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The research investigates the extraction of antioxidant phenolic compounds from grape pomace, a wine fermentation byproduct. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), varying parameters such as solute:solvent ratio, power, and time were utilized. UAE was specifically applied to Vitis vinifera L. using high-intensity ultrasound with ratios of 1:18 and 1:42 g:mL, 250 and 400 W power levels, and extraction times of 15 and 20 minutes. Total phenolic content was quantified via the Folin–Ciocalteau reagent, and total flavonoids were determined using quercetin as a standard. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated through ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH Radical Scavenging Assays, with Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) for comparison. Results indicated a total phenolic content of 50 to 80 μmol GAE/g d.w., with no significant differences among treatments. Total flavonoid concentration ranged from 2.5 to 4 μmol QE/g d.w. Importantly, the solute:solvent ratio impacted antioxidant capacity, with higher ratios showing increased ABTS radical capacity. Treatment 1, with the highest flavonoid content, exhibited the greatest antioxidant capacity against DPPH radicals. This study underscores the intrinsic correlation between cumulative bioactive compound content and the inherent antioxidant capacity of grape pomace extracts. This highlights the potential application of these extracts as antioxidant reservoirs, poised for integration into functional foods and biomedical nutraceuticals.

The squamates (lizards and snakes) are close relatives of birds and mammals, with more than 10,000 described species that display extensive variation in a number of important biological traits, including coloration, venom production, and regeneration. Due to a lack of genomic tools, few genetic studies in squamates have been carried out. The leopard gecko, Eublepharis macularius, is a popular companion animal, and displays a variety of coloration patterns. We took advantage of a large breeding colony and used linkage analysis, synteny, and homozygosity mapping to investigate a spontaneous semi-dominant mutation, "Lemon Frost", that produces white coloration and causes skin tumors (iridophoroma). We localized the mutation to a single locus which contains a strong candidate gene, SPINT1, a tumor suppressor implicated in human skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) and over-proliferation of epithelial cells in mice and zebrafish. Our work establishes the leopard gecko as a tractable genetic system and suggests that a tumor suppressor in melanocytes in humans can also suppress tumor development in iridophores in lizards.

Chronic low back pain can severely affect quality of life. While several treatments are available, the combination of therapies often results in better outcomes. This study delves into the comparative effectiveness of combining monopolar dielectric diathermy radiofrequency (MDR) with supervised therapeutic exercise against the latter treatment alone. A randomized single-blind controlled trial was conducted. The intervention group (n= 30) received MDR with supervised therapeutic exercises for eight weekly sessions for four weeks. The control group (n= 30) received only the same exercise protocol. The following self-report measures were assessed before the first treatment session, at four, and 12 weeks: disability, pain, kinesiophobia, quality of life, sleep quality, emotional distress, isometric trunk strength, and trunk flexion range. Repeated ANOVA measures revealed significant time*group interactions for the McQuade test (p= 0.003), the physical role (p= 0.011), vitality (p= 0.023), social function (p= 0.006), and mental health subscales (p= 0.042). Between-group analyses showed significant differences for all outcomes at each follow-up: RMDQ (post-treatment, p= 0.040), ODI (post-treatment and 12-week, p= 0.040), VAS (p< 0.001), TSK (p< 0.001), and McQuade Test (p< 0.020). The combination of diathermy radiofrequency with supervised therapeutic exercise significantly surpasses the efficacy of supervised therapeutic exercise alone, showcasing improvements in pain, disability, kinesiophobia, lumbar mobility in flexion, and overall quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the traditional surface irrigation system of Vega Baja del Segura (Spain), large amounts of floating waste accumulate at certain points of the river, irrigation channels and drainage ditches, causing malfunctioning of the irrigation network and rising social problems related to the origins of waste. This work proposes a standardized and quick methodology to characterize the floating waste to detect changes in its amount and components. A dataset was created with 477 images of floating plastic items in different environments and was used for training an algorithm based on YOLOv5s. The mean Average Precision of the trained algorithm was 96.9%, and the detection speed was 81.7 ms. Overhead photographs were taken with an unmanned aerial vehicle at strategic points of the river and channels, and its automatic count of floating objects was compared with their manual count. Both methods showed good agreement, confirming that water bottles were the most abundant (95%) type of floating waste. The automatic count reduced the required time and eliminated human bias in image analysis of the floating waste. This procedure can be used to test the reach of corrective measures implemented by local authorities to prevent floating waste in the river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carnivorous mammals are significant contributors to the formation of the fossil record; they transport, accumulate, destroy and modify the skeletal remains of several kinds of vertebrates. In particular, the puma is one of the top predators in the Americas and can interact with prey of different sizes. However, naturalistic research on bone remains ingested by this feline are still scarce. This article aims to provide data that helps characterise the puma's taphonomic signature and add information about its diet. We present and discuss the results of the analysis of bones recovered in puma scats collected in Sierra de las Quijadas National Park, province of San Luis, Argentina. This analysis indicates a high taxonomic richness dominated by medium-sized taxa, particularly Dolichotis. The skeletal remains are highly fragmented, most show gastric digestion of varying intensity, while a low percentage exhibit tooth marks. This study is helpful for its application in the Americas, where puma has a wide distribution. It can also be relevant as an analog in other parts of the world where big cats have lived in the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]