Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Agave durangensis (Asparagales: Asparagaceae: Agavoideae).

Agave durangensis commonly known as agave cenizo, is an endemic Agave species in Mexico used for mescal production, yet its taxonomic delimitation is still controversial. This study aimed to enhance taxonomic clarity by characterizing its chloroplast genome. Chloroplast DNA was isolated from 2-year-old A. durangensis leaves. The complete chloroplast genome size was 156,441 bp, comprising a large single-copy region (LSC), a pair of inverted repeat regions (IR), and a small single-copy region (SSC). Annotation revealed 87 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs, with notable gene inversions. Phylogenetic analysis suggests, A. durangensis forms a separate lineage within the Agave genus.

Intercavity polariton slows down dynamics in strongly coupled cavities.

Band engineering stands as an efficient route to induce strongly correlated quantum many-body phenomena. Besides inspiring analogies among diverse physical fields, tuning on demand the group velocity is highly attractive in photonics because it allows unconventional flows of light. Λ-schemes offer a route to control the propagation of light in a lattice-free configurations, enabling exotic phases such as slow-light and allowing for highly optical non-linear systems. Here, we realize room-temperature intercavity Frenkel polaritons excited across two strongly coupled cavities. We demonstrate the formation of a tuneable heavy-polariton, akin to slow light, appearing in the absence of a periodic in-plane potential. Our photonic architecture based on a simple three-level scheme enables the unique spatial segregation of photons and excitons in different cavities and maintains a balanced degree of mixing between them. This unveils a dynamical competition between many-body scattering processes and the underlying polariton nature which leads to an increased fluorescence lifetime. The intercavity polariton features are further revealed under appropriate resonant pumping, where we observe suppression of the polariton fluorescence intensity.

Viral Diseases in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): New Insights and Perspectives.

The water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) has great adaptability to rustic environments and more variable conditions than cattle, who generally share the habitat. Diseases carried by buffaloes are relatively unknown and ignored and could be transmissible; an imbalance occurs between pathogens, environment, and susceptible hosts, generating a severe animal health problem. Also relevant is the effect of climate change on the populations of vectors that transmit viral diseases. The discovery of new virus variants that can pass from bovine (Bos) to buffalo or vice versa or to humans has highlighted the relevance of viruses crossing the host barrier. This review discusses the clinical viral diseases most reported in the water buffalo, characteristics, epidemiology, and recent findings about disease behavior, interaction with other species, the host, vectors, and pathogens. Diseases reviewed include Foot and Mouth Disease, Rinderpest, Malignant Catarrhal Fever, Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis, Bovine Viral Diarrhea, and Rabies. Also, vector-borne diseases include Lumpy Skin Disease, Ephemeral Fever, and Blue Tongue. The review also considers emerging viruses such as Buffalo Pox and Schmallenberg and, finally, other viruses such as papillomatosis. The knowledge and epidemiology of buffalo viral diseases must be constantly reconsidered and updated for adequate prevention and control programs.

Curcumin and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as bioactive food components with synergistic effects on Alzheimer's disease.

Curcumin and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) are multifunctional compounds which play an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and little has been addressed about the role of these two compounds together in the progression of the disease. There is evidence of the beneficial effect of combined administration of ω-3 PUFA and other dietary supplements such as vitamins and polyphenols in the prevention of AD, although much remains to be understood about their possible complementary or synergistic activity. Therefore, the objective of this work is to review the research focused on studying the effect and mechanisms of action of curcumin, ω-3 PUFA, and the combination of these nutraceutical compounds, particularly on AD, and to integrate the possible ways in which these compounds can potentiate their effect. The most important pathophysiologies that manifest in AD will be addressed, in order to have a better understanding of the mechanisms of action through which these bioactive compounds exert a neuroprotective effect.

Influence of NiO into the CO2 capture of Li4SiO4 and its catalytic performance on dry reforming of methane.

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology offer promising solution to mitigate the threatening consequences of large-scale anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Within this context, this report investigates the influence of NiO deposition on the Li4SiO4 surface during the CO2 capture process and its catalytic behavior in hydrogen production via dry methane reforming. Results demonstrate that the NiO impregnation method modifies microstructural features of Li4SiO4, which positively impact the CO2 capture properties of the material. In particular, the NiO-Li4SiO4 sample captured twice as much CO2 as the pristine Li4SiO4 material, 6.8 and 3.4 mmol of CO2 per gram of ceramic at 675 and 650 °C, respectively. Additionally, the catalytic results reveal that NiO-Li4SiO4 yields a substantial hydrogen production (up to 55 %) when tested in the dry methane reforming reaction. Importantly, this conversion remains stable after 2.5 h of reaction and is selective for hydrogen production. This study highlights the potential of Li4SiO4 both a support and a captor for a sorption-enhanced dry reforming of methane. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showcasing the effectiveness of Li4SiO4 as an active support for Ni-based catalysis in the dry reforming of methane. These findings provide valuable insights into the development of this composite as a dual-functional material for carbon dioxide capture and conversion.

CYCU-3: an Al(III)-based MOF for SO2 capture and detection.

The Al(III)-based MOF CYCU-3 exhibits a relevant SO2 adsorption performance with a total uptake of 11.03 mmol g-1 at 1 bar and 298 K. CYCU-3 displays high chemical stability towards dry and wet SO2 exposure. DRIFTS experiments and computational calculations demonstrated that hydrogen bonding between SO2 molecules and bridging Al(III)-OH groups are the preferential adsorption sites. In addition, photoluminescence experiments demonstrated the relevance of CYCU-3 for application in SO2 detection with good selectivity for SO2 over CO2 and H2O. The change in fluorescence performance demonstrates a clear turn-on effect after SO2 interaction. Finally, the suppression of ligand-metal energy transfer along with the enhancement of ligand-centered π* → π electronic transition was proposed as a plausible fluorescence mechanism.

Effect of the apron in the mechanical characterisation of hyperelastic materials by means of biaxial testing: A new method to improve accuracy.

Biological soft tissues and polymers used in biomedical applications (e.g. in the cardiovascular area) are hyperelastic incompressible materials that commonly operate under multi-axial large deformation fields. Their characterisation requires biaxial tensile testing. Due to the typically small sample size, the gripping of the specimens commonly relies on rakes or sutures, where the specimen is punctured at the edges of the gauge area. This approach necessitates of an apron, excess of material around the gauge region. This work analyses the apron influence on the estimated mechanical response of biaxial tests performed by using a rakes gripping system, with the aim of verifying the test accuracy and propose improved solutions. In order to isolate the effect of the apron, avoiding the influence of anisotropy and inhomogeneity typical of most soft tissues, homogeneous and isotropic hyperplastic samples made from a uniform sheet of casted silicone were tested. The stress-strain response of specimens with different apron sizes/shapes was measured experimentally by means of biaxial testing and digital image correlation. Tests were replicated numerically, to interpret the experimental findings. The apron surrounding the gauge area acts as an additional annular constraint which stiffens the system, resulting in a significant overestimate in the stress values. This error can be avoided by introducing specific cuts in the apron. The study quantifies, for the first time, the correlation between the apron size/shape and the experimental stress overestimation, proposing a research protocol which, although identified on homogeneous hyperelastic materials, can be useful in providing more accurate characterisation of both, synthetic polymers and soft tissues.

Disparities on prostate cancer survival in Mexico: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate prostate cancer (PC) survival in Mexico and explore survival disparities according to the marginalization level of residence place. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nationwide administrative claims database (4 110 men) whose PC treatment was financed by Seguro Popular between 2012-2016, was cross-linked to the National Mortality Registry up to December 2019. Patients were classified according to their oncological risk at diagnosis and the marginalization level of the residence municipality. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate multivariable survival functions. RESULTS: Five-years PC survival (69%; 95%CI: 68,71%) ranged from 72% to 54% at very low and very high marginalization, respectively (p for trend<0.001). The lowest PC survival was observed in men with high-risk PC (47%; 95%CI: 33,66%) residents in very high marginalization municipalities. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, PC survival was lower than that reported in other Latin American countries. The distribution of oncologic risk and survival differences across marginalization levels suggests limited early detection and cancer health disparities.

Larval Rearing and Nutrition of the Polyphagous Tephritid Pest Anastrepha ludens on Artificial Diets with Calcium Alginate, Agar, or Carrageenan as Gelling Agents at Various Concentrations and across Extreme Larval Density Conditions.

Research on larval rearing and nutrition of tephritid flies on artificial diets is key for the sterile insect technique. Here, we examined the effects of the type of gel (calcium alginate, agar, or carrageenan), at varying percentages in artificial diets for the polyphagous pest Anastrepha ludens, on the physicochemical and nutritional traits of the diets, and the effects of the type of gel, the gel content and the larval density (larvae/g of diet) used in production, quality parameters for mass-reared tephritids, diet removal (an indirect estimation of diet consumption), and nutritional traits of flies. Regardless of the gel content, calcium alginate diets were firmer and more resistant to penetration than the agar and carrageenan diets. The larval recovery, pupation, pupal weight, and flight ability of A. ludens were lower in calcium alginate diets than in agar and carrageenan diets. Diet removal was higher in calcium alginate diets; however, low levels of ammonium and high levels of uric acid in excretions from larvae on these diets suggest an alteration in protein metabolism. The firmness and penetration resistance characteristics of calcium alginate diets may have limited movement and feeding of larvae, but this could be overcome by the collective feeding of large groups of larvae. Our findings provide insights into the mechanism governing gel-diet rearing systems for A. ludens.

Potential probiotic lactobacilli strains isolated from artisanal Mexican Cocido cheese: evidence-based biosafety and probiotic action-related traits on in vitro tests.

The biosafety of four potentially probiotic lactobacilli strains, isolated from artisanal Mexican Cocido cheese, was assessed through in vitro tests aimed to determine (1) the antibiotic susceptibility profile by broth microdilution, (2) the transferability of antibiotic resistance determinants by filter-mating, and (3) the phenotypic and genotypic stability during serial batch sub-culture (100-day period) by evaluating physiological and probiotic features and RAPD-PCR fingerprinting. Lactobacilli strains exhibited multidrug-resistance; however, resistance determinants were not transferred in the filter-mating assay. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed in bacterial morphology and some functional and technological properties when strains were serially sub-cultured over 50 generations (G50), compared to the initial cultures (G0). Conversely, the strains did not show mucinolytic and hemolytic activities either at G0 or after 100 generations (G100). Genetic polymorphism and genomic template instability on selected strains were detected, which suggest possible evolutionary arrangements that may occur when these bacteria are largely cultured. Our findings suggest that the assessed strains did not raise in vitro biosafety concerns; however, complementary studies are still needed to establish the safe potential applications in humans and animals.

Clinical and Prognostic Factors in Patients with IgG4-Related Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: IgG4-related kidney disease is a major manifestation of IgG4-related disease, a systemic fibroinflammatory disorder. However, the clinical and prognostic kidney-related factors in patients with IgG4-related kidney disease are insufficiently defined. METHODS: We conducted an observational cohort study using data from 35 sites in two European countries. Clinical, biologic, imaging, and histopathologic data; treatment modalities; and outcomes were collected from medical records. Logistic regression was performed to identify the possible factors related to an eGFR ≤30 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 at the last follow-up. Cox proportional hazards model was performed to assess the factors associated with the risk of relapse. RESULTS: We studied 101 adult patients with IgG4-related disease with a median follow-up of 24 (11-58) months. Of these, 87 (86%) patients were male, and the median age was 68 (57-76) years. Eighty-three (82%) patients had IgG4-related kidney disease confirmed by kidney biopsy, with all biopsies showing tubulointerstitial involvement and 16 showing glomerular lesions. Ninety (89%) patients were treated with corticosteroids, and 18 (18%) patients received rituximab as first-line therapy. At the last follow-up, the eGFR was below 30 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 in 32% of patients; 34 (34%) patients experienced a relapse, while 12 (13%) patients had died. By Cox survival analysis, the number of organs involved (hazard ratio [HR], 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.55) and low C3 and C4 concentrations (HR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.10 to 4.85) were independently associated with a higher risk of relapse, whereas first-line therapy with rituximab was protective (HR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.78). At their last follow-up, 19 (19%) patients had an eGFR ≤30 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 . Age (odd ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.20), peak serum creatinine (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.71 to 5.47), and serum IgG4 level ≥5 g/L (OR, 4.46; 95% CI, 1.23 to 19.40) were independently predictive for severe CKD. CONCLUSIONS: IgG4-related kidney disease predominantly affected middle-aged men and manifested as tubulointerstitial nephritis with potential glomerular involvement. Complement consumption and the number of organs involved were associated with a higher relapse rate, whereas first-line therapy with rituximab was associated with lower relapse rate. Patients with high serum IgG4 concentrations (≥5 g/L) had more severe kidney disease.

Biomechanical properties of splint materials while curing.

Many studies have evaluated splint strength at maturity with multiple splint materials, methods, and configurations but none have analyzed splints as they cure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the properties of different splint materials immediately following activation and as they mature. Splints were dipped for three seconds in two temperatures of water and an additional group of fiberglass with no water was tested as well. Splint weight was taken as an additional measurement to assure homogenous groups. All splints were tested in three-point bending at a constant displacement. The generalized linear model (GLM) including all time frames showed differences in yield load and ultimate loads after three minutes. All ultimate loads occurred at greater than 20° of angulation. Plaster had a much lower displacement at its yield load at all times after 3 min. Plaster had a higher stiffness at 1° of angulation at all time points after six minutes. The GLM that excluded the three-day time showed that the higher temperature increased initial stiffness in the splints at three and six minutes. Fiberglass has a higher yield point and ultimate load when compared to plaster. However, these loads were measured at significant splint angulation for the fiberglass, suggesting that plaster is acting as a true splint. Fiberglass is stronger and faster to cure than plaster. In situations where the surgeon desires the strongest splint, fiberglass may be preferable. However, the initial stiffness of plaster is superior to fiberglass.

Antibody response dynamics to CoronaVac vaccine and booster immunization in adults and the elderly: A long-term, longitudinal prospective study.

Background: The long-term humoral immune response after vaccination varies between vaccines and is dependent on the accuracy of the antibody test. A better understanding of the vaccine immune response may help to define vaccination strategies against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Objective: To investigate the long-term immunological response to CoronaVac vaccine and determinants of breakthrough COVID-19 infection. Methods: A long-term, prospective cohort study involving vaccinated adult and elderly subjects was conducted to investigate the presence of anti-RBD-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G, anti-nucleocapsid IgG and anti-spike trimeric protein IgG. Antibody level dynamics and risk factors associated with breakthrough COVID-19 infection were investigated. Results: In total, 3902 participants were included in this study. Vaccination with two doses of CoronaVac and a booster dose increased the levels of anti-RBD-specific IgG, anti-nucleocapsid IgG and anti-spike trimeric IgG significantly. In adults, anti-nucleocapsid IgG and anti-spike trimeric IgG levels decreased significantly 7 months after the second dose. In adults and the elderly, the levels of anti-spike trimeric IgG and anti-RBD IgG decreased significantly 4 and 6 months after the booster dose, respectively. Previous exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and anti-spike trimeric IgG titres was independently associated with a lower probability of post-vaccination infection. Conclusions: A significant increase in antibody levels was found after two doses of CoronaVac and a booster dose. Antibody titres declined significantly 7 months post-vaccination in participants who did not receive a booster dose. Higher levels of antibodies and previous SARS-CoV-2 infection were associated with protection against breakthrough COVID-19.

Time intervals to care and health service use experiences of uninsured cancer patients treated under public financing in Mexico City.

BACKGROUND: The present study assesses the time intervals from symptom discovery to treatment start and describes the health service use experiences of uninsured patients with cancer of the breast, cervix uteri, testicle, and prostate before their arrival to the cancer hospital. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1468 patients who were diagnosed between June 2016 and May 2017 and received treatment for the selected cancers in two of the largest public cancer hospitals in Mexico City, financed through Seguro Popular. Data was collected through a survey administered via face-to-face interviews with patients and a review of their medical files. RESULTS: The median time between detection (symptom discovery or first abnormal screening test) and treatment start was 6.6 months. For all types of cancer, the longest interval was the diagnostic interval -between the first use of healthcare services and the confirmation of cancer. Less than 20% cancer patients were diagnosed in the earliest stages that are associated with the best chances of long-term survival. The participants described a high use of private services for their first consultation, the use of several different types of health services and multiple consultations before arrival to the cancer centers, and 35% perceived being misdiagnosed by the first doctor they consulted. CONCLUSIONS: Most cancer patients treated in the two largest public institutions available for the uninsured faced long delays to get diagnosed and started treatment at advanced stages. Strengthening quality and access for effective early cancer diagnosis and treatment is key to improve patient outcomes in low and middle-income settings.

Exome-First Strategy in Adult Patients With CKD: A Cohort Study.

Introduction: Exome sequencing (ES) has widened the field of nephrogenomics in adult nephrology. In addition to reporting the diagnostic yield of ES in an adult cohort study, we investigated the clinical implications of molecular diagnosis and developed a clinical score to predict the probability of obtaining positive result. Methods: From September 2018 we have used ES to prospectively perform a first-tier liberal exploration of adult nephropathies of unknown origin and/or when a genetic kidney disease was clinically suggested. We also analyzed copy number variant using the same assay. Results: Molecular diagnosis was made in 127 of 538 patients sequenced (diagnostic yield: 24%), comprising 47 distinct monogenic disorders. Eight of these monogenic disorders (17% [8/47]) accounted for 52% of genetic diagnoses. In 98% (n = 125/127) of the patients, the genetic information was reported to have major clinical implications. We developed a 4-value clinical score to predict the probability of obtaining a molecular diagnosis (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve [AUC] 0.726 [95% confidence interval: 0.670-0.782]) (available at http://allogenomics.com/score). Conclusion: This study reinforces the role of ES as a first-tier exploration for adult chronic kidney disease patients in whom phenotypes are often poor and atypical. Although external validation is required, our clinical score could be a useful tool for the implementation of nephrogenomics in adults.

Design and simulation of a caprylic acid enzymatically modified phosphatidylcholine micelle using a coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations approach.

Computationally simulated micelle models provide useful structural information on the molecular and biological sciences. One strategy to study the self-aggregation process of surfactant molecules that make up a micelle is through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In this study, a theoretical approach with a coarse-grained MD simulation (CG-MD) was employed to evaluate the critical micellar concentration (CMC), the micellization process, building a tridimensional (3D) model system of a micelle using data from the experimentally enzymatically modified phospholipids (PL) by phospholipase A1 (PA1). This required enzymatic interesterification of soybean phosphatidylcholine (PC) with caprylic acid, along with purification and characterization by chromatographic techniques to measure the esterified fatty acids and the corresponding PL composition. The number of molecules used in the CG-MD simulation system was determined from the experimental CMC data which was 0.025%. The molecular composition of the system is: 1 C 18:2, 2 C 8:0/8:0, 3 C 8:0/18:3n-9, 4 C 8:0/18:0, 5 C8:0/18:2n-6, 6 C8:0/18:1n-9, and 7 C 8:0/16:0. According to our theoretical results, the micelle model is structurally stable with an average Rg of 3.64 ± 0.10 Å, and might have an elliptical form with a radius of 24.6 Å. Regarding CMC value there was a relationship between the experimental data of the modified PLs and the theoretical analysis by GC-MD, which suggest that the enzymatic modification of PLs does not affect their self-aggregation properties. Finally, the micellar system obtained in the current research can be used as a simple and useful model to design optimal biocompatible nanoemulsions as possible vehicles for bioactive small molecules.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Antioxidant addition improves cholesterol and astaxanthin stability in dry salted shrimp.

BACKGROUND: Traditional production of dry salted shrimp enhances cholesterol oxidation and astaxanthin degradation in the product. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition of the antioxidants butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) and tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) to cooked shrimp on the formation of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) and astaxanthin degradation during solar drying of shrimp. RESULTS: The added antioxidants significantly inhibited COPs formation after the product was boiled in brine. Smaller amounts of COPs were formed in antioxidant-treated shrimps (~-23%) as compared to untreated samples. The antioxidants continued to significantly inhibit COPs formation (~-39%) during sun drying. Similarly, TBHQ and BHT reduced by 51.3% and 37.2%, respectively, the degradation rate of astaxanthin, favoring a higher retention of this carotenoid in the final product. CONCLUSION: The use of the antioxidants BHT and TBHQ in the preparation of dry salted shrimp significantly inhibited the formation of COPs after cooking raw shrimp and during direct solar drying. They also protected astaxanthin contained in the cooked shrimp from photodegradation. These results are technologically relevant because it is possible to prepare a product with a higher content of astaxanthin and lower the presence of hazardous COPs. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Key Stress Response Mechanisms of Probiotics During Their Journey Through the Digestive System: A Review.

The survival of probiotic microorganisms during their exposure to harsh environments plays a critical role in the fulfillment of their functional properties. In particular, transit through the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is considered one of the most challenging habitats that probiotics must endure, because of the particularly stressful conditions (e.g., oxygen level, pH variations, nutrient limitations, high osmolarity, oxidation, peristalsis) prevailing in the different sections of the GIT, which in turn can affect the growth, viability, physiological status, and functionality of microbial cells. Consequently, probiotics have developed a series of strategies, called "mechanisms of stress response," to protect themselves from these adverse conditions. Such mechanisms may include but are not limited to the induction of new metabolic pathways, formation/production of particular metabolites, and changes of transcription rates. It should be highlighted that some of such mechanisms can be conserved across several different strains or can be unique for specific genera. Hence, this review attempts to review the state-of-the-art knowledge of mechanisms of stress response displayed by potential probiotic strains during their transit through the GIT. In addition, evidence whether stress responses can compromise the biosafety of such strains is also discussed.

Antimicrobial potential of the Mayan medicine plant Matayba oppositifolia (A. Rich.) Britton against antibiotic-resistant priority pathogens.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The bark of Matayba oppositifolia (A. Rich.) Britton (commonly known as "huaya" or "palo huacax") is commonly utilized in traditional Mayan medicine for treating diarrhea and for canker and other sores. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate the in-vitro antimicrobial activity of M. oppositifolia bark extracts against drug-susceptible and -resistant ESKAPE-E pathogens. In addition, the phytochemical composition of the best antibacterial extract was analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bark extracts were prepared with different solvents, including water, n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. These were tested against ESKAPE-E (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp., including Escherichia coli) strains using Resazurin Microtiter Assay. In addition, the composition of the most active extract was analyzed by GC-MS. RESULTS: The aqueous and organic bark extracts showed activity on drug-susceptible and -resistant ESKAPE-E microbes (MIC = 1000-31.25 µg/mL). The n-hexane bark extract was more active against the superbugs carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (MIC = 500-31.25 µg/mL) and A. baumannii (MIC = 250-125 µg/mL). The GC-MS analysis of this extract allowed the identification of 12 phytochemicals as the potential antibacterial compounds. The major compounds identified were palmitic acid (1), friedelan-3-one (2) and 7-dehydrodiosgenin (3). CONCLUSION: The present study reveals the strong in-vitro antibacterial activity of the n-hexane extract from the bark of M. oppositifolia and demonstrates the potential of natural products as a source of antibacterial compounds or phytomedicines that are specifically effective against drug-resistant ESKAPE-E bugs. Additionally, our investigation contributes to the ethnopharmacological knowledge and reappraisal of Mayan medicinal flora, as well as supports the traditional use of the bark of the medicinal plant M. oppositifolia for the treatment of infectious diseases.

Safety Assessment of the Potential Probiotic Bacterium Limosilactobacillus fermentum J23 Using the Mexican Fruit Fly (Anastrepha ludens Loew, Diptera: Tephritidae) as a Novel In Vivo Model.

Safety assessment of probiotics is difficult but essential. In this work, the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae), was used as in vivo model to assess the biosafety of Limosilactobacillus fermentum J23. In the first set of experiments, the strain was orally administered to adult flies through direct feeding, whereas in the second set of experiments, it was supplemented through the larval rearing medium. Data showed that L. fermentum J23 did not lead to increased mortality or treatment-related toxicity signs in adult female and male flies. Ingestion of L. fermentum J23 by adult female flies led to a statistically significant improvement in locomotor activity compared to the control groups (ca. 59% decrease in climbing time, p < 0.0001). A positive trend in lifespan extension under stress (maximum lifespan = 144 h) was also observed. When L. fermentum J23 was administered to the larvae, the adult emergence (p = 0.0099), sex ratio (p = 0.0043), and flight ability (p = 0.0009) increased significantly by 7%, 31%, and 8%, respectively, compared to the control diet. No statistical effect between the control diet and the L. fermentum J23-based diet for the number of pupae recovered, pupal weight, duration of the pupal stage, lifespan under stress, and morphological development was observed. We conclude that feeding L. fermentum J23 to the novel experimental model A. ludens had no toxic effects and could be safely considered a potential probiotic for food supplements; however, further studies are still needed to establish its biosafety in humans.