associations, controlling for confounders and interaction factors.

RESULTS

A total of 616 patients were included. MetS was observed in 43.8% (95% CI 39.6-48.3). The bivariate model showed an association between MetS and LUTS (p<0.01), but not between MetS and ED. The logistic model showed an association between MetS and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), while controlling for other variables. Patients exhibiting moderate LUTS had a greater risk for MetS than patients with mild LUTS (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.14-2.94). After analyzing for individual components of MetS, positive associations were found between diabetes and severe LUTS (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.24-7.1), and between diabetes and ED (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.12-5.8).

CONCLUSION

This study was able to confirm an association between MetS and LUTS, but not for ED. Specific components such as diabetes were associated to both. Geographical differences previously reported in the literature might account for these findings. Given that MetS is frequent among urological patients, it is advisable that urologists actively screen for it.

Trends in pelvic organ prolapse management in Latin America

AIMS

To describe practice patterns and perspectives regarding pelvic organ prolapse (POP) management among urologists, gynecologists, and urogynecologists in Latin America (LATAM).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to September 2016 using a 37-item internet-based survey applied to members of urologic and gynecologic associations from 18 countries. Participants were asked about their background and practice patterns. Descriptive statistics were employed.

RESULTS

A total of 673 responses were obtained. Most came from Colombia (33.6%) and Brazil (24.7%). The number of practitioners who perform at least one POP procedure per month and were eligible to finish the survey was 529 (78.6%), out of which 323 (61.0%) were urologists, 156 (29.5%) gynecologists, and 50 (9.5%) urogynecologists. Mesh-based POP repairs were used by 57.1% of participants. Out of non-mesh users, the most frequent vaginal procedures were sacrospinous fixation (30%), colporrhaphy (25%), and uterosacral fixation (12%). Regarding the impact of FDA warnings, 75.2% participants indicated that the use of mesh has declined, and 41.9% considered this has had a negative effect in the use of incontinence tapes as well. Only two physicians reported legal disputes related to mesh procedures, and 75.8% said they would still indicate mesh repairs in certain cases.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report on POP practice patterns in LATAM. Preferences regarding surgical management of POP are not very different from international trends. Despite intense scrutiny and media exposure, mesh-based procedures are still largely used in LATAM.

Extended pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients with clinically localised prostate cancer: A prospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of lymph node involvement in patients with clinically localised prostate adenocarcinoma who had radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymphadenectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted on 137 patients with clinically localised prostate cancer of low, intermediate or high risk according to the D'Amico classification. All participants underwent radical prostatectomy plus extended pelvic lymphadenectomy in 3 reference centres in Bogota, Colombia, between 2013 and 2014. The following variables were assessed: age, prostate specific antigen levels, Gleason score of the biopsy, probability of lymph node involvement calculated with Partin tables and the histopathology result of the surgical specimen, with the definitive Gleason pattern and the total number of resected and involved lymph nodes per tumour, according to the territory of the dissection.

RESULTS

A total of 2,876 lymph nodes were extracted (an average of 20.99 lymph nodes per patient). There was lymph node involvement in 14 (10.22%) patients. The high-risk and intermediate-risk group presented lymph node metastases in 28.57% and 5.25%, respectively. There was no lymph node involvement in the low-risk group. Of the patients at risk of lymph node involvement (≥2% according to the Partin tables), 19.40% had lymph node metastases.

CONCLUSION

Lymph node involvement in our population is similar to that reported in the worldwide literature. Extended pelvic lymphadenectomy increased the probability of detecting lymph node metastases in our community.

Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of the process of gonadal sex differentiation in the turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

The turbot is a flatfish with a ZW/ZZ sex determination system but with a still unknown sex determining gene(s), and with a marked sexual growth dimorphism in favor of females. To better understand sexual development in turbot we sampled young turbot encompassing the whole process of gonadal differentiation and conducted a comprehensive transcriptomic study on its sex differentiation using a validated custom oligomicroarray. Also, the expression profiles of 18 canonical reproduction-related genes were studied along gonad development. The expression levels of gonadal aromatase cyp19a1a alone at three months of age allowed the accurate and early identification of sex before the first signs of histological differentiation. A total of 56 differentially expressed genes (DEG) that had not previously been related to sex differentiation in fish were identified within the first three months of age, of which 44 were associated with ovarian differentiation (e.g., cd98, gpd1 and cry2), and 12 with testicular differentiation (e.g., ace, capn8 and nxph1). To identify putative sex determining genes, ∼4.000 DEG in juvenile gonads were mapped and their positions compared with that of previously identified sex- and growth-related quantitative trait loci (QTL). Although no genes mapped to the previously identified sex-related QTLs, two genes (foxl2 and 17βhsd) of the canonical reproduction-related genes mapped to growth-QTLs in linkage group (LG) 15 and LG6, respectively, suggesting that these genes are related to the growth dimorphism in this species.

Evaluation of selected tropical seaweeds for in vitro anti-trichomonal activity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Human parasitic infections are a serious problem in tropical and sub-tropical developing countries. Trichomoniasis, responsible for the annual infection of 180 million people, is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. Traditionally seaweeds have been used in folk medicine by coastal people in Asia and the Caribbean to treat parasitic infections and are a valuable source of novel anti-trichomonals.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In our search for therapeutical alternatives to anti-protozoal chemotherapy, we collected a selection of 25 tropical seaweeds (12 Rhodophyta, 5 Phaeophyta and 8 Chlorophyta) from the coast of Yucatan (Mexico) in order to undertake ethnopharmacological and chemotaxonomic investigations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Organic algal extracts were tested for their anti-trichomonal properties on the growth inhibition of Trichomonas vaginalis. The cytotoxicity of seaweed extracts on mammal cell lines was also assessed.

RESULTS

The results indicated that 44% of the seaweeds studied had high to moderate anti-trichomonal activity. Lobophora variegata and Udotea conglutinata showed the maximal anti-trichomonal activity with IC(50) values of 1.39 and 1.66microg/ml, respectively, with good selectivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Lobophora variegata and Udotea conglutinata demonstrated promising anti-trichomonal potential and have been selected for further bio-guided fractionation and isolation of active anti-trichomonal compounds.

Antileishmanial properties of tropical marine algae extracts

Aqueous and organic extracts of twenty-seven species of marine algae (14 species of Rhodophyta, 5 species of Phaeophyta and 8 species of Chlorophyta) collected from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico) were evaluated for their antileishmanial in vitro activity against Leishmania mexicana promastigote forms. The cytotoxicity of these extracts was also assessed using brine shrimp. Organic extracts from Laurencia microcladia (Rhodophyta), Dictyota caribaea, Turbinaria turbinata and Lobophora variegata (Phaeophyta) possessed promising in vitro activity against L. mexicana promastigotes (LC(50) values ranging from 10.9 to 49.9 microg/ml). No toxicity of algal extracts against Artemia salina was observed with LC50 ranging from 119 to >or=1000 microg/ml. Further studies on bio-guided fractionation, isolation and characterization of pure compounds from these species as well as in vivo experiments are needed and are already in progress.

Optimization of native agar extraction from Hydropuntia cornea from Yucatán, México

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine optimum extraction conditions for yield, gelling temperature, melting temperature and apparent viscosity of native agar from the red alga Hydropuntia cornea. Two independent variables were selected during extraction, temperature (80, 90 and 100 degrees C) and time (2, 3 and 4 h). The extraction procedure using 100 degrees C and 3 h produced the greatest yield (43.3%), the greatest gelling temperature (32 degrees C) and the greatest melting temperature (78 degrees C). The extraction using 65 degrees C and 4 h produced the optimum statistical apparent viscosity (80.73 cPs), though agar yield under these conditions had low quality for industrial purposes. Temperature and time do not affect melting temperature, but do play an important role in gelling temperature. From the independent variables studied, extraction temperature is most important in producing an increase in yield, and time is the only variable that contributes significantly to increasing viscosity. Most of the physicochemical properties found in the native agar from H. cornea extracted at 100 degrees C/3 h were similar to commercial samples. These findings suggest the feasibility of using this colloid in spreads and soft-texture food products.