Antifungal activity of Serratia plymuthica against the phytopathogenic fungus Alternariatenuissima.

The antifungal activity of Serratia plymuthica CCGG2742, a bacterial strain isolated from grapes berries skin, against a phytopathogenic fungus isolated from blueberries was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In order to characterize the wild fungal isolate, phylogenetic analysis using concatenated DNA sequences from the RPB2 and TEF1 genes and of the ITS region was performed, allowing the identification of the fungal isolate that was called Alternaria tenuissima CC17. Hyphae morphology, mycelium ultrastructure, conidia and reproductive structures were in agreement with the phylogenetic analysis. The antifungal activity of the S. plymuthica strain was dependent on the composition of the culture medium. The greatest inhibition of mycelial growth of A. tenuissima CC17 by S. plymuthica CCGG2742 was observed on YTS medium, which lacks of an easily assimilable carbon source. Fungal growth medium supplemented with 50 % of bacterial supernatant decreased the conidia germination of A. tenuissima CC17 up to 32 %. Preventive applications of S. plymuthica CCGG2742 to blueberries and tomato leaves at conidia:bacteria ratio of 1:100, protected in 77.8 ± 4.6 % and 98.2 ± 0.6 % to blueberries and tomato leaves from infection caused by A. tenuissima CC17, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the antifungal activity of S. plymuthica against A. tenuissima, which could be used as a biological control agent of plant diseases caused by this fungal species. In addition, the results of this work could be a starting point to attribute the real importance of A. tenuissima as a pathogen of blueberries in Chile, which until now had been considered almost exclusively to A. alternata. Likewise, this research could be relevant to start developing highly effective strategies based on S. plymuthica CCGG2742 for the control of this important phytopathogenic fungus.

Correction: An optical sensor for the sensitive determination of formaldehyde gas based on chromotropic acid and 4-aminoazobenzene immobilized in a hydrophilic membrane.

Correction for 'An optical sensor for the sensitive determination of formaldehyde gas based on chromotropic acid and 4-aminoazobenzene immobilized in a hydrophilic membrane' by M. D. Fernández-Ramos et al., Analyst, 2023, 148, 4533-4538, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AN01056B.

Autoimmune inner ear disease associated with antiphospholipid antibodies.

OBJECTIVES: The percentage of autoimmune diseases in Western countries is approximately 8% of the total population. Despite numerous studies indicating an increase in prevalence and incidence over the past two decades, autoimmune vestibular disorders seem to be underdiagnosed, primarily due to the lack of a definitive test capable of identifying the specific antigen of the inner ear. Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is defined as a rapidly progressive and often fluctuating bilateral neurosensorial hearing loss that develops over a period of weeks or months. AIED can affect only the inner ear or be part of systemic diseases such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Cogan's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, polyarteritis nodosa, or relapsing polychondritis, among others. Our main objective was to conduct a study on the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in patients with AIED seen in a specialised clinic. METHODS: We designed an observational retrospective study in which we selected patients from a total group of 55 with AIED referred to the Autoimmune Diseases Clinic, those with confirmed positivity for antiphospholipid antibodies, and described their clinical, analytical, and epidemiological characteristics. RESULTS: We found a prevalence of 29% positivity for antiphospholipid antibodies, with lupus anticoagulant (LA) being the most frequently detected, followed by anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-beta2 glycoprotein (anti-B2GP). Double positivity was observed in 25% of patients. The main clinical manifestations were bilateral hearing loss, vestibular symptoms, and tinnitus. Only 25% of patients experienced audiometric improvement during the course of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: We emphasise the importance of identifying the presence of aPL in AIED, enabling the establishment of appropriate and specific therapeutic management to prevent audiometric deterioration.

Early interventions with parental participation and their implications on the neurodevelopment of premature children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The occurrence of preterm birth is correlated with the potential emergence of disabilities in children. Early intervention programs are designed to promote better developmental outcomes. These interventions employ family-centered methodologies, wherein parents are instructed to facilitate neurodevelopment, thereby promoting heightened involvement of the child in their daily activities. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of early family-based interventions on motor, cognitive, and language development. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted utilizing the databases PubMed, Medline, PEDro, Scopus, CINAHL Complete, SciELO, and Open Grey. The search terms utilized included NDT (neuro-developmental treatment), Bobath, neurodevelopmental therapy, parents administered, family administered, physical therapy modalities, early intervention (educational), early intervention, premature infant, preterm, and premature. Randomized clinical trials and observational studies written in English or Spanish were taken into consideration. The initial search resulted in 420 articles. After removing duplicates and applying the selection criteria, 12 articles were selected for the systematic review and 5 articles were selected for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between early intervention and enhanced cognitive function (p = 0.01) in this study. Additionally, the meta-analysis indicated improvements resulting from early family-based intervention (p = 0.02) in motor function. Early motor interventions that emphasize parent involvement and education in neurodevelopment show significant outcomes in motor and cognitive areas at 2 years of age in very premature or extremely premature infants. However, inconclusive effects have been found in the language area, which is the least studied domain. Due to the methodological heterogeneity observed, further research is needed to establish conclusive decisions regarding the administration of these interventions and the determination of key evaluation periods.

An optical sensor for the sensitive determination of formaldehyde gas based on chromotropic acid and 4-aminoazobenzene immobilized in a hydrophilic membrane.

Formaldehyde is a common contaminant in occupational and environmental atmospheres, prolonged exposure leads to health risks, and its determination is necessary to protect health. There is a great demand for portable, rapid, and sensitive methods that can be used in resource-limited settings. In this respect, a colorimetric sensor has been developed based on the colour change from pink to purple of co-immobilized chromotropic acid and 4-aminoazobenzene in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose when it is exposed to different concentrations of formaldehyde. The concentration of formaldehyde in the gas phase was quantified by measuring the change of the appropriate colour coordinates in response to the concentration of formaldehyde. A calibration curve was obtained for formaldehyde, with a useful concentration range from 0.08 to 0.6 ppmv. The detection limit was 0.016 ppmv, which is lower than the maximum exposure concentrations recommended by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The optical sensor was found to have good reproducibility, with a relative standard deviation of 2.3 and 1.7% at 0.08 and 0.25 ppmv, respectively. The sensor can operate at room temperature and environmental humidity, 25 °C, and 50% RH, respectively. In addition, a study of interferents (acetaldehyde, toluene, methanol, ethyl acetate, acetone, acetic acid, carbon dioxide and ammonia) showed high selectivity for formaldehyde, which indicates that this membrane is a simple, fast, and economical alternative for quantifying the concentration of formaldehyde in different environments.

Gender balance in the workforce and abortion attitudes: A cross-national time-series analysis.

This article explores the relationship between gender balance in the workforce and attitudes towards abortion worldwide. Studies on macro-level conditions related to abortion attitudes overlook the role of gender balance in the workforce-specifically the degree of female representation in a country's workforce. There are strong reasons why this factor could shape abortion attitudes. We argue that such a gender balance creates necessary conditions to break with traditional, anti-abortion ideology and facilitates dissemination and public acceptance of pro-choice views. We test this argument with two different datasets - the Integrated Values Survey and three waves of the International Social Survey Programme-along with two outcomes: general tolerance towards abortion and tolerance towards abortion for pregnant women of low income. Using three-level random intercept models and multiple controls for individual and country-level conditions, the results support our hypothesis: In countries with higher gender balance in the workforce, individuals display higher tolerance towards abortion.

Clinical characterization of brief psychotic disorders triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic: a multicenter observational study.

This study aimed to characterize the clinical profile of patients with brief psychotic disorders (BPD) triggered by the psychosocial distress derived from the COVID-19 crisis. A multicenter study was conducted from March 14 to May 14, 2020 (the peak weeks of the pandemic in Europe). All consecutive patients presenting non-affective psychotic episodes with a duration of untreated psychosis of less than 1 month and whose onset was related to the COVID-19 crisis were recruited, but only those patients meeting Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5th edition (DSM-5) criteria for "BPD with marked stressors" (DSM-5 code: 298.8) during follow-up were finally included. Patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected at baseline and summarized with descriptive statistics. During the study period, 57 individuals with short-lived psychotic episodes related to the emotional stress of the COVID-19 pandemic were identified, of whom 33 met DSM-5 criteria for "BPD with marked stressors". The mean age was 42.33 ± 14.04 years, the gender distribution was almost the same, and the majority were rated as having good premorbid adjustment. About a quarter of the patients exhibited suicidal symptoms and almost half presented first-rank schizophrenia symptoms. None of them were COVID-19 positive, but in more than half of the cases, the topic of their psychotic features was COVID-19-related. The coronavirus pandemic is triggering a significant number of BPD cases. Their risk of suicidal behavior, their high relapse rate, and their low temporal stability make it necessary to closely monitor these patients over time.

Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Chain-Related α (MICA) STR Polymorphisms in COVID-19 Patients.

The SARS-CoV-2 disease presents different phenotypes of severity. Comorbidities, age, and being overweight are well established risk factors for severe disease. However, innate immunity plays a key role in the early control of viral infections and may condition the gravity of COVID-19. Natural Killer (NK) cells are part of innate immunity and are important in the control of virus infection by killing infected cells and participating in the development of adaptive immunity. Therefore, we studied the short tandem repeat (STR) transmembrane polymorphisms of the major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related A (MICA), an NKG2D ligand that induces activation of NK cells, among other cells. We compared the alleles and genotypes of MICA in COVID-19 patients versus healthy controls and analyzed their relation to disease severity. Our results indicate that the MICA*A9 allele is related to infection as well as to symptomatic disease but not to severe disease. The MICA*A9 allele may be a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptomatic disease.

Maternity After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: Can the Use of Biological Fertility Indicators Help? Our Own Experience and Literature-based Recommendations.

Over the last 5 decades, the fulfillment of maternity wishes in solid organ transplanted women has become a reality. Despite pregnancy contraindication in transplanted women during the early post-transplant period, such a condition can be overcome after 12 months if patients show a good clinical evolution and do not present other general pre-conceptional findings. This article presents the case report of a young female liver transplanted patient that used symptothermal method as a reliable family planning method. After her gestational contraindication was lifted, observation of biological fertility indicators and fertility-guided sexual intercourse helped her fulfill her maternity wish and conceive and carry out a healthy offspring. Based on this case and on the available bibliographic evidence, this paper reviews the potential implications of the use of this kind of approach as a safe and effective alternative to assisted reproduction technology in the management of potential infertility problems in the young female transplanted population, a population which according to literature has higher rates of unsuccessful parenthood and might also be more vulnerable to iatrogenicity of ovarian hyperstimulation process and to multiple pregnancy.

Potential of Sulforaphane as a Natural Immune System Enhancer: A Review.

Brassicaceae are an outstanding source of bioactive compounds such as ascorbic acid, polyphenols, essential minerals, isothiocyanates and their precursors, glucosinolates (GSL). Recently, GSL gained great attention because of the health promoting properties of their hydrolysis products: isothiocyanates. Among them, sulforaphane (SFN) became the most attractive one owing to its remarkable health-promoting properties. SFN may prevent different types of cancer and has the ability to improve hypertensive states, to prevent type 2 diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy, and to protect against gastric ulcer. SFN may also help in schizophrenia treatment, and recently it was proposed that SFN has potential to help those who struggle with obesity. The mechanism underlying the health-promoting effect of SFN relates to its indirect action at cellular level by inducing antioxidant and Phase II detoxifying enzymes through the activation of transcription nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like (Nrf2). The effect of SFN on immune response is generating scientific interest, because of its bioavailability, which is much higher than other phytochemicals, and its capacity to induce Nrf2 target genes. Clinical trials suggest that sulforaphane produces favorable results in cases where pharmaceutical products fail. This article provides a revision about the relationship between sulforaphane and immune response in different diseases. Special attention is given to clinical trials related with immune system disorders.

Societal religiosity and the gender gap in political interest, 1990-2014.

This manuscript examines the structural causes of the gender gap in political interest. In many countries, men are more interested in politics than women. Yet, in others, men and women prove equally interested. We explain this cross-national variation by focusing on the effects of societal religiosity. Since religion sustains the traditional gender order, contexts where societal religiosity is low undermine the taken-for-grantedness of this order, subjecting it to debate. Men then become especially interested in politics to try to reassert their traditional gender dominance, or to compensate for their increasingly uncertain social status. A secular environment thus increases political interest more among men than among women, expanding this gender gap. Using the World and European Values Survey, we estimate three-level regression models and test our religiosity-based approach in 96 countries. The results are consistent with our hypothesis.

Poly(methyl methacrylate)-Assisted Exfoliation of Graphite and Its Use in Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Composites.

One of the applications of graphene in which its scalable production is of utmost importance is the development of polymer composites. Among the techniques used to produce graphene flakes, the liquid-phase exfoliation (LPE) of graphite stands out due to its versatility and scalability. However, solvents suitable for the LPE process are generally toxic and have a high boiling point, making the processing challenging. The use of low boiling point solvents could be convenient for the processing, due to the easiness of their removal. In this study, the use of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as a stabilizing agent is proposed for the production of graphene flakes in a low boiling point solvent, that is, acetone. The graphene dispersions produced in the mixture acetone-PMMA have higher concentration, +175 %, and contain a higher percentage of few-layer graphene flakes (<5 layers), that is, +60 %, compared to the dispersions prepared in acetone. The as-produced graphene dispersions are used to develop graphene/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene composites. The mechanical properties of the pristine polymer are improved, that is, +22 % in the Young's modulus, by adding 0.01 wt. % of graphene flakes. Moreover, a decrease of ≈20 % in the oxygen permeability is obtained by using 0.1 wt. % of graphene flakes filler, compared to the unloaded matrix.

A propos of a new case of shigellosis by a non-imported multiresistant strain.

We present the case corresponding to a shigellosis produced by multiresistant S. flexneri in a patient with no recent history of tourism or travel to exotic countries. This case exposes the need to know the distribution of resistant strains, and their emergence not imported in our environment, in the face of choosing the most appropriate type of antibiotic, when appropriate.

Molecular characterization of a new botybirnavirus that infects Botrytis cinerea.

Eight different double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules were found in the wild-type fungal strain Botrytis cinerea CCg427. The electrophoretic profile displayed molecules with approximate sizes of 1, 1.3, 1.6, 1.8, 3.3, 4.1, 6.5, and 12 kbp. Sequences analysis of the molecules in the 6.5-kbp band revealed the presence of two different dsRNA molecules (dsRNA-1 and dsRNA-2) of 6192 and 5567 bp. Each molecule contained a unique ORF (5487 and 4836 nucleotides in dsRNA-1 and dsRNA-2, respectively). The ORF of dsRNA-1 encodes a 205-kDa polypeptide that shares 58% amino acid sequence identity with the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) encoded by dsRNA-1 of Alternaria sp. SCFS-3 botybirnavirus (ABRV1), whereas the ORF of dsRNA-2 encodes a 180-kDa polypeptide that shares 52% amino acid sequence identity with an unclassified protein encoded by dsRNA-2 of ABRV1. Genome organization and phylogenetic analysis based on the amino acid sequences of RdRps in members of different dsRNA virus families showed that the dsRNAs in the 6.5-kbp band correspond to the genome of a new botybirnavirus that we have named "Botrytis cinerea botybirnavirus 1".

Zn-containing polymer nanogels promote cervical dentin remineralization.

OBJECTIVE: Nanogels designing for effective treatment of eroded cervical dentin lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polymethylmetacrylate-based nanoparticles (NPs) were doxycycline (D), calcium, or zinc loaded. They were applied on eroded cervical dentin. Treated surfaces were characterized morphologically by atomic force and scanning electron microscopy, mechanically probed by a nanoindenter to test nanohardness and Young's modulus, and chemically analyzed by Raman spectroscopy at 24 h and 7 days of storage. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons tests. RESULTS: Dentin treated with Zn-NPs attained the highest nanomechanical properties, mineralization, and crystallinity among groups. Nanoroughness was lower in Zn-treated surfaces in comparison to dentin treated with undoped gels. Dentin treated with Ca-NPs created the minimal calcification at the surface and showed the lowest Young's modulus at peritubular dentin. Intertubular dentin appeared remineralized. Dentinal tubules were empty in samples treated with D-NPs, partially occluded in cervical dentin treated with undoped NPs and Ca-NPs, and mineral covered when specimens were treated with Zn-NPs. CONCLUSIONS: Zn-loaded NPs permit functional remineralization of eroded cervical dentin. Based on the tested nanomechanical and chemical properties, Zn-based nanogels are suitable for dentin remineralization. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ability of zinc-loaded nanogels to promote dentin mineralization may offer new strategies for regeneration of eroded cervical dentin and effective treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.

A New Centralized Clustering Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks.

Clustering is presently one of the main routing techniques employed in randomly deployed wireless sensor networks. This paper describes a novel centralized unequal clustering method for wireless sensor networks. The goals of the algorithm are to prolong the network lifetime and increase the reliability of the network while not compromising the data transmission. In the proposed method, the Base Station decides on the cluster heads according to the best scores obtained from a Type-2 Fuzzy system. The input parameters of the fuzzy system are estimated by the base station or gathered from the network with a careful design that reduces the control message exchange. The whole network is controlled by the base station in a rounds-based schedule that alternates rounds when the base station elects cluster heads, with other rounds in which the cluster heads previously elected, gather data from their contributing nodes and forward them to the base station. The setting of the number of rounds in which the Base Station keeps the same set of cluster heads is another contribution of the present paper. The results show significant improvements achieved by the proposal when compared to other current clustering methods.

WS2-Graphite Dual-Ion Batteries.

A novel WS2-graphite dual-ion battery (DIB) is developed by combining a conventional graphite cathode and a high-capacity few-layer WS2-flake anode. The WS2 flakes are produced by exploiting wet-jet milling (WJM) exfoliation, which allows large-scale and free-material loss production (i.e., volume up to 8 L h-1 at concentration of 10 g L-1 and exfoliation yield of 100%) of few-layer WS2 flakes in dispersion. The WS2 anodes enable DIBs, based on hexafluorophosphate (PF6-) and lithium (Li+) ions, to achieve charge-specific capacities of 457, 438, 421, 403, 295, and 169 mAh g-1 at current rates of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.0 A g-1, respectively, outperforming conventional DIBs. The WS2-based DIBs operate in the 0 to 4 V cell voltage range, thus extending the operating voltage window of conventional WS2-based Li-ion batteries (LIBs). These results demonstrate a new route toward the exploitation of WS2, and possibly other transition-metal dichalcogenides, for the development of next-generation energy-storage devices.

Social mobility and demand for redistribution in Europe: a comparative analysis.

The literature on preferences for redistribution has paid little attention to the effect of social mobility on the demand for redistribution and no systematic test of the hypotheses connecting social mobility and preferences for redistribution has yet been done to date. We use the diagonal reference model to estimate the effect of origin and destination classes on preferences for redistribution in a large sample of European countries using data from the European Social Survey. Our findings are consistent with the logic of acculturation in the sense that newcomers tend to adapt their views to those of the destination class at early stages and that upward and downward mobility do not have distinctive effects on the formation of political preferences. However, even though social origins seem to have a limited impact on preferences for redistribution, the evidence does not support the hypothesis that mobile and non-mobile individuals are alike. We also find that the effect of social origin on preferences varies largely across countries. The empirical evidence leads to the conclusion that the effect of social origin on preferences for redistribution increases in contexts of strong familism.

Biotransformation and Biological Interaction of Graphene and Graphene Oxide during Simulated Oral Ingestion.

The biotransformation and biological impact of few layer graphene (FLG) and graphene oxide (GO) are studied, following ingestion as exposure route. An in vitro digestion assay based on a standardized operating procedure (SOP) is exploited. The assay simulates the human ingestion of nanomaterials during their dynamic passage through the different environments of the gastrointestinal tract (salivary, gastric, intestinal). Physical-chemical changes of FLG and GO during digestion are assessed by Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, the effect of chronic exposure to digested nanomaterials on integrity and functionality of an in vitro model of intestinal barrier is also determined according to a second SOP. These results show a modulation of the aggregation state of FLG and GO nanoflakes after experiencing the complex environments of the different digestive compartments. In particular, chemical doping effects are observed due to FLG and GO interaction with digestive juice components. No structural changes/degradation of the nanomaterials are detected, suggesting that they are biopersistent when administered by oral route. Chronic exposure to digested graphene does not affect intestinal barrier integrity and is not associated with inflammation and cytotoxicity, though possible long-term adverse effects cannot be ruled out.

Liquid-Phase Exfoliated Indium-Selenide Flakes and Their Application in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Single- and few-layered InSe flakes are produced by the liquid-phase exfoliation of ß-InSe single crystals in 2-propanol, obtaining stable dispersions with a concentration as high as 0.11 g L-1 . Ultracentrifugation is used to tune the morphology, i.e., the lateral size and thickness of the as-produced InSe flakes. It is demonstrated that the obtained InSe flakes have maximum lateral sizes ranging from 30 nm to a few micrometers, and thicknesses ranging from 1 to 20 nm, with a maximum population centered at ≈5 nm, corresponding to 4 Se-In-In-Se quaternary layers. It is also shown that no formation of further InSe-based compounds (such as In2 Se3 ) or oxides occurs during the exfoliation process. The potential of these exfoliated-InSe few-layer flakes as a catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is tested in hybrid single-walled carbon nanotubes/InSe heterostructures. The dependence of the InSe flakes' morphologies, i.e., surface area and thickness, on the HER performances is highlighted, achieving the best efficiencies with small flakes offering predominant edge effects. The theoretical model unveils the origin of the catalytic efficiency of InSe flakes, and correlates the catalytic activity to the Se vacancies at the edge of the flakes.