Comparative genomic analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains susceptible and resistant to carbapenems and aztreonam isolated from patients with healthcare-associated infections in a Mexican hospital.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is an important opportunistic pathogen that causes different infections on immunocompromised patients. Within PA accessory genome, differences in virulence, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation have been described between strains, leading to the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. The genome sequences of 17 strains isolated from patients with healthcare-associated infections in a Mexican hospital were genomically and phylogenetically analyzed and antibiotic resistance genes, virulence genes, and biofilm formation genes were detected. Fifteen of the 17 strains were resistant to at least two of the carbapenems meropenem, imipenem, and the monobactam aztreonam. The antibiotic resistance (mexA, mexB, and oprM) and the biofilm formation (pslA and pslD) genes were detected in all strains. Differences were found between strains in accessory genome size. The strains had different sequence types, and seven strains had sequence types associated with global high risk epidemic PA clones. All strains were represented in two groups among PA global strains. In the 17 strains, horizontally acquired resistance genes to aminoglycosides and beta-lactams were found, mainly, and between 230 and 240 genes that encode virulence factors. The strains under study were variable in terms of their accessory genome, antibiotic resistance, and virulence genes. With these characteristics, we provide information about the genomic diversity of clinically relevant PA strains.

Transcriptomic analysis of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) revealing key mechanisms in response to low temperature stress.

BACKGROUND: Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most economically and nutritionally important vegetables worldwide. However, its production can be affected by various abiotic stresses, such as low temperature. This causes various biochemical, morphological and molecular changes affecting membrane lipid composition, photosynthetic pigments, accumulation of free sugars and proline, secondary metabolism, as well as a change in gene expression. However, the mechanism of molecular response to this type of stress has not yet been elucidated. METHODS AND RESULTS: To further investigate the response mechanism to this abiotic stress, we performed an RNA-Seq transcriptomic analysis to obtain the transcriptomic profile of Capsicum annuum exposed to low temperature stress, where libraries were constructed from reads of control and low temperature stress samples, varying on average per treatment from 22,952,190.5-27,305,327 paired reads ranging in size from 30 to 150 bp. The number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for each treatment was 388, 417 and 664 at T-17 h, T-22 h and T-41 h, respectively, identifying 58 up-regulated genes and 169 down-regulated genes shared among the three exposure times. Likewise, 23 DEGs encoding TFs were identified at T-17 h, 30 DEGs at T-22 h and 47 DEGs at T-42 h, respectively. GO analysis revealed that DEGs were involved in catalytic activity, response to temperature stimulus, oxidoreductase activity, stress response, phosphate ion transport and response to abscisic acid. KEGG pathway analysis identified that DEGs were related to flavonoid biosynthesis, alkaloid biosynthesis and plant circadian rhythm pathways in the case of up-regulated genes, while in the case of down-regulated genes, they pertained to MAPK signaling and plant hormone signal transduction pathways, present at all the three time points of low temperature exposure. Validation of the transcriptomic method was performed by evaluation of five DEGs by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR). CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained in the present study provide new insights into the transcriptome profiles of Capsicum annuum stem in response to low temperature stress. The data generated may be useful for the identification of key candidate genes and molecular mechanisms involved in response to this type of stress.

First Confirmed Report of Rhizoctonia solani AG-7 Causing Potato Stem Canker in Mexico.

Rhizoctonia solani, is the causal agent of black scurf and stem canker of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) throughout the world. In November 2021, stem canker symptoms were observed in two potato fields located in Ahome, Sinaloa, Mexico. The disease incidence was estimated up to 15%. For fungal isolation, fragments of symptomatic stems were surface sterilized with 2% sodium hypochlorite for 2 min, rinsed with sterilized distilled water, and blotted dry on sterile filter paper. Fragments were placed on PDA medium and incubated at 25°C in darkness for 4 days. Rhizoctonia-like colonies were consistently obtained and 12 isolates were purified by the hyphal-tip method. Fungal colonies on PDA were white initially and then turned brown, raised, and with entire or undulate edges. Septate hyphae were hyaline, smooth, and branched at right angles with a septum near the point of branching. Microscopic examination by staining with 1% safranin O and 3% KOH solution showed multinucleate cells. The morphological features of the isolates resembled those of Rhizoctonia solani (Sneh et al. 1991). Four representative isolates were selected for molecular analysis and pathogenicity tests. The isolates were deposited in the Culture Collection of Phytopathogenic Fungi at the Research Center for Food and Development (Culiacán, Sinaloa) under accession nos. CCLF267, CCLF274, CCLF277, and CCLF279. For molecular identification, genomic DNA from each of the four isolates was extracted, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified, and sequenced with the primer pair ITS5/ITS4 (White et al. 1990). The sequences were deposited in GenBank (accession nos. OP784258 to OP784261). Phylogenetic analyses were performed using the Maximum Likelihood method with ITS sequences for anastomosis groups (AG) of Rhizoctonia solani. The phylogenetic tree grouped the four isolates within the R. solani AG-7 clade with high bootstrap support (100%). For pathogenicity tests, certified pathogen-free potato mini-tuber (cv. Fianna) were placed in a polystyrene pot (1 L) filled with a 5 cm layer of a sterile substrate composed of soil and peat moss (2:1 w/w). One rice grain (20 mg) colonized with each isolate was placed 10 mm above the uppermost sprout tip and covered with the sterile substrate (Inokuti et al. 2019). Control plants were inoculated with sterile rice grains. All pots were transferred to a greenhouse where the temperature ranged from 20 to 32°C. Stem necrosis symptoms were observed on all inoculated plants 25 days after emergence, whereas control plants remained symptomless. Pathogenicity test was performed twice with similar results. Fungi were reisolated from the infected stems and found to be morphologically identical to the isolates used for inoculation, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. The AG-7 has been previously reported to cause potato diseases in South Africa (Truter and Wehner 2004). In Mexico, Carling et al. (1998) reported the presence of an isolate of R. solani AG-7 obtained from a potato tuber-borne sclerotium in Toluca; however, there is no information about the methodology used for the characterization of that isolate. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed report of R. solani AG-7 causing potato stem canker in Mexico. Our findings improve knowledge about R. solani AGs occurring in potato fields in Mexico. So, further studies should be conducted to investigate the diversity, prevalence, and fungicide sensitivity of AGs distributed in the main potato-producing states in Mexico.

Comparison of the Effect of Hydrostatic and Dynamic High Pressure Processing on the Enzymatic Activity and Physicochemical Quality Attributes of 'Ataulfo' Mango Nectar.

The effects of hydrostatic (HHP) and dynamic (HPH) high-pressure treatments on the activity of pectin methylesterase (PME) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) as well as the physicochemical quality attributes of 'Ataulfo' mango nectar were assessed. HHP reduced PME relative activity by 28% at 100 MPa for 5 min but increased PPO activity almost five-fold. Contrarily, HPH did not affect PME activity, but PPO was effectively reduced to 10% of residual activity at 300 MPa and at three passes. Color parameters (CIEL*a*b*), °hue, and chroma were differently affected by each type of high-pressure processing technology. The viscosity and fluid behavior were not affected by HHP, however, HPH changed the apparent viscosity at low dynamic pressure levels (100 MPa with one and three passes). The viscosity decreased at high shear rates in nectar samples, showing a shear-thinning effect. The results highlight how different effects can be achieved with each high-pressure technology; thus, selecting the most appropriate system for processing and preserving liquid foods like fruit beverages is recommended.

Cytotoxic Activity of Polyphenol Extracts from Three Oregano Species: Hedeoma patens, Lippia graveolens and Lippia palmeri, and Antiproliferative Potential of Lippia graveolens against Two Types of Breast Cancer Cell Lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7).

Oregano infusions have traditionally been used to treat some diseases related to inflammation and cancer; also, some species have shown antiproliferative activity on cancer cell lines, for example, colon and liver, and this has been attributed to its phytochemical profile, mainly its phenolic compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and antiproliferative potential of the polyphenols-rich extracts (PRE) of the oregano species H. patens, L. graveolens, and L. palmeri on breast cancer cell lines. The PRE of the three oregano species were obtained from dried leaves. The extract was characterized by determining antioxidant activity, total phenols content, and identifying the profile of phenolic acids and flavonoids by chromatography UPLC-MS/MS. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the extracts was evaluated in vitro on a non-cancer cell line of fibroblast NIH3T3 and the antiproliferative potential on the breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. L. graveolens showed the highest antioxidant capacity and significantly inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells at non-cytotoxic concentrations in normal cells, with a similar effect to that cisplatin in MDA-MB-231 cells. Therefore, the polyphenol-rich extract from L. graveolens showed the greatest potential to guide future research on the antiproliferative mechanism of action.

Metabolomic Analysis of Phytochemical Compounds from Agricultural Residues of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.).

The eggplant is a fruit rich in natural products and produced worldwide. However, its cultivation generates a large amount of scarcely used agricultural residues with poor chemical characterization. This study aimed to identify and quantify the metabolome and determine the composition of select phytochemicals and the overall antioxidant capacity of various anatomical parts of the plant. The plant's root, leaf, stem, and fruit were analyzed by quantitative mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics and chemoinformatics, and phytochemicals were quantified by spectrophotometric analysis. Moreover, we determined the total antioxidant capacity of the distinct plant parts to infer a possible biological effect of the plant's metabolites. Various secondary metabolites were identified as terpenes, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and saponins, distributed throughout the plant. The leaf and fruit presented the highest concentration of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and alkaloids, accompanied by the highest antioxidant capacity. Although the stem and root showed the lowest abundance of secondary metabolites, they provided around 20% of such compounds compared with the leaf and fruit. Overall, our study improved the understanding of the eggplant metabolome and concluded that the plant is rich in secondary metabolites, some with antioxidant properties, and shows potential nutraceutical and biopharmaceutical applications.

The impact of quorum sensing on the modulation of phage-host interactions.

Bacteriophages are the most diverse and abundant biological entities on the Earth and require host bacteria to replicate. Because of this obligate relationship, in addition to the challenging conditions of surrounding environments, phages must integrate information about extrinsic and intrinsic factors when infecting their host. This integration helps to determine whether the infection becomes lytic or lysogenic, which likely influences phage spreading and long-term survival. Although a variety of environmental and physiological clues are known to modulate lysis-lysogeny decisions, the social interplay among phages and host populations has been overlooked until recently. A growing body of evidence indicates that cell-cell communication in bacteria and, more recently, peptide-based communication among phage-phage populations, affect phage-host interactions by controlling phage lysis-lysogeny decisions and phage counter-defensive strategies in bacteria. Here, we explore and discuss the role of signal molecules as well as quorum sensing and quenching factors that mediate phage-host interactions. Our aim is to provide an overview of population-dependent mechanisms that influence phage replication, and how social communication may affect the dynamics and evolution of microbial communities, including their implications in phage therapy.

Anthocyanin Induction by Drought Stress in the Calyx of Roselle Cultivars.

Abiotic factors can alter the chemical profile of crops and the number of compounds they contain. In this study, the anthocyanin and anthocyanidin contents, determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-MS/MS), and the colour attributes of the calyces of three cultivars of Hibiscus sabdariffa subjected to three water stress regimes during the stage of physiological maturity were investigated. The total anthocyanin content in calyx increased relative to the control content under a 65% moisture irrigation regime. Among the cultivars, UAN16-2 showed the greatest increases in the contents of cyanidin, delphinidin 3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, and cyanidin 3-O-sambubioside. The content of cyanidin 3-O-sambubioside showed the greatest increase, increasing by 55% relative to the control level. The contents of these compounds are correlated with colour attributes such as luminosity. Water stress under the 33% moisture condition during plant development led to decreased anthocyanin contents in all of the roselle cultivars.

Peptides in Colorectal Cancer: Current State of Knowledge.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most deadly and the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. CRC treatment is mainly based on surgery, chemotherapy, and even though the probability of complications after surgery is very low, chemo drugs affect the patient's quality of life. Multiple studies have shown a strong correlation between diet and the onset and progression of CRC. Thus, the consumption of dietary nutraceuticals for its treatment and prevention has been suggested as a promising option. Peptides have increasingly become of interest in human health due to their antioxidant, antihypertensive, and anticancer potential. In recent years, there have been extensive reports on peptides with anti-tumor activity, and some studies suggest that peptides modulate cell proliferation, evasion of cell death, and metastasis in malignant cells. Plant-derived peptides such as soybean, bean, and rice have received main attention. In this review, we show evidence of several mechanisms through which bioactive peptides exert anti-tumor activity over in vitro and in vivo CRC models. We also report the current status of major production techniques, as well as limitations and future perspectives. Graphical Abstract.

Influence of environmental and genetic factors on 3-hydoxypropionaldehyde production by Lactobacillus reuteri.

The influence of environmental factors such as glycerol concentration, time of production, presence of Escherichia coli, and two different strains of Lactobacillus reuteri (ATCC 55730 and ATCC 53608) on 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (3-HPA) production was analyzed. Additionally, the influence of those factors on gene expression in the 3-HPA production pathway was evaluated. The genes studied were GldC, cbiP, and Lreu_1734. The results of this study showed that the principal environmental factors that influence 3-HPA production are glycerol concentration and Lactobacillus reuteri strain. As glycerol concentration increased, 3-HPA content increased. The greatest 3-HPA concentration (56.6 mM ±5.99) was achieved by L. reuteri ATCC 55730. Gene expression was also affected by environmental factors. Factor that showed the greatest influence were also strain and glycerol concentration. The genes cbiP, GldC, and Lreu_1734 had basal gene expression in glycerol absence; however, glycerol regulated its expression. Glycerol induced overexpression of cbiP and GldC genes (Strain ATCC 53608), probably to ensure its efficient utilization. On the contrary, glycerol concentration suppressed Lre_1734 expression in both analyzed strains, as a mechanism for 3-HPA accumulation. Down-regulation was observed in all the genes tested in strain ATCC 55730, probably due to feedback inhibition by 3-HPA.

Development, Optimization, and Evaluation of a Duplex Droplet Digital PCR Assay To Quantify the T-nos/hmg Copy Number Ratio in Genetically Modified Maize.

Certified reference materials (CRMs) are required to guarantee the reliability of analytical measurements. The CRMs available in the field of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are characterized using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). This technology has limited application, because of its dependence on a calibrant. The objective of this study was to obtain a method with higher metrological quality, to characterize the CRMs for their contents of T-nos/hmg copy number ratio in maize. A duplex droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay was developed and optimized by a central composite design. The developed method achieved an absolute limit of detection (LOD) of 11 cP T-nos, a relative LOD of 0.034%, a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 23 cP (relative LOQ of 0.08%), and a dynamic range of 0.08%-100% T-nos/hmg ratio. The specificity and applicability of the assay were established for the analysis of low T-nos concentrations (0.9%) in several corn varieties. The convenience of DNA digestion to reduce measurement bias in the case of multiple-copy binding was confirmed through an enzymatic restriction assay. Given its overall performance, this method can be used to characterize CRM candidates for their contents of T-nos/hmg ratio.

Prevalence and genetic diversity of Salmonella spp. in a river in a tropical environment in Mexico.

The capability of Salmonella to survive outside a host is especially relevant in tropical regions, where the environmental conditions could be more suitable for its long-term persistence. This study investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of salmonellae within rivers of the Culiacan Valley in the northwestern region of Mexico. From July 2008 to June 2009, a total of 138 water samples were evaluated for the presence of Salmonella spp.; additionally, its association with environmental parameters was determined using Generalized Additive Models (GAMs). Salmonella spp. were isolated from 111 (80.4%) samples without any statistical influence on the environmental parameters investigated, according to the GAM analysis. Twenty-four serotypes were identified; the most frequently isolated serotypes were Salmonella Oranienburg (25%), Salmonella Saintpaul (9%) and Salmonella Minnesota (6%). Diverse genetic variants of Salmonella Oranienburg were found distributed across the valley with no distinctive geographical or temporal patterns. The high persistence of Salmonella spp. and the lack of differentiation of types found along the river basins suggest the existence of non-point source contamination. Furthermore, the discrepancy between the prevailing serotypes in human infections and those identified in this study denotes a limited influence of these aquatic environments in bacterial dissemination and disease transmission.

[Listeriosis in Mexico: Clinical and epidemiological importance]. / Listeriosis en México: importancia clínica y epidemiológica.

Listeriosis is caused by Listeria monocytogenes, an important food-borne disease due to its clinical forms, high mortality rate, and the economic impact in both clinical and food production industries. In Mexico, the lack of epidemiological surveillance systems leads to the need of accurate data on the incidence of listeriosis and its association with food-borne disease. In this paper, we present data about the presence of this bacterium in food, reports related to clinical cases of listeriosis, and information of diseases in which L. monocytogenes may be involved. However, in most of these cases the etiology was not established. Given this, there's a need to inform and warn the appropriate entities, to define strategies for the mandatory search of L. monocytogenes through the whole food production chain and clinical suspects, for the epidemiological importance and control of listeriosis in Mexico.

Cellular antioxidant activity and in vitro intestinal permeability of phenolic compounds from four varieties of mango bark (Mangifera indica L.).

BACKGROUND: Mango bark is an important agro-industrial residue from mango pruning. In traditional medicine, the aqueous extract from mango bark (MBE) has been used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of many diseases. However, there is scarce information using cellular models to evaluate the potential use of this plant material for human consumption. In this study, the phenolic content from the MBE from four varieties (Kent, Keitt, Ataulfo and Tommy Atkins) was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/MS-TOF). Additionally, the cellular antioxidant activity of the MBE from the four mango varieties were compared. Finally, the intestinal permeability of the main polyphenols found in the MBE (mangiferin and gallic acid) was evaluated. RESULTS: Mangiferin and gallic acid were the main constituents in the MBE from the four mango varieties. Furthermore, the Ataulfo variety showed the highest cellular antioxidant activity (67%) at the concentration of 100 µg mL−1 . The intestinal permeability of mangiferin present in the bark extracts was 3- to 4.8-fold higher than those of mangiferin as standard, whereas the intestinal permeability of gallic acid varied among the tested extracts. CONCLUSION: MBE has the potential to exert antioxidant activity at the cellular level and can have an impact on human health. It may also be a good source for the extraction of polyphenols mainly mangiferin.

Complete genome sequence of a polyvalent bacteriophage, phiKP26, active on Salmonella and Escherichia coli.

Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically infect and lyse prokaryotic cells and therefore might be used as biocontrol agents. However, it is necessary to acquire genomic information to predict and understand the phage's characteristics for the efficient and safe use of bacteriophages as biocontrol agents against bacterial pathogens. In this study, the complete genome sequence of a novel enterobacteriophage, phiKP26, was determined by pyrosequencing. Genomic analysis of phiKP26 revealed a genome size of 47,285 bp with an overall G + C content of 44.3 %. Seventy-eight open reading frames (ORFs) in the phiKP26 genome were grouped into the modules of replication, DNA packaging, morphogenesis, cell lysis and absence of genes related to virulence and lysogeny.

Current knowledge in the use of bacteriophages to combat infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is considered the first causal agent of morbidity and mortality in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) disease. Multi-resistant strains have emerged due to prolonged treatment with specific antibiotics, so new alternatives have been sought for their control. In this context, there is a renewed interest in therapies based on bacteriophages (phages) supported by several studies suggesting that therapy based on lytic phages and biofilm degraders may be promising for the treatment of lung infections in CF patients. However, there is little clinical data about phage studies in CF and the effectiveness and safety in patients with this disease has not been clear. Therefore, studies regarding on phage characterization, selection, and evaluation in vitro and in vivo models will provide reliable information for designing effective cocktails, either using mixed phages or in combination with antibiotics, making a great progress in clinical research. Hence, this review focuses on the most relevant and recent findings on the activity of lytic phages against PA strains isolated from CF patients and hospital environments, and discusses perspectives on the use of phage therapy on the treatment of PA in CF patients.

Response Surface Methodology for Optimization of Multiplex-PCR Protocols for Detection of TYLCV, TSWV and Fol Molecular Markers: Analytical Performance Evaluation.

Molecular markers linked to disease resistance genes which affect economically important crops are of great interest. In the case of tomato, a major focus on resistance breeding to multiple fungal and viral pathogens such as Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol), have led to the introgression of several resistance genes; therefore, molecular markers have become important in molecular-assisted selection (MAS) of tomato varieties resistant to those pathogens. However, assays that allow simultaneous evaluation of resistant genotypes, such as multiplex PCR, need to be optimized and evaluated to demonstrate their analytical performance, as many factors can affect them. This work aimed to generate multiplex PCR protocols for the joint detection of the molecular markers associated with pathogen resistance genes in tomato plants that are sensitive, specific and repeatable. For the optimization a central composite design of a response surface methodology (RSM-CCD) was used. For analytical performance evaluation, specificity/selectivity and sensibility (limit of detection and dynamic range) were analyzed. Two protocols were optimized: the first one with a desirability of 1.00, contained two markers (At-2 and P7-43) linked to I- and I-3-resistant genes. The second one with a desirability of 0.99, contained markers (SSR-67, SW5 and P6-25) linked to I-, Sw-5-, and Ty-3-resistant genes. For protocol 1, all the commercial hybrids (7/7) were resistant to Fol, and for protocol 2, two hybrids were resistant to Fol, one to TSWV and one to TYLCV with good analytical performance. In both protocols, the varieties considered susceptible to the pathogens, no-amplicon or susceptible amplicons, were observed. The optimized multiplex PCR protocols showed dynamic ranges from 5.97 up to 161.3 ng DNA. The limit of detection was 17.92 ng and 53.76 ng DNA for protocols 1 and 2, respectively, giving 100% positive results in the test replicates. This method allowed to develop optimized multiplex PCR protocols with few assays which translates into less time and resources, without sacrificing method performance.

Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Response Mechanisms of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum) to Phosphorus Deficiency.

Phosphorus (P) is an important nutritional element needed by plants. Roots obtain P as inorganic phosphate (Pi), mostly in H2PO-4 form. It is vital for plants to have a sufficient supply of Pi since it participates in important processes like photosynthesis, energy transfer, and protein activation, among others. The physicochemical properties and the organic material usually make Pi bioavailability in soil low, causing crops and undomesticated plants to experience variations in accessibility or even a persistent phosphate limitation. In this study, transcriptome data from pepper roots under low-Pi stress was analyzed in order to identify Pi starvation-responsive genes and their relationship with metabolic pathways and functions. Transcriptome data were obtained from pepper roots with Pi deficiency by RNASeq and analyzed with bioinformatic tools. A total of 97 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified; Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment revealed that metabolic pathways, such as porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, were down-regulated, and galactose and fatty acid metabolism were up-regulated. The results indicate that bell pepper follows diverse processes related to low Pi tolerance regulation, such as the remobilization of internal Pi, alternative metabolic pathways to generate energy, and regulators of root development.

Green Extracts and UPLC-TQS-MS/MS Profiling of Flavonoids from Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens) Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents/Ultrasound-Assisted and Supercritical Fluids.

Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is an important source of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids. These have presented different therapeutic properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; however, their functionality is related to the quantity and type of compounds, and these characteristics depend on the extraction method used. This study aimed to compare different extraction procedures to identify and quantify flavonoids from oregano (Lippia graveolens). Emerging and conventional technologies include maceration with methanol and water, and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using deep eutectic solvents (DES) such as choline chloride-ethylene glycol, choline chloride-glycerol, and choline chloride-lactic acid. Supercritical fluid extraction using CO2 as a solvent was also studied. Six different extracts were obtained and the total reducing capacity, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity by ABTS•+, DPPH•, FRAP, and ORAC were evaluated. In addition, flavonoids were identified and quantified by UPLC-TQS-MS/MS. Results showed that UAE-DES had the best extraction effect and antioxidant capacity using colorimetric methods. However, maceration-methanol was superior in compound content, and highlighting naringenin and phloridzin were the major compounds. In addition, this extract was microencapsulated by spray drying, which provided a protection feature of their antioxidant potential. Oregano extracts are rich in flavonoids and the microcapsules present promising results for future research.

Agronomic Behavior of Mexican Roselle Cultivars Produced under Protected Agricultural Conditions.

Growth dynamics and morphological traits are used to define the characteristics of roselle cultivars Hibiscus sabdariffa. The morpho-agronomic variability of plants was evaluated, as well as the concentration of macro and micronutrients in leaves of Mexican roselle cultivars in hydroponic and greenhouse conditions. The following roselle cultivars were studied: 'Cruza Negra', 'UAN16-2', 'Criolla Huajicori', 'UAN 6 Puga', 'UAN 25-1' and '4Q4'. The relative growth rate of the crops was fitted to a positive cubic, negative quadratic and positive linear model, whereas stem diameter, fitted to a linear model, had a negative quadratic response. The foliar surface of the cultivars '4Q4', 'Cruza Negra', 'UAN16-2' and 'Criolla Huajicori' was directly related to the size of the flower, the calyx and the corolla. Nitrogen and potassium are the elements that showed the highest concentration in the cultivars Criolla Huajicori and Cruza Negra, while in the other four cultivars the highest concentrations of minerals in the leaf were nitrogen and calcium. The leaves of cultivar 4Q4 provided the greatest amount of minerals, with 83,565 mg kg-1 dry basis. Criolla Huajicori was the cultivar that exhibited the tallest height, the most productive branches and the greatest calyx number per plant; however, Cruza Negra exhibited the highest yield by having the longest calyx.