Search Results (9,121)

Castilleja tenuiflora is a native perennial plant used in traditional Mexican medicine. In June 2022, leaf blight symptoms were observed in a wild population of C. tenuiflora plants. Disease incidence was 80% and disease intensity reached up to 5% of the leaf area. Currently, there are no reports of pathogens causing leaf blight in this plant; therefore, this work aimed to identify the fungi responsible for the disease. The fungi recovered from the diseased tissue were characterized by means of pathogenicity tests and cultural, morphological, and molecular characterization. The information obtained revealed that Alternaria alternata and Alternaria gossypina are the pathogens responsible for the disease. This is the first report implicating species of Alternaria in causing leaf blight of C. tenuiflora in Mexico, as well as the first report of Alternaria gossypina also in Mexico. These pathogens may threaten the in situ conservation of native C. tenuiflora populations and limit their in vitro propagation. Future research lines should focus on determining the effect of these pathogens on metabolite production. Full article

In this study, the biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) was carried out using Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These PHAs were produced using reagent-grade glycerol and crude glycerol as the carbon sources. The objective was to compare the production of PHAs and to functionalize these polymers with silver nanoparticles to provide antibacterial properties for potential biomedical applications. The findings from the physical and chemical analyses confirmed the successful synthesis and extraction of PHAs, achieving comparable yields using both crude glycerol and reagent-grade glycerol as carbon sources across both strains. Approximately 16% higher PHAs production was obtained using Pseudomonas putida compared to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and no significant difference was observed in the production rate of PHAs between the two carbon sources used, which means that crude glycerol could be utilized even though it has more impurities. Notably, PHAs functionalized with silver nanoparticles showed improved antibacterial effectiveness, especially those derived from reagent-grade glycerol and the Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain. Full article

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is currently considered as a viable alternative to elective neck dissection (END) for the management of cN0 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). However, some difficulties were detected in sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification in floor of mouth (FOM) and ventral tongue tumors because of the so-called “shine-through radioactivity” of the injection site, which may mask nodal hotspots in proximity. We assessed the feasibility and the potential strengths of combining ^99mTc-Tilmanocept with indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence lympho-angiography in a dedicated multimodal protocol for SLNB in T1/T2N0 oral cancer to evaluate the synergistic role of each of these two tracers in providing the appropriate sensitivity and ease of learning, even in such a critical anatomical subsite. A detailed, stepwise description of our multimodal protocol is provided, together with the presentation of its application in two cases of early-stage ventral tongue tumors. Radioactive guidance with ^99mTc-Tilmanocept was used preoperatively to perform planar lymphoscintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography and to define the nodal hotspot(s) and the surgical “roadmap”. In addition, it was used intraoperatively to pinpoint the SLN location within each nodal hotspot with high specificity but limited spatial resolution. Optical guidance with ICG injection at the tumor bed and near-infrared fluorescence imaging was then added, providing intuitive intraoperative guidance within each nodal hotspot with high spatial resolution. Our small experience with this protocol is illustrated and future perspectives are highlighted. Full article

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element; it exhibits a plethora of physiological properties and biochemical functions. It plays a pivotal role in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, and DNA organization, as well as in protein, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism. Among other important processes, Zn plays an essential role in reproductive health. The ZIP and ZnT proteins are responsible for the mobilization of Zn within the cell. Zn is an inert antioxidant through its interaction with a variety of proteins and enzymes to regulate the redox system, including metallothioneins (MTs), metalloenzymes, and gene regulatory proteins. The role of Zn in the reproductive system is of great importance; processes, such as spermatogenesis and sperm maturation that occur in the testicle and epididymis, respectively, depend on this element for their development and function. Zn modulates the synthesis of androgens, such as testosterone, for these reproductive processes, so Zn deficiency is related to alterations in sperm parameters that lead to male infertility. Full article

This paper delves into the formability of material deposited by wire arc additive manufacturing. It presents a novel dieless Nakajima testing procedure that offers a practical solution for obtaining strain loading paths up to failure directly from the deposited material without the need for extracting sheet blanks. The procedure involved machining a region of the deposited material to the desired shape and thickness and using a press to drive and control the movement of a hemispherical punch. The test was designed using finite element modeling, and its effectiveness in obtaining the required strain loading paths directly from the deposited material was verified through experimentation with digital image correlation. Importantly, this novel test eliminates the need for the special-purpose tool setup required in conventional Nakajima sheet formability tests, thereby simplifying the overall testing process. Full article

CCHC-type zinc finger proteins (CCHC-ZFPs), ubiquitous across plant species, are integral to their growth, development, hormonal regulation, and stress adaptation. Roses (Rosa sp.), as one of the most significant and extensively cultivated ornamentals, account for more than 30% of the global cut-flower market. Despite its significance, the CCHC gene family in roses (Rosa sp.) remains unexplored. This investigation identified and categorized 41 CCHC gene members located on seven chromosomes of rose into 14 subfamilies through motif distribution and phylogenetic analyses involving ten additional plant species, including Ginkgo biloba, Ostreococcus lucimarinus, Arabidopsis thaliana, and others. This study revealed that dispersed duplication likely plays a crucial role in the diversification of the CCHC genes, with the Ka/Ks ratio suggesting a history of strong purifying selection. Promoter analysis highlighted a rich presence of cis-acting regulatory elements linked to both abiotic and biotic stress responses. Differential expression analysis under drought conditions grouped the 41 CCHC gene members into five distinct clusters, with those in group 4 exhibiting pronounced regulation in roots and leaves under severe drought. Furthermore, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of the RcCCHC25 member from group 4 compromised drought resilience in rose foliage. This comprehensive analysis lays the groundwork for further investigations into the functional dynamics of the CCHC gene family in rose physiology and stress responses. Full article

This research consolidates our group’s advances in developing a therapeutic dressing with innovative enzymatic debridement, focusing on the physicochemical and in vitro biological properties of papain immobilized in wet oxidized bacterial cellulose (OxBC–Papain) dressing. OxBC membranes were produced with Komagataeibacter hansenii oxidized with NaIO₄, and papain was immobilized on them. They were characterized in terms of enzyme stability (over 100 days), absorption capacity, water vapor transmission (WVT), hemocompatibility, cytotoxicity, and cell adhesion. The OxBC–Papain membrane showed 68.5% proteolytic activity after 100 days, demonstrating the benefit of using the OxBC wet membrane for papain stability. It had a WVT rate of 678 g/m²·24 h and cell viability of 99% and 86% for L929 and HaCat cells, respectively. The membranes exhibited non-hemolytic behavior and maintained 26% clotting capacity after 1 h. The wet OxBC–Papain membrane shows significant potential as a natural biomolecule-based therapeutic dressing for wound care, offering efficient debridement, moisture maintenance, exudate absorption, gas exchange, and hemostasis without cytotoxic effects or cell adhesion to the dressing. Further research, especially using in vivo models, is needed to assess its efficacy in inducing epithelialization. This study advances stomatherapy knowledge, providing a cost-effective solution for enzymatic debridement in healthcare. Full article

This study investigated the potential of endophytic microorganisms in fermentative processes using agro-industrial residues as substrates. The aim was to explore sustainable biotechnological methods for producing valuable compounds from waste. Endophytic microorganisms were isolated from strawberry, lychee, and tangerine and used in fermentative processes with passion fruit, guava, and pineapple residues. Key methods included isolating and screening potent aroma-producing microorganisms, identifying them using MALDI-TOF MS, and analyzing volatile compounds by GC-MS. The results identified 37 endophytic microorganisms, with Kloeckera apiculata presenting the greatest aromatic potential. Fermentation with agro-industrial residues produced significant volatile compounds, identifying 27, 23, and 22 compounds from passion fruit, pineapple, and guava residues, respectively. The main conclusions highlighted the high production of ethyl acetate and 2-phenylethyl acetate, which contributed to fruity and floral aromas. The novelty of this study lies in the use of endophytic microorganisms isolated from tropical fruits to biotransform agro-industrial waste into high-value aromatic compounds, offering economic and environmental benefits. This research is significant, as it proposes a sustainable approach to valorize waste and produce natural aroma compounds through biotechnological processes. Full article

Melasma is a challenging skin condition which involves both structural and functional skin alterations. Despite the availability of various treatment options, the management remains complex. This is the first study to investigate topical application of Rosa damascena stem cell exosomes when used concomitantly with microneedling in women and men with facial melasma. We recruited 20 subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III, exhibiting melasma of varying severity. The modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) were utilized to evaluate treatment response. The treatment protocol involved microneedling followed by exosome application over four or five sessions, at 4-week intervals. Ninety percent of subjects demonstrated a significant improvement in mMASI scores, while only 10% showed no change. GAIS assessment further supports overall improvement, with just 10% categorized as “not changed”. Tolerability was favorable, with mild, transient side effects. Our findings suggest promising outcomes with this combined therapy, underscoring its potential as a safe and effective approach for treating melasma, particularly in severe and moderate cases. However, further research with larger sample sizes and control arms is warranted to validate these findings and explore long-term efficacy. Full article

Roses are increasingly being grown in soilless systems to increase productivity and reduce the challenges associated with soil-based cultivation. This study investigates the effects of using cocopeat and volcanic tuff substrates, the particle size of tuff, and substrate depth on the growth and flower quality of roses (Rosa hybrida L. cv. top secret) grown under greenhouse conditions. The treatments were cocopeat, tuff, cocopeat–tuff mixture, and tuff of particle size of 2 to 4 mm, 0 to 4 mm, and 0 to 8 mm at depths of 20 cm and 40 cm. The results showed that cocopeat had the highest water-holding capacity and photosynthetic rate. Tuff substrates had higher chlorophyll content throughout the growing season. Although flower numbers per plant in cocopeat and tuff from 0 to 8 mm at a depth of 20 cm were statistically similar, tuff from 0 to 8 mm had longer flowering stems and larger post-harvest flower diameters than cocopeat. An increase in the tuff depth from 20 to 40 cm decreased the flower number and main stem diameter. In conclusion, while cocopeat promotes rapid initial growth, volcanic tuff substrates, particularly tuff from 0 to 8 mm at a depth of 20 cm, provide long-term benefits for flower quality and plant health. Full article

Using stress elicitors in fruits and vegetables is considered a good strategy to increase the content of bioactive compounds in plant foods. However, bioactive compounds can affect the sensory characteristics of food products, and little is known about their shelf-life stability in fresh produce treated with elicitors. In the present work, carotenoids and polyphenols were quantified by spectrophotometric methods in red and green butterhead lettuce treated with elicitors that had previously been demonstrated to increase bioactive compounds: arachidonic acid (AA), methyl jasmonate (MJ), and Harpin protein (HP). The bioactive compounds were determined immediately and during three weeks after harvest. A descriptive sensory analysis was carried out, which included odor, taste, tactile, and visual attributes of control and elicitor-treated lettuce. Carotenoids showed greater shelf-life stability than polyphenols, and both were more stable in red than in green lettuce during the first two weeks of storage. The best elicitor was MJ, which increased phenolic compounds (red and green lettuce), anthocyanins, and carotenoids (red lettuce) through the storage period. Color intensity, crispness, wettability, and bitter taste were some of the primary sensory attributes in butterhead lettuce and were not affected by any treatment. Other organoleptic properties were also not affected by the elicitors. These results suggest that elicitation could improve the content of bioactive compounds, which is stable through the shelf-life of butterhead lettuce, without any adverse effect on the sensory properties. Full article

The aim of this paper is to show how the understanding of Leibniz’s notion of toleration in matters of faith should be considered not merely as a pragmatic, but also as an epistemologically and metaphysically relevant concept. Following Maria Rosa Antognazza’s account, I will argue that Leibniz’s view on the belief of mysteries is ‘above reason’ and the relation between faith and experience plays an important role in his discussion of transubstantiation with Des Bosses, but also that Leibniz allows for presumptions based on faith to enter metaphysical discussions. Doing so, despite the fact that we cannot achieve certainty in these matters and have to accept a variety of different beliefs regarding the same objects, enriches our understanding of the world and of God—and also gives us reason to take seriously Leibniz’s engagement with corporeal substances, albeit only as presumptions rather than as necessary consequences of his basic metaphysical system. Finally, I will illustrate this point by showing how it is also in play in Leibniz’s response to Tournemine regarding the mind-body-union. Full article

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) might impact disease progression in people living with HIV (PLWH), including those on effective combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). These individuals often experience chronic conditions characterized by proviral latency or low-level viral replication in CD4+ memory T cells and tissue macrophages. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ, can reactivate provirus expression in both primary cells and cell lines. These cytokines are often elevated in individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. However, it is still unknown whether SARS-CoV-2 can modulate HIV reactivation in infected cells. Here, we report that exposure of the chronically HIV-1-infected myeloid cell line U1 to two different SARS-CoV-2 viral isolates (ancestral and BA.5) reversed its latent state after 24 h. We also observed that SARS-CoV-2 exposure of human primary monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) initially drove their polarization towards an M1 phenotype, which shifted towards M2 over time. This effect was associated with soluble factors released during the initial M1 polarization phase that reactivated HIV production in U1 cells, like MDM stimulated with the TLR agonist resiquimod. Our study suggests that SARS-CoV-2-induced systemic inflammation and interaction with macrophages could influence proviral HIV-1 latency in myeloid cells in PLWH. Full article

A scalable and cost-effective solution for removing pollutants from water is to use biodegradable and eco-friendly sorbents that are readily available such as starch. The current research explored the removal of crystal violet (CV) dye from water using chemically modified potato starch. The adsorbent was prepared by cross-linking potato starch with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). The impact of various operating factors including pH, temperature, contact time, initial CV concentration, and adsorbent dosage on the removal of CV were investigated using batch experiments. The adsorption data were analyzed using a fuzzy regression approach, which provided a range-based representation of the model’s output. The cross-linked starch adsorbent was mesoporous, with a mean pore diameter of 9.8 nm and a specific surface area of 2.7 m²/g. The adsorption of CV by the STMP cross-linked potato starch was primarily influenced by the adsorbent dosage, followed by the solution pH, temperature, initial CV concentration, and contact time. The fuzzy regression model accurately predicted the independent experimental data of CV removal with an R² of 0.985, demonstrating its value as a tool for the continuous monitoring of CV removal as well as optimizing water treatment conditions. Full article

Sulforaphane is considered the bioactive metabolite of glucoraphanin after dietary consumption of broccoli sprouts. Although both molecules pass through the gut lumen to the large intestine in stable form, their biological impact on the first intestinal tract is poorly described. In celiac patients, the function of the small intestine is affected by celiac disease (CD), whose severe outcomes are controlled by gluten-free dietary protocols. Nevertheless, pathological signs of inflammation and oxidative stress may persist. The aim of this study was to compare the biological activity of sulforaphane with its precursor glucoraphanin in a cellular model of gliadin-induced inflammation. Human intestinal epithelial cells (CaCo-2) were stimulated with a pro-inflammatory combination of cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-1β) and in-vitro-digested gliadin, while oxidative stress was induced by H₂O₂. LC-MS/MS analysis confirmed that sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts was stable after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. It inhibited the release of all chemokines selected as inflammatory read-outs, with a more potent effect against MCP-1 (IC₅₀ = 7.81 µM). On the contrary, glucoraphanin (50 µM) was inactive. The molecules were unable to counteract the oxidative damage to DNA (γ-H2AX) and catalase levels; however, the activity of NF-κB and Nrf-2 was modulated by both molecules. The impact on epithelial permeability (TEER) was also evaluated in a Transwell^® model. In the context of a pro-inflammatory combination including gliadin, TEER values were recovered by neither sulforaphane nor glucoraphanin. Conversely, in the context of co-culture with activated macrophages (THP-1), sulforaphane inhibited the release of MCP-1 (IC₅₀ = 20.60 µM) and IL-1β (IC₅₀ = 1.50 µM) only, but both molecules restored epithelial integrity at 50 µM. Our work suggests that glucoraphanin should not merely be considered as just an inert precursor at the small intestine level, thus suggesting a potential interest in the framework of CD. Its biological activity might imply, at least in part, molecular mechanisms different from sulforaphane. Full article