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Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers among women. Effective treatment requires precise tailoring to the genetic makeup of the cancer for improved efficacy. Numerous research studies have concentrated on natural compounds and their anti-breast cancer properties to improve the existing treatment options. Chromolaena tacotana (Klatt) R.M. King and H. Rob (Ch. tacotana) is a notable source of bioactive hydroxy-methylated flavonoids. However, the specific anti-BC mechanisms of these flavonoids, particularly those present in the plant's inflorescences, remain partly undefined. This study focuses on assessing a chalcone derivative extracted from Ch. tacotana inflorescences for its potential to concurrently activate regulated autophagy and intrinsic apoptosis in luminal A and triple-negative BC cells. We determined the chemical composition of the chalcone using ultraviolet (UV) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Its selective cytotoxicity against BC cell lines was assessed using the MTT assay. Flow cytometry and Western blot analysis were employed to examine the modulation of proteins governing autophagy and the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Additionally, in silico simulations were conducted to predict interactions between chalcone and various anti-apoptotic proteins, including the mTOR protein. Chalcone was identified as 2',4-dihydroxy-4',6'-dimethoxy-chalcone (DDC). This compound demonstrated a selective inhibition of BC cell proliferation and triggered autophagy and intrinsic apoptosis. It induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and altered mitochondrial outer membrane potential (∆ψm). The study detected the activation of autophagic LC3-II and mitochondrial pro-apoptotic proteins in both BC cell lines. The regulation of Bcl-XL and Bcl-2 proteins varied according to the BC subtype, yet they showed promising molecular interactions with DDC. Among the examined pro-survival proteins, mTOR and Mcl-1 exhibited the most favorable binding energies and were downregulated in BC cell lines. Further research is needed to fully understand the molecular dynamics involved in the activation and interaction of autophagy and apoptosis pathways in cancer cells in response to potential anticancer agents, like the hydroxy-methylated flavonoids from Ch. tacotana.

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Chromolaena tacotana (Klatt) R. M. King and H. Rob (Ch. tacotana) contains bioactive flavonoids that may have antioxidant and/or anti-cancer properties. This study investigated the potential anti-cancer properties of a newly identified chalcone isolated from the inflorescences of the plant Chromolaena tacotana (Klatt) R. M. King and H. Rob (Ch. tacotana). The chalcone structure was determined using HPLC/MS (QTOF), UV, and NMR spectroscopy. The compound cytotoxicity and selectivity were evaluated on prostate, cervical, and breast cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. Apoptosis and autophagy induction were assessed through flow cytometry by detecting annexin V/7-AAD, active Casp3/7, and LC3B proteins. These results were supported by Western blot analysis. Mitochondrial effects on membrane potential, as well as levels of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins were analyzed using flow cytometry, fluorescent microscopy, and Western blot analysis specifically on a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line. Furthermore, molecular docking (MD) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to evaluate the interaction between the compounds and pro-survival proteins. The compound identified as 2',3,4-trihydroxy-4',6'-dimethoxy chalcone inhibited the cancer cell line proliferation and induced apoptosis and autophagy. MDA-MB-231, a TNBC cell line, exhibited the highest sensitivity to the compound with good selectivity. This activity was associated with the regulation of mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of the pro-apoptotic proteins, and reduction of anti-apoptotic proteins, thereby triggering the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. The chalcone consistently interacted with anti-apoptotic proteins, particularly the Bcl-2 protein, throughout the simulation period. However, there was a noticeable conformational shift observed with the negative autophagy regulator mTOR protein. Future studies should focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer potential of the new chalcone and other flavonoids from Ch. tacotana, particularly against predominant cancer cell types.

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Aim: Heavy metal concentration [mg/dL, MP] in soil and the transfer to vegetable organs may have a sampling effect. We compared the [MP] in soil and organ samples of Beta vulgaris collected in sites with socioeconomic differences potentially inducing phytotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Samples of Beta vulgaris and soils (n = 4 per sample of soil and plant material) were randomly collected from two distant geographic areas (Mosquera and Sibaté, Cundinamarca, Colombia). We determined the [MP] using acid digestion of HCl : HNO3 [1 : 1]; the [MP] was obtained by atomic absorption in Varian AA-140 and Shimadzu AA-7000 equipment. A two-way ANOVA estimated the effect (partial η2) of the sampling site and metal type on the [MP] and transfer to the vegetable. Results: In Sibaté, the means (SD) of As_1.44 (0.18), Co_1.09 (0.51), Cr_6.21 (0.33), Ni_0.22 (0.02), and Pb_4.17 (0.87) were higher than in Mosquera (As_1.06 (0.21), Co_0.81 (0.19), Cr_3.72 (0.51), Ni_0.13 (0.04), and Pb_1.69 (0.40)) (p value <0.05). The effect of the interaction between the metal type and Beta vulgaris organs on the [MP] (0.801) in Sibaté was more meaningful than in Mosquera (0.430). Additionally, there was a strong correlation (Spearman's ρ > 0.8, p value <0.001) between [MP_soil] and [MP_plants] and between the transfer of metals to the plant and to the leaves. Discussion. The sampling location has a differential effect on the [MP] in soil and the transfer to Beta vulgaris. Given the differential effect described, the monitoring and phytoremediation strategies must be adjusted to scenarios with potentially phytotoxic conditions.

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Raw milk adulteration with cheese whey is a major problem that affects the dairy industry. The objective of this work was to evaluate the adulteration of raw milk with the cheese whey obtained from the coagulation process, with chymosin enzyme using casein glycomacropeptide (cGMP) as an HPLC marker. Milk proteins were precipitated with 24% TCA; with the supernatant obtained, a calibration curve was established by mixing raw milk and whey in different percentages, which were passed through a KW-802.5 Shodex molecular exclusion column. A reference signal, with a retention time of 10.8 min, was obtained for each of the different percentages of cheese whey; the higher the concentration, the higher the peak. Data analysis was adjusted to a linear regression model, with an R2 of 0.9984 and equation to predict dependent variable (cheese whey percentage in milk) values. The chromatography sample was collected and analyzed by three tests: a cGMP standard HPLC analysis, MALDI-TOF spectrometry, and immunochromatography assay. The results of these three tests confirmed the presence of the cGMP monomer in adulterated samples with whey, which was obtained from chymosin enzymatic coagulation. As a contribution to food safety, the molecular exclusion chromatography technique presented is reliable, easy to implement in a laboratory, and inexpensive, compared with other methodologies, such as electrophoresis, immunochromatography, and HPLC-MS, thus allowing for the routine quality control of milk, an important product in human nutrition.

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Heavy metal contamination in water resources, soil, and food sources is an issue that compromises food safety in Sibaté, Colombia. In the present study concentration of heavy metals [HMs], such as Cu, As, Pb, Cr, Zn, Co, Cd and Ni, present in vegetables included in the typical Colombian diet were measured. The study was conducted as follows: samples of parsley, artichoke and carrots produced in a location near the Muña dam were collected, where the Bogotá River water is treated for use as a water resource. To determine food safety, national and international [HMs] established limits were compared with quantified [HMs] in samples of different vegetable parts and of the surrounding soil. Fresh samples were separated in their respective parts for cold acid digestion with HCl and HNO3 (1:1) for 15 days. Heavy metal mean ± standard error (SE) were as follows (mg/kg) As 2.36 ± 0.185, Cd 0.16 ± 0.009, Co 0.43 ± 0.019, Cr 12.1 ± 0.453, Cu 13.1 ± 1.68, Ni 0.00, Pb 7.07 ± 0.482 and Zn 3.976 ± 0.332. Cd, Cr, As, Co and Ni showed high transfer factor in Cynara scolymus. Moreover, high Pb, Cu and Zn transfer factor were present in Petroselinum crispum. Except for Daucus carota roots, there was a high metal transfer specifically in Petroselinum crispum leaves and other different plant parts, with high transfer factor for Cr, As, Co, Pb, Cu and Zn.

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The bio-flocculants used in this study were synthesised by the Mannich reaction, which includes three reagents: a substrate (tannin extracts of Acacia, Quebracho, and Castanea), formaldehyde, and an amine derivative (ethanolamine, diethanolamine, ammonium chloride). Nine natural flocculants were prepared by combining extracts and amines; these products were evaluated in three different wastewater samples in two experimental phases. In phase I, five physicochemical parameters were analysed. From the data obtained, a multivariate, completely randomised design (CRD-Manava) was used, with a factorial arrangement and mean plots. In phase II, the three bio-flocculants with the most statistically significant responses and their mixtures were examined, evaluating 14 biological and physicochemical parameters. Statistical analysis was guided in this phase by CRD blocks, finding a significant removal in the physicochemical parameters analysed in the different types of wastewater and obtaining removal rates between 50 and 90%, depending on the parameter. At the end of both phases, the bio-flocculants acacia-ammonium chloride and quebracho-diethanolamine were the most efficient in the removal of turbidity (34-99%), true colour (93-100%) and total solids (12-99%). In addition, the natural flocculants showed low mutagenicity index (MI: 0.33-0.93) compared to aluminium sulphate (MI: 4.87-8.81).

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Purpose: Quantification of the impact of a PACS/RIS-integrated speech recognition system (SRS) on the time expenditure for radiology reporting and on hospital-wide report availability (RA) in a university institution. Material and methods: In a prospective pilot study, the following parameters were assessed for 669 radiographic examinations (CR): 1. time requirement per report dictation (TED: dictation time (s)/number of images (examination) x number of words (report)) with either a combination of PACS/ tape-based dictation (TD: analog dictation device/ minicassette/transcription) or PACS/RIS/speech recognition system(RR: remote recognition/transcription and OR: online recognition/self-correction by radiologist), respectively, and 2. the ReportTur-naround Time (RTT) as the time interval from the entry of the first image into the PACS to the available RIS/HIS report. Two equal time periods were chosen retrospectively from the RIS database: 11/2002-2/2003 (only TD) and 11/2003-2/2004 (only RR or OR with speech recognition system (SRS)). The midterm (> 24 h, 24 h intervals) and short-term (< 24 h, 1 h intervals) RA after examination completion were calculated for all modalities and for CR, CT, MR and XA/DS separately. The relative increase in the mid-term RA (RIMRA: related to total number of examinations in each time period) and increase in the short-term RA (ISRA: ratio of available reports during the 1st to 24th hour) were calculated. Results: Prospectively there was a significant difference between TD/RR/OR (n = 151/257/261) regarding mean TED (0.44/0.54/0.62 s (per word and image)) and mean RTT.

Objetivo: Cuantificar la repercusión de un sistema de reconocimiento del habla integrado en un PACS/RIS en el tiempo invertido en los informes radiológicos y su disponibilidad en una Clínica Universitaria. Material y métodos: Estudio piloto prospectivo; en 669 radiografías se registró el tiempo invertido por dictado con cinta y sistemas PACS/RIS de reconocimiento (dictado por lotes o dictado en línea) y el Report Turnaround Time, intervalo de tiempo desde la introducción de imagen en PACS hasta tener informe disponible en RIS/CIS. En análisis retrospectivo de base de datos de RIS se estudió 11/2002-02/2003 y 11/2003-02/2004. Se calculó la media y el aumento relativo de la disponibilidad de informes a mediano y corto plazo tras la finalización del estudio. Resultados: Se observaron importantes diferencias en el tiempo invertido para cada modalidad (0,44/0,54/0,62 s por palabra e imagen) y del RTT medio (10,47/6,65/1,27 h). Se evaluaron retrospectivamente 37.898/39.680 informes de los períodos mencionados. En CR/TC, se observó un aumento medio del 20 por ciento en la disponibilidad de informes a corto plazo y en todas las modalidades fue más del triple en las primeras 24 h. En el caso de CR/TC/RM, el primer día hubo un aumento máximo de la disponibilidad a mediano plazo (factor 3,1/5,8/4,0) y en el caso de XA/DS, en el segundo día (factor 2,0). Conclusión: Cuando se utiliza un sistema de reconocimiento del habla se modifica el flujo de trabajo y se invierte inicialmente más tiempo para la elaboración de informes. Los sistemas de reconocimiento integrados en PACS/RIS mejoran considerablemente la disponibilidad de los informes a corto y mediano plazo, redundando en la calidad de la atención de los pacientes.

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