Complete genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of a newly discovered fusagra-like virus infecting Carica papaya in Ecuador.

A new fusagra-like virus infecting papaya (Carica papaya L.) was genetically characterized. The genome of the virus, provisionally named "papaya sticky fruit-associated virus" (PSFaV), is a single molecule of double-stranded RNA, 9,199 nucleotides (nt) in length, containing two discontinuous open reading frames. Pairwise sequence comparisons based on complete RNA-dependent-RNA-polymerase (RdRp) sequences revealed identity of 79.4% and 83.3% at the nt and amino acid (aa) level, respectively, to babaco meleira-like virus (BabMelV), an uncharacterized virus sequence discovered in babaco (Vasconcellea x heilbornii) in Ecuador. Additional plant-associated viruses with sequence identity in the 50% range included papaya meleira virus (PMeV) isolates from Brazil. Phylogenetic analysis based on the amino acid sequences of the capsid protein (CP), RdRp, and CP-RdRp fusion protein genes placed PSFaV in a group within a well-supported clade that shares a recent ancestor with Sclerotium rolfsii RNA virus 2 and Phlebiopsis gigantea mycovirus dsRNA 2, two fungus-associated fusagraviruses. Genomic features and phylogenetic relatedness suggest that PSFaV, along with its closest relative BabMelV, represent a species of novel plant-associated virus classified within the recently established family Fusagraviridae.

Review of Explosive Contamination and Bioremediation: Insights from Microbial and Bio-Omic Approaches.

Soil pollution by TNT(2,4,6-trinitrotoluene), RDX(hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane), and HMX(octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine), resulting from the use of explosives, poses significant challenges, leading to adverse effects such as toxicity and alteration of microbial communities. Consequently, there is a growing need for effective bioremediation strategies to mitigate this damage. This review focuses on Microbial and Bio-omics perspectives within the realm of soil pollution caused by explosive compounds. A comprehensive analysis was conducted, reviewing 79 articles meeting bibliometric criteria from the Web of Science and Scopus databases from 2013 to 2023. Additionally, relevant patents were scrutinized to establish a comprehensive research database. The synthesis of these findings serves as a critical resource, enhancing our understanding of challenges such as toxicity, soil alterations, and microbial stress, as well as exploring bio-omics techniques like metagenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics in the context of environmental remediation. The review underscores the importance of exploring various remediation approaches, including mycorrhiza remediation, phytoremediation, bioaugmentation, and biostimulation. Moreover, an examination of patented technologies reveals refined and efficient processes that integrate microorganisms and environmental engineering. Notably, China and the United States are pioneers in this field, based on previous successful bioremediation endeavors. This review underscores research's vital role in soil pollution via innovative, sustainable bioremediation for explosives.

GK-1 effectively reduces angiogenesis and prevents T cell exhaustion in a breast cancer murine experimental model.

Breast cancer is the leading malignancy in women worldwide, both in terms of incidence and mortality. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the type with the worst clinical outcomes and with fewer therapeutic options than other types of breast cancer. GK-1 is a peptide that in the experimental model of the metastatic 4T1 breast cancer has demonstrated anti-tumor and anti-metastatic properties. Herein, GK-1 (5 mg/kg, i.v.) weekly administrated not only decreases tumor growth and the number of lung macro-metastases but also lung and lymph nodes micro-metastases. Histological analysis reveals that GK-1 reduced 57% of the intra-tumor vascular areas, diminished the leukemoid reaction's progression, and the spleens' weight and length. A significant reduction in VEGF-C, SDF-1, angiopoietin-2, and endothelin-1 angiogenic factors was induced. Moreover, GK-1 prevents T cell exhaustion in the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) decreasing PD-1 expression. It also increased IFN-γ and granzyme-B expression and the cytotoxic activity of CD8+ TILs cells against tumor cells. All these features were found to be associated with a better antitumor response and prognosis. Altogether, these results reinforce the potential of GK-1 to improve the clinical outcome of triple-negative breast cancer immunotherapy. Translation research is ongoing towards its evaluation in humans.

Phylodynamics and Coat Protein Analysis of Babaco Mosaic Virus in Ecuador.

Babaco is a fast-growing herbaceous shrub with great commercial potential because of the organoleptic properties of its fruit. Babaco mosaic virus (BabMV) is a potexvirus in the family Alphaflexiviridae affecting babaco in all the provinces that produce this crop in Ecuador. BabMV was recently described but it has been affecting babaco for decades and, since many potexviruses are serologically indistinguishable, it may have been previously misidentified as papaya mosaic virus. Based on the coat protein (CP) gene, we aimed to study the distribution and epidemiological patterns of BabMV in babaco and chamburo over the years and to model its three-dimensional structure. Sequences of the CP were obtained from thirty-six isolates from plants collected in the main babaco-producing provinces of Ecuador between 2016 and 2021. The evolution rate of BabMV was estimated at 1.21 × 10-3 nucleotide substitutions site-1 year-1 and a time of origin of the most recent common ancestor around 1958.80. From molecular dynamics simulations, compared to other proteins of BabMV-RDRP, TGB1, and Alkb domain-the CP exhibited a higher flexibility with the C and N terminals as the most flexible regions. The reconstructed viral distribution provides dispersion patterns which have implications for control approaches of BabMV.

Adrenal functional reserve in the full spectrum of chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Altered cortisol levels have been associated with an increase in mortality and a decrease in health-related quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, adrenal response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test has not been evaluated in patients with stage 3a to 5 CKD with and without renal replacement therapy (RRT). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate adrenal function in patients with CKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adults with CKD underwent a low-dose cosyntropin stimulation test (1 µg synthetic ACTH), with serum cortisol levels being measured at 0, +30 and +60 minutes post-test. RESULTS: Sixty participants with stage 3, 4 and 5 CKD (with and without RRT) were included. None of the patients had adrenal insufficiency (AI). The correlation observed between cortisol concentration at baseline and 30 minutes and 1 hour after stimulation and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was negative and statistically significant (r: -0.39 [p = 0.002], r: -0.363 [p = 0.004], r: -0.4 [p = 0.002], respectively). CONCLUSION: Since CKD early stages, cortisol levels increase as GFR decreases. Therefore, we conclude that systematic screening for AI is not necessary in CKD patients.

ANTECEDENTES: Niveles alterados de cortisol se han asociado a un incremento en la mortalidad y disminución en la calidad de vida en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), sin embargo, la respuesta adrenal a la prueba de estimulación con adrenocorticotropina (ACTH) no ha sido evaluada en pacientes con ERC etapas 3a a 5 con y sin terapia de reemplazo renal (TRR). OBJETIVO: Evaluar la función adrenal de pacientes con ERC. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Adultos con ERC se sometieron a una prueba de estimulación con cosintropina a dosis baja (1 mg de ACTH sintética) y se midieron los niveles séricos de cortisol a los 0, +30 y +60 minutos postestimulación. RESULTADOS: 60 participantes con ERC en etapas 3, 4 y 5 (con y sin TRR) fueron incluidos. Ninguno de los pacientes presentó insuficiencia adrenal (IA). La correlación observada entre la concentración basal, a los 30 minutos y 1 hora de cortisol postestimulación y la tasa de filtrado glomerular (TFG) fue negativa y estadísticamente significativa (r: ­0.39 [p = 0.002], r: ­0.363 [p = 0.004], r: ­0.4 [p = 0.002], respectivamente). CONCLUSIÓN: Desde etapas tempranas de la ERC los niveles de cortisol se incrementan a medida que la TFG disminuye. Concluimos que no es necesario un tamizaje sistemático para detectar IA en pacientes con ERC.

Occipital condyle screw fixation viability according to age and gender anatomy: A computed tomography-based analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the Occipital condyle morphology in an all-age population of Northeastern Mexico, and determine age and gender related changes for surgical viability. METHODS: A total of 175 consecutive HRCT scans were included and divided into 5 age groups. The condylar length, width, height, sagittal angle, anterior, posterior and medial intercondylar distances, and intercondylar angle of the OC were measured. RESULTS: Mean condylar length, width, and height in total population were 20.58 mm, 9.42 mm, and 9.02 mm, respectively. Differences were observed in most morphometric parameters when comparing age groups. Significant intergender differences in total population were observed in most parameters, when individualizing each age group the height remained significant in all. The group with the least height measurement was aged 5-9 years, this however, could allow the OC screw (≥6.5 mm) placement. CONCLUSION: Differences in most morphometric parameters of OC were observed between age groups and gender, particularly patients with 5-9 years. However, all groups presented a minimum height that allows the placement of a standard screw. A preoperative imaging study is always recommended due to the variability and complexity of the region.

Molecular characterization and complete genome of alstroemeria mosaic virus (AlMV).

Even though alstroemeria mosaic virus (AlMV) is one of the most important viruses affecting alstroemeria plants, its genome is only partially available in public sequence databases. High throughput sequencing (HTS) of RNA from alstroemeria plants with symptoms of mosaic and streaking, collected in Lasso-Ecuador, indicated the presence of AlMV and lily symptomless virus. In this study, we aimed to assemble and characterize the complete genome sequence of AlMV. Reads from Illumina sequencing of ribosomal RNA-depleted total RNA were assembled into contigs that were mapped to the sunflower chlorotic mottle virus genome, revealing the 9774 [corrected] bp complete genome sequence of AlMV. Multiple sequence alignment of the AlMV polyprotein with close homologs allowed the identification of ten mature proteins P1, HC-Pro, P3, 6K1, CI, 6K2, NIa-VPg, NIa-Pro, NIb and CP. Furthermore, several potyvirus motifs were identified in the AlMV polyprotein including those related to potyvirus aphid transmission 334KMTC337, 592PTK594 and 2800DAG2802. Phylogenetic analysis based in the polyprotein showed that AlMV belongs to the potato virus Y clade and its closest relative is sunflower ring blotch virus. This study describes the first complete genome of AlMV and its placement within the genus Potyvirus, providing valuable information for future studies on this economically important virus.

Correction to: Molecular characterization and complete genome of alstroemeria mosaic virus (AlMV).

The original version of this article unfortunately contained an error in the length of AIMV genome sequence.

Multiplex End-Point PCR for the Detection of Three Species of Ophiosphaerella Causing Spring Dead Spot of Bermudagrass.

A multiplex end-point polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed for identifying the three-fungal species in the genus Ophiosphaerella that cause spring dead spot (SDS), a devastating disease of bermudagrass. These fungi are difficult to identify by morphology because they seldom produce pseudothecia. To achieve species-specific diagnosis, three pairs of primers were designed to identify fungal isolates and detect the pathogen in infected roots. The internal transcribed spacer region, the translation elongation factor 1-α, and the RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit were selected as targets and served as templates for the design of each primer pair. To achieve uniform melting temperatures, three to five random nucleotide extensions (flaps) were added to the 5' terminus of some of the designed specific primers. Temperature cycling conditions and PCR components were standardized to optimize specificity and sensitivity of the multiplex reaction. Primers were tested in multiplex on DNA extracted from axenic fungal cultures and from field-collected infected and uninfected roots. A distinct amplicon was produced for each Ophiosphaerella sp. tested. The DNA from Ophiosphaerella close relatives and other common bermudagrass pathogens did not amplify during the multiplex assay. Metagenomic DNA from infected bermudagrass produced species-specific amplicons while DNA extracted from noninfected roots did not. This multiplex end-point PCR approach is a sensitive and specific molecular technique that allows for correct identification of SDS-associated Ophiosphaerella spp. from field-collected roots.

Perineural spread-susceptible structures: a non-pathological evaluation of the skull base.

Perineural spread adenoid cystic carcinoma can alter the dimension of foramina and canals of the skull base. The objective of this study was to determine the range of normal variation of the foramina and canals of both hemicranium. We analyzed 200 individuals with no alterations of the skull base in a retrospective manner using high-resolution computed tomography. We measured the short and long axis diameters of the foramen rotundum (FR), foramen ovale (FO), stylomastoid foramen (SMF), pterygoid canal (PTC), internal auditory canal (IAC), and the facial nerve canal in its labyrinthine portion (LPFC) to calculate the area in each hemicranium, compare them and obtain the normal range of asymmetry. Parametric and non-parametric comparison tests were realized. The structures that had the lowest range of asymmetry were the LPFC (0.00-0.79 mm2) and the FR (0.00-2.12 mm2). The one that had the highest asymmetry range was the FO (0.00-9.16 mm2). Significant differences were found in the FO (p = 0.01) and the IAC (p = 0.00) in the gender comparison. We determined a normal asymmetry range of the susceptible foramina and canals of the skull base. This study reports a useful and objective measure to differentiate anatomical from pathological variations of the foramina and canals of the skull base by age and gender. Our results establish a basis for future studies that evaluate this range as a diagnostic tool of metastasis in the skull base as a complement of other imaging techniques.

Quantification of Anti-Addictive Alkaloids Ibogaine and Voacangine in In Vivo- and In Vitro-Grown Plants of Two Mexican Tabernaemontana Species.

Tabernaemontana alba and Tabernaemontana arborea are Apocynaceae species used in Mexican traditional medicine for which little phytochemical information exists. In this study, preliminary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses of different organs obtained from wild plants of both species identified a total of 10 monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) and one simple indole alkaloid, nine of which were reported for the first time in these species. Furthermore, callus cultures were established from T. alba leaf explants and regeneration of whole plants was accomplished via somatic embryogenesis. The anti-addictive MIAs ibogaine and voacangine were then quantified by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection in wild plants of both species, as well as greenhouse-grown plants, in vitro-grown plantlets and embryogenic callus of T. alba. Ibogaine and voacangine were present in most samples taken from the whole plants of both species, with stem and root barks showing the highest concentrations. No alkaloids were detected in callus samples. It was concluded that T. alba and T. arborea are potentially viable sources of ibogaine and voacangine, and that these MIAs can be produced through somatic embryogenesis and whole plant regeneration of T. alba. Approaches to increase MIA yields in whole plants and to achieve alkaloid production directly in cell cultures are discussed.

Synthesis, anti-inflammatory activity and modeling studies of cycloartane-type terpenes derivatives isolated from Parthenium argentatum.

The 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced edema model in mice determined the anti-inflammatory activities in vivo of argentatins A, B and D, the main cycloartenol-type triterpenes present in Parthenium argentatum. Our results showed that argentatin B (ED50=1.5×10(-4)mmol/ear) and argentatin A (ED50=2.8×10(-4)mmol/ear) were more potent anti-inflammatory agents than indomethacin (ED50=4.5×10(-4)mmol/ear), the reference drug. Based on these findings, we decided to evaluate 13 derivatives of argentatins A and B. All the derivatives showed anti-inflammatory activity in the TPA-induced edema model in mice. The most active compound was 25-nor-cycloart-3, 16-dione-17-en-24-oic acid, obtained from argentatin A (ED50=1.4×10(-4)mmol/ear). Argentatin B was assayed as inhibitor of COX-2 activity one of the key enzymes involved in the TPA assay. The results showed that argentatin B at 15µM doses inhibited 77% COX-2 activity. Docking studies suggest that argentatin B interacts with Arg 120, a key residue for COX-2 activity.

Estimulación ovárica en usuarias mayores de 38 años

La edad en la que las mujeres comienzan a buscar su primer embarazo se ha venido retrasando en las sociedades desarrolladas. Este retraso tiene como consecuencia una disminución de la fecundabilidad materna, pues a partir de los 35 años comienza a disminuir y lo hace en una forma muy significativa a partir de los 40 años. En esta revisión se hace un recuento de la estimulación ovárica en usuarias mayores de 38 años.

Age when women start looking to have their first pregnancy is being postponed in developed societies. This delay results in reduction in maternal fecundability that starts at age 35 and is significant at age 40 and over. In this review we recount ovarian stimulation in women over 38 years.

Comparative study using different infrared zones of the solventless activation of organic reactions.

In this work, the results of a study comparing the use of irradiation from different regions of the infrared spectrum for the promotion of several organic reactions, are presented and discussed. This use of eco-conditions provides a green approach to chemical synthesis. A set of ten different organic reactions were evaluated, including the Knoevenagel, Hantzsch, Biginelli and Meldrum reactions. It is important to highlight the use of a commercial device that produces infrared irradiation in the near infrared region and its distribution by convection providing heating uniformity, significantly reducing reaction times, achieving good yields and proceeding in the absence of solvent. It is also worth noting that a variety of different reactions may be performed at the same time. Finally, the products obtained were identified using TLC, together with corresponding MS-data, complementarily in comparison of NMR (1)H and (13)C data with literature information.

A putative role for hypothalamic glucocorticoid receptors in hypertension induced by prenatal undernutrition in the rat.

Prenatal undernutrition induces hypertension later in life, possibly by disturbing the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis through programming decreased expression of hypothalamic glucocorticoid receptors. We examined the systolic blood pressure, heart rate and plasma corticosterone response to intra-paraventricular dexamethasone, mifepristone and corticosterone in eutrophic and prenatally undernourished young rats. Undernutrition was induced during fetal life by restricting the diet of pregnant mothers to 10 g daily (40% of diet consumed by well-nourished controls). At day 40 of postnatal life (i) intra-paraventricular administration of dexamethasone significantly reduced at least for 24h both the systolic pressure (-11.6%), the heart rate (-20.8%) and the plasma corticosterone (-40.0%) in normal animals, while producing lower effects (-5.5, -8.7, and -22.3%, respectively) on undernourished rats; (ii) intra-paraventricular administration of the antiglucocorticoid receptor ligand mifepristone to normal rats produced opposite effects (8.2, 20.3, and 48.0% increase, respectively) to those induced by dexamethasone, being these not significant in undernourished animals; (iii) intra-paraventricular corticosterone did not exert any significant effect. Results suggest that the low sensitivity of paraventricular neurons to glucocorticoid receptor ligands observed in prenatally undernourished rats could be due to the already reported glucocorticoid receptor expression, found in the hypothalamus of undernourished animals.