Glucanases and Chitinases in Mangifera indica: Identification, Classification, Phylogeny, and Expression Analysis of Defense Genes against Colletotrichum spp.

Plant glucanases and chitinases are defense proteins that participate in pathogenesis; however, very little is known about the glucanase (GLUC) and chitinase (CHIT) gene families in mango. Some mango cultivars are of great economic importance and can be affected by anthracnose, a postharvest disease caused by fungi of the genus Colletotrichum spp. This study identified and characterized 23 putative glucanases and 16 chitinases in the mango genome cv. Tommy Atkins. We used phylogenetic analyses to classify the glucanases into three subclasses (A, B, and C) and the chitinases into four classes (I, II, IV, and V). Information on the salicylic, jasmonic acid, and ethylene pathways was obtained by analyzing the cis-elements of the GLUC and CHIT class I and IV gene promoters. The expression profile of GLUC, CHIT class I, and CHIT class IV genes in mango cv. Ataulfo inoculated with two Colletotrichum spp. revealed different profile expression related to these fungi's level of virulence. In general, this study provides the basis for the functional validation of these target genes with which the regulatory mechanisms used by glucanases and chitinases as defense proteins in mango can be elucidated.

Physicochemical characterization of pectin and mango peel (Mangifera indica L.) from Mexican cultivars.

In Mexico, about 40 % of the mango harvest is lost due to marketing problems. Moreover, the mango industry generates peel and seed waste that ranges from 35 to 60 % of the total weight of processed fruits. This unexploited mango biomass represents a potential resource for producing value-added by-products. A market alternative is exploiting the mango peel as a source of biofunctional compounds, such as pectin. This hydrocolloid has applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. This study quantified the peel components of the Ataulfo, Panameño, Manila, and Haden cultivars. The mango peel showed a considerable input of dietary fiber (37-45 % DM), minerals (1018-2156 mg/100 g DM), phenols (2123-4851 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g DM), flavonoids (0.74-2.7 mg quercetin equivalent/g DM) and antioxidant capacity (375-937 µM Trolox equivalent/g DM). The four cultivars presented high methoxyl pectins (66-71 %). The molecular weight of the pectins analyzed was from 957 to 4859 kDa. The Panameño cultivar showed the highest amount of pectin and viscosity concerning the peel of the other cultivars and a higher content of glucomannans (≈28.21 %). The pectin of the Haden cultivar was the only one with arabinoxylans since xylose was not detected in the pectin of the other cultivars. The chemical characteristics of the studied mango peels are promising for their industrialization.

Enhancing drought stress tolerance and growth promotion in chiltepin pepper (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) through native Bacillus spp.

The drought can cause a decrease in food production and loss of biodiversity. In northern Mexico, an arid region, the chiltepin grows as a semi-domesticated crop that has been affected in its productivity and yield. An alternative to mitigate the effect of drought and aid in its conservation could be using Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB). The present study evaluated the capacity of native Bacillus spp., isolated from arid soils, as PGPBs and drought stress tolerance inducers in chiltepin under controlled conditions. Chiltepin seeds and seedlings were inoculated with native strains of Bacillus spp. isolated from arid soils, evaluating germination, vegetative, and drought stress tolerance parameters. The PGPBs improved vegetative parameters such as height, stem diameter, root length, and slenderness index in vitro. B. cereus (Bc25-7) improved in vitro survival of stressed seedlings by 68% at -1.02 MPa. Under greenhouse conditions, seedlings treated with PGPBs exhibited increases in root length (9.6%), stem diameter (13.68%), leaf fresh weight (69.87%), and chlorophyll content (38.15%). Bc25-7 alleviated severe water stress symptoms (7 days of water retention stress), and isolates B. thuringiensis (Bt24-4) and B. cereus (Bc25-7, and Bc30-2) increased Relative Water Content (RWC) by 51%. Additionally, the treated seeds showed improved germination parameters with a 46.42% increase in Germination Rate (GR). These findings suggest that using PGPBs could be an alternative to mitigate the effect of drought on chiltepin.

Nano-encapsulated Cu(II) complex as a promising insecticidal for Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

Nanoparticle (NP) research is an area of scientific interest with high potential for application in biomedical, optical, and electronic fields. Due to their relatively large surface area compared to their mass, NPs can be more chemically reactive and change their reactive strength or other properties. NP-based drug delivery systems provide transport and an effective and controlled way to release the drugs. This work aimed to study the solubility and biological activity of nano-encapsulated copper metal complexes for the induction of toxicity and mortality in larvae of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. After the nano-encapsulated metal complexes were prepared, the efficiency of this incorporation was determined by electron paramagnetic resonance, and toxicity bioassays were performed. The polymeric-based PLGA NPs encapsulating metal complexes exhibited high toxicity and specificity for target organisms (insect vectors, i.e., A. aegypti), with relatively less environmental impact and long-term control of their breeding.

Reverse Transfection of Functional RNA Rings into Cancer Cells Followed by in Vitro Irradiation.

RNA nanoparticles are promising therapeutic platforms to improve radiotherapy since they can be functionalized with multiple small interfering RNAs (RNAi) to simultaneously silence critical radioresistance genes. Here we describe the transfer of RNA rings to mammalian cancer cells through reverse transfection, followed by in vitro irradiation and biological assays as surrogates' endpoints for radiotherapy efficacy.

The Effect of Netting Bags on the Postharvest Quality, Bioactive and Nutritional Compounds, and the Spoilage Microorganisms Content of Bell Peppers.

The packaging nets used for bell peppers act as a form of protection. However, the manufacturing is based on polymers that cause serious environmental problems. The effects of nets made of biodegradable materials, such as poly(lactic) acid (PLA), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), and cactus stem residues, were evaluated on four different colors of 'California Wonder' bell peppers stored over a 25-day storage period under controlled and ambient temperature conditions. Compared to commercial polyethylene nets, the bell peppers kept in the biodegradable nets did not show notable differences with respect to color, weight loss, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity. However, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in terms of phenol content, carotenoids (orange bell peppers), anthocyanins, and vitamin C, with an overall tendency to show a higher content in those kept in PLA 60%/PBTA 40%/cactus stem flour 3% compared to commercial packaging. In addition, the same net notably reduced the development of bacteria, fungi, and yeasts during the storage of red, orange, and yellow bell peppers. As postharvest packaging for bell peppers, this net could be considered a viable option for the storage of this product.

Sulforaphane: An emergent anti-cancer stem cell agent.

Cancer is a major public health concern worldwide responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates. Alternative therapies have been extensively investigated, and plant-derived compounds have caught the attention of the scientific community due to their chemopreventive and anticancer effects. Sulforaphane (SFN) is one of these naturally occurring agents, and studies have shown that it is able to target a specific cancer cell population displaying stem-like properties, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). These cells can self-renewal and differentiate to form highly heterogeneous tumor masses. Notably, most of the conventional chemotherapeutic agents cannot target CSCs once they usually exist in a quiescent state and overall, the available cytotoxic drugs focus on highly dividing cells. This is, at least in part, one of the reasons why some oncologic patients relapse after standard therapy. In this review we bring together studies supporting not only the chemopreventive and anticancer properties of SFN, but especially the emerging anti-CSCs effects of this natural product and its potential to be used with conventional antineoplastic drugs in the clinical setting.

Agronomic Behavior of Mexican Roselle Cultivars Produced under Protected Agricultural Conditions.

Growth dynamics and morphological traits are used to define the characteristics of roselle cultivars Hibiscus sabdariffa. The morpho-agronomic variability of plants was evaluated, as well as the concentration of macro and micronutrients in leaves of Mexican roselle cultivars in hydroponic and greenhouse conditions. The following roselle cultivars were studied: 'Cruza Negra', 'UAN16-2', 'Criolla Huajicori', 'UAN 6 Puga', 'UAN 25-1' and '4Q4'. The relative growth rate of the crops was fitted to a positive cubic, negative quadratic and positive linear model, whereas stem diameter, fitted to a linear model, had a negative quadratic response. The foliar surface of the cultivars '4Q4', 'Cruza Negra', 'UAN16-2' and 'Criolla Huajicori' was directly related to the size of the flower, the calyx and the corolla. Nitrogen and potassium are the elements that showed the highest concentration in the cultivars Criolla Huajicori and Cruza Negra, while in the other four cultivars the highest concentrations of minerals in the leaf were nitrogen and calcium. The leaves of cultivar 4Q4 provided the greatest amount of minerals, with 83,565 mg kg-1 dry basis. Criolla Huajicori was the cultivar that exhibited the tallest height, the most productive branches and the greatest calyx number per plant; however, Cruza Negra exhibited the highest yield by having the longest calyx.

COVID-19 vaccine uptake among people who inject drugs in Tijuana Mexico.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 prevalence is elevated among people who inject drugs (PWID). In Tijuana, Mexico, COVID-19 vaccines became available to the general population in June 2021, but uptake among PWID was <10%. We studied COVID-19 vaccine uptake among PWID in Tijuana following implementation of a pop-up vaccination clinic. Methods: Beginning in October, 2020, PWID in Tijuana aged ≥18 years were enrolled into a longitudinal cohort study. At baseline and semi-annually, participants underwent interviewer-administered interviews on health behaviors and COVID-19 exposures through April 5, 2022. From June 21-September 20, 2021, staff referred PWID to a temporary COVID-19 vaccine pop-up clinic that was coincidentally established near the study office. Participants attending the clinic completed a short interview on barriers to vaccination and were offered facilitated access to free Janssen® COVID-19 vaccine. All participants were reimbursed $5 for this interview, regardless of whether or not they chose to be vaccinated. Poisson regression was used to evaluate the effect of the pop-up clinic on COVID-19 vaccination uptake, controlling forpotential confounders. Results: Of 344 participants, 136 (39.5%) reported having received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose during the 10 months follow-up period, of whom 113 (83.1%) received vaccine at the pop-up clinic and 23 (16.9%) elsewhere. One third of those receiving COVID-19 vaccine during the pop-up clinic were previously vaccine hesitant. Attending the pop-up clinic was independently associated with higher rates of COVID-19 vaccination Adjusted Rate Ratio (AdjRR: 9.15; 95% CI: 5.68-14.74). Conclusions: We observed a significant increase in COVID-19 vaccine uptake associated with attending a temporary pop-up vaccine clinic in Tijuana suggesting that efforts to improve vaccination in this vulnerable population should include convenient locations and staff who have experience working with substance using populations. Since COVID-19 vaccination rates remain sub-optimal, sustained interventions to increase uptake are needed.

An adaptive teosinte mexicana introgression modulates phosphatidylcholine levels and is associated with maize flowering time.

Native Americans domesticated maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) from lowland teosinte parviglumis (Zea mays ssp. parviglumis) in the warm Mexican southwest and brought it to the highlands of Mexico and South America where it was exposed to lower temperatures that imposed strong selection on flowering time. Phospholipids are important metabolites in plant responses to low-temperature and phosphorus availability and have been suggested to influence flowering time. Here, we combined linkage mapping with genome scans to identify High PhosphatidylCholine 1 (HPC1), a gene that encodes a phospholipase A1 enzyme, as a major driver of phospholipid variation in highland maize. Common garden experiments demonstrated strong genotype-by-environment interactions associated with variation at HPC1, with the highland HPC1 allele leading to higher fitness in highlands, possibly by hastening flowering. The highland maize HPC1 variant resulted in impaired function of the encoded protein due to a polymorphism in a highly conserved sequence. A meta-analysis across HPC1 orthologs indicated a strong association between the identity of the amino acid at this position and optimal growth in prokaryotes. Mutagenesis of HPC1 via genome editing validated its role in regulating phospholipid metabolism. Finally, we showed that the highland HPC1 allele entered cultivated maize by introgression from the wild highland teosinte Zea mays ssp. mexicana and has been maintained in maize breeding lines from the Northern United States, Canada, and Europe. Thus, HPC1 introgressed from teosinte mexicana underlies a large metabolic QTL that modulates phosphatidylcholine levels and has an adaptive effect at least in part via induction of early flowering time.

Optimization of lignocellulolytic bacterial inoculum and substrate mix for lignocellulose degradation and product quality on co-composting of green waste with food waste.

The present study evaluates the effect of the mixing ratio of substrates and inoculation with lignocellulolytic bacteria on green waste (GW) and food waste (FW) co-composting. A Box-Behnken design was used to simultaneously optimize the lignocellulose degradation (%LD) and end-product quality. The best operational conditions were 4.85*105 CFU g-1 of Bacillus sp. F3X3 and 1.44*106 CFU g-1 of Paenibacillus sp. F1A5 with a substrate mixture containing 50% GW, 32.5% unprocessed FW, 2.5% processed FW, 13% sawdust, and 2% phosphate rock; with a C/N ratio of 27. Under these conditions, the %LD was 33% and the end-product has pH 8.3, TOC 22,4%, TN 1,7%, and a germination index of 103%. Therefore, the product complies with quality standards for organic fertilizers. The results of this study allow the identification of appropriate strategies to optimize GW composting, increasing the degradation of lignocellulose and improving the end-product quality.

RVA in Pet, Sheltered, and Stray Dogs and Cats in Brazil.

Rotaviruses species A (RVA) are etiological agents of diarrhoea and are considered zoonotic viruses; yet the epidemiology of RVA among pet animals is largely unknown. RVA was detected in 38 of 308 faecal samples (12.3%) from pet, sheltered, or stray dogs and cats in 2 municipalities of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The results indicated that these viruses are common in canine and feline populations and underscore the importance of improved monitoring of common pathogens in companion animals, with increased awareness of the potential for interspecies transmission events.

Comparison of the Effect of Hydrostatic and Dynamic High Pressure Processing on the Enzymatic Activity and Physicochemical Quality Attributes of 'Ataulfo' Mango Nectar.

The effects of hydrostatic (HHP) and dynamic (HPH) high-pressure treatments on the activity of pectin methylesterase (PME) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) as well as the physicochemical quality attributes of 'Ataulfo' mango nectar were assessed. HHP reduced PME relative activity by 28% at 100 MPa for 5 min but increased PPO activity almost five-fold. Contrarily, HPH did not affect PME activity, but PPO was effectively reduced to 10% of residual activity at 300 MPa and at three passes. Color parameters (CIEL*a*b*), °hue, and chroma were differently affected by each type of high-pressure processing technology. The viscosity and fluid behavior were not affected by HHP, however, HPH changed the apparent viscosity at low dynamic pressure levels (100 MPa with one and three passes). The viscosity decreased at high shear rates in nectar samples, showing a shear-thinning effect. The results highlight how different effects can be achieved with each high-pressure technology; thus, selecting the most appropriate system for processing and preserving liquid foods like fruit beverages is recommended.

Use of Natural Products on the Control of Aspergillus flavus and Production of Aflatoxins In Vitro and on Tomato Fruit.

Aspergillus flavus affects fresh and dry fruit and vegetable products, and its toxic metabolites, namely aflatoxins, cause serious damage in humans. The objective of this research study was to evaluate the effect of commercial natural products as well as edible and nanostructured chitosan coatings on the development of A. flavus and on the production of aflatoxins in vitro and in tomato. Treatments were as follows: chitosan 1%, chitosan coating, chitosan nanostructured coating, Citrocover 1% (citrus seed extract), Resinadher 0.5% (pine resin extract), mancozeb 2%, and water. The variables were as follows: halo inhibition, spore production, and aflatoxins content. In fruit, the following were evaluated: disease incidence, mycelial growth, and aflatoxin production. An ANOVA (Tukey: p < 0.05) was used. In vitro results showed that Citrocover and Resinadher reduced sporulation (0.2 and 0.9 × 105 spores mL-1, respectively), while chitosan inhibited the production of aflatoxins. With Resinadher and Citrocover, tomato fruit had the lowest incidence, mycelial growth, and aflatoxin production with corresponding values of 0%, 0.0 cm2, and 0.95 ppb, respectively, and 7%, 0.2 cm2, and 1.77 ppb, respectively. The use of Citrocover and Resinadher could be a viable alternative to decrease the development of A. flavus in tomato fruit.

Disfunción miocárdica y su utilidad pronóstica en sepsis y choque séptico / Myocardial dysfunction and its prognostic utility in sepsis and septic shock

Introducción: la sepsis es una disfunción orgánica poten- cialmente mortal que está asociada a una infección; tiene alta morbilidad y mortalidad. La disfunción miocárdica aso- ciada a sepsis es frecuente y se asocia con desenlaces desfavorables. Objetivo: describir la distribución de la disfunción miocárdica por ecocardiografía transtorácica y estimar su utilidad pronóstica en sepsis y choque séptico. Material y métodos: estudio de cohorte multicéntrico prospectivo, realizado en cuatro centros de referencia de Bucaramanga y su área metropolitana. Se incluyeron 271 pacientes con diagnóstico de sepsis y choque séptico, a quienes se les realizó ecocardiograma transtorácico y se les dio seguimiento por 30 días. Resultados: no hubo diferencias en la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo entre sobrevivientes a los 30 días y no sobrevivientes. Se registraron 51 pacientes (48.7%) con disfunción diastólica grado I, 14.5% con disfunción grado II y 36.75% con disfunción grado III. Los pacientes con disfunción diastólica grado I tuvieron una mortalidad más alta que aquellos con disfunción diastólica de grado II (p = 0.023). Conclusiones: la mayor mortalidad registrada en la disfunción diastólica grado I sugiere que los pacientes con bajas presiones de llenado tienen peores desenlaces. Por otra parte, la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo por sí sola no se relaciona con mayor mortalidad en sepsis.

Background: Sepsis is a potentially mortal infection which is related to multiple organ dysfunction; it has a high morbidity and mortality. Myocardial dysfunction is frequent in sepsis and it is related to unfavorable outcomes. Objective: To describe by transthoracic echocardiography the clinical distribution of myocardial dysfunction in sepsis and septic shock and estimate its prognostic utility. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study based on a multi-centric prospective cohort study in 4 reference centers in Bucaramanga, Colombia, and its metropolitan area. 271 patients with sepsis and septic shock were included; they underwent standard transthoracic echocardiography and a 30-day follow-up. Results: There was no difference in the left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.061) between survivors and non-survivors. 51 patients (48.71%) had grade I diastolic dys-function, 48 patients (14.52%) had grade II dysfunction and 21 patients (36.75%) had grade III diastolic dysfunction. Mortality was higher in patients with grade I diastolic dysfunction when compared to those with grade II dysfunction (p = 0.023). Conclusions: The higher mortality in grade I diastolic dysfunction suggests that patients with low filling pressures have worst outcomes. On the other hand, left ventricular ejection fraction per se is not associated with a higher mortality in sepsis.

Vegetable oils as green solvents for carotenoid extraction from pumpkin (Cucurbita argyrosperma Huber) byproducts: Optimization of extraction parameters.

Pumpkin pulp is the main waste generated by pumpkin seed growers. This agro-industrial waste is a valuable source of bioactive compounds, especially carotenoids (ß-carotene, α-carotene, and lutein), which exhibit a broad spectrum of health-promoting effects. In this study, vegetable oils (canola, corn, and soybean oil) were used as green solvent alternatives to conventional organic solvents for carotenoid extraction from dried pumpkin pulp (DPP) waste. The highest carotenoid extraction yield (CEY) was obtained with canola oil, at a 1:10 DPP/oil ratio. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction process parameters (temperature, time, and stirring rate) through a Box-Behnken design (BBD) maximizing CEY in canola oil. The extraction temperature and stirring rate were found to have a significant linear and quadratic effect, respectively, on CEY. Optimum conditions were achieved at 21.8 min, 250 rpm, and 60°C. Under these optimized conditions, the estimated value for CEY was 378.1 µg ß-carotene equivalents/g of DPP, corresponding to 61.6% of the total carotenoid content present in the DPP. In contrast, the observed experimental value was 373.2 µg ß-carotene equivalents/g of DPP (61.2%). The experimental value was very close to the estimated value, which verifies the model's adequacy and fit. This study shows an alternative method to extract carotenoids from DPP with canola oil, obtaining an oil naturally enriched with carotenoids that could be used as a potential functional ingredient in the development of food, cosmetics, and medicinal products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Pumpkin by-products are a potential carotenoid source. Vegetable oil can be used as an alternative solvent for carotenoid extraction from pumpkin residues to obtain an enriched carotenoid oil that can be used to formulate food products.

Interaction of Squid (Dosidicus giga) Mantle Protein with a Mixtures of Potato and Corn Starch in an Extruded Snack, as Characterized by FTIR and DSC.

The majority of snacks expanded by extrusion (SEE) are made with vegetable sources, to improve their nutritional content; it has been proposed to incorporate squid (Dosidicus gigas), due to its high protein content, low price and high availability. However, the interaction of proteins of animal origin with starch during extrusion causes negative effects on the sensory properties of SEE, so it is necessary to know the type of protein-carbohydrate interactions and their effect on these properties. The objective of this research was to study the interaction of proteins and carbohydrates of SEE elaborated with squid mantle, potato and corn. The nutritional composition and protein digestibility were evaluated, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were used to study the formation of protein-starch complexes and the possible regions responsible for their interactions. The SEE had a high protein content (40-85%) and biological value (>93%). The melting temperature (Tm) was found between 145 and 225 °C; the Tm values in extruded samples are directly proportional to the squid content. The extrusion process reduced the amine groups I and II responsible for the protein-protein interaction and increased the O-glucosidic bonds, so these bonds could be responsible for the protein-carbohydrate interactions.

[Myocardial dysfunction and its prognostic utility in sepsis and septic shock]. / Disfunción miocárdica y su utilidad pronóstica en sepsis y choque séptico.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a potentially mortal infection which is related to multiple organ dysfunction; it has a high morbidity and mortality. Myocardial dysfunction is frequent in sepsis and it is related to unfavorable outcomes. Objective: To describe by transthoracic echocardiography the clinical distribution of myocardial dysfunction in sepsis and septic shock and estimate its prognostic utility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study based on a multi-centric prospective cohort study in 4 reference centers in Bucaramanga, Colombia, and its metropolitan area. 271 patients with sepsis and septic shock were included; they underwent standard transthoracic echocardiography and a 30-day follow-up. RESULTS: There was no difference in the left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.061) between survivors and non-survivors. 51 patients (48.71%) had grade I diastolic dysfunction, 48 patients (14.52%) had grade II dysfunction and 21 patients (36.75%) had grade III diastolic dysfunction. Mortality was higher in patients with grade I diastolic dysfunction when compared to those with grade II dysfunction (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: The higher mortality in grade I diastolic dysfunction suggests that patients with low filling pressures have worst outcomes. On the other hand, left ventricular ejection fraction per se is not associated with a higher mortality in sepsis.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la sepsis es una disfunción orgánica potencialmente mortal que está asociada a una infección; tiene alta morbilidad y mortalidad. La disfunción miocárdica asociada a sepsis es frecuente y se asocia con desenlaces desfavorables. OBJETIVO: describir la distribución de la disfunción miocárdica por ecocardiografía transtorácica y estimar su utilidad pronóstica en sepsis y choque séptico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio de cohorte multicéntrico prospectivo, realizado en cuatro centros de referencia de Bucaramanga y su área metropolitana. Se incluyeron 271 pacientes con diagnóstico de sepsis y choque séptico, a quienes se les realizó ecocardiograma transtorácico y se les dio seguimiento por 30 días. RESULTADOS: no hubo diferencias en la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo entre sobrevivientes a los 30 días y no sobrevivientes. Se registraron 51 pacientes (48.7%) con disfunción diastólica grado I, 14.5% con disfunción grado II y 36.75% con disfunción grado III. Los pacientes con disfunción diastólica grado I tuvieron una mortalidad más alta que aquellos con disfunción diastólica de grado II (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONES: la mayor mortalidad registrada en la disfunción diastólica grado I sugiere que los pacientes con bajas presiones de llenado tienen peores desenlaces. Por otra parte, la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo por sí sola no se relaciona con mayor mortalidad en sepsis.

Application of natural-based nanocoatings for extending the shelf life of green bell pepper fruit.

Pectobacterium carotovorum is a phytopathogenic bacteria that causes significant economic loses in food crops, such as bell pepper, which is of special significance in the value of production and trade in Mexico. Therefore, a solution for fruit conservation must be sought. Due to environmental concerns, it is necessary the use of environmentally-friendly active packaging. In this article, chitosan and chitosan-thyme essential oil nanocoatings were used for the preservation of green bell pepper. Different formulations based on chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) and chitosan-thyme essential oil nanoparticles (15, 30, and 45%) were prepared. For uncoated and coated bell peppers, the quality and physiological variables of inoculated and uninoculated fruit with P. carotovorum during 12-day storage period were assessed. According to the results, the weight loss of the fruit remained almost constant over the storage days for the different formulations. A decrease in fruit firmness and an increase in the respiration rate and ascorbic acid content until day 8 with a decrease at the end of the storage period were observed. Of all the evaluated nanocoatings, the fruit treated with the formulation containing 15% CSNPs showed the lowest colony-forming units and disease incidence. Also, the coated bell peppers with this formulation had lower CO2 production compared to the remaining treatments, and the weight loss and firmness were maintained. Therefore, the use of CSNP coatings could represent a good alternative for the protection of bell pepper against the pathogenic bacteria P. carotovorum. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The results of the application of nanocoatings based on chitosan and chitosan-thyme essential oil as an antibacterial agent against P. carotovorum on green bell pepper during 12-day storage period suggest that nanoparticle-based coatings can be a natural option for the preservation of fruit quality during ripening.

Emerging Autophagy Functions Shape the Tumor Microenvironment and Play a Role in Cancer Progression - Implications for Cancer Therapy.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex environment where cancer cells reside and interact with different types of cells, secreted factors, and the extracellular matrix. Additionally, TME is shaped by several processes, such as autophagy. Autophagy has emerged as a conserved intracellular degradation pathway for clearance of damaged organelles or aberrant proteins. With its central role, autophagy maintains the cellular homeostasis and orchestrates stress responses, playing opposite roles in tumorigenesis. During tumor development, autophagy also mediates autophagy-independent functions associated with several hallmarks of cancer, and therefore exerting several effects on tumor suppression and/or tumor promotion mechanisms. Beyond the concept of degradation, new different forms of autophagy have been described as modulators of cancer progression, such as secretory autophagy enabling intercellular communication in the TME by cargo release. In this context, the synthesis of senescence-associated secretory proteins by autophagy lead to a senescent phenotype. Besides disturbing tumor treatment responses, autophagy also participates in innate and adaptive immune signaling. Furthermore, recent studies have indicated intricate crosstalk between autophagy and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), by which cancer cells obtain an invasive phenotype and metastatic potential. Thus, autophagy in the cancer context is far broader and complex than just a cell energy sensing mechanism. In this scenario, we will discuss the key roles of autophagy in the TME and surrounding cells, contributing to cancer development and progression/EMT. Finally, the potential intervention in autophagy processes as a strategy for cancer therapy will be addressed.