Botrytis cinerea infection accelerates ripening and cell wall disassembly to promote disease in tomato fruit.

Postharvest fungal pathogens benefit from the increased host susceptibility that occurs during fruit ripening. In unripe fruit, pathogens often remain quiescent and unable to cause disease until ripening begins, emerging at this point into destructive necrotrophic lifestyles that quickly result in fruit decay. Here, we demonstrate that one such pathogen, Botrytis cinerea, actively induces ripening processes to facilitate infections and promote disease in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Assessments of ripening progression revealed that B. cinerea accelerated external coloration, ethylene production, and softening in unripe fruit, while mRNA sequencing of inoculated unripe fruit confirmed the corresponding upregulation of host genes involved in ripening processes, such as ethylene biosynthesis and cell wall degradation. Furthermore, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based glycomics technique used to assess fruit cell wall polysaccharides revealed remarkable similarities in the cell wall polysaccharide changes caused by both infections of unripe fruit and ripening of healthy fruit, particularly in the increased accessibility of pectic polysaccharides. Virulence and additional ripening assessment experiments with B. cinerea knockout mutants showed that induction of ripening depends on the ability to infect the host and break down pectin. The B. cinerea double knockout Δbc polygalacturonase1 Δbc polygalacturonase2 lacking two critical pectin degrading enzymes was incapable of emerging from quiescence even long after the fruit had ripened at its own pace, suggesting that the failure to accelerate ripening severely inhibits fungal survival on unripe fruit. These findings demonstrate that active induction of ripening in unripe tomato fruit is an important infection strategy for B. cinerea.

Redistribution of the Novel Clostridioides difficile Spore Adherence Receptor E-Cadherin by TcdA and TcdB Increases Spore Binding to Adherens Junctions.

Clostridioides difficile causes antibiotic-associated diseases in humans, ranging from mild diarrhea to severe pseudomembranous colitis and death. A major clinical challenge is the prevention of disease recurrence, which affects nearly ~20 to 30% of the patients with a primary C. difficile infection (CDI). During CDI, C. difficile forms metabolically dormant spores that are essential for recurrence of CDI (R-CDI). In prior studies, we have shown that C. difficile spores interact with intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), which contribute to R-CDI. However, this interaction remains poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence that C. difficile spores interact with E-cadherin, contributing to spore adherence and internalization into IECs. C. difficile toxins TcdA and TcdB lead to adherens junctions opening and increase spore adherence to IECs. Confocal micrographs demonstrate that C. difficile spores associate with accessible E-cadherin; spore-E-cadherin association increases upon TcdA and TcdB intoxication. The presence of anti-E-cadherin antibodies decreased spore adherence and entry into IECs. By enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, and immunogold labeling, we observed that E-cadherin binds to C. difficile spores, specifically to the hairlike projections of the spore, reducing spore adherence to IECs. Overall, these results expand our knowledge of how C. difficile spores bind to IECs by providing evidence that E-cadherin acts as a spore adherence receptor to IECs and by revealing how toxin-mediated damage affects spore interactions with IECs.

Fecal Microbiota Transplant in a Pre-Clinical Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity and Diabetic Kidney Disease.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) burden encompasses diabetic kidney disease (DKD), the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Despite compelling evidence indicating that pharmacological intervention curtails DKD progression, the search for non-pharmacological strategies can identify novel targets for drug development against metabolic diseases. One of those emergent strategies comprises the modulation of the intestinal microbiota through fecal transplant from healthy donors. This study sought to investigate the benefits of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) on functional and morphological parameters in a preclinical model of type 2 DM, obesity, and DKD using BTBRob/ob mice. These animals develop hyperglycemia and albuminuria in a time-dependent manner, mimicking DKD in humans. Our main findings unveiled that FMT prevented body weight gain, reduced albuminuria and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels within the ileum and ascending colon, and potentially ameliorated insulin resistance in BTBRob/ob mice. Intestinal structural integrity was maintained. Notably, FMT was associated with the abundance of the succinate-consuming Odoribacteraceae bacteria family throughout the intestine. Collectively, our data pointed out the safety and efficacy of FMT in a preclinical model of type 2 DM, obesity, and DKD. These findings provide a basis for translational research on intestinal microbiota modulation and testing its therapeutic potential combined with current treatment for DM.

Host susceptibility factors render ripe tomato fruit vulnerable to fungal disease despite active immune responses.

The increased susceptibility of ripe fruit to fungal pathogens poses a substantial threat to crop production and marketability. Here, we coupled transcriptomic analyses with mutant studies to uncover critical processes associated with defense and susceptibility in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit. Using unripe and ripe fruit inoculated with three fungal pathogens, we identified common pathogen responses reliant on chitinases, WRKY transcription factors, and reactive oxygen species detoxification. We established that the magnitude and diversity of defense responses do not significantly impact the interaction outcome, as susceptible ripe fruit mounted a strong immune response to pathogen infection. Then, to distinguish features of ripening that may be responsible for susceptibility, we utilized non-ripening tomato mutants that displayed different susceptibility patterns to fungal infection. Based on transcriptional and hormone profiling, susceptible tomato genotypes had losses in the maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis, while jasmonic acid accumulation and signaling coincided with defense activation in resistant fruit. We identified and validated a susceptibility factor, pectate lyase (PL). CRISPR-based knockouts of PL, but not polygalacturonase (PG2a), reduced susceptibility of ripe fruit by >50%. This study suggests that targeting specific genes that promote susceptibility is a viable strategy to improve the resistance of tomato fruit against fungal disease.

Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Pre-Clinical Model of Diabetic Kidney Disease and Obesity.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a worldwide microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). From several pathological mechanisms involved in T2DM-DKD, we focused on mitochondria damage induced by hyperglycemia-driven reactive species oxygen (ROS) accumulation and verified whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, autophagy modulation, and pro-mitochondria homeostasis therapeutic potential curtailed T2DM-DKD progression. For that purpose, we grew immortalized glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) in hyper glucose media containing hydrogen peroxide. MSCs prevented these cells from apoptosis-induced cell death, ROS accumulation, and mitochondria membrane potential impairment. Additionally, MSCs recovered GMCs' biogenesis and mitophagy-related gene expression that were downregulated by stress media. In BTBRob/ob mice, a robust model of T2DM-DKD and obesity, MSC therapy (1 × 106 cells, two doses 4-weeks apart, intra-peritoneal route) led to functional and structural kidney improvement in a time-dependent manner. Therefore, MSC-treated animals exhibited lower levels of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, less mesangial expansion, higher number of podocytes, up-regulation of mitochondria-related survival genes, a decrease in autophagy hyper-activation, and a potential decrease in cleaved-caspase 3 expression. Collectively, these novel findings have important implications for the advancement of cell therapy and provide insights into cellular and molecular mechanisms of MSC-based therapy in T2DM-DKD setting.

Brazilian artisanal cheeses are rich and diverse sources of nonstarter lactic acid bacteria regarding technological, biopreservative, and safety properties-Insights through multivariate analysis.

In this study a total of 220 isolates of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) recovered from 10 types of Brazilian artisanal cheeses marketed in 4 main regions of Brazil were evaluated regarding their safety and ability to produce diacetyl (a precursor of aromatic compounds), exopolysaccharides (EPS; from different sugar sources), and antagonistic activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. The results indicated that 131 isolates (59.6%) were classified as strong (40.5%) and moderate (19.1%) diacetyl producers; 28 isolates (12.7%) stood out due to their remarkable production of EPS from different sugars, including sucrose (3.2%), fructose (2.3%), lactose (2.3%), and glucose (6%). Furthermore, 94.1% and 95.9% of isolates presented antagonistic activity against S. aureus and L. monocytogenes, respectively, even though only 27 isolates (12.3%) exhibited positive results in the bacteriocin production test. None of the isolates tested presented hemolytic activity, and 117 were classified as safe, due to their intrinsic resistance to a maximum of 4 different antibiotics. The data obtained for assessment of antibiogram profile and technological potential (moderate and high production of diacetyl, EPS, and bacteriocins) were submitted to a multiple correspondence analysis to correlate them with the cheese of isolation. Regarding the antimicrobial profile of LAB strains, it was possible to verify an association between isolates from Minas artisanal cheeses from Araxá and resistance to tetracycline; Minas artisanal cheeses from Serro and resistance to erythromycin; Coalho and Minas artisanal cheese from Cerrado and resistance to penicillin; and isolates from Serrano and Colonial cheeses with clindamycin and ceftazidime resistance. Although the susceptibility of strains to these antibiotics was considered high (71.8-80.5%), these data may be related to the horizontal transfer of genes in the production chain of these cheeses. Results of multiple correspondence analysis also showed that isolates with antagonistic activity were mostly isolated from Manteiga, Colonial, and Coalho cheeses. The isolates with high or moderate EPS-producer ability from sucrose, glucose, and fructose were mainly associated with Minas artisanal cheeses from Cerrado. In contrast, isolates with high or moderate EPS-producer ability from lactose were isolated from Serrano, Minas artisanal cheeses from Canastra, and Campo das Vertentes microregions. Finally, isolates from Minas artisanal cheeses (from Araxá microregion), Coalho, and Caipira cheeses were associated with moderate/high diacetyl production. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study provides, for the first time, data indicating that the dominant technological, biopreservative, and safety properties of LAB isolates can be correlated with the type of Brazilian artisanal cheeses, which denotes its singularity. This knowledge is of utmost relevance for the development of starter or adjunct cultures with tailored properties.

Interaction between 17ß-estradiol, prolactin and human papillomavirus induce E6/E7 transcript and modulate the expression and localization of hormonal receptors.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer (CC) is the second most common cancer in less developed countries and the second leading cause of death by cancer in women worldwide. The 99% of CC patients are infected with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), being HPV16 and HPV18 infection the most frequent. Even though HPV is considered to be a necessary factor for the development of CC, it is not enough, as it requires the participation of other factors such as the hormonal ones. Several studies have demonstrated the requirement of estrogen and its receptors (ERα, ERß, and GPER) in the precursor lesions progress towards CC. Also, prolactin (PRL) and its receptor (PRLR) have been associated with CC. The molecular mechanisms underlying the cooperation of these hormones with the viral oncoproteins are not well elucidated. For this reason, this study focused on analyzing the contribution of 17ß-estradiol (E2), PRL, and HPV on the expression and localization of hormone receptors, as well as to evaluate whether these hormones may promote greater expression of HPV oncogenes and contribute to tumor progression. METHODS: qPCR was used to evaluate the effect of E2 and PRL on the expression of E6 and E7 oncoproteins in HeLa and SiHa cervical cancer cells lines. HaCaT cells were transduced with the viral oncogenes E6 and E7 from HPV 16 and 18. ERα, ERß, GPER, and PRLR expression and localization were evaluated by qPCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: E2 and PRL induce E6/E7 oncogenes expression in HeLa and SiHa cells. E6 and E7 oncogenes of HPV16/18 significantly increased the protein expression of ERα, GPER, and PRLR. ERß was positively regulated only by E6 oncogenes of HPV16/18. Besides, some of these oncogenes modify the location of PRLR toward cytoplasm, and ERα, ERß, and GPER mainly to the nucleus. CONCLUSION: Our studies suggest that the mutual regulation between E2, PRL, and HPV oncogenes could cooperate with the carcinogenesis process in CC.

Museomics resolve the systematics of an endangered grass lineage endemic to north-western Madagascar.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recent developments in DNA sequencing, so-called next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods, can help the study of rare lineages that are known from museum specimens. Here, the taxonomy and evolution of the Malagasy grass lineage Chasechloa was investigated with the aid of NGS. METHODS: Full chloroplast genome data and some nuclear sequences were produced by NGS from old herbarium specimens, while some selected markers were generated from recently collected Malagasy grasses. In addition, a scanning electron microscopy analysis of the upper floret and cross-sections of the rachilla appendages followed by staining with Sudan IV were performed on Chasechloa to examine the morphology of the upper floret and the presence of oils in the appendages. KEY RESULTS: Chasechloa was recovered within tribe Paniceae, sub-tribe Boivinellinae, contrary to its previous placement as a member of the New World genus Echinolaena (tribe Paspaleae). Chasechloa originated in Madagascar between the Upper Miocene and the Pliocene. It comprises two species, one of them collected only once in 1851. The genus is restricted to north-western seasonally dry deciduous forests. The appendages at the base of the upper floret of Chasechloa have been confirmed as elaiosomes, an evolutionary adaptation for myrmecochory. CONCLUSIONS: Chasechloa is reinstated at the generic level and a taxonomic treatment is presented, including conservation assessments of its species. Our study also highlights the power of NGS technology to analyse relictual or probably extinct groups.

A dated phylogeny of the papilionoid legume genus Canavalia reveals recent diversification by a pantropical liana lineage.

Canavalia is a pantropical legume genus of lianas comprising approximately 60 species distributed in a wide range of habitats. In the last taxonomic revision, the genus was divided into four subgenera: Canavalia (Pantropical), Catodonia (Neotropical, excepting one species also found in the Old World), Maunaloa (Hawaiian), and Wenderothia (Neotropical). In this study, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Canavalia using a broad taxon sampling and analyses of nuclear (ETS and ITS) and plastid markers (trnK/matK). We evaluated the infrageneric classification of the genus and investigated its biogeographical history using molecular dating analyses and ancestral area reconstructions. The phylogenetic analyses resolved subgenus Wenderothia as monophyletic. Subgenus Catodonia needs to be recircumscribed and the relationships between subgenera Canavalia and Maunaloa remain unclear. Canavalia arose during the Miocene with a mean stem age estimate of 13.8Ma and mean crown age estimate of 8.7Ma, and most extant species evolved during the Pleistocene. Several climatic and geological events are chronologically coincident with the divergence of the major clades of Canavalia (glacial/interglacial periods, Andes uplift and the formation of Pebas and post-Pebas systems, closure of the Isthmus of Panama, and change in the direction of ocean currents). Ancestral area reconstructions for the early divergence of the genus are equivocal, although, some evidence suggests Canavalia originated in the wet forests of South America and achieved its current pantropical distribution through recent transoceanic dispersal. The evolution of Canavalia is better explained by a series of several processes than by discrete historical events.

Phylogenetic relationships of Echinolaena and Ichnanthus within Panicoideae (Poaceae) reveal two new genera of tropical grasses.

Echinolaena and Ichnanthus are two tropical grass genera distributed mostly in the Americas, characterized by the presence of rachilla appendages in the shape of convex swellings, scars or wings at the base of the upper anthecium. However, recent studies have shown that rachilla appendages arose several times independently in several groups within Paniceae and Paspaleae (Panicoideae). Thus, this study aimed to assess the monophyly of Echinolaena and Ichnanthus and their relationship to other genera of Paniceae and Paspaleae, especially those including species with rachilla appendages. Parsimony and Bayesian analyses of the cpDNA regions ndhF, rpl16, trnH-(rps19)-psbA, trnL-trnF, trnS-(psbZ)-trnG, and the rDNA ITS region included 29 of the 39 known species of Echinolaena and Ichnanthus, 23 of which were sampled for the first time. The multiple loci analyses indicated that Echinolaena and Ichnanthus are polyphyletic in their current circumscriptions, with species in four distinct lineages within subtribe Paspalinae, each one characterized by a single type of rachilla appendage. Thus, Echinolaena and Ichnanthus are each circumscribed in a narrow sense, and the other two lineages excluded from them are proposed as the new genera Hildaea and Oedochloa, resulting in 15 new combinations and the restablishment of I. oplismenoides Munro ex Döll.

Characterization of the collagen-like exosporium protein, BclA1, of Clostridium difficile spores.

Spores of Clostridium difficile are essential for infection, persistence and transmission of C. difficile infections (CDI). Proteins of the surface of C. difficile spores are thought to be essential for initiation and persistence of CDI. In this work, we demonstrate that three C. difficile collagen-like exosporium proteins (BclA) encoded in the C. difficile 630 genome are expressed during sporulation and localize to the spore via their N-terminal domains. Using polyclonal antibodies against the N- and C-terminal domains and full length BclA1 we demonstrate that BclA1 is likely to be localized to the exosporium layer, presumably undergoes post-translational cleavages and might be cross-linked with other exosporium proteins. The collagen-like region of recombinant BclA1 and BclA2 was susceptible to collagenase degradation. Collagenase digestion assay of C. difficile spores suggests that, similarly as in Bacillus anthracis BclA, the N-terminal domain and the C-terminal domain of BclA1 might be buried in the basal layer and oriented to the exosporium surface, respectively. We also demonstrate that the collagen-like BclAs proteins do not contribute to the spore hydrophobicity and its absence slightly increased the adherence of spores to Caco-2 cells. BclA1 was also shown to have poor immunogenic properties. These results provide the first study on the BclA1 collagen-like proteins of C. difficile spores.

Influence of the freeze-drying process on the physicochemical and biological properties of pre-heated amphotericin B micellar systems.

The moderate heat treatment of amphotericin B (AmB) in its micellar form (M-AmB) results in superaggregates (H-AmB) that present a substantially lower toxicity and similar activity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the H-AmB behavior after a freeze-drying process. H-AmB and M-AmB micelles were evaluated before and after freeze-drying concerning their physicochemical and biological properties by spectrophotometry and activity/toxicity assay, respectively. Four concentrations of M-AmB and H-AmB were studied aiming to correlate their aggregation state and the respective biological behavior: 50 mg L(-1), 5 mg L(-1), 0.5 mg L(-1), and 0.05 mg L(-1). Then, potassium leakage and hemoglobin leakage from red blood cells were used to evaluate the acute and chronic toxicity, respectively. The efficacy of M-AmB and H-AmB formulations was assessed by potassium leakage from Candida albicans and by the broth microdilution method. After heating, in addition to an evident turbidity, a slight blueshift from 327 to 323 nm was also observed at the concentrations of 50 and 5 mg L(-1) for H-AmB. Additionally, an increase in the absorbance at 323 nm at the concentration of 0.5 mg L(-1) was detected. Concerning the toxicity, H-AmB caused significantly lower hemoglobin leakage than M-AmB. These results were observed for H-AmB before and after freeze-drying. However, there was no difference between H-AmB and M-AmB concerning their activity. Accordingly, the freeze-drying cycle did not show any influence on the behavior of heated formulations, highlighting the suitability of such a method to produce a new AmB product with a long shelf life and with both greater efficiency and less toxicity.

HPV and Cervical Cancer: Molecular and Immunological Aspects, Epidemiology and Effect of Vaccination in Latin American Women.

Cervical cancer is primarily caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and remains a significant public health concern, particularly in Latin American regions. This comprehensive narrative review addresses the relationship between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer, focusing on Latin American women. It explores molecular and immunological aspects of HPV infection, its role in cervical cancer development, and the epidemiology in this region, highlighting the prevalence and diversity of HPV genotypes. The impact of vaccination initiatives on cervical cancer rates in Latin America is critically evaluated. The advent of HPV vaccines has presented a significant tool in combating the burden of this malignancy, with notable successes observed in various countries, the latter due to their impact on immune responses. The review synthesizes current knowledge, emphasizes the importance of continued research and strategies for cervical cancer prevention, and underscores the need for ongoing efforts in this field.

Fast and sustainable production of smart nanofiber mats by solution blow spinning for food quality monitoring: Potential of polycaprolactone and agri-food residue-derived anthocyanins.

The shelf life of perishable foods is estimated through expensive and imprecise analyses that do not account for improper storage. Smart packaging, obtained by agile manufacturing of nanofibers functionalized with natural pigments from agri-food residues, presents promising potential for real-time food quality monitoring. This study employed the solution blow spinning (SBS) technique for the rapid production of smart nanofiber mats based on polycaprolactone (PCL), incorporating extracts of agricultural residues rich in anthocyanins from eggplant (EE) or purple cabbage (CE) for monitoring food quality. The addition of EE or CE to the PCL matrix increased the viscosity of the solution and the diameter of the nanofibers from 156 nm to 261-370 nm. The addition of extracts also improved the mechanical and water-related properties of the nanofibers, although it reduced the thermal stability. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the incorporation of anthocyanins into PCL nanofibers. Nanofiber mats incorporated with EE or CE exhibited visible color changes (ΔE ≥ 3) in response to buffer solutions (pH between 3 and 10), and ammonia vapor. Smart nanofibers have demonstrated the ability to monitor fish fillet spoilage through visible color changes (ΔE ≥ 3) during storage. Consequently, smart nanofibers produced by the SBS technique, using PCL and anthocyanins from agro-industrial waste, reveal potential as smart packaging materials for food.

Employing alternative culture media in kefiran exopolysaccharide production: Impact on microbial diversity, physicochemical properties, and bioactivities.

Kefiran is a biomaterial with potential application in developing novel materials for food technology. In this study, sugarcane sugar (REF), raw sugar (RAS), brown sugar (BRS), soy molasses (SOM), and sugarcane molasses (SCM) were evaluated for the production of kefiran from kefir biomass rather than cow's milk (CMK), the usual medium. The produced kefiran was purified and characterized by colorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis, and morphology. It was also assayed for antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. SCM had the highest average daily rate of kefir biomass production (29.17 %/day). The composition of the culture medium affected the microbial diversity of kefir grains, and the Lactobacillus genus was the most abundant (39.8 %, 40.0 %, and 83.9 % to SCM, SOM, and CMK, respectively) in the samples that presented the highest biomass production and kefiran extraction yields. FTIR spectra showed that the bands of kefiran produced in REF and RAS were narrower than those of the other samples. Kefiran grew in an alternative culture medium also exhibited higher thermal stability (Tonset and TMax was higher than 250 and 280 °C, respectively). Those grown in SOM and SCM displayed antimicrobial and antioxidant activities similar to those of kefiran produced in CMK. The results indicate that agro-industrial by-products (SCM and SOM) are potential alternatives for kefiran production from kefir biomass.

Transcriptional profiling of the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway and in vitro tests reveal putative roles of linalool and farnesal in nectarine resistance against brown rot.

The most devastating fungal disease of peaches and nectarines is brown rot, caused by Monilinia spp. Among the many plant responses against biotic stress, plant terpenoids play essential protective functions, including antioxidant activities and inhibition of pathogen growth. Herein, we aimed to characterize the expression of terpenoid biosynthetic genes in fruit tissues that presented different susceptibility to brown rot. For that, we performed artificial inoculations with Monilinia laxa at two developmental stages (immature and mature fruit) of two nectarine cultivars ('Venus' -mid-early season cultivar - and 'Albared' -late season cultivar-) and in vitro tests of the key compounds observed in the transcriptional results. All fruit were susceptible to M. laxa except for immature 'Venus' nectarines. In response to the pathogen, the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway of the 'Venus' cultivar was highly induced in both stages rather than the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway, being the expression of some MEP-related biosynthetic genes [e.g., PROTEIN FARNESYLTRANSFERASE (PpPFT), and 3S-LINALOOL SYNTHASE (PpLIS)] different between stages. In 'Albared', both stages presented similar responses to M. laxa for both pathways. Comparisons between cultivars showed that HYDROXYMETHYLGLUTARYL-CoA REDUCTASE (PpHMGR1) expression levels were common in susceptible tissues. Within all the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway, linalool- and farnesal-related pathways stood out for being upregulated only in resistant tissues, which suggest their role in mediating the resistance to M. laxa. The in vitro antifungal activity of linalool and farnesol (precursor of farnesal) revealed fungicidal and fungistatic activities against M. laxa, respectively, depending on the concentration tested. Understanding the different responses between resistant and susceptible tissues could be further considered for breeding or developing new strategies to control brown rot in stone fruit.

Chemical Constituents from Leaves of Baccharis sphenophylla (Asteraceae) and Their Antioxidant Effects.

Baccharis is one of the largest genera of Asteraceae and its species are used in folk medicine for several medicinal purposes due to the presence of bioactive compounds. We investigated the phytochemical composition of polar extracts of B. sphenophylla. Using chromatographic procedures, diterpenoids (ent-kaurenoic acid), flavonoids (hispidulin, eupafolin, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, biorobin, rutin, and vicenin-2), caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid derivatives (5-O-caffeoylquinic acid and its methyl ester, 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, and 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid and its methyl ester) were isolated from polar fractions and are described. The extract, polar fractions, and fifteen isolated compounds were evaluated in relation to radical scavenging activity using two assays. Chlorogenic acid derivatives and flavonols exhibited higher antioxidant effects, confirming that B. sphenophylla is an important source of phenolic compounds with antiradical properties.

Trichoscopic, oral, and periungual fold findings as activity and damage markers in dermatomyositis patients and their correlation with myositis antibodies.

There is little clarity about the clinical manifestations of dermatomyositis (DM) in the periungual folds, scalp, and oral cavity and their association with disease activity and damage. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of trichoscopic, oral, and periungual changes between DM and healthy patients and assess their possible association with disease activity and damage. We conducted an observational, transversal, and analytical study between 2020 and 2021. Forty DM patients were matched by sex and age with 40 healthy individuals. On the same day, all patients had a clinical evaluation of the hands, periungual folds, scalp, and oral cavity. Photographs of these areas and peripheral venous blood tests, including myositis-associated (MAAs) and myositis-specific antibodies (MSAs), were taken. Two dermatologists blinded to their diagnosis, damage, and activity levels registered the lesions. The disease activity and damage were evaluated using the Cutaneous Dermatomyositis Disease Area and Severity Index (CDASI). The presence of mechanic's hands, Gottron's sign, and Gottron's papules in hands; capillary dilation, capillary tortuosity, cuticular hemorrhage, avascular areas, and cuticular hyperkeratosis in periungual folds; thick tortuous capillaries in scalp; gingival telangiectasias in the oral cavity; and positive MSAs associated with severe cutaneous involvement in DM patients (Anti-TIF1g, Anti-MDA5, Anti-SAE1/2) were associated with a higher CDASI activity score. The presence of MSAs associated with intense muscle involvement in DM patients (Anti-Mi2a, Anti-Mi2b, Anti-NPX2, and Anti-SAE1/2) was related to a lower CDASI activity score. Gottron's sign and Gottron's papules in hands; capillary dilation, capillary tortuosity, cuticular hemorrhage, avascular areas, and cuticular hyperkeratosis in periungual folds; basal erythema in scalp; and gingival telangiectasias in the oral cavity were associated with a higher CDASI damage score. There are trichoscopic, oral and periungual fold findings and some myositis-specific antibodies that correlate with disease activity and damage in DM patients.