Attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS through the EAPVVS-E: A descriptive analysis in nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in antiretroviral treatment, stigma towards people with HIV/AIDS continues to exist. Nursing students, as future key players in health care, must advocate for the elimination of stigma through education, empathy and the creation of a supportive environment. This holistic approach is crucial to improving their quality of life and moving towards the eradication of HIV/AIDS. AIM: To identify nursing students' attitudes towards people living with HIV or AIDS and their relationship with sociodemographic and academic-cultural variables of the participants. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was performed. SETTINGS: The research was carried out in the Nursing Degree of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Ceuta Campus of the University of Granada. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sampling was used to recruit 284 students of the degree in Nursing. METHODS: Data were collected voluntarily and on an anonymous basis, using the "Attitudes Towards People Living with HIV/AIDS Scale in Nursing Students". Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Factors 1 (Professional Practice), 2 (Social Integration) and 3 (Partner and Family) exhibited mean scores considered to be favourable attitudes (>4 points). In contrast, Factor 4, called Benevolent Stigma, had a mean score of 3.68 ± 0.97. Religious beliefs, academic year, sexual orientation, academic practices and age are considered influential variables in the different factors. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing students present attitudes with favourable scores. However, these results highlight the importance of influencing the different factors, especially in the second year of the Bachelor's Degree in Nursing in our sample. Thus, an educational intervention in this area would be necessary to reinforce the values of humanised care.

Resistance to the insect vector Bemisia tabaci enhances the robustness and durability of tomato yellow leaf curl virus resistance conferred by Ty-1.

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is a begomovirus (genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae) transmitted persistently by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. It causes tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD), resulting in significant yield losses worldwide. TYLCD is controlled mainly by using F1 hybrid tomato cultivars harboring the TYLCV resistance gene Ty-1. However, infected Ty-1-bearing tomato plants accumulate viral DNA, which may eventually lead to the emergence of a resistance-breaking TYLCV variant. Recently, a B. tabaci-resistant tomato line derived from the introgression of type IV leaf glandular trichomes and acylsucrose secretion from wild tomato (Solanum pimpinellifolium) was shown to effectively control the spread of TYLCV. In this study, we combined B. tabaci resistance and Ty-1-based TYLCV resistance to increase the robustness and durability of the TYLCD resistance mediated by Ty-1 in tomato plants. Specifically, we characterized and used a Group 2-like isolate of the Israel strain of TYLCV (TYLCV-IL-G2) that contributes to TYLCD epidemics in southeastern Spain. A comparison with isolates of the previously identified TYLCV variant revealed TYLCV-IL-G2 has a similar host range, but it induces a slightly more severe TYLCD in Ty-1-bearing tomato plants. Moreover, we demonstrated that acylsucrose-producing B. tabaci-resistant tomato plants can limit the spread of TYLCV-IL-G2 better than a near-isogenic line lacking type IV trichomes and unable to secrete acylsucrose. Pyramiding Ty-1-based TYLCV resistance and B. tabaci resistance provided by type IV glandular trichomes helped to decrease the effects of TYLCV on Ty-1-bearing tomato plants as well as the likelihood of TYLCV evolution in infected plants.

Impact of Long SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Infection on the Health Care Burden: Comparative Case-Control Study Between Omicron and Pre-Omicron Waves.

BACKGROUND: Following the initial acute phase of COVID-19, health care resource use has escalated among individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare new diagnoses of long COVID and the demand for health services in the general population after the Omicron wave with those observed during the pre-Omicron waves, using similar assessment protocols for both periods and to analyze the influence of vaccination. METHODS: This matched retrospective case-control study included patients of both sexes diagnosed with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or antigen tests in the hospital microbiology laboratory during the pandemic period regardless of whether the patients were hospitalized. We included patients of all ages from 2 health care departments that cover 604,000 subjects. The population was stratified into 2 groups, youths (<18 years) and adults (≥18 years). Patients were followed-up for 6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Previous vaccination, new diagnoses, and the use of health care resources were recorded. Patients were compared with controls selected using a prospective score matched for age, sex, and the Charlson index. RESULTS: A total of 41,577 patients with a history of prior COVID-19 infection were included, alongside an equivalent number of controls. This cohort encompassed 33,249 (80%) adults aged ≥18 years and 8328 (20%) youths aged <18 years. Our analysis identified 40 new diagnoses during the observation period. The incidence rate per 100 patients over a 6-month period was 27.2 for vaccinated and 25.1 for unvaccinated adults (P=.09), while among youths, the corresponding rates were 25.7 for vaccinated and 36.7 for unvaccinated individuals (P<.001). Overall, the incidence of new diagnoses was notably higher in patients compared to matched controls. Additionally, vaccinated patients exhibited a reduced incidence of new diagnoses, particularly among women (P<.001) and younger patients (P<.001) irrespective of the number of vaccine doses administered and the duration since the last dose. Furthermore, an increase in the use of health care resources was observed in both adult and youth groups, albeit with lower figures noted in vaccinated individuals. In the comparative analysis between the pre-Omicron and Omicron waves, the incidence of new diagnoses was higher in the former; however, distinct patterns of diagnosis were evident. Specifically, depressed mood (P=.03), anosmia (P=.003), hair loss (P<.001), dyspnea (<0.001), chest pain (P=.04), dysmenorrhea (P<.001), myalgia (P=.011), weakness (P<.001), and tachycardia (P=.015) were more common in the pre-Omicron period. Similarly, health care resource use, encompassing primary care, specialist, and emergency services, was more pronounced in the pre-Omicron wave. CONCLUSIONS: The rise in new diagnoses following SARS-CoV-2 infection warrants attention due to its potential implications for health systems, which may necessitate the allocation of supplementary resources. The absence of vaccination protection presents a challenge to the health care system.

Similarities and differences between systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and adult-onset Still's disease: a multicenter Spanish study.

To describe the characteristics of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD), compare their presentation and evolution, and analyse possible complication predictors. Multicenter study. Data were retrieved from a hospital-based study of patients with a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of sJIA or AOSD according to the responsible physician and followed-up for at least one year. Descriptive variables (classification criteria, clinical manifestations, complications, family, and personal history) were collected at disease onset and during follow-up. We present the clinical characteristics of 326 patients, 67% of whom had a diagnosis of sJIA and 33% of AOSD. Clinical manifestation frequencies were similar between the two groups, except for odynophagia, which was significantly more frequent in AOSD than in sJIA (78.4% vs. 25.5%; p < 0.0001). Among the complications, macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) was significantly more common in sJIA than in AOSD (24.4% vs. 9.5%; p = 0.002), to the extent that an sJIA diagnosis significantly increased the risk of MAS, together with serositis presence, and the need for biological therapy. Patients with sJIA and AOSD showed similar characteristics, supporting the idea that they are both part of Still's disease, but are expressed at different ages. Differences in manifestations and complications might be due to different management between diseases and immune response maturity.

A landscape of liver cirrhosis and transplantation in Mexico: Changing leading causes and transplant as response.

Liver cirrhosis causes include alcoholism, viral infections (hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV)), alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), and metabolic dysfunction associated with steatotic liver disease (MASLD), among others. Cirrhosis frequency has increased in recent years, with a prevalence of 1395 cases per 100,000 and a mortality rate of 18 per 100,000, which corresponded to 1,472,000 deaths during 2017. In Mexico, liver disease is a public health problem since it was associated to 41,890 deaths in 2022, including liver cirrhosis (>25,000) and ALD (14,927). This represents 114 individuals daily due to these causes, and correspond to the 4th to 5th place of all causes. The global prevalence of MASLD is estimated to 25 % of the world's population, while in pediatric population could be higher. In Mexican population is more prevalent since estimations are up to 41.3 % in 2023. Alcohol consumption, a global health issue due to its high prevalence and associated morbidities, is associated to ALD in 32.9 %, with a mortality rate of 23.9 %, primarily due to liver-related causes. In Mexico, ALD is present in 23 % of all cirrhosis cases. already surpassed by hepatitis B cases in 2009. HCV and HBV frequencies changed due programs implementing screening detection, vaccines and direct-acting antivirals during the last years. A switch of causes has occurred, increasing MASLD and diminishing viral causes. Efficient performed liver transplantation has grown as response to increasing cirrhosis cases, including recent authorized centers. These efforts are necessary, whereas preventive strategies should be implemented according to leading causes.

Shorter prostatic urethral length in preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging is associated with higher risk of climacturia following robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Climacturia is defined as the leakage of urine during orgasm and it is an adverse effect of radical prostatectomy. Our goal was to determine if various preoperative MRI pelvic floor measurements were associated with the risk of climacturia following robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. For this purpose, we conducted a prospective study involving 57 patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. MRI measurements were analysed by 2 urologists and 2 radiologists. Follow-up was carried out at 3, 6, and 12 months using the Parra orgasmic function questionnaire. We analysed all measurements, along with other patient, surgery, and tumour characteristics, classifying patients into two groups based on the presence or absence of climacturia. A logistic regression model was applied among statistically significant variables. STROBE recommendations were taken into consideration. Shorter prostatic urethral length was associated with higher risk of climacturia at 3 months, OR = 0.83 (95%CI 0.688-0.98) (p = 0.024). Patients with climacturia at 6 months had greater median urethral width [12.66 mm, interquartile range (IQR): 11.77-13.55 vs 12.13 mm, IQR 11.08-13.18] (p = 0.02). Patients with climacturia at 12 months had a higher proportion of preoperative lower urinary tract symptoms (57.14% vs. 20%) (p = 0.026). In the logistic regression, the history of lower urinary tract symptoms was associated with a higher risk of climacturia, OR = 6.07 (95% CI 1.342-26.03) (p = 0.023). In conclusion, shorter prostatic urethral length in preoperative MRI and a history of lower urinary tract symptoms were associated with a higher risk of climacturia following robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Evaluation of the Let's Focus! (Posem el Focus) Socioeducational Intervention: Promoting Healthy and Equitable Relationships in High Schools.

INTRODUCTION: Gender-based violence is a worldwide problem. School-based socio-educational interventions could be effective in preventing gender-based violence. We assessed the effectiveness of the Let's focus! program, aimed at health and equitable interpersonal relationships among high school students. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental study in an intervention group (IG, n = 560) and a comparison group (CG, n = 366) of secondary school students in Terrassa, Spain between 2019 and 2021. Specifically, we performed an online questionnaire on sexism, acceptance of violence and machismo at baseline and after the intervention. We calculated multivariate linear regression models including satisfaction with the intervention, to evaluate the change in the variables' mean between CG and IG. RESULTS: In comparison to the CG, in the IG hostile and benevolent sexism, and acceptance of violence decreased from baseline to after-intervention, in the group of participants highly satisfied with the intervention (42.4%); machismo did not vary. The multivariate regression analyses showed that the intervention was effective in reducing hostile sexism (ß = -6.40; CI95% (-11.92; -0.88)), benevolent sexism (ß = -5.57; CI95% (-10.52;-0.61)), and acceptance of violence (ß = -4.79; CI95% (-9.50; -0.09)) in highly satisfied students from the IG, in comparison to the ones from the CG, regardless of their age or gender. DISCUSSION: Let's Focus! was effective in reducing sexism and decreasing acceptance of violence among students that were highly satisfied with the intervention.

Environmental pollution challenges public health surveillance: the case of mercury exposure and intoxication in Brazil.

Pollution, causing millions of deaths annually, disproportionally affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Mercury ranks among the three main chemicals of major public health concern, and even low levels can cause cardiovascular and nervous outcomes, with children and indigenous populations being especially vulnerable. Nearly 80% of all emissions in South America originate from the Amazon. Brazil, the fifth-largest contributor to global mercury emissions, exemplifies the challenges faced by LMICs in effectively monitoring and addressing mercury exposure/intoxication. Despite having powerful tools such as SINAN (a digital platform for compulsory disease reporting), and Community Health Agents, data reveals significant underreporting, especially in the Amazon. Furthermore, SINAN has important delays in its update: for instance, 196 cases of Munduruku Indigenous people in 2019 have only been included in 2023. In this Personal View, we outline insightful recommendations to enhance public health surveillance and implement enduring, effective strategies to monitor, report and address mercury exposure/intoxication, focusing on the Brazilian Amazon. Although these recommendations are tailored to the challenges of this country, they hold potential for adaptation by other Amazonian countries facing similar issues (high mercury emissions and the presence of vulnerable populations, among others).

First consensus document of waiting list prioritization for liver transplantation by the Spanish Society of Liver Transplantation (SETH).

Spain is worldwide leader in deceased donation rates per million habitants and count on a strong network of twenty-five liver transplant institutions. Although the access to liver transplantation is higher than in other countries, approximately 10% of patients qualifying for liver transplantation in Spain will die in the waiting list or would be excluded due to clinical deterioration. A robust waiting list prioritization system is paramount to grant the sickest patients with the first positions in the waiting list for an earlier access to transplant. In addition, the allocation policy may not create or perpetuate inequities, particularly in a public and universal healthcare system. Hitherto, Spain lacks a unique national allocation system for elective liver transplantation. Most institutions establish their own rules for liver allocation and only two autonomous regions, namely Andalucía and Cataluña, share part of their waiting list within their territory to provide regional priority to patients requiring more urgent transplantation. This heterogeneity is further aggravated by the recently described sex-based disparities for accessing liver transplantation in Spain, and by the expansion of liver transplant indications, mainly for oncological indications, in absence of clear guidance on the optimal prioritization policy. The present document contains the recommendations from the first consensus of waiting list prioritization for liver transplantation issued by the Spanish Society of Liver Transplantation (SETH). The document was supported by all liver transplant institutions in Spain and by the Organización Nacional de Trasplantes (ONT). Its implementation will allow to homogenize practices and to improve equity and outcomes among patients with end-stage liver disease.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated multiplex gene editing of gamma and omega gliadins, paving the way for gliadin-free wheat.

Wheat is a staple cereal in the human diet. Despite its significance, an increasing percentage of the population suffers adverse reactions to wheat, which are triggered by wheat gluten, particularly the gliadin fractions. In this study, we employed CRISPR/Cas multiplexing to introduce targeted mutations into γ- and ω-gliadin genes of wheat, to produce lines deficient in one or both immunogenic gliadin fractions simultaneously. For this work, eight single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed and combined into four plasmids to produce 59 modified wheat lines, of which 20 exhibited mutations in the target genes. Characterization of these lines through Sanger or NGS sequencing revealed a complex pattern of InDels, including deletions spanning multiple sgRNAs. The mutations were transmitted to the offspring, and the analysis of homozygous derived lines by RP-HPLC and monoclonal antibodies showed a 97.7% reduction in gluten content. Crossing these lines with other CRISPR/Cas lines deficient in the α-gliadins allowed multiple mutations to be combined. This work represents an important step forward in the use of CRISPR/Cas to develop gluten-free wheat.

Clinical outcomes and complications of a new high-density polyethylene-based spherical integrated porous orbital implant.

PURPOSE: To describe our experience over 6 years using a new high-density polyethylene-based spherical integrated porous orbital implants (Oculfit). METHODS: This is an observational retrospective case series study analyzing all cases requiring Oculfit implants between February 2015 and September 2021. Clinical information regarding the population included, the characteristics of the implant, and the outcomes and complications during the follow-up were noted. The success of the implant was defined according to anatomical and functional parameters. RESULTS: The study analyzed 90 cases of anophthalmic patients. The main causes for enucleation or evisceration were ocular decompensations (36.7%) and neoplasms (27.8% uveal melanoma and 7.8% retinoblastoma). Anatomical success was identified in 63 (70.0%) cases, functional success in 79 (87.8%) and complete success (anatomical + functional) in 61 (67.7%) cases. Factors associated with the functional success were age and exposure of the primary orbital implant. Complications appeared in 11 (12.2%) cases, which were completely resolved without sequelae in 4 (4.4%). Orbital explant was required in 5 (5.6%) cases. CONCLUSION: In our experience, Oculfit can be considered a useful alternative among the currently available options for orbital implants and has a good efficacy/safety profile.

Molecular and morphological analysis revealed a new Lipoptena species (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) in southern Spain harbouring Coxiella burnetii and bacterial endosymbionts.

Hippoboscid flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) are obligate bloodsucking ectoparasites of animals. In Europe, limited research has been conducted on this family until the recent introduction of the deer ked Lipoptena fortisetosa Maa, 1965. A new species of the genus Lipoptena, Lipoptena andaluciensis sp. nov., was found in southern Spain after extensive sampling with carbon-dioxide baited suction traps. A total of 52 females and 32 males were collected at 29 out of 476 sites examined over eight months in 2023. Lipoptena andaluciensis sp. nov. was characterized morphologically and molecularly. The new Lipoptena species can be differentiated from the closely related L. fortisetosa by size, chaetotaxy of the dorsal and ventral thorax, abdominal plates, and genitalia. Based on DNA-barcoding, our specimens showed the highest similarity with Melophagus ovinus (Linnaeus, 1758) (88.4 %) and with L. fortisetosa (86-88 %). Individual screening of Lipoptena specimens (n = 76) for seven important zoonotic pathogens such as bacteria (Anaplasmataceae family: Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp., Coxiella burnetii and Rickettsia spp.) and protozoans (Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.) by conventional PCR and RT-PCR was performed. DNA of C. burnetii was detected in one specimen, while two other specimens harboured Anaplasmataceae (Wolbachia spp., 100 % homology and another endosymbiont probably related to Arsenophonus sp., 95.3 % homology, respectively), all representing the first records of these bacteria in the Lipoptena spp. from Europe. Carbon dioxide traps probed its effectiveness as a reliable passive method for keds surveillance. Our study highlights the existence of a new Lipoptena species, presumably widely distributed in southern Spain. The role of this species in the transmission cycle of pathogens of medical-veterinary relevance needs to be considered in the area.

Neck Circumference as a Valuable Tool to Identify the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Mexican Children.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Neck circumference (NC) has been proposed as a simple measurement to identify patients with overweight and obesity. It has been found that adipose tissue at the cervical level is associated with the presence of metabolic alterations. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between NC and indicators of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) to subsequently estimate its capacity to identify the risk of MS compared to waist circumference (WC) and Body Mass Index (BMI). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 286 children 6-9 years old who attended six public primary schools in Jalisco, Mexico. Pearson's correlation coefficients along with sensitivity and specificity tests were performed to analyze the relationship between NC and MS indicators. Odds ratio (OR) and concordance analyses were performed considering the Kappa index. RESULTS: NC showed statistically significant correlations with all MS indicators except for LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol. The cut-off points of NC to identify MS according to sex was >27.4 cm for girls and >29.8 cm for boys. The association of NC with values above the cutoff point and the presence of MS was OR: 21.6 (CI: 7.11-65.74). CONCLUSIONS: NC represents a simple and cost-effective alternative to identify children at risk of MS when compared to BMI and WC.

How Does Nerve Mechanical Interface Treatment Impact Pre-Surgical Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) presents a high burden on the healthcare system. However, no alternative treatments are provided during the waiting period. In addition, the incidence of severe patients with comorbidities is underestimated. The aim of this study was to determine whether nerve mechanical interface treatment improves the symptoms, function, and quality of life in pre-surgical CTS patients. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial and intention-to-treat analysis were carried out. Forty-two patients with an electrodiagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, included on the surgery waiting list of a public healthcare system, were analyzed. The intervention group (n = 20) received a 45 min session/per week of instrument-assisted manual therapy (diacutaneous fibrolysis) for 3 weeks. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) was the primary outcome. The symptoms, mechanical threshold, grip strength, mechanosensitivity of the median nerve, quality of life, and patient satisfaction were included as secondary outcomes. The control group (n = 22) remained on the waiting list. RESULTS: The intervention seems to be beneficial for the BCTQ score (function and symptoms scale), pain, and mechanosensitivity after treatment, at the 3 and 6 months follow-up (p < 0.05). Kinesiophobia was improved at 6 months (p = 0.043; η2 = 0.10) and the mechanical threshold at the 3-month follow-up (p = 0.048; η2 = 0.10). No differences were identified for grip strength. At 6 months, the intervention group patients were satisfied (100%), as opposed to the controls, who felt that they had experienced a worsening of their condition (50.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Nerve mechanical interface treatment improved the symptoms, function, and quality of life in pre-surgical CTS patients. One hundred percent of the treated patients, characterized as moderate and severe CTS with associated comorbidities, were satisfied.

A baited trap for kissing bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae).

Chagas disease is a key vector-borne disease. This illness is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas, which is transmitted by triatomine bugs. Largely, the control of this disease relies on reducing such contact. We optimized the performance of a box trap in laboratory conditions to capture four triatomine species: Triatoma pallidipennis (Stål), Triatoma infestans Klug, Triatoma phyllosoma (Burmeister), and Rhodnius prolixus Stål. We varied four components for a box trap: material, color, height, and bait attractants. All species were captured more in corrugated cardboard traps than in other trap material. Moreover, T. infestans and R. prolixus were also captured in plywood traps. T. pallidipennis preferred traps of 15 × 15 × 4 cm and 20 × 20 × 4 cm, while T. phyllosoma and T. infestans were more captured in traps of 10 × 10 × 4 cm, and 15 × 15 × 4 cm. Rhodnius prolixus was more captured to 10 × 10 × 4 cm traps. T. pallidipennis was trapped with traps of any color tested, T. phyllosoma and T. infestans were captured more in red and yellow traps, and R. prolixus was mostly captured in blue, violet, and yellow traps. Triatoma pallidipennis was captured at any height above the ground, while T. phyllosoma, T. infestans, and R. prolixus were mostly captured 50, 100, and 150 cm above the ground. Regarding the lure, T. pallidipennis was trapped with four aldehydes + lactic acid + ammonia; T. infestans and R. prolixus were trapped with a blend of four aldehydes + lactic acid, a blend of the four aldehydes + ammonia, and a blend of four aldehydes + lactic acid + ammonia. Triatoma phyllosoma was trapped with any lure tested. These results showed that the trap boxes offer an alternative method for controlling Chagas disease.

An untargeted metabolomics approach applied to the study of the bioavailability and metabolism of three different bioactive plant extracts in human blood samples.

Advances in the understanding of bioavailability and metabolism of bioactive compounds have been achieved primarily through targeted or semi-targeted metabolomics approaches using the hypothesis of potential metabolized compounds. The recent development of untargeted metabolomics approaches can present great advantages in this field, such as in the discovery of new metabolized compounds or to study the metabolism of compounds from multiple matrices simultaneously. Thus, this study proposes the use of an untargeted metabolomics strategy based on HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS for the study of bioavailability and metabolism of bioactive compounds from different vegetal sources. Specifically, this study has been applied to plasma samples collected in an acute human intervention study using three matrices (Hibiscus sabdariffa, Silybum marianum and Theobroma cacao). This approach allowed the selection of those significant variables associated with exogenous metabolites derived from the consumption of bioactive compounds for their subsequent identification. As a result, 14, 25 and 3 potential metabolites associated with supplement intake were significantly detected in the plasma samples from volunteers who ingested the H. sabdariffa (HS), S. marianum (SM) and T. cacao (TC) extracts. Furthermore, Tmax values have been computed for each detected compound. The results highlight the potential of untargeted metabolomics for rapid and comprehensive analysis when working with a wide range of exogenous metabolites from different plant sources in biological samples.

New gel from a water-soluble Carboxymethyl chitosan-Cinnamaldehyde Schiff base derivative as an effective preservative against soft rot in ginger.

Ginger, valued for its culinary and medicinal properties, suffers substantial production loss-up to 90 %-due to fungal soft rot. To combat this, we have developed an environmentally sustainable antifungal polysaccharide gel derived from a water-soluble Schiff base of O-carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) and cinnamaldehyde (CIN). Terpene incorporation was confirmed via various characterization techniques, including Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), pH-dependent release, solubility, thermogravimetric analysis, and UV-vis spectra. Results showed successful grafting of CIN onto the polysaccharide, at a CIN:CMC ratio of 120 mg/g. In vitro evaluation demonstrated significant antifungal activity against F. oxysporum, with a MIC value of 159.25 µg/mL. Application of the CMC=CIN gel to ginger rhizomes inhibited spore germination in all evaluated wounds, enhancing gloss and appearance. These findings validate the efficacy of this novel, environmentally friendly gel in preventing ginger loss caused by fungal infections.