Surfactin Stimulated by Pectin Molecular Patterns and Root Exudates Acts as a Key Driver of the Bacillus-Plant Mutualistic Interaction.

Bacillus velezensis is considered as a model species belonging to the so-called Bacillus subtilis complex that evolved typically to dwell in the soil rhizosphere niche and establish an intimate association with plant roots. This bacterium provides protection to its natural host against diseases and represents one of the most promising biocontrol agents. However, the molecular basis of the cross talk that this bacterium establishes with its natural host has been poorly investigated. We show here that these plant-associated bacteria have evolved a polymer-sensing system to perceive their host and that, in response, they increase the production of the surfactin-type lipopeptide. Furthermore, we demonstrate that surfactin synthesis is favored upon growth on root exudates and that this lipopeptide is a key component used by the bacterium to optimize biofilm formation, motility, and early root colonization. In this specific nutritional context, the bacterium also modulates qualitatively the pattern of surfactin homologues coproduced in planta and forms mainly variants that are the most active at triggering plant immunity. Surfactin represents a shared good as it reinforces the defensive capacity of the host. IMPORTANCE Within the plant-associated microbiome, some bacterial species are of particular interest due to the disease protective effect they provide via direct pathogen suppression and/or stimulation of host immunity. While these biocontrol mechanisms are quite well characterized, we still poorly understand the molecular basis of the cross talk these beneficial bacteria initiate with their host. Here, we show that the model species Bacillus velezensis stimulates the production of the surfactin lipopeptide upon sensing pectin as a cell surface molecular pattern and upon feeding on root exudates. Surfactin favors bacterial rhizosphere fitness on one hand and primes the plant immune system on the other hand. Our data therefore illustrate how both partners use this multifunctional compound as a unique shared good to sustain a mutualistic interaction.

Los Procesos de Comunicación Educativos sobre el Cáncer de Próstata / The Educational Communication Processes on Prostate Cancer

Introducción: El cáncer de próstata es una neoplasia en la cual la comunicación y el conocimiento de la población puede ayudar al diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento temprano. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar que conocen los pacientes y acompañantes sobre los procesos de comunicación educativa para la salud en cáncer de próstata. Métodos: El presente estudio descriptivo, fue realizado en el Instituto Oncológico Nacional "Dr Juan Tanca Marengo" Solca-Guayaquil. Se utilizó una encuesta de salud sobre el conocimiento de la entidad nosológica, el conocimiento de los métodos diagnósticos y la predisposición a acudir a charlas educativas. La muestra fue calculada en 80 encuestas a familiares, acompañantes y pacientes del Instituto. Resultados: Se registraron 80 encuestas. Sobre el cáncer de próstata el 52.5 % de los encuestados declara no tener conocimiento alguno sobre el mismo, un 31.25 % asegura tener poco conocimiento sobre el cáncer de próstata, y el 16.25 % declara tener un conocimiento apropiado sobre el cáncer de próstata. Sobre el diagnóstico de Cáncer de Próstata el 58.75 % de los encuestados no sabe cómo se diagnostica, un 22.5% % está informado someramente y un 18.75 % tiene conocimiento del diagnóstico. Conclusión: En este reporte se evidencia el desconocimiento sobre cáncer de próstata que tienen los encuestados sobre su concepto y diagnóstico

Introduction: Prostate cancer is a neoplasm in which communication and knowledge of the population can help early diagnosis and early treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate what patients and companions know about the processes of educational communication for health in prostate cancer. Methods: The present descriptive study was carried out in the National Drugs Institute "Dr Juan Tanca Marengo" Solca-Guayaquil. A health survey was used on the knowledge of the nosological entity, the knowledge of the diagnostic methods and the predisposition to attend educational talks. The sample was calculated in 80 surveys to relatives, companions and patients of the Institute. Results: 80 surveys were registered. Regarding prostate cancer, 52.5% of the respondents declare to have no knowledge about it, 31.25% claim to have little knowledge about prostate cancer, and 16.25% declare to have an appropriate knowledge about prostate cancer. About the diagnosis of Prostate Cancer, 58.75% of respondents do not know how it is diagnosed, 22.5%% is briefly informed and 18.75% have knowledge of the diagnosis. Conclusion: This report shows the lack of knowledge about prostate cancer that respondents have about their concept and diagnosis.