Liposomes as selenium nanocarriers for foliar application to wheat plants: A biofortification strategy.

In the present work, liposomes have been used as nanocarriers in the biofortification of wheat plants with selenium (Se) through foliar application. Liposomal formulations were prepared using 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and Phospholipon®90H (P90H) (average size <100 nm), loaded with different concentrations of inorganic Se (selenite and selenate) and applied twice to the plants in the stage of vegetative growth. Liposomes enhanced Se uptake by wheat plants compared to direct application. The highest Se enrichment was achieved using the phospholipid DPPC and a concentration of 1000 µmol·L-1 of Se without affecting the biomass, chlorophylls, carotenoids, and the concentration of mineral nutrients of the plants. The chemical speciation of Se in the plants was further investigated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The results from XAS spectra revealed that most of the inorganic Se was transformed to organic Se and that the use of liposomes influenced the proportion of C-Se-C over C-Se-Se-C species.

Phytochemical Profile, Bioactive Properties, and Se Speciation of Se-Biofortified Red Radish (Raphanus sativus), Green Pea (Pisum sativum), and Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Microgreens.

The impact of selenium (Se) enrichment on bioactive compounds and sugars and Se speciation was assessed on different microgreens (green pea, red radish, and alfalfa). Sodium selenite and sodium selenate at a total concentration of 20 µM (1:1) lead to a noticeable Se biofortification (40-90 mg Se kg-1 DW). In green pea and alfalfa, Se did not negatively impact phenolics and antioxidant capacity, while in red radish, a significant decrease was found. Regarding photosynthetic parameters, Se notably increased the level of chlorophylls and carotenoids in green pea, decreased chlorophyll levels in alfalfa, and had no effect on red radish. Se treatment significantly increased sugar levels in green pea and alfalfa but not in red radish. Red radish had the highest Se amino acid content (59%), followed by alfalfa (34%) and green pea (28%). These findings suggest that Se-biofortified microgreens have the potential as functional foods to improve Se intake in humans.

Selenium biofortification of microgreens: Influence on phytochemicals, pigments and nutrients.

Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. sabellica L.), kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Bancal) microgreens were cultivated in presence of selenium 20 µmol L-1 as sodium selenite and sodium selenate mixture. The influence of this biofortification process was evaluated in terms of biomass production, total Se, macro- and micronutrients concentration, polyphenols, antioxidant activity, chlorophylls and carotenoids levels and total soluble proteins content. The results obtained have shown a significant concentration of total Se in the biofortified microgreens of kale (133 µg Se·g-1 DW) and kohlrabi (127 µg Se·g-1 DW) higher than that obtained for wheat (28 µg Se·g-1 DW). The Se uptake in all the species did not produce oxidative damage to the plants reflected in the bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity or pigments concentration. These Se-enriched microgreens may contribute to the recommended intake of this nutrient in human diet as to overcome Se-deficiency.

Distinct clinical phenotypes in paediatric cancer patients with sepsis are associated with different outcomes-an international multicentre retrospective study.

Background: Identifying phenotypes in sepsis patients may enable precision medicine approaches. However, the generalisability of these phenotypes to specific patient populations is unclear. Given that paediatric cancer patients with sepsis have different host response and pathogen profiles and higher mortality rates when compared to non-cancer patients, we determined whether unique, reproducible, and clinically-relevant sepsis phenotypes exist in this specific patient population. Methods: We studied patients with underlying malignancies admitted with sepsis to one of 25 paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) participating in two large, multi-centre, observational cohorts from the European SCOTER study (n = 383 patients; study period between January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2020) and the U.S. Novel Data-Driven Sepsis Phenotypes in Children study (n = 1898 patients; study period between January 1, 2012 and January 1, 2018). We independently used latent class analysis (LCA) in both cohorts to identify phenotypes using demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from the first 24 h of PICU admission. We then tested the association of the phenotypes with clinical outcomes in both cohorts. Findings: LCA identified two distinct phenotypes that were comparable across both cohorts. Phenotype 1 was characterised by lower serum bicarbonate and albumin, markedly increased lactate and hepatic, renal, and coagulation abnormalities when compared to phenotype 2. Patients with phenotype 1 had a higher 90-day mortality (European cohort 29.2% versus 13.4%, U.S. cohort 27.3% versus 11.4%, p < 0.001) and received more vasopressor and renal replacement therapy than patients with phenotype 2. After adjusting for severity of organ dysfunction, haematological cancer, prior stem cell transplantation and age, phenotype 1 was associated with an adjusted OR of death at 90-day of 1.9 (1.04-3.34) in the European cohort and 1.6 (1.2-2.2) in the U.S. cohort. Interpretation: We identified two clinically-relevant sepsis phenotypes in paediatric cancer patients that are reproducible across two international, multicentre cohorts with prognostic implications. These results may guide further research regarding therapeutic approaches for these specific phenotypes. Funding: Part of this study is funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Mulching vs. organic soil amendment: Effects on adsorption-desorption of herbicides.

Mulching and organic soil amendment are two agricultural practices that are being increasingly used to preserve soil from degradation, although they may modify the fate of herbicides when applied in soils subjected to these practices. This study has set out to compare the impact of both agricultural practices on the adsorption-desorption behaviour of the herbicides S-metolachlor (SMOC), foramsulfuron (FORAM), and thiencarbazone-methyl (TCM) involving winter wheat mulch residues at different stages of decomposition and particle size, and unamended soils or those amended with mulch. The Freundlich Kf adsorption constants of the three herbicides by mulches, and unamended and amended soils ranged between 1.34 and 65.8 (SMOC), 0-34.3 (FORAM), and 0.01-1.10 (TCM). The adsorption of the three compounds was significantly higher in mulches than in soils (unamended and amended). The adsorption of SMOC and FORAM increased significantly with mulch decomposition, with this positive impact also being observed on the adsorption of FORAM and TCM after mulch milling. Simple and multiple correlations between mulches, soils, and herbicide properties, and adsorption-desorption constants (Kf, Kd, Kfd) reflected the organic carbon (OC) content and/or dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content of the adsorbents as main variables controlling the adsorption and/or desorption of each herbicide. The statistic R2 revealed that >61 % of the variability in the adsorption-desorption constants could be explained by jointly considering the OC of mulches and soils and the hydrophobicity (for Kf) or water solubility of herbicides (for Kd or Kfd). The same trend observed for Kfd desorption constants as for Kf adsorption ones resulted in higher percentages of herbicide remaining adsorbed after desorption in amended soils (33 %-41 % of SMOC, 0 %-15 % of FORAM, and 2 %-17 % of TCM) than in mulches (< 10 %). The results reveal a higher efficiency of organic soil amendment than mulching as an agricultural practice for immobilising the herbicides studied when winter wheat mulch residues are used as a common adsorbent, and as a better strategy for avoiding groundwater contamination.

Efficient controlled release of cannabinoids loaded in γ-CD-MOFs and DPPC liposomes as novel delivery systems in oral health.

Olivetol (OLV), as a cannabidiol (CBD) analog, was incorporated in γ-cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (γ-CD-MOFs) and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) liposomes as potential analgesic drug delivery systems (DDS) for dental hypersensitivity (DH) treatment. These DDS have been scarcely employed in oral health, being the first time in case of MOFs loaded with cannabinoids. In vitro experiments using bovine teeth were performed to verify if the drug is able to reach the dentin, where it can flow to the pulp tissues and exert its analgesic effect; enamel and dentin regions were analyzed by synchrotron radiation-based FTIR microspectroscopy. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to process the spectroscopic data as a powerful chemometric tool, and it revealed a similar behavior in both regions. The studied DDS have been characterized by different techniques, and is was demonstrated that DDS is an efficient way to carry the drug through dental tissues without compromising their structure.

Changes in vineyard soil parameters after repeated application of organic-inorganic amendments based on spent mushroom substrate.

The changes of physicochemical and biochemical parameters of a silty loam (S1) and sandy loam (S2) vineyard soils added with spent mushroom substrate (SMS) or SMS composted with ophite (OF) as rock dust (SMS + OF) were studied. Two doses of SMS or SMS + OF (25 and 100 Mg ha-1) were applied for two consecutive years (2020-2021) and changes of soil physicochemical parameters, and dehydrogenase activity (DHA), respiration (RES), microbial biomass (BIO), and the phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) profile were assayed on a temporal basis. The results showed an increase in soil organic carbon (OC) content, total and mineralised N, P, and K, especially when the highest SMS dose was applied to soils. Repeated application caused OC content over time up to 2.3 times higher than initial content in the silty loam soil. This increase was not observed in sandy soil, possibly due to a higher bioavailability of OC, as indicated by the evolution of extractable humic acid/fulvic acid pools. In both soils, all biochemical parameters increased after amendment, being favoured both by the OC and by the presence of OF. Significant positive correlations were found between DHA, RES and BIO, and OC content especially in the first part and then levelled off after the second dose application. Total bacterial or fungal PLFAs patterns reflected the variation of BIO by SMS application. The higher growth of fungi vs. bacterial community in amended soils was recorded after the first SMS application, although the opposite effect occurred after the second application, with similar results in both soils. The findings indicate that the application of SMS or SMS + OF in vineyard soils could be an appropriate agronomic management practice for maintaining soil sustainability, although doses and application times of these amendments should first be evaluated depending on soil texture.

Feasibility and Utility of the Venous Excess Ultrasound Score to Detect and Grade Central Venous Pressure Elevation in Critically Ill Children.

OBJECTIVES: The Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS) score has been described as a useful tool to estimate the degree of venous congestion in adult patients. The present study aimed to analyze the feasibility and usefulness of the VExUS score to detect and grade central venous pressure (CVP) elevation in critically ill children. METHODS: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in a tertiary-care pediatric intensive care unit between November 2020 and June 2021. All children in whom CVP was monitored, were enrolled. At the time of central venous catheter placement, CVP and VExUS score grade were determined, analyzing the inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter and the hepatic (HVD), portal (PVD), and intrarenal (IRVD) venous Doppler waveforms. RESULTS: A total of 33 children were studied (median age 12.2 [interquartile range (IQR) 4.1-100.6] months old; median weight 8.5 [IQR 5.6-35] kg; 20 [60.6%] males). The VExUS score was successfully obtained in 100% of the patients and its severity was strongly associated with the CVP levels (P < .001). Analyzing the VExUS score components separately, IVC dilation (P < .001) and severe HVD (P = .026), mild IRVD (P = .005), and severe IRVD (P = .025) patterns were associated with elevated CVP. After adjustment for confounding factors, IRVD pattern remained the only independent variable associated with elevated CVP. CONCLUSIONS: The VExUS score appears to be a feasible and potentially useful bedside noninvasive monitoring tool for the detection and grading of CVP elevation in critically ill children. Among all its components, IRVD assessment seems most associated with high CVP in this population.

Organizational characteristics of European pediatric onco-critical care: An international cross-sectional survey.

Background: Intensified treatment protocols have improved survival of pediatric oncology patients. However, these treatment protocols are associated with increased treatment-related morbidity requiring admission to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We aimed to describe the organizational characteristics and processes of care for this patient group across PICUs in Europe. Methods: A web-based survey was sent to PICU directors or representative physicians between February and June 2021. Results: Responses were obtained from 77 PICUs of 12 European countries. Organizational characteristics were similar across the different countries of Europe. The median number of PICU beds was 12 (IQR 8-16). The majority of the PICUs was staffed by pediatric intensivists and had a 24/7 intensivist coverage. Most PICUs had a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:1 or 1:2. The median numbers of yearly planned and unplanned PICU admissions of pediatric cancer patients were 20 (IQR 10-45) and 10 (IQR 10-30, respectively. Oncology specific practices within PICU were less common in participating centres. This included implementation of oncology protocols in PICU (30%), daily rounds of PICU physicians on the wards (13%), joint mortality and morbidity meetings or complex patients' discussions (30% and 40%, respectively) and participation of parents during clinical rounds (40%). Conclusion: Our survey provides an overview on the delivery of critical care for oncology patients in PICU across European countries. Multidisciplinary care for these vulnerable and challenging patients remains complex and challenging. Future studies need to determine the effects of differences in PICU organization and processes of care on patients' outcome.

The elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Mexico: From national health priority to national success story.

INTRODUCTION: Mexico was the first country in the Americas and the third in the world to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, as validated by the WHO in 2017. OBJECTIVE: To describe the critical elements that favored the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Mexico and the public health impact of this success. METHODOLOGY: A revision and compilation of data and information contained in the dossier presented by the country to PAHO/WHO to obtain the validation of trachoma elimination as a public health problem was conducted by a group of delegates from the national and local trachoma prevention and control program. Data from the national and local surveillance systems and reports of actions conducted after achieving the elimination goal were also included. Critical elements that favored the achievement of the elimination goal from 1896 to 2019 were extracted. RESULTS: Mexico reached the elimination of trachoma in 2016 obtaining the validation in 2017. 264 communities were no longer endemic and 151,744 people were no longer at risk of visual impairment or possible blindness due to trachoma. The key to the success of this elimination process was primarily the local leadership of health authorities with sustained funding for brigades, increased access to potable water and sanitation, and key alliances with indigenous authorities, health authorities, and government institutions that contributed to the achievement of the goal. The SAFE strategy started implementation in Mexico in 2004 as a comprehensive package of interventions. SAFE stands for surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and improvement of the environmental conditions. These actions impacted drastically on the number of new cases trachmatous trichiasis (TT) and trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF), which decreased from 1,794 in 2004 to zero in 2016. CONCLUSIONS: The elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Mexico is a true success story that may serve as a model example for the elimination of other neglected infectious diseases in the Americas.

Making EHRs Trustable: A Quality Analysis of EHR-Derived Datasets for COVID-19 Research.

One approach to verifying the quality of research data obtained from EHRs is auditing how complete and correct the data are in comparison with those collected by manual and controlled methods. This study analyzed data quality of an EHR-derived dataset for COVID-19 research, obtained during the pandemic at Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre. Data were extracted from EHRs and a manually collected research database, and then transformed into the ISARIC-WHO COVID-19 CRF model. Subsequently, a data analysis was performed, comparing both sources through this convergence model. More concepts and records were obtained from EHRs, and PPV (95% CI) was above 85% in most sections. In future studies, a more detailed analysis of data quality will be carried out.

Combination of Two Synchrotron Radiation-Based Techniques and Chemometrics to Study an Enhanced Natural Remineralization of Enamel.

The limitations to assess dental enamel remineralization have been overcome by a methodology resulting from the appropriate combination of synchrotron radiation-based techniques on both, infrared microspectroscopy and micro X-ray diffraction, with the help of specific data mining. Since amelogenin plays a key role in modulating the mineralization of tooth enamel, we propose a controlled ion release for fluorapatite structural ions (Ca2+, PO43-, and F-, also including Zn2+) by using weak acid and weak base ion-exchange resins in the presence of amelogenin to remineralize the surface of etched teeth. This combination provides the necessary ions for enamel remineralization and a guide for crystal growth due to the protein. Remineralized tooth samples were analyzed by applying the indicated methodology. The synchrotron data were treated using principal component analysis and multivariate curve resolution to analyze the mineral layer formed in the presence and absence of amelogenin. The remineralizing treatment created a fluorapatite layer free of carbonate impurities and with a similar orientation to that of the natural enamel thanks to amelogenin contribution.

Tooth whitening effects on dental enamel, oxidation or reduction? Comparison of physicochemical alterations in bovine enamel using Synchrotron-based Micro-FTIR.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the side effects of typical whitening treatments (by means of oxidation) compared to the new treatment developed by the authors through reduction. The aim is to provide information about the chemical interactions of the encapsulated reductant agent (metabisulfite, MBS) with the enamel structure compared with carbamide peroxide (CP) and to study their penetration in the hydroxyapatite (HAP) and the changes produced in the mineral and its hardness. METHODS: Chemical imaging is performed by synchrotron-based micro Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (SR-µFTIR). Continuous Stiffness Measurements (CSM) were used to determine the depth reached by the treatments in order to delimitate the area of study. RESULTS: The SR-µFTIR studies showed that MBS treatments softened the first 10 µm of enamel, as happens in the initial stages of tooth decay. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the main differences between treatments were found in the intensity of the ν3 PO43- peak related to tooth demineralization. CP and MBS promoted different changes in the HAP mineral, observed as opposite shifts of the peak: CP shortened the P-O bond while MBS seemed to elongate it. Moreover, MBS promoted the loss of carbonates while CP did not, which is probably related to the solution's pH. When comparing MBS and MBS Liposomes, it was observed how liposomes favoured the diffusion of MBS to inner layers, since the effects of MBS were observed in deeper enamel. Thus, the encapsulated MBS whitening effect is highly improved in terms of time when compared to MBS alone or CP. SIGNIFICANCE: The obtained results indicated that using oxidizing (CP) or reducing (MBS) treatments, promote different HAP mineral changes, and that liposomes favour the diffusion of MBS into the enamel. It is the first time that synchrotron light is used to map the bovine incisor's enamel chemically, and to determine the effect of a whitening treatment in terms of chemical HAP modifications, and the extent in deep of these effects.

The power of weak ion-exchange resins assisted by amelogenin for natural remineralization of dental enamel: an in vitro study.

This study aims to develop an innovative dental product to remineralize dental enamel by a proper combination of ion-exchange resins as controlled release of mineral ions that form dental enamel, in the presence of amelogenin to guide the appropriate crystal growth. The novel product proposed consists of a combination of ion-exchange resins (weak acid and weak base) individually loaded with the remineralizing ions: Ca2+, PO43- and F-, also including Zn2+ in a minor amount as antibacterial, together with the protein amelogenin. Such cocktail provides onsite controlled release of the ions necessary for enamel remineralization due to the weak character of the resins and at the same time, a guiding tool for related crystal growth by the indicated protein. Amelogenin protein is involved in the structural development of natural enamel and takes a key role in controlling the crystal growth morphology and alignment at the enamel surface. Bovine teeth were treated by applying the resins and protein together with artificial saliva. Treated teeth were evaluated with nanoindentation, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The innovative material induces the dental remineralization creating a fluorapatite layer with a hardness equivalent to sound enamel, with the appropriate alignment of corresponding nanocrystals, being the fluorapatite more acid resistant than the original mineral. Our results suggest that the new product shows potential for promoting long-term remineralization leading to the inhibition of caries and protection of dental structures.

Mechanical ventilation during cardiopulmonary bypass in neonates improves postoperative outcome.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiopulmonary bypass generates a systemic inflammatory response. This inflammatory response is reduced if patients are ventilated during bypass, as evidenced by lower levels of postoperative circulating inflammatory mediators. However, this does not appear to make much clinical difference in adults, at least not consistently, but, to our knowledge, has never been assessed in paediatric cardiac surgery, which is the objective of this study. METHODS: This is a prospective clinical study of 12 consecutive neonates operated for the correction of either transposition of the great arteries ± ventricular septal defect or aortic arch hypoplasia ± ventricular septal defect, who were ventilated during cardiopulmonary bypass. These were compared to 11 neonates with the same malformations, who had undergone the same operations but without being ventilated during bypass (historical control group). RESULTS: One patient from the control group died on the 15th postoperative day due to sepsis and multi-organ failure. Bypass times and cross-clamp times were similar in the 2 groups. Ventilation on bypass was associated with significantly lower postoperative serum concentrations of C-reactive protein, shorter mechanical ventilation and lower vasoactive-inotropic score. Duration of stay on intensive care unit (ICU) showed a tendency to be shorter in patients who were ventilated on bypass, but this did not reach statistical significance. There were no differences between the 2 groups with respect to postoperative mixed venous oxygen saturations and serum concentrations of lactate and troponin I. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical ventilation during cardiopulmonary bypass in neonates improves postoperative outcome.

Optogenetic Stimulation Array for Confocal Microscopy Fast Transient Monitoring.

Optogenetics is an emerging discipline with multiple applications in neuroscience, allowing to study neuronal pathways or serving for therapeutic applications such as in the treatment of anxiety disorder, autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), or Parkinson's disease. More recently optogenetics is opening its way also to stem cell-based therapeutic applications for neuronal regeneration after stroke or spinal cord injury. The results of optogenetic stimulation are usually evaluated by immunofluorescence or flow cytometry, and the observation of transient responses after stimulation, as in cardiac electrophysiology studies, by optical microscopy. However, certain phenomena, such as the ultra-fast calcium waves acquisition upon simultaneous optogenetics, are beyond the scope of current instrumentation, since they require higher image resolution in real-time, employing for instance time-lapse confocal microscopy. Therefore, in this work, an optogenetic stimulation matrix controllable from a graphical user interface has been developed for its use with a standard 24-well plate for an inverted confocal microscope use and validated by using a photoactivable adenyl cyclase (bPAC) overexpressed in rat fetal cortical neurons and the consequent calcium waves propagation upon 100 ms pulsed blue light stimulation.

Assessment of pesticide residues in waters and soils of a vineyard region and its temporal evolution.

Sustainable agriculture practices and integrated pest management for avoiding environmental pollution are necessary to maintain a high yield in vineyard areas. Pesticide residues in groundwater in a vineyard area of La Rioja (Spain) have been evaluated in previous years, and they could now have varied after farmers have adopted the different measures recommended. Accordingly, this research's objectives were (i) to evaluate the occurrence and seasonal distribution (spring, summer, and autumn samplings) of pesticides (36) plus their degradation products (DP) (11) in water and soil samples (23 + 15) in La Rioja (Northern Spain), and (ii) to compare the current water quality (2019) with that determined previously (2011). A multi-residue method based on solid phase extraction (for water samples) or solid liquid extraction (for soil samples) and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was used to determine and quantify pesticides. The results reveal the presence in waters of 30 compounds from those selected (15 fungicides + 2 DP, 7 insecticides + 1 DP, and 3 herbicides +2 DP), with 14 of them at concentrations > 0.1 µg L-1 (water quality threshold for human consumption). The highest number of compounds was detected in summer (waters) and spring (soils). The pesticides most frequently detected in water samples were the fungicides metalaxyl, tebuconazole, and boscalid, with the last one being the compound found in the highest number of soil samples. The comparison of water pollution in 2011 and 2019 indicates a significant decrease in the total concentration of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides in 95-100%, 76-90%, and 42-85% of samples in the three campaigns, respectively. The results indicate that an optimized and sustainable use of pesticides in intensive and high-yield agricultural areas could reduce environmental pollution.

Proteomic Analysis of the Secretome and Exosomes of Feline Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to have therapeutic efficacy in different complex pathologies in feline species. This effect is attributed to the secretion of a wide variety of bioactive molecules and extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes, with significant paracrine activity, encompassed under the concept of the secretome. However, at present, the exosomes from feline MSCs have not yet been studied in detail. The objective of this study is to analyze and compare the protein profiles of the secretome as a whole and its exosomal fraction from feline adipose-derived MSCs (fAd-MSCs). For this, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Protein-Protein Interaction Networks Functional Enrichment Analysis (STRING) were utilized. A total of 239 proteins were identified in the secretome, and 228 proteins specific to exosomes were identified, with a total of 133 common proteins. The proteins identified in the secretome were located in the extracellular regions and in the cytoplasm, while the exosomal proteins were located mainly in the membrane, cytoplasm and cytosol. Regarding function, in the secretome, proteins involved in different metabolic pathways, in pathways related to the immune system and the endocrine system and in the processing of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum predominated. In contrast, proteins specific to exosomes were predominantly associated with endocytosis, cell junctions, platelet activation and other cell signaling pathways. The possible future use of the secretome, or some of its components, such as exosomes, would provide a non-cell-based therapeutic strategy for the treatment of different diseases that would avoid the drawbacks of cell therapy.

Flash tooth whitening: A friendly formulation based on a nanoencapsulated reductant.

Tooth whitening materials have not undergone relevant advances in the last years. Current materials base their action on the oxidant activity of peroxides, which present the disadvantage of requiring long application times, along with unpleasant side effects of dental hypersensitivity (e.g. sharp pain). In this work, a novel tooth whitening formulation based on the encapsulation of a reducing agent (sodium metabisulfite) in liposomes is developed. An experimental design was applied to optimize the formulation in terms of whitening action and safety, using bovine teeth as in vitro model. Results were obtained by colorimetry, profilometry and nanoindentation techniques. The comparison with standard whitening treatments showed a similar whitening action of the optimized formulation but in remarkable shorter application times. Moreover, teeth roughness values obtained with the presented formulation conformed with ISO 28399. As mechanism of action, results obtained from fluorescent confocal microscopy showed the liposomal formulation to form a layer surrounding the enamel surface, enhancing the treatment efficacy in terms of diffusion of the protected reductant towards the enamel. The better efficiency of this formulation encourages its use as an alternative to current oxidative treatments.

Holistic assessment of the microbiome dynamics in the substrates used for commercial champignon (Agaricus bisporus) cultivation.

Microorganisms strongly influence and are required to generate the selective substrate that provides nutrients and support for fungal growth, and ultimately to induce mushroom fructification under controlled environmental conditions. In this work, the fungal and bacterial microbiota living in the different substrates employed in a commercial crop (compost phase I, II and III, flush 1 and 2, and casing material on day 1, 6 and 8 after compost casing and during flush 1 and 2) have been characterized along the different stages of cultivation by metataxonomic analysis (16S rRNA and ITS2), analysis of phospholipid fatty acid content (PLFAs) and RT-qPCR. Additionally, laccase activity and the content of lignin and complex carbohydrates in compost and casing have been quantified. The bacterial diversity in compost and casing increased throughout the crop cycle boosted by the connection of both substrates. As reflected by the PLFAs, the total living bacterial biomass appears to be negatively correlated with the mycelium of the crop. Agaricus bisporus was the dominant fungal species in colonized substrates, displacing the pre-eminent Ascomycota, accompanied by a sustained increase in laccase activity, which is considered to be a major product of protein synthesis during the mycelial growth of champignon. From phase II onwards, the metabolic machinery of the fungal crop degrades lignin and carbohydrates in compost, while these components are hardly degraded in casing, which reflects the minor role of the casing for nourishing the crop. The techniques employed in this study provide a holistic and detailed characterization of the changing microbial composition in commercial champignon substrates. The knowledge generated will contribute to improve compost formulations (selection of base materials) and accelerate compost production, for instance, through biotechnological interventions in the form of tailored biostimulants and to design environmentally sustainable bio-based casing materials.