Molecular fingerprinting of Campylobacter and Arcobacter isolated from chicken and water

The potential of a fingerprinting method based on the single-enzyme amplified fragment length polymorphism (s-AFLP) technique was evaluated for its efficacy in detecting foodborne Campylobacter and Arcobacter species. Campylobacter and Arcobacter isolates from chicken and water samples were subjected to s-AFLP and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiling. Molecular typing revealed a high degree of heterogeneity. AFLP was found to be appropriate for differentiating minimal genomic variations, which makes this technique a valuable tool for the identification of isolates. PFGE was effective in showing epidemiological relationships among closely related isolates. Either technique allowed the discrimination of A. butzleri from A. cryaerophilus and A. skirrowii. When used together, s-AFLP and PFGE can be applied to determine taxonomic and epidemiological relationships among campylobacteria. [Int Microbiol 2007; 10(2):85-90

Vitamin D analogue TX 527 down-regulates the NF-κB pathway and controls the proliferation of endothelial cells transformed by Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus

Background and Purpose: The Kaposi sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus GPCR (vGPCR) is a key molecule in the pathogenesis of KS, where it increases NF-κB gene expression and activates the NF-κB pathway. We investigated whether the less calcemic vitamin D analogue TX 527 inhibited the proliferation of endothelial cells transformed by vGPCR by modulation of the NF-κB pathway. Experimental Approach: Endothelial cells transformed by vGPCR (SVEC-vGPCR) were treated with TX 527. Proliferation was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl) -2H-tetrazolium, inner salt (MTS) and cell cycle by flow cytometry. mRNA and protein levels were measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunoblot analysis respectively. Key Results: TX 527, similar to bortezomib (0.5 nM), a proteasome inhibitor that inhibits the activation of NF-κB, reduced proliferation and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in SVEC-vGPCR. TX 527 like 1α,25(OH)2D3, biological active form of vitamin D, decreased the activity of NF-κB comparable with the effect of bortezomib. Time-response studies showed that TX 527 significantly decreased NF-κB and increased IκBα mRNA and protein levels. The increase of IκBα was accompanied by a reduction in p65/NF-κB translocation to the nucleus. These responses were abolished when vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression was suppressed by stable transfection of shRNA against VDR. In parallel with NF-κB inhibition, there was a down-regulation of inflammatory genes such as IL-6, CCL2/MCP and CCL20/MIP3α. Conclusions and Implications: These results suggest that the anti-proliferative effects of the vitamin D analogue TX 527 in SVEC-vGPCR occur by modulation of the NF-κB pathway and are VDR dependent.Fil: González Pardo, María Verónica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Verstuyf, A.. Katholikie Universiteit Leuven; BélgicaFil: Boland, Ricardo Leopoldo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Russo, Ana Josefa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur; Argentin

Micronized bran enriched fresh egg tagliatelle: significance of gums addition on pasta technological features

[EN] The aim of the work was to produce fibre-enriched fresh pasta based on micronised wheat bran and durum wheat semolina with appropriate techno-functional properties. Wheat semolina was replaced with fine particle size (50% below 75 mu m) wheat bran - up to 11.54% (w/w). A Box-Behnken design with randomised response surface methodology was used to determine a suitable combination of carboxymethylcellulose, xanthan gum and locust bean gum to improve pasta attributes: minimum cooking loss, maximum values for water gain and swelling index, as well as better colour and texture characteristics before and after cooking. The proximate chemical composition of wheat semolina and bran was determined and the microstructure of uncooked pasta was observed as well. From the response surface methodology analysis, it is recommended to use: (i) xanthan gum over 0.6% w/w as it led to bran-enriched pasta with a better developed structure and superior cooking behaviour, (ii) a combination of xanthan gum (0.8% w/w) and carboxymethylcellulose (over 0.6% w/w) to enhance uncooked pasta yellowness.The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Authors would like to thank the Conselleria de Empresa, Universidad y Ciencia, Generalitat Valenciana (Spain) for financial support throughout the project AICO/2016/056.Martín-Esparza, M.; Raga-Soriano, A.; González Martínez, MC.; Albors, A. (2018). Micronized bran enriched fresh egg tagliatelle: significance of gums addition on pasta technological features. Food Science and Technology International. 24(4):309-320. https://doi.org/10.1177/1082013217750683S30932024

Fungal Diseases in Two North-West Spain Vineyards: Relationship with Meteorological Conditions and Predictive Aerobiological Model

Grey mould, powdery mildew, and downy mildew are the most frequent fungal diseases among vineyards worldwide. In the present study, we analysed the influence of the fungi causing these diseases (Botrytis, Erysiphe, and Plasmopara, respectively) on two viticulture areas from North-western (NW) Spain during three growth seasons (2016, 2017, and 2018). The obtained results showed the predominant concentration of the Botrytis airborne spores, mainly from the beginning of the Inflorescence emerge phenological stage (S-5) until the end of the Flowering phenological stage (S-6). Erysiphe and Plasmopara airborne spore peak concentrations were more localised around Flowering (S-6) and Development of fruits (S-7) phenological stages. We applied a Spearman’s correlation test and a Principal Component Analysis to determine the influence of the meteorological parameters on the concentration of airborne spores. Taking into account the variables with the highest correlation coefficient, we developed multiple regression models to forecast the phytopathogenic fungal spore concentrations. The Botrytis model regression equation explained between 59.4–70.9% of spore concentration variability. The Erysiphe equation explained between 57.6–61% and the Plasmopara explained between 39.9–55.8%. In general, we found better prediction results for mean daily concentrations than sporadic spore peaksThe authors thank to the Xunta de Galicia (Consellería de Educación, Universidade e Formación Profesional) the financial support for the recognition as Grupo de Referencia Competitivo de Investigación (GRC GI–1809 BIOAPLIC, ED431C 2019/07), the Agrupación Estratégica de Investigación BioReDes (ED431E 2018/09), the CITACA Strategic Partnership ED431E 2018/07 (Xunta de Galicia, Spain) and the grant number AGL2014-60412-Rofthe Economy and Competence Ministry of Spain Government. González–Fernández E. is supported by the FPU Formación de Profesorado Universitario grant from Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y UniversidadesS

Petrology and geochemistry of the banded iron formation in the Eastern Sierras Pampeanas of San Luis (Argentina) : Implications for the evolution of the Nogolí Metamorphic Complex

The metamorphosed banded iron formation from the Nogolí Metamorphic Complex of western Sierra de San Luis, Eastern Sierras Pampeanas of Argentina (Nogolí area, 32°55'S-66°15'W) is classified as an oxide facies iron formation of Algoma Type, with a tectonic setting possibly associated with an island arc or back arc, on the basis of field mapping, mineral and textural arrangements and whole rock geochemical features. The origin of banded iron formation is mainly related to chemical precipitation of hydrogenous sediments from seawater in oceanic environments. The primary chemical precipitate is a result of solutions that represent mixtures of seawater and hydrothermal fluids, with significant dilution by mafic-ultramafic volcanic and siliciclastic materials. Multi-stage TDM model ages of 1670, 1854 and 1939 Ma and positive, mantle-like ξ Nd(1502) values of +3.8, +1.5 and +0.5 from the banded iron formation are around the range of those mafic to ultramafic meta-volcanic rocks of Nogolí Metamorphic Complex, which are between 1679 and 1765 Ma and +2.64 and +3.68, respectively. This Sm and Nd isotopic connection suggests a close genetic relationship between ferruginous and mafic-ultramafic meta-volcanic rocks, as part of the same island arc or back arc setting. A previous Sm-Nd whole rock isochron of ∼1.5 Ga performed on mafic-ultramafic meta-volcanic rocks led to the interpretation that chemical sedimentation as old as Mesoproterozoic is possible for the banded iron formation. A clockwise P-T path can be inferred for the regional metamorphic evolution of the banded iron formation, with three distinctive trajectories: (1) Relict prograde M1-M3 segment with gradual P and T increase from greenschist facies at M1 to amphibolite facies at M3. (2) Peak P-T conditions at high amphibolite-low granulite facies during M4. (3) Retrograde counterpart of M4, that returns from amphibolite facies and stabilizes at greenschist facies during M5. Each trajectory may be regarded as produced by different tectonic events related to the Pampean? (1) and the Famatinian (2 and 3) orogenies, during the Early to Middle Paleozoic. The Nogolí Metamorphic Complex is interpreted as part of a greenstone belt within the large Meso- to Neoproterozoic Pampean Terrane of the Eastern Sierras Pampeanas of Argentina.El mapeo de campo, la mineralogía y texturas y las características geoquímicas de roca total de la formación ferrífera bandeada metamorfizada del Complejo Metamórfico Nogolí, Sierras Pampeanas Orientales de Argentina (área de Nogolí, 32°55’S – 66°15’O) permiten clasificarla como una formación ferrífera de facies de óxidos y tipo Algoma. El ambiente tectónico se asocia posiblemente con un arco de islas o retroarco. El origen del BIF está relacionado principalmente con precipitación química de sedimentos hidrógenos desde el agua de mar en ambientes oceánicos. El precipitado químico primario es un resultado de soluciones que representan mezcla de agua de mar y fluidos hidrotermales, y significativa disolución con materiales silicoclásticos y volcánicos máficoultramáficos. El BIF tiene edades modelo TDM de 1670, 1854 y 1939 Ma y valores mantélicos positivos de ξNd(1502) de +3.8, +1.5 y +0.5, que están en el rango de aquellos de las rocas volcánicas máficas-ultramáficas del Complejo Metamórfico Nogolí, cuyos valores varían entre 1679 - 1765 Ma y +2.64 a +3.68 respectivamente. Esta conexión isotópica Sm-Nd sugiere una estrecha vinculación genética entre las rocas volcánicas máficas-ultramáficas y las ferruginosas, como parte del mismo ambiente da arco de islas o retroarco. Una isocrona Sm-Nd roca total previa, proveniente de las rocas volcánicas máficas-ultramáficas, de ~1.5 Ga permite interpretar que para el BIF es posible una edad de sedimentación química tan antigua como Mesoproterozoico. Un patrón P-T horario puede ser inferido para la evolución metamórfica regional del BIF, con tres trayectorias distintivas: (1) Segmento relíctico progrado M1-M3, con incremento gradual de P y T desde facies esquistos verdes en M1 hasta facies anfibolita en M3. (2) Pico de P-T en facies anfibolita alta-granulita baja durante M4. (3) Contraparte retrógrada de M4, que retorna desde facies anfibolita y se estabiliza en facies esquistos verdes durante M5. Cada trayectoria puede ser vinculada con diferentes eventos tectónicos relacionados con las orogenias Pampeana? (1) y Famatiniana (2 y 3) del Paleozoico Temprano a Medio. El Complejo Metamórfico Nogolí es interpretado como parte de un greenstone belt dentro del Terreno Pampeano de edad meso- a neoproterozoica de las Sierras Pampeanas Orientales de Argentina.Centro de Investigaciones Geológica

Petrology and geochemistry of the banded iron formation in the Eastern Sierras Pampeanas of San Luis (Argentina) : Implications for the evolution of the Nogolí Metamorphic Complex

The metamorphosed banded iron formation from the Nogolí Metamorphic Complex of western Sierra de San Luis, Eastern Sierras Pampeanas of Argentina (Nogolí area, 32°55'S-66°15'W) is classified as an oxide facies iron formation of Algoma Type, with a tectonic setting possibly associated with an island arc or back arc, on the basis of field mapping, mineral and textural arrangements and whole rock geochemical features. The origin of banded iron formation is mainly related to chemical precipitation of hydrogenous sediments from seawater in oceanic environments. The primary chemical precipitate is a result of solutions that represent mixtures of seawater and hydrothermal fluids, with significant dilution by mafic-ultramafic volcanic and siliciclastic materials. Multi-stage TDM model ages of 1670, 1854 and 1939 Ma and positive, mantle-like ξ Nd(1502) values of +3.8, +1.5 and +0.5 from the banded iron formation are around the range of those mafic to ultramafic meta-volcanic rocks of Nogolí Metamorphic Complex, which are between 1679 and 1765 Ma and +2.64 and +3.68, respectively. This Sm and Nd isotopic connection suggests a close genetic relationship between ferruginous and mafic-ultramafic meta-volcanic rocks, as part of the same island arc or back arc setting. A previous Sm-Nd whole rock isochron of ∼1.5 Ga performed on mafic-ultramafic meta-volcanic rocks led to the interpretation that chemical sedimentation as old as Mesoproterozoic is possible for the banded iron formation. A clockwise P-T path can be inferred for the regional metamorphic evolution of the banded iron formation, with three distinctive trajectories: (1) Relict prograde M1-M3 segment with gradual P and T increase from greenschist facies at M1 to amphibolite facies at M3. (2) Peak P-T conditions at high amphibolite-low granulite facies during M4. (3) Retrograde counterpart of M4, that returns from amphibolite facies and stabilizes at greenschist facies during M5. Each trajectory may be regarded as produced by different tectonic events related to the Pampean? (1) and the Famatinian (2 and 3) orogenies, during the Early to Middle Paleozoic. The Nogolí Metamorphic Complex is interpreted as part of a greenstone belt within the large Meso- to Neoproterozoic Pampean Terrane of the Eastern Sierras Pampeanas of Argentina.El mapeo de campo, la mineralogía y texturas y las características geoquímicas de roca total de la formación ferrífera bandeada metamorfizada del Complejo Metamórfico Nogolí, Sierras Pampeanas Orientales de Argentina (área de Nogolí, 32°55’S – 66°15’O) permiten clasificarla como una formación ferrífera de facies de óxidos y tipo Algoma. El ambiente tectónico se asocia posiblemente con un arco de islas o retroarco. El origen del BIF está relacionado principalmente con precipitación química de sedimentos hidrógenos desde el agua de mar en ambientes oceánicos. El precipitado químico primario es un resultado de soluciones que representan mezcla de agua de mar y fluidos hidrotermales, y significativa disolución con materiales silicoclásticos y volcánicos máficoultramáficos. El BIF tiene edades modelo TDM de 1670, 1854 y 1939 Ma y valores mantélicos positivos de ξNd(1502) de +3.8, +1.5 y +0.5, que están en el rango de aquellos de las rocas volcánicas máficas-ultramáficas del Complejo Metamórfico Nogolí, cuyos valores varían entre 1679 - 1765 Ma y +2.64 a +3.68 respectivamente. Esta conexión isotópica Sm-Nd sugiere una estrecha vinculación genética entre las rocas volcánicas máficas-ultramáficas y las ferruginosas, como parte del mismo ambiente da arco de islas o retroarco. Una isocrona Sm-Nd roca total previa, proveniente de las rocas volcánicas máficas-ultramáficas, de ~1.5 Ga permite interpretar que para el BIF es posible una edad de sedimentación química tan antigua como Mesoproterozoico. Un patrón P-T horario puede ser inferido para la evolución metamórfica regional del BIF, con tres trayectorias distintivas: (1) Segmento relíctico progrado M1-M3, con incremento gradual de P y T desde facies esquistos verdes en M1 hasta facies anfibolita en M3. (2) Pico de P-T en facies anfibolita alta-granulita baja durante M4. (3) Contraparte retrógrada de M4, que retorna desde facies anfibolita y se estabiliza en facies esquistos verdes durante M5. Cada trayectoria puede ser vinculada con diferentes eventos tectónicos relacionados con las orogenias Pampeana? (1) y Famatiniana (2 y 3) del Paleozoico Temprano a Medio. El Complejo Metamórfico Nogolí es interpretado como parte de un greenstone belt dentro del Terreno Pampeano de edad meso- a neoproterozoica de las Sierras Pampeanas Orientales de Argentina.Centro de Investigaciones Geológica

Characterizing Predictability of Fire Occurrence in Tropical Forests and Grasslands: The Case of Puerto Rico

Global estimates of fire frequency indicate that over 70% of active fires occur in the tropics, and the size and frequency of fires are increasing every year. The majority of fires in the tropics are an unintended consequence of current land-use practices that promotes the establishment of grass and shrubland communities, which are more flammable and more adapted to fire than forests. In the Caribbean, wildland fires occur mainly in dry forests and in grasslands and crop lands. Climate change projections for the Caribbean indicate increasing area of drylands and subsequent increasing potential for wildland fire. We assessed the last decade of fire occurrence records for Puerto Rico to quantify the relative importance of time, climate, land cover, and population to inform predictive models of fire occurrence for projecting future scenarios of fire risk. Kruskal-Wallis, generalized linear models, robust regression, simple and multiple regressions, and tree models were used. We found that hour of the day (time), mean minimum temperature (climate), and percent forest cover (land cover) significantly influenced fire occurrence, while population showed a weak effect. Many variable interactions showed to be important. These significant variables and interactions should be considered in fire-predicting models for the island

Supercritical Fluid fractionation of mentha suaveolens: concentration of functional properties

Supercritial Antisolvent Fractionation process was optimiced for the concentration of Mentha suaveolens bioactives in two different fractions. Their composition was analysed with HPLC. The antimicrobial activity of these fractions was assayed. The SAF process fractionated M. suaveolens tincture in two enriched fractions in different bioactives concentrating those with antimicrobial activity in one of them.  El proceso de Fraccionamiento Supercrítico Antidisolvente  fue optimizado para la concentrar bioactivos de Mentha suaveolens en dos diferentes fracciones. Su composición fue analizada con HPLC. La actividad antimicrobiana de estas fracciones fue ensayada. El proceso supercrítico permitió fraccionar la tintura de esta planta en 2 fracciones enrriqueciendolas en diferentes bioactivos y concentrando en uno de ellos los compuestos con actividad antimicrobiana.  &nbsp