Unlocking the potential of Eichhornia crassipes for wastewater treatment: phytoremediation of aquatic pollutants, a strategy for advancing Sustainable Development Goal-06 clean water.

The 2030 Agenda, established in 2015, contains seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at addressing global challenges. SDG-06, focused on clean water, drives the increase in basic sanitation coverage, the management of wastewater discharges, and water quality. Wastewater treatment could contribute to achieving 11 of the 17 SDGs. For this purpose, phytoremediation is a low-cost and adaptable alternative to the reduction and control of aquatic pollutants. The objective of this study is to highlight the role of macrophytes in the removal and degradation of these compounds, focusing on Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, commonly known as water hyacinth. The reported values indicate that this plant has a removal capacity of over 70% for metals such as copper, aluminum, lead, mercury, cadmium, and metalloids such as arsenic. Additionally, it significantly improves water quality parameters such as turbidity, suspended solids, pH, dissolved oxygen, and color. It also reduces the presence of phosphates, and nitrogen compounds to values below 50%. It also plays a significant role in the removal of organic contaminants such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and dyes. This study describes several valuable by-products from the biomass of the water hyacinth, including animal and fish feed, energy generation (such as briquettes), ethanol, biogas, and composting. According to the analysis carried out, E. crassipes has a great capacity for phytoremediation, which makes it a viable solution for wastewater management, with great potential for water ecosystem restoration.

Genomic sequence of three hydrocarbonoclastic pseudomonadaceae strains isolated from marine sediments of the port of Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico.

We report the draft genome sequence of three marine bacteria belonging to Pseudomonas and Stutzerimonas genera, with hydrocarbonoclastic metabolism for oil and monoaromatic hydrocarbon degradation. The genomic information of these organisms contributes to the knowledge of natural and polluted marine environments with ubiquitous presence of hydrocarbons as a selective pressure.

XTT assay for detection of bacterial metabolic activity in water-based polyester polyurethane.

Cellular metabolic activity can be detected by tetrazolium-based colorimetric assays, which rely on dehydrogenase enzymes from living cells to reduce tetrazolium compounds into colored formazan products. Although these methods have been used in different fields of microbiology, their application to the detection of bacteria with plastic-degrading activity has not been well documented. Here, we report a microplate-adapted method for the detection of bacteria metabolically active on the commercial polyester polyurethane (PU) Impranil®DLN using the tetrazolium salt 2,3-bis [2-methyloxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT). Bacterial cells that are active on PU reduce XTT to a water-soluble orange dye, which can be quantitatively measured using a microplate reader. We used the Pseudomonas putida KT2440 strain as a study model. Its metabolic activity on Impranil detected by our novel method was further verified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. Measurements of the absorbance of reduced XTT at 470 nm in microplate wells were not affected by the colloidal properties of Impranil or cell density. In summary, we provide here an easy and high-throughput method for screening bacteria active on PU that can be adapted to other plastic substrates.

A Novel Thermo-Alkaline Stable GDSL/SGNH Esterase with Broad Substrate Specificity from a Deep-Sea Pseudomonas sp.

Marine environments harbor a plethora of microorganisms that represent a valuable source of new biomolecules of biotechnological interest. In particular, enzymes from marine bacteria exhibit unique properties due to their high catalytic activity under various stressful and fluctuating conditions, such as temperature, pH, and salinity, fluctuations which are common during several industrial processes. In this study, we report a new esterase (EstGoM) from a marine Pseudomonas sp. isolated at a depth of 1000 m in the Gulf of Mexico. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that EstGoM is an autotransporter esterase (type Va) and belongs to the lipolytic family II, forming a new subgroup. The purified recombinant EstGoM, with a molecular mass of 67.4 kDa, showed the highest hydrolytic activity with p-nitrophenyl octanoate (p-NP C8), although it was also active against p-NP C4, C5, C10, and C12. The optimum pH and temperature for EstGoM were 9 and 60 °C, respectively, but it retained more than 50% of its activity over the pH range of 7-11 and temperature range of 10-75 °C. In addition, EstGoM was tolerant of up to 1 M NaCl and resistant to the presence of several metal ions, detergents, and chemical reagents, such as EDTA and ß-mercaptoethanol. The enzymatic properties of EstGoM make it a potential candidate for several industrial applications.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Water Samples of the Gulf of Mexico Show Similar Virulence Properties but Different Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles than Clinical Isolates.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen found in a wide variety of environments, including soil, water, and habitats associated with animals, humans, and plants. From a One Health perspective, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, it is important to study the virulence characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of environmental bacteria. In this study, we compared the virulence properties and the antibiotic resistance profiles of seven isolates collected from the Gulf of Mexico with those of seven clinical strains of P. aeruginosa. Our results indicate that the marine and clinical isolates tested exhibit similar virulence properties; they expressed different virulence factors and were able to kill Galleria mellonella larvae, an animal model commonly used to analyze the pathogenicity of many bacteria, including P. aeruginosa. In contrast, the clinical strains showed higher antibiotic resistance than the marine isolates. Consistently, the clinical strains exhibited a higher prevalence of class 1 integron, an indicator of anthropogenic impact, compared with the marine isolates. Thus, our results indicate that the P. aeruginosa marine strains analyzed in this study, isolated from the Gulf of Mexico, have similar virulence properties, but lower antibiotic resistance, than those from hospitals.

Comparative evaluation of the dentoalveolar effects of three Class II correctors: A finite element analysis study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the stress distribution and total strain applied to the dentition, periodontal ligament (PDL) and cortical and trabecular bones by three Class II correctors using finite element analysis. DESIGN: Three-dimensional analysis of stresses and total strain of the dentition with three Class II correctors. SETTING: Computational study. METHODS: Three-dimensional finite element models of Class II elastics, the Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device (FRD) and the Carriere Motion Appliance (CMA) were constructed from a cone-beam computed tomography (CBTC) image of an orthodontic Class II patient. The distribution of stress (von Mises and principal stress) and the total strain (mm) in maxillo-mandibular dentition, PDL, cortical and trabecular bone were analysed. RESULTS: The highest von Mises yield and the maximum principal stress in the three models were found at the teeth, followed by the cortical bone, trabecular bone and PDL. The maximum stress and total deformation were located at the upper canines and lower molars in the Class II elastics and CMA models, in the upper first molars in the Forsus FRD and CMA, and in the lower first premolars in the Forsus FRD. In addition, stress was distributed in the anterior and posterior regions of the teeth, and the total deformation was found in the distal direction in the upper arch and in the mesial direction in the lower arch. CONCLUSION: The stress concentrations in the three models were located close to the active components of each appliance, producing specific patterns of stress distribution and displacement that should be taken into account when planning the type of appliance to be used for the correction of the Class II malocclusion.

Dissecting the Role of Autophagy-Related Proteins in Cancer Metabolism and Plasticity.

Modulation of autophagy as an anticancer strategy has been widely studied and evaluated in several cell models. However, little attention has been paid to the metabolic changes that occur in a cancer cell when autophagy is inhibited or induced. In this review, we describe how the expression and regulation of various autophagy-related (ATGs) genes and proteins are associated with cancer progression and cancer plasticity. We present a comprehensive review of how deregulation of ATGs affects cancer cell metabolism, where inhibition of autophagy is mainly reflected in the enhancement of the Warburg effect. The importance of metabolic changes, which largely depend on the cancer type and form part of a cancer cell's escape strategy after autophagy modulation, is emphasized. Consequently, pharmacological strategies based on a dual inhibition of metabolic and autophagy pathways emerged and are reviewed critically here.

HADEG: A curated hydrocarbon aerobic degradation enzymes and genes database.

Databases of genes and enzymes involved in hydrocarbon degradation have been previously reported. However, these databases specialize on only a specific group of hydrocarbons and/or are constructed partly based on enzyme sequences with putative functions indicated by in silico research, with no experimental evidence. Here, we present a curated database of Hydrocarbon Aerobic Degradation Enzymes and Genes (HADEG) containing proteins and genes involved in alkane, alkene, aromatic, and plastic aerobic degradation and biosurfactant production based solely on experimental evidence, which are present in bacteria, and fungi. HADEG includes 259 proteins for petroleum hydrocarbon degradation, 160 for plastic degradation, and 32 for biosurfactant production. This database will help identify and predict hydrocarbon degradation genes/pathways and biosurfactant production in genomes.

Draft genome sequences of six bacteria isolated from polylactic acid samples from the Mediterranean Sea.

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of six marine strains isolated from plastic samples incubated in the Mediterranean Sea. Genomic analyses place these strains within the Alkalihalobacillus, Bacillus, Halomonas, and Marinobacter genera. Examining the genomes of these non-typical environmental bacteria increases our comprehension of microorganism biology and their potential uses.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Associated Risk Factors in Different Populations of Dogs from Aguascalientes, Mexico.

CONTEXT AND PURPOSE: This work aimed to study the seroprevalence of natural infection by T. gondii in different population segments of dogs from Aguascalientes, Mexico as well as its possible association with some risk factors. METHODS: The study included 210 clinically healthy dogs from three population segments: rural, stray and pet. A blood serum sample was collected on a single occasion and processed by indirect immunofluorescence considering a dilution of 1:16 as a positive reaction; the association between the presence of antibodies and the potential risk factors was estimated with logistic regression. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the studied population was 59% (123/210; CI 95% 51-65) being different between population segments, in rural dogs 74% (59/80; CI 95% 62-82), in stray dogs 60% (48/80; CI 95% 48-70) and in pet dogs 32% (16/50; CI 95% 19-46), the titers of the positive sera were in a range of 1:16-1:128. In rural dogs the seroprevalence according to the municipality was in a range of 55% to 100% finding positive dogs in all the studied municipalities. The zootechnical function of guarding the property in rural dogs was identified as a risk factor (OR 2.4), while in pet dogs it was living with cats (OR 7) as well as sharing the drinking water container (OR 4); in stray dogs it was not possible to identify any risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: This study documents the wide presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the population groups examined, this being more important in rural dogs.

Genomic and phenotypic characterization of Pseudomonas sp. GOM7, a novel marine bacterial species with antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a serious threat to global health. The development of new drugs to combat infections caused by bacteria resistant to multiple or even all available antibiotics is urgent. Most antibiotics used up to date have been identified from soil microorganisms. The marine environment represents an alternative source with great potential for the identification of microorganisms that produce bioactive molecules, including antibiotics. In this study, we analyzed the antibacterial activity of a collection of 82 bacterial strains isolated from marine water and sediment samples collected from the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Eight of the marine isolates inhibited the growth of different pathogenic bacteria, seven of which were identified as presumptive Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Interestingly, genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the remaining marine isolate showing antibacterial activity is a novel Pseudomonas species that we denominated Pseudomonas sp. GOM7, which was not pathogenic in the Galleria mellonella infection model in the conditions tested. Notably, Pseudomonas sp. GOM7 inhibited the growth of multidrug and methicillin-resistant strains of the priority pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Our results show that the anti-S. aureus compound(s) produced by Pseudomonas sp. GOM7 can be extracted from the culture supernatant of this bacterium with the organic solvent ethyl acetate. Annotation of the Pseudomonas sp. GOM7 genome revealed the presence of several biosynthetic gene clusters predicted to code for possible antimicrobial compounds. Our results further highlight the potential of bacteria from the Gulf of Mexico as a source of novel antimicrobials.

Draft genome sequence of Pseudomonas sp. GOM6, a lipolytic strain isolated from seawater of the Gulf of Mexico.

We report here the draft genome sequence of a marine Pseudomonas sp. novel species with lipase activity isolated from a deep-sea water sample of the Gulf of Mexico. The genome consists of 4.3 Mbp in 48 contigs.

Workplace bullying and sexual harassment among general surgery residents in Colombia / Acoso laboral y sexual en residentes de cirugía general en Colombia

Introduction. Workplace bullying and sexual harassment are concerns among general surgery residents in Colombia. Objective. To explore the prevalence and impact of workplace bullying and sexual harassment incidents among general surgery residents in Colombia. Materials and methods. This nationwide study was conducted in 2020. Residents selfrated their exposure to workplace bullying and to sexual harassment in the forms of gender harassment, unwanted sexual attention, and sexual coercion. We analyzed demographic variables, perpetrator's characteristics, and differences between victims and non-victims. Results. The study included 302 residents. It found that 49% of general surgery residents in Colombia suffered from workplace bullying and 14.9% experienced sexual harassment. The main forms of sexual harassment were gender harassment (47%) and unwanted sexual attention (47%). Women reported significantly higher rates of being sexually harassed. Surgeons were the main perpetrators of sexual harassment. Conclusions. Workplace bullying and sexual harassment are frequent events in general surgery residency in Colombia. These findings suggest the need for interventions to improve the educational culture of surgical departments and decrease the prevalence of these behaviors.

Introducción. El acoso laboral y el acoso sexual son preocupaciones en la formación quirúrgica. Objetivo. Exploramos la magnitud de estos problemas entre los residentes de cirugía general en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio nacional en junio de 2020. Los residentes autoevaluaron su exposición a la intimidación y el acoso sexual en forma de acoso de género, atención sexual no deseada y coerción sexual. Se analizaron variables demográficas y perpetradores entre víctimas y no víctimas. Resultados. Se incluyeron un total de 302 residentes. Las tasas de acoso laboral y sexual fueron del 49% y 14,9%, respectivamente. Las principales formas de acoso sexual correspondieron al acoso de género (47%) y la atención sexual no deseada (47%). El acoso sexual fue significativamente mayor entre las mujeres. Los cirujanos fueron los principales perpetradores. Conclusiones. El acoso laboral y el acoso sexual son frecuentes en la formación quirúrgica en Colombia. Estos hallazgos conducen a intervenciones para mejorar la cultura educativa de los departamentos quirúrgicos para disminuir la prevalencia de estos comportamientos.

Uncertainties and controversies in axillary management of patients with breast cancer.

The aims of this Oncoplastic Breast Consortium and European Breast Cancer Research Association of Surgical Trialists initiative were to identify uncertainties and controversies in axillary management of early breast cancer and to recommend appropriate strategies to address them. By use of Delphi methods, 15 questions were prioritized by more than 250 breast surgeons, patient advocates and radiation oncologists from 60 countries. Subsequently, a global virtual consensus panel considered available data, ongoing studies and resource utilization. It agreed that research should no longer be prioritized for standardization of axillary imaging, de-escalation of axillary surgery in node-positive cancer and risk evaluation of modern surgery and radiotherapy. Instead, expert consensus recommendations for clinical practice should be based on current evidence and updated once results from ongoing studies become available. Research on de-escalation of radiotherapy and identification of the most relevant endpoints in axillary management should encompass a meta-analysis to identify knowledge gaps, followed by a Delphi process to prioritize and a consensus conference to refine recommendations for specific trial designs. Finally, treatment of residual nodal disease after surgery was recommended to be assessed in a prospective register.

Data on vegetation across forest edges from the FERN (Forest Edge Research Network).

Many studies have focused on vegetation across forest edges to study impacts of edges created by human activities on forest structure and composition, or patterns of vegetation at inherent natural edges. Our objective was to create a database of plant-related variables across different types of edges from various studies (mainly from across Canada, but also in Brazil and Belize) to facilitate edge research. We compiled data on vegetation along more than 300 transects perpendicular to forest edges adjacent to clear-cuts, burned areas, bogs, lakes, barrens, insect disturbances, and riparian areas from 24 studies conducted over the past three decades. Data were compiled for more than 400 plant species and forest structure variables (e.g., trees, logs, canopy cover). All data were collected with a similar sampling design of quadrats along transects perpendicular to forest edges, but with varying numbers of transects and quadrats, and distances from the edge. The purpose for most of the studies was either to determine the distance of edge influence (edge width) or to explore the pattern of vegetation along the edge to interior gradient. We provide data tables for the cover of plant species and functional groups, the species and size of live and dead trees, the density of saplings, maximum height of functional groups and shrub species, and the cover of functional groups at different heights (vertical distribution of vegetation). The Forest Edge Research Network (FERN) database provides extensive data on many variables that can be used for further study including meta-analyses and can assist in answering questions important to conservation efforts (e.g., how is distance of edge influence from created edges affected by different factors?). We plan to expand this database with subsequent studies from the authors and we invite others to contribute to make this a more global database. The data are released under a CC0 license. When using these data, we ask that you cite this data paper and any relevant publications listed in our metadata file. We also encourage you to contact the first author if you are planning to use or contribute to this database.

Dexamethasone-Induced Fatty Acid Oxidation and Autophagy/Mitophagy Are Essential for T-ALL Glucocorticoid Resistance.

ALL is a highly aggressive subtype of leukemia that affects children and adults. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are a critical component of the chemotherapeutic strategy against T-ALL. Cases of resistance to GC therapy and recurrent disease require novel strategies to overcome them. The present study analyzed the effects of Dex, one of the main GCs used in ALL treatment, on two T-ALL cell lines: resistant Jurkat and unselected CCRF-CEM, representing a mixture of sensitive and resistant clones. In addition to nuclear targeting, we observed a massive accumulation of Dex in mitochondria. Dex-treated leukemic cells suffered metabolic reprogramming from glycolysis and glutaminolysis towards lipolysis and increased FAO, along with increased membrane polarization and ROS production. Dex provoked mitochondrial fragmentation and induced autophagy/mitophagy. Mitophagy preceded cell death in susceptible populations of CCRF-CEM cells while serving as a pro-survival mechanism in resistant Jurkat. Accordingly, preventing FAO or autophagy greatly increased the Dex cytotoxicity and overcame GC resistance. Dex acted synergistically with mitochondria-targeted drugs, curcumin, and cannabidiol. Collectively, our data suggest that GCs treatment should not be neglected even in apparently GC-resistant clinical cases. Co-administration of drugs targeting mitochondria, FAO, or autophagy can help to overcome GC resistance.

Enfoque diagnóstico y terapéutico de la anemia causada por la insuficiencia renal crónica

Introducción: La insuficiencia renal crónica es un trastorno en el que las funciones renales disminuyen de forma progresiva e irreversible. Debido a esta disminución, los riñones pierden su capacidad de eliminar los residuos, concentrar la orina y mantener los niveles adecuados de electrolitos en la sangre. Objetivo: Actualizar los conocimientos para el establecimiento del diagnóstico precoz en el tratamiento de la anemia en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica Método: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica de artículos científicos e información en las bases de datos de MEDLINE, Scopus, Redalyc y Latindex, a su vez se complementa con literatura médica encontrada en plataformas digitales como Google Académico. De 68 artículos identificados, se seleccionaron 16 publicaciones que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión, exclusión y de la Declaración PRISMA. Resultados: El diagnóstico de la anemia se debe enfocar en el hemograma, reticulocitos, estado del hierro, vitamina B12 y ácido fólico, mientras que la terapia se basa en el uso de hierro, agentes estimuladores de eritropoyesis y en ciertos casos eritropoyetina. Conclusiones: Brindar un tratamiento precoz y óptimo a los pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica disminuye el riesgo de aparición de anemia normocítica normocrómica de tipo hipoproliferativa.

Introduction: Chronic kidney failure is a disorder in which kidney functions decrease progressively and irreversibly. Due to this decrease, the kidneys lose their ability to eliminate waste, concentrate urine, and maintain adequate levels of electrolytes in the blood. Objective: To update knowledge for the establishment of early diagnosis in the treatment of anemia in patients with chronic renal failure Method: A bibliographic search of scientific articles and information was carried out in the MEDLINE, Scopus, Redalyc and Latindex databases, to In turn, it is complemented with medical literature found on digital platforms such as Google Scholar. Of 68 articles identified, 16 publications were selected that met the inclusion, exclusion and PRISMA Statement criteria. Results: The diagnosis of anemia should focus on the blood count, reticulocytes, iron status, vitamin B12 and folic acid, while therapy is based on the use of iron, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and in certain cases erythropoietin. Conclusions: Providing early and optimal treatment to patients with chronic renal failure reduces the risk of developing hypoproliferative normocytic normochromic anemia.

Introdução: A insuficiência renal crônica é um distúrbio no qual as funções renais diminuem de forma progressiva e irreversível. Devido a essa diminuição, os rins perdem a capacidade de eliminar resíduos, concentrar a urina e manter níveis adequados de eletrólitos no sangue. Objetivo: Atualizar conhecimentos para o estabelecimento do diagnóstico precoce no tratamento da anemia em pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica Método: Foi realizada pesquisa bibliográfica de artigos e informações científicas nas bases de dados MEDLINE, Scopus, Redalyc e Latindex, para por sua vez, é complementado com literatura médica encontrada em plataformas digitais como o Google Scholar. Dos 68 artigos identificados, foram selecionadas 16 publicações que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão, exclusão e Declaração PRISMA. Resultados: O diagnóstico de anemia deve centrar-se no hemograma, reticulócitos, estado de ferro, vitamina B12 e ácido fólico, enquanto a terapia é baseada no uso de ferro, agentes estimuladores da eritropoiese e em certos casos eritropoietina. Conclusões: Fornecer tratamento precoce e ideal a pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica reduz o risco de desenvolver anemia normocítica normocítica hipoproliferativa.

Detection of human pathogenic bacteria in rectal DNA samples from Zalophus californianus in the Gulf of California, Mexico.

Human intrusions into undisturbed wildlife areas greatly contribute to the emergence of infectious diseases. To minimize the impacts of novel emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) on human health, a comprehensive understanding of the microbial species that reside within wildlife species is required. The Gulf of California (GoC) is an example of an undisturbed ecosystem. However, in recent decades, anthropogenic activities within the GoC have increased. Zalophus californianus has been proposed as the main sentinel species in the GoC; hence, an assessment of sea lion bacterial microbiota may reveal hidden risks for human health. We evaluated the presence of potential human pathogenic bacterial species from the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of wild sea lions through a metabarcoding approach. To comprehensively evaluate this bacterial consortium, we considered the genetic information of six hypervariable regions of 16S rRNA. Potential human pathogenic bacteria were identified down to the species level by integrating the RDP and Pplacer classifier outputs. The combined genetic information from all analyzed regions suggests the presence of at least 44 human pathogenic bacterial species, including Shigella dysenteriae and Bacillus anthracis. Therefore, the risks of EIDs from this area should be not underestimated.

The impact of delayed wound healing on patient-reported outcomes after breast cancer surgery.

PURPOSE: Postoperative complications after breast cancer surgery may be associated with decreased quality of life. It remains unclear whether oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy with reconstruction lead to more postoperative complications than conventional breast surgery (CBS). As delayed wound healing (DWH) is one of the most frequent minor complications, we sought to investigate the significance of DWH for patient-reported outcomes after oncoplastic, reconstructive, and CBS. METHODS: Our study is a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with stage I-II breast cancer who underwent oncoplastic or CBS performed by three breast surgeons at a single tertiary referral hospital from June 2011 until May 2019. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated postoperatively using the BREAST-Q questionnaire. Comparisons were made between patients with and without DWH. RESULTS: A total of 229 patients who met the inclusion criteria and 28 (12%) of them developed DWH, 27/158 (17%) in the oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery and reconstruction group and 1/71 (1%) in the CBS group. The mean time from surgery to BREAST-Q assessment was comparable in both groups (29 months in the DWH vs. 33 months in the normal wound healing group). No statistically significant difference for any BREAST-Q scale was detected between patients with and without DWH. This includes physical (p = 0.183), psychosocial (p = 0.489), sexual well-being (p = 0.895), and satisfaction with breasts (p = 0.068). CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy with reconstruction lead to significantly more DWH than CBS. However, neither quality of life nor patient-reported outcomes following state-of-the-art reconstructive or oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery at a specialized center seem to be compromised.

Evaluation of a bacterial group 1 LEA protein as an enzyme protectant from stress-induced inactivation.

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are hydrophilic proteins that lack a well-ordered tertiary structure and accumulate to high levels in response to water deficit, in organisms such as plants, fungi, and bacteria. The mechanisms proposed to protect cellular structures and enzymes are water replacement, ion sequestering, and membrane stabilization. The activity of some proteins has a limited shelf-life due to instability that can be caused by their structure or the presence of a stress condition that limits their activity; several LEA proteins have been shown to behave as cryoprotectants in vitro. Here, we report a group1 LEA from Azotobacter vinelandii AvLEA1, capable of conferring protection to lactate dehydrogenase, catechol dioxygenase, and Baylase peroxidase against freeze-thaw treatments, desiccation, and oxidative damage, making AvLEA a promising biological stabilizer reagent. This is the first evidence of protection provided by this LEA on enzymes with biotechnological potential, such as dioxygenase and peroxidase under in vitro stress conditions. Our results suggest that AvLEA could act as a molecular chaperone, or a "molecular shield," preventing either dissociation or antiaggregation, or as a radical scavenger, thus preventing damage to these target enzymes during induced stress. KEY POINTS: • This work expands the basic knowledge of the less-known bacterial LEA proteins and their in vitro protection potential. • AvLEA is a bacterial protein that confers in vitro protection to three enzymes with different characteristics and oligomeric arrangement. • The use of AvLEA as a stabilizer agent could be further explored using dioxygenase and peroxidase in bioremediation treatments. AvLEA1 protects against freeze-thaw treatments, desiccation, and oxidative damage on three different enzymes with biotechnological potential.